Abstract: An etching processing apparatus 1 has a transfer chamber 2, a plurality of processing chambers 3 and 4, and a plurality of cassette chambers 7 and 8. Inside the transfer chamber 2, a transfer mechanism 14 is provided. A control device 17 pauses the operation of the vacuum pump 16 after closing an opening/closing valve 15 of a vacuum evacuating mechanism, which vacuum evacuates the transfer chamber 2 in which the transfer mechanism 14 is provided, when the operation of the transfer mechanism 14 is paused for a predetermined time or longer. Accordingly, conservation of energy becomes possible without causing decrease of productivity.

Abstract: A method for extracting water from laundry articles between a wash cycle and a rinse cycle is provided. The method including performing a spin cycle between the wash cycle and the rinse cycle, the spin cycle including a first initial spin, a first rest period after the first initial spin and a spin subsequent the first rest period lasting until an end of the spin cycle.

Abstract: A combination washing machine and dryer having a trap door interposed between a washing machine and a fabric dryer. After the washing machine has finished washing the clothes contained therein, the trap door automatically opens to allow the wet clothing to fall into the fabric dryer, thereby obviating the need for the user to interrupt whatever he/she is doing in order to remove the wet clothing from the washing machine and to transfer the clothing to the fabric dryer for subsequent drying.

Abstract: A drum hatch engaging mechanism is for inclusion in a laundry appliance having a cabinet and a drum rotatable within the cabinet. The mechanism includes a drum hatch engaging member connected with the cabinet with the connection providing for movement of the member between non-engagement and engagement positions. An actuator is provided to selectively move the drum hatch engaging member between the positions. A catch member is connected with a sliding hatch of the drum. The connection between the catch member and the sliding hatch provides for movement of the catch member between a position adjacent the skin of the drum and an outwardly displaced position. The drum hatch engaging member includes a ramped abutment to engage and lift the catch member to the outer position through movement of the catch member toward the abutment during an opening rotation of the drum. The hatch engaging member includes a closing abutment facing the ramped abutment.

Abstract: A clothes dryer and a method for controlling its operation are disclosed, in which the clothes dryer includes a second motor being separately driven from a drum or a circulation fan to control a cooling fan for cooling a condenser. As for the second motor, a variable speed motor is used and amount of heating of a heater of the clothes dryer is variable. In the method for controlling an operation of a clothes dryer, the cooling fan is operated when a predetermined period of time passes after the cooling fan being stopped during an initial operation, or the cooling fan is operated at a regular speed when a temperature of air circulating reaches a predetermined degree after the cooling fan being operated at a low speed during the initial operation of the clothes dryer. Also, the speed of the cooling fan is varied according to amount of heating of the heater.

Abstract: A livestock cooling system creates an environment for protecting the health and productivity of animals, particularly dairy cows. One or more cooling fans are connected to programmable oscillation means, enabling the herds man to program fan oscillation according to the location of the livestock. Water is injected under high pressure into the air stream of the fans to create a fog. The system is also programmable according to various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind velocity. The pressure and volume of the injected water are programmable and may be adjusted by the controller according to the observed environmental conditions. The disclosed system provides a cool and healthy environment for livestock, where the environment is programmed to track the animals according to the time of day, location of the animals and the location of shade.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a dryer including both a variable heat source and a variable speed blower includes varying only one of the variable heat source and the variable speed blower, while maintaining the other one in a fixed state.

Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided with control elements which enable a user to set both a drying temperature and the amount of power sent to a main heating element of the dryer during a dryer cycle. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, an infinitely variable power supply controller is used to selectively establish the maximum power provided to the main heating element during the dryer cycle. The controller preferably is adjusted by a slider switch mounted on a control panel of the dryer. The switch is preferably provided with indicators to indicate the established power level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating products with air in order to enable the conservation, storage and use thereof. Said invention also relates to a device for treating such products and the products obtained using said treatment method. The products (P) to be treated, such as a hay drier or other similar agricultural products, are loaded into a closed space (20) that is connected to a thermodynamic machine (21) which is controlled using a programmable automaton (22) and which is powered by an electrical cabinet (25). Three mass of water in air sensors (Q1, Q2 and Q3) determine the operation of the machine according to the desired treatment objectives both in terms of moisture in relation to the product treated and power consumption. The invention is suitable for treating diverse products such as agricultural products.

Abstract: A laundry drier control method is provided, by which drying time is dynamically controlled according to an amount and type of a drying object, using a calculated medium temperature to determine a medium temperature time. The method includes steps of initiating a drying procedure by actuating drivers, including a heater driver to increase an internal temperature of a laundry drier; determining a medium temperature time by measuring a time lapse from the drying procedure initiating step to a point where the internal temperature reaches a medium temperature between a drying initiation temperature and a maximum drying temperature; setting a drying time based on the determined medium temperature time; and performing the drying procedure for the set drying time. The drying time is set by multiplying the determined medium temperature time by a predetermined factor. The drying initiation temperature is the internal temperature at the time of initiating the drying procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for desolventizing particulate material having a solvent carried thereby wherein an upper indirect heating zone and a lower direct heating zone is provided. Each of the zones has a plurality of spaced apart horizontal trays for receiving particulate material. The trays define a vertical series of compartments through which the particulate material passes. Steam is provided to the particulate material indirectly in said indirect heating zone and directly in said direct heating zone are also included. An integral air tight flash chamber below the compartments enhances solvent recovery via vaporization of residual solvent from the condensed steam adhered to the particulate material traveling through the direct heating zone prior to discharge of the particulate material. The recovered residual solvent is delivered under pressure to a predetermined compartment in the direct heating zone provide heat for desolventizing the solvent-laden particulate material.

Abstract: A drying machine according to the present invention includes an interface unit connected to a separate washing machine with a data communication line for receiving load information from the washing machine, a rotatable drum containing a load of wet clothes which are previously washed by the washing machine, and an air supply system coupled to the drum for supplying dry air into the drum. The machine further includes a heater coupled to the air supply system for heating the dry air, and a dryer controller generating a control signal to the heater in accordance with a set of operation values which are determined based on the load information.

Abstract: A clothes dryer and a method for controlling its operation are disclosed, in which the clothes dryer includes a second motor being separately driven from a drum or a circulation fan to control a cooling fan for cooling a condenser. As for the second motor, a variable speed motor is used and amount of heating of a heater of the clothes dryer is variable. In the method for controlling an operation of a clothes dryer, the cooling fan is operated when a predetermined period of time passes after the cooling fan being stopped during an initial operation, or the cooling fan is operated at a regular speed when a temperature of air circulating reaches a predetermined degree after the cooling fan being operated at a low speed during the initial operation of the clothes dryer. Also, the speed of the cooling fan is varied according to amount of heating of the heater.

Abstract: Liquid for prevention of substrate drying is supplied into a processing chamber so that a pool of the liquid is created as an anti-drying atmosphere in advance inside a processing chamber, and substrates, as they are dipped in the pool, are kept on stand-by in a substrate board. In this manner, air drying of the substrates which are kept on stand-by is prevented. When the number of the substrates in the substrate board reaches a certain number, the anti-drying atmosphere is removed from the processing chamber, which is followed by introduction of an SCF into the processing chamber and supercritical drying (high pressure drying) of all of the plurality of substrates inside the processing chamber, namely, batch supercritical drying.

Abstract: A critical point drying apparatus for sample preparation in electron microscopy and semiconductor wafer production includes a computer system to automate the operational modes in drying the specimen. These operational modes controlled by the computer system are: cooling, in which a drying chamber is cooled; starting, in which the specimen chamber is filled with a transitional fluid; purging, in which the transitional fluid purges an intermediary fluid from the drying chamber and the purged intermediary fluid is collected by a collector condenser; heating, in which the drying chamber is heated to elevate the transitional fluid to its critical point temperature and pressure; and bleeding, in which the drying chamber is depressurized to atmospheric pressure at a very slow rate until the drying chamber is completely vented, which signals the end of the drying operation. The computer system interfaces with a remote client terminal to update the status of the operation of the critical point drying apparatus.

Abstract: A combined washer and dryer that automatically moves laundry from the washer to the dryer thereby allowing the operator to avoid manually moving wet laundry and eliminating a step requiring the operator's presence. The invention includes an automatic load-feeder that automatically loads laundry into the washer.

Abstract: Method for controlling a washing and drying machine, for improving drying performance, and saving energy, the method having a drying cycle for supplying heated air into an inner tub to dry laundry in the inner tub, wherein the drying cycle includes a plurality of drying steps each having the steps of rotating a pulsator for a preset time period, and rotating the inner tub for a preset time period in regular and reverse directions, for enhancing flow of the laundry.

Abstract: A cleaning processing apparatus and method of wafers W held by a rotor capable of holding a plurality of wafers W, which is one embodiment of the liquid processing apparatus of the present invention, comprises an outside chamber, an inside chamber arranged slidable between a process position and a retreat position, and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside chamber in the retreat position. The cleaning mechanism includes a cylindrical body arranged in the inside chamber so as to form a substantially cylindrical cleaning processing space between the inside chamber and the cylindrical body, a cleaning liquid spurting nozzle for spurting a cleaning liquid into the cleaning processing space, and a gas supply nozzle for supplying a predetermined drying gas into the cleaning processing space so as to make it possible to clean and dry the inside chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle air supply system having a compressor, an air dryer, a reservoir adapted to receive air from the compressor via the air dryer, and control means operable to cause a standard regeneration of the air dryer when a predetermined system condition is met, the control means being further operable to cause an intermediate regeneration of the air dryer in advance of said predetermined system condition being met.

Abstract: An air flow detecting system is provided for monitoring air flow in a dryer system. The dryer system has an exhaust passage through which air from a drying compartment flows. The air flow detecting system includes a detector for monitoring a rate at which air from the drying compartment travels through the exhaust passage, and a signal generator. The signal generator is responsive to the detector and generates an electrical signal for which at least one of phase, frequency, voltage, or current varies over a continuous range based on a measured flow rate.

Abstract: A dryer for drying a substrate includes: a bath containing a fluid; a chamber; and an isopropyl alcohol delivery system supplying isopropyl alcohol vapor to the interface between the substrate and the fluid when the substrate is removed from the fluid of the bath into the chamber. The isopropyl alcohol vapor is supplied perpendicularly to a vertical axis of the substrate. The dryer further includes a chamber environment control system that supplies a gas into the chamber to dry the substrate and controls temperature and humidity in the chamber and a chamber heater attached to the chamber to transfer thermal energy into the chamber. A drying method includes: immersing a substrate into a fluid contained in a bath; removing the substrate from the fluid into a chamber; and supplying isopropyl alcohol vapor into an interface between the substrate and the fluid perpendicularly to a vertical axis of the substrate.

Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer has a drying cycle followed by a cool down cycle where the cool down cycle is terminated when the sensed output temperature of the dryer drum falls below a default temperature value preselected or altered by user. This permits the user to adjust the termination cool down cycle temperature to the user's preference and touch sensitivity to the warmth of clothing removed from the dryer. The user adjusts the setting of a user variable selection device on the dryer control panel to a preferred temperature signal representing the desired temperature of articles in the dryer when the cool down cycle is terminated. The dryer has a comparator that is connected to the outlet thermistor for receiving the sensed signal representing the temperature of the air leaving the drum and that is connected to the user variable selection device for receiving the user preferred temperature signal.

Abstract: For a single chamber air drier in a compressed air system on a vehicle the volume of dry regeneration air required to regenerate a desiccant in the air drier has to be determined. This can be accomplished in that data regarding system pressure, outdoor temperature and supplied air volume are continuously provided to a compute, which in relation to these parameters controls the supply of regeneration air to the air drier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvement in a method for estimating a setting value of a dryer steam pressure after papermaking exchange according to simulation in a papermaking machine and an apparatus therefor, where a steam pressure setting value after papermaking exchange is estimated accurately by determining an in-hood air dry-bulb temperature on the basis of a difference between an in-drum steam temperature which has been just measured and an initial value of an in-drum steam temperature, thereby reducing a papermaking exchange time as well as reducing broke and improving the rate of operation.

Abstract: Method for controlling a washing and drying machine, for improving a drying performance, and saving an energy, the method having a drying cycle for supplying heated air into an inner tub to dry laundry in the inner tub, wherein the drying cycle includes a plurality of drying steps each having the steps of rotating a pulsator for a preset time period, and rotating the inner tub for a preset time period in regular and reverse directions, for enhancing flow of the laundry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an automatic cycle of a clothes dryer wherein after initiation of an automatic cycle, a CPU displays the expected time remaining during the current cycle. At various times during the cycle, the expected time remaining is updated by comparing the time required to reach certain moisture levels of the articles contained therein to reference times. The comparison also results in the expected times being updated for future uses of the clothes dryer. Finally, the invention includes a system for updating the amount of time required to reach a desired final temperature during a cooldown sequence.

Abstract: A critical point drying apparatus for sample preparation in electron microscopy and semiconductor wafer production includes a computer system to automate the operational modes in drying the specimen. These operational modes controlled by the computer system are: cooling, in which a drying chamber is cooled; starting, in which the specimen chamber is filled with a transitional fluid; purging, in which the transitional fluid purges an intermediary fluid from the drying chamber and the purged intermediary fluid is collected by a collector condenser; heating, in which the drying chamber is heated to elevate the transitional fluid to its critical point temperature and pressure; and bleeding, in which the drying chamber is depressurized to atmospheric pressure at a very slow rate until the drying chamber is completely vented, which signals the end of the drying operation. The drying chamber incorporates concave surfaces for pressure dispersal and to facilitate purging the intermediary fluid completely.

Abstract: A substrate changing-over mechanism in a vacuum processing apparatus which includes a substrate supporting means arranged within a vacuum tank which has at least two openings at a side wall of the tank, the openings being openable or closable by gate valves, the substrate supporting sections in upper and lower spaces and an ascending or descending driver section for driving the substrate supporting means; thereby allowing the supporting means to be stopped in a vertical direction at a plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: A potted timer and circuit board assembly for use in a regenerative desiccant air dryer. The potted timer and circuit board assembly comprise a support member of a predetermined size and shape having a first surface and a second surface. A conductive pattern of a predetermined material and thickness is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the support member. A predetermined quantity and arrangement of electronic components of a predetermined voltage is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the support member for providing a timed electronic signal to a solenoid valve that pneumatically operates an air dryer. A non-conductive material of a predetermined composition encases the electronic components on the support member for insulating the electronic components from environmental elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: In controlling the dryer section of a paper machine, the basis weight and moisture of the paper web, the energy fed into the drying cylinders of the dryer section and the machine speed are measured, and then the surface temperature of the drying cylinders is predicted on the basis of the measured values. At the same time, the actual surface temperature of the dryer cylinders is also measured, and if the measured value deviates from the predicted value, any defects in the drying apparatus can be detected quickly. In another aspect, a determination is made of the normal correlation between the power consumption of the drive motors of the cylinders in the drying apparatus and the machine speed. These variables are also measured, and if the correlation of the variables is deviant, it can be concluded that there is a failure in the drying apparatus. In that case it is possible to identify the dryer cylinder where the failure is by measuring the temperature of the cylinders.

Abstract: Liquid is removed from batches of substrates by apparatus and methods for drying substrates that have been wet in an elongated liquid bath. The substrates are moved relative to the bath and an elongated gas-filled volume at rates of movement selected according to the location of the batches of substrates in the bath or the volume. As an example, the substrates and the bath are separated at a controlled rate to form a thin layer of liquid on each substrate as each substrate enters the gas-filled volume. The gas-filled volume is defined by an elongated hot chamber and hot gas directed into the volume and across the substrates and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the substrates. The flow rate of the gas into the volume is related to introduction of the substrates into the bath to avoid disturbing the liquid in the bath.

Abstract: A cabinet for clothes drying and dewrinkling which comprises a main enclosure that defines an inner area for housing clothes, a fan for supplying air to the inner area, a steam generator for supplying steam to the inner area, a controller for regulating the air supply and steam supply, and at least one airing duct. The airing duct can be opened and closed by the controller.

Abstract: A control system and method for a dryer used to dry a line of gypsum boards. The control system automates control of the dryer by measuring the amount of water used at the mixer to produce board segments and determining a desired amount of water to be evaporated for each board segment based on the measured value. The desired amount of water to be evaporated for each board segment is tracked through the production line and the total evaporation load of each dryer zone is continuously calculated based on the board segments located in the dryer zone at a given time. The dryer zone differential temperature is adjusted according to the calculated evaporation load. When a board is rejected from the board line, the desired amounts of water to be evaporated of its corresponding board segments are set to zero, thus signifying a gap.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for desolventizing particulate material having a solvent carried thereby wherein an upper indirect heating zone and a lower direct heating zone is provided. Each of the zones has a plurality of spaced apart horizontal trays for receiving particulate material. The trays define a vertical series of compartments through which the particulate material passes. Steam is provided to the particulate material indirectly in said indirect heating zone and directly in said direct heating zone are also included. An integral air tight flash chamber below the compartments enhances solvent recovery via vaporization of residual solvent from the condensed steam adhered to the particulate material traveling through the direct heating zone prior to discharge of the particulate material. The recovered residual solvent is delivered under pressure to a predetermined compartment in the direct heating zone provide heat for desolventizing the solvent-laden particulate material.

Abstract: A dryer module for drying filter supports in DNA preparation comprises a receiving member for receiving the filter support and at least one blower member, the blower member being arranged below the receiving member for receiving the filter support so that the filter support is blown on an dried from below. The dryer module also has a heating system for warming the air blown from below against the filter support, the heating system being arranged above the blower member, of which there is at least one. The dryer module is electronically controlled by a control means as a function of the measured temperature of the drying air. The dryer module can be used as a stand-along apparatus or in an automated environment.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for controlling the rate of heat transfer from as-cast railroad wheels after their removal from the mold utilizing a plurality of vertically adjustable caps with a cap positioned over each wheel to control the rate of heat transfer therefrom as it is transported to a successive operation, each cap having a generally symmetrical shape to inhibit or reduce deflection of radiant energy from the wheel, and the disclosure also provides a method for controlling the rate of heat transfer including a control system to provide the requisite displacement of each cap from the associated wheel to control cooling of the wheel prior to its subsequent operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the initial conditions of a clothes dryer prior to the start of the drying cycle is provided. The clothes dryer comprises a drying chamber with air inlet and outlet ports. A blower powered by a first motor is arranged in the outlet port to draw air into the drying chamber through the inlet port. A burner for heating the air before it enters the drying chamber is arranged in the inlet port. Also arranged at the inlet port is an air proving device for measuring the air flow through the drying chamber. A second motor is provided for the drive system which creates the tumbling action in the drying chamber. The air flow proving device must be enabled before the second motor is started.

Abstract: A real-time process and apparatus for controlling conditions in a lumber drying kiln include measuring the shrinkage of a sample of the lumber across the longitudinal axis of the lumber and over time. A slope of the curve is analyzed and can be used to determine when a stress peak and stress reversal occurs in the lumber sample. The detection of the stress peak indicates that the drying schedule of the kiln should be incremented to the next drying step. According to the invention, the schedule is incremented in the fastest possible way without degrading the quality of the lumber.

Abstract: The inventive clothes dryer is provided with a system for preventing the overheating of the clothes in the drum caused by the abnormality in the V-belt, such as the break or derailment thereof. By the system, the power supply to the motor is halted temporarily while the motor is rotated at a predetermined speed, whereafter the motor keeps rotating due to its inertia. During the inertial rotation of a predetermined period of time, the number of rotations of the motor is counted. When the V-belt is in the normal state, the motor is loaded appropriately, so that the speed of the motor falls rapidly during the inertial rotation, and the number of rotations is accordingly small. When, on the other hand, the V-belt is in an abnormal state, the number of rotations is large. Therefore, the state of the V-belt is checked by comparing the number of rotations to a predetermined value, and when the number is smaller than the predetermined value, the drying operation is stopped.

Abstract: A solid state alarm for a clothes dryer receives a line voltage signal prior to termination of the tumbling cycle to provide a series of pulses with decaying amplitudes driving a piezoelectric-type transducer. A timer terminating the series of pulses communicates with a pulse generating oscillator so as to eliminate partial pulsing at the conclusion of the alarm signal.

Abstract: A clothes dryer fabric softener sheet dispenser with a fabric softener sheet dispenser mounted on a door of a clothes dryer, a filling chamber in the dispenser for holding a roll of fabric softener sheets, a sheet guide inside the filling chamber guiding the sheets away from the filling chamber, a pair of electric motors allowing the driving of the sheets away from the sheet guide and allowing the driving of the sheets away from the filling chamber toward a dryer compartment of the clothes dryer. The clothes dryer fabric softener sheet dispenser also has belts for engaging the sheets driven from the sheet guide in order to facilitate movement toward the dryer compartment.

Abstract: In a wrinkle release arrangement for a dryer, a heater heats articles to be wrinkle released, and a timer times the heating of the articles. The timer establishes a wrinkle out cycle. A temperature sensor senses a temperature related to a temperature of the articles. A control circuit substantially alternately energizes the heater and the timer in response to the temperature sensor in order to provide automatic wrinkle release responsive to load.

Abstract: Control of temperature of the shelves in a freeze dryer compartment is achieved by circulating a cooled heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger through a vacuum condenser independently of circulating the cooled heat transfer fluid either directly through the passageway chambers in the freeze dryer shelves, for cooling the shelves, or through a heater for heating the shelves. These circulations are effected by the selective control of electrically operated valves in fluid conduits automatically by a programmed computer.

Abstract: An electronically controlled compressed air system (10) includes an air dryer (16) which dries compressed air before the compressed air is communicated to a reservoir (26). The air dryer (16) includes a desiccant (18) which is purged by using air stored in the reservoir (26). A pressure transducer (13) is installed on the reservoir (26) and transits an electrical signal, indicative of the pressure in the reservoir (26) to an electric controller (11). Electric controller (11) transmits signals at various selected pressure levels to solenoid value (28) to control loading and unloading of the compressor (12), to solenoid valve (36) to control purging of the air dryer (16), and to the warning light (40) to alert an operator of a low air pressure condition.

Abstract: An improved slurry dryer of the type having a plurality of beater blades carried on a rotating shaft in a cylindrical housing, the improvement in combination therewith of a plurality of scraper blades mounted on at least one disk carried by the rotating shaft at the inlet end of the dryer for scraping the cylindrical side wall and the end wall to prevent the material entering the dryer from adhering and remaining on the side and end wall of the cylindrical housing. The scraper blades are replaceable and adjustable with respect to the side and end walls of the housing by slotted mounting to accommodate wear of the scraper blades. An air dam in the form of a radially extending disk is provided downstream of the scraper blade disks to direct drying air radially outward to impinge on the slurry material to be dried.