Abstract: A machine for opening dies for extruding aluminum and alloys thereof, comprising a table for supporting a die to be opened which is connected to translatory motion elements for placing the die at a parting unit which has a plurality of tools distributed around the die and provided with a parting blade which can be gradually moved closer and inserted between the two parts that constitute the die.

Abstract: A system for crimping metal sheets and a female die designed for use in crimping metal sheets. According to the present invention, a female die for use by interaction with a male die to join metal sheets together by interaction of the dies to cut or slice through the sheets to form portions of the metal sheets which are spread by material flow by the interaction of the dies to prevent separation of the metal sheets is disclosed.

Abstract: A composite stripper for use in conjunction with an apparatus for joining multiple pieces of sheet metal or other sheet material is disclosed. The composite stripper is an elongated cylindrical member having a compliant midsection which is compressible to clamp sheet materials tightly together and a pair of relatively hard end portions and to provide an adequate interface between the punch assembly and the material to be joined.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling panel-shaped workpieces such as aircraft wing panels includes a traveling gantry that supports a tool-holding frame on which are supported a plurality of tools such as drills, riveters, rivet shavers, inspection tools, and the like. The frame is movable along a plurality of axes and is rotatable about at least one axis for positioning the tools in relation to the workpiece. The apparatus also includes a fixture for holding a workpiece, the fixture comprising a plurality of slidable holders that can be extended or retracted along a horizontal direction generally perpendicular to the surfaces of a wing panel or the like. The holders have clamps and/or vacuum cups for engaging the workpiece to hold the workpiece in a desired position. The holders are retractable to create a clearance between the workpiece and the holders to allow the frame to be passed through the clearance.

Abstract: A device helps the user pull a vehicle seat belt mechanism through a child safety restraint seat to secure the seat in the vehicle. One design includes an elongated handle with a pocket at the other end. The pocket end includes: (a) a chamber with (b) an open face large enough for the seat belt mechanism to enter the chamber, and (c) a slot in one of the walls for the belt to fit into. Another design includes an elongated handle with a spring hook at the other end. This spring hook mechanism includes: (a) a base portion connected with the elongated handle and (b) a free hook end extending from the base portion toward the second end of the handle member. The free hook end includes a hook member for engaging a portion of the seat belt mechanism. The devices would be preferably formed from a rigid but flexible material, like a strong plastic.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a zipper includes the step of dividing a label into two halves. The two halves are disposed on a cloth strip. Two banks of continuous chain teeth are pressed against one another and then are sewn to the cloth strip. The width between the sewing portion of two banks is equal to the distance between the two halves of the label. A wedge block expands the two banks of chain teeth outwards, so that a space is formed. The cloth strip is melted and cut, so that the cloth strip is cut adjacent to the two chain teeth. A strip separation wheel feeds out the left and right portions of the cloth strip, sewn with the chain teeth, at the same time. Fittings, such as a chain clip, are attached to the chain teeth to finish the zipper.

Abstract: A one-piece bulbshield is sized and shaped to be disposed into a preformed opening in a reflector of an automotive headlamp. The one-piece bulbshield includes a cup having a defined edge scroll and a pair of legs integrally formed onto the cup, each leg having a flexible, spring engagement foot. A method for manufacturing the one-piece bulbshield from a sheet metal strip using a progressive die press includes the steps of forming a primary outline of the legs and the cup of the bulbshield in the sheet metal strip. The primary outline of the cup of the bulbshield is then drawn. Having drawn the bulbshield, a final outline of the legs is formed into the primary outline of the legs of the bulbshield. The final outline of the legs of the bulbshield is then shaped. The defined edge scroll is then formed into the primary outline of the cup to yield a finished one-piece bulbshield which, in turn, is severed from the remainder of the sheet metal strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for making pallets includes an automatic stringer feeding system; an automatic stringer advancing system; a pallet assembly station; a nail delivery system; and a pallet stacking system. Wood stringers are automatically fed to a series of hoppers which facilitate advancing the stringers into the pallet assembly station. Spaced apart deck boards are nailed, via a gantry movable along a longitudinally extending frame on generally parallel spaced apart linear guide bearings, to both sides of the supporting base of transversely positioned stringers in the pallet assembly station. Multiple nailing stations in adjacent spaced relationship include a pneumatically driven double ram for nailing together stringers and overlying deck boards positioned within the pallet assembly station.

Abstract: A shape-adjusting mechanism for a backrest has a lumbar basket which includes a pair of supports spaced apart along a predetermined axis. Resilient axial ribs are fastened between the brackets, and resilient transverse ribs are fastened to the anal ribs. The axial ribs are structured to flex as the supports are drawn together, to achieve a profile that better conforms to the shape of a user's spine. To that end, each axial rib is stamped with reinforcing flanges that extend partially along its length and produce lengthwise rib sections of different bending resistance that determine the profile of the lumbar basket in its flexed state.

Abstract: A clean box has a box body having an aperture in one side surface, an opening/closing lid for hermetically closing the aperture while undergoing vacuum suction to the box body, and a plurality of latches provided on the box body so as to be able to engage the opening/closing lid outside the box body. The latches of the clean box can be unlatched by latch releasing mechanisms from outer and lateral sides of the box body, which are side positions with respect to the side surface having the aperture.

Abstract: A system and method to maintain concentricity of a center hole of a top substrate and of a bottom substrate in a bonded storage disk manufacturing system. A first device holds a coaxial arrangement of a top and bottom substrate around a first arbor. A second device holding the arrangement in a coaxial arrangement around a second arbor. One of the first and second arbors is fixed to its associated device and the other is movable in response to urging from the one arbor so that the arrangement maintains concentricity.

Abstract: A balloon locking cup and securing system includes a cup having a latch interposed between a funnel shaped cup portion and a tube extension. The balloon cup is placed over a reciprocating needle hook rod in a securing system. The tail of the balloon is received by a hook at the end of the hook rod and a first pneumatic cylinder is actuated to pull the needle hook rod in such a manner as to pull the balloon into nesting engagement with the balloon cup. At the end of travel of the first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder is automatically actuated, causing a knife blade to separate the end of the balloon tail just beneath the tubular member of the balloon cup assembly. The drawing of the balloon into the cup assembly actuates the latch which engages the balloon tail near the neck of the balloon and secures the balloon in the cup assembly.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating air-filed true-time-delay, continuous transverse stub array antenna. A plurality of extruded sections that are physically independent of one another are fabricated. The plurality of extruded sections are arranged in a predefined pattern defining the structure of the array antenna. Adjacent surfaces of the extruded sections form waveguides of the array antenna. The plurality of extruded sections are joined together at their respective ends to form the array antenna. The plurality of extruded sections may be joined using a plurality of end plates. The plurality of extruded sections and end plates may comprise metal or plastic. If the extruded sections are plastic, they are metallized 44 using a process such as vacuum deposition, electroless plating, or lamination during the extrusion process. The end plates are sealed to the extruded sections to form the array antenna structure.

Abstract: An inductive write element for use with a magnetic data recording and retrieval system is provided. The write element includes a magnetic yoke having an electrically conductive coil passing there through. The yoke is constructed of first and second magnetic poles, and performance of the write element is improved by the inclusion of a very thin pedestal of a high magnetic moment material on the first pole in the pole tip region. Further performance gains are realized by providing a tapered edge on the pedestal to facilitate magnetic flux flow through the pedestal.

Abstract: As means for handling elongate and flat workpieces flowing in a manufacturing line, three handling devices are provided. First one is a workpiece transmitting device which functions to push down, one after another, the frontmost one of a mass of raised workpieces horizontally put on a table structure. Second one is a parts-mass compressing device which compresses a mass of raised workpieces horizontally put on a table structure to a desired smaller size by using moving and fixed plates. Third one is an assembling device which connects a header pipe to each side of a compressed mass of raised workpieces horizontally put on a table structure.

Abstract: A photographic film cassette manufacturing apparatus, has a perforator for providing a long film with perforations and a cutter for cutting the long film into individual filmstrips to be contained in the film cassette driven synchronously with transport of the long film. A magnetic recording head for recording data on a magnetic recording layer of the long film is driven in synchronism with the perforator and the cutter. The long film is transported in a first direction before being cut into the individual filmstrips. In cooperation with the cutting, a trailing end of the individual filmstrip in the first direction is moved in a direction which is reverse to the first direction to secure the trailing end to the spool. A cassette shell consisting of a pair of shell halves is temporarily assembled by mating the shell halves together while containing a spool inside the shell halves, and thereafter opened to an extent that confining elements still confine the position of flanges of the spool.

Abstract: A method for bonding conductors onto semiconductor components is disclosed, where an opening is provided in an insulation layer on a semiconductor component. At least one conductor extends across the opening, where the conductor is bonded onto the semiconductor component by a bonding tool, which bends the conductor in the region of the opening toward the semiconductor component. Prior to the bonding, the conductor is severed in the region of the opening.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods of forming a patterned metal layer in an electronic device, wherein the metal layer is in contact with an underlying organic polymeric layer (e.g., a conductive or semiconductive organic polymeric layer), which methods comprise mechanically scribing the metal layer with a mechanical scribing instrument to form the patterned metal electrode.

Abstract: A cylindrical body of a catalyst container has that overlapped portion of a rolled sheet of metal which is welded in an axial direction of the cylindrical body. A coned portion is welded, at a large diameter portion thereof, to each axial end of the cylindrical body. The large diameter portion of the coned portion has a flange which extends radially outward, and the axial end of the cylindrical body is brought into abutment with an outward end surface of the flange and is fillet-welded along an outer corner which is formed by the flange and the cylindrical body. A heat shield cover is mounted under the casing by connecting a second flange connected to a front end of a downstream exhaust gas pipe to a first flange connected to a rear end of the casing. The heat shield cover is made up of a mounting flange portion and a cover portion. The mounting flange portion is extended so as to abut with an upstream surface of a lower part of the first flange.

Abstract: A tubular part having a tubular main body and an integral tubular protrusion projecting laterally from the side of the main body and in fluid-tight communication therewith is superplastically formed by inserting the tube in a cavity of a die base and heating the die to a temperature at which the material of which the tube is made exhibits superplastic properties. The distal end of a pull-rod is extended through an opening in the die base and through a hole in the side wall aligned with the opening. A pull-die is selected having a cross section larger than the hole and about equal to the desired internal cross section of the tubular protrusion. The pull die is attached to the distal end of the rod and (before or after attachment) is heated to about the superplastic temperature of the tubing material.

Abstract: An electric shaver comprises an inner case which retains an electronic part board and an outer casing which retains a plug pin board which secures a plurality of plug pins. The inner case is fabricated of a plastic integral with a bottom wall. The electronic part board is disposed above the lower separating wall while the plug pin board is disposed under the lower separating wall. Metal pins penetrating the lower separating wall connects the electronic part board and the plug pin board. The bottom opening of the outer casing is closed with a bottom cover. The bottom cover has a pair of through holes through which extend outwardly a pair of plug pins.

Abstract: This invention is directed to various flexible-blade razors whose flexing and bending are assisted by the user's fingers These novel, flexible-blade razors are able to bend as deeply as required in order to conform to and closely shave convex, concave or flat surfaces of the body, in a single, full-width, shaving stroke.

Abstract: A pipe cutting device for cutting copper pipes, in particular, to length. The pipe cutting device includes a handle member; and also includes a cutter support assembly being attached to the handle member; and further includes a cutting member being rotatably mounted to the cutter support assembly; and also includes rollers being disposed in the cutter support assembly for facilitating rotation of a pipe being cut; and further includes an adjustable closure assembly being attached to the cutter support assembly.

Abstract: A folding tool (14, 60) including a locking mechanism for keeping a knife blade (2, 72) or other tool blade in an extended position or a folded position with respect to a handle (1, 62). A locking body (3, 90, 90′, 142, 150, 162) extending between the sides (16, 18, 64, 68) of the handle (1, 62) is moveable transversely, between a locking position and a releasing position. A flat locking face (42, 102) of the locking body (3, 90) engages a flat engagement surface (44, 104) on the blade (2, 72) when the blade is in the extended position. A ball detent including a projecting ball surface (98) and a mating detent cavity (112) may be used to keep the blade in its folded position with respect to the handle. Another detent includes inclined surfaces (128, 132).

Abstract: A drywall cutting tool includes a slidable base, at least one cutting blade, and at least one fastener. The slidable base includes a first side face, a second side face, a front face, a rear face, and a flat bottom. The first and second side faces are preferably parallel to each other. The front and rear faces are also preferably parallel to each other. The first and second side faces are preferably perpendicular to the front and rear faces. The flat bottom is substantially perpendicular to the side faces, front face, and rear face. A blade slot is formed in at least one of said side faces. The blade slot is sized to securely retain a cutting blade. The cutting blade may be adjusted relative to the slidable body such that the portion thereof that extends from the flat bottom may be increased or decreased. The fastener is tightened or loosened to retain the position of the cutting blade relative to the flat bottom of the slidable body.

Abstract: A blade cartridge including a platform member having a blade seat, and a guard member located forward of and parallel to the blade seat so as to form a longitudinal slot between the blade seat and the guard member. A first blade is disposed on the blade seat such that the cutting edge of the blade is located rearwardly of the guard member. A spacer is located on the upper surface of the first blade. The spacer includes an upper surface having a plurality of protruding members extending therefrom and extending through apertures on a second blade such that the second blade is disposed on the upper surface of the spacer. The first blade has apertures that allow debris to flow between the first and second blades and downward through the aperture in the first blade and out through the platform member. A third blade is disposed on an upper surface of the protruding members of the spacer, thereby forming a gap defined by the second and third blades.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for identifying the boundaries and indicia of a basketball court or street hockey rink, respectively. In a first embodiment, the measuring apparatus comprises the combination of an elongate measuring strip and the casing for containing the same. The casing is preferably attached to the base of a portable basketball backboard and hoop set such that the measuring strip may be extended therefrom and extended across the playing surface to identify the boundaries and indicia inherent to a conventional basketball court. The second embodiment likewise comprises the combination of an elongate measuring strip and the casing for housing the same, and is designed and configured to identify the boundaries and indicia of a street hockey rink. The casing is preferably formed upon the frame of a conventional street hockey goal net with the measuring strip being extensible therefrom to measure out and identify the placement of the boundaries and indicia inherent to a street hockey rink.

Abstract: A marking machine including a frame, an arm articulated on the frame about an axis of articulation, and a marking tool movably mounted on the arm, The marking tool is movable in translation with respect to the arm.

Abstract: A bow sight includes a balancing disk from which an adjustable sight bracket projects forwardly. The bracket may be angularly adjustably secured to the disk through an arcuate slot and clamp. An eccentric weight keeps the disk in a gravity oriented position. The end of the sight bracket supports a transversely adjustable sight pin which includes on its end a front sight bead. The bow sight is supported between parallel plates mounted on the bow and includes a forwardly projecting brush guard and a locking lever may be employed to lock the disk during movement or transportation to prevent damage or misalignment. When the sight is bore sighted and adjusted on level ground at a distance of about 20 yards, for example, the balancing disk will maintain the disk and sight in a level position throughout the movement of the bow, and will provide the proper elevation for the front sight bead whether shooting uphill or downhill.

Abstract: An archery bow sight is provided in which the sight mount includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism to adjust the horizontal position of the sight relative to the bow, in addition to the vertical position of the sight. Indicia are provided on the horizontal adjustment mechanism to determine the amount of adjustment that has been made to the sight.

Abstract: A datum plane setting device capable of generating two or three reference planes is provided. The device includes a motor 6, rotary bodies 3 (3x, 3y, and 3z) which rotate in accordance with rotary driving of said motor via a direct drive and belt drive, rotary heads 8 formed on the tip end portions of said rotary bodies 3, laser emitting portions 9 which are accommodated inside said rotary heads 8 and rotate with said rotary heads 8 as one body. A power source supplies current for the motor 6 and laser emitting portions 9. A casing 2 accommodates the motor 6, rotary bodies 3, power source 5, supporting members for horizontally supporting said casing, and a level 27 for confirming a level of said casing. The laser emitting portions 9 are constructed so that current is supplied from the power source 5 via current-supplying brushes 1501 which contact guiding paths provided around the rotary bodies 3.

Abstract: A screed system for walls for allowing the user to work faster and more efficiently and to effectively plaster a wall to a uniform thickness. The screed system for walls includes a mounting bracket being adapted to removably mount to a wall; and also includes a leveling assembly being movably mounted to the mounting bracket and including a leveling tool; and further includes a squaring level assembly being adapted to be mounted in a corner of two adjoining walls; and also includes ia plurality of screed support members being adapted to be fastened to and extended outwardly from studs supporting the wall; and further includes screed members being securely mounted to the screed support members for determining a depth of plaster and mortar being applied to the wall.

Abstract: The present application discloses a compass having a base, a pivot extending from the base along an axis and a pointer. The pointer includes a central portion resting upon the pivot, a first outer portion radially spaced from the axis of the pivot and having a magnetic north polarity and second outer portion radially spaced from the axis of the pivot and angularly spaced from the first outer portion by approximately 180 degrees. The second outer portion has a magnetic south polarity. The central portion, the first outer portion and the second outer portion are integrally formed as part of a single unitary body including polymeric material. In one exemplary embodiment, the central portion, the first outer portion and the second outer portion are formed from a magnetic powder blended with a polymer matrix. In another exemplary embodiment, the first portion and the second portion include at least one magnetic member encapsulated within a layer solely composed of the polymeric material.

Abstract: A brick placement guiding apparatus and method of the same for guiding placement of a vertical series of protruding bricks in a plumb orientation. The brick placement guiding apparatus and method of the same includes a base plate adapted for mounting on an outer surface of the building adjacent to an opening in the building. An elongate arm is mounted on the base plate for extending outwardly from the outer surface of the building adjacent to the opening. A line support structure is mounted on the arm in a manner permitting movement of the line support structure in the longitudinal direction of the arm. A line is mounted on the line support structure for depending from the arm.

Abstract: A spirit level employs an elongated housing having a rectangular cross-sectional outline and provided with registering elongated slots in its front and rear walls. At least one follower of the level has a main portion slidably installed in the housing and one or two pointers outwardly adjacent the slot in the front wall. The two end pieces of the housing are provided with bubble tubes, and each follower has a passage for introduction of a stylus or another suitable marking tool which can be inserted at the front wall to extend outwardly through the slot in the rear wall of the housing.

Abstract: A stylus is supported by an upper coupling member which is supported by a lower coupling member which is supported by a probe which is movably supported by a rail of a coordinate positioning machine. The coupling members are held together by a permanent magnet, and their relative positioning is established by first and second sets of positioning elements provided on the first and second coupling members respectively. The sets of positioning elements are mutually engagable in a plurality of angular orientations about the axis of the coupling to provide a plurality of angularly indexed positions at which the lower coupling member has stable and repeatable positions relative to the upper coupling member. The coupling is carried to the indexing dock where a carrier engages the lower coupling member, and the lower coupling member is released from the upper coupling member by energizing an electromagnet which repels the coupling members apart.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring the loft and lie angles of a golf club includes a rod attachable to the golf club with a first pointer mechanism being in alignment with the shaft axis of the golf club. A body is rotatable about the rod into parallel alignment with the sole of the golf club and a first indicator plate is movable with the body and relative to the first pointer mechanism to provide a visual indication of the lie angle of the golf club by showing the angle of rotation of the indicator plate relative to the first pointer mechanism. A face engaging member is pivotally mounted on the body for movement into engagement with the face of the golf club, and a second pointer mechanism is movable with the face engaging member relative to a second indicator plate carried on the body to provide a visual indication of the loft angle of the golf club by showing the angle of rotation of the second pointer mechanism relative to the second indicator plate.

Abstract: A dental measuring device can be used to measure the separation of reference positions on a patient's upper and lower jaws to assist in the construction of dentures. The device has two elements which slide longitudinally relative to each other with a pointer on one and a scale on the other. The elements have projecting arms. The sliding elements can be reversed so that in one position the arms point in the same direction for measuring the separation of specific points on the patient's nose and chin, and in a second position the arms point in opposite directions for positioning beneath the patient's nose and chin.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a person's plantar contour having a foam impression block with a toe thickness and a heel thickness wherein the toe thickness is less than the heel thickness. A method for measuring a person's plantar contour using such a foam impression block by placing the plantar contour of the person's foot over the foam impression block such that the toes are over the toe thickness and the heel is over the heel thickness; and then pressing the plantar contour into the block to deform the block.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins of a crankshaft in the course of the machining in a grinding machine includes a Vee-shaped reference device, a measuring device associated with the reference device and including a feeler axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee-shaped reference device, and a support device with a first arm rotating with respect to a support arranged on the grinding-wheel slide and a second arm rotating with respect to the first and carrying the Vee-shaped reference device.

Abstract: A measuring probe includes a suspension module 112 in which a stylus holder 140 is suspended from a housing on a pair of diaphragms 142, 144. At least one of the diaphragms is formed with spiral cut-outs whereby the stylus, which is connected at the centre of the diaphragms, is able to move transversely of the axis of the housing as the stylus holder pivots when transverse forces are applied to the stylus tip. A transducer module 110 is releasably supported on the suspension module by a kinematic mounting 116, 118 and is retained in position by magnets 120. The transducer module contains optical transducers 200, 210, 220 for measuring the deflection of the stylus.

Abstract: An installation template for installing a door closer. The installation consists of an under sheet coated with a release agent and two installation templates, a pull side template and a push side template, both coated with a self-stick adhesive, attached to the under sheet. The pull side template and the push side template include two sets of written instructions, each set being upside down to the other set, which permits each template to be used for both right hand and left hand installations. The use of both pull side and push side templates on the single under sheet along with the two sets of written instructions, allows a single template to be used for both push side installation and pull side installation of both right hand and left hand doors.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a first member in a desired radial orientation relative to a second member. The positioning device includes a coupling portion for coupling the positioning device to the second member, a contact member for contacting the first member and an adjustment portion for controllably adjusting the distance between the contact member and the coupling portion. The radial orientation of the first member relative to the second member is changed by adjusting the distance between the contact member and the coupling portion. A method for taking dimensional data on a hinged subassembly is also provided.

Abstract: A pull element travel sensor include a winding drum and a pull element which can be wound on to and unwound from the winding drum. The winding drum is biassed in the pull element winding-on direction. The length of the pull element which is pulled off the winding drum can be detected by a detecting unit. The pull element is wound on the winding drum in a spiral configuration in a plurality of layers in mutually superposed relationship in a single radial plane of the winding drum. A lifting apparatus for lifting a load has at least two lifting units and at least one travel sensor, each lifting unit having a winding drum with a pull element and a motor for driving the winding drum in the winding-on direction. At least one of the lifting units has a detecting unit for detecting the drawn-off length of the pull element from the winding drum, with all pull elements of the lifting units engaging the same load.

Abstract: A positioning conveyor for horizontally aligning panels, metal sheets and the like, with a conveying table, which is provided with driving arrangement, and at least one stop (10, 14) at an edge of the conveying table, has a thickness measuring device (22, 24, 54), which is provided at the stop for measuring the panel thickness of the contacting panels, metal sheets, or like.

Abstract: A dehumidifier drying apparatus adapted to dry saturated drying agent of dehumidifiers, including a top-open drying box, the drying box having an air inlet, a detachable seal cover covered on the drying box and adapted to hold saturated drying agent for drying, the detachable seal cover having a plurality of air vents, and a hot air source, for example, a hair dryer adapted to blow hot air through the air inlet of the drying box and the air vents of the detachable seal cover to dry saturated drying agent being put on the detachable seal cover.

Abstract: A transport enclosure arranged between a first apparatus and a second apparatus, all located in a clean room, is shielded from the clean room and maintained a degree of cleanliness which is cleaner than that of the clean room. Accordingly, the volume of space within the clean room requiring the highest degree of cleanliness is minimized, thereby reducing overall costs.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for drying a wafer using the Marangoni effect quickly forms an isopropyl alcohol layer on a cleaning liquid in which the wafer is submerged. The isopropyl alcohol is first heated and then supplied in a fluid state onto the cleaning liquid. The isopropyl alcohol liquid thus diffuses rapidly to form the isopropyl alcohol layer. The wafer is thoroughly dried by removing it from the cleaning liquid through the isopropyl alcohol while only supplying more of the heated nitrogen gas into the ambient above the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: Liquid is removed from batches of substrates by apparatus and methods for drying substrates that have been wet in an elongated liquid bath. The substrates are moved relative to the bath and an elongated gas-filled volume at rates of movement selected according to the location of the batches of substrates in the bath or the volume. As an example, the substrates and the bath are separated at a controlled rate to form a thin layer of liquid on each substrate as each substrate enters the gas-filled volume. The gas-filled volume is defined by an elongated hot chamber and hot gas directed into the volume and across the substrates and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the substrates. The flow rate of the gas into the volume is related to introduction of the substrates into the bath to avoid disturbing the liquid in the bath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved assembly for rotating and sealing a centrifugal dryer and a dryer including such a sealing assembly. A seal according to the present invention includes an end cap supporting a bearing that in turn rotationally supports a rotor. The end cap has an attachment portion and a seal ring including a groove receiving a v-ring seal that sealingly engages the stub shaft attached to the dryer rotor. The seal ring defines a drain cavity having at least one drain port out of which any fluid that infiltrates past the v-ring seal can drain from the end cap. The drain port is disposed at a lower level than the v-ring seal and the grease seal so that fluid can drain away without accumulating and infiltrating past the bearing grease seal and into the bearing compartment formed between the end cap and rotor the stub shaft.