Abstract: Structure is provided defining a flow path for granular materials to be dried and laterally through which drying air may be passed. The flow path includes inlet and outlet end portions and supply means is provided for supplying granular material to the inlet end portion and discharge means is provided for discharging granular material from the outlet end portion. Air passage structure is provided including means for passing heated drying air laterally through the inlet end portion of the flow path and cooled drying air laterally through the outlet end portion of the flow path. The air passage structure includes a substantially closed loop circuit and pump structure for pumping air through the circuit.

Abstract: An improved self-tapping or thread-forming screw where the thread configuration on the screw end swages or forms the thread in an object to be threaded rather than cutting and removing a portion of the material of the object. The screw is provided with a threaded shank terminating in a tapered thread-forming end having four equi-spaced flattened surfaces separated by four threaded lobes or corners, and each corner is provided with a leading flattened surface in place of a portion of the radius to provide a partially threaded relief area in addition to the full relief areas formed by the flattened sides.