Abstract: A non-abrading gasket assembly comprised of an upper ceramic fiber gasket having a generally rectangular configuration. The upper ceramic gasket has a hollow opening within joined long edges and short edges thereof. A lower ceramic fiber gasket has a generally rectangular configuration. The lower ceramic gasket has a hollow opening within joined long edges and short edges thereof. The lower ceramic fiber gasket and the upper ceramic fiber gasket have identical dimensions. The device contains an interior steel gasket having a generally rectangular configuration. The steel gasket has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough inwardly around a peripheral edge thereof. The steel gasket has a downwardly extending aperture formed through a central portion thereof. The interior steel gasket is dimensioned to be coupled between the upper ceramic fiber gasket and the lower ceramic fiber gasket.

Abstract: A dryer for removing vaporous substances from products in which the product sequentially passes beneath an array of ventilating nozzles and an array of infrared heaters. The dryer includes a generally rectangular frame forming a central drying zone having an infeed end and an outfeed end. The array of ventilating nozzles is positioned at the infeed end of the drying zone in order to quickly remove surface moisture from the product. The downstream array of infrared heaters removes residual surface moisture and moisture beneath the surface of the product. The ends of the heaters project into a pair of inlet ducts extending along opposite sides of the frame so that the ends of the heaters are cooled by air flowing through the ducts. Air flows through the ducts from an inlet near the outfeed end of drying zone to a blower manifold where the air is mixed with recirculated gases from the ventilating nozzles and air entering the infeed end of the drying zone before being conveyed to the blower.