Abstract: It is required with respect to the production of cement clinker from wet slurry raw materials that are calcined to cement clinker in a drying-rotary pipe furnace, which is preceded by a cyclone suspension type heat exchanger system, after the materials have been processed—to initially mechanically dewater the raw meal slurry up to a moisture of approximately 20% and to subsequently thermally dry the materials up to a residual moisture of approximately 0.5 through 1.0%. It is inventively proposed to carry out this thermal drying in a static cascade-step drier, whereby hot gas from the cyclone heat exchangers, in cross current, is led through the step drier for the drying.

Abstract: On drying pasty materials, particularly sewage sludge, the material is compacted in an intermediate drying stage with a dry fraction of 60 to 80%, so that relatively low energy costs are required. The conveying of the material takes place both during pre-drying and after leaving the compactor on one or two air-permeable conveyor belts (3, 4) succeeding one another in the conveying direction and which are enclosed in a common housing (2). Thus, drying before and after compacting is performed under identical method conditions, so that it is possible to produce a simple and therefore inexpensive installation for performing the method. The finished product has advantageous characteristics with regards to density and abrasion resistance, so that dust production is avoided during subsequent handling.

Abstract: A transport enclosure arranged between a first apparatus and a second apparatus, all located in a clean room, is shielded from the clean room and maintained a degree of cleanliness which is cleaner than that of the clean room. Accordingly, the volume of space within the clean room requiring the highest degree of cleanliness is minimized, thereby reducing overall costs.

Abstract: A transport enclosure arranged between a first apparatus and a second apparatus, all located in a clean room, is shielded from the clean room and maintained a degree of cleanliness which is cleaner than that of the clean room. Accordingly, the volume of space within the clean room requiring the highest degree of cleanliness is minimized, thereby reducing overall costs.

Abstract: A transport enclosure arranged between a first apparatus and a second apparatus, all located in a clean room, is shielded from the clean room and maintained a degree of cleanliness which is cleaner than that of the clean room. Accordingly, the volume of space within the clean room requiring the highest degree of cleanliness is minimized, thereby reducing overall costs.

Abstract: In the present method of drying iron ore pellets, e.g., magnetite pellets, moisture-containing iron ore pellets are formed into a bed comprising a multiplicity of the pellets. A current of drying gas is forced through the bed of pellets to at least partially dry some of the pellets. At least one jet of a drying gas that contains added oxygen is directed onto the bed of pellets so to impinge upon a surface of the pellet bed thereby providing kinetic energy for directing oxygen including the added oxygen into the pellets so as to enhance the conversion of magnetite to hematite. Moisture can be added to heated air that is then blown through jet nozzles onto the pellet bed or circulated back to an earlier drying stage and passed through the bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for is provided for supporting and connecting drier cassettes of an air knife type of drier. The drier cassettes exhaust air on traveling printed matter and are joined and supported by expander units that also exhaust air on the printed matter to increase drying efficiency. Gas or air is supplied to either the drier cassettes or the expander units or both and window apertures may be provided to allow the gas to communicate between the drier cassettes and the expander units. The relative exhaust pressures of the expander units and the drier cassettes may be regulated to create a pressure gradient on the printed matter as it travels through the exhaust so that the path of the paper suffers from less disruption.

Abstract: A centralized humidification controlled container system including one or more containers to confine perishable goods in a humidification controlled environment, a portable master unit container which confines the controlling equipment with a source of humidification water, and means of connecting the master unit container to each of the perishable goods containers in such a way as to pass information and fluid between the master unit container and each attached perishable goods container.

Abstract: This device for treating items stored in at least one container (12), comprises means (14) for supplying the containers with a treatment gas and means (16) for continuously purging the containers, the supply means being equipped with means (22) for regulating the pressure of the treatment gas upstream of the containers. The purging means comprise a gas ejector (28) connected to the outlet of the containers (12) and supplied with a drive gas so as to regulate the pressure of the treatment gas downstream of the containers (12) and thus control the flow rate of the treatment gas therein.

Abstract: A system for high-pressure drying of semiconductor wafers includes the insertion of a wafer into an open vessel, the immersion of the wafer in a liquid, pressure-sealing of the vessel, pressurization of the vessel with an inert gas, and then the controlled draining of the liquid using a moveable drain that extracts water from a depth maintained just below the gas-liquid interface. Thereafter, the pressure may be reduced in the vessel and the dry and clean wafer may be removed. The high pressure suppresses the boiling point of liquids, thus allowing higher temperatures to be used to optimize reactivity. Megasonic waves are used with pressurized fluid to enhance cleaning performance. Supercritical substances are provided in a sealed vessel containing a wafer to promote cleaning and other treatment.

Abstract: A steam washing device comprising a metal body having a recess housing the part to be washed, the recess being provided with ducts for introducing the steam into the recess and discharging it from the recess; there being provided three ducts for introducing the steam and one for discharging the steam; the recess being defined by a wall of a sleeve provided with through holes communicating the recess with a steam expansion chamber; one of the ducts being adapted to introduce the steam into the expansion chamber, whereas the remaining two ducts are adapted to introduce the steam into the recess; a slit opening in the chamber forming a steam sucking duct that in turn is connected with the system exhaust duct.

Abstract: A storage floor air vent may comprise at least two vent walls positioned in substantially parallel relation to thereby define a channel; a plurality of angular baffle members, each angular baffle member composed of two segments forming an apex therebetween; the plurality of angular baffle members positioned in between the at least two vent walls in a linear arrangement, with each apex facing upward proximal the top end of each of the at least two vent walls, and each angular baffle member is positioned a distance apart from the adjacent angular baffle member to thereby define an orifice between the segment ends of adjacent angular baffle members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial cleaning facility comprising at least one treatment chamber (8) which can be put in an open position or a closed position (operating position). To ensure that the treatment chamber (8) can be loaded and unloaded without difficulty and to permit easy adaptation to a discontinuous production line (2; 3), the treatment chamber is divided up and consists of at least one lower part (13) and at least one upper part (26). The lower parts (13) can be fixed to a rotating column (9) having several arms and the upper parts (26) can be fixed to immovable holding posts (7) and be height-adjustable. In holding stations (7) the upper parts (26) and the lower parts (13) can be connected by means of lifting devices (38) and moved into the operating position.

Abstract: An expandable tunnel garment finishing apparatus including a front module having an entrance for receiving garments on hangers for being conveyed through the apparatus, an initial treatment zone downstream from the entrance for treating the garments with steam and heat, a final treatment zone downstream from the initial treatment zone for treating the garments with hot air, and an exit downstream from the final treatment zone and adjacent the entrance through which the finished garments exit the finishing apparatus. The finishing apparatus also includes a rear module communicating with the front module for receiving garments conveyed therefrom. The rear module includes a heating apparatus for heating the garments, and a U-shaped intermediate treatment zone downstream from the initial treatment zone and upstream from the final treatment zone for receiving the garments from the initial treatment zone and for delivering the garments to the final treatment zone and the exit of the front module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a humidor having means for controlling the humidity therein and having one or more transparent surfaces permitting viewing of the interior thereof. The humidor has means for lateral access to the contents therein and the depth of said container is substantially smaller than said width, thereby conserving space. Means are provided for displaying products, such as cigars, in a substantially vertical position for viewing through the transparent surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the container is adapted to placement upon a shelf. In a preferred embodiment, an integrated environmental control unit that controls both temperature and humidity is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-pressure drying of semiconductor wafers includes the insertion of a wafer into an open vessel, the immersion of the wafer in a liquid, pressure-sealing of the vessel, pressurization of the vessel with an inert gas, and then the controlled draining of the liquid using a moveable drain that extracts water from a depth maintained just below the gas-liquid interface. Thereafter, the pressure may be reduced in the vessel and the dry and clean wafer may be removed. The high pressure suppresses the boiling point of liquids, thus allowing higher temperatures to be used to optimize reactivity. Megasonic waves are used with pressurized fluid to enhance cleaning performance. Supercritical substances are provided in a sealed vessel containing a wafer to promote cleaning and other treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the drying of electronic components. The invention provides multiple holes through which air is passed before striking the components. This provides the apparatus of the invention with multiple air knives, thereby breaking major air flow into multiple eddy currents whereby these eddy currents have a low enough air pressure gradient such that the electronic components are not damaged or lifted from the conveyer belt on which they are transported.

Abstract: A method of transporting a reticle is disclosed. The reticle is placed in a reticle carrier that has an ionizer. Moreover, the reticle may be attached with a pellicle. The pellicle consists of a pellicle frame and a pellicle film stretched over the pellicle frame. The pellicle frame has included within an absorbent material.

Abstract: A method of drying wood comprises the step of drying wood in a drying chamber at a controlled temperature and a controlled humidity. The temperature and the moisture content inside the wood while being dried are monitored continuously or intermittently, and the temperature and the humidity in the drying chamber are controlled based on the resulting data.

Abstract: An environmental test chamber comprises a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a partition. The first chamber receives one or more electronic components to be tested. The first chamber includes an exhaust area through which air is introduced to the first chamber and an intake area from which air is evacuated from the first chamber. The exhaust area and intake area are both fitted with a panel having a plurality of apertures. The size and/or the distance between the apertures is varied to provide a uniform airflow through the first chamber, thereby insuring that each electrical component housed within the first chamber experiences the desired temperature and humidity conditions. An air intake assembly is provided which draws air into a control panel chamber housing the electrical circuitry necessary to operate the environmental test chamber, and transports the air into the second chamber to thereby permit both the control panel chamber and the second chamber to receive ambient air.

Abstract: The portable sports equipment drying container comprised: a box shaped body; a cover for the body; the body having opposed side walls and opposed end walls; an input fan mounted in one of the walls; an output fan mounted in a another one of the walls; a heating pad in the box shaped body; perforated or porous insulating structure between the heating pad and clothing or equipment placed in the box shaped body; and electrical circuitry for energizing the fans and the heating pad for drying moist or wet clothing or equipment placed in said container and for circulating air through the container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cart (5) having a first vessel (10) which fits within a second vessel (90) is used to transport and store an integrated circuit substrate. The integrated circuit substrate is placed within the first vessel (10) and the door (18) of the first vessel (10) is closed and sealed against a door seal (24). The first vessel (10) is then purged with nitrogen to expel moisture and reactive gases from the interior of the first vessel (10). After purging, the first vessel (10) is then placed within the second vessel (90). The door (102) of the second vessel (90) is then closed and sealed against a door seal (104). The second vessel (90) is then purged with nitrogen to expel moisture and reactive gases from the interior of the second vessel (90). The cart (5) containing the integrated circuit substrate is then transported to the next manufacturing area. Integrated circuits and other articles may be manufacturing using the cart system of the present invention.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A processing unit for a substrate has a vertical thermal processing furnace 4 having a bottom and an opening provided at the bottom. A boat holding substrates in vertical multistairs can be placed on a first lid, and the first lid can open and close the opening of the vertical thermal processing furnace with the boat placed thereon. The processing unit also has a boat-placing portion on which the boat and another boat can be placed and a boat conveying mechanism for conveying the two boats alternatively between the boat-placing portion and the first lid. A second lid hermetically closes the opening of the vertical thermal processing furnace when the first lid opens the opening but no boat passes through the opening. The processing unit can effectively reduce the undesirable influence from the opening when the first lid is taken off from the opening and the boat is conveyed out, and can also reduce the wasted energy by preventing the fall of the temperature in the interior of the thermal processing furnace.

Abstract: In the present method of drying iron ore pellets, e.g., magnetite pellets, moisture-containing iron ore pellets are formed into a bed comprising a multiplicity of the pellets. A current of drying gas is forced upwardly through the bed of pellets to at least partially dry some of the pellets. Radiant heat reflectors above the bed reflect heat back onto the pellets with air jets simultaneously directing air downwardly onto the top surface of the bed. Air is forced between the reflectors are placed and onto the bed to, especially below the firebrick wall between the end of the updraft drying zone and the downdraft drying zone. Water is applied to the hot pellets to produce steam as well as water vapor which is added to a current of air to produce a stream of hot, humid air that is passed through the bed to improve pellet characteristics and recover waste heat.

Abstract: A system (10) for processing wafers and cleaning wafer cassettes (160, 260, 460) includes a work cell (12) having a plurality of processing stations (14) for processing wafers, and at least one processing/cleaning station (30, 130, 230, 430) for receiving and delivering wafers to and from a wafer cassette (160, 260, 460), a transfer mechanism (16) for moving the wafers between the plurality of processing stations (14) and the cleaning station (30). The cleaning station (30, 130, 230, 430) may have an exterior door (32, 132, 232, 432), an exhaust (34, 134, 234, 434), an interior door (40, 140, 240, 440), a plurality of gas nozzles (166, 266, 466) for delivering a sweeping gas over the wafer cassette (160, 260, 460). The cleaning process can also be done with a loaded cassette (160, 260, 460) that is unloaded before cleaning.

Abstract: The invention is a convective airflow dryer system for coffee beans and other such crops, that includes a removable materials container. The removable, stackable container has at least one interior airway structure extending from, preferably, the bottom or sidewall surface to about the top of the container. The airflow structure is configured to freely admit, flow and transfer air, including moisture ladened air, through a port or vent in the bottom or sidewall, over its length and breadth into and out of the coffee beans or other crops or materials being dried, and out the top of the container. The dryer system and the containers are configured for directing the full airflow of the dryer system through the container or set of interconnected containers when in place, and to easily remove the containers from the dryer for emptying, refilling and reuse.

Abstract: A paint drying system for drying painted motor cars, particularly those cars painted with water-born paints. The system includes a spray booth (2) which is supplied with heated air which flows in a downdraft from an upper inlet (32) to a lower outlet (44) and also from wall-mounted air jets. The air from the air jets disrupts the downdraft causing air turbulence within the spraybooth (2) which accelerates drying of the painted cars. In a preferred embodiment, the spraybooth has corner mounted air jets.

Abstract: An electric hand and towel dryer includes an enclosure having an inlet and first, second, and third outlets for heated air. A tube associated with the second and third outlets connects to opposed air outlets in the enclosure. A blower unit incorporates a heating element, a motor, and a fan located inside a first chamber of the enclosure for generating a hot air stream. The stream selectively exits the enclosure through the first outlet or the second and third outlets. A folding blind controls the flow of the hot air through the first or second and third outlets for respectively drying hands or a towel supported on the hanger.

Abstract: A process chamber 25 for processing a semiconductor substrate, comprises a support for supporting a substrate 50. A gas distributor 90 provided for introducing process gas into the chamber 25, comprises a gas nozzle for injecting process gas at an inclined angle relative to a plane of the substrate 50, into the chamber 25. Optionally, a gas flow controller 100 controls and pulses the flow of process gas through one or more gas nozzles 140. An exhaust is used to exhaust the process gas from the chamber 25.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and process for transporting flat objects confined in a specific atmosphere. The device comprises at least one assembly provided with several thin, flat cells (31) that open onto a lateral face (33) of said assembly with the cells arranged in parallel and linked by the same ventilation system. Each cell is constructed to receive a flat object (10) and is closed by an independent door (33). The cells are arranged in tandem and the device includes assembly means for interlocking an upper cell to an adjacent lower cell in each successive pair and in a complementary arrangement.

Abstract: A dryer for curing articles with printings thereon is disclosed. The system includes an exterior housing, an interior lining defining a drying chamber within the exterior housing, means for heating an article within the drying chamber, and a surface for supporting the article within the drying chamber. The dryer housing preferably includes an entrance opening and an exit opening to allow articles to pass through the drying chamber. The dryer may include a conveyor system for automatically moving the articles from the entrance to the exit. The means for heating the articles or directing heated air onto the articles is preferably adjustable in a vertical direction, while the interior lining is made from a non-conductive material, such as fiberglass or a fiberglass cloth. An air duct carrying air into the drying chamber is connected at the one end of the lining, preferably on the dryer's top wall, while a return air duct is preferably connected to a separate bottom wall panel of the drying chamber.

Abstract: In the present method of drying iron ore pellets, e.g., magnetite pellets, moisture-containing iron ore pellets are formed into a bed comprising a multiplicity of the pellets. A current of drying gas is forced upwardly through the bed of pellets to at least partially dry some of the pellets. A plurality of pipes, each having an opening such as an elongated slot provides counter-current jets of a drying gas above the bed. The drying gas jets are directed downwardly so as to impinge on the upper surface of the bed through which the current of drying gas rises. The bed of pellets is thus dried with the current of drying gas flowing through the bed from below as well as the jets of drying gas impinging onto the upper surface of the bed. In a preferred form of the invention, in a second stage downwardly directed jets of drying gas are used together with a downward current of drying gas to further dry the pellets before they are fired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying grain which includes a method and apparatus for unloading the grain from a grain dryer of a type including spaced apart first and second walls for defining a passageway or grain column for directing grain flowing downwardly by gravity between the first and second walls. A substantially horizontal shelf is disposed below the outlet port of the grain confinement walls for receiving grain thereon from the grain column. A channel is disposed below the shelf for receiving grain which is pushed off of the shelf. A discharge port is disposed in the channel. A strip of material is disposed for moving along above the shelf for metering grain from the shelf to the channel as the strip moves along the shelf. A paddle is disposed for movement in the channel for pushing grain from the channel into the discharge port. The dryer also has a central air passage from top to bottom, which lends itself to being used for three mode drying, if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of flat-form material, especially of coated printed circuit boards, wherein the printed circuit boards are subjected to various treatment processes in succession, such as airflow treatment, drying, and cooling, while they are being transported through a housing in which treatment processes are carried out, there are provided in the housing, for the purpose controlling of the process and increasing the adaptability of the treatment installation, individual treatment zones separate from one another, and the printed circuit boards are conveyed into the individual treatment zones in groups, a separate treatment process being carried out in each treatment zone.

Abstract: A device cures an adhesive by means of UV radiation in an inert-gas atmosphere. The adhesive is interposed as an adhesive layer between two superposed layers of a disc-shaped information carrier. The device includes a UV source, a supplier for an inert gas, and a holder for holding the information carrier in a centered position with respect to a centering axis. The inert-gas supplier has discharge openings for inert gas, situated in a circular zone around the centering axis, at a distance from the centering axis which substantially corresponds to the radius of the peripheral edge of the information carrier, so as to cause inert gas to flow past the peripheral edge during curing, as a result of which locally present oxygen which would interfere with curing is expelled.

Abstract: A vacuum dryer and a method of drying a semiconductor device using the same are provided. In the present invention, a vacuum dryer using isopropyl alcohol vapor, including an outer bath, an inner bath, a main water supply line, a supplementary water supply line, an inner bath drain line, and an outer bath drain line, is provided. After cleaning the inside of the vacuum dryer, the inner bath is filled with the supplied deionized water and the deionized water is continuously overflowed. Then, the semiconductor substrate is loaded into the inner bath of the vacuum dryer to which the deionized is continuously overflowed. The loaded semiconductor substrate is dried by supplying the isopropyl alcohol vapor to the inner bath into which the semiconductor substrate is loaded.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cart (5) having a first vessel (10) which fits within a second vessel (90) is used to transport and store an integrated circuit substrate. The integrated circuit substrate is placed within the first vessel (10) and the door (18) of the first vessel (10) is closed and sealed against a door seal (24). The first vessel (10) is then purged with nitrogen to expel moisture and reactive gases from the interior of the first vessel (10). After purging, the first vessel (10) is then placed within the second vessel (90). The door (102) of the second vessel (90) is then closed and sealed against a door seal (104). The second vessel (90) is then purged with nitrogen to expel moisture and reactive gases from the interior of the second vessel (90). The cart (5) containing the integrated circuit substrate is then transported to the next manufacturing area. Integrated circuits and other articles may be manufacturing using the cart system of the present invention.

Abstract: A substrate processing system can include an evacuable chamber adjacent a process chamber and back-to-back process chambers, or other combinations of evacuable chambers and process chambers. The processing system includes various isolation valves disposed between adjacent chambers, as well as gas flow valves and vacuum valves. A controller controls the respective positions of the various gas flow valves and vacuum valves depending, in part, on whether the various isolation valves are in their open or sealed positions. By controlling the positions of the valves, the flow of gas to and from the different chambers can be controlled, for example, to help maximize throughput, increase efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination between chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and chemical activation of a plurality of plate lug surfaces. The apparatus includes an ultrasonically-stirred flux vessel, an ultrasonically-stirred rinsing water vessel and a gas-blowing device contained inside a dirt collection vessel. Each vessel has an independent movement capability in the upward or downward directions, and all three vessels are mounted on a common supporting frame which allows their simultaneous horizontal displacement. When coupled to a conventional cast-on-strap machine, the apparatus allows the manufacture of pore-free cast-on-strap joints for lead-acid batteries.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for processing a surface of a substrate wherein, when a nitrogen gas is fed to a nozzle, a jet of the nitrogen gas spouted through a jet hole is generated. The jet becomes film-shaped and is projected upwardly along an inner surface of a side wall of a processing vessel. Then, the jet is collected into an outside through a suction port formed in an upper portion of the processing vessel. The inner surface of the side wall of the processing vessel is covered with the jet. Therefore, an IPA vapor can be prevented from condensing uselessly on the inner surface. As a result, the IPA vapor is effectively utilized for condensation on a surface of the object to be processed which is mounted on a pan. Thus, defective dryness of the object can be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for renewing a roof system of a building includes a blower having an intake port and an exhaust port in gaseous communication with the interior of the roof system to reduce the moisture content of the roof system. A method of renewing the roof system includes the steps of blowing air into the roof system until the roof system is dried to a predetermined level and applying a coating or second covering to the dried roof system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for obtaining improved measurement and control of the temperature of a semiconductor wafer (W) during processing. The apparatus includes a chuck for holding a wafer during processing, a coolant gas supply (16), and a temperature sensing arrangement for measuring and controlling the temperature of the wafer during processing. A top face of the chuck (22) over which the wafer is positioned, is configured with a plurality of holes (34) into which the coolant gas, such as helium, is admitted at controlled rate and pressure. The coolant gas passes through a narrow space (36) between the top face of the chuck and the underside of the wafer and is evacuated via an exhaust line (30) after being heated to (or nearly to) the temperature of the wafer. Temperature of the now-heated coolant gas is continuously measured by a temperature sensor arrangement which generates a signal controlling the pressure and flow of coolant gas to the wafer.

Abstract: A process for drying flammable cellulosic materials such as wood strands t involves maintaining the temperature and humidity of the drying medium above predetermined values to obtain certain stated advantages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaporating a coating solvent from a coating on a first substrate surface of a substrate and for minimizing the formation of mottle as the coating solvent is evaporating. A drying oven includes an enclosure having an inlet and an outlet and defining a first drying zone. A plurality of drying subzones are within the first drying zone. At least two of the plurality of drying subzones employ different and controllable drying conditions. Physical barriers are not required to create the plurality of drying subzones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying solid foodstuffs is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing in which a gas permeable conveyor carrying the foodstuffs is arranged. The housing is divided into at least one drying section and at least one cooling section near the discharge end of the conveyor. Each section comprises means for generating a flow of drying or cooling gas along the foodstuffs, perpendicular to the conveyor. After passing along the foodstuffs, the gas is recirculated to drying or cooling means arranged in each section. The foodstuffs are thus first heated and then cooled down, so that the temperature thereof at the discharge end is substantially equal to the temperature at which the foodstuffs are supplied. The drying and cooling means are arranged such, that the temperature of the foodstuffs does not exceed 40.degree. C., and that the foodstuffs leave the apparatus at a temperature of less than 5.degree. C.

Abstract: A wood treating apparatus for efficiently treating wood with a chlorine-based organic solvent includes: a solvent tank storing a mixture of chlorine-based solvent and water, which solvent tank is provided with a heater for heating the mixture to generate vapor of chlorine-based solvent and water; a treating chamber for containing wood to be treated, which treating chamber receives the vapor from the solvent tank; and a cooling chamber contacting an upper portion of the treating chamber for cooling and condensing the vapor. The treated wood dries rapidly, and can uniformly be dyed.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are a barn and a procedure for curing Virginia type tobacco. The barn consists of an air heating device with an impulsion fan (9) connected by means of an inlet duct (10) to several curing units (1-8) where the Virginia type tobacco leaves are contained said curing units (1-8) being mutually connected. The heated air introduced into the barn by the fan (9) flows continuously and sequentially through the curing units (1-8), said air thereby acquiring the adequate moisture and temperature for each step of the Virginia type tobacco curing process.The barn and procedure of the invention provide improved fuel efficiency and ease of management.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the problem of chopping, drying and compressing into pellets--which shall be used especially as a fuel--freshly harvested biomass, especially cereal plants, in one operation. The chopped stalk material is moved forward for this purpose according to the present invention over a broad surface in a thin layer (32) in the manner of an accordion, while a warm air flow passes through it, before the stalk material is fed into the intake wedge of a pelletizing device (15). Screw conveyor groups (11, 12, 13) arranged at different levels are preferably used as the conveying means, and their direction of conveyance (23) is at right angles to the direction of travel (24) of the harvester (1), whereas the gaseous heating medium flows through the layers (32) being conveyed vertically (29) from bottom to top.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing sodium perborate monohydrate by dehydrating sodium perborate tetrahydrate in a fluid bed with heated air. Contact surfaces are arranged inside the fluid bed whose total area is the same as up to 500 times the area of the approach-flow bottom of the fluid bed. The contact surfaces are advantageously designed as heat exchangers whose surface temperature is adjusted to maintain 90.degree. to 110.degree. C. at the contact surfaces. The method results in a sodium perborate monohydrate with especially high abrasion resistance. In addition, the energy requirement is lower than that provided in the previously known method commonly used in the industry.