Abstract: An improved dryer-cooler apparatus cures or dries a heat sensitive coating on a moving substrate in a manner to minimize problems related to heating. The apparatus comprises a cooling plate, an end block at each end of the cooling plate and a plurality of heating lamps extending between the end blocks, above a reflective face of the cooling plate. The cooling plate has a plurality of cooling passages which extend from the top to bottom ends thereof, and each end block has a plurality of lamp openings and has a plurality of coolant passage openings that each aligns with a coolant passage of the cooling plate. The ends of each heating lamp are supported in an unencumbered manner in the lamp openings of the end blocks. Thus, the heating lamps and the cooling plate and end blocks can expand and contract without damage when cyclically heated and cooled during periodic operation of the dryer-cooler apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling and setting ink to a web of paper through a series of chill rolls which are arranged such that both sides of the web are cleaned while traveling through the chill rolls and maximum wrap efficiency is obtained. As the web travels from the oven it passes through a series of chill rolls arranged in an upside mode in which a number of the middle chill rolls are mounted on vertically adjustable shafts so that barrier layers which build up on the web can be brought together and scrubbed as they cross in opposite directions on both sides of the web. The placement of the middle chill rolls on adjustable shafts also permits a more efficient wrap of the web around the chill rolls to promote more efficient cooling of the web.

Abstract: A high-temperature, rapid-cycle pin oven for the curing of coatings on hollow container components, includes an oven unit (2) whose housing (14) is divided into three compartments interconnected by internal explosion relief panels (136,142,144). One of the compartments (36), designed for a normal working pressure in the range 1 to 1.01 atmosphere, has a light explosion-relief panel (132) which provides primary pressure relief to atmosphere while ensuring that if the internal panels blow out, the entire interior is vented to atmosphere. This panel comprises a light casing (202) with thin tinplate bursting diaphragms (210) in the bottom, overlaid by a light, absorbent mattress (220), and a light top cover (222) which can blow out. A perforated hot air delivery screen (38) forms one wall of the narrow working chamber (34) and comprises a number of plates removably and replaceably fastened to a frame (72) fixed in the housing.

Abstract: The machine comprises a pre-heater followed by a first chamber, incorporating heated plates wherebetween a food product to be dried is passed. The machine also comprises a successive section, wherethrough the food product is conveyed to a second chamber, incorporating cooled plates, wherebetween the food product is passed. The plates are adapted for rapidly condensing moisture contained in the ambient air and in the food product itself, to further rapidly reduce its moisture content to approximately 13-14%.

Abstract: A vertical progressive lumber dryer has a plurality of vertically spaced functional zones through which lumber formed into units pass. Each unit rests atop a base and each layer of boards in the stack is separated by sticker means. Predetermined appropriate operating conditions are selected for the drying medium as well as other parts of the process. After a car has completed the last step within the dryer, it is removed and the dryed lumber sent for further processing.

Abstract: A high-temperature, rapid-cycle pin oven for the curing of coatings on hollow container components, includes an oven unit (2) whose housing (14) is divided into three compartments interconnected by internal explosion relief panels (136,142,144). One of the compartments (36), designed for a normal working pressure in the range 1 to 1.01 atmosphere, has a light explosion-relief panel (132) which provides primary pressure relief to atmosphere while ensuring that if the internal panels blow out, the entire interior is vented to atmosphere. This panel comprises a light casing (202) with thin tinplate bursting diaphragms (210) in the bottom, overlaid by a light, absorbent mattress (220), and a light top cover (222) which can blow out. A perforated hot air delivery screen (38) forms one wall of the narrow working chamber (34) and comprises a number of plates removably and replaceably fastened to a frame (72) fixed in the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for drying granular solids. A heated gas stream is directed through the volume of solids followed by a cooling gas stream. The method varies from conventional drying techniques by the alteration of the timing of the introduction of the cooling stream and by the use of sensible heat contained in the solids to supply heat of vaporization. The method yields improved energy efficiency and shorter drying times. The apparatus exhibits improved efficiency in carrying out the method of the invention than is possible using conventional equipment.

Abstract: A batch-operated furnace apparatus for manufacturing powdered silicon nitride comprises a reaction furnace having a reaction chamber, an upper portion, a bottom portion and a side portion, a feed pipe placed at the upper portion of the reaction furnace for feeding starting materials in a fine or coarse particle form, an exhaust pipe placed at the upper portion of the reaction furnace for removing gasses from the reaction chamber, a gas distributor plate positioned at the bottom portion of the reaction chamber for introducing nitrogen gas into the reaction chamber so as to form a fluidized bed at the bottom portion of the reaction chamber, a heater for heating the starting materials of the fluidized bed within the reaction chamber, a discharge port formed in the gas distributor plate, a discharge pipe joined to the discharge port of the gas distributor plate, a valve seat formed at the discharge port, a discharge valve means having the valve which engages the valve seat of the discharge port, and a guide tube

Abstract: A multi-cylinder drying section and method in a paper machine wherein the paper web to be dried is guided into contact with the surfaces of heated drying cylinders wherein the drying fabric is cooled as it travels from one drying cylinder to the next. According to one embodiment, preferably used in the first group or groups of drying cylinders, a single-fabric draw is used wherein the web is supported on the drying fabric as it runs from the cylinders of one line to the cylinders of the other line so that the web is in direct contact with the surfaces of the drying cylinders in one line while the drying fabric is in direct contact with the surfaces of the cylinders in the other line. The drying fabric is cooled as it runs between the cylinders on which the web is in direct contact with the heated surfaces by causing the drying fabric to come into direct contact with a cooling roll or cylinder surface whose contact area is relatively large.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing containers such as bottles and vials for the pharmaceutical industry, in the form of a tunnel continuously traversed by a conveyor belt for said containers, comprising a sterlization chamber which utilizes a hot air stream in the laminar flow regime and is provided with air filters, characterized in that in said sterilization chamber the heated air is fed to a pressure chamber communicating in a sealed manner with said filters, and from these latter on to said containers to be sterilized, between said pressure chamber-filter system and walls of the sterilization chamber there being defined a jacket for recirculation of the air, in which the pressure is kept at a lower value than the pressure present in said pressure chamber-filter system.

Abstract: A method and means for drying a thin aqueous-based coating on heat sensitive materials without boiling and without distortion or damage to the heat sensitive material or delicate surface thereof. Solvent-based adhesives are used in the production of articles of manufacture because of the ability to assembly the separate pieces immediately after the spray adhesive is applied. However, certain solvent-based adhesives attack the surface of the item to be covered, and in the case of videodiscs, the solvent in the adhesive may well contaminate the plastic surfaces or even the aluminum reflective layer of a laser disc. According to the present invention, a water based coating applied to a sensitive material is subjected to alternate sources of radiant heat energy and relatively cool air.

Abstract: An improved method for cooling particulate solids in a fluidized bed wherein the improvement comprises fluidizing the particulate solids above a first portion of a gas flow distributor using a cooling gas and fluidizing the particulate solids above a second portion of the gas flow distributor with a cooled cooling gas stream wherein the second portion of the gas flow distributor is located near the particulate solids discharge from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A paper guiding device in a copying apparatus includes, in opposition, a lower guide plate having a main flat portion and an upper guide plate having a main flat portion. A plurality of rising pieces, having top edges and being laterally spaced apart upon the upper side of the main flat portion of the lower guide plate, rise above the lower guide plate and extend in the direction of movement of the copying paper. A plurality of hanging pieces, having lower edges and are laterally spaced apart on the lower side of the main flat portion of the lower guide plate, hang from the upper guide plate and extend in the direction of movement of the copying paper. The top edges and the lower edges define a path of movement of the copying paper while having minimal contact with the paper.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying a paper, or similar, web so that a wet web and a drying felt or wire are subjected to an air removal treatment, the web and the felt or wire freed of air are passed between moving surface elements having good heat conducting properties, said elements enclosing the web and the felt or wire along the whole width, the surface element contacting the web is heated in order to evaporate water contained in the web, and the surface element contacting the felt or wire is cooled in order to condense vapor emanating from the web into the felt or wire, and the felt or wire are separated from the dried web.

Abstract: Device for the continuous dehydration of products of the type comprising a stack of endless belts, travelling in alternate directions, characterized in that, on the one hand, only one (33) of the ducts (33, 34) is provided with a heating means (14) and with a fresh air intake (32), and in that, on the other hand, at each belt level (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) there is distributed a mixture of a portion of air coming from the circuit with reheating through a first opening (20, 21, 22, 23 or 24) and another portion of air coming from the circuit without reheating through a second opening (27, 28, 29, 30 or 31), the ratio of cross-sections between the first and the second opening being progressively variable and constantly diminishing from the top level (1) down to the bottom level (5).

Abstract: The present invention is a duct arrangement for use with a vacuum furnace to permit inert gas to be supplied continuously to the hot zone enclosure of a vacuum furnace. The novel duct arrangement includes a plenum means that, in the preferred embodiment, is formed so that its inside wall is the outer wall of the hot zone enclosure and which is disposed to be wrapped around 95% of the hot zone enclosure (within the vacuum chamber) with which it is employed. The plenum is sealed at both ends and is formed to have a plurality of holes in the common wall of the hot zone enclosure and the plenum. Into each of said holes there is fitted a removable nozzle member. A relatively large hole is formed in the outside wall of the plenum to permit inert gas to be fed into the plenum and through the nozzles into the hot zone enclosure to cool the work piece therein.

Abstract: A hot air drier system for breaking up and drying particles or aggregates of moist material includes a preliminary drier unit with a moist solids inlet, a hot air inlet, and a dried solids outlet. A pneumatic conveying conduit receives solids from the outlet and subjects them to further drying while they are conveyed to a suitable separator. Hot air is supplied to the drier inlet through a supply conduit which has a bypass conduit for delivering fully heated air to the pneumatic conveying conduit close to the solids outlet and which also has a cooling air conduit or bypass for selectively feeding heated air of somewhat lower temperature to the drier inlet.

Abstract: In a drying oven having plural superposed endless belts on which material to be dried, such as fruit, moves in a circuitous path from top to bottom, excessive drying of the material on the lower belts is prevented, by directing hot air toward the upper belts but a mixture of hot air and relatively cool outside air toward the lower belts. Adjustable shutters for the inlet air, and for the division between the two portions of the hot air, are provided, there being separate fans for the two air streams.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for drying substantially flat and approximately circular workpieces, such as container covers, by transporting the covers by means of a conveyor belt through a heated zone and subsequently a cooling zone. The covers are maintained at an acute angle with respect to a lateral edge of the conveyor belt by means of a guide disposed adjacent and parallel to the conveyor belt, which serves to elevate one side of the covers. Simultaneous contact of the covers with the conveyor belt and guide causes linear and rotational motion of the covers in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. The space between the covers and the conveyor belt permits circulation of air beneath the covers to allow removal of liquids.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying fruits or other products comprises a drying unit and a connected cooling unit having conveyors therein for moving products to be dried from the cooling unit through the drying unit and then back to the cooling unit in a succession of cycles. Hot air from a heating unit is supplied to the end of the drying unit adjacent the cooling unit, and is directed through the drying unit away from the cooling unit for exhaust from the end of the drying unit remote from the cooling unit whereby, as the products being dried move through the drying unit away from the cooling unit they pass successively through air which is increasingly less hot and less dry and as said products thereafter move through the drying unit back toward the cooling unit they pass through air which is increasingly hotter and drier before reaching the cooling unit to start a new cycle.

Abstract: A method and device for filling containers with evaporated radioactive waste concentrates that are mixed with bitumen and from which the water has been expelled by creation of temperatures above the boiling point of water, in which the temperature of the waste mixture is substantially reduced below the water expelling temperature immediately before loading the mixture into the containers.

Abstract: This invention relates to heat treatment of textile products.The apparatus comprises vertical furnaces (5) each having two furnace ducts (29, 30) carrying blowing nozzles (36) and suction nozzles (37), respectively. In the ducts of the last furnace, there are arranged movable horizontal partitions formed by the selective closure of baffles (81-1, 81-2, ... 81-5, 91-1, 91-2, ... 91-4) arranged at fixed levels and preferably constituted by butterfly-valves (82) pivotally mounted on horizontal parallel axes (83).The invention is applicable to the heat treatment of continuous textile products, such as threads, ribbon or strip material. (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A generally vertically disposed bin arranged to receive grain to be dried. Moist grain enters the bin through the top at which point it is distributed relatively uniformly over the full planar area thereof. The bin is equipped with a first floor having air passage perforations therein. The first perforated floor is adapted to carry a substantial column of the moist grain thereon which is subjected to the passage of hot air moving upwardly therethrough. An auger sweep is arranged and constructed to regularly remove portions of the grain lying closest to the surface of the perforated first floor and discharge that grain downwardly through a passageway in the first floor where it is distributed relatively uniformly over a substantial column of grain carried on a second floor spaced beneath the first floor in the bin. The second floor also has air passage perforations therein to permit passage upwardly therethrough of cool air.

Abstract: An elongated generally horizontal stationary housing having generally horizontal, continuous conveyors extending therethrough and including a material drying zone or chamber for reducing the moisture content of material conveyed therethrough and a gas seal zone or chamber having an exhaust fan connected thereto at the material discharge end of the drying chamber. Hot gases are circulated through the drying chamber from the material entrance end to the material exit end of the drying chamber by a fan located in a recirculating duct connected to the opposite ends of the drying chamber and which fan maintains a subatmospheric pressure in the material exit end of the drying chamber. During return of the drying gases to the material entrance end of the drying chamber the temperature of the gases being circulated is increased. Baffles are provided at the material exit end of the seal chamber to restrict the entrance of air into the seal chamber at the material exit end thereof.

Abstract: A steaming plant for the treatment of continuous webs of textile material which contain thermoplastic synthetic fibers, especially polyacrylic nitrile fibers of the like. The steaming plant includes a steaming chamber and a vat-shaped, bath-free cooling device which when viewing in the direction of movement of the web through the plant is located behind the steaming chamber. Air from the outside passes through the cooling device in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the web, while between the steaming chamber and the cooling device there is arranged an air or steam floodgate or charging valve lock or seal (also identifiable as air-lock or steam lock as well as air-trap or steam trap) from which conduit means lead to a chimney or flue and/or to a blower.

Abstract: Food products in the form of blown beads are prepared by spraying a composition into a heated zone to dry and expand the sprayed product followed by subjecting the product to a cooling zone to thereby quench cool and to thereby aid in the control of their bulk density.

Abstract: A device for cross-linking of coating material such as rubber or plastic having a vertical or inclined cross-linking tube including a heating portion and a succeeding cooling portion, said heating portion comprising at the side thereof a gas circulating passage having a gas supply device, a gas heating device, a gas cooling device and a filter, said gas circulating passage communicating with an exhaust port above the heating portion and with a gas supply port below the heating portion so that the gas circulate in a direction opposed to the traveling direction of a conducting strand passing therethrough, whereby said conductive strand is heated and cross-linked while residue emitted from the coating material of said conductive strand is effectively removed.

Abstract: Methods of and installations for drying continuous webs of materials such as paper in which the web contacts rotating dryers heated by circulating a heat transfer liquid through them. Rotary dryers for such installations; and methods for upgrading the performance of conventional installations employing rotary dryers and for upgrading the performance of conventional rotary dryers.

Abstract: An improvement in the method of grain drying wherein grain is dried in a first drying bin and removed to a holding bin, the improvement comprising withdrawing hot air from the holding bin and circulating the hot air to the drying bin.

Abstract: A process for drying grain in which the grain is first heated to drive off a portion of the moisture as it passes along a conveyor, and the heated and partially dried grain is then discharged into a holding or steeping bin where the moisture in the center of the kernels migrates to near the surface and the temperature becomes substantially uniform throughout. The grain is then discharged onto a second belt where the grain is first heated to drive off a substantial part of the moisture remaining in the grain and then is cooled before it is discharged from the apparatus. Air is used to cool the grain before it is discharged and this partially heated air is utilized in both grain heating operations.

Abstract: A concurrent-countercurrent flow type grain dryer is described having an improved wet grain-drying air contacting arrangement. The dryer is in the form of a tower, with the grain passing from top to bottom by gravity flow. The tower has a wet grain bin at the top with intermediate drying zones and metering grain outlets at the bottom for controlling the rate of movement of grain through the tower. The drying zone is divided into several sections including at least two concurrent flow hot air drying zones with a steeping zone between each pair of concurrent flow hot air drying zones, followed by a countercurrent flow cooling zone. The use of two or more concurrent flow drying zones with intermediate steeping zones have been found to remarkably improve both the rate of flow of grain through the dryer and the moisture removal efficiency. Still greater efficiencies have been achieved by recycling the outlet drying air from one drying zone to the inlet drying air of a subsequent drying zone.

Abstract: A semi-automatic critical point drying apparatus for the preparation of biological or organic specimens for examination thereof by scanning electron microscopy. In the preparation of such specimens, the specimen is placed in a chamber into which is introduced a transitional fluid, such as liquid CO.sub.2, which replaces the dehydrating liquid in the specimen as a part of the drying process. In critical point drying, the transitional fluid in the chamber is heated to elevate the chamber temperature and pressure above the critical point of the fluid. A five-way indicator valve replaces the manually adjustable valve of prior art apparatus for enabling the operator easily to control the cooling, filling, purging and bleeding operations of such a critical point drying apparatus.

Abstract: A rotary dryer in which the rate of the bed transport is adjustable. The dryer shell is provided with at least one set of flights and a dam ring with the dam ring being spaced downstream of the flights to provide a flight-free area. Adjustable means are provided to transport material from the flight-free area over the dam ring to the downstream side thereof upon rotation of the shell to vary the amount of material retained upstream from the dam ring. In addition, means are provided to convey material from the flight-free area to a point adjacent the upstream end of the flights. Further, a cooling section is also included comprising a plurality of flights. Means for supplying co-current drying gas may be provided at the feed end of the dryer and means for supplying counter-current cooling gas may be provided adjacent the discharge end.

Abstract: A critical point drying apparatus for sample preparation in electron microscopy is automated to proceed in order through multiple operational modes in drying the specimen. These modes are: precooling, in which a specimen chamber is cooled; starting, in which the specimen chamber is filled with liquid CO.sub.2 : purging, in which a limited amount of CO.sub.2 passes through the specimen chamber; heating, in which the specimen chamber is heated to elevate pressure to the critical pressure and heat the specimen to the critical temperature; bleeding, in which the specimen chamber is depressurized to atmospheric pressure at a very slow rate; and finishing, in which the chamber is vented and an indicator signals the end of the drying operation. These steps are automatically activated in sequence when desired mode conditions are met or can be selectively controlled in a manual mode.

Abstract: An appartus and process for drying grain in which the grain is first heated to drive off a portion of the moisture as it passes along a conveyor, and the heated and partially dried grain is then discharged into a holding or steeping bin where the moisture in the center of the kernels migrates to near the surface and the temperature becomes substantially uniform throughout. The grain is then discharged onto a second belt where the grain is first heated to drive off a substantial part of the moisture remaining in the grain and then is cooled before it is discharged from the apparatus. Air is used to cool the grain before it is discharged and this partially heated air is utilized in both grain heating operations. The apparatus includes upper and lowersections with porous conveyor belts for moving the grain between a receiving hopper to the bin and from the bin into a discharge recepacle.

Abstract: In a box-type continuous hot air drying machine having a drying chamber through which yarn sheets are processed, the supply rate of thermal energy into the drying chamber is automatically controlled in accordance with the running condition of the drying machine, i.e., high speed running, low speed running and stoppage of the drying machine. Preferably cool air under pressure is introduced into the drying chamber when the machine stops running for accelerated cooling of the air and the yarn sheet in the drying chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for drying articles that have been treated, for example, with an etchant or other treatment fluid and then washed, in order to remove the liquid, generally water, therefrom, the apparatus employing a conveyor for conveying the articles through a chamber, with a plurality of gas knives for preferably engaging the wet articles with a stream or curtain of cool air for physically impelling most of the liquid, generally water, from the articles, followed by delivering the articles past one or more other gas knife stations whereby air that has been heated is impelled onto the articles, for removing generally water film from the surface thereof. The apparatus is adjustable for using a single blower to provide originally unheated air to a single duct that is bifurcated into two channels, with a heater being provided in one of the channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclamation of resinous moulding mixes used in foundry practice incorporates three chambers contained in a common housing, namely a heating chamber (3), a firing chamber (2) and a cooling chamber (4). A bottom (6) of the heating chamber forms a fluidizing conveyor conveying the moulding mix from a chute (8) to a closure (27) through which the mix drops onto a grate (5) of the firing chamber (2). The fuel is supplied through a system of collectors and nozzles to the clearances between the grate elements, while the air for fluidizing of the mix is supplied through a duct (14) to the space below the grate. The firing chamber is connected with the cooling chamber by means of the mix transfer holes (10) and (11). A bottom (12) of the cooling chamber forms a fluidizing conveyor conveying the mix to a discharge hole (24). The cooling chamber includes a cooler (23).

Abstract: Process and apparatus by means of which synthetic fiber tow, sliver or yarn is heated in a relaxed state or under tension. The material, while passing through a horizontally elongated oven provided with a series of infrared ray heaters on both the top and bottom walls, is irradiated by far infrared rays having a peak wave length of 3.5 to 7.0 .mu., while an air curtain is formed between the material and each series of infrared ray heaters; the atmosphere surrounding the material in the oven is kept at 80.degree. to 280.degree.C. Rapid treatment is possible without any adverse effects on the material.