Abstract: An apparatus for use with a multi-station workspace including a predetermined number of core walls which define an enclosed core. The core walls include an inlet at or below a predetermined height. The apparatus includes a platform positioned in the core at a location above the predetermined height substantially separating the core into a lower air intake chamber and an upper air discharge chamber. The platform further includes a filter in the lower chamber and a blowers drawing air from the intake chamber through the filter to the upper chamber. Finally, a core lid is positioned at the top of the core and includes air discharge vents. The discharge vents are side vents proximate each of the core walls for discharging air in a substantially horizontal direction out from each of the core walls to form an envelope of clean, filtered air for the workspace.

Abstract: A new and improved semiconductor thermoelectric device which could be used either as a thermoelectric cooler or as a thermopile heat sensor with high output voltage. This invention comprises an array of thermocouples fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. The thermocouples comprise segments of tantalum and segments of conductively doped polysilicon as two electric conductor materials of different thermoelectric properties which are buried between two layers of oxide. A layer of metal as a heat collector covers the surface of the thermopile and distributes heat from a nearby heat source.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a machine for the continuous roasting of coffee, comprising transportation means having a product resting surface through which air is able to pass, for transferring the said coffee across closed surroundings into which hot air is injected; in practice, the said transportation means are constituted by a channel, with walls through some of which air can pass, shaped in the form of a cylindrical spiral on a vertical axis and bounded by a cylindrical casing coaxial thereto that is closed at the top and bottom and delimits the said enclosed surroundings; a vibrator causes the said coffee to rise up along the said spiral channel while the said hot air is forced, both by the said walls through which air can pass and by those through which air cannot pass, to follow a spiral path in the course of which the said hot air hits and envelops completely from below the said coffee, thereby performing the operations of roasting and hulling.

Abstract: A treatment method for the sulfur- and particle-containing hot waste gas of an incineration process where refuse is burned in the presence of air comprises the steps of preheating air with the hot waste gas, passing the hot waste gas through one side of a heat exchanger, passing air through the other side of the heat exchanger and thereby heating the air and cooling the waste gas, and desulfurizing the cooled waste gas. At most a portion of the heated air is fed directly to the incinerator and there used to combust the refuse. Another portion of the heated air is mixed with the cool desulfurized gas. The mixture of cool desulfurized gas and the other portion of the heated air is then released to the atmosphere. The preheating of the air is done in a second heat exchanger separate from the first-mentioned heat exchanger and traversed by the waste gas and air. In addition particles are filtered from the waste gas between the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A thermostatically controlled valve for heated fluid flowing through a conduit has a valve seat and cooperating valve mechanism to permit the flow of fluid through the seat; a housing, open at one end, is secured to the conduit at the other end over the valve mechanism. A sensor, secured in the open end of the housing, is responsive to change in ambient temperature of the air above the housing and the sensor operates a plunger which acts on the valve mechanism to regulate the flow through the said seat. Thermal shielding means are provided in the housing between the sensor and the valve mechanism to prevent heat from the latter affecting the sensor and vents are provided in the housing below the thermal shielding means to allow air heated by the valve mechanism to escape to atmosphere.