Abstract: A heating apparatus or platen is provided with a heating surface adjacent a heat exchange fluid area defined by the heating surface attached by side walls and end plates to a retainer plate. A flow through system pumps heat exchange fluid through a platen with holes in end plates. Optional walls partition the heat exchange fluid area into flow channels in the platen. An alternative circulating flow system circulates heat exchange fluid in a closed platen with solid end plates. A u-shaped wall and at least one internal wall create a continuous fluid flow channel inside the closed platen. Flow systems pump a heat exchange fluid through heat exchange fluid area for heating by at least one internal heating element within the platen. The temperature of the heat exchange fluid remains relatively constant as it passes through the platen from heat conduction by the internal heating elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to dry veneer or other items by vaporization of moisture in the item. Apparatus has an insulated chamber with a frame and a drawer with a door. A mesh surface of the drawer supports item for drying with a heater at sub-atmospheric pressure inside of the chamber. Item is placed on the layer of mesh of the drawer of the apparatus and secured with fasteners such as another layer of mesh. The drawer with fastened item is placed into the chamber of the apparatus. With the drawer fully engaged within the chamber, the drying apparatus is closed with an airtight seal. A pump draws a vacuum in the chamber and heat is directed at the item to raise the temperature of the item to less than 160° F., particularly between 120° F. to 150° F. Apparatus can dry veneer in less than five minutes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to dry veneer or other items by vaporization of moisture in the item. Apparatus has an insulated chamber with a frame and a drawer with a door. A mesh surface of the drawer supports item for drying with a heater at sub-atmospheric pressure inside of the chamber. Item is placed on the layer of mesh of the drawer of the apparatus and secured with fasteners such as another layer of mesh. The drawer with fastened item is placed into the chamber of the apparatus. With the drawer fully engaged within the chamber, the drying apparatus is closed with an airtight seal. A pump draws a vacuum in the chamber and heat is directed at the item to raise the temperature of the item to less than 160° F., particularly between 120° F. to 150° F. Apparatus can dry veneer in less than five minutes.

Abstract: A heating apparatus or platen is provided with a heating surface adjacent a heat exchange fluid area defined by the heating surface attached by side walls and end plates to a retainer plate. A flow through system pumps heat exchange fluid through a platen with holes in end plates. Optional walls partition the heat exchange fluid area into flow channels in the platen. An alternative circulating flow system circulates heat exchange fluid in a closed platen with solid end plates. A u-shaped wall and at least one internal wall create a continuous fluid flow channel inside the closed platen. Flow systems pump a heat exchange fluid through heat exchange fluid area for heating by at least one internal heating element within the platen. The temperature of the heat exchange fluid remains relatively constant as it passes through the platen from heat conduction by the internal heating elements.