Abstract: In the flow path to atmosphere venting hot exhaust gases of a clothes dryer, a fluid-tight seal between a flow-diverting elbow telescoped about a clothes dryer exiting conduit consisting of a rubber sleeve in increasing thicknesses in width in the direction of flow effective in providing an establish sealing contact into the sleeve at a location of its thickness which obviates leakage of gas through the telescoping connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of drying timbers loaded in a drying chamber, which comprises the steps of heating the drying chamber by a heating system up to a temperature of 80 to 100° C., subjecting the timbers to vacuum blowing by connecting the inside of the drying chamber with a vacuum chamber (receiver) evacuated by a rotary pump until the inside pressure of the drying chamber drops to 1 to 10 mmHg, disconnecting the inside of the drying chamber from the vacuum chamber, connecting the drying chamber with the atmosphere. When the inside of the drying chamber is connected with the vacuum chamber, the moisture content of the timbers is sharply reduced, so that their temperature sharply drops. Thereafter, when it is disconnected from the vacuum chamber, and connected with the atmosphere, the inside temperature of the drying chamber is again increased. Meanwhile, the heating system is worked during the whole process.

Abstract: A double catheter includes an outer, resilient catheter having shape memory and a hook-shaped distal end, an inner, pliable catheter slidably disposed in the outer catheter and of greater length than the outer catheter so that a distal end portion of the inner catheter can be extended or retracted from a distal end opening of the outer catheter to vary the overall length of the double catheter, the inner catheter preferably having an internal lumen suitable for the introduction of contrast media, and a mechanism operable from the proximal end of the outer catheter for changing the curvature of the hook shaped distal end of the outer catheter. Such a catheter of the invention can cannulate the coronary sinus without significant manipulation.

Abstract: A process for recovering the byproducts of a process that burns coal and for reusing the byproducts is disclosed. The process includes the steps of identifying a disposal site that contains the byproducts (typically flyash and bottom ash), removing at least a portion of the byproducts from the disposal site, analyzing a sample of the portion of the byproducts to determine the loss on ignition of the portion of the byproducts, introducing the portion of the byproducts along with pulverized coal into a pulverized coal furnace if the portion of byproducts have a loss on ignition greater than or equal to a predetermined loss on ignition value (typically greater than or equal to 1 to 5%), and burning the portion of the byproducts in the furnace with the pulverized coal to render the byproducts into a commercially valuable fly ash and bottom ash having very low loss on ignition, typically lower than 3%.

Abstract: An air flow detecting system is provided for monitoring air flow in a dryer system. The dryer system has an exhaust passage through which air from a drying compartment flows. The air flow detecting system includes a detector for monitoring a rate at which air from the drying compartment travels through the exhaust passage, and a signal generator. The signal generator is responsive to the detector and generates an electrical signal for which at least one of phase, frequency, voltage, or current varies over a continuous range based on a measured flow rate.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter or micro catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon. The balloon or inflatable member be situated in a recess in the outer wall of the inventive catheter. Additionally, the distal end of the catheter past the balloon may be tapered. The catheter has a very low profile as compared to other catheters of the neurovascular balloon catheter genre. It may include other features such as variable stiffness along the axis of the device and anti-kinking components. The balloon may be compliant in nature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a waste product and producing a synthesis gas is provided. The system includes a sealed, heated rotatable drum for preheating and preparing the waste material suitable for a plasma reactor, and processing the material in the reactor. The synthesis gas created by the reactor is used to preheat the waste material by circulating the hot synthesis gas around the drum. In an alternative embodiment, the hot synthesis gas flows through the drum to preheat the waste material and to clean the synthesis gas. Different methods of cooling and cleaning the synthesis gas are used. The system may comprise two plasma reactors in combination with a rotating desorber drum.

Abstract: The method serves for drying an active part containing at least one winding and solid insulations. The active part is arranged in a vacuum-tight housing and is heated there to a final temperature value (Tfin) by means of warmed oil and by means of a current (I) carried in the winding. The warmed oil is sprayed in the housing at reduced pressure (p) and with the current (I) switched on. At the same time, water is extracted from the active part. The sprayed oil is collected on the housing bottom, after discharging heat to the active part, and, after rewarming, is sprayed once again in the housing at reduced pressure and with the current switched on. The active part is thus dried particularly quickly and carefully.

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: An apparatus for coating a moving web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, on one or both sides with a liquid or pastous coating material includes a coating station for applying the coating material onto the web, as well as a non-contact turning apparatus following the coating station in the moving direction of the web. The web moves in only one plane from the point of exit from the coating station to the point of entry into the non-contact turning apparatus, without changing direction.

Abstract: A method of drying a paper web is provided. The method utilizes a dryer, such as a through-dryer, having a first dryer section and a second dryer section. Within the first dryer section, a relatively wet paper web is dried at an elevated temperature, such as between about 400° F. to about 500° F. After being dried by the first dryer section, the web is relatively dry and is further dried by the second dryer section at a reduced temperature, such as between about 300° F. to about 400° F. A variety of control techniques can also be utilized to control the temperature of each dryer section.

Abstract: An insufflation apparatus (2) to be connected through a hose (9) to a gas supply device (3), said hose (9) being connectable to the gas supply device (3) by a hose coupling interface including complementary connection elements (11, 12) at or in gas supply device (3) and at the hose end (9) directed towards the gas supply device, and a sterile filter element (10) being provided. The sterile filter element (10) carries connection element (12) of hose (9).

Abstract: An enhanced endotracheal tube utilizing a fiber optic bundle positioned in its wall section to transmit light and a reflectively coated bore to transmit images is disclosed. Additional passages formed in the wall of the endotracheal tube are adapted to receive a stylette and to act as an air passage for inflating an inflatable cuff formed on the inner end of the endotracheal tube. The light transmitted through the fiber optic bundle aids in illuminating the patient's laryngeal area and the image is reflected along the reflectively coated bore to aid the physician in intubating the patient. Alternative embodiments using a bore with a sleeve having a different refractive index from that of the tube material and an enhanced endotracheal tube for use with children are shown.

Abstract: A fluid management assembly for use in an endoscopic procedure is provided. The assembly comprises a first line for fluid to flow therethrough from an endoscope to a Y-connector and a second line for fluid to flow therethrough from a drape to the Y-connector. The Y-connector is also in fluid communication with a third line which connects the Y-connector to a suction source which supplies a suction force and receives the fluid. According to the present invention the Y-connector is located in close proximate relation with respect to the suction source and the first and second lines are preferably co-joined along a portion of their lengths. The first and second lines define scope and drape legs, respectively, which are elongated in comparison to more conventional designs. These features of the present invention serve to optimize distention and eliminate pressure fluctuations in the operative organ during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A hearing aid drying device for receiving and heat-drying one or more hearing aids. The device includes an electrical outlet-supported and electrically actuated wall light having a base with electrical contacts for operative engagement into an electrical outlet and an electric light bulb operatively supported in the base. A support member is connected to the base and a container is connected to the support member in a position directly above and in close proximity to the light bulb. The container preferably includes a closeable lid and defines an interior volume adapted to receive at least one hearing aid placed therein whereby moisture in the hearing aid accumulated. during use thereof is heated sufficiently by the light bulb to cause the moisture to evaporate. Apertures formed through the lid and bottom of the container facilitate circulation of heated air through the interior volume.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention relates use of a warm and dry atmosphere in electronic component storage areas. The warm and dry atmosphere provides the benefit of eliminating the baking process and other moisture management issues by removing moisture from the components. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a component storage system includes an enclosed component storage area and a dry gas delivery system for delivery of a dry gas to the storage area to prevent moisture from being absorbed by the components, and a temperature control system for controlling a temperature of the dry gas to about 10° C. to about 60° C.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid volume in a patient includes a fluid source (16) and a fluid conduit (32, 34, 36) for carrying fluid from the fluid source to the patient (12). A controllable infusion pump (30) pumps fluid from the fluid source to a peripheral vein of the patient through the fluid conduit. An occluder (100) for blocks fluid communication between the fluid source and the patient through the fluid conduit. A fluid pressure sensor (80) periodically senses fluid pressure in the fluid conduit. The apparatus further includes a controller (86) for determining a peripheral venous pressure value from the sensed fluid pressure in the fluid conduit after the infusion pump is stopped and the occluder blocks the fluid communication between the fluid source and the patient through the fluid conduit. The peripheral venous pressure is indicative of the patient's means systemic pressure and the fluid volume of the patient.

Abstract: A method and system for combustion of fuel in a boiler in which flue gasses are produced. The boiler includes a source of fuel, a source of air, and a controller for controlling the ratio of the source of air and the source of fuel inputted into the boiler. A sensor is used for measuring the concentration of oxygen in the flue gasses. The controller is adapted to calculate the amount of air entering the boiler based on the amount of oxygen in the flue gasses to thereby adjust the air to fuel ratio to include calculated air input and air input from the source of air. A preferred fuel is pulverized coal. The method and system provide for the air to fuel ratio to be adjusted to optimize efficiency as well as to minimize NOx production.

Abstract: The operation of dewatering and drying devices which consist of a dewatering centrifuge and a concentrically arranged spray drier may be disturbed by leaks between the drier housing and the centrifuge or by deposits and encrustation of solid particles inside the drier. In order to avoid these disturbances, the rotating outer surface of the centrifuge (1) is sealed with respect to the fixed front walls (13, 14) of the drier housing (11) by a sealing system in two or more stages which consists of rotary seals (160) and elastic or sliding sealing elements (180, 260, 300, 340). The rotating outer surface of the centrifuge (1) is provided, with turbulence-generating means (32, 33, 40, 42, 46), preferably torus-shaped turbulence-generating rollers, arranged inside the drier housing (11).

Abstract: The invention described herein pertain generally to a process for drying and/or pathogen reduction as well as an apparatus effective for the same, the process comprising the steps of feeding a sample containing water onto a mesh conveyor belt; transporting the sample into a heated chamber having an air flow about, around and through the sample; exposing said sample to at least two sources of microwaves in non-parallel alignment to each other; and collecting the sample. The at least two sources of microwaves are from a split waveguide assembly, producing microwaves which are essentially 90° out of phase to each other. The heated chamber is between approximately 75° C. and 125° C. The convection heating supplements the microwave heating thereby both heating the sample from the outside in and also from the inside out. The microwave frequency is between 915 MHz and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz.