Abstract: Systems and methods for efficient microwave drying of extruded honeycomb structures are disclosed. The methods include conveying first and second sets of honeycomb structures in opposite directions through multiple applicator cavities. Each honeycomb structure has a moisture content MC, and the honeycomb structures within each cavity define an average moisture content MCA between 40% and 60% therein. The methods include irradiating the first and second sets of honeycomb structures within the cavities with microwave radiation having an amount of input microwave power PI that results in an amount of reflected microwave power PR from the honeycomb structures, where PR<(0.2)PI. This allows for a relatively high microwave power to be maintained in each cavity. Batch microwave drying methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clothes-treating apparatus is disclosed. According to the clothes treating apparatus, it is easy and convenient for a worker to have access to a mechanism compartment for maintenance and repair of the components. In addition, if the user chooses an easier method of accessing the components of the clothes treating apparatus the maintenance repair costs may be lowered. Furthermore, it is easy for a worker to remove and replace the components of the mechanism compartment. In addition, according to the clothes treating apparatus, the assembly line of the mechanism compartment may be separate from an assembly line of the clothes treating apparatus, which may enhance work efficiency.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for honeycomb formed bodies includes: a drying chamber having a drying space to store undried honeycomb formed bodies; a microwave generator that generates microwaves; and a plurality of waveguides for introducing the microwaves into the drying chamber. On side surfaces of the drying chamber, provided is a plurality of microwave introduction ports for introducing the microwaves generated by the microwave generator into the drying space inside the drying chamber, the waveguides are disposed at the microwave introduction ports, and irradiation ports of the waveguides are provided directed to two or more different directions toward the drying space of the drying chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drying ceramic green bodies include providing one or more ceramic green bodies in a microwave heating chamber operatively connected to a microwave source and a PLC. The total mass of the ceramic green bodies present in the microwave heating chamber is determined. Microwave energy is generated with the microwave source and transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber. A transmitted power of the microwave energy transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber is measured with power sensors. The reflected power of reflected microwave energy reflected back from the microwave heating chamber is also measured. The power of the microwave energy transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber is adjusted based on the total mass of ceramic green bodies present in the microwave heating chamber, the measured transmitted power and the measured reflected power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food waste treatment apparatus that can effectively dispose food waste containing a large amount of water, rapidly dry food waste using microwaves, and remove odors and vapors generating during the drying process, thereby discharging clean air. The food waste treatment apparatus comprises a pulverizer (10) for pulverizing food waste, an endless track (20) for transferring food waste, a plurality of containers (30) installed on the upper surface of the endless track (20) for storing pulverized food waste, and a microwave dryer installed above the endless track for drying the pulverized food waste by making microwaves pass through the endless track in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the endless track (20).

Abstract: The invention provides a honeycomb formed structure drying method including causing undried honeycomb formed structures 10 placed on stands 12 to pass through a drying apparatus 1, thereby drying the undried honeycomb formed structures through high-frequency heating, to thereby form dried honeycomb formed structures 11; removing the dried honeycomb formed structures 11 from the stands 12; cooling the stands 12 which have been heated dried in the drying apparatus 1 are cooled to a temperature lower than the gelation temperature of the undried honeycomb formed structures 10; placing newly formed undried honeycomb formed structures 10 on the cooled stands 12; drying the undried honeycomb formed structures by passing through the drying apparatus 1; and repeating these operations. The honeycomb formed structure drying method prevents deformation such as warpage of partition walls of honeycomb formed structures during drying thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine and dryer having a condensation unit (700). A tub (200) is installed in a cabinet (100), and a drum is rotatably installed within the tub (200). A drying duct (610) has one end connected with an interior of the tub (200), and a condensation duct (710) connects the tub (200) with the drying duct (610). A cooling water supply unit (720) is provided in one side of the condensation duct (710) to supply cooling water supplied from an outside to the interior of the condensation duct (710). A cooling water dropping unit (750) collects the cooling water supplied to an interior of the condensation duct to drop the collected cooling water to the inner space of the condensation duct. A heater (620) heats air circulating the tub (200), the condensation duct (710), and the drying duct (610), and a circulation fan (800) circulates the air. A drain pump (500) discharges washing water in the tub (200) outside the cabinet (100).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel installation (100) for drying products (70) of the most varied type, the dehumidifying apparatus (10) of which comprises two silica-gel adsorbent bodies (20, 20?) which work in alternating operation and which—in a periodically mutually alternating manner—pass through an adsorption or dehumidifying phase (EB) and a regeneration phase (RB), the periodic changeover to the respective other phase and vice versa being effected by means of a control unit (8), which can be supplied with moisture data or the like from moisture sensors or the like, e.g. as a function of the moisture of the air after passing through the adsorbent body (20, 20?) which is in the regeneration phase (RB), the dehumidified air (lt) being drawn by means of a suction fan (71) through a drying chamber (7) containing the product (70) to be dried.

Abstract: A system for processing biosolids from a sludge pond into fertilizer comprising: a portable dewatering system for removing liquid from sludge, the portable dewatering system having: a collection device for collecting sludge from the sludge pond; a centrifuge for removing liquids from the sludge collected by the collection device to create a biosolids composition; and a transfer device to transfer the biosolids composition from the centrifuge; a transport vehicle for receiving the biosolids composition from the transport device, the transport vehicle transporting the biosolids from the sludge pond to a fixed processing plant; and the fixed processing plant having: a mixer for mixing a stabilizing agent with the biosolids composition to create mixed biosolids; a heating and sterilising system to heat and sterilize the mixed biosolids and for extruding sterilized pellets; and a drying system for drying the pellets, wherein the pellets can be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: An instantaneous pressure reducing heating and drying apparatus for an object, such as a wafer, includes a pressure reducing chamber; a vacuum pump for reducing a pressure in the pressure reducing chamber to below atmospheric pressure; a drying chamber installed within the pressure reducing chamber for drying the object that is loaded in the drying chamber; a pressure regulating valve installed in a wall of the drying chamber, wherein when the pressure regulating valve is opened a pressure in the drying chamber is instantaneously reduced to the pressure of the pressure reducing chamber; and a heating means for heating the drying chamber. In operation, the vacuum pump reduces a pressure of the pressure reducing chamber to below atmospheric pressure, and the pressure regulating valve installed in a wall of the drying chamber opens thereby instantaneously reducing the pressure the drying chamber to the reduced pressure of the pressure reducing chamber.

Abstract: An elliptical exposure chamber has an extended focal region. A plurality of cylindrical reactors (25) form the extended focal region. Reducing the size of the opening (58) to each reactor (25) reduces the amount of energy reflected and increases the overall heating. In order to efficiently deliver the electromagnetic energy to the reduced opening (58), a tapered waveguide (55) has a concave end (56). A power splitter (42) divides power from a central waveguide (52) to the plurality of reactors (25). The power that is delivered to each reactor (25) can be adjusted by adjusting the impedance of each reactor (25), the width of each reactor (25) or the width of the opening (58) to each reactor (25). The width of the opening (58) to each reactor (25) can be controlled by a movable metal plate (44). A dielectric wheel can be used to shift hot spots along the focal region.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertain generally to a process for drying and/or pathogen reduction as well as an apparatus effective for the same, the process comprising the steps of feeding a sample containing water onto a mesh conveyor belt; transporting the sample into a heated chamber having an air flow about, around and through the sample; exposing said sample to at least two sources of microwaves in non-parallel alignment to each other; and collecting the sample. The at least two sources of microwaves are from a split waveguide assembly, producing microwaves which are essentially 90° out of phase to each other. The heated chamber is between approximately 75° C. and 125° C. The convection heating supplements the microwave heating thereby both heating the sample from the outside in and also from the inside out. The microwave frequency is between 915 MHz and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the shelf life of produce are disclosed which provide an accelerated drying process for washed produce in order to further clean and fully crystallize a layer of solute-laden slurry that has been applied on the external surface of an item of produce (20). The drying process typical comprises three basic steps. The first step (10) is to mechanically remove excess moisture from the solute-laden slurry to form a moisture-reduced slurry layer (22) on the external surface of the item of produce (20). The second step (12) is to employ heat and/or light energy to accelerate the in-situ moisture removal process to create a protective stratum (24) on the external surface of the item of produce (20). The third step (14) is to further remove remaining moisture to permit the formation of crystalline structures (26) on the external surface of the item of produce (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying or heat-treating substances or products at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to banana chips dried by means of this method and banana powder produced therefrom. For drying or heat-treating, the products to be treated are loaded in transport receptacles which are subsequently charged via charging lock chambers into a treatment chamber and discharged therefrom via discharging lock chambers. For drying or heat treating, at least one microwave source is provided in the treatment chamber. Furthermore, an infrared heating source may be provided. After heat-treating or drying, a resting period may be scheduled. More particularly for this purpose, a vertically-oriented conveying system is provided in the treatment chamber when a longish resting period is involved. The transport receptacle is configured dished and my comprise nets on which the products are applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying or heat-treating substances or products at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to banana chips dried by means of this method and banana powder produced therefrom. For drying or heat-treating, the products to be treated are loaded in transport receptacles which are subsequently charged via charging lock chambers into a treatment chamber and discharged therefrom via discharging lock chambers. For drying or heat treating, at least one microwave source is provided in the treatment chamber. Furthermore, an infrared heating source may be provided. After heat-treating or drying, a resting period may be scheduled. More particularly for this purpose, a vertically-oriented conveying system is provided in the treatment chamber when a longish resting period is involved. The transport receptacle is configured dished and my comprise nets on which the products are applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying or heat-treating substances or products at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to banana chips dried by means of this method and banana powder produced therefrom. For drying or heat-treating, the products to be treated are loaded in transport receptacles which are subsequently charged via charging lock chambers into a treatment chamber and discharged therefrom via discharging lock chambers. For drying or heat-treating, at least one microwave source is provided in the treatment chamber. Furthermore an infrared heating source may be provided. After heat-treating or drying a resting period may be scheduled. More particularly for this purpose a vertically oriented conveying system is provided in the treatment chamber when a longish resting period is involved. The transport receptacle is configured dished and may comprise nets on which the products are applied.

Abstract: A dehydration plant for dehydrating food products, including a microwave kiln (2), conveyor means (3) for conveying food products through the kiln (2), circulation means (21, 6) for circulating air through the kiln (2), refrigerated dehumidification means (7, 11) for dehumidifying the air to be circulated through the kiln (2), and heating means (12, 13, 14) for heating the air to be circulated through the kiln (2) such that food products conveyed through the kiln (2) are exposed to both microwave emissions and the flow of dehumidified heated air to thereby dehydrate the food products.

Abstract: Timber drying apparatus comprises a housing defining a microwave cavity (4) for containing a quantity of timber, a microwave generator (1) coupled to the housing for introducing microwave energy into the cavity, temperature sensing means (13) arranged to sense the temperature of timber within the cavity and/or weight sensing means (8) for sensing the weight of timber within the cavity and control means for varying the power output of the microwave generator in response to the sense temperature and/or weight. The humidity and/or air temperature may also be sensed in the cavity. The timber may be oscillated within the cavity.

Abstract: A continuous automated process is provided for manufacturing a phosphor product having controlled particle size characteristics and enhanced luminescent performance characteristics for use in a luminescent display. A precursor host lattice solution, a precursor dopant solution and reagent solution are initially selected as the starting materials for the phosphor product and are mixed together to produce a liquid starting material mixture. The mixture is conveyed to a microwave reactor and heated therein in a first heating stage by subjecting the mixture to microwaves at a predetermined frequency for a time sufficient to convert the starting material mixture to a precursor complex. The precursor complex is conveyed to a fluidized bed reactor and heated therein in a second heating stage by a hot fluidizing gas for a time and at a temperature sufficient to convert the precursor complex to the phosphor product in particulate form.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method, for using circular mode magnetic microwave energy to heat the interior regions of a work piece of wood fiber and glue. The microwaves are generated and transmitted as rectangular waveguide mode microwave energy, and are converted by mode converter to circular magnetic mode microwave energy. As circular magnetic mode microwave energy, the microwave energy passes through a work piece or billet of material is reflected on the other side, and travels through the billet a second time. Reflected microwave energy from the main reflected wave as well as reflections from other structures, surfaces and layers in the system travel back toward the microwave source. They are sensed, and a computer tuning system causes capacitive probes to generate offsetting microwave reflections, which are opposite in phase and equal in magnitude to the sum of all of the reflected waves.

Abstract: A frit-drying system for cathode ray tubes is to utilize VHF and it is to evaporate organic matters which are contained in the frit spread on the funnel by a VHF dielectric heating method that matters with dipole components are heated from the inner part of the frit by dielectric loss of VHF when the VHF is injected on the matters with dipole components. A frit-drying system for cathode ray tubes utilizing VHF includes a funnel transferring device, and a main furnace body which defines the VHF room for drying frit therein, a VHF oscillating device, and VHF induction path which inducts VHF generated from the VHF oscillating device into the main furnace body.

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, system, and method, for using circular mode magnetic microwave energy to heat the interior regions of a work piece of wood fiber and glue. The microwaves are generated and transmitted as rectangular waveguide mode microwave energy, and are converted by mode converter to circular magnetic mode microwave energy. As circular magnetic mode microwave energy, the microwave energy passes through a work piece or billet of material is reflected on the other side, and travels through the billet a second time. Reflected microwave energy from the main reflected wave as well as reflections from other structures, surfaces and layers in the system travel back toward the microwave source. They are sensed, and a computer tuning system causes capacitive probes to generate offsetting microwave reflections, which are opposite in phase and equal in magnitude to the sum of all of the reflected waves.

Abstract: An improved regenerative gas drying system (30) having an adsorbing chamber (36) and a regenerating chamber (46) with both chambers containing desiccant (38) in which the adsorbing chamber (36) receives wet gas (31) for adsorption of moisture by the desiccant (38) contained therein to create a drier gas (40) and in which a portion of the drier gas (40) exits the adsorbing chamber (36) and is directed and carried to the regenerating chamber (46) to dry the desiccant (38) contained within the regenerating chamber (46).

Abstract: A continuous extrusion and curing line has a linear hot air curing furnace which includes at least one UHF module which is selectively linearly movable along a length of the furnace.