Abstract: Reactors in which solids can be processed by fluid-solids contact. The reactors include a shell housing a rotatable, movable assembly or rotor for supporting a bed of solids and for displacing the solids from a first location where they are introduced into the reactor to a second location where they are discharged. As the solids are displaced, process fluid is directed upwardly through the bed in a manner which causes the solids to circulate and come into intimate and uniform contact with the process fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing particulate solids by fluid-solids contact which includes, in the illustrated embodiment, a reactor having a shell housing a rotatable, movable assembly or rotor for supporting a bed of solids and for displacing the solids from a first location where they are introduced into the reactor to a second location where they are discharged. As the solids are displaced, a process fluid is directed upwardly through the bed in a manner which causes the solids to circulate and come into intimate and uniform contact with the process fluid. Liquid can be sprayed into the reactor and into contact with the circulating solids.

Abstract: Methods of and installations for drying continuous webs of materials such as paper in which the web contacts rotating dryers heated by circulating a heat transfer liquid through them. Rotary dryers for such installations; and methods for upgrading the performance of conventional installations employing rotary dryers and for upgrading the performance of conventional rotary dryers.

Abstract: Coffee roasting apparatus having a first reactor in which green beans are roasted and a second reactor in which the roast is arrested and the beans cooled. Both reactors are capable of carying out the operations conducted in them in a continuous as opposed to batch-type manner. In both the roasting and cooling operations the beans are circulated in patterns which bring them into intimate and uniform contact with a process fluid to promote uniform and efficient heating and cooling of the beans.

Abstract: Rotary heat exchangers heated by circulating a heat transfer liquid through them. Methods for upgrading the performance of conventional rotary dryers.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for expanding tobacco in which the tobacco is heated and/or moistened to increase the elasticity of the cell walls and then subjected to a vacuum to convert moisture in the tobacco cells to vapor and effect an expansion in the volume of the moisture and a consequent distention of the cell walls to increase the size of cells. The tobacco is then frozen and dried in vacuo to remove at least part of the remaining water without significant alteration in the expanded structure of the tobacco.

Abstract: Installations and methods for making paper in which high boiling point liquids are employed to heat the dryers in a dryer section and in which the heat transfer liquid is heated by mill steam.

Abstract: Installations and methods for making paper in which high boiling point liquids are employed to heat the dryers in a dryer section and to generate process and/or power steam.