Abstract: The present invention features a UV tube detector for sensing a resonant arcing condition in a microwave environment. Where clothing or fabric is being dried in a magnetron-powered, microwave chamber, the UV tube detector is placed in proximity to the fabric. The UV tube detector senses a possible resonant arcing condition related to small metal objects hidden in the material. Upon the sensing of arcing, tile UV tube provides a signal for shutting down the magnetron power. In conjunction with UV detection, the moisture condition can be monitored during the drying cycle. At a point in the microwave heating cycle consistent with an "end of microwave heating cycle" or "near dryness", the power output of the magnetrons is reduced or terminated. The moist fabric can then be dried via reduced microwave heating and/or by normal heating methods, including, but not limited to, electrical radiant heating and convection techniques.

Abstract: A tablet that rapidly disintegrates in aqueous solution includes a partially collapsed matrix network that has been vacuum-dried above the collapse temperature of the matrix. The matrix is preferably at least partially dried below the equilibrium freezing point of the matrix. Vacuum drying the tablet above its collapse temperature instead of freeze drying it below its collapse temperature provides a process for producing tablets with enhanced structural integrity, while rapidly disintegrating in normal amounts of saliva. The tablet preferably carries a drug, such as acetaminophen. The matrix network of the tablet preferably includes a gum, a carbohydrate and the drug. Especially preferred embodiments also include a flavoring, a sweetener and surfactant. The gum is preferably acacia, guar, xanthan, carrageenan or tragacanth gum. The carbohydrate is preferably mannitol, dextrose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, maltodextrin or corn syrup solids.

Abstract: A process for removing moisture from coal comprises transforming the coal to coal fines, polarizing the coal fines to produce an electrical charge differential between the relatively non-conductive water and the relatively conductive coal particles, and removing the water by admixing the coal fines in a drying chamber with a dry gaseous mixture having a different electrical state from the moisture, such that the moisture is selectively attracted to the gaseous media, and then separating the moisture laden gaseous media from the coal fines and collecting the fines. The admixture is accomplished with a vertically oriented cylindrical drying chamber wherein the fines are introduced at the top of the chamber and settle downwardly and the dry, gaseous media is directed upwardly through the chamber in a swirling helical path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microwave heating and drying method and apparatus utilizing a multiplicity of microwave propagating sources positioned about a heating and drying chamber. The microwave energies are optimized to provide a greater uniformity in the heating and drying of articles disposed in the heating and drying chamber, while preventing interference of the wave propagations. The microwave pulses are cross-polarized and time-multiplexed. Also, the focusing and spread angles are controlled. The end point of the drying cycle is sensed to control microwave generation.

Abstract: An improved fabric dryer having a cabinet with a closable door, a stationary microwave impermeable container within the cabinet having an opening contiguous to and in alignment with the cabinet opening and having air inlets and an air outlet opening, a magnetron for generating electromagnetic energy and a wave guide for directing the energy into the container, an air and microwave permeable basket removably positionable within the container through the opening therein, the basket having a latchable door and being adaptable to receive fabric therein to be dried, rollers within the container for rotating the basket to tumble fabric therein and a fan for drawing air out the container air outlet. The removable basket facilitates placing fabric into and out of the dryer.

Abstract: A dryer for removing vaporous substances from products in which the product sequentially passes beneath an array of ventilating nozzles and an array of infrared heaters. The dryer includes a generally rectangular frame forming a central drying zone having an infeed end and an outfeed end. The array of ventilating nozzles is positioned at the infeed end of the drying zone in order to quickly remove surface moisture from the product. The downstream array of infrared heaters removes residual surface moisture and moisture beneath the surface of the product. The ends of the heaters project into a pair of inlet ducts extending along opposite sides of the frame so that the ends of the heaters are cooled by air flowing through the ducts. Air flows through the ducts from an inlet near the outfeed end of drying zone to a blower manifold where the air is mixed with recirculated gases from the ventilating nozzles and air entering the infeed end of the drying zone before being conveyed to the blower.