Abstract: A drum dryer provided with a liquid splash and scatter preventing equipment, which enables continuous operation by preventing a scattering liquid from making dry powder in the case in which the equipment is provided above a neighborhood of a liquid concentration section. A double drum type drum dryer including a liquid splash and scatter preventing equipment is provided in a horizontal above a neighborhood of a liquid concentration section between drums and has a cooling function.

Abstract: A laundry drying machine includes a cabinet and a laundry holding drum rotatably supported within the cabinet for rotation. The drum includes a wall that is circumferential relative to the rotation and a drum hatch that is a section of the wall. The drum forms an enclosure together with at least one stationary end surface centred on the axis of rotation of the drum. A motor is connected to drive rotation of the drum and a fan provides a flow of air through the interior of the drum. The drum includes an outlet opening centred on the axis of rotation and an annular filter screen extending from the periphery of the drum outlet and rotating with the drum. The annular screen is connected along one circumferential edge to the drum. There is an annular sliding seal between the other annular edge of the screen and the outlet duct and an annular sliding seal between the outlet duct and the drum external to the annular filter screen.

Abstract: An appliance for drying clothing articles has a drum for receiving the clothing articles, a motor for rotating the drum about an axis, a heater for supplying heated air to the drum during a drying cycle and a trap duct in air flow communication with the dryer drum through which air flows when leaving the dryer drum. The trap duct comprises a filter for trapping lint, and an air flow baffle positioned downstream of the lint filter that extends parallel to direction of air flow through the trap duct to improve air flow in the dryer.

Abstract: A lint removal system includes a housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. Each of the front and back walls has an elongated opening therein. The openings are aligned. A clothes moving apparatus is positioned in the housing and is adapted for moving clothes into the opening in the front wall and outwardly of the opening in the back wall. A plurality of motors is mechanically coupled to the moving apparatus for selectively actuating the moving apparatus. A pair of lint rollers is rotatably mounted in the housing and is positioned adjacent to the back wall. The lint rollers are positioned above and below the opening in the back wall.

Abstract: This invention relates to a desiccant cartridge (10) adapted for use in a canister (14) of an integrated receiver/dryer or accumulator assembly of an automotive air conditioning system wherein the canister (14) has an offset inlet port (16). The desiccant cartridge (10) includes a desiccant cup (18) having a center tube (36) and a desiccant cap (12) including a planar portion (44) having a recessed port area (46) provided with a first aperture (56), or first tube (72), for cooperation with a side tube (78) and/or the offset inlet port (16) of the canister (14). The cap (12) further includes a docking piece (80) provided with a second aperture (88), or second tube (92), for cooperating with the center tube (36) of the cup (18) when the cap (12) is retained therein.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a particulate trap comprises locating the trap in a chamber and forcing cleaning air through the trap. The air and removed particulates is extracted from the trap towards a filter. The expelled air essentially without the removed particulates from the chamber, the removed particulates being essentially trapped in the filter. The trap is locatable about a longitudinal axis such that air is urged in a longitudinal direction through the trap. The trap is supportable on at least one rotatable roller to affect rotation about the axis. A motor and blower draws air from the chamber and an air pressure differential about the filter causes the particulate to be directed through the filter and excess air is pumped out of the blower by the motor operating the blower.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use in the production of semiconductor components comprises two feed devices with which a fluid medium is guided across a respective surface of an object to be cleaned so that different faces of the object are simultaneously cleaned. At least two gas feeding devices, having one means each for directing a gas flow onto the surface of the object to be cleaned, open into a cleaning chamber supplying a pressurized cleaning gas. At least two extraction means are connected to the outside of the cleaning chamber for discharging the gas fed to the cleaning chamber. The object can be introduced into the cleaning chamber through at least one gap. At least two ionization means are used to ionize the gas and the particles that are present in the cleaning chamber. One ionization means each is mounted between a direction means and an extraction means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes a filter positioned with a sample flow path such that it restricts or prevents the passage of foreign materials, liquids or debris into a device such that, if not filtered, the elements harm the operational ability of the device.

Abstract: A moisture absorption apparatus comprises a desiccant container with a side wall and optionally a bottom and a desiccant solution container with a side wall and a bottom. The desiccant container receives particulate desiccant which forms a desiccant solution on contact with moist air. The desiccant container side wall has at least one air access opening and a passage permitting desiccant solution to flow into the desiccant solution container. The desiccant solution container has a top opening and is slidingly displaceable on the desiccant container so as to allow the desiccant container to be displaced in the desiccant solution container to a depth sufficient for the desiccant solution container side wall to fully cover the air access opening of the desiccant container.

Abstract: Spin drying of a stack of flats such as egg trays is performed within a housing by movement of a rotatable lifting head into engagement with the undersurface of the stack. A stack lifting device lifts the lifting head and the stack of flats positioned thereon vertically upwardly into engagement with a drive engagement device thereabove which is rotatably powered by a drive with an optional braking device. Operation of the drive will cause rotation of the lifting head, the stack of flats and the drive engagement device simultaneously. The stack of flats will be held between the lifting head engaging the lower surface thereof and the drive engagement device engaging the upper surface thereof for fixedly securing these three elements together during powered rotation thereof. The rotation will spin off any liquids remaining on the flats such as would be present after being washed.

Abstract: A drying unit for removing solvent from moist material, and a method for drying moist material with the drying unit. The unit comprises at least one drying chamber (23) having at least one stand plate (2) for holding vessels (3), which are filled with moist material, or flat layers of moist material, the drying chamber (23) being connected to a condenser (22) via a vapor passage (15), in which sublimed solvent can be separated out, the stand plates (2) being connected to a temperature-controlled heating/cooling circuit, the chamber (23) having heating/cooling plates (4) or (4′) which are connected to a second heat-transfer circuit, wherein the heating/cooling plates (4) or (4′) are substantially thermally isolated from the chamber wall (6).

Abstract: Flux management systems and methods are provided for filtering vaporized flux from the gas of a reflow soldering oven. A flux management system includes a cooling chamber having a cooling medium through which the gas passes. The vaporized flux condenses on the surfaces of the cooling chamber and drips into a collection pan, thereby preventing it from dripping onto circuit boards passing through the oven. The flux management system may further include a self-cleaning feature that includes a compressed gas, which is allowed to enter the cooling chamber through a solenoid valve. The compressed gas may then be directed through a heater, which increases the temperature of the cooling chamber, thereby causing a decrease in viscosity of the flux, which allows it to flow freely into a drain tube. The flux may then be transported by gravity into a collection container.

Abstract: A device (10) for removing lint from a dryer lint screen (14). Device (10) preferably includes a trash container (13) and a trash container lid (12), the latter of which forms a slot (26) for receiving the dryer lint screen (14). Attached to the underside of lid (12) adjacent slot (26) are bristles (40). Lint is removed from the lint screen (14) by inserting it into slot (26) and then withdrawing it. Bristles (40) contact the lint and strip it off of screen (14) as the screen is withdrawn from the slot (26). The lint can then fall into trash container (13) for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for collecting ablated material generated by exposure of an imaging layer to a source of radiation, said apparatus comprising a vacuum supply means, and a vacuum head connected to, and in close proximity with, a centrifugal separator, said vacuum head being for direct attachment to a movable mounting means having guide means. The centrifugal separator preferably comprises a reverse flow gas cyclone or a uniflow gas cyclone. The apparatus preferably also includes a filtration system capable of removing any remaining contaminants Typically, the vacuum supply means comprises a vacuum pump, the movable mounting means comprises a carriage to which the vacuum head may be attached and the guide means comprises a guide rail. A method of preparing an imaged member is also disclosed, preferably from an imaging member which comprises a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a substrate and a metal imaging layer.

Abstract: A device (10) for removing lint from a dryer lint screen (14). Device (10) preferably includes a trash container (13) and a trash container lid (12), the latter of which forms a slot (26) for receiving the dryer lint screen (14). Attached to the underside of lid (12) adjacent slot (26) are bristles (40). Lint is removed from the lint screen (14) by inserting it into slot (26) and then withdrawing it. Bristles (40) contact the lint and strip it off of screen (14) as the screen is withdrawn from the slot (26). The lint can then fall into trash container (13) for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the cleaning efficiency of a high density plasma system by introducing thermally hot gases to heat downstream chamber walls to improve the fluorine attack on deposit coatings. In certain embodiments of the invention, the cleaning gas and thermally hot gas are allowed into the region of the high vacuum pump to provide cleaning of the high vacuum pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing a wafer mapping system of an SMIF system from being polluted by a corrosive gas remaining on wafers according to the present invention are disclosed. The wafer mapping system includes a plurality of mirrors and sensors used to detect the positions of the wafers. The apparatus of the prevent invention comprises a pipe having a plurality of holes thereon and a purge gas flowing inside the pipe, and is characterized in that the purge gas is emitted out from the plurality of holes toward the mirrors of the wafer mapping system, thereby preventing the mirrors from being polluted by the corrosive gas remaining on the wafers. The method of the prevent invention is characterized by emitting a purge gas from a pipe toward the mirrors of the wafer mapping system, thereby preventing the mirrors from being polluted by the corrosive gas remaining on the wafers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the cleaning efficiency of a high density plasma system by introducing thermally hot gases to heat downstream chamber walls to improve the fluorine attack on deposit coatings. In certain embodiments of the invention, the cleaning gas and thermally hot gas are allowed into the region of the high vacuum pump to provide cleaning of the high vacuum pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a doctor apparatus (10) in connection with a roll (T) in a paper or board machine. The doctor apparatus (10) comprises a doctor beam (12) of lightweight construction and that the doctor beam (12) is arranged to pivot on bearing means (13a1, 13a2 . . . ) (pivot movement arrow L1). In connection with the doctor beam there are loading members (14a1, 14a2), a relative linear movement taking place between the loading members (14a1, 14a2) and backup surfaces (12′, 15a′) when the doctor beam (12) is being oscillated.

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: A line for processing semiconductor wafers into integrated circuits (ICs) is provided with an input-output (I-O) chamber to help purge residual contamination from the wafers before they are transferred into a processing line. After a cassette containing semiconductor wafers is placed in the chamber, it is sealed from the line and from the atmosphere. Then a dry inert gas such as nitrogen is dispersed into the top of the chamber to form a covering blanket around the wafers to displace and sweep away contaminants such as air-bome particles, moisture and organic vapors. While the purge gas is flowing, gasses and residual contamination are exhausted from the bottom of the chamber at a relatively slow rate until an intermediate pressure level is reached at which pressure droplets of liquid from residual moisture and vapor can no longer condense. Then the flow of purge gas is stopped and the pressure within the chamber is relatively quickly reduced to a base operating value (e.g.

Abstract: A method and system for in-situ cleaning of a reticle. Ionized gas is directed onto the reticle by a delivery device. The ionized gas neutralizes electro-static attraction between the reticle and particulate contaminants on the reticle and thereby dislodges them from the reticle. The ionized gas and particulate contaminants are then removed from the reticle by a vacuuming pump and transported from the system by a contaminant collector. As a result of the in-situ cleaning method and system, the overall risk of chip defects due to reticle particulate contaminants is reduced, and chip and wafer yield is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying printing composition on a print medium are disclosed. A method embodiment for use in a printing device includes depositing printing composition onto a print medium and enclosing the print medium in a sealed environment. The method additionally includes reducing a pressure in the sealed environment below an ambient pressure and heating the print medium in the sealed environment to dry the printing composition on the print medium. An apparatus embodiment for use in a printing device having a print engine for depositing printing composition onto a print medium includes an enclosure configured to provide a sealed environment around the print medium. The apparatus additionally includes a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the enclosure and configured to reduce a pressure in the sealed environment below an ambient pressure and a heater configured to apply heat energy to the print medium in the sealed environment to dry the printing composition on the print medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning sheets that resist folding, especially refolding upon themselves even after an initial fold has been formed in the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a cleaning gas to a semiconductor substrate processing chamber. The apparatus comprises a feed block disposed on top of the processing chamber and a support block disposed over the feed block. The feed block and the support block slidably interfit and are axially moveable with respect to one another.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a reticle. There is provided a clean chamber and a reticle having a pair of opposing edges and a pair of opposing surfaces which is to be cleaned disposed in the clean chamber. A gas inert to the reticle is directed in a direction tangential to each of the surfaces of the reticle and along one the edge of the reticle. The gas is exhausted from a location spaced from the other of the pair of opposing edges and remote form the one edge. An optional monitor monitors the particles in the exhausted gas. The gas is preferably applied in pulses which have a pulse length of from about 0.05 second to about 1 second and a pulse repetition rate of from about 0.5/second to about 40/second. The gas is preferably ionized and preferably is applied at a pressure of from about 20 psi to about 120 psi. The stepper chamber is vibrationally isolated from the blow-off chamber.

Abstract: A device for enhancing removal of liquid from fabric utilizing mechanical and aerodynamic techniques. A base plate contains one or more apertures to which a vacuum is applied for extracting water from the fabric. The total cross-sectional area of the apertures is selected to be that which will increase, and preferably maximize, the extraction power for the vacuum motor with which said base plate is to be utilized. The number and shape of the apertures is selected to reduce the ratio of the total distance along all the perimeters of said apertures to the total cross-sectional area of said apertures in order to reduce boundary layer drag. The cross-sectional area of each of said apertures is selected to be large enough to permit solid contaminants that can be expected to be in the liquid to pass through said apertures without clogging said apertures. Barriers are attached to the bottom of the base plate to force any liquid in the fabric toward the apertures as the base plate is moved across the fabric.

Abstract: A device for enhancing removal of liquid from fabric, such as a vacuum head device for removing liquid from carpet, includes an elongated base plate to be moved across the carpet. The vacuum head has a tapering cross section with a wider upper end and a narrower lower end configured to penetrate into the carpeted surface. In addition, a plurality of apertures are formed in an array in the base plate to withdraw the fluid under a vacuum force. Preferably, the plurality of apertures are sized larger than a width of the lower surface to create a plurality of protrusions extending from the base plate configured to penetrate the carpeted surface.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and drying workpieces in a treatment vessel in which a reduced pressure can be provided. During the cleaning process, a liquid bath is formed in the treatment vessel (1), said liquid bath at least partially surrounding the work pieces, and cleaning fluid and optionally a gaseous medium are introduced into the treatment vessel under excess pressure via a spray unit. The workpiece support moves up and down or rotates so that the work pieces are subjected alternately to different cleaning processes in the liquid bath and a gas space located above said liquid bath.

Abstract: A doctor blade structural support has the form of a hollow structural member of roughly triangular cross-section, one side of the triangular cross-section being substantially tangent to the surface of the dryer roll. A quantity of water is disposed within the hollow structural member and resides on the inside surface of the structural member adjacent to the heated dryer roll surface. The interior of the doctor support structure is sealed from the atmosphere and is evacuated so that the interior of the structure contains only water and water vapor. Heat radiating from the dryer roll surface to the doctor support structure causes water disposed on the inside surface adjacent to the dryer roll to evaporate, thus raising the internal vapor pressure in the sealed interior of the doctor support structure. The water vapor continuously condenses on the inside surfaces of the support structure which are not exposed to radiant heating from the dryer roll.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a belt dryer (10) with at least one belt (18) running through a drying space (17) for receiving the products to be dried, and a cleaning nozzle emitting a cleaning agent into the drying space (17) of the belt dryer (10) the apparatus includes at least one nozzle (31, 32, 33; 61) arranged for traveling in the longitudinal direction (22) and/or transverse direction (29) of the belt (18). The invention relates furthermore to a belt dryer, in the drying space (17) of which at least one traveling slide (30, 44) and/or at least one extensible arm (60) is arranged, applied to the slide or arm is at least one nozzle (31, 32, 33; 61).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from a surface of an article, such as a semiconductor wafer in a clean room. The particles are supplied with an electric charge. Subsequently, an ultrasonic wave or a gas stream is applied onto the surface of the article while an electric field is applied for driving away the electrically charged particles from the surface, thereby removing particles having a dimension smaller than 1 micrometer from the surface. The presence of a collecting member allows the removal of resulting, floating particles.

Abstract: An alcohol vapor dryer system includes a vapor generating chamber, a heater, a process chamber, a gas supplier, a drain vessel, and a suction device. The vapor generating chamber of cylindrical shape contains liquid alcohol supplied from an outer source and includes a fan installed above the surface of the liquid alcohol. The heater installed below the vapor generating chamber heats the liquid alcohol contained in the vapor generating chamber at a temperature lower than the boiling point of the liquid alcohol. The process chamber communicates with the vapor generating chamber through a plurality of fluid ducts and includes a body and a cover plate for covering the body. The gas supplier generates heated nitrogen gas and supplies the gas in order to transfer the heated nitrogen gas and the alcohol vapors to the fluid ducts which are connected to the process chamber. The drain vessel communicates with the bottom of the body of the process chamber and also with the bottom of the vapor generating chamber.

Abstract: An opening/closing device for a discharge hole of a filter-drier is disclosed, in which an outer shell of a driving means for driving the opening/closing device of the discharge hole is sealed, so that during the discharge of the processed powders, the processed powders can be prevented from being introduced into the outer shell. A discharge tube 1 is fastened to the discharge hole 4 by means of a fastening device 1a, so that processed drug powders can be discharged though a discharge tube hole 4a. A cylindrical opening 2c is formed inside a flange 2b of the outer shell 2. A sealing cover 3b extends from the opening/closing plate 3 to be inserted into the opening 2c, and the sealing cover 3b is longer than the actuation distance of the opening/closing plate 3. The sealing cover 3b does not depart from the opening 2c, but is always maintained within the opening 2c to seal off the interior of the outer shell 2.

Abstract: A system for adapting a dry cleaner machine to the use of hydrocarbon-based cleaning fluids provides a purging gas flow of an inert gas through the machine and through articles to be cleaned in a cleaning compartment therein prior to introduction of the hydrocarbon-based cleaning fluid. The system further provides a maintenance gas flow of an inert gas through the machine during at least a cleaning cycle and a drying cycle. The maintenance gas flow also flows through an aspirating device which communicates with an interior portion of the machine and which aspirates gas samples therefrom. The oxygen level of the gas samples is sensed and monitored, with the maintenance gas flow adjusted to maintain the oxygen level safely below a limit value. At least a portion of the purging gas flow and the maintenance gas flow is exhausted from the machine at two locations, the locations selected to provide a uniform bathing of all interior components of the machine in the inert gas flow.

Abstract: A self-cleaning lint trap includes an enclosed housing having an inlet port, an exhaust port, and a spiral chamber between the ports for imparting a circular air flow to air moving through the spiral chamber. A fine mesh screen extends across the exhaust port, and along the cylindrical side wall of the spiral chamber, for collecting lint from air passing through the chamber. A freely movable lightweight object is enclosed within the spiral chamber, and is moved about the chamber by the circular air flow to break off lint from the screens. A slot in the side wall of the chamber is fluidly connected to a lint collector, such that the compacted lint ball will be carried from the chamber through the slot and to the lint collector for later disposal.

Abstract: The device relates to a wood drying plant comprising a wood drying device and a purifying device which is arranged to receive a drying gas from the wood drying device, the drying gas comprising water steam and volatilized organic components such as terpenes, and to purify the drying gas from organic components and to recover the latter. The purifying device comprises at least one condenser which is arranged to separate relatively difficultly volatilized components containing organic components and relatively easily volatilized components. The purifying device also comprises a separating device which is arranged to separate said organic components and a rest material from the relatively difficultly volatilized components. The purifying device also comprises a transferring device which is arranged to transfer organic components present in the rest material to the drying gas introduced in the purifying device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying material, in which a previous dried material is mixed into the wet material to be dried to produce a dried mixture of different particle sizes. The process for drying material requires less industrial equipment implemented in a more economical and simpler plant that can be operated with low energy and maintenance requirments. The amount of fine material obtained after drying is measured and the amount of fine previously dried material mixed into the wet material to be dried is then set in inverse proportion to the quantity of fine dried material produce.

Abstract: A gas dryer having a housing, an outlet chamber, a pressure relief space, and a connection connecting the outlet chamber to the pressure relief space. An outlet valve is located within the connection connecting the outlet chamber to the pressure relief space. A piston which actuates opening and closing of the outlet is subjected to pressure contained in a control chamber. This pressure urges the outlet valve into an open position. The gas dryer also has an auxiliary valve system which is located between the control chamber and the pressure relief space. The auxiliary valve system controls the flow of the pressure medium between the control chamber and the relief space.

Abstract: A method and device for washing a drying wire in a dryer group in a dryer section of a paper or board machine in which the drying wire is guided by drying cylinders, reversing rolls and guide rolls. A liquid jet is directed at the drying wire at a location after a first one of the drying cylinders in the dryer group and before a last one of the drying cylinders in the dryer group and/or a location on a downward run of the drying wire from one of the drying cylinders. The washing device includes a spray device for providing the liquid jet and possibly an air blow device for blowing air at the drying wire after the liquid jet in order to dry the drying wire.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the dynamic cleaning of semiconductor fabrication equipment and particularly quartzware with thermally activated nitrogen trifluoride wherein the cleaning effluent is safely removed and cleaning by-products isolated or diluted to provide for efficient cleaning and rapid restarts of fabrication equipment so cleaned.

Abstract: A lead frame dryer comprises a pair of water absorbing rollers positioned downstream of a lead frame water jet deflasher. The water absorbing rollers remove water from surfaces of the lead frame. A solid roller is positioned adjacent each of the water absorbing rolls to squeegee to compress the water absorbing roller and remove water stored in the water absorbing rollers for collection. A venturi device is provided which creates a vacuum for absorbing water removed from the water absorbing rolls. The collected water can be recycled back to the water jet deflasher.

Abstract: A chicken manure drying system is placed in a hen house. A platform of the system is disposed underneath a plurality of chicken cages. As chicken manure drops from the chicken cages, it collects on the platform. Drying fans of the system are disposed adjacent to the platform. The drying fans provide a constant flow of air over the chicken manure so as to dry the chicken manure. The plowing apparatus of the system includes a plowing device disposed over the platform. The plowing device is periodically moved across the platform in order to plow the chicken manure. The plowing of the chicken manure exposes more of the chicken manure to air. This exposure facilitates the comprehensive and expeditious drying of the chicken manure. After the chicken manure has been sufficiently dried to serve as fertilizer, the chicken manure is conveyed to a collection site.

Abstract: A rotating drum clothes drier has an annular lint filter which rotates with the drier drum and which encircles the drier door. Heated air enters an inlet at one end of the drum, passes through the clothes in the drum (picking up lint from the clothes), through the annular lint filter and out of the drier. During operation, lint collects on the inner surface of the rotating filter, eventually building up to form a felted layer. A scraper blade fixed to the drier cabinet and aligned with (but displaced a fixed distance from) the surface of the filter peels the felted layer of lint from the filter once the thickness of the felt is such that the scraper blade contacts the lint felt. The layer of lint felt thus removed from the filter surface is then collected in a cavity within the drier door for storage and later disposal.

Abstract: An integrated plant including a microalgae production plant for growing, harvesting and drying algae and a fossil fuel-motor-generator plant producing electrical energy. A fossil fuel engine produces hot exhaust gas from which sensible heat dries the algae. The drying may be direct from the exhaust gas or may be indirect with the hot exhaust gas exchanging sensible heat with a recirculating stream of inert gas. Carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas is recovered for use as a nutrient in the microalgae production plant. Electrical energy from the generator is used to drive motors and/or produce artificial illumination and/or drive pumps, motors and controls in the microalgae production plant.

Abstract: A hair dryer has a housing including an air inlet opening and an air exit opening for passage of an air stream. The housing accommodates a blower structure and a heater, and the air inlet opening has associated to it a filter element. Provided in the housing are a detector producing an output signal in dependence upon at least one temperature prevailing in the housing and having associated thereto a signaling device which is actuatable on attainment of a predeterminable threshold value of the output signal. The signaling device indicates to the user of the hair dryer that the filter element requires cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: Damp sodium bicarbonate filter cake is pre-dried and calcined to produce light soda as in a process comprising a carbon dioxide ebullated fluid bed pre-dryer working in connected series relationship with a plurality of carbon dioxide ebullated fluid bed/bag filter calcination systems such that bicarbonate decomposition during pre-drying is minimized and the thermal treatment of small particles during calcination is optimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting lint from a gas comprising a shell, a gas passageway through the shell, and a lint-collecting component positioned to collect lint from the gas. The lint-collecting component has a vertical longitudinal axis and a collecting surface, preferably cylindrical, surrounding the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a cage which causes the lint to accumulate in a plurality of sections on the collecting surface. The shell has a smooth interior surface to allow the lint to travel over the surface without hang-up. A blow-off system is provided to remove accumulated lint from the collecting surface. The blow-off system includes an air reservoir and a regulator/filter for filling the reservoir with air from a supply line at a controlled rate. A control system activates the blow-off system and includes a timed delay to allow the effects of coasting to minimize.

Abstract: A process, and its related apparatus, for pre-treating corn or other grain, which makes use of exhaust air from a conventional dryer by conveying the exhaust air from the dryer through a heater and into a steeping container. The grain in the steeping container is slowly and evenly pre-treated as air passes through a perforated floor in the steeping container and through the grain or corn, thereby, yielding grain with uniform moisture levels and uniform quality.

Abstract: A shredding and fluidization drying apparatus for treating a material such as waste paper of industrial waste generally comprises a vertical fluidization drying column, a separator for separating a dried material and a gas component fed from the fluidization drying column, a paddle mixer mixing a new material with a part of the dried material from the separator, a conveyor for feeding the mixed material into the fluidization drying column, and a hot blast supplying means for supplying a hot blast into the fluidization drying column. A pair of rotary drum assemblies, each comprising a pair of rotary drum units provided with blade members and combined suitably, are disposed at the lower portion of the fluidization drying column and the rotary drum assemblies are supported by a pair of parallel shafts to be rotatable respectively.