With Gas Or Vapor Flow For Contact With Treated Material Patents (Class 34/181)
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Patent number: 10478789Abstract: This invention belongs to the field of biomass energy utilization at the large scale. A material stirring device for a biomass bin includes a transmission mechanism, a main stirring mechanism, and an auxiliary stirring mechanism. The main stirring mechanism includes a cylinder connected to the transmission mechanism. The outer wall of the cylinder is provided with a hollow stirring rod. The auxiliary stirring mechanism includes a rotating shaft vertically penetrating through the hollow stirring rod. Both ends of the rotating shaft are provided with stirring blades and the rotating shaft is connected to the transmission mechanism. That the stirring device is easily damaged due to too high density of the biomass material is overcome through the automatic conversion adjustment of the main and auxiliary stirring mechanisms. The continuous discharge efficiency of the biomass bin is improved by the organic integration of over and partial stirring.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Energy Research Institute Co., LTD, Henan Academy of SciencesInventors: Tingzhou Lei, Zhiwei Wang, Zaifeng Li, Xiaofeng He, Shuhua Yang, Xinguang Shi, Ju Xiao, Jinling Zhu
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Patent number: 9316442Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a fixed drum provided in the inner space of the main body, and a tumbling device coupled to the drum. The fixed drum may have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated. The tumbling device may tumble laundry items received in the fixed drum as it slides along an inner circumferential surface of the fixed drum.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Sog Kie Hong, Jong Seok Kim, Sung Min Kim, Dae Yun Park
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Patent number: 9027257Abstract: A system for cleaning a grain dryer screen includes a grain dryer screen supported within a grain bin and having a grain contacting surface opposing a grain debris contacting surface. A drying airflow path through the grain dryer screen is defined sequentially by the grain debris contacting surface and the grain contacting surface. A cleaning assembly includes a first cleaning arm mounted within the grain bin and disposed along the grain debris contacting surface. A cleaning assembly powering system is configured to move the first cleaning arm along a predetermined cleaning path relative to the grain debris contacting surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Inventor: Harry Harker
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Patent number: 8997370Abstract: A centrifugal pellet dryer with a self-cleaning rotor seal, replaceable wear plates, and a fluid powered dewatering tower is presented. The self-cleaning rotor seal includes a plurality of grooves that are structured to eject pellet debris that migrates into between the seal and the housing for the rotor. The replaceable wear plates are secured to the rotor at locations such that they contact pellets that are entering the rotor housing. The dewatering tower includes a helical augur that dewaters a pellet slurry and delivers partially dried pellets to the rotor housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventors: George A. Holmes, Tadeuz Rybka
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Patent number: 8955236Abstract: A device for removing liquid from a part of a vehicle, the liquid removal device including an intake (11) for receiving matter containing gaseous component and non-gaseous components, a separator (14) for separating the gaseous and non gaseous components of matter entering the inlet (11), and an outlet (9, 10) for directing a gaseous component of the matter leaving the separator (14) towards the part of the vehicle from which liquid is to be removed, so as to remove liquid therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Inventor: Gregory Keyes
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Patent number: 8726537Abstract: In a method and equipment for continuous sintering of pelletized mineral material, a partition wall (7, 8) arranged between two adjacent cooling chambers (4, 5; 5, 6) is in the height direction placed at a distance from the pellet bed (2), so that in between the partition wall (7, 8) and pellet bed (2), there is left a gap (s) that allows gas to flow between two adjacent cooling chambers (4, 5; 5; 6) through the gap (s) in order to equalize the pressure between the cooling chambers.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Outotec OyjInventor: Marko Palander
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Patent number: 8720079Abstract: A grain aeration assembly is provided for a hopper bottom bin, and includes a plurality of curved wall segments sized to pass through the manhole of the bin. The wall segments are assembled inside the bin to form a cylindrical tower extending upwardly. The wall segments include an internal frame and inner and outer screens. The tower is supported above the sloped floor of the bin by a plurality of legs. An air conduit extends between the tower and an exterior fan, which provides forced air into the space between the inner and outer screens of the wall segments. The air flows outwardly through the screens, while grain or stored material is prevented from passing through the screens into the wall segments.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Woodhaven Capital Corp.Inventors: Juan Neufeld, Bernie Thiessen
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Patent number: 8522449Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer for drying fuel materials such as wood bark, wood chips, sludge, garbage, peat moss or the like. In a preferred embodiment the dryer comprises a conveyor, consisting of twin endless belts, which carries the material to be dried along a vertical path defined between parallel runs of the endless belts, and ductwork which serves to direct heated air (received from any appropriate source) across the vertical path to remove moisture from the material as it is being conveyed. The ductwork includes at least one feed duct for use in delivering the heated air to one side of the vertical path, and at least one exhaust duct for use in withdrawing moisture-laden air on another side of the vertical path. Suction is applied at the exhaust ducts to draw drying air through the ductwork, and the feed and exhaust ducts are made to seal against the conveyor to reduce the introduction of ambient air into the dryer ductwork under the suction applied.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Altentech Power Inc.Inventor: Gordon Tuck
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Patent number: 8495954Abstract: In one embodiment, a piece of equipment for roasting edible seeds like coffee beans and the like includes a body sized to contain the product to be roasted, an air intake fan for conveying an air flow into the containing body, and a heater for heating the air flow. The containing body is fixed and houses a rotary shaft provided with one or more substantially radial arms or blades suited to stir the product during roasting, and may include a rotary drum that is integral or that may not be integral with the arms during rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventor: Alessandro Sommacal
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Patent number: 8281500Abstract: A drying container insert that manages the evaporation rate of liquid solutions when subjected to blow-down gas flows. Certain gas flow separator baffles or framed inserts with vanes may be especially effective to enhance evaporation when combined with aggressive blow-down flow rates and centrifugal force. The centrifugal force applied to the evaporating liquid protects sample integrity by preventing the solution(s) from splashing out of the drying container. Such splashing, when high blow-down gas flow rates are directed into the sample containers, affects yield and purity.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Modular SFC, LLCInventors: Herbert J. Hedberg, Brian A. Kangas, Michael A. Burns
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Publication number: 20120015102Abstract: A method of painting a five-sided container, which includes applying a water-based paint to the interior surfaces and the exterior surfaces of the container, and forcing heated air into the open side of the container to at least partially dry the paint on the interior surfaces and the exterior surfaces of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.Inventor: William C. Nowack
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Patent number: 8037617Abstract: A soil remediation apparatus for treating contaminated soil comprises an air deck unit and a remediation unit. The air deck unit comprises an enclosure with a contaminated soil inlet and a remediated soil outlet; at least one conveyor located inside the enclosure and operable to convey soil from the enclosure inlet to the enclosure outlet; and contaminated air extraction means having an inlet in fluid communication with the enclosure and an outlet, and operable to extract air from the air deck unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Inventor: Russell Gary Kossowan
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Publication number: 20110209355Abstract: This invention pertains to a bio-mass processing system, and method of processing waste bio-mass, wherein one or more mixers mixes a bed of bio-mass material such as manure at substantially any and all locations in a defined length and width portion of the bed, in a dryer. Heated air percolates upwardly through the bed. Separation apparatus separates a relatively dryer fraction of the bio-mass material from the dryer. The separated finished product from the dryer is optionally fed to a boiler where the dried bio-mass material is burned. Heat of combustion from the boiler is used as dryer heat for drying the bio-mass feed material in the dryer. Excess heat is optionally used to produce steam, which powers a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. Residual ash from the combustion process comprises about 2% by weight of the solids content of e.g. a feed stream coming into the dryer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: EcoCombustion Energy Systems CorporationInventor: Wallace R. Lasonde
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Patent number: 7908765Abstract: A continuous granulating and drying apparatus comprises a granulator and a fluid bed dryer. The fluid bed dryer comprises at least two separate processing compartments forming part of a common vessel being provided with radially extending partition walls separating the processing compartments from each other. Each processing compartment has a product inlet and a product outlet. The fluid bed dryer comprises a granulated product supply conduit arranged rotatably to selectively communicate with the product inlet of each separate processing compartment, respectively, and a product discharge conduit arranged rotatably to selectively communicate with the product outlet of each separate processing compartment, respectively. The granulator and the fluid bed dryer are closely coupled.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Collette NVInventors: Michel Simon Waldron, Trevor Gordon Page
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Publication number: 20100287787Abstract: A grain bin is provided with a pipe extending beneath the perforated floor through which drying air passes upwardly. A tool extends through the pipe to the central grain outlet opening in the floor. The tool includes a cutting or grinding head which can be rotated from outside the bin so as to break up grain blockages above the outlet opening. A cap may be provided on the inner end of the pipe to preclude grain from entering the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: SHELTON/HAY LLCInventors: BRITT C. SHELTON, NORM D. ANDERSON, DARREL E. HAY
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Publication number: 20100101109Abstract: This disclosure reveals a combination of embodiments that increase the evaporation rate of liquid solutions when subjected to blow-down gas flows. Certain gas flow separator baffles or framed inserts with vanes may be especially effective to enhance evaporation when combined with aggressive blow-down flow rates and centrifugal force. The centrifugal force applied to the evaporating liquid protects sample integrity by preventing the solution(s) from splashing out of the drying container. Such splashing, when high blow-down gas flow rates are directed into the sample containers, affects yield and purity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: Herbert J. Hedberg, Brian A. Kangas, Michael A. Burns
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Publication number: 20100051233Abstract: A screw conveyor includes a steam delivery chamber, a condensate return chamber, and a helical hollow flight. In example embodiments, the condensate return chamber is defined by an inner pipe, the steam delivery chamber is defined between the outer and inner pipes, and the helical flight extends radially from the outer pipe. The screw conveyor includes a series of heating zones, each having a “closed-loop” helical passageway formed by the hollow flight and each having a corresponding steam inlet, condensate outlet, and barrier. Steam travels into the screw conveyor, through the steam inlets, and into the helical passageways, where it condenses as it heats a material conveyed by the screw conveyor. As the screw conveyor rotates, the barriers force the condensate upward until it drains through the condensate outlets and into the condensate return chamber for removal from the screw conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Preston Whitney, Robert Nickerson
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Publication number: 20090249637Abstract: An apparatus for cooling bulk material, comprising a grate having a device to feed cooling gas, conveying elements configured to convey a layer of the bulk material along a conveying direction, and a planar blowout device. The grate forms a substantially smooth supporting surface for the layer of the bulk material. The supporting surface is provided at least partially with the planar blowout device. The planar blowout device has a fabric as a spatially extended dispersion element on which the bulk material directly rests, and a support structure arranged under the fabric. Webs arranged transverse to the conveying direction can result in pockets that enable a stationary layer composed of cooling material to be located above the dispersion elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Claudius Peters Technologies GmbHInventors: Peter Ording, Sprinz Uwe
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Publication number: 20090077825Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described to dry solid objects being manufactured in a chain of steps. The apparatus contains a cartridge to hold the objects, a chamber to house the cartridge, nozzle sections to spray drying agents on the objects, and a vacuum section to remove the drying agent and the released solvent. The apparatus also contains an optical radiation source such as an IR lamp for heating the objects, which can be used in conjunction with the vacuum section for removing solvent and drying steps. The cartridge or the nozzles can be swayed changing the orientation of the objects and the nozzles. The spraying step and evacuating steps can be repeated as needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Semiconductor Analytical Services, Inc. (SAS Inc.)Inventors: Jahansooz Toofan, Mahmood Toofan
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Publication number: 20080313917Abstract: Improvement introduced into the process of drying crushed cane or other bagasses for subsequent briquetting or other processes constituted by drying unit (1) comprising a humid bagasse dosing hopper (2) having a screw conveyor feeding inclined screw conveyor (5) and this latter rotary dosing valve (6) having discharge into hot air funnel (7) into drying tank (8), bagasse being lifted and exposed to the hot air in front chamber (9) and in final drying chamber (17) by tumbling blades (10) through the action of geared motor (15), almost-dry bagasse in suspension being sucked out by pair of centrifugal blowers (18) dropping it into separator filter (19) and falling into hopper (20), being cooled in open-trough screw conveyors (21) and (22), screw conveyor (22) having its bottom part in the form of screen (23) for separation of powder to be conveyed by screw conveyor (25) to inclined screw conveyor (26) for discharge into feeder hoppers (28) of the flames of the burners (mixing chambers) (32), the development wherType: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Carlos FRAZA
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Patent number: 7334345Abstract: This invention pertains to a bio-mass processing system, and method of processing waste bio-mass, wherein one or more mixers mixes a bed of bio-mass material such as manure at substantially any and all locations in a defined length and width portion of the bed, in a dryer. Heated air percolates upwardly through the bed. Separation apparatus separates a relatively dryer fraction of the bio-mass material from the dryer. The separated finished product from the dryer is optionally fed to a boiler where the dried bio-mass material is burned. Heat of combustion from the boiler is used as dryer heat for drying the bio-mass feed material in the dryer. Excess heat is optionally used to produce steam, which powers a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. Residual ash from the combustion process comprises about 2% by weight of the solids content of e.g. a feed stream coming into the dryer.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Skill Associates, Inc.Inventor: Wallace R. Lasonde
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Patent number: 7181865Abstract: A device for drying sludge originating in a waste water treatment plant is enclosed in a greenhouse having a floor for receiving a bed of sludge to be dried. The greenhouse employs solar energy. A spreader located in the greenhouse ensures the the sludge is spread over the floor and turned as it progresses along the drying device. Fans are positioned over the spreader to provide for the renewal of air present in said greenhouse. A controller controls start up and shut down of a drying cycle as well as automatic control of all motorized components in response to measurement of the temperature of the surface of the bed of sludge. The controller also takes into account the difference in temperature between the surface of the bed of sludge to be dried and the atmosphere present in the drying plant, equipment in the greenhouse only being started up when this temperature difference reaches a predetermined set point.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: DegremontInventors: Stiv Kolega, Ulrich Luboschik
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Patent number: 7020984Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding a drying gas to a mixing granulator comprising a mixing chamber and a rotating agitator (3), on which mixer blades (4) are arranged in a radial position with respect to a drive shaft (5). The feeder line (6) for the drying gas is disposed inside the drive shaft (5) of the agitator (3). An exit line (7) is respectively connected in the region of each mixer blade (4), said line terminating in at least one outlet (8) arranged underneath and, in the direction of rotation, behind the mixer blades (s). The outlet (8) extends advantageously in at least partial manner along the mixer blades (4), embodied in the form of a slit or in a flat manner in the form of a porous element.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Glatt Systemtechnik Dresden GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Knorr, Barbara Jaensch
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Patent number: 6722056Abstract: Drying semiconductor wafers or substrates by introducing an polar organic compound in liquid form into or onto means for enhancing evaporation within a process chamber and allowing the liquid to evaporate and form a drying vapor within the process chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Akrion, LLCInventor: Lawrence J. Myland
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Publication number: 20030226275Abstract: A bag, envelope, box, bottle, or any other type of container constructed of a non-absorbent breathable material such that gas and vapor can transfer from inside of the container to the outside with minimal liquid leakage. The purpose of this invention is to control the environment within the container and prevent bacterial growth, mildew growth, odor generation, moisture-based decay, oxidation, or corrosion of contents using the breathability of the container. The container is used to hold damp materials or materials wetted with volatile substances, such as water, saline, sweat, oil, or other solvents. It can also be used to hold materials that may contain residual solvent from the manufacturing process, or materials that required continued exposure to air to keep them from setting such as some adhesives and coatings. The container may be either reusable or disposable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventor: Paul E. Becke
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Patent number: 6615507Abstract: The invention provides a mixer for mixing gases and other Newton liquids, with a flow channel and built-in surfaces arranged in the flow channel that influence the flow. The built-in surfaces are vortex-generating surfaces with free surging leading edges directed against the flow whose path, the surging leading edges having both a component running in the main flow direction of the gas and a component running transverse to it. To make mixing fast and the mixing distance short, several built-in surfaces of the same type are arranged in a row basically transverse to the main flow direction. Built-in surfaces next to one another overlap in relation to the main flow direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Balcke-Durr Energietechnik GmbHInventors: Hans Ruscheweyh, Michael Kaatz
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Patent number: 6481117Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for continuously drying vegetables, particularly leaf vegetables, comprising a mechanical drying section and a thermodynamic drying section, said mechanical drying section comprising a preliminary dripping section and a water removal section, or de-watering section, and said thermodynamic drying section comprising a hot section and a cold section.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Turatti SrlInventor: Antonio Turatti
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Patent number: 6470592Abstract: A process is provided for freeze-drying medicaments and foodstuffs comprising dissolving the foodstuffs or medicaments in a solvent, introducing the solution formed into a shell comprising a desiccating chamber of a shell-tube freeze-drying device to cause the solution to freeze in a tubular layer, and crushing and comminuting the freeze-dried liquid with a comminuting device to obtain a powder product.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Kyowa Vacuum Engineering, Ltd.Inventors: Hiromiti Akimoto, Ryouji Sunama
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Patent number: 6405454Abstract: A method and device for heating and/or drying flowable loose material, especially granular polymeric material, that is to be conveyed to a processing machine, such as an injection molding machine, are provided. A hot air stream that has been heated up with a heating unit is caused to flow through loose material flowing in a chamber transverse to the direction of flow of the loose material in the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Motan Holding GmbHInventors: Walter Kramer, Holger Kühnau, Gerd Bevier
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Patent number: 6393722Abstract: The invention concern a chamber for drying animal waste, in particular poultry manure, adapted to receive a mixture (M) of fresh waste and dry waste, the floor thereof being adapted to retain the mixture (M) while being permeable to air (A), said floor consisting of an assembly of elements (60, 60′) each capable of forming means for retaining the waste and including means (T) which periodically enable to transfer outside the chamber (1) and through said floor (6) a fraction of the dry waste.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Industries Agrigesco Inc.Inventor: Raymond Chardine
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Patent number: 6364948Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a plurality of particles including a generally circular bed for holding the particles, the bed having a substantially centered annular inner bed wall, an outer bed wall and an irregular bottom. The apparatus also includes a drive mechanism rotatably affixed to said bed, where rotation of the drive mechanism at a predetermined rate produces a displacement of the bed horizontally and vertically resulting in a particle flow in the x, y and z directions. The particle flow in the x and y planes for a majority of said particles is in a dominant direction. The apparatus also includes an airplant which provides a heated and/or cooled airflow tangentially into the bed in a direction opposite to the dominant direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Mars, Inc.Inventors: Malcolm Albert Austin, Robert Otto Brandt, Jr., Ray Louis Peterson, David Mendel Nathan, Gregg Alan Martell, Peter Thomas Kashulines, Jr.
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Patent number: 6249988Abstract: A blending chamber for blending fluids used to dry particulate matter has a chamber body with a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, a third inlet opening, an outlet opening and a blending section. The blending section is arranged in a flow direction downstream of the first, second and third inlet openings, and upstream of the outlet opening. Fluids entering the first, second and third inlet openings are blended together in the blending section before exiting through the outlet opening. The bending chamber may be used to dry sawdust in a system that does not require a dedicated heat source.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Wyoming Sawmills, Inc.Inventors: Wilfried P. Duske, Ernest Schmidt
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Patent number: 6249989Abstract: A method and apparatus of heating or cooling a charge of a solid material are disclosed. The method includes the steps of supplying a charge of the material to form a packed bed of solids in a process vessel having one or more passageways through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, passing a heat transfer fluid through the one or more passageways and supplying a working fluid to said vessel. The method is characterized by circulating the working fluid through the bed, the circulation step including removing at least part of the working fluid from one or more sections of the vessel and then returning the working fluid to other sections of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: KFx Inc.Inventors: David S. Conochie, Mark J. Greenwood
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Patent number: 6185841Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating or cooling a solid material (93) in a process vessel (80) is disclosed. The Method includes supplying a working fluid to a vessel which holds a packed bed (93) of the solid material. The method is characterised by reversing the flow of the working fluid to enhance heat transfer between a heat exchange fluid and the solid material.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: KFx Inc.Inventor: David Stewart Conochie
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Patent number: 6006440Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for drying a slurry, particularly a sludge, such as sewage sludge, in which a sludge mixture of recycled dried sludge and wet sludge is fed to a drier. The quantity of wet sludge or recycled dried sludge supplied to the drier is controlled based upon drier inlet temperature. In this way, the evaporation rate of the drier is kept substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Andritz-Payrntverwaltungs-gesellschaft M.B.H.Inventors: Wolfgang Wiesenhofer, Giselher Stummer
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Patent number: 5992044Abstract: A grain dryer has a horizontal plenum connected to a source of heated forced air and has at least one generally perforated wall. A substantially enclosed grain conduit extends along the plenum and has one of its sidewalls being the perforated wall of the plenum. The grain conduit has upper and lower ends to receive and discharge, respectively, a quantity of grain to be dried by heat conveyed to the grain through the perforated wall of the plenum. The lower end of the grain conduit defines an opening generally dwelling in a substantially vertical plane and having upper and lower discharge ports, separated by a plate extending across the central portion thereof to close the flow of grain therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing CompanyInventor: John A. Hanig
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Patent number: 5893216Abstract: A pressurized air distribution network of conduits terminates in small, needle-like nozzles adapted to penetrate a wall, ceiling or layers of flooring, or other moisture-laden areas, such as trapped air space beneath cabinets, through an unobtrusive, easily repaired hole. Air is dispersed by positive-pressure nozzles within the area and collected by nozzles of negative pressure relative to the air pressure within the area. To maintain equal air distribution about a large area, air pressure at the several positive-pressure nozzles is maintained approximately the same by an air supply ring disposed about the relevant room. Spaced apart about the ring are several manifolds, each feeding air to a nozzle. The ring is maintained at near constant pressure, that is, with minimum pressure gradation about the ring, by attaching several air blowers around the ring. In lieu thereof, a central blower provides air to a duct which divides at least once into multiple conduits at at least one branch location.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Inventors: Terry C. Smith, Ernest J. Storrer, Jr.
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Patent number: 5893218Abstract: An automatically controlled seed dryer of the present invention is adapted to efficiently and precisely dry seed by automatically controlling the temperatures directions and air flow rate; of air flow through the seed within the bin. The invention includes an upper plenum for supplying a source of hot airs a lower plenum for supplying a source of ambient air, and a mixing plenum for mixing various proportions of hot and ambient air from the upper and lower plenums. The mixing plenum has upper and lower supply doors formed between the mixing plenum and the bin for supplying the mixed air to the bin either above or below the seed. Upper and lower exhaust doors are formed in the bin above and below the seed such that by controlling the operation of the supply and exhaust doors, the direction and air flow rate of the mixed air through the seed can be precisely controlled by an electronic controller. A plurality of linear actuators control the operation of the doors.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: James L. Hunter, Cyrille Precetti, Paul Chicoine
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Patent number: 5806205Abstract: The apparatus includes a channel having an inlet end for receiving particulate material to be dehydrated and an outlet end for discharging the particulate material in a dehydrated condition. A screw conveyor rotatably mounted in the channel advances the particulate material while stirring the particulate material to enhance the release of water and noxious vapors. A fan creates an air current in the channel to entrain water and noxious vapors released by the particulate material. The vapors are directed toward a heating chamber which incinerates dangerous and odoriferous compounds as much as possible. The resulting gaseous media is directed through a passage in a heat-exchange relationship with the channel to elevate the temperature of the particulate material that is being processed and to cause same to release water and noxious vapors.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventor: Philippe Varvat
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Patent number: 5737850Abstract: A chicken manure drying system is placed in a hen house. A platform of the system is disposed underneath a plurality of chicken cages. As chicken manure drops from the chicken cages, it collects on the platform. Drying fans of the system are disposed adjacent to the platform. The drying fans provide a constant flow of air over the chicken manure so as to dry the chicken manure. The plowing apparatus of the system includes a plowing device disposed over the platform. The plowing device is periodically moved across the platform in order to plow the chicken manure. The plowing of the chicken manure exposes more of the chicken manure to air. This exposure facilitates the comprehensive and expeditious drying of the chicken manure. After the chicken manure has been sufficiently dried to serve as fertilizer, the chicken manure is conveyed to a collection site.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Rose Acre Farms, Inc.Inventor: Bryan Hendrix
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Patent number: 5711089Abstract: This invention comprises a radiant heater for use in thermally processing granular polymers and powders. The heater comprises an enclosed air-tight case for housing the reflector, the electrical and structural elements, and the lamps and lamp chamber. These comonents are all enclosed behind a quartz window, and the components and lamp chamber are forced air cooled. A plurality of air passages are provided for the case at the junctures of the window edges and surrounding wall portions of the case. These passages form air venting openings or nozzles which serve to discharge the gaseous coolant in the form of high velocity jet streams which are directed along the outside surface of the window.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Hosokawa Bepex CorporationInventor: Ilya Pikus
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Patent number: 5709036Abstract: The present invention relates to improved drying techniques which increase the capacity and efficiency of agitated pan type dryers. In particular, the present invention relates to a conical screw type mixer/dryer apparatus and method for aggressive convective drying of hard to dry chemical compounds, such as pharmaceuticals. The aggressive drying is brought about by creating turbulence within the drying vessel during the drying cycle. Significant reductions in drying cycle times have been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Inventor: Len W. Haleen
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Patent number: 5634282Abstract: A system for the solid phase polymerization of polymers comprising a crystallizer, and wherein cold amorphous polymer is introduced to the crystallizer. A source of infrared radiation is associated with the crystallizer, and the polymer is heated by applying infrared radiation thereto. The degree of heating is controlled so that the polymer reaches the crystallization or polymerization temperature without exceeding the polymer melting point.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Hosokawa Bepex CorporationInventor: Ilya Pikus
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Patent number: 5615494Abstract: An apparatus for detaching a filter cake created by a suction dryer from off the filter surface of a filter medium and for an essentially simultaneous treatment of the cake to a form advantageous for further processing. The apparatus comprises a suction dryer (1, 11, 27), a connected filter surface (4, 14, 28) and a basin (2, 13, 27) for the material to be filtered. According to the invention, in the vicinity of the filter surface (4, 14, 28) of the filter medium, there is installed a blowing member (7, 17, 21) with at least one part, the blowing effect whereof can advantageously be extended over the whole width of the filter surface (4, 14, 28) of the filter medium, on which surface the filter cake can be formed.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Outokumpu Mintec OyInventor: Bjarne Ekberg
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Patent number: 5544424Abstract: The present invention relates to improved drying techniques which increase the capacity and efficiency of agitated pan type dryers. In particular, the present invention relates to a conical screw type mixer/dryer apparatus and method for aggressive convective drying of hard to dry chemical compounds, such as pharmaceuticals. The aggressive drying is brought about by creating turbulence within the drying vessel during the drying cycle. Significant reductions in drying cycle times have been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.Inventor: Len W. Haleen
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Patent number: 5477623Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying a moist material includes a container having an opening for receiving the material therein. A top cover is provided for closing the opening of the container. A heater and fan are provided on the bottom of the top cover so as to confront to the opening of the container when the top cover is closed. The heater and fan produce and blow a heated air stream toward the material to vaporize the moisture therein. A rotary drive unit is provided under the container to rotates the container for mixing the material. By the mixing operation, the material is stirred such that the inside portion the of material is moved up and is exposed to the heated air stream. The vapor released from the heated material is vent ed to the outside of the apparatus through a ventilation unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1993Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Tomizawa, Tatsuo Fujita, Kunihiro Ukai, Jiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 5468122Abstract: A process for uniformly removing wet grain in a layer of relatively uniform thickness from a wet grain container. Wet grain charged into the grain container is supported on an perforated or air-pervious floor supported above the bottom of the grain container. A continuous upward flow of ambient air travels in a path through the air-pervious floor and upwardly through the wet grain mass. A layer of wet grain of relatively uniform thickness is removed from the area immediately above the floor and discharged from the grain container for further processing such as heated-air drying.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: Larry Van Fossen
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Patent number: 5375343Abstract: An evaporation device for drying sludges includes a heatable, hollow cylindrical, approximately horizontally oriented evaporator provided at one end with a product inlet and at the other end with a product outlet while in its product-charged interior an essentially radially oriented, externally driven rotor is disposed which is equipped with vanes that extend essentially over the length of the evaporator. At least in the region upstream of the product outlet, the walls of the interior are provided with at least one cutting zone that extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the interior and interrupts the circular outline of the cross section of the interior.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: Buss AGInventor: Josef Egger
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Patent number: 5355590Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the drying and granulation of aspartame through the thermal treatment of a wet mass of aspartame crystals using a hot carrier gas, characterized in that a wet mass of aspartame crystals is supplied, in a continuous process, to a high-speed paddle dryer fitted with a jacket heated to a temperature of 80.degree.-190.degree. C. and with paddles, mounted on a central shaft with a controllable speed of rotation, at an adjustable distance from and angle to the jacket, which are positioned so that the required particle size of the granules is realized, the speed of rotation being chosen so that the Froude number is higher than 1, and the supplied product is treated in the paddle dryer for 15-600 seconds, with the simultaneous presence of a carrier gas having an inlet temperature of 100.degree.-200.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1992Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: Holland Sweetener Company V.o.F.Inventors: Hubertus J. M. Slangen, Mathieu H. M. Mertens
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Patent number: 5333396Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1992Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Inventor: Masao Kanai