Abstract: A convective dryer for drying a moving coated web has at least one module arranged on one side of the path of web travel. The module includes a housing subdivided into a first chamber opening towards the path of web travel and a second adjacent enclosed chamber. Mutually spaced nozzle assemblies extend laterally across the path of web travel within the first chamber. The nozzle assemblies are connected by a supply duct to air heating and recirculating components in the second chamber. The supply duct gradually diverges in width from a narrow inlet section communicating with the second chamber to a widened delivery end communicating with the nozzle assemblies at the approximate center of the path of web travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a continuously moving web carrying a liquid, wherein the web is passed through a dryer in which the web is exposed to a recirculating flow of heated drying gas. Exhaust gas is diverted and discharged from the recirculating gas flow at a flow rate which is variable between maximum and minimum levels, and makeup gas is added to the recirculating gas flow at a flow rate which is also variable between maximum and minimum levels. A process variable is sensed and compared to a selected set point. A first of the aforesaid flow rates is adjusted to maintain the process variable at the selected set point, and a second of the aforesaid flow rates is adjusted in response to adjustments to the first flow rate in order to insure that the first flow rate remains between its maximum and minimum levels.

Abstract: A modified double slot impingement nozzle for floater dryers is used to maximum advantage by optimizing the relationships of the spacing between the nozzles and the nozzle lengths for each row of nozzles along the web. The nozzle is also used to advantage by optimizing the slot width of the secondary jet of the nozzle in relation to the slot width of the primary jet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for transporting a web about a nonlinear path without allowing the apparatus to contact the web. The apparatus includes a series of positive pressure nozzles which emit a primary jet flow of fluid in a single direction, and a secondary jet flow of fluid in a direction perpendicular to the primary flow. The two flows merge and transport the web on a cushion of air along the nonlinear path. The magnitude of the cushioned pad is controlled by a series of slide dampers which are positioned between adjacent nozzles, and the opening of these slide dampers controls the amount of exhaust from the merged flow so as to control the cushioned path. The last nozzle in the series will direct its primary flow in a direction opposite to that of the other nozzles in the series in order to maintain the overall pressure pad under the web.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a shower of fog onto a web or a machine component in contact with a web or for applying a layer of moisture to a web. The fog, which as a temperature lower than the temperature of the surface of the web or the machine component to be cooled, is applied to the surface and is caused to evaporate by the difference in the temperatures. A supply of dry air is supplied to transport the evaporated fog from the region adjacent the surface to be cooled. Fog may be generated through the use of an air-atomizing nozzle which propels water and compressed air through a small orifice under pressure to create an atomized mist or fog. To achieve localized control of the application of fog, a plurality of air atomizing nozzles is mounted in a row extending in the cross machine direction of the apparatus. An air plenum extending parallel to the row of air atomizing nozzles is mounted on at least one side of the row.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing a shower of fog onto a web or a machine component in contact with a web. The fog, which has a temperature lower than the temperature of the surface of the web or the machine component to be cooled, is applied to the surface and is caused to evaporate by the difference in the temperatures. A supply of dry air is supplied to transport the evaporated fog from the region adjacent the surface to be cooled. Fog may be generated through the use of an air-atomizing nozzle which propels water and compressed air through a small orifice under pressure to create an atomized mist or fog. In one embodiment, the fog may also be supplied in controlled specified quantities locally as required to provide for a controllable fog application rate across the full apparatus width.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing a shower of fog onto a web or a machine component in contact with a web. The fog, which has a temperature lower than the temperature of the surface of the web or the machine component to be cooled, is applied to the surface and is caused to evaporate by the difference in the temperatures. A supply of dry air is supplied to transport the evaporated fog from the region surrounding the surface to be cooled. Fog may be generated through the use of an air-atomizing nozzle which propels water and compressed air through a small orifice under pressure to create an atomized mist or fog. The fog may also be generated through the use of an ultrasonic transducer which expels fine droplets of water from its surface by means of a high-frequency oscillating transducer motion. In one embodiment, the fog may also be generated in controlled specified quantities locally at each nozzle as required to provide for a controllable fog application rate across the full apparatus width.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steam-shower apparatus and method including a supply of steam which is fed through a Coanda nozzle and along a path running parallel with one surface of the apparatus. The sheet to which the steam is to be applied runs parallel to this same surface of the machine, but in a direction opposite to the direction of the flow of steam. The sheet travels along a path spaced slightly from the surface of the machine, and the flow of steam runs the entire length of this surface heating the sheet as it flows in the opposite direction. The apparatus may be divided into several sections so that the sheet may be profiled along certain regions which are defined by these sections. In addition, means are included for altering the volume of flow to any one of the particular sections.

Abstract: A primary combustion chamber is located above a secondary combustion chamber with a support grate between the two for supporting particulate solid waste fuel to be burned efficiently. Primary air is introduced to the primary combustion chamber with secondary air introduced below the grate into a combustion gas flow to cause complete burning in the secondary combustion chamber. A brick wall screen means of high temperature, corrosion-resistant brick forms the secondary combustion chamber to allow exhaust gaseous product to exit therethrough while screening out ash which can be removed from the combustion area. The gaseous product passed through the screen is then passed to a heat exchanger to utilize part of the heat produced for heating primary and secondary air used in the combustor. The exhaust gas from the heat exchanger can then be put to use in a boiler or other energy producing device.

Abstract: An expansion mode tidal regenerator heat engine including a housing assembly enclosing an interior region, a power extraction means and a condensable vapor disposed within the interior region. A condenser is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region at a condenser temperature equal to or below the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined minimum pressure. A super-heater is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region at a super-heater temperature above the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined maximum temperature. A boiler is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region below the super-heater temperature and above or equal to the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined maximum pressure.

Abstract: An annular tidal regenerator heat engine including a housing assembly enclosing a cylindrical interior region with a loose-fitting piston and a condensable vapor working fluid disposed therein.A condenser is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region near one end of the piston at a condenser temperature equal to or below the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined minimum pressure. A super-heater is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region near the other end of the piston at a super-heater temperature above the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined maximum pressure. A boiler is adapted to maintain a portion of the cylindrical shell portion of the interior region between the piston and housing at a boiler temperature below the super-heater temperature and above or equal to the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined maximum pressure.