Abstract: A method for decontaminating a low-temperature article, the method comprising: an applying step including applying a decontamination agent to external surfaces of a low-temperature article and supplying a mist of decontamination agent to a first external surface of said low-temperature article to form a condensed film of the decontamination agent on said first external surface; and a drying step including ultrasonically vibrating vibration boards disposed on a periphery of the low-temperature article to generate sound flows from board surfaces by an ultrasound in a vertical direction, irradiating with ultrasonic waves the low-temperature article with the decontamination agent applied thereto, subjecting said first external surface of the low-temperature article to ultrasonic vibration and acoustic radiation pressure, supplying dry air to the first external surface and drying said first external surface.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor designed for in situ gas phase impregnation. The reactor comprises a tube with an upstream zone and a downstream zone, the upstream zone and the downstream zone being separated by a separation filter. A method for a controlled-deposition of a sublimated precursor onto a fluidized solid support. The method is remarkable in that it is carried out in situ within the tube of the fluidized bed reactor in accordance with the fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating minerals by specific gravity is disclosed. The centrifuge rotates to circulate slurry across a collection region and to subject slurry in the collection region to centripetal forces that facilitate stratification within the collection region by the specific gravity of the constituent minerals of the slurry. Energy, such as acoustic energy, is coupled with the collection region and enhances the stratification by specific gravity within the collection region.

Abstract: An acoustic wave drying system for drying a material using an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. A closed-end resonant chamber is formed into a first side surface of the primary air channel, the closed-end resonant chamber having a resonant chamber length. The acoustic resonant chamber also includes a sound air channel having a sound air channel inlet on a second side surface of the primary air channel opposite to the closed-end resonant chamber and a sound air channel outlet for directing an air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy onto the material.

Abstract: An acoustic wave drying system for drying a material using an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.

Abstract: A method for drying a material using an acoustic wave drying including an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for removing surface moisture from granulated coal or other materials in particulate form, the system comprising a dryer, wherein the dryer has: an in-feed (1) for material particles; an in-feed (3) for entrainment gas (suitably air) to provide dilute phase gas entrainment of the particles; and turbulence—inducing means (5) configured to subject the flow of gas—entrained particles to turbulence to strip water from the surface of the entrained particles.

Abstract: An acoustic wave drying system for drying a material using an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.

Abstract: An acoustic wave drying system for drying a material using an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. A closed-end resonant chamber is formed into a first side surface of the primary air channel, the closed-end resonant chamber having a resonant chamber length. The acoustic resonant chamber also includes a sound air channel having a sound air channel inlet on a second side surface of the primary air channel opposite to the closed-end resonant chamber and a sound air channel outlet for directing an air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy onto the material.

Abstract: A method for drying a material using an acoustic wave drying including an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. A closed-end resonant chamber is formed into a first side surface of the primary air channel, the closed-end resonant chamber having a resonant chamber length. The acoustic resonant chamber also includes a sound air channel having a sound air channel inlet on a second side surface of the primary air channel opposite to the closed-end resonant chamber and a sound air channel outlet for directing an air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy onto the material.

Abstract: A method for drying a material using an acoustic wave drying including an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.

Abstract: An acoustic air impingement drying system is provided for drying a material. An inlet chamber receives air from an airflow source provides air at a supply flow rate. A plurality of acoustic resonant chambers are provided, each having an inlet slot that receives air from the inlet chamber and an outlet slot that directs air onto the material, wherein the acoustic resonant chambers impart acoustic energy to the transiting air, the outlet slots being oriented at an oblique angle relative to the width dimension of the pneumatic transducer unit. A plurality of exhaust air channels interspersed between the outlet slots remove the air directed onto the material by the acoustic resonant chambers. A blower pulls air through the exhaust air channels at an exhaust flow rate.

Abstract: An acoustic air impingement drying system is provided for drying a material using a pneumatic transducer unit. An inlet chamber receives air from an airflow source at a supply flow rate. A plurality of acoustic resonant chambers are arranged in a drying zone, each having an inlet slot that receives air from the inlet chamber and an outlet slot that directs air onto the material, the outlet slots being oriented at an oblique angle relative to a width dimension of the pneumatic transducer unit. One or more peripheral exhaust air channels are arranged around the outer boundary of the drying zone for removing the air directed onto the material by the acoustic resonant chambers. A blower pulls air through the exhaust air channels at an exhaust flow rate.

Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.

Abstract: A method of clearing precipitation from a surface of a window comprises ultrasonically vaporizing the precipitation. A vehicle windscreen, for example, has transducers distributed around the edge and bonded to the windscreen to insonify it. The transducers are energized by a drive system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a substrate include supplying steam in a chamber, arranging a substrate with a deposited layer that includes silicon in the chamber, and directing UV light onto the deposited layer in the presence of the steam for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially convert the deposited layer. Systems and methods for densifying a deposited layer of a substrate include supplying ammonia in a chamber, arranging the substrate that includes the deposited layer in the chamber, and directing UV light onto the deposited layer in the presence of the ammonia for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially densify the deposited layer.

Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.

Abstract: A desiccating device and method providing variable drying conditions allowing the desiccated material to substantially maintain its natural characteristics upon rehydration as well as have a low microbial content. The method provides a process of subjecting the material to ultrasound and flowing hot air or gas for a defined period of time. The ultrasonic frequency, temperature, air flow and time of exposure can be varied to produce the most efficient drying conditions depending on the material to be dried. The apparatus has plurality of drying chambers with forced heated air or gas input and output ducts and ultrasonic emitter. The material passes through each chamber at a pre-determined rate on a perforated conveyor belt in one embodiment of the invention. Optionally, the material may be placed on a drying bed or substrate comprising a number of spheres.

Abstract: Random graphite which is a type of graphite comprising three-dimensionally random graphene layers, and a fabrication method thereof at a low temperature as below 100° C. are disclosed. Random graphite may have a large volume of an empty space due to the feature of the presence of the three-dimensionally random graphene nanoribbons. Thus, it can be applied to Graphitic Intercalation Compound (GIC) such as electrodes for Li-ion battery.

Abstract: An air modulating non-thermal dryer (AMND) system that de-waters a wet feedstock stream with an ambient airstream, to produce a dried product stream. The system utilizes a drying chamber in the efficient production of a dried product, and includes an acoustic induced air motion liberation or “SONICATION™” of the moisture with a combination of drivers, labyrinth transmission lines, and air modulating devices. Initially, a 50% to 60% dry composite of biomass or biosolids is pneumatically conveyed to the chamber through an in-line cutter and a swiveling load leveler with an atomizing nozzle for final shredding. The system can liberate up to 90% of the moisture content, using high volumes of process air, along with infeed motive air to deliver wet feedstock material into the chamber. Expelled airborne moisture may be discharged to atmosphere, without further processing, or it may be recaptured for potable uses.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes an inner chamber pivotably supported within an outer chamber. The inner chamber has an opening to allow liquid to drain out. A motor pivots the inner chamber to bring the opening at or below the level of liquid in the inner chamber. As the inner chamber turns, liquid drains out. Workpieces within the inner chamber are supported on a holder or a rotor, which may be fixed or rotating. Multi processes may be performed within the inner chamber, reducing the need to move the workpieces between various apparatus and reducing risk of contamination.

Abstract: Workpieces requiring low levels of contamination, such as semiconductor wafers, are loaded into a rotor within a process chamber. The process chamber has a horizontal drain opening in its cylindrical wall. The chamber is closed via a door. A process or rinsing liquid is introduced into the chamber. The liquid rises to a level so that the workpieces are immersed in the liquid. The chamber slowly pivots or rotates to move the drain opening down to the level of the liquid. The liquid drains out through the drain opening. The drain opening is kept near the surface of the liquid to drain off liquid at a uniform rate. An organic solvent vapor is introduced above the liquid to help prevent droplets of liquid from remaining on the workpieces as the liquid drains off. The rotor spins the workpieces to help to remove any remaining droplets by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving drying of a module, tooling, and solder stencils via the introduction of acoustic pressure waves and/or vibrational energy to the module, tooling, or solder stencils. The acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the module through air or a vibrational interface medium. The acoustic pressure waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the module and in the cracks, crevices and hard to reach areas of connectors and other components, without undesirable heat. The acoustic energy may further be used to assist in cleaning solder stencils within an automated screen printer.

Abstract: Workpieces requiring low levels of contamination, such as semiconductor wafers, are loaded into a workpiece support or holder within a process chamber. The process chamber has a drain opening, slot or edge. The chamber is closed via a door. A process or rinsing liquid is introduced into the chamber. The liquid rises to a level so that the workpieces are immersed in the liquid. The chamber slowly pivots or rotates to move the drain opening down to the level of the liquid. The liquid drains out through the drain opening. The drain opening is kept near the surface of the liquid to drain off liquid at a uniform rate. An organic solvent vapor is introduced above the liquid to reduce or prevent droplets of liquid from remaining on the workpieces as the liquid drains off. An outer chamber may be provided around the process chamber to provide increased control of the process environment.

Abstract: A method for drying a porous solid saturated with a fluid including the steps of subjecting the saturate porous image to an ultrasonic signal to release the fluid from the saturated porous image layer; removing the fluid from said saturated porous solid, said subjecting step includes applying a predefined acoustic slow wave frequency based upon the particle sizes in said porous image layer thereby causing the fluid to move from an interior of said porous particulate image to an outer surface of said porous image, where fluid can be removed by conventional image.

Abstract: A soiled piece of fabric is cleaned by mechanical agitation while the fabric is simultaneously subjected to acoustic energy in a gaseous environment wherein the piece of fabric is not immersed in a liquid cleaning medium. Mechanical agitation may be by gas jet action and/or by tumbling. The acoustic energy vibrates the fibers of the fabric to enhance the cleaning action. The piece of fabric may be chemically treated to mobilize the soil.

Abstract: Physical effects produced within RMS resonators are utilized as a means to process materials within the resonator including for example one or more of comminution, converting liquids into vapors and gases, drying of powders, rapid mixing of gases and various materials, agglomeration, de-agglomeration, granulation, chemical reactions, stratification/separation, and the destruction of biological material.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for enforced heat transmission between a solid or liquid alimentary body and an ambient gas takes place in connection with cooling/freezing or when cooking, frying or drying the entire part or parts of the alimentary body. This method and arrangement uses a low-frequency standing sound wave. The apparatus uses a low-frequency sound generator having a pulsator part and a resonator part. The resonator part is acoustically virtually closed and is designed so that the alimentary body, which is to be exposed to enforced heat transmission, is located within a zone inside the resonator part where the standing sound wave has a particle velocity anti-node.