Abstract: A clothes dryer bearing structure has an arcuate channel for receiving the open end of a dryer drum. The channel has an inner wall portion, a base wall portion extending radially outward from the inner wall portion and an outer wall portion extending from the base wall portion. A gasket is positioned in the channel in contact with the dryer drum. The outer wall portion has a plurality of spaced apart elongated clips formed on the outer wall portion and curving back into the channel. At least one of the outer wall portion and the base wall portion has a plurality of elongated bumps protruding into the channel. Each of the elongated bumps is interspaced between the elongated clips whereby the gasket lies serpentinely in the channel ascending over bumps and descending below the clips to prevent slippage of the gasket along the channel during dryer drum rotation.

Abstract: In a device for charging lumpy alternative fuels and/or waste products into a rotary kiln at a location situated between the charging end and the discharging end of the rotary kiln, wherein a closable opening is provided in the jacket of the rotary kiln, the opening carries an inwardly opening flap which is spring-loaded in the sense of closing, and a lifting device such as, e.g., a fork adjoins the opening in a substantially radial direction, from which lifting device the fuels or waste products to be charged are dischargeable into the rotary kiln under the action of gravity while overcoming the closing force of the flap.

Abstract: A selective dispensing device (1) is disclosed for limestone in vats (5a, 5b) of a regenerating oven adapted to arrange limestone with greater sizes next to an external wall (7a, 7b) of the vats (5a, 5b) and limestone with smaller sizes next to an internal wall (8a, 8b) of the vats (5a, 5b), comprising at least one mobile bulkhead (11) connected to a drive shaft (13) rotating around a rotation axis (X), such rotation being driven by an actuator system and the mobile bulkhead (11) being able to rotate around the rotation axis X to be alternatively inclined by a first angle (?) and by a second angle (?) with respect to reference plane (Z).

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a material into a kiln using low pressure air injection. In a preferred embodiment, that apparatus has a movable vessel that is movable between a collection position and a discharge position. The vessel has an open top and an open base. The open base supports a discharge gate that is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the discharge gate prevents discharge of the material from the vessel while the vessel is moving from the collection position to the discharge position. An actuable vessel cover is adapted to cover the open top of the vessel when the vessel is at the discharge position. A low pressure air injection assembly, supported by the vessel cover, injects air into the vessel to force discharge of the material through the open base, the discharge gate and into the kiln.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting a plurality of substrates between a transfer chamber and at least one processing chamber. The system includes a chuck assembly with a plurality of chucks configured to receive wafer substrates, where the chuck assembly is movably configured to provide for transfer of the plurality of substrates between a transfer chamber and a processing chamber. The system provides a structure that allows for the processing of one substrate on a first chuck, while a second substrate is loaded onto a second chuck and prepared for processing.

Abstract: A processing unit for a substrate has a vertical thermal processing furnace 4 having a bottom and an opening 4a provided at the bottom. A boat 3 holding substrates W in vertical multistairs can be placed on a first lid 17, and the first lid 17 can open and close the opening 4a of the vertical thermal processing furnace 4 with the boat 3 placed thereon. The processing unit also has a boat-placing portion 19 on which the boat 3 and another boat 3 can be placed and a boat conveying mechanism 21 for conveying the two boats 3 alternatively between the boat-placing portion 19 and the first lid 17. A second lid 18 hermetically closes the opening 4a of the vertical thermal processing furnace 4 when the first lid 17 opens the opening 4a but no boat 3 passes through the opening 4a.

Abstract: A basket or dryer liner that has the usual basket shape, i. e, generally cylindrical, but is resiliently compressible or deformable along multiple axes for reshaping into irregular shapes. It has perforate bottom wall and side walls and an open top and is generally symmetrical about x, y, and z axes that are orthogonal to each other. The basket may be manually compressed along these axes and then allowed to return to its normal shape when released. Thus, it has a noncompressed, relaxed state wherein it has maximum exterior dimensions and can stand-alone and serve the normal functions of a basket. The basket also has a compressed condition wherein at least certain of the dimensions of the basket are less than said maximum dimensions so that it can be fitted into a dryer, allowed to expand, and serve as a dryer liner. Wet clothes and other items can then be placed in the basket through the dryer opening in the normal manner.

Abstract: A feed chute apparatus for injecting fuel into a rotating cement kiln by gravity. The apparatus, which is positioned adjacent to a cement kiln and supported at an angle of inclination sufficient to allow tires or other combustible materials to be gravity fed into the cement kiln, has a feed ramp for guiding the combustible material into the kiln. A gate having a pair of opposing posts is positioned at the end of the feed ramp to control the rate of feed of the combustible material. In the rest position, the posts are extended in relation to the feed ramp to prevent the flow of combustible material. When the kiln rotates to a position where the feed opening in the wall of the kiln is aligned with the feed ramp, the gate retracts to allow the combustible material to be gravity fed into the kiln.

Abstract: A tire conveyor and lift apparatus for conveying, lifting and orienting fuel tires for injection into a rotating cement kiln by force or by gravity. The apparatus brings tires from a tire source by a variable speed conveyor belt to a gate or alternatively vertical guiding rollers that regulate the flow of tires to the lift. Hooked lift arms engage the tire through the central hole and move vertically along a guide. The linear lift arms are mounted to an endless chain which is supported by upper and lower sprockets which are driven by a motor. The top of the guide is curved and has the curvature that approximates the circumference of the top sprocket. The tire is brought along the guide and released to output rollers connected to a feed chute which is aligned with a rotating kiln.

Abstract: Furnace for the treatment of ore on a rotary hearth, including a toroidal chamber, a rotary hearth and drives for the rotary hearth, the hearth being arranged on a supporting frame fitted with guides means and motion-supports; the drives are at least partly connected to the said guides and/or to the motion-supports means.

Abstract: A fluid cooled conveying screw adapted for rotary hearth furnaces. A plurality of solid alternating single and double flights are affixed to an outer barrel. The single flights are at least partially cladded to withstand the rigors of the furnace. The double flights extend partially down the barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drum structure for a sterilizer. The structure includes: four beams (30, 32, 34, 36) disposed parallel to said axis and defining a rectangular parallelepiped volume; a plurality of spacer elements (52, 54, 56) disposed in the four faces defining said parallelepiped volume and forming triangulated structures; a second end part (60) fixed to second ends of the beams to define an inlet opening (64) into said drum; and a circular running path (62).

Abstract: A single charge continuous rotary retort furnace for heat treating machine parts in a sealed atmosphere, including a rotary retort furnace housing having an inlet and outlet end with a feeder assembly at the inlet end that has a plurality of chambers for supplying the machine parts to the rotary retort furnace housing to be heat treated. In addition, the rotary retort furnace includes a locking collar assembly for connecting the feeder assembly to the inlet end of the rotary retort furnace housing having locking tabs for locking the feeder assembly to the locking collar assembly; pistons and cylinders for rotating the locking collar assembly relative to the feeder assembly; and a device for sealing the feeder assembly relative to the locking collar assembly to create an atmospheric seal in the retort furnace housing for enabling the machine parts to be heat treated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for close-range intraoperative, endoscopic and intravascular detection and treatment of lesions, including tumors and non-malignant lesions. The methods use agents labeled with isotopic and non-isotopic agents. Also provided are methods for detection and treatment of lesions with photodynamic agents and methods of treating lesions with a protein conjugated to an agent capable of being activated to emit Anger electron or other ionizing radiation. Compositions and kits useful in the above methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding a bulk material supplemental fuel through a port formed in a side wall of a rotary vessel of a cement kiln. The apparatus includes a stationary annular plenum surrounding rotary vessel. The plenum is configured to define an enclosed interior region in communication with the port in the rotary vessel. The apparatus also includes a bulk material fuel charging apparatus including a hopper for receiving the bulk material, and a barrel in communication with the hopper. The barrel has an open discharge end extending into the interior region of the annular plenum. The bulk material fuel charging apparatus also includes an air cannon in air flow communication with the barrel for injecting air into the barrel to force a portion of the bulk material located in the barrel out of the open discharge end of the barrel, through the port, and into the rotary vessel.

Abstract: A rotating drum tumbler for loosening damp, entangled cloths or sheets is disclosed which includes a frame, a cylindrical drum rotatably supported by the frame for rotation about a horizontal axis thereof and having an opening in each of the opposite ends thereof, and drive means for rotating the drum, and which is characterized in that a conveyer is secured within the drum for rotation therewith and operable to discharge the loosened cloths or sheets placed thereon through one of the openings when the drum is maintained in a predetermined position with the conveyer being horizontally positioned.

Abstract: A method is described for environmentally sound usage of combustible hazardous waste in an operating rotary kiln. The method is particularly adapted for disposal of solid hazardous wastes, optionally in the form of a blended waste homogenate, packaged in sealable containers. The containers are used as fuel modules and charged into a rotary kiln cylinder where kiln gas temperatures range from about 950.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. to achieve high destruction and removal efficiencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering material to the interior of a kiln to be burned therein which includes a feeding mechanism which rotates with the kiln within a stationary transfer means or drum, means for delivering material to be burned to the interior of the transfer drum, said feeding mechanism including means for collecting material from the transfer drum as it rotates and said feeding mechanism including means for compressing, shredding in some applications and delivering the material to the interior of the kiln.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for charging combustible solids through a port in the wall of a rotating kiln into a heated zone of the kiln. The apparatus includes a port closure comprising inner and outer portions which cooperate to define a passage for closure-cooling air flow when the closure is in a port-closed position. A transfer assembly is mounted on the kiln wall in alignment with the port. During kiln rotation combustible solids are loaded from a staging assembly onto the transfer assembly for alignment with the port and delivery into the kiln.

Abstract: A method is described for environmentally sound usage of combustible hazardous waste in an operating rotary kiln. The method is particularly adapted for disposal of solid hazardous wastes, optionally in the form of a blended waste homogenate, Packaged in sealable containers. The containers are used as fuel modules and charged into a rotary kiln cylinder where kiln gas temperatures range from about 950.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. to achieve high destruction and removal efficiencies.

Abstract: A hazardous waste incinerator (100) includes a rotary kiln (120) with a helical flight (250) within. The kiln (120) is fed hazardous waste by either a continuous feed system (164) or a positive feed system (162). The kiln (120) is comprised of six retort sections (202, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210). The combusted waste is separated into ash and recoverable metals. The air flow is counter to the flow of waste through the kiln (120), with exhaust gases vented from the kiln entrance. Fugitive emissions are also contained by shrouds (164, 166) and containment building (160). These exhaust gases pass through the secondary combustor (130) to ensure destruction of any principle organic hazardous constituents. The exhaust gases are then treated in a spray dryer (140) to cool it and neutralize any acidic components. A baghouse (150) then removes any remaining particulate matter before the exhaust exits the stack (156).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for charging combustible solids through a port in the wall of a rotating kiln into a heated zone of the kiln. The apparatus includes a port closure comprising inner and outer portions which cooperate to define a passage for closure-cooling air flow when the closure is in a port-closed position. A transfer assembly is mounted on the kiln wall in alignment with the port. During kiln rotation combustible solids are loaded from a staging assembly onto the transfer assembly for alignment with the port and delivery into the kiln.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for charging containerized fuel, particularly combustible hazardous waste homogenates, through a wall of a rotating kiln with minimal perturbation of mineral processing conditions. During kiln rotation fuel modules are loaded into the apparatus and charged into the kiln through a port in the kiln cylinder wall and onto the contained mineral bed. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus includes a device for actuating a port closure and a drop tube extending from the port into the kiln cylinder and positioned so that in-process mineral material does not contact the port closure during rotation of the kiln cylinder.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a drum (10) adapted to be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation (A) and having an at least approximately cylindrical body (12) as well as two steep end walls (14), one at each side of the body (12). The two end walls (14) each include a radially outer crown of ring sectors (20) which are inclined in overlapping relationship such that their leading edges (22) in the operating direction of rotation (26) of the drum (10) are disposed axially further outside than their trailing edges (24). A gap-like passage (28) each is formed between adjacent ring sectors (20). The material (58) being treated may exit through these passages upon rotation of the drum (10) in reverse sense. The ring sectors (20) are followed radially inwardly by a central portion (18,42) of the respective end wall (14) which portion the material (58) cannot penetrate. This makes sure that the material (58) will revolve without disturbance within the forwardly rotating drum (10).

Abstract: An improved process for recycling asphaltic concrete comprises introducing asphaltic concrete particles at one end of an elongated rotating drum while supplying flame and hot gases of combustion to the drum at the opposite end, and introducing virgin aggregate into the drum intermediate the two ends. The asphaltic concrete is heated as it travels along a portion of the length of the drum and is recovered just prior to reaching the position along the drum length at which the aggregate is introduced. The aggregate is heated as it travels toward the end of the drum at which the flame and hot gases are introduced. Heated aggregate may be returned to the drum for further heating, and may be directed to the opposite drum end and mixed with the asphaltic concrete in a section of the drum.

Abstract: A rotatable drum is equipped at a front end with a burner for liquid waste materials and at a rear end has a tiltable charging mechanism for solid waste materials and waste materials stored in barrels. The rear end of the drum is sealed by a fixed casing enveloping the charging mechanism. Adjacent that end there is a gas outlet projecting through a dome-like gas inlet connection of a fixed secondary combustion chamber. The drum shell is stepped such that a refractory lining of the semicylindrical lower drum part cooled by means of water spray nozzles is thinner than a refractory brick material of the semicylindrical drum upper part by an amount equal to the depth of the drum step. Due to rotationally reciprocating or rocking movement of the drum, the waste materials undergo pyrolysis, the pyrolysis gases flowing through a gas outlet into the secondary combustion chamber.

Abstract: A cooking retort for soup or the like in which the individual cans are stored in storage rack clusters arranged around a generally horizontal axis. The retort employs a power cylinder to tilt the retort and thus the storage racks to enable inclination of the racks to facilitate the loading and tilting of the racks to facilitate unloading. In addition, a hexagonal pattern of can rack clusters is provided to enhance cooking capacity of cans.

Abstract: A loading method and loading device for feeding waste-filled containers into a rotary incinerator, wherein open topped containers are filled with liquid, pasty, or solid waste materials and are fed sequentially using a reciprocating ram via a slide onto a loading and dumping platform. This loading and dumping platform projects from the stationary incinerator inside wall into the drum of the rotary incinerator. Each container placed on the loading and dumping platform is allowed to stand for one loading time interval during which a portion of the combustible volatile components of the waste contents is gasified and burned by the heat radiating from the fire in the drum. After this initial combustion, the reciprocating ram feeds the next container in sequence onto the loading and dumping platform and, at the same time, tips the first container off the platform into the drum. The combustible waste residue of this tipped container spreads out on the lower wall of the drum and burns, releasing further heat.

Abstract: In a calciner having a rotatable cylindrical retort, an improved material feed spiral has a final turn and a 3/4 turn ending immediately adjacent the retort and a next to final turn connected to the final turn and extending outwardly therefrom away from the cylindrical retort. The final turn and 3/4 turn are of a height substantially equal to a given percentage of the inner diameter of the retort and the next to final turn tapers from a height substantially equal to the given height of the final turn to a height less than the given height.

Abstract: A calciner includes a rotatable cylindrical retort which is indirectly heated and has material receiving and material discharging ends. A reverse pitch tapered spiral is affixed internal of the material discharging end with the spiral tapering toward the material discharging end whereby uniformity of material discharge over 300 degrees of rotation is achieved and whereby uniformity of agitation and increased residence time are achieved.

Abstract: A calciner has a rotatable indirectly-heated cylindrical retort with a material receiving end and a material discharge end and a reverse pitch spiral is affixed internal of the cylindrical retort at the material discharge end.

Abstract: A rotary furnace volumetric feeder includes a hopper for receiving work pieces, a feed chute which includes two openings disposed therein, a measuring station and discharge chute. The discharge chute is normally sealed, thereby precluding the outside atmosphere from entering the furnace while permitting oven gases to slowly leak to the outside atmosphere providing a more controlled atmosphere in the oven yielding a more controllable process and an improved product.

Abstract: A device for the rapid machine composting of sewage sludge including a rotary drum and having a feeding device extending longitudinally of the drum for feeding material to be composted into the drum. Air, heat and moisture are supplied to and discharged from the sludge compost and the composted material is discharged from the drum. A pre-mixing device for the sludge to be composted is located outside the rotary drum and includes a mixing vessel. Material to be composted is delivered to the mixing vessel as is composted sludge from the drum.

Abstract: Rotary drum type heat treatment apparatus having a rotary drum rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The drum has an outlet end and the apparatus includes a cooling section having a movable grate with one end disposed beneath the outlet end of the rotary drum for receiving material from the drum. The drum is provided at the outlet end with a plurality of circumferentially spaced distribution members, each of which has at least one side surface extending longitudinally outwardly beyond the outlet end and inclined with respect to a radial line of the drum for engagement with material being discharged through the outlet end to deflect the same.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly for a rotary calcining hearth in which a carriage movable radially along tracks carries one or more pairs of opposed rollers receiving a flange extending around the hearth. The carriage supports the chute to cause the chute to follow any radial fluctuations in the position of the hearth edge and thereby minimize spillage of material. The chute is disposed with its upper edge extending into an outwardly opening circumferential channel formed around the side of the hearth beneath the upper surface, further minimizing spillage.