Abstract: A dryer densifier includes a hopper for receiving wet, dry and/or flaky thermoplastic waste material. The hopper feeds an auger barrel which is heated and insulated whereby material passing therethrough may be dried and fused together with other material. The auger barrel and screw are configured to leave sufficient space therebetween whereby heated vapors may pass along the length of the auger and exit to the atmosphere at the discharge end, and whereby the heated vapor may be collected by a vapor collecting hood. The material is discharged from the auger onto a shaker screen table where the fused and unfused materials are separated by the vibrating screen conveyor of the table. The unfused material is returned to the receiving hopper for further densification and the fused material is conveyed to a granulator, whereupon the dried and densified material is granulated.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for removing moisture content from a substance to be dried, comprises a peripheral wall defining a working space for drying the substance, the peripheral wall defines at least an inlet for charging the substance to be dried, an outlet for taking the dried substance therefrom and a drain. A rotary spiral blade assembly is disposed within the working space and has a lower end, at which the substance accumulated on the bottom of the working space rides on a transporting surface of the rotary spiral blade assembly. The rotary spiral blade assembly is rotatable at a predetermined rotation speed sufficient for forcing the substance on the transporting surface to climb up toward the upper end of the rotary spiral blade assembly. The rotary spiral blade assembly defines a path for the substance reaching at upper end thereof to fall down to the bottom.

Abstract: Apparatus for the drying of sludges and other fouling feed materials. A rotary screw type indirect heat exchanger is provided having at least one screw member. The screw member includes a helical-shaped flight having a helix angle of about 10 degrees or less and a surface roughness of about 63 micro-inches or less. Means are provided for rotating and heating the screw member and for spreading feed material onto the screw member. The apparatus operates at heat transfer rates and for a time period sufficient to reduce the moisture content of the feed material without requiring mechanical cleaning of feed material foulants from the screw member.

Abstract: A raw sewage disposal apparatus, such as a portable toilet. The apparatus has a vessel with a first introduction pipe for feeding raw sewage into the vessel. The vessel is externally heated and contains heat-holding bodies and an agitator so that the sewage can be heated to evaporate liquid therefrom while being agitated to break down nonevaporable substances into powder. Air is circulated through the vessel to remove the vapor and later the powder therefrom. A deodorizing means including a catalyst, and a preheater for preheating the catalyst, are provided to treat the vapor to make it substantially odorless. A dust collector is provided to collect the powder. The dust collector can be heated, if necessary, to evaporate liquid present therein. A liquid level detector can be provided on the vessel to indicate when the vessel contains a large amount of raw sewage.

Abstract: A raw sewage disposal apparatus, such as a portable toilet. The apparatus has a vessel with a first introduction pipe for feeding raw sewage into the vessel. The vessel is externally heated and contains heat holding bodies and an agitator so that the sewage can be heated to evaporate liquid therefrom while being agitated to break down nonevaporable substances into powder. A second introduction pipe is provided to circulate air through the vessel to remove the vapor and later the power therefrom. A deodorizing means including a catalyst, and a preheater for preheating the catalyst, are provided to treat the vapor to make it substantially odorless. A third introduction pipe is provided for supplying fresh air to the preheater. A dust collector is provided to collect the powder.

Abstract: A batch-type dryer, such as for sludge, having a generally upwardly-opening channel-like drying chamber which is closed at opposite ends. The chamber is defined by a generally U-shaped sidewall having an arcuate bottom portion generated about a radius so as to define a generally semi-cylindrical configuration. The edges of this semi-cylindrical bottom wall are joined to straight sidewall parts which project upwardly in generally parallel relationship. An auger-type rotor extends axially along the bottom of the chamber to agitate the material therein. A heat exchanger is associated with and extends around at least the arcuate bottom wall of the chamber. The U-shaped wall of the chamber has the central upwardly-extending plane thereof disposed at a selected angle, preferably about 30.degree., relative to the vertical so that the material, when the agitator rotates, remains in intimate heat-transfer contact with the arcuate bottom wall over substantially the full 180.degree. extent thereof.

Abstract: The apparatus provides a recirculating normal batch, concurrent flow, grain dryer and an alternate small batch countercurrent flow grain dryer. Hot drying air is provided by an external conventional burner and air fan. For the normal batch, the hot air is forced to a central plenum in the grain holding bin where it radiates outwardly into horizontal conduits then passes downwardly through the grain as it moves under gravity and exits at a lower lever to the atmosphere through horizontal conduits. The gravity forced flow of grain is recirculated to the bins upper area by a centrally located elevating auger. A pivotal roof portion of the hot air inlet flues when pivoted downwardly provides a countercurrent alternate path for the hot air for small batch drying. "V" plate ribs support an inverted "V" ring cone on the lower and inner cone of the bin for proper grain flow control.

Abstract: A sludge drying apparatus and method for dehydrating and compacting industrial and other types of sludge. This invention consists of a sludge drying box for receiving a mass of sludge and mixing same therein thoroughly by passing a series of rotational mixing forks through a series of fixed mixing forks. Simultaneously therewith, heat is applied for a timed period resultant in a significant reduction of water content and volume. The mass of industrial sludge is disposed of when the entire sludge drying apparatus is lifted vertically and by release of a latch mechanism, a mixing tub rotates by gravitational force to unload the compacted and dehydrated mass of sludge for disposal to a land fill site.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement includes immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement includes building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.

Abstract: The kiln (1) for producing litharge has a thermally insulated tubular body (2) containing, throughout its length, a shaft (30) with paddles acting as an auger. The tubular body (2) is coaxial with an induction coil (11), which heats it. The raw material in powder form (i.e., the massicot) is charged at a first head (9) of the tubular body (2) and is moved forwards by the paddle shaft (30), until it reaches the second head (10), opposite to the first one (9). During the translation the material (massicot) is heated and is oxidated, being converted into litharge.

Abstract: A portable grain bin comprises a wheeled frame in which the wheels are movable relative to the frame to sit the frame on the ground and thereby transfer the load of material in the bin to the ground. The bin is grossly asymmetric with a bottom discharge much closer to one end than to other. The bottom wall nearest the bottom discharge is very steep. The bottom wall opposite the bottom discharge is relatively shallow but still exceeds a normal angle of repose of grain placed in the bin. The bottom discharge includes an opening spanned by a series of stationary slats and a movable member comprising a frame having a series of complementary slats which selectively align with or are offset from the stationary slats. The grain bin is used with a batch type grain dryer to provide surge capacity in a harvesting operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drying apparatus using a rotary spiral blade to put wet substance as bean-curd refuse into vigorous circulation in the vessel of the drying apparatus, thereby bringing the substance into contact with the heat conduction surface of the drying apparatus at an increased efficiency. The vessel has a steam jacket surrounding therearound for heating the inner wall of the vessel, thereby providing heat conduction surface thereon. The blade may be heated by steam, providing extra heat conduction surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for incubating and/or incubating shaking biological test specimens having a detachable autoclavable chamber. The main incubating chamber is provided with a support plate and diffuser plate for directing a controlled flow of heated air to the biological test specimen. A transverse blower is provided to assist in providing uniform air flow within the main incubating chamber.

Abstract: A raw sewage drying apparatus, such as for a portable toilet. The apparatus has an outer casing with an opening in an upper portion thereof, and an outer cover for covering the opening. An inner casing made of a heat resistent material is housed in the outer casing. The inner casing has an opening in an upper portion thereof, and an inner cover for covering the opening. A heating device heats the inner casing. A rotatable drive shaft unit is provided in the inner casing, and a plurality of blades are fixed to the drive shaft unit for stirring the raw sewage stored in the inner casing. A plurality of heating balls are contained in the inner casing for heating the raw sewage.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heating and/or drying of wet, comminuted material, e.g. organic material, comprises a stationary housing (2) with a rotatable, hollow rotor (3) with inlet (4) and discharge (5) of a heating medium and possible condensate (6) thereof, and where the rotor has annular drying elements (9) disposed at intervals and with annular channels (10) to which the heating medium is fed in a parallel maner from a central channel (11). The annular channels (10) are circular and are disposed concentrically with each other and with the rotor (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for drying material which is mixed with a solvent. Material and solvent are mixed in a mixer (1) and simultaneously vibration energy is radiated by one or more high frequency vibration generators (9) towards the free surface (10) of the mixture mass in the container with a frequency of 2450 MHz.Thereby the solvent, which is a polar material, is heated and vaporized so that a quick drying of the product is obtained without damage thereto.The structure of the apparatus is such that also when no product is present leakage radiation remains within the safety limits and a minimal reflection of the radiated energy within the apparatus takes place.

Abstract: In a dryer for drying extrudable materials, a worm is rotatably disposed in a tubular sleeve which is equipped at its front portion with a hopper to supply extrudable materials. The worm is supported at its both ends by bearings in the sleeve or outside the sleeve. A seal screw is formed around the rear portion of the worm, and an outlet for discharging the extrudable material is formed on the side surface of the sleeve near the end of the seal screw. The end of the seal screw is connected with a flushing ring which is protruded from the end of the worm.

Abstract: A drier for the heating and drying of wet, comminuted organic materials comprises a stationary housing with a revolving, hollow axle or rotor (1) with inlet and outlet for a heating medium, and where the rotor has a number of annular drying elements (2) disposed at intervals. The drying elements (2) are heated by the heating medium through heat channels (3). On or between the drying elements, lifting elements (4) are disposed along the circumference. Adjacent lifting elements are disposed in a displaced manner from each other to the same side along the outer periphery of the annular elements (2), so that the leading edges (11) extend along a helical line. The drier hereby provides an improved drying and mixing and has a better efficiency. Furthermore, one can determine how quickly the material being dried shall travel forwards, or how long it shall remain in a certain zone. The invention also relates to a lifting element for the drier.

Abstract: An elongated slot dryer is disclosed for drying wet solid particulate material. The slot dryer is constructed in the form of a trench with at least one aperture outlet at the bottom of the trench formed by two non-connecting walls. The wet particulate material (coal) enters through the top and exits through the bottom aperture while countercurrently contacting a drying fluid emitted through perforations situated in a drying fluid access means or conduit located substantially throughout the entire length of the slot dryer. The perforations in the fluid access means or conduit are limited to the bottom one half of the fluid access means relative to the aperture outlet to ensure that drying fluid is passed at first in a downward direction and then gently turns upward to countercurrent contact with the wet descending particles. An underlying conveyor will act to continuously remove the relatively dried particulate material passing through the aperture outlet.

Abstract: In a horizontal fluidized-bed dryer, at least one rotatable hollow axle extends horizontally through a drying chamber over a porous supporting shelf and has a heat transfer tube assembly mounted on and around the hollow axle for fluid communication therewith. A spiral or screw-shaped blade is mounted on the heat transfer tube assembly so as to be disposed around the periphery of an imaginary cylindrical figure generated by rotation of the heat transfer tube assembly about the hollow axle. This blade serves to push large particles of wet feed on the supporting shelf from the inlet side to the outlet side as the hollow axle and thus the heat transfer tube assembly are rotated.

Abstract: A system wherein the contaminated cuttings are fed into the system for eventual incineration. The principal apparatus of the system comprises a plurality, preferably three, of horizontally disposed cylindrical drying chambers mounted onto a skid for receiving contaminated cuttings into each separate chamber. There is provided on the first end of the chambers a receiving bin or hopper, wherein the cuttings are received from the shakers or the like into the bin, and dropped into an opening in the first end of the three chambers. Each chamber is provided with a separate variable motor controlled auger disposed substantially throughout the length of the chamber wherein rotation of the auger would move the cuttings along the length of the interior of the chamber. The second end of each chamber is provided with a lower exit chute for removal of the cuttings from the chamber as the auger has moved them into position. The cuttings would then be collected in a polyurethane bag or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for dewatering and drying plastic granulate comprising a multistage dewatering rotor having conveyor and aerating blades and surrounded by a screening member located within a housing between a product inlet and a product outlet. In order to simplify the handling of a wide variety of plastic granulate with only a small amount of space being required, a collection container which is open at its top coaxially surrounds the first stage of the dewatering rotor and accumulates separated water in a reservoir region for discharge by a suction pump. The product inlet discharges into a feed vessel secured in the collection container. The first stage of the dewatering rotor is provided on its circumference with worm segments of increasing pitch in the direction of granulate conveyance.

Abstract: In a calciner of the type having a radiant heat source and a screw conveyor for advancing material to and through a calcining reaction chamber by means of mated, intermeshing, rotating conveyor screws, an improvement comprising scraper means attached to and rotating with the conveyor screws for preventing agglomeration of material in the conveyor and for absorbing heat and conducting the heat to the material and lifter means attached to and rotating with the conveyor screws for increasing exposure of the material to the radiant heat and for absorbing heat and conducting the heat to the material.

Abstract: A drier, especially for viscous materials, comprises a double-wall cylindrical vessel which is heated and to which the material to be dried is fed at one end with the dried material being removed at the opposite end. A drying gas inlet is connected to the drying chamber to pass the drying gas in counterflow or uniflow with the material and a shaft is rotatable along the axis of the chamber and carries adjustable disks with alternately inner and outer openings so that the material path through the vessel is deflected toward and away from the axis as the material passes successively through adjustable-length cells between these disks. All of the disks carry blades which scrape the material from the heated wall from the vessel and at least some of the disks carry rollers of predetermined spacing from this wall to adjust the particle size of the dried product.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of drying agglomerated moist particulate material, the particles of which when dry have a very low density. Drying is effected by supporting the material on a screen within a retainer, and by applying heat to the material in contact with the screen by way of an electrical or heat exchange type heating element. Vaporized moisture is extracted by way of a vent which extends upwardly through the retainer from a position adjacent the screen, so that the vapour is caused firstly to flow down through the screen and then upwardly through the vent.

Abstract: Lifter blades are mounted for rotation by a rotor assembly within a foraminous housing to centrifugally dry pellets impelled upwardly through the housing by the blades. Accumulation of pellets on the rotor is minimized by elimination of vertical entrapping surfaces in favor of spokes made of vertically positioned flat bars from which blade attachment arms extend at obtuse angles.

Abstract: A vessel is mounted above a furnace, and is used for retaining gypsum as it is calcined to prepare it for making wallboard or plaster. A feed of crushed gypsum supplies the vessel-kettle regulated by the temperature required to calcine gypsum. Calcined gypsum flows from the kettle while maintaining a predetermined level of gypsum in the kettle.

Abstract: Granular solid material is dried in a vertically extending annular chamber formed between inner and outer cylindrical walls by a current of high temperature inert drying gas of high humidity passed downward through the material. Material enters the chamber under gravity through a slot in the inner wall, which slot extends round the full periphery of the inner wall, and is removed from the bottom of the chamber by a variable speed discharge system, the rate of entry through the slot being governed by the rate of discharge from the bottom of the chamber so that the top of the column of material is of frusto-conical form. The spent drying gas stream, less a quantity which is discharged, is used to dilute the products of a fuel in air, the high temperature mixture thus formed constituting the drying gas. The quantity discharged has a mass equal to that of the fuel and air forming the products of combustion. An upward current of cooling air may be passed through the lower portions of the column of material.

Abstract: An anti-pollution grain drying apparatus comprising: a grain drying bin having a perforated floor through which hot air is blown upwardly for drying purposes; a rotary sweep mounted in the bin for counter-clockwise (CCW) sweep movement along the floor, during which its lag side continuously deposits wet grain as it rotates over the floor to form thereon a circular layer extending about 345.degree. clockwise (CW) from the lag side of the sweep to the lead side thereof while its lead side continuously retrieves dried grain from the adjacent end of said circular layer on the floor; and an anti-pollution suction system operative to remove air-borne dust, from the dried grain being retrieved along the lead side of the sweep, and direct it into outside equipment which separates the air and dust, captures the dust and discharges the clean air into the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A wheel mounted grain drier for towing behind a farm vehicle or the like. The grain drier having a pair of horizontally mounted augers with perforated hollow auger shafts. In the drier the grain is conveyed along the length of cylindrical chambers by the augers as a gas fired blower vents hot air along the length of the hollow auger shafts and out the perforations thereby drying the grain as it is conveyed.