Abstract: Sludge or slurry is dewatered by passing it on a screw conveyor through a sealed vessel at a vacuum more negative than -10 inches of Hg.As a result, moisture is removed from the sludge or slurry as water vapor. The vessel is sealed from air by the presence of the sludge or slurry at the inlet and outlet port extents of the vessel.

Abstract: A cooling and exhaust unit for an IR reflow soldering machine is arranged to be mounted on the soldering machine after the last heating zone. The unit has fans which direct cold air downwardly on to the conveyor and this cooling air divides into two streams, one moving with the conveyor and one counter to the movement of the conveyor. An exhaust inlet is provided near the front and the rear of the machine, the exhaust inlets being connected through an exhaust chamber to an exhaust outlet. To minimize the amount of hot process air sucked out of the soldering machine into the nearer exhaust inlet an additional cold air inlet is provided, this being located intermediate the rear end of the unit (i.e., the end abutting the soldering machine) and the nearer exhaust inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for contactless sealing of an opening against emerging or entering gas employs at least one barrier gas jet which is divided in the vicinity of its longitudinal axis. In the two sub-jets adjoining the dividing plane two different gases flow out, the concentration of the two gases changes abruptly at said dividing and separating plane so that a very reliable sealing is achieved.

Abstract: A freeze-drying apparatus includes a freeze-drying chamber; a plurality of horizontally oriented, vertically superposed and vertically displaceable shelf plates for supporting thereon receptacles containing the product to be freeze-dried; a plate shifting rod projecting into the freeze-drying chamber and being operatively connected to the shelf plates; and a drive situated externally of the freeze-drying chamber and being connected to the plate shifting rod for moving the plate shifting rod in directions into and out of the freeze-drying chamber. There is provided a sterilizing device including a sterilizing chamber adjoining the freeze-drying chamber and accommodating that length portion of the plate shifting rod which is to be introduced into the freeze-drying chamber during the plate shifting operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting high temperature catalytic conversion treatment of exhaust gases flowing in a large volume exhaust path comprising a plurality of separate catalyst panel assemblies, and a panel support assembly arranged to be mounted within the exhaust path and to separately removably support each of the plurality of catalyst panel assemblies so that high temperature exhaust gases within the exhaust path will flow therethrough in operation and each panel assembly can be conveniently serviced by simple removal. The panel support assembly includes an outer ambient temperature peripheral frame structure, an inner high temperature peripheral frame structure mounted within the outer peripheral frame structure for temperature responsive expansion and contraction with respect thereto, and an expansible and contractible high temperature resistant peripheral seal assembly between the inner and outer peripheral frame structures for maintaining a flow preventing seal therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible screen mounted to pneumatically seal the sides of an opposing belt conveyor system in a porous pack curing oven. Fixed to the upper belt structure and drapingly sealed to the lower belt structure, the screen impedes curing gases directed through the foraminous belts and porous pack therebetween from exiting through the edges of the pack. The draping screen provides a seal over a range of belt-to-belt spacing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of an external fluid which travels through an opening into an enclosed area. Also, a method and apparatus for protecting a surface area or plane from contact with or intermixing with an external fluid. The method, in general, comprises causing a fluid to flow, in laminar form, in proximity to or directly across an opening, a surface or an area plane to be protected. The depth or thickness of the flowing laminar fluid layer at its source of origin is at least about 0.05 times the distance across the opening, surface area or plane to be protected, in the principal direction of flow of the fluid at its source of origin. The width of fluid flow at its source of origin and transverse the direction of fluid flow is at least about as great as the maximum width of the opening, surface or area plane to be protected, transverse the direction of fluid flow. The Force Number of the fluid must range between about 0.

Abstract: A material dryer, especially for bulk material, includes a single entrance pressurized drum housing and an endless conveyor for passing the material through the drum housing. The conveyor may include a screen belt. The housing and the dryer components in the housing are divided into identical modular units, except for the entrance and discharge units. Each modular unit includes a tubular housing section, a conveyor section, and a treatment medium handling section for circulating and heating the drying medium such as super-heated steam. The heating and circulating of the treatment medium is individually controllable in each modular unit. The entrance unit is equipped with conveyor belt guides and with a sealed material supply device. The discharge unit is equipped with a belt drive and with a sealed material discharge device.

Abstract: Drying installation for drying plastic sheets containing solvents or moisture which was made according to the casting process.

Abstract: An organic solvent cleaning apparatus has a cleaning chamber that is hermetically sealed by operating a door provided at its entrance and that is rendered full of an organic solvent vapor to effect a cleaning operation, and that is formed with an entrance in a side portion of the cleaning chamber. The cleaning chamber is equipped with vapor supply means capable of supplying the vapor only during the cleaning operation and with vapor collecting means, including cooling coils that are lowered to condense the vapor, for collecting the vapor after the cleaning operation. In one embodiment, this organic solvent cleaning apparatus has a vertically movable cover which in its descended position surrounds a material to be cleaned and creates a seal with a reservoir of liquid solvent at its lower end to prevent supplied vapor from leaking out.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously developing travelling bands of film has a tank which accommodates a processing bath. A device for the removal of moisture from film leaving the tank is located in the region of the tank exit. The device includes a substantially airtight enclosure having registering slot-like inlet and outlet openings for the film. The inlet and outlet openings divide the enclosure into two portions. A suction nozzle is disposed in each portion and is provided with a suction opening which faces the path of the film. Flexible sealing strips are arranged adjacent to the inlet and outlet openings of the enclosure. When there is no film passing through the enclosure, the sealing strips essentially close the inlet and outlet openings so that a vacuum is maintained in the enclosure. The sealing strips are bent away from the inlet and outlet openings during the passage of film through the enclosure.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed for use in a furnace which utilizes a thin, cylindrical imperforate shell member which is heated from an external source to heat work placed within the shell. An insulated arrangement within and outside of the shell extends a spaced distance from the shell's opening to sandwich the shell's wall therebetween. The arrangement prevents heat flux by radiation and convection from heating the sandwiched wall thus permitting graded cooling of the sandwiched shell wall by conduction to a temperature whereat a conventional elastomer seal can be employed to seal the shell member.

Abstract: An arrangement for sealing a chamber containing pressure medium against a movable band. The band is arranged to form one side of the chamber. The arrangement comprises a sealing framework which is fastened to a body part of the chamber by means of a resilient membrane. The sealing framework is further provided with a sealing means for providing a sealing effect between the movable band and the rest of the chamber. The sealing means is thereby arranged to be pressed against the band by the pressure effect of a load medium fed on one side of the resilient membrane. In order to obtain an effective and adaptable sealing effect, the means for providing the sealing effect is formed by at least two sealing elements arranged in parallel and between which a sealing liquid is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting electronic parts to a printed circuit board is disclosed which comprises a collector for collecting thermal medium adhered to a conveyor that is travelling out of a vapor tank. Thus, it is possible to prevent generation of poisonous gas and to enhance a safety aspect of the apparatus. Also, since it is possible to collect the thermal medium, the running cost may be reduced.

Abstract: A system is provided for vapor phase soldering of articles, in a hot vapor, in which the articles are preheated prior to being delivered to a vapor zone, to raise the temperature of the wires or other contact points that are to be soldered together, to be compatible. Techniques are employed to prevent escape of the soldering vapor, including controlled opening of inlet and outlet closures to the system, sloped inlet and outlet tunnels, heated inlet and outlet zones, the condensation of vapor at transition locations and an air screen or air shield system just inside the openable closures to the system. A control of the locations of condensation of the vapors is provided, with delivery of the condensate for re-use. A condensate flash tray is provided in the system for substantially immediate re-vaporization of some of the condensate. An electric fluid boil system and a still are provided.

Abstract: Screens for limiting heat losses from heated material, e.g. bars and slabs in rolling mills. Screens are provided in the form of strings of heat insulating bodies composed of metal shells containing insulating material. These screens may form curtains and/or covers for the hot material. Containing chambers for the hot material may be provided with such strings of elements and the chambers may also comprise structure for limiting heat conduction losses through the material supports therein. The screens may be collapsed over the hot material thereby completely surrounding and insulating the material from loss of heat. A displaceable chamber installation may also be provided for limiting heat loss when holding and transferring hot material between processing stages.

Abstract: A releasable and gas tight sealing apparatus for construction panels of a paint baking oven which relieves the buildup of gas pressure within the oven in the event of an explosion. The apparatus has tongue and groove members and a compressible cord rope received in the groove members. In assembly and during normal use of the oven, the tongue is received in the groove and bears on and compresses the cord rope to provide a gas tight seal. In the event of an explosion, the construction panels are forced outwardly which disengages the tongue and groove members and relieves the buildup of gas pressure in the oven.

Abstract: A rotary combustor includes a rotatable cylindrical drum having axial seals extending from the outer periphery of the drum, and sealing structures for forming passages for providing combustion fluids along portions of the rotatable cylindrical drum. Each sealing structure includes a movable shoe positioned along the periphery of a portion of the rotatable cylindrical drum, a support positioned at a predetermined distance from the axial seals along a portion of the periphery of the rotatable cylindrical drum, and first and second spring units coupled between the support and the movable shoe. The spring units urge the movable shoe into contact with at least one of the axial seals. As a result, an air seal is continuously provided between the axial seal and the movable shoe even though the rotary combustor expands and contracts with temperature.

Abstract: In a lock for the transport of bulk material between chambers being under different pressure a lock chamber (4) is guided tightly and driven by a reciprocal movement in a preferably horizontal guide tube (2), which comprises on different sides of its wall a first opening (12) leading to the chamber with lower pressure and in an axial distance therefrom a second opening (15) leading to the chamber with higher pressure, wherein the chamber comprises openings (13, 14), which can be brought in coincidence with the first (12) and second (15) opening at the points or reversal of the reciprocal movement. Adjacent to the lock chamber (4) in axial direction is arranged a slide (3a) being tightly guided in the guide tube (2), which slide slides over the second opening (15).

Abstract: A sluice for feeding a continually transported material to be annealed into an annealing oven includes two opposing sealing hollow plates spaced from each other to permit the material to pass therebetween and each provided with a coating of ceramic felt. A conduit for feeding buffer gas into the space between two opposing plates opens into that space to fill that space with buffer gas and to prevent oxygen from entering the oven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a baking furnace for continuous production of elongated carbon bodies having uniform cross section, the baking furnace being intended to be moved continuously or substantially continuously in relation to a casing containing unbaked carbonaceous electrode paste with a speed which corresponds to a preset baking speed for the carbon body. The baking furnace comprises an outer steel shell (5) and a refractory lining (6) arranged on the inside of the shell (5), said refractory lining (6) defining a combustion chamber (7). A cooling chamber (16) is arranged between the upper part (15) of the refractory lining (6) and the casing (3). Above the cooling chamber (16) there is provided gas sealing means (23). An off-gas channel (11) is arranged below the refractory lining (16).

Abstract: A heat treatment tunnel for the treatment of fibers, threads slit film or the like fibrillary material used in the textile field is arranged to extend horizontally. The material to be heat treated is transported along a travel path, in endless length form, through the horizontally arranged tunnel. This tunnel includes a heat-insulated housing having an inlet slot for entry of the material and an outlet slot for withdrawal of the material from the housing; a fan chamber; a fan arranged within the chamber for effecting circulation of a gaseous treatment medium within the housing; a heater disposed downstream of the fan for heating the treatment medium; a fan intake connecting pipe positioned either above or below the traveling material to draw the gaseous treatment medium away from the travel path and fan exhaust openings positioned either below or above the traveling material; i.e., opposite to the location of the fan intake connecting pipe, to direct the gaseous treatment medium toward the travel path.

Abstract: A seal for use in clothes dryers and the like having a carrier web and a fibrous sealing web, wherein the fibrous sealing web has opposite edges thereof folded upon itself and stitched to form first and second loops and a first one of the loops has captured therein an edge of the carrier web. The carrier web is secured to a rotating drum of a clothes dryer and the first and second loops of the fibrous sealing web provide first and second seals at respective planar and cylindrical portions of a stationary bulkhead of the dryer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering and drying sludge. A pair of upper and lower members form a closed chamber into which sludge is poured. Sidewalls of the upper member are pressed against the lower member to seal the chamber. Compressed air supplied at a pressure P.sub.1 to a continuous groove in the lower edge of the sidewalls flows across the sloped inside surfaces of the sidewalls and supplements air supplied to the chamber at a somewhat lower pressure level P.sub.2, the combined pressures P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 in said chamber forcing liquid from said sludge through porous media in the bottom of the chamber. Air from the continuous groove aids in releasing the dried sludge from the chamber when the upper and lower members are separated.

Abstract: An indirect fired oven system for curing coated products, particularly metal product such as coiled sheet steel or coiled sheet aluminum, is provided. The oven line comprises at least one oven zone though usually at least two or three zones are present, through which the coated product travels, and the oven line is operated at elevated temperatures. An indraft is induced at the entrance and exit ends of the oven line by a balance air fan which captures the indraft air at both ends almost immediately that it enters the oven line, and feeds part of the indraft air to a heat exchanger and then back to the oven zones, and part of it unheated directly back to the oven zones. The temperature in the oven zones is controlled by the influx to each zone of heated air.

Abstract: A heat treatment tunnel for the treatment of fibers, threads slit film or the like fibrillary material used in the textile field is arranged to extend horizontally. The material to be heat treated is transported along a travel path, in endless length form, through the horizontally arranged tunnel. This tunnel includes a heat-insulated housing having an inlet slot for entry of the material and an outlet slot for withdrawal of the material from the housing; a fan chamber; a fan arranged within the chamber for effecting circulation of a gaseous treatment medium within the housing; a heater disposed downstream of the fan for heating the treatment medium; a fan intake connecting pipe positioned either above or below the traveling material to draw the gaseous treatment medium away from the travel path and fan exhaust openings positioned either below or above the traveling material; i.e., opposite to the location of the fan intake connecting pipe, to direct the gaseous treatment medium toward the travel path.

Abstract: A drum for a clothes drier formed from a cylindrical sleeve into which is inserted a pair of opposed head structures, each provided with a seat snugly received in the adjacent end of the sleeve and terminated by an abutment to limit the penetration of the head into the sleeve. Axially extending projections are provided at each end of the sleeve and these projections are bent around their adjacent seats thereby to hold the heads and sleeve together.

Abstract: A drying plant for brown coals of high water content comprises, as seen in flow direction of the coal and one behind the other, a conveyor means (2) equipped with a means (3) for spraying hot waste water onto the coal, a wet sieve (4) equipped with a means (5) for supplying residual steam, a conveyor means (6) for conveying the sieved material to a pressure lock (7), a preheating means (8) equipped with a pressure lock (7) at the charging location and with connections for steam conduits (11), a further pressure lock (13) for discharging the coal from the preheating means (8) and for charging the coal into an autoclave (14) being adapted for being supplied with steam, preferably saturated steam, and having connected thereto waste water conduits (12), a sieve drum (15) arranged within the autoclave (14) and being equipped with a variable rotational drive means (16) and with conveyor elements, in particular screw conveyor elements, a further pressure lock (19) for discharging the steamed material into a subseque

Abstract: A process in which material (20) is passed effectively continuously through a gaseous treatment chamber (10) by way of at least one open port (12) is improved by applying gas curtains across the material path to form externally adjacent the port a buffer zone (50) between the chamber interior and the surrounding atmosphere, which zone acts generally to balance the gaseous outflow otherwise occurring through the port. The buffer zone is preferably formed by and between two curtains serially spaced nearer to and further from the port, the curtains being respectively formed with gas drawn from without and within the zone. The zone is suitably sustained in varying conditions by control of curtain flow rate in response to a zone parameter such as temperature.

Abstract: An energy efficient heat pump dryer for clothes and other washables having a sealed rotatable clothes tumbling drum and means for circulating a stream of heated drying air in a substantially closed path through the tumbling drum. The drum is journaled upon a combined bearing and air seal means at each end. A heat pump is incorporated as the source of heat for the drying air, as a means for recirculating heat from the drying air exhausted from the tumbling drum, and as a means for removing entrained moisture from the exhausted drying air. The dryer is adapted to operate from a 110 volt household power supply and requires no air vent to the outside.

Abstract: A unique nozzle assembly (11, 12) is provided for placement within the chamber (4) of a web dryer (1) and closely adjacent a housing web slot (5, 6). The nozzle assembly generally comprises a Coanda-type nozzle (27) and a supplemental nozzle (33) disposed on the assembly so that it is positioned between the Coanda nozzle and the housing wall (3). Both the Coanda and supplemental nozzles are supplied with air from a common manifold (13) connected to an external air source. An air flow control device (34, 35) is provided for the individual air flow paths in the assembly to suitably balance the velocities of the two discharging air jets. To prevent any transient air currents inside the dryer chamber from causing web or air flow instability, a seal (43) is provided between the improved nozzle and the dryer housing wall. The seal is disposed along the head end of the nozzle; that is, closely adjacent the nozzle jet discharge ports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming and welding blanks in a material able to become superplastic, of the type comprising cooperating dies between which such blanks are placed, which dies are respectively mounted on a lower frame and on an upper frame of the device.The device according to the invention is remarkable in that the lower frame is constituted of a base and of a vertically movable part carrying a die, in that an inflatable bladder is interposed between the base and the movable part of the lower frame, in that a mechanical a lock is provided for connecting together the the base and the upper frame, when the latter is in low position, and in that, in the low and locked position of the upper frame with respect to the base of the lower frame, cooperation of the dies is achieved by controlling the bladder.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and an apparatus for baking an organic coating which has been applied to a substrate. Such coated substrates are conventionally baked in a furnace using a mixture of combustion gas and air. This process in uneconomical in terms of energy consumption and also involves cleansing of used gases before they can be discharged into the atmosphere. The present invention provides a rapid process for baking such coatings in an inert gas atmosphere by means of short-wavelength infra-red rays. Coatings are heated in such a penetrating manner than they are baked at the substrate/coating interface and this prevents the formation of swellings.

Abstract: A baking oven has a baking chamber in which plate members carrying the baking good are stepwisely conveyed along an endless path. The baking chamber has a charging and discharging opening through which a branch of this endless path is fed to a charging and discharging station located outside of the baking chamber. Hot air is blown into the baking chamber by means of a blower. In order to prevent that the hot atmosphere within the baking chamber escapes through the charging opening, this opening can be closed by a closure means actuated in synchronism with the steps of movement of the plate members. Further in synchronism with this actuation, a change-over means is actuated which guides the hot air either into the baking chamber or into a by-pass-channel leading back to the blower.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for retaining liquid in a chamber at a level above some of the sides of the chamber includes two pairs of rollers. The rollers of each pair contact one another at a height above the low sides of the chamber. The rollers in each pair are arranged at different levels so that the rollers contact one another at a point higher than the height of the low sides of the chamber. Flexible seal members extend from the bottom of the chamber to a point above the center of each of the bottom rollers. Pressure of liquid in the chamber biases the flexible seal members against the rollers to prevent liquid from leaking along the bottom of the rollers. Restrictions in the outlets of the chamber establish the liquid level at a height which is above the contact point of the pairs of rollers so that both sides of a strip of material passing between the pairs of rollers are washed with the liquid.

Abstract: A heat treatment tunnel for the treatment of fibers, threads slit film or the like fibrillary material used in the textile field is arranged to extend horizontally. The material to be heat treated is transported along a travel path, in endless length form, through the horizontally arranged tunnel. This tunnel includes a heat-insulated housing having an inlet slot for entry of the material and an outlet slot for withdrawal of the material from the housing; a fan chamber; a fan arranged within the chamber for effecting circulation of a gaseous treatment medium within the housing; a heater disposed downstream of the fan for heating the treatment medium; a fan intake connecting pipe positioned either above or below the traveling material to draw the gaseous treatment medium away from the travel path and fan exhaust openings positioned either below or above the traveling material; i.e., opposite to the location of the fan intake connecting pipe, to direct the gaseous treatment medium toward the travel path.

Abstract: A drier drum bearing structure formed from a single piece of molded plastic to provide a right cylindrical outer bearing wall. The bearing structure is mounted on a non-circular access opening through the drier cabinet wall on a peripheral flange extending around the opening on the wall which is received within a mounting cavity formed in part between the outer cylindrical bearing surface and an inner wall and is held in position by means of bosses on the bearing structure cooperating with mating bosses on the peripheral flange to permit movement circumferentially about the access opening while substantially preventing axial movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the moisture content of a material, such as grain, has a variable volume chamber, which in use is filled with the material. Material within the chamber is heated by heating means to reduce its moisture content. A pumping means is connected to the chamber to pump off fluid from the chamber, whereby a sub-atmospheric pressure can be maintained in the chamber. In use, the pressure differential between the inside and the outside of the chamber is carried by material within the chamber, and the chamber reduces in volume so that no substantial pressure load is carried by walls of the chamber. The heating means can comprise steam pipes extending across the chamber or cylindrical heating elements formed from plates which define ducts for the steam or other heating fluid.

Abstract: A modular hot air dryer includes air jet support for a continuously moving, freshly printed flexible paper web. Air curtains are provided at the dryer entrance and exists to prevent excess fresh air penetration into the dryer. Air which is intentionally introduced is preheated before being introduced through the air curtains to help avoid tar build-up. Automatic control is provided of the exhaust flow rate to maintain constant vapor concentration. Each zone of the dryer is separately temperature-controlled.

Abstract: In a rinser/dryer for carriers of semiconductor wafers, a rotatable frame containing the carrier is directly mounted to, and cantilevered from the drive motor. A container encloses the rotatable frame and carrier. A gas pressurized labyrinth seal separates the inside of the container from the drive motor to prevent contamination. A raised portion in the labyrinth seal, with gas inlets on each side of the raised portion, forms a pressure barrier inhibiting the passage of moisture and contaminates across the barrier.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which is adapted for thermally processing an advancing yarn. The chamber comprises first and second members each having a discontinuity in the form of a groove, shoulder or the like in the surface thereof, and the members are movably mounted with respect to each other between an operative position wherein the discontinuities are positioned relative to each other to define a relatively narrow yarn passage, and a threading position defining an enlarged opening to facilitate threading. Also, heating means is provided for introducing saturated water vapor into the yarn passage in the operative position.

Abstract: A single vapor system for soldering, fusing, or brazing includes vertically disposed chambers which provide a draining and drying zone above a vapor processing zone. Draining occurs in the upper zone with no additional heat being added in vapor recovery. A sealing system is utilized which is actuated by the carrier elevator as an article-carrying basket is moved into and out of the zones. The sealing system includes a moveable top cover resting on the top of the article-carrying basket, with the top cover being left at the top of the draining and drying zone to seal the top of this zone when the basket is lowered to the bottom of this zone. A moveable bottom plate is raised by pulleys and weights, spring returns or other means to the bottom of the draining and drying zone such that the bottom plate seals the bottom of this zone, isolating the zones one from the other.

Abstract: A multi-segment seal ring for rotary equipment of the type involving a relatively large-diameter rotary cylinder supported with its axis horizontal by one or more fixed housings, seals being employed between the cylinder and at least one of the housings. One problem in equipment of this type is the practical impossibility of manufacturing and maintaining the cylinder as a perfect cylinder and special sealing structures are typically employed to accommodate out-of-round conditions of the cylinder, an example of which forms the subject matter of copending U.S. application, Ser. No. 618,984, filed June 8, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,702. The present invention provides improvements in the configuration and sealing of the gaps that occur at the overlapping, radial interfaces between neighboring segments, particularly to the end of increasing the efficiency of the equipment by eliminating or at least minimizing packing of treated material in the gaps.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber removing sieve for textile dryers which includes two sieve elements, one of which is removable from the recirculating stream of drying air for cleaning as the other element takes over operative removal of fibers from the stream of drying air.

Abstract: A vapor component of a gas mixture is separated by condensation and is recovered for further use. A solvent vapor mixed with inert gas is condensed in a multistage heat exchange system in a manner which utilizes a first refrigerant to condense a portion of the vapor in a first heat exchange device, a second refrigerant, typically cold inert gas, for condensing a further portion of the vapor in a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchange device wherein chilled liquid is utilized to condense a still further portion of the vapor. In a fourth heat exchange device, a cryogenic liquid is passed in heat exchange relation with the liquid passed thereto from the third heat exchange device. The cryogenic liquid is vaporized to form an essentially pure inert gas which is supplied to the vicinity of the oven exit and entrance, but exteriorly of the oven to form inert gas barriers. The fourth heat exchange device may effect direct or indirect heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A rotary kiln assembly comprising an inlet arrangement, a rotary kiln and an outlet arrangement. A seal arrangement is provided between the inlet arrangement and the rotary kiln and a seal arrangement is provided between the rotary kiln and the outlet arrangement. It is a problem with rotary kiln assemblies to remove the seals without relative movement of the rotary kiln or the inlet or outlet arrangements. At least one of the seal arrangements is made retractable in telescopic manner and the kiln assembly includes detachable spacing means such that the retractable seal arrangement can be removed from the kiln assembly as a unit without fouling or movement of the kiln or the inlet or outlet arrangements and hence without disturbing their alignment. The spacer means may be detachable only after retraction of the sealing arrangement and may be integral with a part of the sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A valve for isolating the interior of a glow discharge chamber from the atmosphere and other reactants. The valve includes a body mounted in an aperture of the chamber. A slit-like opening is provided therein to allow the interior of the chamber to communicate with interrelated elements of a deposition system. A source is provided for introducing inert gas into the opening under pressure somewhat greater than that of reaction gases and plasma within the chamber to create an effective, non-reactive gas curtain.

Abstract: A shrink oven whose air volume is maintained constant as heated loads are removed and new loads are introduced, to prevent loss of heat and to improve performance. In an oven in which loads are introduced through an entry opening, move through the oven, and exit through another opening, exiting and entering loads are moved so that the rate of load displacement out of the oven at the exit is compensated by the rate of load displacement into the oven at the entry. Special arrangements prevent hot air loss around the sides of the load during the exit and introduction phases. These include close-lying passage walls above and on both sides of the openings, for limiting the air conductance of the gaps about the loads, stacking adjacent loads close together at entry and exit to minimize air leak gaps between the loads, and close positioning of the loads next to doors during opening and closing of doors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chamber which defines a constant gas flow environment for passing objects therethrough carried by a conveyor. The chamber comprises an elongate housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening in the longitudinal direction and a moving conveyor which runs the length of said housing for transporting object from said inlet opening through said housing and thereout through said outlet opening, the space below said conveyor being enclosed and connected to a source of exhaust for exhausting gaseous substances therein. The space above the conveyor comprises an inlet zone, a central gas zone, and an outlet zone. The inlet zone and the outlet zone both are of a bi-cameral containment arrangement comprising an outer adjustable gate for determining the inlet opening, a central adjustable baffle gate, and an inner deflector wall. The space between the outer gate and the baffle gate is connected to a source of exhaust.

Abstract: A clothes dryer comprising: a cabinet; a horizontal type rotary drum formed with a circular opening in its end face which is generally perpendicular to the peripheral wall of said drum; a drum supporting disc slidably fitted in the circular opening of said end face to support said horizontal type rotary drum and arranged in and supported by said cabinet generally coextensively with said end face, said drum supporting disc being formed with an air inlet and an air outlet; heater means; and blower means for supplying the hot air, which has been heated by said heater means, into said horizontal type rotary drum through said air inlet and for discharging the air in said horizontal type rotary drum to the outside of said rotary drum through said air outlet.