Abstract: Drum mix asphalt plant apparatus connected to a fiber filter dust collector for removing dust and other light particulate matter produced by operation of the drum mixer. Asphalt material is added to the drum mixer in a manner to minimize smoking of the asphalt material due to high temperature within the mixer, and the resulting dust and other fine particulate matter evolved from aggregate material within the drum mixer is withdrawn and collected in a fiber filter dust collector system such as a baghouse. The collected dust is returned to the drum mixer to be coated with asphalt material therein, so that the returned dust becomes admixed with the asphalt aggregate contents of the drum mixer.

Abstract: Continuous asphalt plant including a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the asphalt-aggregate mix by varying the flow of hot gases through a mixing enclosure. The temperature of the source of heat, such as a flame burner, is controlled to maintain the temperature of the hot gases as they enter the mixing enclosure, and the hot gases are recirculated to assist in controlling the temperature of the hot gases entering the mixing enclosure and to provide more efficient operation of the plant.

Abstract: Drum mix asphalt plant apparatus connected to a fiber filter dust collector for removing dust and other light particulate matter produced by operation of the drum mixer. Asphalt material is added to the drum mixer in a manner to minimize smoking of the asphalt material due to high temperature within the mixer, and the resulting dust and other fine particulate matter evolved from aggregate material within the drum mixer is withdrawn and collected in a fiber filter dust collector system such as a baghouse. The collected dust is returned to the drum mixer to be coated with asphalt material therein, so that the returned dust becomes admixed with the asphalt aggregate contents of the drum mixer.

Abstract: A multiple stage oven for heating a product such as carpet or the like, which serially moves through each stage to be heated. Each stage of the oven includes a fuel burner for heating air within the stage, and a fan for recirculating the heated air in the stage for impingement onto a carpet product moving through the stage. A portion of the heated air within each stage is drawn from that stage and supplied to a serially preceding stage. The volume of air withdrawn from the last stage in the serial arrangement, and also the volume of make-up air admitted to the first stage thereof, does not exceed the sum of the fuel combustion products within the zones and any moisture or other substance evaporated or evolved from the carpet in each of the heating zones.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing moisture from textile products which are sufficiently porous to permit a substantial flow of heated fluid through the product. Two separate drying regions are provided through which a web of textile product is serially moved. The textile product divides each drying region into a pair of drying zones, and a differential pressure of heated air is maintained on opposite sides of the textile product in each of the heating regions to maintain a flow of heated air through the textile product. The wet textile product first passes through an initial heating region for flowthrough exposure to air heated to a temperature exceeding the temperature at which the dry textile product is damaged, for evaporation of unbound moisture without damaging the textile product. The textile product then passes through a subsequent heating region for flow-through exposure to recirculating air at a temperature which is nondamaging to the textile product.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing moisture from textile products which are sufficiently porous to permit a substantial flow of heated fluid through the product. Two separate drying regions are provided through which a web of textile product is serially moved. The textile product divides each drying region into a pair of drying zones, and a differential pressure of heated air is maintained on opposite sides of the textile product in each of the heating regions to maintain a flow of heated air through the textile product. The wet textile product first passes through an initial heating region for flowthrough exposure to air heated to a temperature exceeding the temperature at which the dry textile product is damaged, for evaporation of unbound moisture without damaging the textile product. The textile product then passes through a subsequent heating region for flow-through exposure to recirculating air at a temperature which is nondamaging to the textile product.

Abstract: Storage bin having a material discharge opening and a gate which is selectively openable to discharge material from the bin. A region surrounding the gated opening is selectively filled with a liquid to provide an airtight seal surrounding the closed discharge opening. The liquid is withdrawn from the region surrounding the discharge opening, before the gate is opened for discharge of material from the storage bin.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively opening and closing a fluid-tight sealing gate for a storage bin or the like. A gate closure member is mounted on a carriage which is supported for lateral movement relative to a material flow opening. As the carriage assembly is laterally moved by a linear actuator, the closure member is moved in a direction perpendicular to the material flow opening to accomplish sealing and unsealing of the opening in proper timed relation with the lateral movement of the carriage assembly. A material flow guiding structure is connected to the carriage assembly for movement into position adjacent the material flow opening, as the carriage assembly is laterally moved to withdraw the closure member from closure relation with the flow opening.