Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed for controlling gas flow in a gas dryer such as a twin tower regenerative gas dryer. The device has a housing in which is mounted an electronic control circuit. At least two electrically operated valves (e.g. solenoid valves) for controlling functions of the dryer are provided with plugs or sockets and adapted to co-operate with corresponding sockets or plugs in a wall of the housing electrically connected to the electronic circuit. The valves are mounted on, externally of, the housing and are electrically connected to the control circuit.

Abstract: In the drying step of the single wafer type substrate cleaning system for cleaning wafers not stored in a cassette, in a sealed cleaning housing, a spin drying treatment is applied to the wafer when the wafer is supported and rotated at high speed while an inert gas for preventing oxidation is supplied to the face of the wafer, and the amount of the inert gas to be supplied to the face of the wafer is larger at the outer peripheral portion of the wafer than that supplied at the center thereof, thereby preventing oxidation on the face of the wafer effectively while optimizing the benefits of the single wafer type cleaning system.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of manure to novel fertilizer and/or soil builder products useful as input for organic farming operations. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel. The dryer vessel receives the manure for contact with the turbine exhaust gases to convert the manure to a dry material, which is passed to the processing unit where it is formed into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final dry fertilizer product. The method comprises drying, heating and converting the manure to form novel self binding fertilizer and soil builder type products for organic farming and other uses.

Abstract: A dehydration tunnel for fruits, vegetables, and other products reduces the vulnerability of the products to damage from carmelization and case hardening by dividing a row of product vessels into two segments, passing heated air simultaneously over both segments but in opposite directions, and advancing the row of vessels unidirectionally through the tunnel. Each vessel is thus exposed to a stream of heated air traversing the vessel in one direction, followed by a separate stream of heated air traversing the vessel in the opposite direction. This allows the tunnel to be operated at moderate temperatures and reduces the harmful temperature cycling of each vessel that is typical of tunnel dryers of the prior art.

Abstract: A fluid processing unit having first and second interleaved flow paths in a cross flow configuration is disclosed. The first flow paths are substantially longer than the second flow paths such that the pressure drop in the second flow paths can be maintained at a relatively low level and temperature variations across the second flow paths are reduced. One or more of the flow paths can be microchannels. When used as a vaporizer and/or superheater, the longer first flow paths include an upstream liquid flow portion and a downstream vapor flow portion of enlarged cross sectional area. A substantial pressure drop is maintained through the upstream liquid flow portion for which one or more tortuous flow channels can be utilized. The unit is a thin panel, having a width substantially less its length or height, and is manufactured together with other thin units in a bonded stack of thin metal sheets. The individual units are then separated from the stack after bonding.

Abstract: The present invention uniformly dries, in a clean room in which down flow is constituted, a coated film formed on a surface of a substrate held in a state that the coated surface faces down. In a coating apparatus including an absorption board holding a substrate in a state that its surface to be coated looks down, and a coating mechanism that coats with coating liquid the surface to be coated of the substrate held by this absorption board, there is provided an air current generating apparatus which supplies clean gas toward the surface to be coated.

Abstract: A web-formed material (1), preferably a pulp web (1), is passed through a drying plant, comprising blow boxes arranged in a plurality of drying decks, floating above lower blow boxes, which at their upper sides blow out hot process air against the web-formed material (1). Water, in the form of steam, escaping from the web-formed material (1) is discharged by the process air, at least part of which is recirculated (43) whereas the non-recirculated process air is discharged as exhaust air (41) and is replaced by a corresponding portion of supply air (42) with a low water content. The temperature of the process air is controlled (4).

Abstract: A method for drying washed objects which is capable of drying the objects in a reduced period of time, effectively preventing contamination of the objects, and preventing energy loss. The apparatus for carrying on the method of drying washed objects includes a drying tank having an opening on the upper portion thereof so that the washed objects can be placed or taken out from above, and a rinsing tank formed integrally with the drying tank, and is capable of being sealed hermetically by closing an openable and closable lid. The drying tank includes a mist-straightening vane for supplying organic solvent mist at normal temperatures to the washed objects, so that the washed objects are dried by organic solvent mist emitted from the mist-straightening vane.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an improved method of drying wet or water damaged surfaces. The method uses a vacuum source, a manifold, and a plastic sheet covered grid. The grid includes a lattice formation with spaces to permit moisture and air to pass from and beneath the surface to the vacuum source.

Abstract: Methods of blow drying vehicles with two or three superimposed dryers mounted for linear movement along the length of a vehicle include blow dryers having either fixed or pivotal nozzles so that air can be blown at the vehicle in predetermined patterns that have been found to more efficiently dry the vehicle. Further, a pivotal nozzle system is disclosed wherein a frustoconical nozzle is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis for reciprocating movement by a linear actuator so that the nozzle can be oriented in desirable positions for effecting the drying operations described in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly drying solutions in one or more arrays of vessels includes a manifold that receives gas and a base plate that receives the one or more arrays of vessels. The manifold includes one or more hollow tubes that direct the gas into the vessels, where the gas evaporates the solutions. A variety of types of hollow tubes are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas is filtered, pressurized and/or heated. In an exemplary embodiment, the solutions are heated. The base plate is hingeably coupled to the manifold so that the base plate has an open position and a closed position. The open position permits users to place and remove the vessels that contain solutions to be dried. In the closed position, the base plate and the manifold are in sealing engagement with one another, wherein the one or more of the hollow tubes extend into the vessels.

Abstract: A wafer dryer for use in a semiconductor cleaning apparatus includes an internal bath, an external bath, a solution supply line, a solution drain line, a pump, and drying means. The solution drain line has a first drain line and a second drain line. A pump for constantly maintaining a speed of a drained solution is installed on the first drain line. The drying means has an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) nozzle, a first gas spray nozzle for spraying N2 gas, and a second spray nozzle. The second spray nozzle is installed on all inner sidewalls of the external bath and has a plurality of holes. Thus, no wave is produced at a surface of the drained solution.

Abstract: A dryer system for automated car wash systems includes a new and improved air dryer having a fan and a rotatable nozzle at its discharge end with the nozzle orientation being controlled by a rotary actuator whose drive shaft is mounted on the axis of rotation of the nozzle. A method of using the blowers includes the use of two or more blowers that are positioned above the vehicle and oriented so the streams of concentrated air complement each other in moving liquid particles on the vehicle toward the side or end of the vehicle where they drop from the lower edges of the sides and ends of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is proposed for drying stacked wood with the help of a drying gas guided in a circulatory flow. The stacks of wood (H1, H2) are charged zone by zone depending on the average moisture of the wood (u) in the respective zone with partial streams of the drying gas which differ with respect to their drying power.

Abstract: An ear canal dryer that removes excess fluid or moisture retained in the outer ear canal. The ear canal dryer comprises a bulb and a speculum, each having an air flow controller. By inserting the speculum into the ear canal and squeezing the bulb, an air stream is injected into the ear canal causing evaporation of fluid and carrying the moisture out of the canal. The ear canal dryer of the present invention is easy to carry and use. It can be manufactured at a low cost and may also be adapted for veterinary use.

Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a material which includes a process chamber, a process pan operatively connected to the process chamber and removable therefrom, a blower operatively connected to the process chamber and to a heat source, the blower adapted to force heated air into the process chamber through the material disposed on the process pan, the forced heated air adapted to vaporize hydrocarbons and other contaminants disposed on the material, and at least one condenser operatively connected to the process chamber and adapted to condense the vaporized hydrocarbons and other contaminants is disclosed. Further, a method for separating hydrocarbons from a material which includes passing a stream of heated air over the material to volatilize the hydrocarbons, passing the stream of heated air containing the hydrocarbons through at least one condenser to form liquid hydrocarbons, collecting the liquid hydrocarbons, and recirculating the heated air is disclosed.

Abstract: The substrate drying apparatus has a substrate processing vessel 1, a substrate supporting section for supporting plural substrates 2 in a standing condition and lined up condition in the interior of the substrate processing vessel 1, fluid reservoir section 3 for drying provided at an upward predetermined position of the substrate processing vessel 1, a first inert gas supplying section 4 for blowing inert gas against the drying fluid 6 pooled in the fluid reservoir section 3 for drying so as to generate droplet of the drying fluid, and for guiding the droplet towards the center of the substrate processing vessel 1, and a second inert gas supplying section 5 for supplying inert gas vertically and downwardly so as to supply the generated droplet of the drying fluid towards the substrates 2, consequently safety is improved without providing special safety device, and sufficient amount of drying fluid is supplied to the dipping boundary face of the substrate and the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: Instead of desiccating articles of clothing by spinning the articles, the method and apparatus according to the invention removes moisture from these articles by pressing or drying them with the aid of hot air. Desiccation of the clothing articles occurs gently and with a low expenditure of energy by subjecting the articles to the action of at least one gas jet and, in particular, of a compressed air jet, which is not aligned parallel to the surface of the article of clothing to exert a force upon the article. Advantageously, the article of clothing is subjected to the action of gas jets on both sides.

Abstract: A dryer system for automated car wash systems includes a new and improved air dryer having a fan and a rotatable nozzle at its discharge end with the nozzle orientation being controlled by a rotary actuator whose drive shaft is mounted on the axis of rotation of the nozzle. A method of using the blowers includes the use of two or more blowers that are positioned above the vehicle and oriented so the streams of concentrated air complement each other in moving liquid particles on the vehicle toward the side or end of the vehicle where they drop from the lower edges of the sides and ends of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertain generally to a process for drying and/or pathogen reduction as well as an apparatus effective for the same, the process comprising the steps of feeding a sample containing water onto a mesh conveyor belt; transporting the sample into a heated chamber having an air flow about, around and through the sample; exposing said sample to at least two sources of microwaves in non-parallel alignment to each other; and collecting the sample. The at least two sources of microwaves are from a split waveguide assembly, producing microwaves which are essentially 90° out of phase to each other. The heated chamber is between approximately 75° C. and 125° C. The convection heating supplements the microwave heating thereby both heating the sample from the outside in and also from the inside out. The microwave frequency is between 915 MHz and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz.

Abstract: Liquid is removed from wafers for drying a wafer that has been wet in a liquid bath. The wafer and the bath are separated at a controlled rate as the wafer is positioned in a gas-filled volume. The controlled rate is generally not less than the maximum rate at which a meniscus will form between the liquid bath and the surface of the wafer when the liquid bath and the wafer are separated. The gas-filled volume is defined by a hot chamber that continuously transfers thermal energy to the wafer in the gas-filled volume. Hot gas directed into the volume and across the wafer and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the wafer.

Abstract: A nozzle for a fabric dryer whose cross sectional area tapers from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof. The nozzle has a fabric side that is juxtaposed relative to the fabric. The fabric side of the nozzle is provided with a slot that extends therealong. The slot has flanges that penetrate away from the fabric side of the nozzle and open inwardly into the nozzle. A plurality of baffles are positioned between the flanges, along the slot. Each of the plurality of baffles is directed toward the fabric side of the nozzle and is inclined toward the proximal end of the nozzle to deflect hot air from the slot, so that the hot air projects normally onto the fabric so as to avoid moving the fabric off the fabric conveyor of the fabric dryer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an aqueous-containing sludge in which the sludge is filtered on an elongate moving sheet of a water permeable unwoven fabric on paper. The moving sheet is folded and compressed between rollers whereby to express water therefrom. The folded moving sheet and contained sludge is dried, and the dried sheet and sludge is incinerated. Combustion heat from the incineration step is used in the drying step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing particles in reactors. The apparatus includes an enclosure with a wafer handling chamber connected by an isolation gate valve to a processing chamber. Pipes deliver purge gas into the wafer handling chamber to eliminate particles from the enclosure. A pilot operated back pressure regulator regulates the delivery and removal of the purge gas. The apparatus actuates the isolation gate valve in a controlled rate to reduce disturbances from the purge gas entering into the enclosure. A Bernoulli wand is provided for lifting and holding a single semiconductor wafer. A dome loaded regulator actuated by a pilot gas is used to control the ramp rates of gas to the Bernoulli wand. The ramping rates of the Bernoulli wand gas can be controlled by restrictions and check valves in the pilot gas line. The apparatus also utilizes ionizers in the purge gas lines entering the wafer handling chamber and load locks.

Abstract: A method for heating bulk materials, especially granular plastic material, in which the bulk material is fed to a vessel and exits the vessel based on the consumption. A heat-transfer gas flow is simultaneously fed to the vessel and conducted either cocurrently with or countercurrently to the flow of granular material. The gas inlet temperature or quantity of gas are thereby varied in such a way that the temperature of the granular material at the outlet corresponds to a target temperature value required for the granular material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying semiconductor wafers by using an IPA drying apparatus. The present invention uses a vapor generator to generate an IPA vapor. The IPA vapor is generated and saved in a closed surrounding and then transferred in a porous hollow plate in the dryer tank by using a quartz pipe. The IPA vapor is diffused evenly from the porous hollow plate. Furthermore, the present invention increases the safety of the process and can easily control the input amount of the IPA vapor.

Abstract: In a method for controlling airflow on a backside of a semiconductor wafer during spin processing, a wafer backing plate is first disposed below a semiconductor wafer. Air is then supplied to the volume defined by the wafer backing plate and the semiconductor wafer. The air may be supplied to the volume through a hollow core spindle, a rotary union, or apertures in the wafer backing plate. The separation distance between the wafer and the wafer backing plate and the flow rate of air supplied to the volume may be controlled to avoid any substantial recirculation of contaminated air into the volume. In addition to serving as one of the boundaries that define the volume, the wafer backing plate reduces particle recontamination on the backside of the wafer by preventing particles from contacting the backside of the wafer during spin processing.

Abstract: The present invention is an active microchannel fluid processing unit and method of making, both relying on having (a) at least one inner thin sheet; (b) at least one outer thin sheet; (c) defining at least one first sub-assembly for performing at least one first unit operation by stacking a first of the at least one inner thin sheet in alternating contact with a first of the at least one outer thin sheet into a first stack and placing an end block on the at least one inner thin sheet, the at least one first sub-assembly having at least a first inlet and a first outlet; and (d) defining at least one second sub-assembly for performing at least one second unit operation either as a second flow path within the first stack or by stacking a second of the at least one inner thin sheet in alternating contact with second of the at least one outer thin sheet as a second stack, the at least one second sub-assembly having at least a second inlet and a second outlet.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is disclosed for drying a wet web quickly and efficiently on the surface of a steam heated drying cylinder in a continuous papermaking process. A steam-heated drying cylinder having an exterior surface is rotated under a drying hood adjacent the exterior surface of the drying cylinder. The hood comprises a drying zone of heated air, with nozzles adapted to supply hot air streams into the drying zone. A wet web is adhered to the drying cylinder and rotated through the drying zone of the hood. Then, hot air streams are directed from the nozzles upon the wet web. A hot air stream is provided from a nozzle at a lead angle that deviates from perpendicular between about 3 and about 30 degrees, in a lead direction towards the downstream end of the web drying process.

Abstract: In a load port mechanism of a substrate treatment unit, protuberances are provided on a sealing surface formed along a door with which a wafer carrier is to dock, or on a sealing surface formed around the door of the wafer carrier. The wafer carrier door is faced with the load port door with the protuberances therebetween, thereby separating the sealing surface of the substrate treatment unit from the sealing surface of the wafer carrier by only a predetermined distance. Thus, there is formed a channel along which clean air flows from the inside of the substrate treatment unit to the outside thereof. The load port structure and the wafer carrier structure improve the reliability of opening/closing action of the wafer carrier and prevent entry of extraneous particles into the treatment unit with sufficient reliability, and enable high-yield production of integrated circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for drying wood, characterized in that it comprises a pressurizing step to place a sealed chamber (1) under a predetermined pressure by injecting or generating saturating steam and maintaining this pressure for a predetermined time interval, while ensuring a forced circulation of air and saturating steam within the chamber, a heating step to heat the wood core and central zone of the wood pieces by emitting microwaves at frequencies ranging between 400 and 2450 MHz, an evacuation step to carry away the liquid exudates from the wood which run down to the bottom of the chamber (1) where they are collected.

Abstract: An adjustable deckel profiler is disclosed, for use in apparatus for drying a moving paper web. The profiler is a slidable member which interacts with impingement air to control and adjust the air against the moving web. Means are provided for adjusting and setting the profiler relative to cross machine drying air profiling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning objects having generally irregular surface features, such as reloadable photographic cameras, has a partial enclosure having opposing side walls, and a top wall joining the opposing side walls. An air ionizing element composed of an ion emitter and an air knife is arranged in the enclosure for electrostatically neutralizing the object with ions entrained in a curtain-like stream of air directed onto the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dry cleaning apparatus and method using cluster for cleaning a surface of a specimen such as semiconductor wafer. The cleaning method first forms a neutral cluster no having polarity by passing a cleaning gas such as argon, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide gas through a sand glass-shaped nozzle. The formed neutral cluster is injected at an acute angle with respect to a surface of the specimen, thereby removing particles or organic remnants attached on the surface of the specimen without damaging the surface of the specimen.

Abstract: A cleaning method for cleaning a developer container includes a step of blowing air through an opening formed in the developer container at a first flow rate; a step of sucking air through the opening at a second flow rate which is larger than the first flow rate; wherein while the blowing and suction steps are being simultaneously carried out, ambient air is permitted to enter the developer container through an ambient air inlet.

Abstract: A sheet winding apparatus or a heat transfer recording sheet providing apparatus including the sheet winding apparatus, the sheet winding apparatus formed of a plurality of sheet winding devices arranged in multiple steps in a vertical direction. Each of the sheet winding devices includes (1) a plurality of holding/rotating devices, (2) a sticking apparatus for sticking adhesive around a number of outer peripheral portions of an unused roll shaft held by one of the holding/rotating devices, arranged in the direction of the unused roll shaft, and (3) a press roll that presses a sheet against an outer periphery of a roll shaft held by the holding/rotating device during the entire time that the sheet is wound around the roll shaft.

Abstract: A mixture of lower alcohols whose mean molecular weight is 46 or less is supplied onto a surface of a semiconductor wafer cleansed with water. With this supply, the amount of alcohols left on the semiconductor wafer which has been dried can be suppressed to 2ng/cm2 or less, and thus a gate oxide film formed on the semiconductor wafer is prevented from deterioration. As a result, a high yield of semiconductor products can be realized.

Abstract: An vertical dryer (10) is provided having a plurality of individual dryer decks (12-18) including alternating fan and heater decks (14, 16), an air circulation assembly (11), and an upright, common plenum chamber (26) in communication with the decks (12-18). The assembly (11) is operable to create a continuous drying air stream which passes upwardly in countercurrent flow relationship to product on the decks (12-18). Also, the assembly (11) serves to pass the drying air stream into, through and out of the plenum (26) at the level of each heater deck (16); in the plenum (26), the air stream velocity is decreased, causing particulate fines to fall out of the stream for collection. The use of the common plenum (26) also allows independent control of the decks (12-18) in terms of air flows therethrough and recirculation characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in removing at least one volatile contaminant from contaminated material by using a rotary vacuum retort during high temperature and vacuum processing. The loading and unloading are performed in a manner that minimizes the introduction of low boiling point gases. The apparatus employs, in one preferred embodiment, elastomeric pinch valve airlocks to isolate the entire system between the airlocks and a vacuum generator. The apparatus employs, in another preferred embodiment, at least one material transfer element. Furthermore, the contaminated material may be dried in a dryer prior to introduction into the retort. Moreover, the decontaminated material can be cooled through a heat exchanger prior to discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying reconstituted tobacco sheets includes positioning a steam box below an endless conveyor belt. A slurry is cast onto the conveyor belt and conveyed over a steam box before entry into a drying apparatus. The steam box functions to pre-treat the slurry so as to increase the rate by which the slurry may be dried. The steam box includes the use of a perforated plate which encloses an upper portion of the steam box and which functions to uniformly distribute steam to the underside of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A device for supporting a heated air source at a targeted segment of a wall or ceiling in a room. The device includes a pole having a first end and a second end. The pole is selectively adjustable in length, wherein the pole can be adjusted to the height of a ceiling in a variety of different rooms. A clamping mechanism is provided that selectively attaches to the pole at any point between the first end of the pole and the second end of the pole. The clamping mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a support platform that extends from said mounting bracket. The support platform can be moved into numerous different orientations. An attachment mechanism is coupled to the support platform, wherein the attachment mechanism selectively attaches the heated air source to the support platform. As such, the heated air source is capable of being directed toward any section of a room's ceiling or walls.

Abstract: A printing unit in a gravure printing portion prints a plurality of end marks on a web having a base film and a hot melt ink layer. The end marks printed on the web are dried by a drying apparatus. A sheet obtained from the web is wound around a roll shaft in a roll form by a sheet winding apparatus to form a sheet roll. The roll shaft is supplied from a roll shaft supplying apparatus to the sheet winding apparatus, and the sheet roll formed by the sheet winding apparatus is discharged from a discharging apparatus. The discharge apparatus includes a plurality of cradles in the vertical direction, a carry-out conveyor beside the cradles, a guide rail beside the cradles on the opposite side to the conveyor and arranged vertically, and receiving arms horizontally mounted on the rail and corresponding to the cradles. The arms move up and down on the rail and extend or contract horizontally from the cradles.

Abstract: Steam blower box for the application of steam onto a paper or cardboard web, the steam blower box connected to a plurality of steam lines. The steam lines are routed to at least one support plate, where the steam lines are each to be attached to a supply line connected to the steam source. The supply lines are equipped with connecting nipples, each having a stop, and the support plate has openings into which the connecting nipples can be inserted from one side of the support plate. The supply lines are locked down to the support plate by at least one retaining strip which works in conjunction with the stops and is movable behind the stops.

Abstract: With the object of removing moisture from a system of N≳2 elongated hollow guiding members (20) for cable-like elements (27), in the system a gas flow (G) is maintained. The gas flow is supplied to the system by way of a gas-supply opening (29) of a coupling-in number (23) coupled to first ends (21) of a number of K hollow guiding members (20) and discharged from the system by way of a gas-discharge opening (30) of a coupling-out member (23) coupled to first ends (21) of the L=N−K remaining hollow guiding members. A coupling-through member (26) coupled to second ends (24) of the N hollow guiding members (20) provides a gastight coupling-through between the second ends (24) of the K hollow guiding members and the L second ends of the L remaining hollow guiding members. Preferably K=N−1, and the N−1 hollow guiding members are located within the Nth hollow guiding member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the removal of liquid from particulate material by evaporation through the supply of heat, said heat being transferred substantially by superheated vapours or steam of the liquids existing in the particulate material, and where said method is executed in a substantially closed system. The particulate material is supplied continuously to a process chamber which is configured as an annual or partly annular chamber (1) which lies in a substantially horizontal manner, where the superheated vapours are introduced from below and up through openings (11) in a bottom (10) in the annular chamber, so that the particulate material is brought into movement by the superheated vapours, and such that a transport of the particulate material takes place through the annular chamber (1).

Abstract: A portable sport equipment bag having an air distributor is connected with a hose to blower and ozone generator operable to move air and ozone under pressure into the air distributor. The air distributor has one or more manifolds located within the bag. The manifolds have a plurality of holes to allow air and ozone in the manifolds to flow into the bag to dry sport equipment and objects within the bag and destroy bacteria, molds and fungus in the bag. One or more air filters mounted on the bag remove odors and foreign matter from the air flow from the bag into the environment adjacent the bag.

Abstract: A system and method for providing conditioned air to a yarn traveling on a textile machine includes an air conditioning unit local to said textile machine and configured to receive input air and to condition the air to a first desired relative humidity. An air delivery conduit is in communication with the air conditioning unit and conveys the conditioned air therefrom. A diffuser is in communication with the delivery conduit so that the conditioned air flows into the diffuser. The diffuser defines a nonuniform opening so that the conditioned air leaves the diffuser in a turbulent flow. The opening is disposed at a predetermined distance from the yarn so that an air mixture, comprising the turbulent conditioned air and ambient air drawn into the turbulent flow, has a second desired relative humidity upon reaching the yarn.

Abstract: The invention is of methodologies and associated equipment, the practice and use of which, in the context of drying systems used in the drying of conveyorized articles bearing residual moisture from prior manufacturing steps, provides substantially enhanced drying efficacy and substantially accelerated drying rates, when compared with presently available drying systems. The present invention is of certain design parameters for drying systems, and associated methods, the practice of which result in impingement pressures, created by air or flowing from drying system nozzles onto to-be-dried articles of manufacture, which fall between the certain optimum ranges discovered by the present inventor for drying articles such as printed circuit boards in an assembly line context. The design parameters pertain to relative dimensions and positioning of air supply conduits, manifolds, nozzles, and conveyor surfaces, as well as performance parameters such as the velocity of air exiting the drying system nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in continuously loading material to be treated into a rotary vacuum retort and continuously unloading one or more vapors or similar volatile substances and treated material out of the rotary vacuum retort during high temperature and high vacuum processing. The loading and unloading are performed in a manner that minimizes the introduction of low boiling point gases. The apparatus employs, in one preferred embodiment, elastomeric pinch valve airlocks to isolate the entire system between the airlocks and a vacuum generator. Furthermore, the material being treated may be dried in a dryer prior to introduction into the retort. Moreover, the processed material can be cooled through a heat exchanger to permit the use of a low temperature pinch valve airlock on the discharge end of the process.

Abstract: A system and method using landfill gas to dry wet sludge to inexpensively produce fertilizer or dry waste for disposal, while acting to conserve natural gas resources. The system and method are expected to provide dry sludge as an end product at approximately one-fifth of the cost of conventional methods.