Abstract: A new tank container cooling system for preventing tank containers, especially bulk fuel storage containers, from overheating. The inventive device includes a main conduit fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir. At least one delivery conduit is in fluid communication with the main conduit to permit passage of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the delivery conduit. The delivery conduit is generally ring shaped and has a plurality of outflow nozzles. The delivery conduit is adapted for mounting on a storage container such that fluid passing out of the output nozzles flows on the storage container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for pasteurizing and inactivating a continuously flowing product without scorching the product. Microwave heating is used to gradually raise the temperature of the fluid up to the pasteurization or inactivation temperature. Preferably, the fluid is preheated to a temperature within a few degrees of the pasteurization or inactivation temperature. Surface conductive heating and heat regeneration can be used for economically preheating the fluid.

Abstract: A sterilization system for sterilizing a solution such as a parenteral solution or diluent generally includes an arrangement for supplying a solution to be sterilized from an associated source, at least one first heat-exchanger for elevating the temperature of the solution, and at least one second heat-exchanger for subsequently cooling the solution. The system further includes an arrangement for pressurizing the system with sterile gas which is used to effect "dry-start up" of the system and to shut-down the system to minimize product losses.

Abstract: A method for cooling air to a predetermined outflow temperature for use in an atmosphere having a controlled humidity. In the method, a stream of air having an unknown temperature and an unknown humidity content is supplied. The air is cooled to provide cooled air having a temperature at or below the predetermined outflow temperature. The cooled air is heated when necessary to provide outgoing air having a temperature approximately equal to the predetermined outflow temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing amorphous particle dispersions of high-melting microcrystalline solids in a continuous process. The apparatus comprises a pump, two heat exchangers, a back-pressure valve and conduits connecting them, whereby it is possible to make aqueous dispersions of particles whose melting points are above 100.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention provides a heating/cooling system including a heating/cooling apparatus, the apparatus comprising a blower unit connected to a heat exchanger unit and both units are enclosed within a duct structure which is continuous from an upstream input end to a downstream output end. The blower unit comprises an electric motor direct-coupled to an impeller and the heat exchanger unit comprises a heat transfer assembly and both blower and heat exchanger units are of a size and configuration as to facilitate their mounting within the space defined by, for example, a pair of building floor joists. The space between the floor joists may be enclosed to function as a return air duct to the apparatus. The heating/cooling apparatus may be adapted for humidifying and dehumidifying air being pumped through the apparatus by the blower unit.

Abstract: A high temperature, short time microwave heating system 10 for heat-sensitive liquid material to inactivate or reduce pathogenic agents or organisms, such as viral contaminants. The system 10 includes a disposable cartridge 26 consisting of a preheater 32, a microwave heating coil 56 and cooler 58 with the heating coil 56 adapted to be easily inserted in and removed from the microwave heating field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling thermally massive parts includes directing a chilled gas onto an electrical component travelling on the belt of a continuous furnace. The belt is divided into a series of hot and cold zones to provide thermal stressing to the electrical component to detect early life failure. As the component cools, a constant thermal stress is maintained by either lowering the temperature or increasing the flow rate of the chilled gas.

Abstract: The temperature control device comprises heat transfer shells, each of which consists of two shell sections, each of which consists of a metal casting, in which a single temperature control element is embedded. The temperature control element has been formed from a tubular blank to comprise at least one loop and is formed with locating surfaces, which are exposed to recesses formed in the inside and outside peripheral surfaces of the shell section. Owing to that design the metal castings may be made by die casting under relatively high injection pressures and with a much smaller wall thickness so that the inside peripheral contacting surfaces of the shell sections can much more snugly contact the plasticizing cylinder or the nozzle and a temperature change can be effected at a higher rate.

Abstract: A combination pump and heat exchanger assembly in a manufacturing process temperature controller uses a cast metal pump case with two upwardly opening sockets receiving the lower ends of two tubes, one of them communicating through the case with the pump impeller intake and the other with the impeller discharge. Closed circuit and open circuit versions are shown. In both types, the tubes are constructed to function as tanks, at least one being a heat exchanger unit, and they are readily and removably secured to the case by threaded fasteners and are sealed therein by compression seals. The heat exchanger tubes employ electrical heating elements or chilled liquid piping units therein. A controller including a microcomputer responds to temperature of liquid pumped from the assembly through a process to be temperature controlled, and returned to the assembly, to control an electric heater and/or a motor-operated modulator valve discharging to drain while cool make-up water is admitted.

Abstract: A method for the cooling of a heated, e.g. heat-sterilized, flow containing particles of foodstuff character is disclosed. The flow is separated into a high particle flow, and a low particle flow which is cooled separately from the high particle flow and is used later as a cooling medium for the cooling of the high particle flow. The method can be used in aseptic packaging wherein a heat-treated, cooled foodstuff product, e.g. fruit soup, vegetable soup, meat broth, etc., is packed in sterilized packing containers, or in packing containers manufactured from sterilized packing material, under aseptic packing conditions.

Abstract: A calorimeter for measuring the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of chemical reactions, microbial fermentations, and other processes of industrial importance is described. The present invention also relates to a method of operation of this apparatus.

Abstract: A system for use in providing compressed air for snow making equipment used in conjunction with a liquid cooled air compressor, including a plurality of motor driven fans and a heater coil assembly positioned in a portion of the path of the air moved by each of the fans, the heater coil assembly having a liquid coolant flowing therethrough, an air-to-air heat exchanger positioned adjacent the heater coil assembly and in the air flow paths of the fans, the air-to-air heat exchanger being connected in series with the air compressor and the snow making equipment and serving to reduce the temperature of the compressed air flowing from the compressor to the snow making equipment, actuator controlled louvers positioned above the air-to-air heat exchanger, there being one louver for each fan, a liquid cooling coil assembly supported adjacent the air-to-air heat heat exchanger and in a separate air flow path, a liquid transfer pump for moving cooling liquid from the compressor and a control assembly which may be a ma

Abstract: A melter for adhesives such as hot melt adhesives or the like including a high melt zone having high melt heater means for heating the adhesive in the high melt zone to a preselected application temperature, a feed hopper positioned vertically above the high melt zone and a cooling mechanism positioned vertically above the high melt heater means to create a thermal barrier between the high melt heater means and the feed hopper to prevent migration of heat from the high melt zone to the feed hopper. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing adhesives for application including heating the adhesive to a preselected application temperature in a high melt zone and forming a thermal barrier in an area vertically above the high melt zone to limit the upward migration of heat from such zone.

Abstract: A control system controls the temperature of a chemical process vessel by recirculating a heat transfer medium through a jacket surrounding the vessel. In order to control the temperature of the recirculating medium, the control system uses an internal cooling heat exchanger connected in series with an internal heating heat exchanger and can also connect the recirculating loop to a central refrigeration system. Operation of the heat exchangers and connections to the central refrigeration system are automatically controlled by a computer which selects the cooling method in order to minimize energy use while maintaining the selected temperature. The computer also monitors the inlet and internal temperatures of the vessel and the outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger to prevent thermal shock damage when the system changes between heating and cooling during operation.

Abstract: A process for the setting of a constant temperature for a fluid, and furtmore, to a thermostat for implementing the process. The constant temperature is set by the heating up of the fluid during its flow through a heat source. The fluid, prior to the setting of the constant temperature, is initially cooled down to a lower temperature, such that the temperature difference which is reached between the constant temperature and a lower temperature, is higher than the temperature-overshooting range of the cooling regulating circuit. These measures simplify the setting of the constant temperature inasmuch as only the heat source need be equipped with a high-performance regulator. Through the cooling section which is connected ahead of the heating element, there is maintained a minimum temperature differential.

Abstract: A greatly improved aseptic processing apparatus and method for pumpable foods is provided which gives accurate, uniform aseptic cooking conditions (e.g, time, temperature and pressure) while at the same time preserving the integrity of particulates in the food product. In preferred forms, the apparatus includes a reciprocating piston food pump which generates a continuous product stream at a substantially constant nominal pressure. This stream is fed to a heat exchanger in order to elevate the temperature of the product, whereupon the stream passes through a holding tube to complete the aseptic cooking process. A metering device such as a rotary pump is located downstream of the holding tube for creating a substantially constant flow rate of product from the apparatus.

Abstract: A slit fin heat exchanger is formed by wrapping slit fin tubing into a flat coil having two spaced rows of tubing. The flat coil is located on mandrels which are rotatable about spaced parallel axes with the mandrels and axes initially being in the same plane. A piece of expanded metal is placed between the two rows. The mandrels are rotated about their axes in opposite directions which shifts the plane in which the coil is located. The shifting of the plane of the coil moves a portion of a first row of the coil into contact with a planar portion of a platen and the second row of the coil into a nesting relationship with the portion of the first row which is in contact with the planar portion of the platen and the piece of expanded metal. Continued rotation of the mandrels causes folding of the portions of the coil which extends the area of nesting. The folding takes place through up to 120.degree.

Abstract: A slit fin heat exchanger is formed by wrapping slit fin tubing around a pair of mandrels having expanded metal cylinders thereon into a flat coil having two spaced rows of tubing. The flat coil containing the expanded metal cylinders is located on mandrels which are rotatable about spaced parallel axes with the mandrels and axes initially being in the same plane. The mandrels are rotated about their axes in opposite directions which shifts the plane in which the coil is located. The shifting of the plane of the coil moves a portion of a first row of the coil into contact with a planar portion of a platen and the second row of the coil into a nesting relationship with the portion of the first row which is in contact with the planar portion of the platen. Continued rotation of the mandrels causes folding of the portions of the coil which extends the area of nesting. The folding takes place through up to 120.degree.

Abstract: A continuous soldering furnace for the assembly of electronic components on a support which is opaque to infrared rays by a soldering product, includes a metal muffle, an endless metal belt, one or more heaters extending over a part of the muffle, a forced cooler extending over another part of the muffle which is situated following the preceding part, parts for introducing one or more gases inside the muffle, closures provided at each end of the muffle. The heaters are both external to the muffle and inside the muffle. The furnace is adapted for use in the electronics industry.

Abstract: The circulation of heat transfer fluid through the low temperature heat exchanger in the temperature control system of a freeze dryer is selectively increased when the temperature of heat being applied to the product shelf assembly in the freeze dryer exceeds the desired temperature. Preferably, a servo-controlled mixing valve selectively bypasses the low temperature heat exchanger so that the rate of cooling is very precisely adjusted without requiring the heat exchanger refrigeration unit to be cycled on and off. Since the refrigeration unit operates continuously, the reliability and operating lifetime of the refrigeration unit is increased. Moreover, the heat exchanger temperature is maintained at a minimum value. Preferably, the servo-control for the mixing valve includes a digitally controlled stepping motor and the adjustment of the mixing valve is sensed by a linear voltage displacement transducer. To prevent short cycling and oscillation, a dead band is introduced in the servo-control loop.

Abstract: In a plastic injection apparatus comprising a barrel, an axially reciprocable, rotatable, plastic working screw in the bore of the barrel, a nozzle for injecting melted plastic from out of the front of the bore into a mold, and a plurality of axially spaced heater bands ringing the barrel over its length, the heat control for such apparatus is improved by subdividing the barrel into rear and front parts, impeding outward flow of heat from the rear part by the use of thermal insulating material and a heat reflective surface, and promoting outward flow of heat from the front part by the use of cooling means and of a tubular barrel cover which encloses such front part and has inner and outer surfaces which are heat absorptive and heat reflective, respectively. In one embodiment, the mentioned thermal insulating material is incorporated in a tubular insulating shroud enclosing the heater bands in the rear part and of greater I.D. than the O.D. of such bands.

Abstract: A high gradient directional solidification furnace is disclosed which includes eight thermal zones throughout the length of the furnace. In the hot end of the furnace, furnace elements (25, 26, and 40) provide desired temperatures. These elements include Nichrome wire (28) received in a grooved tube (30) which is encapsulated by an outer alumina core (32). A booster heater (40) is provided in the hot end of the furnace which includes toroidal tungsten/rhenium wire (42) which has a capacity to put heat quickly into the furnace. An adiabatic zone is provided by insulation barrier (62) to separate the hot end of the furnace from a cold end. The cold end of the furnace is defined by heating elements (80 and 90). A heat transfer plate (70) provides a means by which heat may be extracted from the furnace and conducted away through liquid cooled jackets (72).

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus adapted for storage of cold storage goods as well as frozen goods and having both a heater and a cooler is controlled by an improved temperature control device, which includes a detector for detecting a temperature of return air from the interior of a storage area of the refrigerating apparatus and a detector for detecting a temperature of an air output which is blown into the interior of the storage area, and which controls either the higher one of the two detected temperatures or the lower one of the two detected temperatures depending upon a set temperature. In the case of storing cold storage goods, the lower one of the two detected temperatures is controlled so as to be maintained at the set temperature, whereas in the case of storing frozen goods, the higher one of the two detected temperatures is controlled so as to be maintained at the set temperature.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for feeding a crushed or pulverized solid supply material such as coal or the like, from a supply source under ambient pressure into a reactor or the like which is under significantly higher pressure; such as in connection with a hydrogenation/oxidation process producing so-called "fuel" or "synthesis" gases. A liquefied gas such as carbon dioxide or the like, is fed under pressure into a moving supply of such materials (as may be contained in a closed casing screw conveyor/extruder or the like) in order to form a slurry which is suitable to be pumped into the receiver against its superior pressure. Process temperatures are so controlled that as the input liquefied gas component of the slurry migrates toward the lower pressure feed inlet end of the conveyor in response to the superior pressure at the discharge end of the conveyor, it solidifies into solid particles which intermingle with and substantially fill the interstices between the supply material particles.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus for conditioning the air supplied to a vehicle passenger space is provided which includes an air conditioning air cooling evaporator and an air heater unit arranged in series. An evaporator bypass duct extends in bypassing relationship to the evaporator and a heater bypass duct extends in bypassing relationship to the heater. To control the temperature of the air conditioned by the apparatus two temperature mixing air flaps are provided, one air flap controlling the proportion of air flow through the evaporator and its bypass duct and the other air flap controlling the proportion of air through the heater and its bypass duct.

Abstract: An air circulation apparatus provided with a plurality of outlet nozzles separating the air flowing from the air circulation apparatus into a plurality of diverging air jet streams. The air circulation apparatus may take the form of a recirculation blower, an air space heater, or a room air conditioner.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved integral manifold for a sprue gated multi-cavity injection molding system and a method of manufacturing the same. The manifold has an inner body portion which fits into a hollow retaining ring portion to define a circular peripheral space between them. The inner body portion is formed of a corrosion and abrasion resistant material such as stainless steel and has a number of straight melt ducts extending through it from a common inlet to spaced outlets each leading to a central bore in separate heated nozzles. The peripheral space contains an electric heating element surrounded by a highly conductive material such as copper. The manifold is manufactured by assembling the retaining ring portion on the inner body portion with the heating element in the space between them. A filler tube is located on the retaining ring portion in alignment with a filler duct therethrough and all the joints are sealed by brazing the assembly in a vacuum furnace.

Abstract: A method for freeze-stabilizing wine and a system for carrying out this method are described. The method is of a type in which the wine is first chilled so that ice crystals are formed in the wine while the wine is still pumpable, whereupon the wine is conveyed to a residence tank in which tartrate crystals are formed. The wine is then heated to melt the ice crystals, whereupon the tartrate crystals formed are removed from the wine. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the wine is conveyed continuously to and from the residence tank, where the wine is agitated in such a way that there is maintained a homogeneous suspension of ice crystals and tartrate crystals in wine. It is advantageous to stir the wine with a horizontally pivoted stirrer which rotates at a relatively low speed. Suitable operating conditions are obtained if the wine is first chilled to a temperature which is 0.2.degree. to 5.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating articles by heat and pressure and then cooling by forced circulation may have a pressurized heated chamber for holding such items to be treated, this chamber being positioned within a cooled, pressure sustaining enclosure, a pressure developing mechanism may be positioned at one side of this enclosure and may include a valving function for selectively drawing inert gas into the enclosure and into the heated chamber the heated chamber including a wall having a plurality of openings spaced throughout into the item-holding chamber, a passageway may extend from one end of this item-holding chamber, past the cooled area of the sustaining enclosure and onto the pressure developing mechanism whereby the valving function may be selectively operated allowing the pressure developing mechanism to circulate the gaseous medium within the apparatus more evenly and uniformly over all items held within the chamber, the heating operation of the chamber being selectively disabled during this circulati

Abstract: A rectangular enclosed electric furnace cabinet, for mobile and modular homes, has a downward blower which draws air downward from an upper wall duct inlet over electric resistance heaters and out through a lower wall duct outlet to the underfloor ducts of the home. A rectangular open frame member, mounting a louvered door, is secured to the cabinet upper wall at its forward end. After closet installation of the cabinet, final wall trim, adjacent to the cabinet sides and the open frame member, may be added. In use exclusively as an electric furnace, a furnace filter is secured beneath the upper furnace inlet by a pair of diagonally-crossed elongated clips. The cabinet is adaptable for use as the indoor unit of a central air conditioner or heat pump by the addition of an A-coil over the upper air inlet; then filters are provided instead on the upper sloping sides of the coil and the elongated clips are utilized to secure insulation sheet to the interior of the cabinet.

Abstract: An air cooled heat exchanger provided with water distribution means for wetting the surfaces of air flow passages with a thin film of water, which by evaporation enhances the cooling of a fluid. The fluid flows through the heat exchanger in passages arranged in generally parallel, spaced apart layers. A series of metallic fin sheets, extending between the layers, maintain the separation between the layers and define a plurality of air passages. Water is distributed into the air passages as a liquid through slot means disposed on the edge of the layers, at the side where the air stream enters the heat exchanger. The air stream causes the water to spread in a thin film over the surfaces of the air passages, resulting in improved cooling of the fluid by evaporation of the water. Provision is made for collecting any excess water at the side of the heat exchanger where the air stream exits.

Abstract: A steaming plant for the treatment of continuous webs of textile material which contain thermoplastic synthetic fibers, especially polyacrylic nitrile fibers of the like. The steaming plant includes a steaming chamber and a vat-shaped, bath-free cooling device which when viewing in the direction of movement of the web through the plant is located behind the steaming chamber. Air from the outside passes through the cooling device in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the web, while between the steaming chamber and the cooling device there is arranged an air or steam floodgate or charging valve lock or seal (also identifiable as air-lock or steam lock as well as air-trap or steam trap) from which conduit means lead to a chimney or flue and/or to a blower.

Abstract: A heat receiver is provided comprising a housing through which the breathing mixture passes in one direction and through which the exhaled breath passes in the opposite direction. The housing contains heat conductive elements through which the breathing mixture and exhaled breath pass and spacers positioned one between each pair of adjacent heat conductive elements. The spacers are poor heat conductors and non-hygroscopic to minimize moisture retention. In use, exhaled breath warms the heat conductive elements sequentially so that each element will be slightly cooler than the last element exposed to the exhaled breath. There will be minimal heat stored in the spacers and the moisture content of the exhaled breath tends to be carried through the device so that upon drawing breathing mixture through the device a substantial part of the sensible heat originally in the exhaled breath will be reclaimed by the breathing mixture. The latent heat originally in the exhaled breath will be lost.

Abstract: An improved modular air conditioning apparatus featuring selective panel enclosures, plug-in controls, orientation selection and servicing capability for the simultaneous provision of air conditioning to a first room area and a second room area, the apparatus disposable between wall partitions or the like separating the first and second room areas. The apparatus comprises a frame assembly having a first open box frame and a second open box frame, each having three access sides. A blower and heat exchanger are disposed in an operating section of each of the open box frames, and these are removable through an access port provided by the removal of an intake grille disposed at one of the access sides on each of the open box frames. Riser pipes disposed in a vertical riser duct connect with other like units and supply hot or chilled water to heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat exchange device for a heat transmission apparatus utilizing a heat carrier liquid, comprising a U-shaped tube provided with an inlet at one end and with an outlet at the other end thereof for the passage of the heat carrier liquid; a tubular casing extending into each arm of the U-shaped tube, which casing is closed at one end to prevent heat carrier liquid entering the casing and which forms an annular flow passage between the casing and the arm of the tube; and heat transfer means disposed within each casing for regulating the temperature of the heat carrier liquid flowing through the annular flow passage.

Abstract: A machine comprising a stack of cards, a stripping feeder for stripping the bottom card from the stack and moving a series of such cards with an intermittent motion to a series of feed rollers which convert such intermittent motion into a constant velocity and for spacing the cards one from another. A tape coated with magnetic material is laid on the surface of each card by a guiding device after the card has passed through the feed rollers and the combination is fed between a heated roller and a reaction roller which are driven synchronously with the cards. The heated roller is pressed against the cards at a constant pressure exerted by an air cylinder to seal a portion of the magnetic coating to each card.

Abstract: Methods of and installations for drying continuous webs of materials such as paper in which the web contacts rotating dryers heated by circulating a heat transfer liquid through them. Rotary dryers for such installations; and methods for upgrading the performance of conventional installations employing rotary dryers and for upgrading the performance of conventional rotary dryers.

Abstract: Plates of a plate heat exchanger, defining between them a space adapted to be traversed by a heat-exchange fluid, are held together and are soldered in a chamber in which the plates are heated by passing a heating fluid, generally an inert gas, through the passages between the plates. The apparatus comprises means for heating and cooling the fluid and a temperature-monitoring device connected to the heating means for controlling the latter. Preferably the heating fluid circulation path includes a drying station.

Abstract: A cylindrical shell has a conical bottom with a central outlet therein. A hollow central shaft is rotatably and vertically supported within the center of the shell and has attached thereto at least one heat exchange element including lower and upper radial tubes. Hollow rectangular ducts extend vertically between the upper and lower radial tubes. Heat exchange fluid flows from the upper end of the shaft, radially outwardly through the lower radial tubes, upwardly through the rectangular ducts, radially inwardly through the upper radial tubes, and to the upper end of the shaft.

Abstract: A cooling system for circulating a fluid past a heat-exchanger comprises a vertical surge column and a cooling tower to reduce the heat level of a circulating fluid for delivery to the surge column. The cooling tower is mounted on the surge column which is adapted to support substantially the entire weight of the cooling tower. Heat-exchanger coils are provided which are coupled to the surge column to receive the circulating fluid therefrom and to return the circulating fluid to the cooling tower. There is also provided a circulating device which is operatively coupled to the surge column, cooling tower, and heat-exchanger coils to circulate the circulating fluid therebetween.

Abstract: A food receptacle for a refrigerator freezer compartment for fast-thawing and fast freezing food by the use of a concavo-convex heat energy reflective damper pivotally mounted in an air passage of the receptacle which communicates with an opening in the refrigerated air duct of the compartment. A high energy radiating lamp is located on the pivotal axis of the damper such that a manual control pivots the damper to a first evaporator defrost position closing the passage with the damper operative to direct heat energy from the lamp via reflective surfaces in the duct to the refrigerator cooling coil. The damper upon being pivoted to a second position, opens the passage and cooperates with the duct reflective surfaces to circulate below freezing air through the receptacle to fast freeze food therein. The damper, upon being pivoted to a third position, closes the passage and reflects heat energy from the lamp into the receptacle to fast-thaw food therein.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus which includes an air blower-heater module useful independently and also in a unit having cooling coils providing means for heating, cooling, and filtering air in air conditioning systems for enclosures. The module has a squirrel cage type centrifugal blower in a housing having scroll shaped baffling with an electric heater at the outlet. The baffling is shaped to minimize turbulence; the heater is mounted within a heat shield spaced within the baffling to reduce housing temperatures; and the blower motor is mounted exterior of the blower chamber for maximum air input. A preferred application of the module is in a cube shaped fancoil unit having a square cooling coil assembly which may be installed at various orientations to provide for bottom drainage with a variety of directions of air intake and discharge. In the cube unit using the module, the air intake and discharge paths are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purifying industrial waste gases, and during the process of purifying the waste gases, a solution of polluted water is obtained which is subsequently passed through additional associated apparatus in order to recover comparatively pure water. The apparatus includes an in-line condenser for reducing the temperature of the industrial waste gases prior to being conducted to a waste gas purifier. The solid particulate matter of the industrial waste gases are collected in suitable disposal containers, while the liquid waste from the gas purifier is conducted to a liquid collection means from which the liquid waste is passed through a thermal energy generator for producing super-heated steam that is subsequently conducted to a condensing box for recovering comparatively pure water.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for transferring articles, such as silicon and like wafers used in making electronic devices from one station to another at variable rates of movement utilizing a fluid bearing. The apparatus and method also provide for heat treating the wafers in a furnace through which the fluid bearing extends.The fluid bearing track structure utilized is produced from a refractory, heat-resistant material, such as quartz or silicon carbide, and comprises an enclosed tube having fluid bearing passages through the base wall thereof in communication with fluid supply means. The track structure is operatively divided into at least two track sections positioned as linear continuations of each other.Article receiving means for automatically feeding articles in sequence from a supply thereof and for accepting articles in sequence following completion of treatment thereof are provided at the stations between which the wafers are transferred.