Abstract: Popcorn machines having process chambers with variable heating profiles, and associated systems and methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a tube having an upper tube portion and a lower tube portion. The upper tube portion and the lower tube portion form a circumferential boundary of a tubular process chamber for popping popcorn. A first heating element can be positioned to heat a first heating zone, and a second heating element can be positioned to heat a second heating zone. A first thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature at a transition point between the first heating zone and the second heating zone, and a second thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature in the second heating zone. A rotatable auger can be positioned at least partially within the tube to move ingredients through the process chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides method and apparatus for performing chemical and biochemical reactions in solution using in situ generated photo-products as reagent or co-reagent. Specifically, the method and apparatus of the present invention have applications in parallel synthesis of molecular sequence arrays on solid surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for sterilization and/or heat treatment of products in particle form, e.g. bone meal, and comprising an upright-standing pressure vessel (2) with elevator arrangement (6) which lifts the meal from the bottom area (5) to the top area (4), and lets it fall back to the bottom area for re-lifting.The processing is effected by direct steam supply (16), whereby the meal is heated to sterilization temperature.After the treatment or the sterilization, the vessel is emptied by the opening of a bottom valve (10). During the whole of the process, i.e. during filling, sterilization and emptying, the elevator arrangement (6) is in operation.The elevator arrangement is, for example, a helical vibration elevator firmly built into the vessel and with external vibration motors (8), so that the whole of the vessel is made to vibrate.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for liquefying tires is shown in a first form including a plurality of tire modules (12) holding tires which are immersed in and preheated by a slurry located in a tank (22). After preheating, the tire module (12) and tires held thereon are removed from the preheat tank (22) and are immersed in a slurry located in a high temperature tank (28). The temperature of the slurry in the high temperature tank (28) is sufficient to liquify the tires. As the tires liquify, the slurry produced is retained in the high temperature tank (28) to immerse further tires and also overflows from the high temperature tank (28) to the preheat tank (22) and then to a storage tank (36). The slurry from the storage tank (36) can be pumped to the burner (42) of the heat exchanger (48) for heating the slurry in the high temperature tank (28) or can be used for other purposes.

Abstract: An inorganic powder is vibrated while being calcined. The vibrations suspend the powder as in a conventional gas-fluidized system, without clumping, but without loss of fines. As applied to superconductor precursor powders, the treatment accelerates growth of the superconducting phase. The invention includes a novel furnace system for simultaneously heating and vibrating the powders.

Abstract: A furnace grate structure for a furnace or incinerator on which solid fuel advances in an advancing direction has at least two parallel grate beams extending substantially transversely to the advancing direction, the beams being mounted on a substructure and forming upwardly facing support structures. The grate beams form grate beam sections with gaps formed between the end surfaces of adjacent grate beam sections. The gaps are covered by a covering device and a recess is provided in the end surfaces of the grate beam sections to receive the covering device.

Abstract: A spring heat treating furnace in which untreated springs are charged through a charging port in the body thereof, the springs being heat-treated while being conveyed along a conveyance passageway inside the body. The heat-treated springs are discharged from a discharge port in the furnace body, said conveyance passageway being formed into a spiral passageway capable of arranging said springs in the direction of conveyance. A passageway vibrating device is disposed at the lower portion of said conveyance passageway for vibrating the passageway to convey the springs in a discharging direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid to solids heat exchanger and to a process for retorting carbon-containing solids (e.g. oil shale) using such heat exchanger. The heat exchanger contains a liquid pool reservoir, heat source or heat sink for heating or cooling the liquid pool, a support for the solids such that there is heat exchange between the solids and the liquid pool without direct contact of the solids and the liquid pool, and oscillators or vibrators to cause the solids to be conveyed while exchanging heat with the liquid pool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a melting furnace having a charging opening in its sidewall, in which a closed housing contains a pivotally mounted receiving pan having a discharge chute on one side thereof, the discharge chute adapted to extend into the charging opening in the furnace sidewall; and means for moving the charging apparatus into the charging opening of the furnace and removing the apparatus to a position remote therefrom. A method for feeding the furnace over a predefined area, and continuously feeding the furnace during all phases of operation, including slagging and tapping, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport surface for a kiln for firing heavy ceramic articles includes a loading, an unloading end, a chassis standing between the ends and a transport surface resiliently connected to said chassis; a drive motor for imparting vibratory motion to the transport surface portion is provided externally of a hearth in which the surface portion is disposed; a releasing guide is provided to facilitate movement of the surface portion in a selected direction upwardly and forwardly an extent sufficient to shift an article resting on the surface portion from the loading to the unloading end; loading and unloading devices are provided to automatically load and unload articles from the transport surface; the hearth includes conduits for carrying cooling air along the hearth on the outside thereof.

Abstract: A furnace grate structure for a furnace or incinerator on which solid fuel advances in an advancing direction has at least two parallel grate beams extending substantially transversely to the advancing direction, the beams being mounted on a substructure and forming upwardly facing support surfaces. A bank of elongated grate bars which extend substantially parallel to the advancing direction are supported on the upwardly facing support surfaces, and are spaced from each other. Each of the grate beams comprises a plurality of sections arranged end to end so that the length of the grate beams can be varied simply by changing the number of sections.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the transportation and heating of granulated materials, particularly of solid particles of catalyst used for hydrocarbon conversion which must be activated or regenerated. The process comprises moving a bed of catalyst particles on travelling bands or floor plates passing through an elongate chamber and eventually inclined to the axis thereof. The bands are subjected to vibrations imparting to said bed a unidirectional motion and, said bed on said bands being exposed to heating by means of electromagnetic radiations of a wave length range from 0.38 .mu.m to 50 mm.

Abstract: A grate cooler arranged at right angles to a rotary kiln and having its vertical longitudinal central plane spaced a distance between 10 and 150 cm from the discharge end of the rotary kiln. The zone of the grate cooler lying below the material discharge end of the rotary kiln has more stationary grating plates and more unventilated grating plates per unit area than the laterally adjacent zones of the material receiving end and in the remaining region of the cooler. This results in good protection of the grating plates at the material receiving end and an even distribution of the material over the whole width of the cooler by means of a distribution cone which is kept in motion.

Abstract: A spiral track oven has a heated spiral track on which semiconductor chip bases move. A jarring motion about the central axis of the track supplies inertia to the bases, moving them down the track. A blanket-like laminated heater on the inside of the track supplies heat to the bases. Excess heat is vented by positive airflow out a vent. A perforated screen-like shroud wrapped around the outside of the track keeps the bases from falling off the track while allowing excess heat to escape. A pneumatic or hydraulic drive shaft extends through a table to the base of the oven where it is mounted. The drive and driveshaft turn the oven back and forth about a central shaft gently in one direction and in a jarring motion in the other, thereby supplying inertia to the bases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the desorption of spent solid adsorbent through heating the latter to desorption temperature by means of a hot granular heat carrier medium; particularly of activated coal or activated coke used for flue gas purification by adsorption in power plants, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for effecting thermal reclamation of granular materials, particularly foundry sand and contaminated soil. In a first embodiment, a sand calciner system (10) includes a refractory-lined drum (12) mounted for oscillation about its longitudinal axis (14). An arrangement of plows (76) are provided along the bottom inside of the drum (12) for mixing the sand received through an inlet (54) and advancing it toward a discharge outlet (56) responsive to oscillation of the drum over a predetermined arc about the axis (14). The plows (76) are arranged in staggered rows with each plow having a transverse front surface facing the inlet (54), an inclined top surface, and an angled back surface facing the outlet (56). An aerator pipe (78) is provided in conjunction with the plows (76) to fluidize the sand and thereby effect more thorough mixing and exposure to burners (58) positioned along the upper side of the drum (12) for complete calcining.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the transportation and heating of granulated materials, particularly of solid particles of catalyst used for hydrocarbon conversion which must be activated or regenerated. The process comprises moving a bed of catalyst particles on travelling bands or floor plates passing through an elongate chamber and eventually inclined to the axis. The bands are subjected to vibrations imparting to said bed an unidirectional motion, and said bed on said bands being exposed to heating by means of electromagnetic radiations of a wave length range from 0.38 .mu.m to 50 mm.

Abstract: A sand calciner system (10) includes a refractory lined drum (12) mounted for oscillation about its longitudinal axis (14). An arrangement of plows (76) are provided along the bottom inside of the drum (12) for mixing the sand received through an inlet (54) and advancing it toward a discharge outlet (56) responsive to oscillation of the drum over a predetermined arc about the axis (14). The plows (76) are arranged in staggered rows with each plow having a transverse front surface facing the inlet (54), an inclined top surface, and an angled back surface facing the outlet (56). An aerator pipe (78) is provided in conjunction with the plows (76) to fluidize the sand and thereby effect more thorough mixing and exposure to burners (58) positioned along the upper side of the drum (12) for complete calcining.

Abstract: The cast metal grill element, which is the subject of this invention, concerns an apparatus for heat exchange between a solid in the divided condition, at high temperature, and a fluid, and comprises a plate of refractory steel, which is apertured with holes therethrough and the upper face of which comprises at least one recessed region, in the bottom of which is a hole in which the leg of a connecting member is engaged, the connecting member securing the grill element to its support. The grill element is for use in particular in cement works, in an apparatus for heat exchange between clinker and air.

Abstract: A cooler grate for hot cement clinker is provided with a plurality of rows of air holes and the bottom face of the grate is formed with a plurality of fins which undulate between the successive air holes to impart strength to the grate and turbulence to the air directed upwardly through the grate so as to cool the grate to a temperature substantially below the hot clinker on the grate.

Abstract: Apparatus for heat treating a particulate commodity comprising an enclosure having a lower wall in the form of a concave, perforate deck, supply means for supplying pressurized fluid at a controlled temperature through the deck to fluidize and heat treat a bed of particles in the enclosure and transfer means for controlledly moving the particles continuously or stepwise along the deck. A method of heat treating the particulate commodity comprising supporting said commodity in a fluidized bed above a concave, perforate deck, supplying pressurized fluid at a controlled temperature through the deck to fluidize and heat treat the commodity, controlling the residence time of the commodity in the enclosure by controlledly moving the commodity along the deck using transfer means, and enhancing fluidization of the bed by reducing segregation within the bed using said transfer means. The commodity e.g. a food product such as peanuts is heat-treated uniformly under precisely controlled conditions.

Abstract: A vertical tunnel kiln (10) comprising a firing kiln (30) having a interior core (42) supporting a spiral chute (46) attached to the periphery of the core (42). A vibratory bowl feeder (20) automatically feeds parts (100) individually to the upper end (24) of the spiral chute (46), and the parts (100) progress down the chute by means of vibrations imparted to the interior core (42) and chute (46) by a vibratory mechanism (40) attached to the annular base (47). Heating elements (38) and (70) are disposed exteriorly and interiorly, respectively, about the interior core (42) to produce a temperature gradient. As the parts (100) advance along chute 46, resistive materials on the parts (100) are heated in the preheat section (54) to remove volatile organic materials, fired in the intermediate portion (55) of the firing kiln (30), and then cooled in the cooling portion (56). The parts (100) are removed individually by an escapement mechanism (80) attached to the lower end of the spiral chute (46).

Abstract: Workpieces are heat treated in a fluidized bed contained within a vessel having a central well surrounded by helical ramps along which the workpieces move into and out of the bed. A perforated platform connects the ramp and movement of the workpieces along the discharge ramp is achieved by vibrating such ramp.

Abstract: Process for the thermal treatment of powdered and granulated catalysts, catalyst intermediate products, and inorganic substances, which are usable as constituents of catalysts or as auxiliary agents for the production of catalysts. The known process material is placed on a heated vibrating conveyor and there, in the form of a thin layer, in which the particles of the process material are moved with a larger horizontal and a smaller vertical component, heated and allowed to cool either outside the vibrating conveyor or in a separate vibrating conveyor or in the outlet portion of the first vibrating conveyor.

Abstract: This scrap metal preheat apparatus includes a conveyor made from deck plates which are of generally U-shape in vertical section, and an apertured or wire mesh metal support layer positioned on and conforming to the contour of the interior of the deck plate but spaced therefrom, which deck plate and support screen are of flattened U-shape in section, and supports for the deck plate, the apertured support layer being operatively secured to the supports and/or deck plate at the upper edge portions of the apertured support layer which overlap upper edges of the deck plate, and the apparatus includes support members for the support layer aiding in spacing it from the deck plate.

Abstract: A metal heating apparatus including a plurality of flattened U-shaped in section metal desk plates positioned in longitudinally overlapped relation to form a metal conveyor and an article receiving unit, a plurality of metal support plates or saddles below the deck plates and having complementary recessed upper surfaces contoured to receive and receiving the deck plates therein; bolt anchor means are positioned on the lower surfaces of the deck plates, and offset support means are secured to the saddle plates whereby bolt means can be attached to the support means and extend to and be secured to the bolt anchor means for anchoring the deck plates to the support means, but to permit some relative movement therebetween upon changes in heating and cooling conditions.

Abstract: A method for processing various organic materials such as lignocellulosics or biomass into more useful states, such as charcoal, carbon black, and coke, and other processed products while producing useful off-gases, includes feeding aggregate pieces of the material to a vertically extending heating chamber and, preferably, closing the chamber to air to control oxygen therein. The pieces are conveyed upwardly through the chamber in a predetermined time by spiral vibratory conveyor. The chamber is heated to a preselected temperature sufficient for gaseous conversion of volatile hydrocarbon constituents of the material. Resultant off-gases are removed from the chamber for further use such as burning thereof for heating the chamber or condensing volatiles, etc.Apparatus for carrying out the method includes preferably first and second such chambers, there being continuous spiral vibrator tray in each chamber carried by a central, vertical support column.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating oil shale by microwave energy for recovering heated volatile fractions thereof. The microwave oven includes a sloping feeder made of glass, pyrex, or ceramic material, which feeder is reciprocated back and forth along a declining plane so as to advance slowly but progressively oil shale deposited on the top end thereof to the discharge end of the vibrator. Means are provided to evacuate volatile fractions and to feed such gases through preheater tubes to a condenser unit. The preheater tubes are disposed in line with and through the flow of incoming materials so as to tend to regulate material descent as well as preheat the shale. An additional solids heat exchanger is employed underneath the discharge end of the vibratory feeder means so as to slow the descent of the spent shale onto its ultimate conveyor as well as taking heat therefrom and from magnetron tubes of the oven to conduct such heat upwardly to further increase the preheating effect upon incoming shale.

Abstract: A metal batch preheating method comprises positioning an elongate mass of metal scrap on a conveyor in a tunnel furnace for heating such furnace having longitudinally spaced transversely extending zones of greater and lesser heat, the conveyor being loaded with metal for the length of the tunnel furnace except for the last heat zones therein. The metal is thereafter moved through a plurality of "advance and heat" movements in the furnace during the batch heating cycle so that the metal is exposed to both greater intensity and lesser intensity heat zones as it is preheated after which the metal is discharged for use or further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing bonded welding flux wherein the flux is passed along a series of vibrating inclined planes. Gas fired radiant heaters are positioned above the planes to heat the flux, with combustion gases and vapor driven off the flux passing upwardly between the radiant heaters and the flux covered planes.

Abstract: An oven is disclosed having an inner shell forming a heatable oven chamber, a conveyor within the oven chamber, a layer of insulation around the inner shell, an exterior cabinet shell spaced outward from the insulation, and a fan for moving a flow of cooling air between the insulation and the exterior shell; also disclosed in the oven is an inlet to the oven chamber having separate inner and outer doors operatively connected together, an outlet from the oven chamber having a discharge chute directed into an exterior outlet frame with insulation between the chute and the frame, and a single electric motor connected to operate both the cooling fan and a friction drive connected to drive the conveyor.

Abstract: Heating for a vibratory spiral conveyor used to react powdery and gaseous substances is accomplished by an expanded metal resistance heater element positioned between adjacent turns of the conveyor.

Abstract: Powdery material flows downwardly along a vibratory spiral conveyor chute, while gas flows counter to the powder, preferably in excess. Mixing ramp arrangements are provided in the chute. These involve inclined ramp surfaces dividing the powder stream into two layers, and provisions for causing the initially uppermost layer to tumble down onto the chute bottom while the initially lowermost layer is still supported on its ramp. The latter then drops down, too, and now becomes the uppermost layer.

Abstract: A thrust grate, particularly a cooling or fire grate having an essentially horizontal sequence of two sets of grate plates alternatingly fixed and reciprocating forward and backward in linear alignment and vertically spaced from each other. Each set of plates has a rear portion extending in the direction of movement of the movable grate plates, an at least partially upward slanting front portion, and an inclined front.The front end of each plate overlaps the rear end of each following plate. The front ends of the fixed and reciprocating plates, each, are provided with a lip or nose, respectively, to move the material deposited on the sloped portions thereof.The angle of the sloped portion of the fixed grate plates is different from that of the movable grate plates.The rear portion of the plates with the smaller angle is positioned on a higher level than the rear portion of the plates with the larger angle slope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for drying and conveying chopped glass strands. The system includes apparatus for controlling the temperature of the conveying means to thereby control the drying of the wet chopped glass strand and to avoid overheating of the glass strand.

Abstract: A scrap preheating system of the type employing a conveyor upon which the scrap is placed, an elongate burner hood surrounding the conveyor and burners within the hood which direct flames upon the scrap. The side walls of the burner hood include an elongate exhaust chamber and side wall ports between the exhaust chamber and the interior of the hood. An exhaust fan induces a negative pressure under the hood through the exhaust chambers which pulls the unburned hydrocarbons from under the hood through the side wall ports into the exhaust chamber. Additionally, air is drawn upwardly between the conveyor and side walls of the hood and through the side wall ports into the exhaust chambers wherein combustion is completed and pollution reduced. The length of hood and burner array exceeds the length of scrap material on the conveyor. The conveyor is periodically jogged during the preheating cycle to slightly advance and mix the scrap and only those burners positioned above the scrap are operated as it advances.

Abstract: A at discharge oven for heating a large number of production parts which pass through the oven on a conveyor belt and are pushed by a pushing mechanism mounted att the oven, evidence whereby the conveyor belt is attached to a swingable beam and a vibrator is mounted for exerting a force on the belts and parts thereon which has a component in a direction perpendicular to the direction of part movement through the oven.

Abstract: A cradle hearth oven for the heat treatment of parts, inside which is arred an inclined rocking trough serving as a parts conveyor. The rocking trough is directly supported on the oven floor and the entire oven is tiltable to adjust the trough inclination.