Abstract: A system for crystallization of polymers involving the use of a stationary housing with a rotor mounted for rotation within the housing. The rotor supports a plurality of spaced apart hollow discs and heated fluid is delivered to the interior of the discs. The polymer material to be treated is fed into the housing for heat exchange contact with the exterior surfaces of the discs. The rotation of the discs in addition serves as the propelling force for the material along the length of the housing at which point the material is discharged. The speed of rotation of the rotor is controlled to influence agitation and conveying of material in the housing to thereby control the crystallization reaction. A holdup mechanism which operates independently of the speed control is located adjacent the discharge location to contribute to the fixing of the residence time.

Abstract: A pulse combustor ignitor comprising a small combustion chamber located external to the pulse combustion chamber. A spark ignition source such as a spark plug is associated with the chamber and separate inlets for fuel and air are provided. The fuel/air mixture is ignited by the spark plug and the ignited mixture is directed into the combustion chamber of the pulse combustor until a steady state operation of the pulse combustor is achieved. An air preheater may be used for the air delivered to the ignitor combustion chamber. The flow pattern of the fuel/air mixture and the flame may be controlled by an adjustable passage element located between the respective ignitor and pulse combustor combustion chambers. A flame scanner positioned external to the pulse combustor may be used to sense the entrance of the ignited mixture from the ignitor into the pulse combustor.

Abstract: A system for treating flowable materials wherein an elongated cylindrical housing is provided with an inlet for introducing material to the housing at one end thereof. An inner wall surface is defined by the housing and the temperature of the inner wall surface is controlled for heat exchange between the material and the surface. An outlet for the material is provided at the other end of the housing, and an agitator extends within, and at least partially along the length of, the housing for rotation within the housing. The agitator comprises a plurality of paddles extending from adjacent the axis of rotation of the agitator toward the inner wall surface, the paddles being positioned in spaced apart locations over at least a portion of the length of the inner wall surface whereby rotation of the agitator results in the moving of the material around the inner wall surface and the propelling of the material from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A system for material drying comprising a pulse combustor and an associated combustion chamber whereby a pulsating flow of hot gases are generated. A tail pipe is connected to the outlet of the combustion chamber for receiving the pulsating flow of hot gases and a material introduction chamber is connected at the outlet of the tail pipe. A drying chamber is connected at the outlet of the material introduction chamber. The hot pulse combustion exhaust gases are cooled to control the temperature of the gases issuing from the outlet of the tail pipe and entering the material introduction chamber. This control is accomplished with a cool air stream issuing into the pulse combustion mixing chamber along with the hot gases from the pulse combustion tail pipe for mixing with and cooling of the hot gases. A separate diluent air stream may be employed for contact with material issuing from the introduction chamber and passing into the drying chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing fresh cheese curd such as is produced in the manufacture of cottage cheese. Employs a belt in the form of a plastic screen which is caused to press a continuous layer of the curd against the peripheral surface of a rotatable drum to express liquid and to provide a curd of the desired moisture content for further processing. The pressing action can be controlled by adjusting the belt tension.

Abstract: A horizontal axis pulverizing and classifying apparatus fitted with special means for removing contaminants, such as abrasive particles, which reduce the capacity and efficiency of such apparatus. The contaminant take-out device is a porous tubular duct communicating with the classification zone of the apparatus through the housing wall. The porous tubular duct is surrounded by a non-porous tubular casing forming an annulus connected to a source of gas under pressure by means of which the quantity of contaminant tailings is removed by varying the amount and pressure of gas introduced. The apparatus may also include a plurality of gas flow apertures surrounding the classification zone and directed generally radially inward, and means for selectively and variably introducing gas to those apertures, for providing improved control over the contaminant take-out device.

Abstract: A horizontal axis pulverizing and classifying apparatus characterized by a plurality of gas flow passages in a narrow band surrounding the classification zone and directed generally radially inward, and means for selectively and variably introducing gas to those passages. The apparatus may also be fitted with special means for removing contaminating particles which reduce the capacity and efficiency of such apparatus. The take-out device is a porous tubular duct communicating with the classification zone of the apparatus through the housing wall. The porous tubular duct is surrounded by a non-porous tubular casing forming an annulus connected to a source of gas under pressure. Control over the quantities of tailings recycled and over quantities of contaminants removed is exercised by varying the amount and pressure of gas introduced through the gas flow passages.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of high molecular weight polyethylene terephthalate wherein the granular polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.4 is crystallized, dried and polymerized in the solid phase by polycondensation. Two methods of crystallization are described which aid the process in overcoming problems associated with sticking in the polymerization stage. The method is characterized by polycondensation at a temperature greater than the crystallization temperature.

Abstract: A system for the preparation of no-bake foundry sands for preparation of metal casting molds. A settable binder is introduced into the sand and thoroughly and uniformly mixed therewith and then discharged around a pattern. The resulting mold then sets up and hardens rapidly without baking. After use to produce a metal casting, the mold is broken up and the sand recycled for further use. The present system is characterized by ease of feed rate variation, coordinated feeding of components, short residence time, efficient mixing and reduced clean-up problems. It comprises a horizontal axis paddle-type rotary mixer, coordinated means for feeding the mixture components to the mixer housing and discharge of the mixture upon demand including at least one gas assisted injection port or nozzle for the binder system and control means for regulating the rates of flow. The apparatus is desirably movably supported to facilitate distribution of the discharge.

Abstract: A continuous filter press of the type having wheels provided with conical screens and carried by pivoted side structures, the arrangement being such that material (e.g., a slurry) fed into the space between the wheels is carried through a pinch zone and then discharged. The claimed improvements to such presses include special means for journalling the wheels which employs a sleeve instead of a stud shaft, and material diverting means or plow which has portions on its inner end that are accommodated in central openings of the wheels.