Abstract: A gas delivery assembly for a heating or cooling apparatus. The system includes a blower and a duct in fluid communication with the blower (and preferably a plenum in communication with the blower and duct). The duct has a proximal end and a distal end with an inlet opening adjacent the proximal end through which temperature controlled gas enters. The duct further includes a plate extending along its length with a plurality of orifices through which the gas exits the duct. Improved evenness of distribution of gas through the orifices is achieved by the ducts design which includes a first tapered portion adjacent the proximal end and a second tapered portion adjacent the distal end, the first tapered portion having a greater angle of taper than the second tapered portion.

Abstract: A pass-through, wafer-processing tool for treating a moving semiconductor wafer with a process gas. The tool comprises an open-ended, non-isolated processing module having a wafer path through the module, vacuum manifolds mounted adjacent the wafer entry to and wafer exit from the module, and a gas manifold between the vacuum manifolds adapted to direct process gas onto the moving wafer. The gas manifold may deliver plasma ions generated by a remote plasma unit outside the module. Instead, a plasma may be generated inside the pass-through, wafer processing tool and, if so, the tool further comprises a top electrode mounted above the wafer passage. A wafer handler, which may be a robotic handler, carries the wafer through the wafer passage and serves as a bottom electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and a related method control within acceptable limits, of less than two percent (2%), residual shrinkage in garments to be made from a knitted fabric web or other fabrics subject to high shrinkage. The knitted fabric web is passed continuously in a moist condition through a first shrinkage compactor. Then the web is carried on an endless belt through a special dryer in a relaxed condition to allow loops of knits to shorten. The web is caused to wave in the dryer. The web is then conveyed through a second shrinkage range for final shrinking to a desired weight per surface area with less than two percent (2%) residual shrinkage. Thus the garments are safe from further shrinking in home tumble dryers.

Abstract: A process for drying or curing green wood including the heating of green wood in a heating enclosure to a predetermined temperature over about 120 F while maintaining the moisture content of the wood close to the original moisture content of the felled wood, and then immediately cooling the heated wood with a cooling fluid at a temperature and humidity substantially less than the temperature and relative humidity of the heating enclosure for a time period sufficient for the wood to reach substantially the reduced temperature of the cooling fluid for normally removing at least about 5% of moisture from the green wood. The green wood is conditioned by the cooling step for subsequent drying steps in which moisture removal rates are substantially higher than moisture removal rates under prior conventional drying steps. The green wood process as set forth is effective to minimize staining of the wood.

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 drying apparatus has a housing, a conveyor for displacing a flat workpiece horizontally in a travel direction through the housing on a level, and a horizontal array of horizontally elongated upper nozzle boxes lying generally in a plane above the level. Each box is formed with a plurality of downwardly directed nozzle holes and heated air is fed to the boxes so it is projected from the holes against the workpiece for drying same. Respective upper shield plates each formed with a plurality of apertures are slidable on the respective boxes between a position with the apertures aligned with at least some of the respective holes and a position with the apertures out of line with the respective holes. At least one pivotal rod extending along a rod axis in the direction has radially projecting arms each engaged with a respective one of the respective shield plates. The rod can be pivoted about the rod axis to shift all the shield plates between their positions.

Abstract: A process and system for treating sludge are provided. Sludge is dewatered by introducing pressurized air to the sludge, while the sludge is being moved continuously. The air strips the sludge of its water, thus increasing total solids captured with respect to time. The throughput of the system is therefore also increased. In addition, the pressurized air passing through the sludge support purges contaminants from the pores of the support, thus keeping them clean without the necessity to backwash same.

Abstract: A forced convective track oven comprises a track conveyor including first and second cylindrical spirals, the first cylindrical spiral for conveying bakery trays and dough products upwardly and the second spiral spiral portion for conveying bakery trays and dough products downwardly, thereby minimizing the number of changes of direction of the bakery trays as they travel along the track conveyor. A plurality of burners discharge heated air through discharge tubes and discharge nozzles into engagement with bakery trays carried by the track conveyor.

Abstract: A drying apparatus is provided for drying objects such as citrus fruit that has been coated with an aqueous coating such as wax. The apparatus includes a housing that is divided into four distinct zones, two each above and below a conveyor for conveying fruit through the dryer. An indirect fired heater is provided, and fans that circulate drying air at high velocity in a reverse air flow pattern. The housing of the dryer is constructed in a unique shape so each successive zone is alternately converging and diverging. With this arrangement, air is balanced in the treatment zones and passes over the fruit twice, first in one direction, and then in the other, to achieve even and complete drying.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously drying and regenerating ceramic beads for use in process gas moisture drying operations such as glove boxes. A microwave energy source is coupled to a process chamber to internally heat the ceramic beads and vaporize moisture contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, the moisture laden ceramic beads are conveyed toward the microwave source by a screw mechanism. The regenerated beads flow down outside of the screw mechanism and are available to absorb additional moisture.

Abstract: A method for drying moist products includes subjecting the products to an irregular movement and collecting and discharging the moisture that is released by the irregular movement of the products. The products are moved in an irregular manner by subjecting them to an air stream which varies over time. In this way the products are dried efficiently and quickly, without risk of damaging the products. An apparatus is provided for carrying out the method, having an assembly for subjecting the products to an irregular movement, an assembly for collecting moisture released by the products and an assembly for discharging the collected moisture, wherein the assembly for irregularly moving the products includes an assembly for generating an air stream that varies over time and guiding this air stream along the products.

Abstract: An automatic system for drying high moisture content material from a source. The system includes a dryer enclosing a bed inclined upwards from the bottom portion thereof to the top portion thereof, and a slat and picker drive motor for urging material downward from the top portion to the bottom portion of the bed. A first material feed system transports the high moisture content material from the source to the top portion of the bed, and includes a surge bin disposed between the source and the dryer for assuring a constant supply of material to the dryer for constant operation thereof. There are sensors for detecting the amount of material delivered to the surge bin; and a controller, responsive to the sensors, which adjusts the rate of material transferred from the surge bin to the dryer and the rate material is processed through the dryer.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and apparatus for supplying electromagnetic energy to a body having at least one substantially planar surface comprises moving over the planar surface a self-propelled container housing a source of electromagnetic energy and having an open side which is substantially perforate to the electromagnetic energy thereby permitting transmission of the energy from the container to the body while all other surfaces of the container substantially block transmission therethrough. Concurrently with the movement of the container responding within the container to at least one selected parameter to control the movement of the container over the planar surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling, drying and granulating plastic strands emerging from a nozzle in molten form includes a discharge channel washed with cooling water through which the plastic strands are conducted. A draining and drying device forms a separate unit following the lower end of the discharge channel and has a device subjecting the plastic strands to an air stream and a water collecting apparatus disposed under the plastic strands. A granulator follows the draining and drying device.

Abstract: An improved convection/impingement oven for continuously cooking food. The oven has a wire link type belt which moves through an elongated cooking chamber. Hot air is blown on the upper surface of the food to be cooked. A separately controlled hot air source is blown on the lower surface of the food. Hot air impingement units are placed along the length of the oven and the cooking vapors are not recirculated but instead pass along the elongated cooking chamber and are exhausted at the end. Preferably a color development and sealing section has upper and lower burners which heat the food and the heat from these burners also pass the entire length of the cooking chamber before being exhausted. Also preferably steam or a water spray is used to regulate the humidity and this may be regulated in several different sections of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: Drying unit for filled, band-shaped foil hoses with a filling, shaping, cooling, sealing, drying, and cutting station as well as a stacking and final packaging unit, where the drying station is designed as a cold or warm compressed air drying unit. In the area of the drying unit, the roller brushes are working in opposite directions and the band-shaped foil hose is being guided through the roller gap, which makes the roller brushes run in the opposite direction of the transport direction of the foil hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high yield apparatus for drying rigid or flexible printed circuit boards. The apparatus comprises a box-like structure which defines a drying tunnel, having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The apparatus comprises moreover heated air circulating means for circulating heated air inside the tunnel as well as driving means for driving the printed circuit boards along the tunnel. The driving means comprise at least a pair of chains which are arranged parallel to one another and are entrained about a first pinion and a second pinion, having parallel axes, and respectively located near the inlet opening and near the outlet opening. The chains are provided with gripping means for supporting the printed circuit boards along the tunnel. The gripping means are suitable to automatically engage the printed circuit boards near the inlet opening and to automatically release the printed circuit boards near the outlet opening.

Abstract: A dryer arrangement for use in the production of a dried cast sheet, in particular reconstituted tobacco sheet, is formed of a plurality of steam plates in side-by-side arrangement providing a substantially flat surface. The plates are hollow and a heated fluid is fed to the interior thereof. A slurry of sheet forming material is cast at one end of the flat surface. The cast sheet material travels over the steam plates under momentum imparted thereto by the belt dryer, if used, and/or is transported for example by a heat conductive plastic belt driven over the upper surface of the steam plates to provide good heat transfer between the sheet material being dried and the flat surface of the steam plates.

Abstract: An article separating and drying system which receives container ends from an infeed station, separates and dries the container ends and the compound applied thereto in a separating and drying station, and passes the articles to an outfeed station. The article separating and drying system includes a magnetic separating assembly which imposes a magnetic field on the container ends passing thereby for similarly magnetizing the container ends causing neighboring ends to repel one another. The magnetic repulsion of neighboring ends produces gaps between the neighboring ends as they move through the separating and drying station. A conveying device is provided to controllably move the container ends through the separating and drying station. An air distribution assembly is provided to deliver air to said separating and drying station and drive the air through the gap between neighboring container ends thereby contacting the liner compound applied to the container ends and removing moisture therefrom.

Abstract: A material treatment system for treatment of particulate material includes a transport conveyor including a transport surface for transporting particulate material through a treatment zone, conveying compartments attached to the transport surface, and foraminous cover structure travelling with and covering the conveying compartments. The system further includes a supply plenum above the treatment zone, a gas flow system for placing particles on the conveyor in fluidized condition as they move through the treatment zone, and exhaust structure for moving gases from the treatment zone upwardly away from the treatment zone. The conveying compartments and foraminous cover retain particulate material being fluidized and provide increased control of the position and movement of the particles passing through the treatment zone of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic substrate processing system comprising a processing equipment for processing electronic substrates including semiconductor wafers and liquid crystal substrates; a cleaning equipment for cleaning said electronic substrate in a predetermined processing step; a portable closed container for accommodating a cassette containing said electronic substrate; a purging station for gas-purging said portable closed containers; and a storage member for storing said portable closed containers, wherein said cassette accommodates said electronic substrates which have been cleaned by said cleaning equipment being set in said portable closed container and purged with an inert gas in said purging station, and said portable closed container or containers is stored in said storing section when necessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material such as a jet veneer dryer. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of individual, juxtaposed drying sections. Each drying section circulates air in a path substantially transverse to the path of movement through the dryer. A single point exhaust system extracts the exhaust from the first drying section. A wet seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the wet seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the wet seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the wet seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential.

Abstract: For the purpose of cleaning parts (8), the invention comprises subjecting the latter to a prior treatment for lowering the temperature by means of a neutral gas, for example nitrogen, in an oxygen free medium, passing the parts into a cleaning chamber (4, 30) followed by subjecting the parts in succession to a partial reheating treatment in an oxygen free medium and to a treatment for drying and raising the temperature substantially to the ambient temperature.

Abstract: An article treatment apparatus including at least one treatment zone, and a conveyor for conveying articles through the treatment zone, with the conveyor having an air-permeable conveyor belt displaceable along a support provided with a plurality of vacuum openings along a longitudinal extent of the support, and formed of at least two conveyor sections abutting each other, with an operational cross-section of vacuum openings beneath a support area for a conveyed article, which is located at least partially in a joint region, defined by the two sections, being larger than an operational cross-section of vacuum openings beneath a support area for the article, which is located in a region of the conveyor section other than the joint region.

Abstract: An article to be dried is transferred and pressed and held between a wire endless conveyor and a flexible conveyor. The wire endless conveyor is placed between a nozzle, including a sucking-out nozzle and a blowing nozzle, and the cushion conveyor to press, hold and transfer the article to be dried. The nozzle dehydrates/dries the article to be dried. When an article to be dried is narrower than the width of the nozzle, the area where the article to be dried does not cover the sucking-out nozzle or the blowing nozzle is automatically shut by the flexible conveyor. The article to be dried is dehydrated/dried while it is pressed, held and transferred so that a high speed air jet stream and high speed negative pressure air stream do not flow out/in to outer air. While the article to be dried is transferred, pressed and held by the flexible conveyor, water adhering to it is formed into minute water drops by the high speed air jet stream and the high speed negative pressure air stream.

Abstract: A meat product pasteurizer (20) includes a first conveyor (21) transporting an already-cooked and packaged meat product (22) to a loading station (24), a pasteurizing processing chamber (26) including a fluid media heating zone (28), a void zone (30), and a fluid media chilling zone (32), a second conveyor (60) transporting the meat product (22) from the loading station (24) through the heating zone (28), then through the void zone (30), then through the chilling zone (32) to an unloading station (62), a third conveyor (64) transporting the meat product (22) from the unloading station (62) to a blow-off station (66) for removing surface fluid from the packaged meat product (22).

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provide a heat source adapted to direct heated air for shrinking a heat-shrinkable film wrapped around a package primarily to end seams of the package to avoid discoloration and distortion of printed central portions of film. The package is received by the apparatus with the end seams oriented transverse to the direction of travel. An arcuate conveyor section rotates the package 90.degree. and onto a shrink tunnel conveyor. A pair of upwardly directed long nozzles which are oriented parallel to the travel direction of the shrink tunnel conveyor blow hot air at the end seams only, leaving the top and bottom central film portions to shrink slowly by contact with warm ambient air in the tunnel.

Abstract: A drier for the continuous drying and conditioning treatment of hides and fabric products has a drying chamber having first and second areas, a loading unit for conveying product to the first area, a conveyor for transporting product from the first area to the second area and an unloading belt for conveying material out of the second area. The drier has a first heater and humidity control for heating and circulating air in the first area and a second heater and humidity control for heating and dehumidifying air circulated in the second area. The second heating and humidifying control includes a heat pump which has a compressor and a refrigeration circuit and a heating and condensing battery. Water saturated air is circulated through the condensing battery in heat exchange relation with the refrigeration circuit for removing water saturated air from the second area and delivering the air to the heating battery which reheats the air for circulation back into the second area.

Abstract: Seed cotton on a wire mesh belt is dryed and cleaned by a downflow of heated air. The natural separation and falling of trash from the belt is increased by shaking the mass of seed cotton upon the wire mesh belt. The belt is flexed to shake the seed cotton upon it. The belt is flexed by running the belt over "V" shaped intermittent supports. The belt is also shaken by being bumped by gussets on rollers beneath the belt. The air is exhausted from beneath the belt by ducts extending across the chamber. The tops of the ducts are inclined planes so that the trash slides from the top of the duct and does not accumulate on the top.

Abstract: The device for continuous filtration and drying of a solid suspension comprises a belt filter (1) and downstream a belt drier (2). By use of a porous conveyor belt (3) the filter cake generated in the belt filter (1) is conveyed further into the belt drier (2) in which there are provided heating devices for heating and drying the filter cake (7) which is on the conveyor belt (3). After leaving the belt filter (1), the filter cake (7) is present on the conveyor belt (3) in the form of a gas-permeable bed of solids in layer form having a maximum layer thickness of 50 mm, preferably a maximum of 20 mm. The heating devices in the belt drier (2) comprise, on the one hand, a hot gas chamber (8) disposed above the conveyor belt (3) to generate a hot gas which flows through the bed of solids downwardly from above and, on the other hand, one or more contact heating elements (10, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22) disposed above and/or below the conveyor belt (3).

Abstract: A device for drying timber in the form of elongated wood pieces, such as boards or planks, comprises one or more drying rooms and means for introducing dry in-take air into the drying room and evacuate more moist exhaust air therefrom. Several sets of spacing elements are arranged in an individual drying room, said elements being spaced from each other and delimiting a plurality of separate compartments in the drying room. The spacing elements are movable, for instance rotatable, so as to be adjustable between a first position, in which the width of the individual compartment is larger than the thickness of the wood pieces to enable unobstructed in-feed thereof into the compartment, and a second position, in which the width of the compartment has been reduced so far that the spacing elements in two adjacent sets contact and clamp the wood pieces so as to counteract deformation thereof during drying.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat shrinking an envelope of heat shrinkable film into close conformity to a product enclosed within the film envelope includes a housing; a first assembly disposed within the housing for directed heated air to at least a first portion of the film envelope; a second assembly disposed with the housing and operable subsequent to the first assembly for directing heated water onto at least a second portion of the envelope, both causing the envelope to shrink into conformity with the product; an arrangement for drying the product after water has been applied thereto; and an arrangement for circulating the hot water into heat transfer relation with a moving stream of the hot air for enhanced water heating prior to its application to the product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus directed, in the first preferred embodiment, to insulating a selected portion of a heat shrinkable film prior to applying heat. The insulating material is a roller applied liquid such as water which acts as a partial thermal barrier and restricts shrinkage in the coated portions of film. Portions of the film to which no insulating material is applied are shrunk to a greater extent than portions to which insulating material is applied. According to a second embodiment, a moderate amount of heat is applied by a heating plate to a portion of the film bottom. Application of greater amounts of heat subsequently shrink other portions of the film to a greater extent, and the moderately shrunk selected portion retains a smooth and wrinkle-free surface. Both embodiments are adapted to improve the quality, appearance and readability of printed portions of the film wrap.

Abstract: The removal of organics and volatile metals from soils using thermal desorption comprises moving contaminated materials, positioned on a belt conveyor, through a chamber (32) under oxygen conditions, temperature conditions, and residence time effective to substantially avoid incineration of the contaminants, while volatilizing the contaminants and producing a processed material that is substantially decontaminated, where the volatilized contaminants are carried from the chamber (32) by a transport gas which is passed through a packed tower (70) where quench/scrubbing liquid flows countercurrent to gas flow, for producing a substantially cleaned gas and a contaminated liquid concentrate. The gas may be passed through a further gas cleaning system (86) prior to discharge into the atmosphere, while the liquid concentrate is passed through a water treatment system (90) for producing substantially cleaned water which may be passed through an air cooler (92) and recycled back to cool the processed material.

Abstract: This invention comprises a combined cellulose sludge dryer and burner in which the drying procedure is positively and automatically controlled in response to the moisture content of the dewatered raw sludge supplied to the dryer headbox and carried through a drying chamber to discharge a dried sludge having but a 15% moisture content and suitable to be burned to provide the hot air for the drying procedure. With the sludge being critical as to charring, a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pre-burning and charring of the sludge has to be maintained in the drying chamber and positive and automatic control for the hot air to maintain the temperature is done by checking differences between input and output temperatures of the dryer and diluting the air produced by the burner by the use of a heat exchanger and air dampers. The extracted wet air from the drying chamber and diverted over-supply of air to the drying chamber are delivered through a scrubber and chimney to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An oven comprises a housing and at least one heater and a conveyor belt which runs through the housing and on which food products to be heated can be accommodated. The belt runs in two helical paths about spaced parallel vertical axes, the direction of movement of the belt along one helical path, as seen from above, being opposite the direction of movement of the belt about the other helical path. The housing comprises two chambers separated by a partition, one of the helical paths of the conveyor being disposed in one chamber and the other helical path being disposed in the other chamber. The partition has an opening through which the belt runs between the chambers. In this way, different temperature levels can be maintained in the two chambers.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for drying/curing a dry material such as a mat of fibrous or powder material as may be used for building purpose as well as a non-dry material such as a thermosetting resin are disclosed. The disclosure relates to the sealing function during the drying/curing step. The apparatus comprises a heating and blowing mechanism for drying/curing a mat as it is being conveyed by a conveyor mechanism including pair of upper and lower conveyors, and shield mechanism for shielding between the conveyor mechanism and the heating and blowing mechanism. The shield mechanism includes wire brushes on blowing boxes of the heating and blowing mechanism for abutment against caterpillar plates of forward runs of respective conveyors to seal between the caterpillar plates of the forward runs and the blowing boxes.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid bed conditioning apparatus (especially a dryer) which comprises a plurality of connected treatment zones, each zone having an apertured base and means for supplying a fluidized gas through said apertured base to each zone to cause material therein to be fluidized. The apparatus includes means for vibrating each apertured base and the zones are separated by movable partitions which are operable in conjunction with transfer means for urging material from one zone to an adjacent zone whereby the contents of a first treatment zone can be transferred to the adjacent zone after a desired treatment time in the first zone.

Abstract: A food processing system (100) includes a food processing chamber (102) for processing a food product, a serpentine conveyor (104) having a plurality of parallel flights connected at their ends by U-shaped bends, and a recirculation system for supplying a processing medium to the chamber and recirculating the processing medium along a closed-loop unidirectional recirculation path having a supply path portion (106) along and parallel to a first set of flights (108), and a return path portion (110) along and parallel to a second set of flights (112). A blower (114) has a high pressure supply side (116) supplying the processing medium to the supply path portion, and a low pressure return side (118) drawing the processing medium from the return path portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to shrink a heat shrinkable film wrapped around a product so as to produce a neat, wrinkle free finished package. As the product is transported along a conveyor path, first a bottom portion of the shrinkable film is shrunk by hot air; second, both side portions of the shrinkable film are shrunk by hot air; and third, the top portion of the shrinkable film is shrunk by warm water. The warm water employed is maintained at a temperature which is lower than that of the hot air so as to avoid wrinkles or damage to the film while efficiently shrinking the film.

Abstract: Carpet yarns which have been previously mechanically compressed, are heat set in a yarn heat treating chamber by superheated steam. The yarn treating chamber operates under atmospheric pressure. Several yarns are passed through the yarn treating chamber on respective perforated conveyor belts. The steam is conducted so that it is forced to flow downwardly through the yarns and through the permeable conveyor belts. To avoid the formation of condensate water on the conveyor belts, the belts are in the form of nonmetallic nets, upon which the yarns are deposited in the form of loops.

Abstract: A drier comprises a plurality of structurally independent drying chambers in each of which a respective climate, which does not interfere with that of the other chambers, is created and controlled. The chambers, each of which is equipped with its own conveyor for pasta-holders, are connected by tunnels in which devices transfer the holders from one chamber to another.

Abstract: A heated conveyor for disinfecting contaminated, size-reduced hospital refuse comprises a scraping conveyor with two endless link chains (1,2) to which drives (6) are fastened. The scraping conveyor is arranged in a housing with electricially heated floor and walls which is closed with the exception of an upper inlet opening (17), an outlet opening (19) and an air vent (18). In the disinfection process implemented by this conveyor compressed saturated steam is injected into the housing through steam nozzles.

Abstract: A sheet drying apparatus wherein the horizontal upper reach of an endless foraminous conveyer transports a series of sheets to be dried between a main suction chamber below and a plenum chamber above the upper reach. The drying station between the two chambers is flanked by two additional suction chambers which extend transversely of the direction of advancement of sheets and serve to attract the sheets to the upper side of the upper reach of the conveyor. A blower is provided to draw air from the main suction chamber and to admit the withdrawn air into channels for admission into the plenum chamber. The sheets are directly or indirectly heated by a stationary heating device between the main plenum chamber and the upper reach of the conveyor, by one or more heating elements in the plenum chamber, by heating elements in the main suction chamber and by heating elements in the channels.

Abstract: An elastic band activation apparatus for activating a heat-sensitive thermal film attached to an edge of a body of an article to form an elastic band along the edge of the article. The apparatus has at least one chamber with a heating zone having a shrinkage atmosphere at a first temperature sufficiently elevated to activate the heat-sensitive thermal film to shrink the film to form the elastic band. The chamber may also have a cooling zone with a quench atmosphere at a second temperature which is less than the first temperature to arrest the shrinkage of the heat-sensitive thermal film. An article transporter transports the article through the heating zone and then through the cooling zone. The apparatus may also include two lateral compression bars for spreading apart first and second adjacent edges of an article when transported through the chamber to expose the article interior region to activate first and second heat-sensitive thermal films, thereby forming first and second elastic bands.

Abstract: A shrink tunnel apparatus and method for the processing of packages wrapped in heat shrinkable film directs heated air streams sequentially to the package, first from below, then from both sides simultaneously and finally from above. Simultaneous with the directed heated air streams, the balance of the film is exposed to warm air effecting a differential shrink. The packages are transported through the shrink tunnel by a conveyor utilizing spaced apart rotating rollers.

Abstract: A bakery oven of the type employing a continuous conveyor therein for carrying goods to be baked through an oven enclosure includes an air distribution system adapted to direct heated air from near the top wall of the oven enclosure to the bottom and sides thereof. The air distribution means includes a fan mounted on the top wall of the oven which includes at least one fan blade located within the oven enclosure, a fan shaft secured to the fan blade and extending through the enclosure top. The fan shaft is mounted on the top of the oven for rotation and is driven by a separate motor also mounted on the top of the enclosure in spaced relation to the shaft. A drive belt is provided to transmit rotary power from the motor to the shaft. As a result, the shaft is fully exposed for air cooling and heat from the interior of the oven is not transmitted to the motor.

Abstract: A tunnel finisher is provided with an entrance and an outlet and respective pairs of air drums associated to the entrance and the outlet. The tunnel finisher comprises a conveyer with grippers for passing a garment to be treated through the tunnel finisher, a steam supply at the inner side of the inlet pair of air drums and close thereto, a recirculation apparatus for the atmosphere and a supply of air into the interior of the air drums. The conventional separation between the steam chamber and the finishing chamber is omitted by providing a detector actuated by a garment to be finished and controlling the cross-section of the air outlet of the recirculation apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying a paper web or the like. In the invention the web to be dried is transferred on a felt between bands moving around as an endless loop. The band making contact with the web is heated by means of a steam chamber, and the band making contact with the felt is supported and cooled within the area of the steam chamber by means of supporting and cooling means. For providing a rapid compensation of pressure differences, the supporting and cooling means is formed by a hydrostatic plate comprising a plurality of pressure pockets and return conduits separated from each other by means of ridges. Water is fed into the pressure pockets so that it enters the return conduits over the ridges. The pressure of the return conduits is adjusted on the basis of the pressure of the steam contained in the steam chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fibrous mineral insulation material comprises an oven divided into zones, a conveyor for carrying the insulation material through the oven, means for directing hot gases into contact with the insulation material in the first oven zone, first heating means for heating the hot gases, and second heating means, distinct from the first heating means and positioned upstream from the first oven zone for heating the conveyor.