Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for binding of particulate materials to manufacture articles including continuous panels or sheets. Particulate feed materials are mixed with a heat curable binder and the mixture is fed to and compressed in a die. A radio frequency (RF) field is applied across electrodes between which the mixture is held compressed to inductively or dielectrically heat and cure the binder. Prior to entering the die the mixture is first fed to an intake zone where the mixture is shaped into substantially the same shape as the shape of the mixture in the die so that any curing of the binder due to heating of the mixture in the intake zone occurs while the mixture is in the desired final shape. Operating parameters including shape and dimensions of the intake zone, mixture advancement lengths, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for binding of particulate materials to manufacture articles including continuous panels or sheets (22). Particulate feed materials are mixed with a heat curable binder and the mixture (21) is fed to and compressed in a die (25). A radio frequency (RF) field is applied across electrodes (28, 29) between which the mixture is held compressed to inductively or dielectrically heat and cure the binder. Prior to entering the die (25) the mixture is first fed to an intake zone (32) where the mixture is shaped into substantially the same shape as the shape of the mixture in the die so that any curing of the binder due to heating of the mixture in the intake zone (32) occurs while the mixture is in the desired final shape. Operating parameters including shape and dimensions of the intake zone, mixture advancement lengths, are disclosed.

Abstract: The engine for converting thermal energy to stored fluid energy includes expansion cylinders (61a–f) with expansion chambers (62a–f) and flexible membranes (63a–f). Heating and cooling of working fluid inside the cylinders (61a–f) is carried out by fluid supply lines (73, 71) communicating with external heat resources and sinks. Pressure accumulator (66a) is adapted to store a pressurised fluid (64a–f), such as hydraulic oil, from the individual cylinders (61a–f). In use, this pressurised fluid is delivered at an elevated and above a minimum threshold pressure level, irrespective of the irregularities of the movement of the expansion cylinders (61a–f).

Abstract: The apparatus and method for processing worms uses spaced top and bottom surfaces of a rotor set a sufficient distance apart so that worm bodies to be processed touch both surfaces. A splitter is located mid-way between the surfaces and the worm bodies are forced by centrifugal force and by a flow of water in which the bodies are entrained to encounter and to be split by the splitter blade. The top and bottom surfaces are set a sufficient distance apart so that the worm bodies are partially flattened when passing therebetween. The splitter is located so as to be operative to split the central digestive tract of the worm body. An inlet is located in the top surface through which the worm bodies are introduced into the space between the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for processing worms uses spaced top and bottom surfaces of a rotor set a sufficient distance apart so that worm bodies to be processed touch both surfaces. A splitter is located mid-way between the surfaces and the worm bodies are forced by centrifugal force and by a flow of water in which the bodies are entrained to encounter and to be split by the splitter blade. The top and bottom surfaces are set a sufficient distance apart so that the worm bodies are partially flattened when passing therebetween. The splitter is located so as to be operative to split the central digestive tract of the worm body. An inlet is located in the top surface through which the worm bodies are introduced into the space between the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A process is described for forming a body of whole untreated rice hulls by mixing with a heat setting binder. The mixture is formed into a generally desired formed shape of the body, e.g. in a mold or die. The temperature throughout the formed shape is raised until a parameter indicative of or associated with the start of setting of the binder reaches a predetermined level or is observed. The setting of the binder is progressed beyond the start of setting, preferably under different process conditions, until the binder has substantially fully cured. To raise the temperature of the body, an RF field can be applied to cause dielectric heating within the mixture until condensing steam is seen emerging from the body, whereupon application of the RF field is stopped. Another heating process suitable for a porous body comprises creating a pressure differential through the mass and introducing a heated fluid so that the heated fluid passes through the porous mass.