Mechanical Liquid Removal Patents (Class 34/397)
  • Patent number: 10082334
    Abstract: A device for biomass beneficiation, in particular for the mechanical drying of plant biomass. The device has a press chamber, which can be supplied with biomass via a feed chute and can be emptied via a feedstock outlet. A pressure plate, which for compacting the biomass can be moved by a feed unit against the front wall of the press chamber, the wall lying opposite to the pressure plate, is disposed in the press chamber. In addition, the device has conveys away the liquid phase coming out of the biomass during the compaction. A first pivot bearing, relative to the direction of biomass movement, is provided on which the pressure plate is mounted with its first edge, and a second pivot bearing, on which the pressure plate is mounted with its second edge opposite the first edge, whereby at least the first pivot bearing is movable transverse to the plane of the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Pallmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartmut Pallmann
  • Publication number: 20140310974
    Abstract: Method of wringing of the sponge mop pad provided on mops comprising a soleplate whereon is applied such a pad, and fixed to the distal end of a shaft, characterized in that the cleaning and the wringing of the mop pad are obtained simultaneously by placing the unit comprised of said soleplate and said mop pad in a position parallel to the axis of the shaft and by moving a slide comprising a cleaning and wringing wiper along said ensemble, said slide exerting, during its movements, a wiping action on the lower surface of the soleplate and a wringing pressure on said surface of the mop pad. The invention also relates to a washing combination allowing for the implementation of this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ETS PAUL MASQUIN (S.A.S.)
    Inventor: Julien MASQUIN
  • Publication number: 20140305001
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering mine tailings. The systems and methods include distributing a slurry of high permeability material on a sloped surface to define a high permeability layer and subsequently distributing a slurry of low permeability mine tailings on the high permeability layer to define a low permeability layer that is vertically above and in contact with the high permeability layer. The sloped surface defines a non-zero surface grade, and natural slopes of both the slurry of high permeability material and the slurry of low permeability mine tailings are within a threshold grade difference of the surface grade. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may include augmenting the slurry of high permeability material and/or augmenting the slurry of low permeability mine tailings to adjust the natural slope thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Wei Ren, Ken N. Sury, David C. Rennard, Shahram Yazdanpanah
  • Patent number: 8677650
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney Watterodt, Sang joon Park, David Rego, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Bryan D. Glenn, Matthew J. Gillick, John E. Papp
  • Patent number: 8584374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing water from a mixture containing at least one compound having at least one group reactive towards isocyanate and containing water, the mixture being applied to the surface of a rotating body A, the mixture flowing over the surface of the rotating body A to an outer region of the surface of the rotating body A and water evaporating from the mixture. In particular, this method is suitable for removing water from alcohols and amines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Construction Research & Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Simone Klapdohr, Burkhard Walther, Helmut Mack, Zhizhong Cai, Laurent Marc, Jochen Mezger, Tobias Austermann, Silke Flakus
  • Patent number: 8567087
    Abstract: A mop wringer comprises a housing supporting a first roller and a second roller. The first roller is supported by the housing in a first position where the first roller is spaced from the second roller a first distance and in a second position where the first roller is spaced from the second roller a second distance. The second roller is supported on an arm where the arm moves relative to the housing to move the second roller toward and away from the first roller between a third position and a fourth position. A drive mechanism moves the arm between the third position and the fourth position and rotates the roller in the fourth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC
    Inventor: Jesse Andrew Matola
  • Patent number: 8468714
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the simultaneous storage and drying of sewage sludge, comprising the following steps: a) mechanically dewatering the sewage sludge down to a dry substance concentration of 10 to 35 percent; b) applying the dewatered sewage sludge to a floor of a greenhouse-type drying hall in which a transparent building envelope forms the roof over the floor; c) drying the sewage sludge using solar radiation that radiates into the drying hall; d) mechanically dewatering additional sewage sludge down to a dry substance concentration of 10 to 35 percent; e) introducing the dewatered additional sewage sludge into the drying hall and mixing the additional sewage sludge with the sewage sludge already in the drying hall; f) drying said mixture using solar radiation that radiates into the drying hall; and g) evacuating the mixture from the drying hall or repeating steps d) to f), wherein in step e), the additional sewage sludge is mixed with the mixture in the drying hall rather than with the s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: TSP GmbH
    Inventors: Tilo Conrad, Steffen Ritterbusch, Markus Bux
  • Patent number: 8469915
    Abstract: A device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure is provided. The device includes a pump, a reservoir connected to said pump for collecting exudate from a wound, an inlet to the reservoir for connecting the reservoir with the wound so as to allow the pump to expose the wound to the reduced pressure, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. The wound pad consists of an open-cell polyurethane foam which is fully impregnated with a soft hydrophobic silicone gel, and the foam has a hardness of 1.0-6.0 kPa measured according to ISO 3386-1 at at 40% compression The wound pad can be used with an absorbent member. A method is also provided for manufacturing the wound pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Molnlycke Health Care AB
    Inventors: Ulf Johannison, Sofia Frantzich
  • Publication number: 20130098119
    Abstract: A washing machine that calculates a temperature of a balancer to effectively control a motor and a method of controlling the washing machine are provided. The washing machine comprises a rotatable drum that receives laundry, a motor that rotates the drum, a balancer that is connected to the drum, the balancer changing a center of gravity of the drum, and a controller that rotates the motor at a constant rotational speed and then calculates a temperature of the balancer based on a period of a variation in rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Bon Kwon Koo, Kyo Soon Chae
  • Publication number: 20120255193
    Abstract: A substrate drying apparatus which dries a substrate cleaned by a diamagnetic liquid includes a magnet unit for moving the liquid adhering to the substrate by means of a magnetic force; and a magnet transfer mechanism for moving the magnet unit along the substrate toward an edge of the substrate. A substrate drying method of drying a substrate cleaned by a diamagnetic liquid includes bringing a magnet unit close to the substrate, the magnet unit being configured to move the liquid adhering to the substrate by means of a magnetic force; and moving the magnet unit along the substrate toward the edge of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Akitake Tamura
  • Patent number: 8282838
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings created during the well drilling process. An apron assembly collects drill cuttings and deposits such cuttings on a central rotor having multiple distinct chambers. A first chamber is loaded with drill cuttings. The central rotor thereafter cycles to a second position wherein a pressure seal is formed around the loaded first chamber. An air knife or similar device is used to blast compressed gas at the cuttings in the sealed chamber and force the cuttings against a screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain in the sealed chamber, while liquid components pass through the screen and are collected using an auger assembly. Following such separation, the rotor is cycled again, allowing dried cuttings to empty from the first chamber. The process is repeated for each chamber of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Michael David Billeaud
  • Patent number: 8176652
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a water removing roller device for removing excess water from the hide of a cattle, which uses pliable urethane roller stacks that can be attached by an arm structure. The roller structure can be mounted on a hinge to an arm thereby allowing the structure to swivel. The arm can be attached to a stationery device with a hinge, which is also allowed to swivel. A tension device, for example, a spring or a hydraulic cylinder can be attached to the back of the arm and connected to the stationery device to provide enough tension on the structure to keep the rollers in contact with the cattle hide, thereby pressing out the water allowing it to run off prior the blood plasma saving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Tyson Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Donahue, John L. Quinlain
  • Publication number: 20120094566
    Abstract: Swellable nonwovens with reduced washoff loss are produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Bolette Urtel, Christian Krueger, Klaus-Peter Neugebauer, Klaus Haas, Ralf Mossbach
  • Publication number: 20110239482
    Abstract: A device for the dry-cleaning of rolls and brushes, which comprises a rotating support (1, 8) for the rotation of a roll (4) and a brush (10) respectively. In this way, the cleaning of rolls, brushes and similar items is substantially effected without the formation of polluting waste-products to be disposed of. According to the invention, on the contrary, all the colour extracted from the brushes is recovered for its re-use, for example as a first coating colour for subsequent paintings. A pump (35) is also envisaged for the recovery and recirculation of water collected in the upper part of the container and sprayed onto the roll (4) and/or brush (10) to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Rosauto S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Rosa
  • Publication number: 20110119950
    Abstract: A puddle eliminating system and a puddle eliminating method are provided. The puddle eliminating system includes a main body, a moving wheel set, a water absorbing unit, at least one water sensor, a water-storage tank and a fan unit. The main body has a control unit, which the moving wheel set disposed at the bottom of the main body and the fan unit are electrically connected to. The water absorbing unit having the water sensor therein and being electrically connected to the control unit is disposed at the main body. The water-storage tank communicates with the water absorbing unit. The moving wheel set shifts and the absorbing unit absorbs and transmits puddle to the water-storage tank. The water sensor detects in a predetermined period whether there is puddle in an environment whereat the puddle eliminating system is placed or not and transmits detecting signals to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yu-Lun Ho, Chin-Chi Hsiao, Chia-Pin Kuo, Wei-Han Wang
  • Publication number: 20100126036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (01) for dewatering and drying a mixture made of plastic granulate and water, having at least one mixture intake (02), through which the mixture is supplied to the device (01), having at least one water outlet (08), through which the precipitated water is removed from the device (01), having at least one granulate outlet (13), through which the dried granulate is removed from the device (01), the device (01) having a dewatering line (06), along which the mixture is dewatered, and the device (01) having a drying line (12), along which the dewatered granulate is dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOMATIK PLASTICS MAHCINERY GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Doll, Reinhardt-Karsten Müerb
  • Publication number: 20100083445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a controlling method, which can remove allergens on the laundry. A controlling method of a laundry machine includes a mite-killing step of supplying seam to a drum to make laundry exposed to a hot environment at or over a temperature and for or over a duration of time, wherein the temperature and the duration are predetermined enough to kill house dust mites on the laundry; a rinsing step of rinsing the laundry; and a spin-drying step of spin-drying the rinsed laundry. The present invention has an advantageous effect of removing allergens including house dust mites, animal hair and pollens efficiently. In addition, if the house dust mites are killed by using steam, energy efficiency is high and an effect of mite-killing is great.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Pyoung Hwan Kim, Su Hee Shin, Seong Hae Jeong, Young Soo Kim, Deug Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 7607240
    Abstract: A system and method of drying wet items including roving packages, cakes and bobbins of wound wet glass fibers and/or wet glass fiber strand(s) by first preheating the wet items using waste hot gases coming from any source including a glass furnace, a dryer or a heat engine operating to generate electrical power prior to removing much, most or all of the moisture in the wet roving packages, cakes and bobbins using a dielectric or microwave oven, to save energy, reduce drying costs and to increase the capacity of dielectric or microwave dryers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Daniel Pinkham, Jr., Gerard Joseph Demott, Gary Groner
  • Publication number: 20090249640
    Abstract: A device for removing wetness includes a frame having a slot, a sheet of fluid absorbing material, at least a portion of which is located in the slot, wherein the sheet has a first end and a second end, a first handle coupled to the frame, and a second handle coupled to the first end. A method for removing wetness on a surface includes placing a sheet of fluid absorbing material on a wet surface, and pulling a first end of the sheet relative to a slot in a first direction so that part of the sheet moves through the slot to remove moisture from the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Zbigniew SUFLETA
  • Patent number: 7468117
    Abstract: A process for producing tissue webs is disclosed. In particular, the process is directed to transferring a wet web from a transfer surface to a separate conveyor, such as a fabric. The process, in one embodiment, may include the steps of partially dewatering a tissue web, subjecting the web to at least one deflection against a fabric, such as a coarse fabric, and then creping the web. During the process, after being dewatered, the tissue web is transferred from a transfer surface to the fabric while subjecting the wet tissue web to temperatures and pressures sufficient to cause gases to evolve from liquids associated with the web. The gases form in between the tissue web and the transfer surface facilitating transfer of the web onto the fabric. In one particular embodiment, for example, gases are evolved by heating the wet web and then subjecting the web to a suction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventors: Craig A. Blodgett, Paul D. Beuther
  • Patent number: 7454847
    Abstract: Dredged sediment or sludge dewatering by vacuum bag method preferably includes a foundation, at least one sediment enclosure, a porous media spacer, an air impermeable sheet, and a vacuum source. The foundation may be air permeable or impermeable. The sediment enclosure is filled with sediment or sludge. The porous media spacer is placed against at least one perimeter surface of the sediment enclosure. At least one drain tube may be used to drain water. The air impermeable sheet is placed over the at least one sediment enclosure and the porous media spacer and the perimeter is sealed to an impermeable foundation. A vacuum is applied to the porous media spacer to remove water. A second embodiment uses a second air impermeable sheet. A third embodiment uses a barge. A fourth embodiment discloses a composite vacuum bag. A fifth embodiment discloses the composite vacuum bag with inflatable flotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Roger G. Miller
  • Patent number: 7454846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically drying a tennis court or other flat surface after rainfall is provided. A robotic vehicle cooperates with a sensing unit preferably mounted on a fence adjacent the court or other paved surface. A sensing unit detects the onset and cessation of rain and then waits a predetermined amount of time. After waiting, the sensing unit transmits a signal to the robotic vehicle which actuates the vehicle. The robotic vehicle includes an on-board controller which is internally programmed with a map of the court including obstructions. The robotic vehicle automatically sponge rolls the entire court. A thermal imaging camera connected to the sensing unit then scans the court to determine if any wet spots remain. The location of any remaining wet spots is recorded and transmitted to the on-board controller of the robotic vehicle. The robotic vehicle then returns to the location of the wet spots and automatically sponge rolls and fan dries those remaining wet spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: William I. Brobeck
  • Patent number: 7415780
    Abstract: A cost effective and environmentally sound method for quickly removing liquid from surfaces of a substrate under manufacture without leaving behind substantial residue (e.g., silicon elements from the substrate, commonly known in the field as “water marks”). The process includes first providing a substrate (e.g., a semiconductor wafer, glass flat panel, or disc media), which has undergone one or more liquid-based processes (e.g., cleaning, scrubbing, rinsing, etc.). An upper surface and a lower surface of the substrate are then subjected to vacuum suction, thereby removing liquid thereon. An apparatus for removing liquid from surfaces of a substrate is also provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of vacuum application members configured for applying vacuum suction to surfaces of a substrate, thereby removing liquid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: P.C.T. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Miranda, Mark Dye
  • Patent number: 7306680
    Abstract: A lithographic mask is placed in a chamber which is then sealed. The gas pressure in the chamber is reduced to dislodge contaminant particles on the mask surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Gert-Jan Heerens
  • Patent number: 7272895
    Abstract: A cage drying—compacting apparatus for wastes, includes a cylindrical shape and at least a pair of pressure plates, the cylindrical body having heating longitudinal tubes, coursed by a thermal carrier fluid, provided along the generatrixes of the cylinder and spaced from each other to realize longitudinal slots for outlet of vapour but not for outlet of material, coupled by constraint hinge elements, positioned at a given distance between centres, and the pressure plates being placed opposed each other, operating as movable basis of the body and acting as pistons. Heat sources are, provided inside the apparatus, all along its length, the sources include at least a tube coursed by thermal carrier fluid, an inlet for the material to be treated, and elements for collecting the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Antonio La Gioia
  • Patent number: 7143527
    Abstract: A method of forming a dynamic liquid meniscus includes forming a meniscus at a first size, the meniscus being formed between a proximity head and a first surface and changing the meniscus to a second size by modulating a flow through at least one of a set of ports on the proximity head. A system for modulating flow through the ports in a proximity head is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Garcia, Fred C. Redeker, John de Larios
  • Patent number: 7086178
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for projecting a pre-selected flow rate of dry compressed air onto a vehicle to prevent accumulation of excess water. The present invention also relates to a method for utilizing a compressed air vehicle drying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Gerlarmo P. L. Cammisano
  • Patent number: 7005010
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Bergman, Dana Scranton, Erik Lund, Worm Lund
  • Publication number: 20040261967
    Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a fiber material web that includes passing the fiber material web to be dewatered through a press nip together with a carrier band; and subjecting the fiber material web to be dewatered to a pressing pressure of at least 3.3 MPa in the press nip for a time duration of at most 3 ms. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Thoroe Scherb, Harald Schmidt-Hebbel
  • Patent number: 6799381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for projecting a pre-selected flow rate of dry compressed air onto a vehicle to prevent accumulation of excess water. The present invention also relates to a method for utilizing a compressed air vehicle drying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Gerlarmo P. L. Cammisano
  • Publication number: 20040143990
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for projecting a pre-selected flow rate of dry compressed air onto a vehicle to prevent accumulation of excess water. The present invention also relates to a method for utilizing a compressed air vehicle drying system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Gerlarmo P.L. Cammisano
  • Patent number: 6668844
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lund, Joe Lanfrankie, Gil Lund, Dana Scranton, Eric Bergman
  • Publication number: 20030150128
    Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly drying rice and other types of comestible material, preferably herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables and more preferably rosemary. The method generally comprises heating said rice or comestible material by application of infrared energy in order to dry the rice or comestible material to a predetermined moisture content, about 7-13% by weight for rice, and about 6-10% by weight for other comestible material. The heating step is carried out so that the maximum temperature of the rice or comestible material does not exceed a predetermined level, about 110° F. for rice and about 180° F. for other comestible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Virgil J. Macaluso, Joel J. Phillippi, Russell W. Johanson
  • Publication number: 20030101614
    Abstract: Device and process for dewatering a fibrous material web by expelling water via gas pressure. The dewatering device includes at least four rolls arranged to radially limit at least one pressure chamber and sealing units arranged to axially limit the at least one pressure chamber. Adjustment devices are arranged to at least partially individually axially adjust positions of the at least four rolls and the sealing units. A pressure gas is introducible into and the fibrous material web is guidable through the at least one pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Dolle
  • Patent number: 6526675
    Abstract: A method of dewatering fine particulate materials is disclosed. In this method, an aqueous slurry of fine particles is treated with appropriate hydrophobizing reagents so that the particulate material becomes moderately hydrophobic. A lipid of vegetable or animal origin is then added to the slurry in solutions of light hydrocarbon oils and short-chain alcohols, so that the hydrophobic lipid molecules adsorb on the moderately hydrophobic surface and, thereby, greatly enhance its hydrophobicity. By virtue of the enhanced hydrophobicty, the water molecules adhering to the surface are destabilized and more readily removed during the process of mechanical dewatering. The moisture reduction can be further improved using appropriate electrolytes in conjunction with the lipids, spraying surface tension lowering reagents onto the filter cake, subjecting the cake to a suitable vibratory means, and using combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Roe-Hoan Yoon
  • Patent number: 6427359
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Scranton, Eric Bergman, Eric Lund, Gil Lund
  • Patent number: 6173507
    Abstract: Apparatus and a related method control within acceptable limits, of less than two percent (2%), residual shrinkage in garments to be made from a knitted fabric web or other fabrics subject to high shrinkage. The knitted fabric web is passed continuously in a moist condition through a first shrinkage compactor. Then the web is carried on an endless belt through a special dryer in a relaxed condition to allow loops of knits to shorten. The web is caused to wave in the dryer. The web is then conveyed through a second shrinkage range for final shrinking to a desired weight per surface area with less than two percent (2%) residual shrinkage. Thus the garments are safe from further shrinking in home tumble dryers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Frank Catallo
  • Patent number: 6167636
    Abstract: In a process for thermally utilizing wet spent grains (1), the wet spent grains (1) are mechanically predried in a first drying stage (2), thermally dried in a further drying stage (4) and finally thermally utilized by burning or gasification. In order to be able to realize a process of this kind economically, the mechanically dehydrated spent grains (15) in the further drying stage (4) are heated by the aid of a smoke gas occurring within the energy system of a brewery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Brau-Union {umlaut over (O)}sterreich Aktiengesselschaft
    Inventors: Leopold Werner Kepplinger, Dieter Pelz, Gerald Zanker
  • Patent number: 6151799
    Abstract: A system and method is described for processing waste citrus peel to remove oil from the peel in a highly efficient manner for subsequent processing, where the temperature of the peel is elevated, the peel is then finely fragmented to create a slurry, the solid particles are removed from the slurry and dried, and the oil is separated from the water in the slurry. The temperature of the peel is elevated by exposing the peel to steam so that minimal water is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Allen Jones
  • Patent number: 6076279
    Abstract: A method and press for heating a material to be pressed. The method includes prepressing the material without heat, or with a generally minimal amount of heat applied. Then heating the material heavily at a wettest part of the material, and simultaneously pressing the material during the heating of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Finbark Oy
    Inventor: Timo Saalasti
  • Patent number: 5611935
    Abstract: A method for treating sludge by dewatering to form thick sludge and drying to form dry sludge includes the steps of mechanically predewatering thick sludge to produce predewatered thick sludge and mixing the predewatered thick sludge with non-cooled dry sludge to produce a sludge mixture. The temperature of the sludge mixture to be dried is measured and the dry substance contents of the dry sludge based on the measured temperature is determined. Fluctuations in the dry substance contents of the dry sludge are compensated by controlling the amount of recirculated dry sludge to be mixed with the predewatered thick sludge as a function of the temperature of the sludge mixture to be dried. The sludge mixture is dried to produce dry sludge and a portion of the dry sludge is recirculated to be mixed with the predewatered thick sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Steag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Thiemann, Helmut Brauweiler, Ivan Rupert, J org Bublies, Burkhard M oller
  • Patent number: 5513446
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve for drying industrial barrels (60). The industrial barrels (60) are positioned on an inclined base (12, 20) and are enclosed by a pressure-tight vacuum hood (30). A suction pipe (40) that is connected with the vacuum hood (30) extends through a bunghole (63) provided in the tilted barrel (60) at its lowest point (71) where the residual liquid quantity (70) gathers. A heating rod (55) is arranged inside the suction pipe (40). The suction pipe (40) is connected to a vacuum pump (48). The heated suction pipe (40) removes from the interior of the barrel (60) at first die liquid residual liquid quantity (70), and then the vaporizing residual liquid. Compared with conventional methods, using hot steam for drying, this method leads to cost savings and an improved drying effect (FIG. 1 ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Aichelin GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Neubauer, Peter Hauschka