Abstract: The invention provides a process for bringing particulate material into contact with a moving fluid in an annular processing zone to create processed material. The zone has a base and the process includes generating a circumferentially directed flow of gas in the zone to develop a circumferentially circulating turbulent bed of particulate material within the processing zone. Particulate material is supplied to the processing zone so that the particulate material is circulated in the processing zone to provide a predictable particle flow path both circumferential of the processing zone and helically of the zone.

Abstract: A spreader apparatus (10) designed to evenly spread pellets or the like across an inlet deck (20) of a dryer or cooler is provided which includes a plurality of elongated, telescoping, pivotally supported delivery tubes (12) arranged in side-by-side relationship to form an array (14) extending across the deck (20). A drive assembly (16) is coupled with the tube array (14) so as to sequentially move the array (14) fore and aft to spread product thereon. A distributor (18, 152) is positioned above the array (14) in order to deliver product thereto. The distributor (18) includes a stationary, annular, multiple-pocket tray (76) as well as a spout (98) mounted for 360° rotation about an upright axis. As the spout (98) rotates, successive quantities of product are delivered to each pocket (84) of the tray (76). A ducting assembly (86) is provided between the tray (76) and the upper ends of the tubes (12).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying plastic pellets utilizes a venturi air mover (20) in a recirculation loop communicating with a drying hopper (10) containing the plastic pellets. A portion of moist air flow in the recirculation loop is vented to the ambient atmosphere upstream of the venturi air mover. A conventional source of compressed air (16) is dried and supplied to the venturi air mover to provide the exclusive motive power for moving air through the recirculation loop.

Abstract: In a machine for processing semiconductor wafers, a rotor includes two pairs of combs. A lock down mechanism has a lock bar, temporarily engaged and moved by a loading/unloading robot, drives a retainer against the edges of the wafers, to better hold them in place during processing. Contamination via generation of particles is reduced. Combs on the rotor have a resilient strip. The lower edges of the wafers compress slightly into or deflect the resilient strip, when urged into place by the lock down mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a wafer in a wafer pre-alignment stage has an air injection member for injecting cooling air towards a chucked wafer and an air guide for guiding a predetermined amount of the injected air towards a portion of the wafer adjacent the edge sensor to compensate for a relatively high temperature condition existing at the region of the edge sensor due to the operation thereof. The air injection member is connected with an air supplier and includes an air injection head having a bottom plate through which a plurality of injection holes extend. The air guide is a flow rate controlling plate which is disposed within the air injection head. The air introduced received by the air injection head is guided towards the region of the edge sensor by the flow rate controlling plate.

Abstract: A reusable device, and a method of manufacture, for fast, efficient, fingernail preserving, and neat removal of accumulated lint from clothes dryer filters. The device comprises a mitt and an attached storage pouch having upper and lower ends that can be independently manipulated for the addition and removal of lint. The devices also comprise magnets for attachment of the pouch to a dryer so that it remains conveniently accessible for use. The mitt preferably has two thumbs for interchangeable right-handed and left-handed use. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use by homeowners and cleaning services to facilitate the repetitive task of removing accumulated lint from clothes dryer lint filters needed to promote safe use of clothes dryers in homes, school dormitories, apartment complexes, and other residence facilities, as well as in laundromats, other commercial cleaning establishments, hotel laundries, hospital laundries, and the laundry facilities of uniform rental services.