Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for pumping blood in a patient in need of circulatory assistance or a replacement heart. Instead of providing a temporary solution for these patients, the devices may be permanently implanted. The devices linearly reciprocate a shuttle within a housing to move blood into and out of the housing, and rotate the shuttle to selectively direct the movement of blood into and out of a plurality of ports in the housing.

Abstract: Provided are a device (100) for self-adaptive regulation of air volume and a refrigerator (200) having the same.

Abstract: A method and structure which provide an ambient pressure measurement that is unaffected by wind and localized environmental conditions. A draft range pressure transmitter is enclosed inside an enclosure which is resistant to wind and other transient localize environmental conditions. A vent cap allows slow air movement through a wall of the enclosure and forms a still air chamber for the transmitter. The pressure inside the enclosure changes at the same rate as the barometric pressure but is unaffected by wind or wind gusts.

Abstract: Drying device for drying hygroscopic material, for example wood, has a drying chamber for accommodating material to be dried, and air conditioning for setting a drying climate in drying chamber during drying process. Air conditioning sets drying climate, at least in part, as a function of moisture of material to be dried. There are bar-like support devices for storing material to be dried in drying chamber during drying process. At least one bar-like support device has scale for measuring weight of material to be dried that is stored on support device. Scale is in signal transmission connection with a control apparatus designed and programmed so that moisture of material to be dried is determined from weight measured by scale. Control apparatus is designed and programmed for controlling air conditioning so drying climate is set as a function of moisture of the respective material to be dried, as determined from the weight measured.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable drier with solar simulator that can be used by small or medium scale farmers, which provides drying of the fruits and vegetables in general in the agriculture sector, in an organic manner through natural methods, which benefits from IR and UV rays during this process, and as a result, creates a difference in the extension of their shelf life, and which, in order to protect human health, minimizes the chemical remnants that cause diseases.

Abstract: An injector head for an anti-icing system may comprise a body having a first surface, a second surface, a face, and an inlet, a first sweeping jet nozzle having a first exit port through the face, wherein the first sweeping jet nozzle comprises a fluid oscillator defining a first sweeping plane of the first sweeping jet nozzle, and a distribution manifold within the body in fluid communication with the inlet and the first sweeping jet nozzle.

Abstract: A continuous-flow dryer for drying a material by hot air is provided with a first and a second section, through which the material flows successively in a transport direction. It includes a fresh air supply device, an exhaust air recirculation device for removing exhaust air and for recirculating exhaust air as supply air, and a heat exchanger, through which fresh air and exhaust air are led, for transferring waste heat of the exhaust air into the fresh air. With the exhaust air recirculation device a first part of the exhaust air is removed from the first section and recirculated directly into the first section. Furthermore, a second part of the exhaust air is removed from the first section, led through the heat exchanger, and recirculated as supply air into the first section. The fresh air supply device supplies fresh air as supply air into the second section.

Abstract: A continuous-flow dryer for drying a material by hot air is provided with a first and a second section, through which the material is passed successively in a transport direction. It includes a fresh air supply device, an exhaust air recirculation device for removing exhaust air and recirculating it as supply air, and a heat exchanger, through which fresh air and exhaust air are led, for transferring waste heat of the exhaust air into the fresh air. With the exhaust air recirculation device a first part of the exhaust air is removed from the first section and recirculated as supply air directly into the first section. Furthermore, a second part of the exhaust air is removed from the first section, led through the heat exchanger, and recirculated as supply air into the first section. The fresh air supply device supplies fresh air as supply air into the second section.

Abstract: A dual path kiln is provided that includes a kiln having at least three chambers including first and second end chambers separated by a central heating chamber. At least two lumber conveyors convey lumber through the kiln in opposite directions. External unidirectional fans are utilized to provide circular directional flows through the lumber. Also provided is a method utilizing the kiln to continuously dry green lumber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulsed combustor assembly (A) for dehydration and/or granulation of a wet feedstock, in particular a viscous feedstock such as a feedstock containing natural fibers, sugars and/or vegetable starches, comprising a combustion chamber (16), at least one fuel supply line (23), at least one air supply line (26), and at least one pulsed air generator, wherein the pulsed air generator is connected to the air supply line (26) for generating at least a first pulsed air stream with a pulse frequency f1 entering the combustion chamber (16).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treatment of a particulate material employs a conveyor belt for supporting the particulate material for transport and a source of gas for delivery through the conveyor belt to fluidize the particulate material. A gas distribution system is used for controlling the gas flow to create regions of greater and lesser fluidization. This approach avoids the use of mechanical agitation of the conveyor belt which improves efficiency and reliability. The apparatus and method find particular application in the handling of particulate foodstuffs in bulk when treatment such as freezing, heating, or blanching of individual food particles is required.

Abstract: A dried distiller soluble based biopolymer, processes for forming the biopolymer, and articles of manufacture thereof. The produced dried distillers solubles derives from co-products of corn fermentation facilities and is comprised in part of water-soluble proteins. A biopolymer consists essentially of dried distillers solubles, and an article of manufacture includes a biopolymer consisting of dried distillers solubles and an optional additive. The process of forming dried distiller solubles involves separating whole stillage into a liquid fraction and a solid fraction, wherein the liquid fraction comprises water soluble proteins in an amount greater than the solid fraction, and wherein the solid fraction has a higher solid content than the liquid fraction. The liquid fraction is sprayed at an elevated temperature to remove at least a portion of moisture in the liquid fraction and form particles and granules of the liquid fraction.

Abstract: Systems and methods of producing chemical compounds are disclosed. An example chemical production system includes a combustion chamber having intake ports for entry of a gas mixture. An igniter ignites the gas mixture in the intake chamber to facilitate a reaction at a high temperature and high pressure. A nozzle restricts exit of the ignited gas mixture from the combustion chamber. An expansion chamber cools the ignited gas. The expansion chamber has an exhaust where the cooled gas exits the expansion chamber. A chemical compound product is formed in the expansion chamber.

Abstract: Dried distiller's solubles is described. Methods for drying condensed distiller's solubles into dried distiller's solubles are presented. The methods may include introducing the condensed distiller's solubles into a drying gas stream and recovering dried distiller's solubles from the drying gas stream.

Abstract: A system for heating, drying or curing an object, the system comprising a housing having a first wall and at least one second wall adjacent the first wall. The first wall and at least one second wall define an interior for holding an object to be heated, dried or cured. The system also includes an air plenum adjacent to, covering and disposed inward from the first wall, and at least one air plenum opening in the air plenum to supply air into the interior. A fan is disposed in the one air plenum opening. The system also includes a ductwork assembly adjacent to, covering and disposed inward from the second wall. The ductwork assembly is in air-communication with the air plenum, and has a ductwork opening so that substantially all air circulation in the interior is between the air plenum opening and the ductwork opening.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to the production of dried co-products from stillage produced by an ethanol production facility.

Abstract: A lint filter device for an airflow in a tumble dryer, comprising an endlessly circulating element, arranged around at least two deflector elements and positioned such as to be crossed by the airflow. The circulating element has an upper edge and a lower edge and first engaging elements are arranged on at least one of the two edges which, on opening a loading door of the tumble dryer may come to cooperate with at least one second engaging element, arranged inside the tumble dryer such that, on the opening process of the loading door, the circulating element may be automatically moved in a circulating direction and may be passed across at least one device for the removal of lint from the circulating element. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning such a lint filter device.

Abstract: An air drying system and process employs a turbofan jet engine for producing high quality dried products. The air drying system uses both thermal and non-thermal air drying. The turbofan jet engine is housed within an air distribution chamber for directing exhaust air and bypass air from the jet engine into a product drying tube, where it is dried through a combination of thermal drying from heat content in an engine exhaust, and by the kinetic energy of air flowing past the product traveling through the drying tube, that may include a physical impediment for retarding retard the speed of the product solids flowing in the air stream through the tube.

Abstract: Dried distiller's solubles is described. Methods for drying condensed distiller's solubles into dried distiller's solubles are presented. The methods may include introducing the condensed distiller's solubles into a drying gas stream and recovering dried distiller's solubles from the drying gas stream.

Abstract: Dried distiller's solubles is described. Methods for drying condensed distiller's solubles into dried distiller's solubles are presented. The methods may include introducing the condensed distiller's solubles into a drying gas stream and recovering dried distiller's solubles from the drying gas stream.

Abstract: To carry out drying of printing ink with the use of Nano sized high-temperature dryness steam. Nano sized high-temperature dryness steam being clustered on Nano oder is generated and jetted to the print side of printed material so that the Nano sized high-temperature dryness steam imparts intramolecular vibrational energy to ink of the print side. Consequently, the Nano sized high-temperature dryness steam being clustered on Nano oder not only passes through fiber pores in the printed material but also collides with the ink of the print side. The Nano sized high-temperature dryness steam having collided with the ink of the print side imparts thermally excited energy as intramolecular vibrational energy to the ink containing polar molecules. The ink is dried by the intramolecular energy.

Abstract: Dried distiller's solubles is described. Methods for drying condensed distiller's solubles into dried distiller's solubles are presented. The methods may include introducing the condensed distiller's solubles into a drying gas stream and recovering dried distiller's solubles from the drying gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, apparatus and process for an improved substrate mounting and processing technique for various substrate treatments comprising cleaning, dicing, sawing, polishing, and planarization, among others.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controllably drying moisture-containing work pieces. The system comprises a drying compartment defining an internal workspace for housing and drying the moisture-containing work pieces by introducing heat into the internal workspace and heating the moisture-containing work pieces located in the internal workspace by removing heated moisture from the work pieces and absorbing the heated moisture into the air in the workspace to produce heated humidified air. A multi-directional air flow heat exchanger is employed for receiving heated humidified air and atmospheric air and for recycling waste heat from exhaust air from the drying compartment, and for heating the atmospheric air in the heat exchanger using recovered heat extracted from the heated humidified air to a temperature higher than ambient temperature thereby reducing energy costs and drying time and preventing the loss of circulation air.

Abstract: A forage bale dryer is described, which is particularly adapted to dry large bales of forage material, such as hay, alfalfa, etc. The dryer has a bale support platform disposed between a lower and an upper plenum chamber, and the upper plenum chamber is spaced from the support platform to define an accessible stacking area for disposing one or more layers of forage bales onto the support platform. An air circulating passage is connected to the plenum chambers to direct a drying air flow there across. A sheet of flexible film material is disposed about the stack of bales and between the plenum chambers, whereby upon the application of a drying air flow, a negative pressure causes the flexible film material to collapse against the circumferential side surface of the stack of bales, whereby the drying air flow is confined through the stack. The drying air flow is also reversible by proper synchronization of valve plates in the air circulating conduits.

Abstract: An air dryer and process employs a jet engine for producing high quality dried products. A turbofan jet engine in an air-drying system uses both thermal and non-thermal air-drying. The turbofan jet engine is housed within an air distribution chamber for directing exhaust air and bypass air from the jet engine into a product drying tube, where it is dried through a combination of thermal drying from heat content in an engine exhaust, and by the kinetic energy of air flowing past the product traveling through the drying tube, that may include a physical impediment for retarding retard the speed of the product solids flowing in the air stream through the tube.

Abstract: A hair dryer including a main body, a centrifugal fan, at least one air inlet and at least one inlet guide. The main body has an air outlet. The centrifugal fan is provided in the main body and configured to blow air toward the air outlet. The centrifugal fan has an intake side and an outer circumferential surface around a central axis of the centrifugal fan. The at least one air inlet is formed in the main body to face the intake side of the centrifugal fan. The at least one inlet guide is provided to project from an inside surface of the main body and extends along a circumference of the at least one air inlet to surround and face a part of the outer circumferential surface of the centrifugal fan along a circumference of the centrifugal fan.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removing water from a fibrous web are disclosed. The process comprises providing a fibrous web having a moisture content from about 1% to about 99%; providing an oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas having a pre-determined frequency; providing a gas-distributing system comprising at least one discharge outlet designed to emit the oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas onto the web; and impinging the oscillatory flow-reversing gas onto the web through the plurality of discharge outlets, thereby removing moisture from the web. The apparatus comprises a web support designed to receive a fibrous web thereon and to carry it in a machine direction; at least one rotary valve pulse generator designed to produce oscillatory flow-reversing air or gas; and at least one gas-distributing system in fluid communication with the pulse generator for delivering the oscillatory flow-reversing air or gas to the web.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removing water from a fibrous web are disclosed. The process comprises providing a fibrous web having a moisture content from about 10% to about 90%; providing an oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas having frequency of from 15 Hz to 1500 Hz; providing a gas-distributing system comprising a plurality of discharge outlets designed to emit the oscillatory flow-reversing impingement gas onto the web; and impinging the oscillatory flow-reversing gas onto the web through the plurality of discharge outlets, thereby removing moisture from the web. The apparatus comprises a web support designed to receive a fibrous web thereon and to carry it in a machine direction; at least one pulse generator designed to produce oscillatory flow-reversing air or gas; and at least one gas-distributing system in fluid communication with the pulse generator for delivering the oscillatory flow-reversing air or gas to the web.

Abstract: An oven for warming food, which includesa carcass (2) delimiting a warming chamber;a rack (8) provided with two opposed perforated sidewalls (12) and placed inside of the carcass (2) so as to create first and second lateral spaces (13A, 13B);a blower unit (14) mounted on the back wall (7) of the carcass (2);unit (15) for guiding the air blown by the blower unit (14).The unit (15) for guiding the air blown by the blower unit (14) and heated directs the air only toward the first lateral space (13A). The blower unit (14) draws the air from the second lateral space (13B).

Abstract: A method for the continuous treatment of particulate material, such as cement raw meal, in an apparatus comprising a stationary reactor (6) configured as a conical spouted bed, to which the material is fed and treated in a suspended bed by means of gas which, via a centrally arranged gas inlet (21), is injected at the bottom of the reactor (6) and flows upwards through the reactor (6), and wherefrom the material is discharged via an opening (21) at the bottom of the reactor (6).

Abstract: A dual-purpose combustor for ordinary combustion and pulse combustion especially suited to be installed for a spray dryer, which is used not only as an ordinary combustion gas generator but also as a pulse combustion gas generator capable of generating high frequency sound waves and hot blast in large capacity to enhance the drying efficiency. The dual-purpose combustor is composed essentially of successionally connected chambers: a concentric narrow ring form fuel/combustion air mixed gas supply slit, a concentric wider ring form combustion chamber having an ignition means and a narrow outlet portion, a concentric narrow ring form exhaust gas chamber, a concentric wider ring form upper secondary combustion chamber, and a concentric cylindrical form lower secondary combustion chamber having the same diameter with the outer diameter of the concentric ring form upper secondary combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to drying and heating processes and to an apparatus incorporating a pulse combustion device that can be used in a drying system or in a heating system. In general, the apparatus includes a pulse combustion device for the combustion of a fuel to produce a pulsating flow of combustion products and an acoustic pressure wave. The pulse combustion device has a combustion chamber connected to at least one resonance tube. A resonance chamber surrounds at least a portion of the pulse combustion device and includes a nozzle downstream from the resonance tube. The nozzle accelerates the combustion products flowing therethrough and creates a pulsating velocity head. In a drying system, the nozzle exits into a drying chamber where the combustion products contact a feed stream.

Abstract: A dry kiln for wood products that has sample tunnels mounted strategic to each of the charges (stacks) of wood products that are to be dried. A board sample is mounted in the tunnel that is representative of the charges to be dried. A sensing device mounted in the tunnel and supporting the board sample continuously monitors the weight of the board sample and inputs the information to a controller. The moisture content of the board sample at any time during the cycle is ascertained by weight. The board sample in the tunnel is subjected to the same drying conditions as the charge and therefore the moisture content of the charge will be the same as the board sample. The continuous weight monitoring of the board sample is accordingly used by the controller to control the dry cycle.

Abstract: In a drying or cooling chamber (1) having a mainly cylindrical upper section (2) joining an underlying mainly conical or frusto-conical lower section (3), an inlet (6) for processing gas is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical section (2) and an outlet (7) for the processing gas at the lower or upper end of the chamber. Deposition of products on the inner surfaces of the chamber is minimized by injection by nozzle means (8) of at least one jet of pressurized gas at a high flow velocity but a low flow rate compared to the flow velocity and the flow rate of the processing gas at a level of the cylindrical section (2) remote from the processing gas outlet (7) and at a point close to a circumferential wall (9) of the cylindrical section (2).

Abstract: Methods are providing for cleansing contaminants from substrates, such as semiconductor wafer handling implements, and thereby reduce the incidence of contamination of semiconductor devices being assembled upon the semiconductor wafers. In one aspect of the invention, a substrate such as a semiconductor cassette or other semiconductor wafer handling implement, is inserted into a chamber that is substantially isolated from a surrounding environment. A pressurized, and optionally purified, cleansing medium is directed against at least one surface of the substrate to dislodge contaminants from the substrate surface. Dislodged contaminants are evacuated with negative pressure from the chamber. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the cleansing medium is an inert gas, such as nitrogen, and is applied to the substrate at a pressure from about 10 p.s.i. to about 100 or more p.s.i.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable dry kiln for drying or treating lumber. The kiln can operate with an electrical generator and a gas, oil or waste burning heater to allow use in remote areas. The kiln is small enough to be readily transportable while improving thermal efficiency, humidity control, and eliminating fan motor maintenance problems. A cyclonic circulation of air extending through the kiln chamber is produced by the combined actions of an air supply system and a plurality of fans.

Abstract: A drying shed includes at least one drying chamber (2) for accommodating wood (3) to be dried in a known manner, and further includes a drying unit arranged in the drying chamber and comprising a heat-exchange battery (6) and fans (4). The invention is characterized in that respective fan wheels or impellers are intended to be driven by a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor may be a reversible motor.

Abstract: A system for drying a large quantity of wood efficiently, which includes: a wood drying room capable of being sealed; a combustion-gas generator provided with an air-inlet conduit for introducing fresh air for combustion use into a combustion chamber provided in a lower area of the combustion-gas generator; a combustion-gas supplying passage extending from an upper area of the combustion-gas generator to an upper area of the wood drying room; an exhaust-gas discharging conduit extending from a bottom area of the wood drying room to a chimney; a combustion-gas recovery conduit extending from the bottom area of the wood drying room to the combustion-gas generator; and a gas flow-rate control unit provided in at least one of the exhaust-gas discharging conduit and the combustion-gas recovery conduit.

Abstract: A direct-fired kiln for drying lumber having a reversible powered air-mover mechanism for producing air circulation within the interior of the kiln in either of opposite directions. Selectively controlled air withdrawal conduits returning air to a fuel burner outside the kiln are adjusted so that air is always withdrawn from the side of a load within the kiln where circulated air is exiting from the load.

Abstract: A device for the continuous and tension free treatment of textile sheets is provided. The device comprises an air-permeable endlessly circulating material web bearing surface; an upper stationary and air permeable delimiting wall, the material web bearing surface and the delimiting wall defining a transport channel; at least one upper blower nozzle, the blower nozzle orientated downwardly and running transversely with respect to the direction of the material web bearing surface; at least one lower blower nozzle arranged in a direction in which the material web is moved the lower nozzle offset with respect to said upper blower nozzle; and the upper and lower blower nozzles arranged with respect to each other to very abruptly alternate the movement of the material web, up and down and to contactlessly support the material web above the material web bearing surface while in the transport channel. Additionally, a method of treating the textile sheets is also provided.

Abstract: A balanced draft vent system for a lumber kiln is shown and described wherein external and internal air pressure differential is taken into account in conjunction with internal humidity measurement in providing a balanced volumetric exchange of cool moisture laden air exiting the kiln and ambient air introduced into the kiln. The air exchange function of the balanced draft vent system operates independent of the driving forces of air circulation within the kiln.

Abstract: A drier which has a reversible power operated air mover for circulating air through multiple loads in either of opposite directions. An exhaust duct means is provided for removing moisture-laden air in a region between the loads, and a dilution air means is provided for introducing dilution air into this region. Means is provided for heating the dilution air introduced. The means for introducing air and with drawing air and for heating the air have the same operating characteristics irrespective of the direction of air movement.

Abstract: Apparatus are set forth for particularly dehydrating products such as corn syrups, fruit and vegetable extracts, dairy products, or other temperature-sensitive or hard-to-handle products. The apparatus include using a pulse combustor to generate a hot, turbulent, gaseous environment in a dehydration chamber and spraying the feedstock into the chamber. As the feedstock droplets travel through the chamber, they are dehydrated and thereafter collected by suitable devices. Temperature and feedstock residence time in the chamber are controlled to prevent product degradation. Where the dehydrated product is hygroscopic, processing aids may be added to control hygroscopicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for drying timber in which the timber is fed gradually through a drying tunnel while at the same time being permeated by a drying air with a temperature below 80.degree. C. transported primarily in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel. Said drying tunnel is divided into two separate sections with said drying air divided into two circulating substreams, of which one flows through the first section of the tunnel in the direction of motion of the timber and the other through the second section of the tunnel contrary to the direction of motion of the timber, after which said substreams are conditioned and returned to their section.

Abstract: A kiln and method for drying material. The kiln includes a drying chamber, a heating system for heating air to be delivered to the drying chamber, and a ducting system for delivering heated air to the drying chamber. Fans are provided for establishing a low air pressure region and a high air pressure region adjacent the ducting system in order to generate a circulation flow of air throughout the drying chamber. The ducting system is arranged to deliver heated air only into the low air pressure region of the fan to ensure proper mixing of the heated air from the ducting and recirculated air. In a second embodiment, the fans are reversible to permit air flow through the drying chamber to be reversed.

Abstract: A heat recovery system is disclosed for a pulse combustion drying system in which the exhaust gas of combustion from a pulse combustor passes successively through a dryer, a product collector and a scrubber. The heat of the exhaust gas is recovered in the scrubber by spraying with water or other liquid and transferring by heat exchange the heat absorbed by the water to compressed air, and passing the heated compressed air successively through a membrane heat exchange tube on the wall of the product collector and a membrane heat exchange tube on the wall of the dryer. The air is discharged finally in an air-injection nozzle of the pulse combustor.

Abstract: In a wood curing kiln, a chamber is sealed to retain a negative pressure with respect to the ambient and for storing stacked lumber to be cured and having a concrete floor with embedded heating pipes for circulating heated water to heat the concrete floor to a temperature preventing condensation thereon, and with means for circulating heated air within the chamber and through the stacked lumber to remove moisture therefrom and with the chamber being constantly vented to remove moist air and maintain the negative pressure within the chamber. A tarp is suspended from the ceiling of the chamber above the stacked lumber to enable the tarp to be lowered to cover and seal the top of the stacked lumber so that the heated air flows across the top of the tarp and down into and through an end of the stacked lumber.

Abstract: A kiln for drying material such as lumber. A primary centrally located support structure supporting a roof which extends outwardly to opposite sides of the support structure. The support structure is hollow, and an air-circulating system uses this hollowness as a passage for circulating air.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dry treatment of a fabric in which an open width fabric is caused to move alternately between an inlet pile and an outlet pile through a duct in which there are currents of air of an appropriate temperature causing the said alternate movements. The fabric is supplied gradually to the inlet pile and is gradually withdrawn from the outlet pile. The apparatus comprises chambers for the said piles and blower and heating means for the air currents.