Sheets, Webs, Or Strands Patents (Class 34/273)
  • Patent number: 11226156
    Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyor belt tracking system for a dryer having a web of a mesh material having a protrusion extending along the length proximal one lateral edge and above a flat surface and a first generally cylindrical roller having a three-tiered slot for receiving the protrusion and two flanking shallow tracks for receiving base flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: M&R Printing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Hoffman, Jr., Mariusz Switalski, Jerzy Podstawka, Dariusz Tkacz
  • Patent number: 8984763
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Columbia Phyto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Mark Savarese
  • Patent number: 8955957
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a dryer unit of a printer. In one embodiment, a dryer unit includes a light source having a plurality of lamps. The dryer unit further includes a controller that associates a target output power with each of the lamps of the light source. When in operation, the controller determines a speed of a printable medium that passes through the dryer unit. The controller is able to vary an intensity of light generated by the light source based on the speed of the printable medium by varying which of the lamps of the light source are energized to their target output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Production Print Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Stuart J. Boland, Scott Johnson, Constantino J. Tadiello, Casey E. Walker
  • Publication number: 20140374468
    Abstract: A moisture removing method disclosed removes moisture contained in a dielectric film provided on one end surface of an optical fiber. This moisture removing method causes near infrared light to enter the optical fiber through the other end surface to heat moisture in the dielectric film with use of the near infrared light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8904667
    Abstract: A drying device comprising a titano-alumino-phosphate with thermal management for the more efficient drying of objects and appliances, and its production. Further, a drying method for obtaining dried objects and appliances, as well as a method for regeneration accompanied by the desorption of water from water-containing titano-alumino-phosphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventors: Silke Sauerbeck, Rolf Kurzhals, Arno Tissler
  • Patent number: 8820236
    Abstract: A device for supplying radiant energy onto a printing substrate (14), including at least one radiant energy source (10) whose light (12) impinges on the printing substrate (14) on the path (16) of the printing substrate (14) through a printing press at a position (116) downstream of at least one printing nip (18) in a printing unit. The radiant energy source (10) emits light (12) having a peak-to-valley homogeneity of less than 15% in a direction transverse to the direction of the path (16) of the printing substrate (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Bernard Beier, Uwe Ernst, Heiner Pitz
  • Patent number: 8707578
    Abstract: A sheet processing machine, in particular a sheet-fed printing press, includes a varnishing unit and at least one combination drier for applying radiation energy and heated air to a newly varnished sheet. The at least one combination drier includes a plurality of circular or polygonal air nozzles and narrow-band high-power infrared light sources disposed between the air nozzles. The infrared light sources apply radiation at a radiation density of at least 25 kW/m2 in total to the varnished sheet. The temperature of the heated air passing through the nozzles is below 100° C., preferably below 80° C. A method of drying sheets is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Jochen Jung, Uwe Ernst, Rolf Müller
  • Publication number: 20140014285
    Abstract: A fabric for a papermaking machine is in the form of an endless belt which is closed in the circulating direction. The fabric has a first layer and a second layer which is arranged on the first layer. Each layer is formed by one or by a plurality of film-shaped tapes which adjoin one another and are arranged next to one another in the direction transversely with respect to the circulating direction. The side edges, which adjoin one another, of two film-shaped tapes of one of the two layers are arranged between the side edges of the two layers are arranged between the end edges of adjoining end edges of film-shaped tapes of one of the two layers. The film-shaped tapes of one of the two layers are connected over their full area to the film-shaped tapes of the other of the two layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Straub, Robert Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 8628188
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including: a rotatable belt having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface partially coming into contact with a sheet; a plurality of rollers being arranged in a direction of movement of the sheet and including a first roller and a second roller adjacent to each other, the plurality of rollers being pressed against the outer surface and the moving sheet being nipped between the plurality of rollers and the outer surface; a blowing mechanism configured to blow hot air from between the first roller and the second roller toward the sheet; and a heating unit including a heater and a contact surface coming into contact with the inner surface, the heating unit being configured to be able to set the contact surface thereof to have a predetermined non-uniform temperature distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tokisawa, Yoshiaki Suzuki, Kanto Kurasawa, Toshihide Wada
  • Publication number: 20130326901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods by which to produce sheet-like, wafer-like or film-like forms of drugs, confectionary, other food, cosmetics and the like for oral application or intake. The present invention is more particularly directed to the thermal treatment of carrier materials used in the production of such sheet-like, wafer-like or film-like forms. The thermal treatment removes contaminating or undesired substances from the carrier material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE-SYSTEME AG
    Inventors: Detlev NEULAND, Wolfgang SCHAEFER, Peter SCHWARZ
  • Publication number: 20120124857
    Abstract: The present invention provides an alignment film drying device and drying method thereof for drying alignment film material, which is diluted with solvent and formed on a first surface of a substrate. The device comprises a heating stage, heating a second surface of the substrate and comprising a plurality of pores averagely distributed thereon; a peripheral supporting mechanism, being located at the periphery of the heating stage to support edges of the second surface; a plurality of support pins, being averagely distributed on an upper surface of the heating stage; and an elevator mechanism, raising and lowering the peripheral supporting mechanism and the support pins. The present invention can eliminate the phenomenon of drying alignment film unevenly in the drying process to optimize the alignment film quality for raising the display characteristic of the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel and raising the quality and yield of the LCD panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., LTD.
    Inventors: CHENGMING HE, MAOCHENG YAN, HSIANG-YIN SHIH
  • Publication number: 20100186251
    Abstract: A dryer device having a receiving chamber for receiving textiles and drying agents including a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum in the receiving chamber. A drying method includes introducing textiles and drying agents, particularly based on zeolite, into the receiving chamber, followed by a vacuum being created in the receiving chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Stolze
  • Publication number: 20090077825
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described to dry solid objects being manufactured in a chain of steps. The apparatus contains a cartridge to hold the objects, a chamber to house the cartridge, nozzle sections to spray drying agents on the objects, and a vacuum section to remove the drying agent and the released solvent. The apparatus also contains an optical radiation source such as an IR lamp for heating the objects, which can be used in conjunction with the vacuum section for removing solvent and drying steps. The cartridge or the nozzles can be swayed changing the orientation of the objects and the nozzles. The spraying step and evacuating steps can be repeated as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Semiconductor Analytical Services, Inc. (SAS Inc.)
    Inventors: Jahansooz Toofan, Mahmood Toofan
  • Patent number: 7073901
    Abstract: A printing system that includes a source which emits UV radiation to polymerize a fluid that is deposited onto a substrate by one or more print heads. The source emits low energy UV radiation sufficient to set the fluid to a quasi-fluid, non-hardened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Electronics For Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Mills, Michael D. Mills, Adam C. Lahut, Arthur L. Cleary, Joseph A. Lahut
  • Patent number: 7060163
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuous drying of a pulp sheet 10, particularly a tissue web, with a drying drum 1 and an air circulating system. It is mainly characterised by the drying drum 1 having a shell 12 with a perforated cylinder 20 that is externally supported by radial bearing rings 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Andritz AG
    Inventors: Franz Haider, Gerald Schadler, Wilhelm Mausser
  • Patent number: 7047662
    Abstract: A printing press dryer having an excimer radiant heater adapted for high energy output and compact mounting within the printing press. The heater includes a housing (1) within which a plurality of radiant tubes (2,3) are arranged in parallel relation to each other, and the radiant tubes (2,2) each have a respective adjacent reflector section (4,5) for directing a predetermined radiation distribution on passing printed sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Ihme, Axel Sobottka
  • Patent number: 6877247
    Abstract: A computer controlled power saving automatic zoned dryer for a printing press has a dryer head facing the substrate travel path, having a multiplicity of IR lamps connected individually or in groups to form a plurality of heating zones running longitudinally and each extending laterally side by side across the substrate travel path. The radiant heat output of each heating zone is controlled separately by means of a control unit connected to a power supply. The control unit individually regulates output of the heating zones. Unneeded zones are turned off to reduce cost of power and conserve energy. A plurality of heat sensors spaced laterally across the substrate path measure the surface temperature of substrate heated areas corresponding to the heating zones being operated and maintain an automatic set point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Howard W. DeMoore
  • Patent number: 6877251
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for a sheet-fed offset printing machine which dries sheets as they pass along a sheet path with forcefully directed air and/or heat. The drying apparatus of the present invention is adapted for more effective sheet drying by means of an electrode and a corresponding counter electrode, wherein the electrode is connected to a high-voltage source and a high voltage is applied to the electrode by the high-voltage source in dependence on the operation of the sheet-fed printing machine and/or the length of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Andreas Ihme
  • Patent number: 6868623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for controlling the temperature of a product in the form of a web (12) that is influenced by an IR ramp (9) for surface treatment of the web (12). With the help of a number of temperature sensors (26), the temperature of the web (12) is measured continuously within evenly distributed zones across and along its direction of movement (28), and the values obtained from the respective zone of the web (12) are transmitted to the respective drier modules (2) for the purpose of subjecting the aforementioned zones of the web to heat. The invention also relates to an arrangement with which the aforementioned process is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Ircon Drying Systems AB
    Inventor: Thomas Bjornberg
  • Patent number: 6668468
    Abstract: A drier for commercial printers comprises an air receiving and directing member having end walls, side walls, and a bottom wall and characterized by air receiving slots formed in the side walls and air discharging slots formed at the intersections between the side walls and the bottom wall. A lamp support frame having an imperforate top wall is positioned within the air receiving and directing member. A fan support plate positions a fan above the top plate of the lamp frame for directing air onto the top plate thereof then downwardly along the side walls of the air receiving and directing member and out through the air discharging slots thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Graphic Specialists, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose A. Villarreal
  • Publication number: 20030196347
    Abstract: A printing machine with several printing units (10), which are arranged in a row and through which a printing carrier sheet (12) passes and downstream from each of which a drying station is disposed, wherein the drying station (22) in each case is disposed at the periphery of an individual tempering roller (26), which supports the printing carrier sheet (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Wilfried Kolbe, Klaus Schirrich, Michael Schmitt, Bodo Steinmeier
  • Publication number: 20030131493
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a process chamber comprises a lower process chamber wall, a quartz dome over the lower process chamber wall, a pumping mean for making an interior of the process chamber vacuous, a bell-jar over the quartz dome, a bell-jar heater built in a side of the bell-jar, a susceptor on which a wafer is loaded, a susceptor heater built in the susceptor, and a wafer temperature compensator having a reflector plate and supporting elements, the reflector plate being spaced apart a certain distance from the wafer and having a larger area than that of the wafer, the supporting elements being connected to the wafer and supporting edges of a bottom surface of the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Tae-Wan Lee
  • Patent number: 6560893
    Abstract: A rotary cylinder for heat-treating a web bearing against its outer surface is heated by an internal stationary assembly of IR burner modules that heat lengthwise distributed annular bands of the cylinder, the burners having air-fuel mixture supplies that are regulated by cross-machine sensing of the web for controlling the web's cross-machine profile characteristics, the cylinder being part of a machine comprising a succession of like IR-burner-heated cylinders operated at respective optimal temperatures. The assembly of IR burners is removable from an end of its cylinder for service or modification. The interior of the stationary IR burner structure is protected against undue heat build-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Sharon F. Bakalar
  • Patent number: 6536134
    Abstract: A drier for commercial printers comprises an air receiving and discharging member having end walls, side walls, and a bottom wall and characterized by air receiving slots formed in the side walls and air discharging slots formed at the intersections between the side walls and the bottom wall. A lamp support frame having an imperforate top wall is positioned within the air receiving and discharging member. A fan support plate positions a fan above the top plate of the lamp frame for directing air onto the top plate thereof then downwardly along the side walls of the air receiving and discharging member and out through the air discharging slots thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Graphic Specialists, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose A. Villarreal
  • Publication number: 20030051369
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a moving material web, including pre-drying the web in an infrared dryer including at least one infrared radiator and drying the web in an air dryer including a dryer air, the air dryer operated such that a heat transfer coefficient between the dryer air and the web progresses in an ascending way as viewed in the direction of web travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Aust
  • Patent number: 6511015
    Abstract: A method and a device for stabilizing the web run in a paper machine or the like having a blow suction module (12) mounted above and/or below the web. The blow suction module comprises a blow nozzle unit (14) extending across the web, through which gas, such as air or combustion gas, is blown against the web (10) from the blow nozzle unit, and a first air discharge unit (18) arranged on the front side of the blow nozzle unit, and a second air discharge unit (22) arranged on the back side of the blow nozzle unit, which remove air or gas from between the web and the blow suction module. The blow suction module is asymmetric regarding the first and second air discharge units, so that more air or gas is discharged via the first air discharge unit than via the second air discharge unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Pertti Heikkilä, Olli Huhtala, Heli Kankare, Richard Solin
  • Patent number: 6463677
    Abstract: Method and device for moisture profiling of fibrous material web to be dried in machines for manufacturing and/or refining of fibrous material web. Method includes subjecting fibrous material web to electromagnetic waves in the form of high-frequency waves. Device includes a fibrous material web support that supports travel of fibrous material web and a rotating cylinder. Rotating cylinder receives fibrous material web from fibrous material web support, and fibrous material web support is arranged outside fibrous material web in relation to the surface of the rotating cylinder. At least one electromagnetic wave transmitter is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Wolf, Markus Oechsle, Wolfgang Mayer, Roland Mayer, Frank Wegehaupt
  • Patent number: 6425190
    Abstract: A method and device for moisture profiling of a fibrous material web to be dried in machines for manufacturing and/or refining this web that includes subjecting the fibrous material web to electromagnetic waves in the form of microwaves and/or high-frequency waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Wolf, Markus Oechsle, Wolfgang Mayer, Roland Mayer, Frank Wegehaupt
  • Patent number: 6401358
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying a substance that is being rapidly conveyed in a conveyor apparatus, in particular for drying layers of printing ink on rapidly transported paper, wherein in a drying zone by means of incident electromagnetic radiation a moisture component, in particular a solvent, is separated from the substance to be dried. The separated moisture component is transported away from the drying zone by means of a transport gas current. Efficient and rapid drying of in particular printed newsprint or thermal printing paper is attained at high conveyor velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Photonics Technologies AG
    Inventors: Kai K. O. Bär, Rainer Gaus
  • Patent number: 6401360
    Abstract: A drying apparatus and method utilizes the combination of radiant heat and air to quickly dry photosensitive material. The arrangement of the drying apparatus is such that radiant heat said assembly including a heating bar and a reflective cover positioned on one side of said conveying path, and a reflective member disposed on the other side of said conveying path, said reflective cover and said reflective member reflecting the heat from said heating bar toward said conveying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely
  • Patent number: 6313444
    Abstract: A radiant oven for treating a web of material has oven chambers, electric radiant heaters and buffer plates. The material treated in the oven chamber is isolated from the heaters by the buffer plates. The buffer plates also prevent solvent vapors from reaching the heaters. This invention allows the use of nonclassified electric radiant heaters to treat material in a classified oven chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: C. A. Litzler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Philip S. Sprague
  • Patent number: 6269551
    Abstract: A method employed to dry a copper foil having been subjected to various surface treatments, which method comprises irradiating at least one surface-treated side of the copper foil with near infrared rays to dry the copper foil, and an apparatus suitable to the method. The drying of the copper foil having undergone surface treatments can be accomplished by a simple apparatus with low electric power while controlling the heating of the surface of the copper foil so that the drying temperature can be held at 100° C. or higher at which a eutectic alloying of rust preventive metal and copper foil, for example, alloying (brass formation) of zinc and copper on the surface of the copper foil is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Imada, Kazuhide Oshima
  • Patent number: 6098309
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for manufacturing or treating a material web that includes at least one heatable cylinder and a combustion unit. The combustion unit is adapted to heat the at least one heatable cylinder with at least one of combustion gases and infrared radiation and the material web is adapted to be guided one of alone and with a transport belt over the at least one heatable cylinder. The apparatus also includes at least one blower box positioned to direct a hot gas onto the material web. The hot gas is at least one of the combustion gas and heated by the combustion gases. The process includes heating the at least one heatable cylinder with at least one of combustion gases and infrared radiation of the combustion unit, guiding the material web, one of alone and with a transport belt, over the at least one heated cylinder, and directing a hot gas from the blower box onto the material web, the hot gas being at least one of the combustion gas and heated by the combustion gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Halmschlager, Walter Holzer
  • Patent number: 6058621
    Abstract: A drying apparatus and method utilizes radiant heat and forced air to provide for rapid drying of photosensitive material without emulsion side contact. The forced air is supplied through air passages formed between cover members that partially surround radiant heating bars, and is directed onto the photosensitive material where it impinges upon the photosensitive material. As the air passes through the air passages, it is heated by radiant heat from the heating bars. The heated air increases the drying effect of the drying apparatus and at the same time, impinges on the photosensitive material in a manner which assists in holding the photosensitive material firmly against, for example, drive rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely, Daniel C. Davis, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 6026748
    Abstract: A printing press having a plurality of laterally spaced printing stations is provided with an interstation dryer system, interposed between the printing stations, for effectively drying liquid printing substances, such as inks, coatings, and the like, on a moving printed sheet. The dryer system includes a plurality of infrared elements which are adapted to transmit infrared radiation toward the moving printed sheet to effectuate drying of liquid printing substances thereon and bonding thereto. In order to effectively dry a complete spectrum of ink colors and other liquid printing substances, the infrared elements comprise an alternating and repetitive series of shortwave infrared lamps and mediumwave infrared lamps which generate relatively short wavelength infrared radiation and relatively medium wavelength infrared radiation, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Oxy-Dry Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy R. Reed, William J. Meyer, Michael Van Epps, Dennis Hermann
  • Patent number: 6014818
    Abstract: Apparatus for drying a pulp web includes a plurality of jet boxes, arranged vertically in piles parallel with each other, and provided with openings through which heated air, introduced into the jet boxes, can stream out. The pulp web is conducted in an essentially vertical direction between the piles of adjacent jet boxes and around upper and lower turning rolls for bringing the pulp web upwards and downwards through the apparatus; heating air streaming out of holes in the jet boxes towards the progressing pulp web; irradiating essentially all that portion of the pulp web which momentarily is between the upper and the lower turning rolls, on both sides with the heated air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Sture Kristrom
  • Patent number: 5966836
    Abstract: A dryer (10, 200) is provided for use in drying freshly printed substrates such as corrugated sheets (14). A plurality of infrared heating lamps (28) are positioned below the travel path (16) of the corrugated sheets (14) and the heat lamps are physically separated from the corrugated sheets by glass panels (108, 110). Provisions are made for cooling the heat lamps by air flow. A plurality of air bars (40) are also provided with pressurized air to discharge air through ports (42) in the upper surfaces thereof for discharge against the corrugated sheet. Air discharged against the corrugated sheet and used to cool the heat lamps is collected and removed by a vacuum pump (48). This pump (48) is also used to remove moisture laden air which has been dislodged from the sheets by the combination of infrared heat and high pressure air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Howard W. DeMoore
    Inventors: Benito Valdez, III, Paul D. Copenhaver, John A. Aylor, Howard C. Secor
  • Patent number: 5937540
    Abstract: An electrothermal drying device has a hollow main body, a plurality of reflection hoods covering infrared electrothermal tubes, a plurality of air-inhaling blowers connected to the hollow main body, a plurality of waste vapor-exhaling blowers, a plurality of air separation devices, two air inlet stranglers, two pairs of high pressure gas valves connected to two high pressure gas tanks, a plurality of electric heaters disposed in the hollow main body, two emergency air-exhaling stranglers connected to the hollow main body, a plurality of heat-resistant glass panes located in the hollow main body and abutting the reflection hoods, two water atomizing devices located in the hollow main body and connected to two water tanks, and reflection hoods each having an is automatic rotating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Asia Metal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun-Hsin Lee
  • Patent number: 5930914
    Abstract: A method and device for drying a moving web including a first infrared radiator arranged on a first side of the web and a second infrared radiator arranged on a second side of the web at least partially opposite to the first infrared radiator and proximate to the first infrared radiator. The wavelength of the maximum intensity of the radiation generated by the first infrared radiator is shorter than the wavelength of the maximum intensity of the radiation generated by the second infrared radiator. The power density of the first infrared radiator is from about 450 kW per sq.m to about 700 kW per sq.m and the emitter temperature of the first infrared radiator is from about 2000.degree. C. to about 2800.degree. C. The second infrared radiator includes a surface layer made of a metal, metal alloy or ceramic material whose emissivity is substantially equal to or higher than about 0.6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Infrarodteknik AB
    Inventors: Leif Johansson, Borje Alexandersson
  • Patent number: 5831248
    Abstract: A heat-controlling device is provided with a transporting carriage for supporting and transporting a semiconductor substrate and a heating device having a plurality of heaters which apply heat in the width-wise direction of the heat-receiving member that is perpendicular to the transporting direction thereof and which are individually controlled by a controller. The controller only operates a set of the heaters that are adjacent the semiconductor substrate. Among the heaters being operated, those heaters, which are located at at least the leading end and the rear end in the transporting direction, have their outputs successively varied in accordance with the movement of the semiconductor substrate. Thus, it becomes possible to easily narrow the temperature distribution of the semiconductor substrate merely by controlling the output of the heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Hojyo, Tohru Okuda, Shigeaki Kakiwaki
  • Patent number: 5732477
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is an ultraviolet curing process that causes a wrinkle pattern to appear on the surface of a curing layer. Initially, the primary stage of the process is generated by irradiating a photopolymerizable layer with far ultraviolet light wherein the dominant wavelength emitted is 254 nanometers. Then, the second stage of the process is performed by heating the photopolymerizable layer. Finally, the third stage of the process irradiates the layer with high pressure vapor ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Hideo Toyama
  • Patent number: 5636450
    Abstract: A device for diverting sheet, web or mat material treated continuously uses an air cushion (6) formed about a cylindrical surface (4). Infrared transmitters (7), whose radiation is directed to a portion of the material (1) being diverted, are provided in or under the cylindrical surface (4), in addition to the air-blowing means (5) generating the air cushion (6). The same volume therefore houses means for diverting the material (1) and means for heating it, especially in order to dry it. At the same time that the blown air flow generates the air cushion (6), it also cools the infrared transmitters (7). Application, in particular, in the manufacture, transformation and treatment of materials such paper, fabric and synthetic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Infra Rouge System
    Inventor: Gregoire Lize
  • Patent number: 5634402
    Abstract: A system for applying heat to wet coatings applied to selected areas on a front surface of a continuous substrate includes an energy emitter for applying energy to the substrate to heat the substrate, a metallic roll contacting a back surface of the substrate opposite the front surface being heated, a mechanism for advancing the continuous substrate over and around the metallic roll and a contact member having a surface engaging the surface of the substrate. The metallic roll conducts heat away from non-selected areas on the substrate while the substrate is heated to prevent overheating of the non-selected areas. The contact member engages a surface of the substrate so that the substrate is in contact with greater than 180.degree. of the metallic roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Research, Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul D. Rudd, Bruce E. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5557858
    Abstract: An infrared wood product dryer apparatus (10) constructed in accordance with the invention broadly includes enclosure structure (12) defining an interior (20), a conveyor assembly (14) configured for conveying a particulate material along a material flow path through the interior (20) substantially between an inlet (22) and an outlet (24), an array of infrared radiant energy sources (22) configured for exposing the material to infrared radiant energy while it is conveyed along the path (38), and a series of agitators (18) configured for agitating the material in order to increase the exposure of the material to the infrared radiant energy. A gas recirculation assembly (52) is provided to direct a heated interior gas onto the material in order to convection-dry the material. An exhaust assembly (62) reduces the moisture content of the interior gas by drawing a quantity of the gas from the dryer (10) so that fresh gas having a lower moisture content may be drawn into the dryer (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Catalytic Industrial Group Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil Macaluso, Abdel-Jaber A. Hamad, Dewey Marshall
  • Patent number: 5553391
    Abstract: The disclosed cylinder for heat-treating a web is rotatable about a horizontal axis and is heated by one or multiple stationary infrared burners that extend all along the length of the cylinder, but which are limited to an arcuate extent, establishing a maximum cylinder heat output when the burner(s) is (are) supplied with air-fuel mixture at their maximum rate. Reduction of the air-fuel supply rate over a wide range allows the cylinder heat output to be reduced as the web processing speed is reduced. When the burner is divided into segments, the temperature profile along the cylinder; i.e., across the width of the web, can be regulated to adjust the moisture profile of the web. An exhaust manifold within and along the cylinder is configured so as to avoid any local accumulation of high-temperature exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Sharon F. Bakalar
  • Patent number: 5537925
    Abstract: An infra-red dryer utilizes high velocity air jets which scrub and break up the moist air layer which clings to the surface of a freshly printed and/or coated sheet. The high velocity air jets are directed through multiple air flow apertures across an array of infra-red lamps onto the freshly printed and/or coated sheets. An extractor exhausts the moisture-laden air from an exposure zone while short wave infra-red radiation heats the ink and/or protective coating. The effective exposure to pressurized air is increased by the air jets which produce a balanced pressure air blanket along the sheet travel path. The moist air layer is displaced from the printed and/or coated sheet and is extracted from the press as the sheet moves through the exposure zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Howard W. DeMoore
    Inventors: Howard C. Secor, Ronald M. Rendleman, Paul D. Copenhaver
  • Patent number: 5496406
    Abstract: A device for coating a paper web includes two applicator rolls disposed parallel to one another, forming a roll gap for the passage of a paper web therethrough. At least one applicator for applying a coating onto a surface of at least one of the rolls is also provided. The coating roll thereafter transfers the coating onto one side of a paper web disposed in the roll gap. Guide elements disposed downstream of the roll gap with respect to a direction of travel of the paper web through the device include at least one beam-like air guide element adapted to create an air cushion-between the paper web and a surface of the air guide element facing the paper web. The air guide element is disposed in such a manner as to deflect a paper web at least once downstream the roll gap. At least one air guide element is disposed directly downstream of the roll gap at a distance from the roll gap of about 0.3 times to about 1 time the diameter of at least one of the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Beisswanger, Martin Kustermann
  • Patent number: 5447566
    Abstract: A paper tinting and drying machine has a tinting module and a dryer module spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance so that aqueous liquid ink with less than five percent volatile organic compounds by volume applied to the underside of the paper can be visually inspected by the machine operator and so that ink application adjustments located on the paper output side of the tinter module can be accessed by the machine operator. Rollers in the tinting module constrain the paper to follow a path of travel through two sets of inking rollers so that both sides of the paper are evenly coated. After entering the dryer module without smearing or transferring wet ink to the dryer module input guide roller, the ink on the paper is dried by air knives and infrared heaters within the dryer module. In a first embodiment, the rollers in the tinting module drive the paper through the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Autographic Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Loiacono
  • Patent number: 5440821
    Abstract: A method and a device (1) to treat a paper web (12) by using air, which flows around and cools the infrared lamps (4), to impinge against the paper web and thereafter be removed. A glass plate (9), supported by a pair of glass holders (8), is used to shield the paper web from the infrared lamps. In order to improve the total efficiency and, in particularly, to achieve even and efficient drying of the paper web by using less energy, the cooling air outlets adjacent the glass holders are designed as adjustable width nozzles (19) to direct the heated air against the paper web. The nozzles extend across the entire width of the paper web and the cooling air is ejected from the nozzles at high speed thereby forming an air knife to tear apart the boundary layer of humid air which follows the paper web and subjects the paper web to a more intense heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Infrarodteknik AB
    Inventor: Karl-Arvid Hamrin
  • Patent number: 5390428
    Abstract: The emulsion surface of a film may be damaged as it is pushed into or pulled through a dryer unit. Described herein is a transport arrangement for transporting a film through a dryer which comprises a conveyor belt for transporting the film, and air jets arranged above the surface of the belt. The film is placed on the conveyor belt with its emulsion surface uppermost. The air jets operate to hold the film against the belt as it is transported through the dryer as well as assisting in the removal of moisture from the emulsion surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Leslie J. Pummell