Abstract: A substrate cooling apparatus is configured to include: a mounting table including a mounting surface for mounting a substrate thereon; a projection provided on the mounting surface for supporting a rear surface of the substrate; a coolant flow path through which a coolant flows, provided in the mounting table for cooling the mounting surface; a plurality of gas discharge ports provided in a circumferential direction at a peripheral edge portion of the mounting surface for discharging a cooling gas for cooling the substrate; a gas suction port provided at a center portion of the mounting surface for sucking the cooling gas; and a groove provided in the mounting surface for diffusing the cooling gas in a circumferential direction of the substrate. The substrate cooling apparatus configured as described above can cool the substrate mounted on the mounting surface with high uniformity.

Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a main box body in which a hand insertion portion is provided for allowing insertion/pulling out of hands and a water pan is provided for collecting water drops blown away from hands. In the main box body, a drain tank is disposed for accumulating water that is collected in the water pan. The drain tank is attached to the main box body in a detachable manner. A first lock mechanism is disposed for restricting removal of the drain tank. Moreover, an operating unit is disposed for switching the operating state of the apparatus and is covered with an openable-closable operating unit cap. A third lock mechanism is disposed for restricting opening and closing of the operating unit cap.

Abstract: A burner includes a housing 1, an intake pipe 3 and a burner head 4. Gas in the housing 1 is supplied to the burner head 4 through the intake pipe 3. An electric wire 8 extends through the intake pipe 3 which connects a piezoelectric element 7 to a core wire 10 from which electric discharge is generated near burner ports 9 of the burner head 4 by the piezoelectric element 7. Since the wire 8 is not exposed to outside the intake pipe 3, the wire 8 is never caught and damaged by an external object. Since air-gas mixture which is kept at around the room temperature is flowing through the intake pipe 3, the wire 8 is less likely to overheat during use of the burner. Thus, it is not necessary to provide the wire 8 with a shield plate for protecting the wire 8.

Abstract: A pressurized transport oxy-combustor with different configurations is disclosed. Substantially pure oxygen is fed to the transport oxy-combustor under pressure to combust fossil fuels, generating steam for power generation. The end product is the flue gas containing substantially pure CO2 after moisture condensation. The low excess oxygen necessary to achieve complete combustion in the combustor is scavenged by adding another fuel so that substantially all oxygen fed to the combustor is completely consumed. The capability to operate the transport oxy-combustor as a circulating fluidized bed combustor at very high solids circulation rates makes it unnecessary to use recycled CO2 or flue gas as a means to moderate and control the combustion temperature. The temperature in the combustor is effectively controlled by relatively cooler circulating solids that enter the combustion zone. A small amount of CO2 is recycled for aeration and to convey solids fuel to the combustor.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a charcoal igniter with a dual-action actuator assembly for pivoting a pair of grate members back and forth between a charcoal-supporting position and a charcoal-releasing position. Moving an actuator arm inwardly to a first position secures the grate members in the charcoal-supporting position. Moving the actuator arm outwardly to a second position allows the grate members to move downward to the charcoal-releasing position. A handle secured to the igniter housing includes an integrated track for guiding movement of the actuator arm between the first and second positions. The actuator assembly has a locking feature for securing the handle in the first position for supporting charcoal while it is being ignited.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the feed of a combustible gas by a valve device placed in a feed pipe which has a gas inlet section and a gas outlet section. The device includes a valve seat in the pipe associated with a membrane-operated plug and a device for returning the plug to a position in which the valve seat is shut off. The method includes the steps of creating a pressure difference in a section of the pipe downstream of the plug with respect to the direction of flow, by a constriction in the pipe having a predetermined cross section, the pressure difference being defined by a first pressure upstream of the constriction and a second pressure downstream of the constriction; collecting the signal formed by the second pressure downstream of the constriction and making the second pressure act on the side of the membrane opposite that on which the first pressure acts; and generating a regulatable load on the membrane of the membrane operating system.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a clothes dryer with a moisture sensor having a conductivity circuit with spaced contacts.

Abstract: A waste disposal plant includes a combustion chamber (2) inside which waste laid on a combustion grate (3) is burnt, which permits the entrance of an adequate quantity of combustion air in the chamber. The combustion grate includes a handling group formed by fire bars or plates (7), which move alternatively one with respect to the other by advancing the waste on the grate. The handling group permits the alternate movement of the fire bars (7) which are divided in movable fire bars (7a) and fixed fire bars (7b), alternately disposed one with respect to the other, on transversal rows resting one upon the other according to a longitudinal placement with alternate steps.

Abstract: A fluidized bed is described and which includes a multiplicity of fluidizing manifolds positioned in spaced relation one relative to the others; an enclosure positioned in gravity receiving relation relative to the multiplicity of fluidizing manifolds and which has an intake and a discharge end, and wherein particulate matter received in the fluidized bed moves under the influence of gravity from the intake end to the discharge end, and a moveable gate is mounted on the second discharge end of the enclosure and which is operable to selectively occlude a discharge aperture and which further facilitates the selective removal of particulate matter and waste material entrained with same, and which moves under the influence of gravity to the discharge end thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining an empty load in a clothes dryer having a drying chamber with an air inlet, an air outlet and operable according to a predetermined cycle of operation.

Abstract: A method for determining an end of cycle in a clothes dryer having a drying chamber with an air inlet, an air outlet and operable according to a predetermined cycle of operation.