Abstract: An improved method for drying particulate low rank coal in a fluidized bed wherein the improvement comprises flowing hot fluidizing gas of varying temperatures upwardly through the fluidized bed so that the hottest fluidizing gas flows upwardly through the coal nearest the coal inlet and the coolest fluidizing gas flows upwardly through the coal nearest the dried coal outlet from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bucket wheel valve heated by hot gas flowing through an axial gas chamber in a rotor which is spaced axially from the side walls of a housing. The spaces between the rotor and the side walls are screened from the exterior in the radial direction by annular members forming extensions of the chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic sectional control valve includes separate pump pressure and function control spools. The spools may be actuated independently and sequentially to provide raising, holding and power down functions for earthmoving and construction vehicles. Additional function control spools may be added in the valve structure to provide multiple function control.

Abstract: A power assist device for a vehicle steering system includes an electric motor coupled to a steering linkage via a plurality of gears and a yoke-like connection to provide a variable ratio steering system.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a radiator mounted forwardly of the fuel tank and above the engine. The motorcycle further includes a cowling extending from forwardly of the radiator to either side of the motorcycle. A radiator baffle plate is positioned between the radiator and the fuel tank. This plate includes a downwardly extending panel which is positioned between the radiator and the fuel tank and which further extends rearwardly on either side of the motorcycle to positions to either side of and adjacent the forward portion of the fuel tank. Passageways are created between the cowling and the downwardly extending panel to direct the air heated by the radiator downwardly and to the side of the motorcycle for discharge without impinging upon the rider.

Abstract: A selectable multi-wheel drive system for a mining machine has an electrical motor directly driving a wheel and driving a hydraulic pump through a clutching mechanism. Another wheel is connected to be driven by a hydraulic motor connected through a hydraulic circuit to be driven by the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is selectively connected to the hydraulic motor so that one wheel or both wheels may be driven. The hydraulic circuit is controlled so that when in a one wheel drive condition the hydraulic motor is placed in a free-wheeling mode and no losses occur in the hydraulic circuit because of connection to the wheel.

Abstract: An improved furnace construction is provided permitting ceramic materials of various types to be processed at significantly elevated temperatures or being transported to the furnace enclosure. More particularly, novel transport means are provided for said ceramic materials to avoid problems with thermal shock and chemical attack here and for encountered during such processing of the ceramic materials. The novel transport means includes a furnace tray construction for the ceramic materials exhibiting greater abrasion resistance at the elevated furnace operating temperatures and which preferably cooperates with a hearth member in said furnace construction having comparable abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A ceramic material firing furnace, wherein heat is supplied through perforated plates provided on the furnace crown and furnace channel slabs. The plates have an upper face and lower face interconnected by ribs, and are supported by silicon carbide beams.

Abstract: A tunnel oven 20 has a baking chamber divided by partitions 21 into a plurality of longitudinally extending zones 22. The oven heating system comprises upper and lower heater ducts 6a, 6b through which hot gases are passed, using a blower 24 for each zone 22. The intake of each blower 24 is within the associated zone 22 and is disposed adjacent the outlet end of an inlet duct 11 which leads into the lower part of the zone. An outlet 8 leads out of the upper part of each zone 22. The entry end 27 of the inlet duct 11 is open to atmosphere whereby fresh air is introduced into the duct. The exit end of the outlet duct 8 is connected to an exhaust fan 7 whereby gases are extracted from the zone 22 by way of the outlet duct 8 to an exhaust flue 18. Dampers 12 and 10 comprise first and second regulating means for controlling flow through the inlet and outlet ducts 11 and 8.

Abstract: A waste liquid is dripped down into a shaft chamber 1 of a shaft furnace 2 t the bottom of which chamber is a rotating conical grate 3 on which is an incandescent bed of carbon-rich material 6 than can be supplied from the top of the shaft. Oxygen is supplied through holes 17 of a raised head 15 of the grate. The liquid, vaporized as it reaches the incandescent bed, is drawn through the bed 6 where it is gasified and where high molecular weight components are cracked, forming a gas mixture that is drawn off through the duct 18 at the bottom of the shaft while solid residues of the liquid collect in the bed 6 from which ashes pass through a peripheral gap 5 and drop down through the duct 18 to a collecting hopper 21. The gas mixture then flows upward through a second incandescent bed 24 of carbon-rich material, such as coke or wood charcoal, where the oxygen, exhausted along with the gas mixture from the shaft 1, maintains a temperature between 900.degree. and 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are disclosed for heating objects, such as electronic chips being bonded to substrates, in which a copper heat exchanger element (12) comprises a circuitous interior passage (26) through which gases pass from a source (30) to be heated by a heater (74) to a desired temperature and to be cleansed of unwanted oxygen by catalytic reaction, prior to entering a furnace chamber (22) heated from below by the heat exchanger element (12) and from above by a further heater (72) and copper plate (60), whereby essentially uniform gas temperature, acceptably low oxygen concentration and fast cycling times are provided in the furnace chamber (22). See FIG. 1.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a first rotary member and a second rotary member for pinching and transporting a bearing member for fixing a toner image formed thereon. The first and second rotary members are pressed to each other. At least the first rotary member is provided with a surfacial layer containing a mixture of fluorinated rubber and fluorinated resin powder.

Abstract: The operation of an open ring-type baking furnace for the production of shaped carbonaceous bodies and having at least partly grouped fire shafts is such that during the fire reversal phase the negative pressure is regulated in each fire shaft in the transverse walls near the fire reversal units. This regulation takes place, depending on the position of the pre-heating zone, at the transverse wall on the suction unit side or on the baking side of the furnace. In particular in combination with process control means the process leads to a uniform product quality independent of the position of the said body in the furnace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging and discharging device with a vertically and longitudinally movable supporting arm. According to the invention, a pivotable lifting fork is provided which is fastened, horizontally and rotatably about its longitudinal axis, to the free ends of a supporting arm extending essentially in the form of a U and open at the bottom.

Abstract: A heat treating furnace for a metallic strip, which includes a heat exchanging zone and a heating/soaking zone provided within a furnace body by dividing the furnace body with a partition wall disposed in a widthwise direction so as to transport the metallic strip in a confronting state through the heat exchanging zone. The heat exchanging zone is further provided with nozzles for jetting atmospheric gas of the heat exchanging zone onto opposite surfaces of the metallic strip being transported, an atmosphere supply duct for the nozzles, and a circulation fan so as to utilize sensible heat discharged or dissipated from the metallic strip during pre-cooling for pre-heating the metallic strip.

Abstract: For electronically sensing the proper entry of a coin into a slot machine, vending machine or the like, an upstanding chute extending from the slot of the machine has two pairs of opposed apertures formed therein. A coin falling through the chute successively intercepts light beams emitted by external light sources and normally falling on photodetectors through the apertures. The outputs from the photodetectors are used for measuring the period of time required for the coin to pass each pair of apertures and the period of time from the moment the coin starts passing the upper pair of apertures to the moment the coin completes passing the lower pair of apertures. The photodetector outputs are further utilized for detecting a reverse travel of the coin in the chute, as by the stringing of the coin by the customer. Additional embodiments provide for the detection of oversize and undersize coins from the photodetector outputs.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which is adapted for thermally processing an advancing yarn. The chamber comprises first and second members each having a discontinuity in the form of a groove, shoulder or the like in the surface thereof, and the members are movably mounted with respect to each other between an operative position wherein the discontinuities are positioned relative to each other to define a relatively narrow yarn passage, and a threading position defining an enlarged opening to facilitate threading. Also, heating means is provided for introducing saturated water vapor into the yarn passage in the operative position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating granular materials which require to be heated to drive off volatile constituents and which require to be cooled, for example foundry sand containing an organic binder. The method comprises the step of maintaining a mass of the material at a treatment temperature lying in the range 250.degree.-400.degree. C. for between four and thirty hours. The mass may be initially heated by virtue of a manufacturing process in which the mass has been previously used. Alternatively, the mass may be initially heated by a pre-heating step such as heating in a fluidized bed. Alternatively, the mass may be heated by being placed in heat transfer relationship with a second mass of the material which has been previously heated, for example, in a fluidized bed. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for freeze drying heat sensitive aqueous products on a continuous basis, utilizing molecular sieves to sequester the sublimating water vapor, is described. At least two beds of sieve are used sequentially, one being heat regenerated while another is actively adsorbing condensable vapors. Exotherm is controlled during freeze drying, and bed regeneration may be accomplished without the use of a purge gas. The advantages of certain types and sizes of molecular sieves, in a continuous freeze drying procedure, is discussed.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is disclosed for rotating a pair of tandem wheel assemblies journalled on a centrally pivoted tandem drive housing. A jointless elastomeric belt extends about the wheel assemblies which are driven by two chains entrained over respective sprockets contained within the tandem drive housing. A planetary gear set is effective to powerably drive both chains with a differential action to minimize the influence of the belt loading upon the chains. The planetary gear set and the sprockets are constructed to deliver a greater torque to the rear wheel assembly than the front wheel assembly through the chains.