Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a base assembly pivotally connected to an upright assembly. The base assembly comprises housing, a support, and a foot-actuated belt drive disengaging mechanism and a ratchet ratchet-operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism for raising or lowering a suction nozzle on the base assembly relative to a surface to be cleaned. The ratchet-operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism for raising and lowering the housing relative to the support.

Abstract: A hinge for transport cases, trunks, suitcases and the like, comprising two elements which are mutually articulated about a common axis and are both able to rotate with respect to the common axis. Each element is delimited by two parallel walls and has a total width that is equal to the width of the channel delimited between the stiffening ribs of the transport case, suitcase or trunk on which it will be installed. Each element is associable with the stiffening ribs of the respective transport case, once it is inserted between the ribs, without requiring any mechanical machining of the surfaces of the case.

Abstract: A method of forming a sheet wafer melts feedstock material in a crucible that is part of a crystal growth furnace, and passes a plurality of filaments through the crucible to form a (un-separated) sheet wafers. A plurality of sheet wafers may be formed in different lanes in the crucible. One or more vision systems is used, during growth, to determine if a sheet wafer has a defective condition. If a defect is detected, then any of a variety of corrective actions may be taken, such as activating a cutting device to remove at least a portion of the sheet wafer, assessing the defect and grading a portion of the sheet wafer (e.g., for sorting based on grade), and/or producing an indicia. In a multiple-lane embodiment, a defect may be attended to in one lane while sheet growth continues in one or more other lanes.

Abstract: A plastic sealing fastener includes a fixing member, a latching ribbon formed on the fixing member and at least one locking portion. The locking portion is for locking the latching ribbon in the fixing member. The fixing member includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first covering portion formed on the first surface and a second covering portion formed on the second surface. The first covering portion defines a first covering hole. The second covering portion defines a second covering hole. The at least one locking portion is formed on a side surface of the second covering hole. A depth of the second covering hole exceeds twice the length of the locking portion; and a depth of the first covering hole exceeds the length of the locking portion.

Abstract: A crown structure of zipper head includes a crown and a resilient sheet. A reception cavity is indented from a bottom surface of the crown. Two abutment portions are formed at the side portions of the bottom face of the reception cavity. A recess portion is defined between the two abutment portions. The crown includes a side wall elongated respectively along the lateral side of the crown. A passage is formed respectively at the mid section of the sidewall and communicates with the reception cavity. A stop portion is disposed on each lateral side of the crown and adjacent to the passage. The resilient sheet is disposed in the reception cavity and abuts the stop portions. The resilient sheet has a through hole at each end respectively, and two opposed troughs are formed at the mid section of the lateral sides of the resilient sheet.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for use on clothes lines for improving the drying time of laundry hung on the clothes line. The device is a longitudinally extending body consisting of two constituent pieces, that are mirror images of one another. Deformable pins on one piece fit into recess holes on the other piece, so that the device can be snapped together. A groove is defined in the interior abutting face of each constituent piece, and a clothes line is receive in the groove. The body assumes the form of a polygon, such as a circle or ellipse, in lateral cross-section. Laundry is draped or hung over the exterior of the body of the auxiliary device so that lengths, or stretches, of the laundry are located parallel to, and spaced from, each other to facilitate drying.

Abstract: A clip may include an anchor portion that is configured to be inserted into an insertion hole formed in a subject member. The anchor portion has at least a pair of pillars that are positioned across an axis of the anchor portion, and flexible strips that are respectively connected to the pillars so as to be projected outward therefrom. The pillars are configured to be flexed about proximal ends thereof in a direction in which the pillars can intersect with each other. The flexible strips are configured to engage a periphery of the insertion hole formed in the subject member when the anchor portion is inserted into the insertion hole, so as to hold the anchor portion on the subject member with a retention force. The pillars can be applied with a flexing force when an extraction force greater than the retention force of the anchor portion is applied to the anchor portion, so as to be flexed in the direction in which the pillars can intersect with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting assembly (10) for fastening a mount-on part (12) to a carrier part (14), having a clip (16) which includes a deformable locking section (18) for fastening the clip (16) to the carrier part (14), and a separate locking pin (20) which is adapted to be received by the clip (16) by a movement in a mounting direction (22) along a mounting axis (A), the clip (16) and the locking pin (20) including cooperating latching members (26, 24) which form snap connections in a preassembly position and a locking position to fix the locking pin (20) axially on the clip (16). In the preassembly position the locking pin (20) and the clip (16) form a preassembled connecting assembly which is insertable into mounting openings (28, 30) of the mount-on part (12) and of the carrier part (14) by a movement along the mounting axis (A) and is movable to a fastening position.

Abstract: A holding dowel (10) for fastening a fastening means to a component (22), in particular to a vehicle body part, is adapted to be inserted into and arrested in an opening (20) of the component (22) and has a mount (26) for the fastening means. The holding dowel (10) has a base body (12) made from a hard material, which protrudes into the opening (20) and is adapted to fix the holding dowel (10) in place in the opening (20), and further has a sealing member (18) made from a flexible plastic material, which includes a surrounding sealing lip (38). In the installed condition of the holding dowel (10), the sealing lip (38) rests against the component (22) and seals the opening (20) of the component (22). The sealing member (18) is produced at least partly from a material which under the influence of heat establishes a substance-to-substance bond with the component (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener (1) provided with a snap-fitting leg (2) to be pushed through an opening of a panel, said snap-fitting leg (2) including a flat rigid core (8) which extends in an axial direction (A) and at least one curved flexible flange (9) having an inner longitudinal edge (10) running alongside the core (8) which is separated from a free outer longitudinal edge (11) of the flange (9) by a web (12) with a concave inner surface. A stiffening rib (14) is provided on the concave surface of the web of the flange (9). Said rib connects to the free outer longitudinal edge of the flange at two remote points substantially aligned in said axial direction (A).

Abstract: A retainer structure having excellent workability of attaching to and removing from a panel is obtained. In an approximately cylindrical retainer main body (22), a cap holding portion (26) for attaching a cap (18) which is an attached member, and a panel clamping piece (32) contacting a body panel (14) from a side opposite to a seal packing (20) so as to clamp the body panel (14) between the panel clamping piece and a flange portion (24), are formed. The cap holding portion (26) and the panel clamping piece (32) are formed at positions different in a circumferential direction of the retainer main body (22).

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional fiber preform for fabricating an annular part out of carbon-carbon composite material, the method including stacking layers of a fiber sheet made up of carbon yarns or tows, needling the layers one by one as they are superposed so as to bond them together, and locally modifying the electromagnetic properties of the fiber preform by increasing the fiber density of the layers of the fiber sheet that are situated at half-thickness of the fiber preform.

Abstract: A design structure, structure, and method for providing an on-chip variable delay transmission line with a fixed characteristic impedance. A method of manufacturing a transmission line structure includes forming a signal line of the transmission line structure, forming a first ground return structure that causes a first delay and a first characteristic impedance in the transmission line structure, and forming a second ground return structure that causes a second delay and a second characteristic impedance in the transmission line structure. The first delay is different from the second delay, and the first characteristic impedance is substantially the same as the second characteristic impedance.

Abstract: An embodiment of this golf club shaft extractor has a slotted externally threaded member and an internally threaded member. The externally threaded member, using its slot, is placed on the shaft, and the internally threaded member is placed on the shaft over the shaft's grip, and these members are then joined by their threads. A vise then clamps the shaft such that the club head's hosel touches and centers in a tapered cavity in the externally threaded member, and the internally threaded member touches the vise. After the hosel is heated to weaken the shaft's adhesive bond, while preventing rotation of the externally threaded member, the internally threaded member is rotated in a direction which reduces the thread engagement distance, thereby increasing the overall length of the joined members and pushing the head away from the shaft. This extractor is relatively low in cost, using items commonly possessed by club fitters to reduce the number of additional parts required.

Abstract: A removal tool which exerts an axial pull on an annular element including a tie rod with a widened end head adapted to be inserted in the coaxial passage of the annular element, beyond the annular element, and a mechanism for engaging with the element in a form of an annular cage with lateral prongs capable of deforming elastically in the radial direction, passing through the axial passage to engage via the elastic prongs thereof with the distal transverse surface of the element and to allow the element to be removed by the engagement of the widened head with the prongs, following the axial movement of the tie rod outside of the hole by a control mechanism.

Abstract: A transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft includes an undercarriage and an interior component module carrier unit. The interior component module carrier unit is supported on the undercarriage and is adapted to be connected to an interior component module, which is preassembled outside of the aircraft, in order to transport the interior component module with the aid of the transport device into a final assembly position in an aircraft fuselage element. At least a part of the interior component module carrier unit is movable relative to the undercarriage such that an interior component module connected to the interior component module carrier unit is movable horizontally and vertically relative to the undercarriage.

Abstract: A system for moulding and fitting together a first part and a second part. Two guide rails are parallel to a first direction and, for each guide rail, a carriage moves in translation on the guide rail. For each carriage, a cam carrier moves in translation parallel to the first direction and has a cam, the two ends of which are distant in a fitting-together direction. An assembly bar carries a series of first cavities, each end of which is mounted in one of the two cams. A series of second cavities are provided. An activation device moves the cam carriers and, for each carriage, a locking device locks the carriage alternatively with the cam carrier and the guide rail.

Abstract: A saw blade reconditioning method with a band saw blade member made from a portion of band saw blade material, a standard oscillating power tool blade shank having the serrated toothed blade portion removed and a butt welding fixture. The band saw blade member is locked into the jaws of one side of the welding fixture and the oscillating power tool blade shank is locked into the opposite side of the welding fixture. The butt welding tool is calibrated to ideal heat and feed rate for the blade shank to the band saw blade welding purposes. The leading edge of the oscillating power tool blade shank is welded to the trailing edge of the band saw blade member. The band saw blade member is trimmed on its left and right ends to form a smooth transition oscillating tool blade shank.

Abstract: A method for making a mould for a part of a wind turbine rotor blade to be moulded in the mould, the method comprises determining whether a geometrical property of the mould is within an acceptable limit; and if the determined geometrical property is not within the acceptable limit adjusting the mould so as to bring the geometrical property to be within the acceptable limit. The mould needs not be manufactured to the final and narrow tolerances required for making wind turbine generator rotor blades, but adjustment to desired geometrical properties can be carried out according to determined geometrical properties and desired tolerances. This ensures that rotor blades can be produced with desired geometrical and aerodynamic properties and with narrow tolerances. Also, the mould can be made lighter whereby it will be less costly and easier to move and to manipulate.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for exchanging a milling chamber comprises a vehicle comprising a milling chamber supported by the underside of the vehicle. The underside comprises a track that interfaces with a guide of the milling chamber. The track and guide are configured to accommodate lateral movement of the milling chamber with respect to a length of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for forming a tube-based detector for signaling when a PVD target is reduced to a predetermined quantity of the PVD target material includes providing a mold member having an inner molding member and an outer molding member defining a space therebetween, melting a desired tube material, injecting the molten tube material into the space between the inner molding member and the outer molding member, cooling the molten tube material, removing the tube from the mold member after the molten tube material has cooled and solidified into a tube, embedding the tube in the physical vapor deposition target, wherein the tube forms an enclosure of the tube-based detector.

Abstract: A tip of an electron beam source includes a core carrying a coating. The coating is formed from a material having a greater electrical conductivity than a material forming the surface of the core.

Abstract: A positioning system for use in a wind turbine is described herein. The wind turbine includes a rotor, a drive train assembly that is supported from a support frame, and a drive shaft rotatably coupled between the rotor and the drive train assembly. The positioning system includes an alignment assembly that is coupled to a component of the drive train assembly. The alignment assembly is configured to adjust an orientation of the component with respect to the drive shaft with the drive shaft at least partially inserted within the component.

Abstract: The present document describes a key for releasably connecting members at a right angle, furniture and door assembly kits comprising keys, and members having mating connectors along their ends for releasably connecting said members at a right angle through their mating connectors.

Abstract: A coupling pin comprising a carriage member and a riding member longitudinally slidable over the carriage member. The carriage member and riding member being mutually inclined longitudinally, and together complementing each other to form a uniform pin. The pin may be inserted into an aperture such that the carriage member is first disposed therein, and a force subsequently applied to the riding member causing it to move longitudinally with respect to the carriage member, into a load-bearing position.

Abstract: An installing method for an anchor cage and a method for installing industrial equipment includes: providing an anchor flange; providing a template flange; providing a shimming flange; assembling and fixing lower ends of part of anchor bolts in a first group of bolt holes of the anchor flange; assembling upper ends of the part of anchor bolts in a first group of bolt holes of the template flange correspondingly; adjusting and fixing all the anchor bolts after the rest anchor bolts penetrate through a second group of bolt holes of the anchor flange and a second group of bolt holes of the template flange; binding reinforcing steel bars and pouring concrete below the template flange to form a reinforced concrete platform; and taking the template flange down and assembling the upper ends of all the anchor bolts in the plurality of bolt holes of the shimming flange correspondingly.

Abstract: A device for grinding cams for a camshaft may include at least one retaining mandrel on which the cams may be non-rotatably fixed during the grinding operation, and wherein the at least one retaining mandrel may be formed at least in certain regions from ceramic.

Abstract: A radiator coupled to an antenna patch disposed along a first end of the radiator, said patch disposed on an insulator. A ground plane is connected to the insulator and a radome is disposed opposite a second end of the radiator. The radome may have a region presenting a convex surface towards the radiator, and the radome has a second region presenting a concave surface towards the radiator. The first end of the conical radiator is the apex of the cone. A ground plane is included and a portion of the ground plane is a planar surface and another portion extends away from the planar portion towards the radome. Also disclosed is a method for forming a radiation pattern by shaping the radome to effectuate a predetermined radiation pattern using localized convex and concave surfaces positioned on the radome at different points in relation to the conical radiator.

Abstract: A method of producing an inductor with high inductance includes forming a removable polymer layer on a temporary carrier; forming a structure including a first coil, a second coil, and a dielectric layer on the removable polymer layer; forming a first magnetic glue layer on the removable polymer layer and the structure; removing the temporary carrier; and forming a second magnetic glue layer below the structure and the first magnetic glue layer.

Abstract: A gasket for a bipolar battery comprises a structural part in the shape of a frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, and at least one channel to permit gas passage through the gasket. The structural part may be made from a first material having hydrophobic properties. The gasket further comprises at least a first sealing surface arranged in a closed loop projecting from the upper surface, and at least a second sealing surface arranged in a closed loop projecting from the lower surface. The first and the second sealing surfaces are provided on at least one sealing part, are made from a second material, and the first material of the structural part has a higher elastic modulus than an elastic modulus of the second material of the sealing parts. A bipolar battery and a method for manufacturing a gasket are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: A multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piston part having a piston crown, and a lower piston part. The lower piston part has pin boss supports and pin bosses connected with them and the upper piston part and the lower piston part each have an inner and an outer support element, which elements delimit an outer circumferential cooling channel. The inner support elements delimit a cavity that is open toward the pin bosses. The cavity has a separate cooling oil collector that has at least one cooling oil opening. The piston is produced by manufacturing the upper piston part and lower piston part, inserting the cooling oil collector into the upper piston part or lower piston part, and joining the upper and lower piston parts together by friction welding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing cold spots on plates of a plate-type fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger averages the plate temperature at a hot-fluid exit plane of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger matrix is constructed to internally vary the flow patterns of opposing hot and cold fluid streams so that the heat transfer coefficient values of one or both fluid streams, designated as h, are optimized so the hot fluid value is a greater value than that of a cold fluid value. Plate variable flow structures are arranged in a manner that allows higher velocity hot fluid flow and possible lower velocity cold fluid flow in areas where the plate temperatures are coolest and the opposite configuration where plate temperatures are hottest.

Abstract: There is provided a processing method of a tube body comprising the steps of: a tube-expanding step wherein a base tube is partially retained with a chuck unit having a rotational function, and a mandrel is pressed in to an end portion of the base tube so as to expand the end portion of the base tube; and a rotation ironing step wherein the chuck unit rotates the base tube together with the mandrel, a roller die is pressed against an outer-periphery surface of the end portion of the base tube and the roller die is moved with respect to the base tube and in an axial direction thereof so as to deform an inner-periphery surface of the end portion of the base tube into a shape corresponding to an external shape of the mandrel.

Abstract: A heat pipe and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes: defining a closed end, a closed portion, and a contact section in sequence along a heat pipe to be processed; closing the opening of the closed end and the passage of the closed portion so as to finalize the heat pipe; and cutting axially the contact section into a plurality of equal parts, bending the equal parts outward to assume a divergent shape, thereby providing the contact section with an area for contact with a heat-generating source. Heat is directly transferred from the heat-generating source to the heat pipe via the contact section, thereby enhancing heat dissipation.

Abstract: A method of re-manufacturing a shaft-hub assembly to be used in a transfer case, the method including the steps of : determining an initial diameter of a journal bearing of a main shaft that has been used in the transfer case; comparing the determined initial diameter to a predetermined minimum threshold, and discarding the main shaft if the determined initial diameter is below the predetermined minimum threshold; if the determined initial diameter is above the predetermined minimum threshold, preparing the bearing surface of the journal bearing for a thermal spray process; thermally spraying an aluminum bronze material onto the bearing surface; and machining the aluminum bronze material to achieve an outside diameter that provides a desired running clearance with a corresponding finished inside diameter of a central bore for a hub to which the main shaft will be assembled in the transfer case.

Abstract: A slicing device for cutting fruits or vegetables into wedges, cubes, or other desired shapes includes a slicing frame and a pusher, in which the frame includes a grid of internal cutting blades. The pusher is configured to be used to push at least partially sliced food items through the gaps between cutting blades. In some versions, the pusher is pivotally attached to the slicer and includes a removable container.

Abstract: A hair clipper attachment guide which attaches on hair clippers, particularly hair clipper blades, for the use of hair cutting guidance and assistance having a Base Plate with utilizes the functions of attached Wheels or Guidance Tracks to elevate as it travels across a scalp, resulting in various hair length cuts within its path.

Abstract: An extended reach garden shears includes a shear rod, a driven arm, an operating arm and a connecting piece. The shear rod has a fixed cutter base on one end. The fixed cutter base is formed with a hooked cutting edge. The fixed cutter blade is provided with a primary shaft hole and a secondary shaft hole. A driven arm is provided with a rotation hole and is pivotally connected to the primary shaft hole of the fixed cutter base. The driven arm is formed with a cutting blade to match the hooked cutting edge. The bottom end of the cutting blade extends to form a connecting portion. The distal end of the connecting portion is bent to form a driven rack. The operating arm is provided with a pivotal hole. The pivotal hole is pivotally connected to the secondary shaft hole of the fixed cutter base. The operating arm is formed with an operating rack adjacent to the pivotal hole. The operating rack is drivingly engaged with the driven rack.

Abstract: A cutting machine providing excellent usability and facilitating installation of a battery pack is provided. The cutting machine includes a handle provided on a housing accommodating a motor, and a cutting blade operated by the motor driven by the battery pack which is a drive source. An insert receiving member is formed in the housing at the rear of the handle, and has an open top end allowing the battery pack to be inserted and installed therein from above. The insert receiving member is integrally joined to the handle.

Abstract: A rotating head for hedge trimmers, comprising: a support body (2, 3), predisposed to be fixed to a drive shaft of a hedge trimmer, which support body (2, 3) comprises a first half-shell (2) and a second half-shell (3), reciprocally and releasably couplable; at least a snap-fit engagement (4, 5), comprising a male connector (4) predisposed to snap-fit into an engagement seating (5); the male connector (4) is flanked to the internal side of a peripheral wall (31).

Abstract: A rotary cutter for a mower has a cord for cutting grass and the like by rotating itself; a reel for housing the cord and feeding the cord while intermittently rotating; a case for housing the reel; a cover for covering the case; and a pressing body protruding from the case. The pressing body is axially movable by being pressed, and intermittently rotating the reel. The reel and the pressing body are integrally constructed. Concave grooves for inserting the cord are provided in the reel in a radial direction and the cord is wound by fitting it to the concave grooves.

Abstract: The invention concerns a three-dimensional measuring device, which comprises: a base (5) intended to be fixed to a support assembly (6) and lying in a first plane, a plate (14) mounted so as to rotate on the base (5) about a first axis (Z), said plate being equipped with a first sensor (c1) determining the angle of rotation (?) of the plate about this first axis (Z), a single rocking telescopic arm (2), a first end of which is articulated on the plate (14) about a second axis (X) orthogonal to the first axis (Z), the angle of rotation (?) of said arm about the second axis (X) being determined by a second sensor (c2), the second end of the single telescopic arm being provided with a measuring feeler (3), and the said single arm being equipped with a third sensor (c3) determining the elongation length (?) of the arm in translation, so that the spatial position of the measuring feeler is determined by its polar coordinates (?, ?, ?) in the fixed three-dimensional reference frame consisting of the base (5) once t

Abstract: An instrument to measure vector height comprises a base 8, linear guide rail 10, support and rotating plate 7, slide block 11 on guide rail with a measuring device vertically sliding in the sliding slot of linear guide rail 10 and riser 8 with a top fixed with bumper plate 12. There is a measuring seat 5 for polishing abrasive tools and a rotating clamp handle 6 on a support and rotating plate 7. By changing the corrective blocks on the measuring seat 5 for polishing abrasive tools, the instrument may measure the convexity of abrasive tools, but also the concave areas. Embodiments of the instrument have a wide range of 50 mm, high precision of 0.001 mm and accuracy of 0.006 mm, in a convenient to use form factor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for setting a lash space between a lost motion piston and an engine valve or other components of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The apparatus may include a lock nut gauge, a zero setting gauge extending into the lock nut gauge, a lash setting gauge extending into the zero setting gauge, and a bit stem extending through the lash setting gauge. The bit stem may include a bit which is used to rotate a tappet screw that sets the lash. A key extending between the zero setting gauge and a scroll channel in the lash setting gauge may be used to control setting of the tappet screw, and thus the setting of lash.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alignment device for the aligned and detachable fixing of at least one functional component (10), in particular in the form of a tool holder, to a further functional component (12), in particular in the form of a tool disk, around at least one alignment axis (14), wherein the two functional components (10, 12) have in each case at least one contact face (16, 18) for mutual contact with each other.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing having a tape reel rotatably mounted therein. A measuring tape is at least partially coiled about the tape reel. The measuring tape is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position at least a portion of the measuring tape extends outwardly of the housing. In the retracted position the measuring tape is substantially coiled about the tape reel and disposed within the housing. A spring mechanism biases the tape reel to rotate so as move the measuring tape from the extended position to the retracted position. A disc brake mechanism applies a frictional force to the tape reel to control rotation of the tape reel.

Abstract: A laundry drying appliance (100) includes a cabinet (110) having a top (119), a rotating drum (105) accommodated within a tub (303) housed in the cabinet, and a laundry drying air circulation system for circulating drying air. The drying air circulation system includes a drying air return duct (305) through which drying air coming from drum flows. The drying air return duct has an outlet (310), and a drying air delivery duct (205,215) through which the drying air is sent back to the drum. The drying air delivery duct has an inlet (210). The top forms a ready-to-mount moisture condensing module ready to be mounted to the cabinet for dehydrating drying air used to dry laundry within the drying drum of the laundry drying appliance.

Abstract: A rotary drying cylinder (1) for plants for the production of bituminous macadams, extending along a main axis (2). The drying cylinder (1) comprises a burner (7), connected to the cylinder, which generates a flame (9) that extends inside the cylinder (1). The drying cylinder (1) internally comprises a tube-shaped shielding structure (10) having an axis of extension which is substantially parallel with the main axis (2) and extending from the burner (7) so that, in practice, the flame (9) is at least mainly confined within the shielding structure (10), there thus being a separating ring (12) between the shielding structure (10) and the inner surface (13) of the drying cylinder (1). The shielding structure (10) comprises a plurality of hollows (17) facing towards the inner surface (13) of the drying cylinder (1) for containing, in practice, the material being dried. The shielding structure (10) is at least mainly made of heat conducting materials.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for drying a material or, more generally, flash evaporating a target substance having a vapor pressure threshold. The methods and systems include a conveyor conduit that receives material. The material moves through the conveyor and is expelled into a pressure drop zone created by one or more venturi nozzles. As the material encounters the pressure drop zone, the targeted substance in the material experiences a rapid and extreme pressure drop and simultaneously a rapid temperature increase. This causes the target substance in the material to flash evaporate virtually immediately. The resulting vapor is separated from the remaining material and the now dry material is collected for further processing or use. The vapor can be collected, condensed, exhausted, or otherwise treated depending upon the goals of a particular installation or process.