Abstract: A modified rotary kiln suitable for calcining normally solid carbonaceous material, having adapted thereto at one end a firing crown and means for admitting combustible gases or liquids and air; a feeding means for such solid carbonaceous material to be calcined adapted to the other end of the kiln; and wherein the combustion gases and solid materials travel countercurrently in the kiln during calcination, wherein: at least one series of at least two tuyeres passes through the wall of the kiln symmetrically spaced to and at about a point longitudinally in the middle one-half of the longitudinal axis of the kiln; each tuyere terminating within the kiln through a nozzle on the side of the tuyere at a height sufficient for the discharge of exterior oxidizing gases passing therethrough at a point above the bed of the carbonaceous material in the kiln, directing the exterior oxidizing gases toward the feed end at about the same acute angular direction from a line passing through the nozzle and parallel to the long

Abstract: This invention relates to freeze-drying of particles of material, for example biological, pharmaceutical and food products.Ordinarily the apparatus used for this purpose has comprised at least one rotary sublimation enclosure each fitted with at least one agitating vane which normally operates about a horizontal axis, but this produces certain disadvantages. According to the present invention, in addition to this vane which is adapted to form a catchment trough when passing through a lower zone of the enclosure and a chute emptying into an axial discharge zone when it ascends, there is provided a cylindrical set of longitudinal vanes which continue on from this agitating vane. Means are also provided for transferring particles from the cylindrical set of vanes to the agitating vane which forms the catchment trough and discharge chute.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating particles of food or other substances with a gas, e.g., hot air, to effect blanching, dehydration, puffing, or the like. Feature of the invention is a system wherein the particles are contained in a perforated cylinder which is rotated at a speed sufficient to produce a centrifugal acceleration of at least one g, while a unidirectional flow of gas is applied to the cylinder perpendicular to its axis of rotation.

Abstract: A process for reactivating or regenerating catalysts which have become inactivated due to accumulation of carbon deposits or sulfur-containing carbon deposits on the catalyst surface during the course of use in catalytically refining various petroleum oils is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizing an oscillating drum through which is passed a continuous web of textile fabric moved axially through the drum by synchronized drive means; the drum including confronting grid structures having angularly arranged portions which serve to prevent tangling the web as the web is moved forward and the drum oscillates. Hot air is introduced adjacent the entrance end and exit end of the drum and into the drum itself to maintain the web in suspension; and, optionally, live steam may be directed against the web before entering the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing sterilized particulate solid materials, comprising a sterilizing vessel mounted on hollow trunnions for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and shaped so as to provide a tumbling action on the solid material therein as it rotates, a fluid inlet leading via one of the hollow trunnions, a discharge valve at a point remote from the axis of rotation leading into a solids discharge duct passing out via one of the hollow trunnions, and a supply line for cleaning and sterilizing fluids passing via one of the hollow trunnions, whereby the discharge duct may be cleaned and sterilized in preparation for discharge while the vessel is rotating.

Abstract: A rotating drum type muller is described for initial conditioning of mined tar sands by the hot water method for separation of bitumen from the sands wherein ablation of mined tar sand lumps into pulp is effected through the addition of hot water, steam and caustic.

Abstract: A rotating drum type muller is described for initial conditioning of mined tar sands by the hot water method for separation of bitumen from the sands wherein ablation of mined tar sand lumps into pulp is effected through the addition of hot water, steam and caustic.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary dryer having an elongated rotatable tubular shell, the shell being axially subdivided into zones including a feed zone, a material distribution zone and at least one drying zone. In the drying zone there is provided a plurality of radially inwardly extending flight support members, the leading edges of which face the inlet end of the shell and extend inwardly and rearwardly from the inner surface of the shell toward the central axis thereof whereby hang up of fibrous material on the leading edges thereof is minimized. A plurality of longitudinally extending flights is secured to each of the support members.