Abstract: Leaking of high-temperature gas inside a furnace to the outside of the furnace via a furnace body opening portion and entry of normal-temperature air outside the furnace into the furnace via the furnace body opening portion are effectively prevented.

Abstract: A glow discharge mass spectrometry device and method, the device including a glow discharge lamp (1), gas flow-injection elements, the glow discharge lamp being suitable for forming an ablation plasma in the presence of a plasma gas, and a mass spectrometer. The device further includes heating elements (30, 31) suitable for heating a gas flow (38) upstream of a cell (2), the gas flow-injection elements being suitable for injecting into the glow discharge cell a gas flow (38) heated to a temperature T for a duration D, and pumping elements (7, 27) being designed to pump a flow of gaseous species (17, 37) out of the cell for the duration D, so as to decontaminate the surface of the sample (4) and/or the inner walls of the glow discharge cell (2) before an ablation plasma (5) is ignited.

Abstract: A system for drying a surface of a substrate is provided. The system for drying a surface of a substrate comprising: a rotary support; a first dispenser fluidly coupled to a source of liquid, the first dispenser positioned above the surface of the substrate so as to be capable of applying a film of the liquid to the surface of the substrate; a second dispenser fluidly coupled to a source of drying fluid with a supply line, the second dispenser positioned above the surface of the substrate so as to be capable of applying the drying fluid to the surface of the substrate; and a proportional valve operably coupled to the supply line between the second dispenser and the source of drying fluid, the proportional valve capable of being incrementally adjusted from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: An aeration system for aerating particulate materials disposed in a storage bin is provided. The aeration system comprises a plurality of elongated hollow aerators and a supply conduit connected to each of the plurality of aerators. The supply conduit is connected to a blowing mechanism for receiving air there from and for providing the air to the aerators. Each aerator is disposed inside the storage bin having a substantially vertical orientation and mounted to an inside surface of a wall of the storage bin such that the aerator is structurally supported by the wall. Each aerator has at least an opening for transmitting air from inside the aerator to the particulate materials.

Abstract: This process embodies forcing air through grain and granular biological products using a high volume horizontal airflow from a central vertical pervious tube to one or more plenum chambers near the structure sidewall to dry or cool products. Cross-flow air movement can be supplied by either suction or pressure. This conditioning and drying method has advantages over conventional storage structures, especially where product depth is much greater than diameter. In this process, horizontal air typically moves only ? to ? of vertical distances. Horizontal airflow resistance through elongated seeds is 50-60 percent of vertical airflow. Power for horizontal airflow is typically 8-15% that of vertical airflow. Grain and seed drying costs will be 15-30% of high temperature drying. To enhance germination, storage and grain and seed quality, and to kill or exclude insect pests, ozone is applied to drying or aeration airstreams for treating stored products and storages.

Abstract: A fully passive-type solar lumber drying house classified into two models, one is an east-west model configured as a half Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the east-west direction, and another is a north-south model configured as a Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the north-south direction and the house is fully surrounded by a triple transparent film and a carbon fiber sheet and is available to be used through all year in which stacked lumber can be dried due to solar energy being assisted by auxiliary heat for one or two weeks under leaving the dry process controlled automatically, and besides moist air inside the house is exhausted through an insulated cylinder.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for drying a wafer, and an apparatus for cleaning and drying a wafer are provided. In the apparatus for cleaning and drying a wafer, the wafer is dipped into a cleaning solution in a cleaning tank. The wafer is then dried using a drying gas in a drying chamber disposed over the cleaning tank. A shutter separates the cleaning tank from the drying tank. A wafer boat moves the wafer vertically between the cleaning tank and the drying tank. Nozzles for providing the cleaning solution onto the wafer are disposed at both inner sides of the drying tank. The nozzles are connected to a drying gas supply unit to alternately and periodically provide the drying gas onto the wafer.

Abstract: A stationary dryer, which may be used for drying clothes, is provided having a housing enclosing a space. A stationary support is located within the space for receiving articles to be dried. An air moving device is provided for generating an air flow through the space from an air inlet to an air outlet. An air distributor mechanism comprising a distribution plenum is positioned between the air inlet and the stationary support, with a plenum wall having a plurality of perforations therein. At least one of the distribution plenum and the perforations are sized, shaped and arranged so as to equalize an air flow distribution over the stationary support.

Abstract: A paint removal apparatus includes a canister partially filled with a pressurized coolant. The apparatus includes a housing having a body portion mounted atop the canister with a handle portion extending from the body portion. The handle includes an inlet port while the body portion includes first and second outlet ports. The inlet port is capable of connection to a compressed air stream for delivery thereof through an air channel between the inlet and second outlet ports. A coolant channel extends between the canister and the first outlet port. A trigger connected to a primary valve is movable between first, second, and third configurations. The primary valve and cooperating linkages enable a user to select between delivery of the air stream alone or a portion of the coolant whereby to strip paint. A scraping blade may be removably and rotatably coupled to the housing. The coolant may be dry ice.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a multistage semiconductor processing tool, wherein the processing tool includes a first transfer chamber having a first substrate transfer robot positioned therein and at least one load lock chamber in communication with the first transfer chamber. The at least one load lock is generally configured to communicate substrates into and out of the first transfer chamber. Further, the processing tool includes at least one substrate cleaning chamber positioned in communication with the first transfer chamber. The at least one substrate cleaning chamber generally includes a substrate support member, a broadband actuation device in communication with the substrate support member, and a particle removal device configured to sweep away dislodged particles from an area proximate the substrate surface.

Abstract: The invention is a convective airflow dryer system for granular, crushed, and sliced fruit and other crops and materials of greater than one quarter inch in average diameter that includes a distributed airflow container. The container may be removable and stackable and has multiple interior airflow plates extending from one surface of said container to an opposing surface, connecting an inlet plenum to an outlet plenum. The airflow plates are parallel and uniformly spaced so as to form material holding bays and are configured to freely admit, and transfer air through the bays and out 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.

Abstract: A heat-shrinking film packaging machine includes a conveyor for transporting an article to be packaged through a heating device to have a heat-shrinking film surrounding the article heated and shrunk and thus tightly packaging the article. The heating device includes a hot air flow control device including two air supply devices located on opposite sides of the conveyor to define a channel through which the article is transported. Each air supply device has a surface in which an array of openings is defined and arranged in rows and columns for supplying hot air toward the article. A blocking bar is movably mounted to the surface of each air supply device and associated with each row of the openings. The blocking bar is movable with respect to the openings to selectively and partially block the openings for controlling hot air flow through the openings.

Abstract: A heated airflow dryer system for drying granular, crushed, and in particular, sliced fruit and other crops and materials where granules are of at least about one quarter inch diameter or slices are about one quarter inch or more thickness. An integral or removable materials holding container has multiple removable airflow plates configured with airflow channels extending through the container interior connecting an inlet high pressure plenum to a lower pressure outlet plenum of a primary heated airflow circuit. The airflow plates are parallel and uniformly spaced to form vertical or horizontal bays of sufficient width to hold the granules or slices. The primary airflow is directed through the container. An air dryer removes excess moisture in the primary airflow or a secondary airflow circuit, which may incorporate a heat exchanger, exhausts moist air and provides make up air to the primary airflow.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus for removing particles from a substrate surface, wherein the apparatus includes a substrate support member configured to support a substrate thereon, and a broadband actuator in mechanical communication with the substrate support member. Additionally, an air knife assembly may be positioned proximate a perimeter of the substrate surface, and is configured to deliver a laminar stream of air across the substrate surface in order to remove the dislodged contamination particles therefrom. Alternatively, a plasma source may be used to remove dislodged particles from the area proximate the substrate surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the cleaning efficiency of a high density plasma system by introducing thermally hot gases to heat downstream chamber walls to improve the fluorine attack on deposit coatings. In certain embodiments of the invention, the cleaning gas and thermally hot gas are allowed into the region of the high vacuum pump to provide cleaning of the high vacuum pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a multistage semiconductor processing tool, wherein the processing tool includes a first transfer chamber having a first substrate transfer robot positioned therein and at least one load lock chamber in communication with the first transfer chamber. The at least one load lock is generally configured to communicate substrates into and out of the first transfer chamber. Further, the processing tool includes at least one substrate cleaning chamber positioned in communication with the first transfer chamber. The at least one substrate cleaning chamber generally includes a substrate support member, a broadband actuation device in communication with the substrate support member, and a particle removal device configured to sweep away dislodged particles from an area proximate the substrate surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus for removing particles from a substrate surface, wherein the apparatus includes a substrate support member configured to support a substrate thereon, and a broadband actuator in mechanical communication with the substrate support member. Additionally, an air knife assembly may be positioned proximate a perimeter of the substrate surface, and is configured to deliver a laminar stream of air across the substrate surface in order to remove the dislodged contamination particles therefrom. Alternatively, a plasma source may be used to remove dislodged particles from the area proximate the substrate surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drying nozzle for realizing a high-efficiency drying device capable of drying an object to be processed to a sufficient degree. The drying nozzle includes a drying gas supply portion having an air supply tube for supplying air for drying a substrate whose surface is wet with a liquid by being sprayed against the surface of the substrate, and a gas/liquid mixture discharge portion which is spaced apart from the surface of the substrate by a predetermined distance to thereby make the thickness of the liquid adhering to the surface of the substrate prior to the drying constant and which has a porous material having a large number of through-holes for discharging the air/liquid mixture consisting of air and the liquid,from the surface of the substrate, the drying gas supply portion and the gas/liquid mixture discharge portion being arranged along the surface of the object so as to be adjacent to each other.

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: While being transferred in substantially horizontal state along a predetermined path of transfer by a conveyer means, a substrate plate is dried by a jet of compressed air which is spurted out from a slit-like mouth of an air knife nozzle crosswise of the entire width of the substrate plate and at a predetermined angle of incidence with respect to a drying surface of the substrate plate to scrape off a liquid. The angle of incidence of jet air is made shallower as soon as the substrate on the conveyer means comes to a point of entry to an air blasting zone and is made deeper at latest when the substrate plate comes to a position immediately before a point of disengagement from the air blasting zone.

Abstract: A gas-blowing device used in an apparatus for carrying out a process for producing pore-free cast-on-strap joints for lead-acid batteries. The device includes a metallic pipe closed at both ends having a plurality of groups of aligned gas outlets, gas inlets and inner plugs, all of which are evenly distributed along the pipe's length, and leveling plates. The gas-blowing device is used to give a simultaneous final cleaning and drying to a plurality of negative and positive plate lug surfaces immediately after water rinsing the plate lugs under ultrasonic vibration and prior to joining the plate lugs by the cast-on-strap process. This is done by means of gas jets coming out at high pressure from the gas outlets, and which are directed towards the plate lug surfaces. A uniform distribution of gas pressure and flow rate for all gas outlets, as well as a correct direction for all gas jets, are assured along the entire pipe's length.

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: 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 reticle cleaning apparatus for a wafer exposure system includes a chamber enclosing the reticle, a door opening and closing at least one side of the chamber, a door switching member opening and closing the door coupled to the chamber including the door, a gas injection nozzle at an upper portion of the chamber, a nozzle transport member moving the gas injection nozzle in a vertical direction, a gas supply member supplying a cleaning gas into the gas injection nozzle, an ion injection nozzle over the gas injection nozzle, an ion supply member supplying ions into the ion injection nozzle, and a drain member draining the cleaning gas outside the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly drying solutions in one or more arrays of vessels includes a manifold that receives gas and a base plate that receives the one or more arrays of vessels. The manifold includes one or more hollow tubes that direct the gas into the vessels, where the gas evaporates the solutions. A variety of types of hollow tubes are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas is filtered, pressurized and/or heated. In an exemplary embodiment, the solutions are heated. The base plate is hingeably coupled to the manifold so that the base plate has an open position and a closed position. The open position permits users to place and remove the vessels that contain solutions to be dried. In the closed position, the base plate and the manifold are in sealing engagement with one another, wherein the one or more of the hollow tubes extend into the vessels.

Abstract: The assembly includes a plurality of flexible and inflatable bags 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 56 and 58, each having a rectangular cross section with an open end for receiving air from various ducts 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 62 and 66, and extending vertically to a nozzle end 52. A plurality of first starboard bags 43 overlap a plurality of second starboard bags 44 in the horizontal direction and a plurality of first port bags 46 overlap a plurality of second port bags 47 in the horizontal direction. Also, the second starboard 44 and port 47 bags are spaced downstream from the first 43 starboard and port 46 bags. The nozzles 52 of the first starboard bags 43 are disposed in a first horizontal V.sub.a.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling strip includes a path of travel for the strip and cooling apparatus having a plurality of elongated gas nozzles within which are disposed water nozzles such that the water nozzles will have a discharge outlet within the gas nozzles and discharge water in generally the same direction as said gas discharge. In a preferred embodiment, the gas enshrouds the water and establishes a cocurrent two-fluid stream which impinges upon the strip moving by the cooling apparatus. Subsequently, heat transfer is enhanced by the air and water dynamics which are provided after impingement by fluid flow fields. The gas nozzles and water nozzles may be coaxial and in one embodiment are each circular. In one embodiment, containment gas is caused to impinge on the strip at a position longitudinally displaced from the regions of impingement of the cocurrent two-fluid stream on the strip so as to resist undesired flow of water.

Abstract: A drying chamber for curing products, such as confectionery, loaded on a plurality of rows of stacked trays, the chamber having novel and improved means for evenly supplying, distributing and exhausting conditioned air.

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: Method and apparatus for conditioning and preserving living seeds in a bin of the type having means for forcing air into a plenum chamber in the lower part of the bin, a floor pervious to gas flow forming the top of the chamber, and heating means. Electrical heating means such as heat lamps are utilized to introduce energy into the plenum air. A variation is disclosed wherein the heating means and plenum chamber are located in the upper part of the bin, and the air flow is from top to bottom.The process involves measuring the temperature of drying air in the plenum chamber, measuring the temperature of exhaust air leaving the bin, and inactivating the heating means when the difference between the two temperatures exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A dryer, especially for wood, has at least two drying chambers separated from each other by at least one partition wall, at least one fan in each of the drying chambers, and at least two connection passages for the reciprocal connection of the drying chambers. Each of the connection passages can be constricted or blocked off by blocking devices. To properly convey drying agent to where it is to be used, a fan is mounted in at least one of the drying chambers connected together by the connection passages, is associated with one connection passage, and is arranged directly adjacent to the connection passage. The blocking device includes a flap on one side only. When the flap is closed, it forms a part of the side wall of one connection passage. The flap is arranged directly in front of and in the conveying direction of the fan, such that, when it is open, it forms a deflector for the drying agent conveyed by the fan.

Abstract: There is disclosed an environmental control system for a large volume structure (one horizontal dimension of at least 60 feet) having an air tempering unit including a horizontal cylindrical duct of about three feet diameter with an axial flow propeller fan and motor placed in one end to draw air through the duct and a gaseous fuel burner upstream from the fan with oxygen supplied from the air stream and with combustion products thereof being propelled through the fan. A series of propeller-fan air movers are placed in the structure near ceiling level with the first of the air movers placed about 25 to 50 feet in front of the air tempering unit. The air tempering unit and the air movers are operated by a control unit in response to a cycle timer and various sensor elements including an air velocity sensor for outside air supplied to the air tempering unit and an internal air temperature sensor.

Abstract: A process and a plant for continuously drying products with the use of increasing temperatures towards the end of the drying process, the drying process using the so-called multiple transverse stirring. There is admitted in the zone of completion of the drying process a first air flow (4), the additional or major air flow being admitted in a zone (5) where the product has lost most of its moisture content, the first air flow being heated at 8(III) to a high temperature, the additional air flow (5) being heated to a mean temperature (11) and the entire air flow being subjected to heat inputs 8(I) at a mean temperature derived from at least one heat pump (13) The invention reduces the heat input required for such a process.

Abstract: There is disclosed an environmental control system for a large volume structure (one horizontal dimension of at least 60 feet) having an air tempering unit including a horizontal cylindrical duct of about three feet diameter with an axial flow propellor fan and motor placed in one end to draw air through the duct and a gaseous fuel burner upstream from the fan with oxygen supplied from the air stream and with combustion products thereof being propelled through the fan. A series of propeller-fan air movers are placed in the structure near ceiling level with the first of the air movers placed about 25 to 50 feet in front of the air tempering unit. The air tempering unit and the air movers are operated by a control unit in response to a cycle timer and various sensor elements including an air velocity sensor for outside air supplied to the air tempering unit and an internal air temperature sensor.

Abstract: An auxiliary wood furnace for a bulk curing tobacco barn is arranged for installation in a basement immediately below the conventional oil or gas fired furnace for ease of barn modification and adaptation to burning wood as the source of heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for isolating a fan drive means within a chamber from the fan driven fluid. An enclosure is provided which isolates the fan drive means from the driven fluid. The enclosure having multiple opening to the exterior of the chamber and allowing naturally occurring convection to help maintain ambient conditions around the fan drive means.

Abstract: A flexible bonnet portable hair dryer including two separate combination blower and heater units. A flexible U-shaped collar support is connected to the combination blower and heater units and to a lower edge of the bonnet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air agitation device that is positioned between two opposite sets of shelves on which the articles to be dried are placed.The device constitutes two identical crankshafts, oriented in the same direction, that rotate in synchrony with respect to axes perpendicular to the opposite surfaces of the said sets of shelves.To the crankpins of the said shafts are articulated, on opposite sides, two ventilation frames, each of which provided with a plurality of fins oriented suitably with respect to the said sets of shelves.The synchronous rotation of the crankshafts renders movable each frame, which oscillates with a harmonic motion in two inter-perpendicular directions, one of which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the passageway existing between the sets of shelves.

Abstract: Air chambers underlie the perforated floor of the grain storage chamber of a grain tower. Fans propel air from outside the grain tower into such air chambers. The fans are contained within the tower at bulkheads which divide ones of the air chambers each into a relatively larger air distribution chamber and a relatively smaller air intake chamber. The distribution chamber communicates through the perforations in the perforate floor to aerate grain within the grain compartment. The intake chamber is partly bounded by a portion of the peripheral wall of the tower. The fans draw outside air through limited openings in the tower peripheral wall into such intake chambers.

Abstract: A push-pull air movement apparatus for enhancing the movement of air through grain stored within the apparatus including a grain storage bin, an intake fan for pushing air through the grain and an exhaust fan. The intake fan is connected to the bin and is in fluid communication with the stored grain. An exhaust fan is also provided and is connected to the bin for pulling and exhausting at least as much air volume from the stored grain as the intake fan means inserts.