Abstract: A compressed air supply system includes a compressor and an air dryer connected to receive compressed air from the compressor. The dryer includes a desiccant bed through which the compressed air flows to provide dry compressed air, and a blow-through valve operable to connect the desiccant bed to atmosphere. Secondary and primary reservoirs located remotely from the dryer are connected to receive dry compressed air from the dryer. Control components integral with the dryer are provided for controlling a charging operation by controlling air flow from the compressor through the dryer for charging the primary and secondary reservoirs with dry compressed air. The control components also control a purging operation by controlling air flow from the secondary reservoir through the dryer desiccant bed and through the blow-through valve to atmosphere in order to purge the dryer, while maintaining an initial air pressure within the primary reservoir.

Abstract: A thermal post-combustion device for the purification of exhaust air comprises an outer housing surrounded by an insulating jacket, a combustion chamber bounded by a combustion chamber housing and arranged within the outer housing, and a burner chargeable with fuel and that comprises a burner nozzle and a first flame tube that surrounds the burner nozzle and connects the space between the outer housing and the combustion chamber housing to the combustion chamber. The burner includes at least one further flame tube that is arranged completely within the combustion chamber, and the end of the first flame tube lying inside the combustion chamber is surrounded by a further flame tube of larger radius so as to form an annular gap between the first flame tube and the further flame tube. In this way a circulating flow of the combustion air becomes possible inside the combustion chamber, which flow is guided repeatedly through the annular gap and the flame of the burner.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder dryer of a paper machine, has at least one drying cylinder (10) and at least one roll (11, 12) located at a different height to the cylinder and at a distance to it in the machine direction. A paper web (14) travels from the drying cylinder (10) to this roll (11, 12). Dry air is brought to the dryer through a beam (13) located in front of the web (14) in the machine direction, the air is directed by means of nozzles (33) in the beam into a throat (21) between the drying cylinder (10) and the web (14) mainly to intensify the drying effect. A doctor (27) keeps the surface of the drying cylinder clean. The beam (13) forms with the roll (12) a smooth, high channel (25), at least on the side of the roll (12), for the passage of the web during a disturbance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-heat drying method which allows a catalytic substance and the like to be deposited uniformly onto a workpiece to be dried in a dramatically short time as compared to a prior art method, and also an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A conditioning device to change the moisture content of printing stock, in which the stock is brought into contact with at least one endless cloth that absorbs moisture. The endless cloth is heated by heated transport rolls. A reduction of the moisture content contributes to a reduction of distortions of the printing image in two-sided printing, especially in digital printing machines.

Abstract: A solar water heater comprising a water tank, a solar heating compartment for heating water, and an air pump. The water tank and the solar heating compartment are both substantially cylindrical, and the bottom surface of the heating compartment overlaps the top surface of the water tank. The solar heating compartment has an upper surface and a side surface which are substantially constructed from transparent materials. The heating compartment contains water tubing in communication with water in the water tank and at least one stainless steel parabolic reflector positioned for reflecting incident sunlight upon the water tubing for absorption. The water tubing terminates in at least one hot water outlet. The air pump is in communication with the water tubing within the solar heating compartment. Operation of the air pump causes a stream of water to continuously flow from the water tank to the hot water outlets by the siphoning effect.

Abstract: A condenser of a condensing-type clothes dryer includes a plurality of condensing ducts provided in a middle portion of a circulation duct, the condensing ducts condensing air being circulated there-through after being discharged from a drum; and a plurality of cooling fins provided to be in contact with an outer surface of the condensing ducts, wherein an interval or a pitch of the cooling fins is different partially according to a flow rate of air blown from a cooling fan for a heat-exchange with air flowing through the condensing duct. At this time, the pitch or interval of the cooling fins is narrow at a portion where air blown from the cooling fan flows fast, and the pitch or internal of the cooling fins is wide at a portion where air blown from the cooling fan flows slowly.

Abstract: A candle snuffer for extinguishing candle flames and for display as a decorative piece is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the candle snuffer includes an elongate handle and first and second snuffing members coupled to the handle. A user-operable actuator is operatively connected to the first and second snuffing members and is operable to bring the first and second snuffing members into snuffing contact with each other to extinguish a candle flame positioned between the snuffing members. The handle and actuator may be configured to resemble parts of a plant, and the snuffing members may be configured to resemble the wings of a butterfly to permit display of the candle snuffer as a decorative piece. Also disclosed is a holder for supporting the candle snuffer in an upright position. The holder in a disclosed embodiment is configured to resemble a flowerpot to complement the plant/butterfly shape of the candle snuffer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the spray drying of solvent-containing compositions. A liquid or paste-form solvent-containing composition is heated to a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent, transported under excess pressure and at a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent to a relaxation space where it is sprayed to evaporate the solvent. The relaxation space is not under excess pressure and is at a temperature that is above the boiling point of the solvent.

Abstract: A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.

Abstract: A door/lid for an appliance, such as a washer or dryer, includes a tempered glass panel upon an inner surface of which is applied one or two screen printed borders of fusible ceramic printing medium defining a substantially opaque peripheral border bounding a central viewing area through which clothing associated with a washer or dryer can be viewed when the door/lid is closed. An injection molded narrow encapsulation, border or rim surrounds an edge of the tempered glass panel and effects a water-tight seal therewith. Third ceramic printing means in the form of instructions or safety rules in applied to the first or second printing medium but is indiscernible from the outside when the door/lid is closed. When the door/lid is open, the instructions/safety rules are totally divisible, upright and readable.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for drying solvent-based ink is described, in which the ink is applied onto plastic cassettes for histological preparations and/or on glass specimen slides (17) for microscopic thin sections. The apparatus (1) comprises a hot-air blower (2) and/or a flash device (3) for drying the ink.

Abstract: A portable hand dryer has an air blower and, optionally, an air heater. The hand dryer includes a laterally protruding male electrical plug having at least two prongs which provides electricity to the blower and which allows the hand dryer to be supported from a structure wall. In one embodiment, the male plug can be folded flush with the rear wall of the hand dryer. In another embodiment, the hand dryer also has a laterally extending distal prong which provides additional support for the hand dryer along a structure wall. In yet another embodiment, the hand dryer comprises a spacer on a rear wall of the hand dryer to separate the rear wall from the structure wall.

Abstract: A combination gas cylinder striker and wrench device for use with a gas cylinder having a cylinder valve with a valve stem. The device is made of a striker having a pair of wire frame members that are manipulatable to strike a spark for igniting a flammable gas from a gas cylinder. A gas cylinder wrench is affixed to one of the wire frame members. The gas cylinder wrench has a central portion having an opening therethrough that is sized to interfit with the valve stem of the gas cylinder. The central portion is located at a U-shaped area of the wire frame member to stabilize the affixation of the gas cylinder wrench to the wire frame member.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying ionized particles is disclosed. The apparatus includes an ionized particle emitter for emitting ionized particles against an object; and an electric potential maintainer for maintaining electric potential of the object at a predetermined level such that the ionized particles emitted against the object by the ionized particle emitter are continuously attracted to the object while the electric potential is maintained. A method for applying ionized particles is also disclosed. The method includes emitting ionized particles against an object, and maintaining electric potential of the object at a predetermined level such that the ionized particles are continuously attracted to the object.

Abstract: A solar water heater is provided. The heater features heat control so that a maximum temperature is automatically controlled. The heater is insulated to maintain a water temperature of water stored therein for long periods of time. The heater includes an insulated lens which transmits most solar radiation incident on its top surface through the lens. An air trap is located below the lens. A heat control valve opens the air trap to surrounding air when a maximum temperature for air within the air trap is exceeded. A heat absorption plate is located below the air trap. The plate is in contact with a heat transfer liquid within a liquid space below the plate. A heat exchanger is positioned within the space and routes water in heat transfer contact with the liquid within the space, while keeping the water isolated from the liquid within the space.

Abstract: A method for producing powder paints which comprises the steps of: a) preparing a paste comprising at least one thermosetting plastic resin, at least one curing agent, at least one pigment and water and making the paste flow in the form of a thin layer and under conditions of high turbulence in contact with a wall at a predetermined temperature; b) drying the paste by making it flow into a thin and turbulent layer in contact with a heated wall and optionally with a flow of heated gas.

Abstract: This invention is about portable mini clothes and hair dryer which is designed to collapse and fit into a standard suitcase. It possesses all the features of the standard clothes dryer but is approximately one tenth the size and weighs less than 25 pounds. The dryer will not operate in its collapsed state or if the lid is opened. It comprises a simple but reliable heater and motor assembly. The single flat motor drives both the blower fan and the rotating drum of the machine but the rotating drum can be disengaged when the unit is used for drying hair only. Clothes and other items can be packed in and around the dryer when traveling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying long fiber hay. A first step involves providing round bales of long fiber hay. A second step involves separating the bales to form a loose mass of long fiber hay. A third step involves feeding the loose mass of long fiber hay into a rotary dehydration drum. A fourth step involves separating the loose mass of long fiber hay from air containing entrained moisture by passing the long fiber hay through a cyclone separator with a first stream of air passing to an exhaust and a second stream of the loose mass of long fiber hay passing into an air lock. A fifth step involves cooling the loose mass of long fiber hay. A sixth step involves passing the loose mass of long fiber hay through a hay baler, whereby the loose mass of long fiber hay is formed back into bales.

Abstract: A balanced building ventilation system that employs a fireplace as an element of the ventilation system. The fireplace includes a firebox, and an exhaust gas flue is connected to the firebox for exhausting gas from the firebox to the outdoor ambient. A ventilation channel conveys outdoor ambient air into the building interior. A motor-driven draft inducer is connected to the exhaust gas flue for forcing exhaust gas flow out to the outdoor ambient. A motor-driven blower is provided for forcing ventilation airflow through the channel to replace building interior air lost to exhaust gas flow.