Abstract: A short-retention-time blender is described for applying liquid to wood particle furnish falling freely in the form of a concentric shell through an upright cylindrical housing. The particles are fed into the center of a rotating disk within the cylindrical housing. The disk deflects the furnish radially outward against a flared deflector surface. This surface deflects the furnish directly downward substantially in the form of a uniform concentric hollow shell. Inverted conical atomizer disks are rotated on the axis of the housing to produce annular atomized spray patterns of liquid, directed outwardly against the falling furnish.

Abstract: A short-retention-time blender is described for applying liquid to wood particle furnish falling freely in the form of a concentric shell through an upright cylindrical housing. The particles are fed into the center of a rotating disk within the cylindrical housing. The disk deflects the furnish radially outward against a flared deflector surface. This surface deflects the furnish directly downward substantially in the form of a uniform concentric hollow shell. Inverted conical atomizer disks are rotated on the axis of the housing to produce annular atomized spray patterns of liquid, directed outwardly against the falling furnish.

Abstract: A force sensing control apparatus and method is disclosed for detecting forces which resist movement of a motor driven electrode system in an electric arc furnace. Force sensing circuitry monitors forces applied to an electrode system as it is positioned with respect to the furnace and force responsive controls inhibit electrode movement, hence preventing damage to the electrode or to its support structure, in response to predetermined changes in sensed reaction forces during positioning of the electrode. Compensating circuitry continuously compensates for changes in forces arising from electrode weight variations and position changes of the electrode support structure so that the sensitivity of the control apparatus to applied forces which can damage electrode system remains consistently high.