Abstract: Systems and methods for bypassing a centrifugal switch are disclosed. The systems may include a bypass relay operatively connected to the heating element and configured to bypass the centrifugal switch prior to the drum reversing rotational direction, and allow the heating element to remain energized during the drum reversing rotational direction. The centrifugal switch bypass circuit further includes a relay hold circuit operatively connected to the bypass relay and configured to cause the bypass relay to continue bypassing the centrifugal switch during the drum reversing rotational direction. The method may include, once the drum begins reversing the rotational direction, utilizing a bypass relay to bypassing the centrifugal switch. Finally, the method may include utilizing a relay hold circuit to cause the bypass relay to continue bypassing the centrifugal switch during reversal of the rotational direction.

Abstract: Raw meal sludge is dried in a vapor flow dryer by circulating exhaust vapor through a steam circuit which, prior to introduction thereof into the lower part of the dryer, is heated by indirect heat transmission from gaseous flows from a pre-heating system from a gas cyclone of a clinker production line. A partial vapor flow corresponding to water evaporated during raw meal sludge drying is removed from the steam circuit and extracted in the form of a condensate after increasing the vapor temperature by a vapor compressor and the passage of vapor arranged in the dryer over a heating surface of a vapor condenser. The sludge is sprayed into the lower part of the dryer where water is evaporated by the heat of the circulating exhaust vapor and heat from the condenser heating surface. Dried raw meal is separated from the exhaust vapor in a cyclone separator.

Abstract: An electric switching circuit with a first current path for operating an electric motor and with a second current path for operating a first heater. The electric motor drives a fan during which an air flow created by the fan is heated by the first heater. A switch for opening or closing the second current path in response to an actual operating state of the electric motor is, in the second current path, connected in series to the first heater. The switch is designed as a bimetallic switch and a second heater is assigned thereto that is arranged and designed for detecting the actual operating state of the electric motor and for controlling the bimetallic switch by changing its ambient temperature in response to the detected operating state.

Abstract: An oven includes a conveying interior for moving produce through the oven and a gas fired heat source for cooking the produce conveyed through the oven. The conveying interior preferably comprises a rotating drum with a conveying spiral extending inwardly from an inner wall of the rotating drum. The rotating drum may further be sloped downward to facilitate progress of the produce through the oven, and the time spent in the oven may be controlled by controlling the rotating rate of the drum. The gas fired heat source may comprise a thermostatically controlled burner residing under the drum.

Abstract: A capsule dryer utilizes an upper level having a plurality of drying baskets and a lower level having a plurality of drying baskets disposed beneath the upper level of drying baskets. The footprint of the capsule dryer is thus reduced while providing a same or superior drying capabilities. Furthermore, the drying baskets at the different levels are independently controlled.

Abstract: A process for the fractional distillation of crude oil, which comprises the steps of: feeding a continuous current of crude oil at 310–400° C. into a turbomixer comprising a tubular cylindrical body (1) provided with a rotor (9) formed with helically oriented paddles (10) and rotatably supported inside the body, along with a continuous current of steam; subjecting both currents to the mechanical action of the paddled rotor (9), so as to create a thin tubular dynamic turbulent layer, which is discharged and fed continuously into a fractioning column, at a predetermined height level in the column, to produce an upward-flowing vapor current and a downward-flowing liquid current therein; and optionally discharging the downward-flowing liquid current continuously from the column bottom, and feeding it continuously into the turbomixer in the same direction as the crude oil current.

Abstract: The combination washer/dryer and method for operating a combination washer/dryer. The washer/dryer has a containment drum which receives wash water, and includes a perforated clothes drum which rotates within the containment drum. A heat plenum is provided in heat transfer relationship with the containment drum, and a source of heat coupled to the heat plenum supplies heat for water in the containment drum. During a drying cycle, hot air from the heat source supplied from the fire box to the containment drum for heating wash water during a washing cycle, and for supplying hot air during a drying cycle. A drying air plenum is connected to receive drying air from the source of heat, delivering the drying air to the top of the containment drum, where it enters the rotating basket. An exhaust plenum discharges hot air laden with moisture from the containment drum through a lint filter.

Abstract: A method for drying articles is provided comprising, providing a wash basket within a wash drum inside a washing machine and an air stream which follows an air flow path through the wash basket and through the machine. Then engaging a heater located along the air flow path, engaging a cooling unit located along the air flow path, and spinning the wash basket with the heating unit and cooling units engaged. Also provided is an apparatus for drying articles comprising, an air stream which follows an air flow path through a washing machine comprising a wash basket, a heating unit located along the air stream, a cooling unit located along the air stream, and a supplemental heater located along the air stream.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the drying of a damp material (2), whereby the material (2) is treated in a treatment chamber (15) of a drying cabinet (1) in a mechanically immobile condition, in which air (10) is directed through the treatment chamber (15) and over a condenser (13) and the moisture in the air (10) can condense at the condenser (13) and be led away.

Abstract: A method for producing powder paints which comprises the steps of: a) preparing a paste comprising at least one thermosetting plastic resin, at least one curing agent, at least one pigment and water and making the paste flow in the form of a thin layer and under conditions of high turbulence in contact with a wall at a predetermined temperature; b) drying the paste by making it flow into a thin and turbulent layer in contact with a heated wall and optionally with a flow of heated gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the thermal treatment of powdered or granular solid substances with gas flows (7, 16, 22, 23, 24) by means of a body (2) moved about its axis of rotation (1).

Abstract: The present invention is a dryer for use with solid-form objects suitable for a continuous process production environment, such as some kinds of produce and vegetables. The apparatus uses a variable-speed accelerator belt to rapidly load objects. The dryer has a domed shaped retaining door to force objects to the perimeter of the perforated spinning drum. In operation the apparatus uses a method to vary the speed of the accelerator belt to accomplish even self-balanced stacking of the objects within the drum. The method also includes varying the drum rotation speed from a slow rotation during loading, permitting self-balancing of the contents of the drum, to a higher drying speed that extracts liquid from the objects.

Abstract: A method is described for evaporating liquid samples contained in sample holders mounted within a chamber and rotated by the rotor during an evaporation process in which the pressure in the chamber is reduced below atmospheric and the sample holders are rotated at high speed so as to exert centrifugal force on the contents of the holders. Heat is supplied to elevate the temperature of the liquid component of the samples to assist in the evaporation process. The temperature of the sample material is continuously or regularly monitored during the evaporation process and temperature signals are transmitted to a remote computing means which is programmed to generate a control signal for controlling the supply of heat to the samples and controlling the evaporation process. The temperature may be sensed by a probe in a sample holder containing an evaporating liquid sample, or in an adjoining sample holder containing a buffer liquid.

Abstract: Freeze-dried products of high quality produced from materials to be freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus comprising a sealed vessel enclosing a processing chamber provided therein with a rotary cage receiving a gas-permeable container containing frozen pieces of the said material, prepared by freezing the said material with a refrigerant, and a heating device for heating the frozen material by radiant heat rays, wherein the freeze-dried product is produced by a process which can attain, even when dry ice is used as the refrigerant, efficient sublimating removal of large amount of carbon dioxide gas evolved from dry ice and of moisture included in the material, while preventing adhesion of the frozen pieces of the said material to each other and while permitting reduction of the sublimation duration, wherein the frozen material retained in the gas-permeable container placed in the rotary cage is heated uniformly by the heating device under vacuum condition while it is being maintained under rotational mov

Abstract: Freeze-dried products of high quality produced from materials to be freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus comprising a sealed vessel enclosing a processing chamber provided therein with a rotary cage receiving a gas-permeable container containing one or more frozen products of the said material, prepared by freezing the said material with dry ice, and a heating device for heating the frozen product by radiant heat rays, wherein the freeze-dried product is produced by a process which can attain efficient sublimating removal of large amount of carbon dioxide gas evolved from dry ice and of moisture included in the material, while preventing adhesion of the frozen products to each other and while permitting reduction of the sublimation duration, wherein the frozen product retained in the gas-permeable container placed in the rotary cage is heated uniformly by the heating device under vacuum condition while holding it under rotational movement to thereby facilitate the sublimation of dry ice and of the frozen

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for drying protein crystals starting from an aqueous protein crystal suspension, which comprises drying the protein crystal suspension in a centrifugal dryer, where the protein crystals, after they have been filtered off from the protein crystal suspension, are brought into contact with a drying medium which consists of a mixture of water and a nonaqueous solvent which is miscible with water in any ratio and which has a lower vapor pressure than water. In the process, a drying gas which has been moistened with water is advantageously used. The protein crystal suspension is advantageously converted into a fluidized bed for the purpose of drying.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in drying articles defining internal cavities within a conventional clothes dryer includes a manifold and a plurality of tubes extending therefrom. Each of the tubes is provided with various, circumferentially spaced and longitudinally extending ribs. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted within the clothes dryer, with the manifold being seated about an exhaust outlet of the dryer and a shoe, glove or the like to be dried being placed over a respective tube. Air flow into the dryer is caused to flow along the tubes, between adjacent ribs, into an internal cavity of the article, then into the manifold through the tube, and finally out of the dryer through the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: To monitor the linen drying in a clothes drier, the residual moisture level of the linen inside the drier is measured and compared to a maximum permissible threshold, which is adjustable and authorization to open the door (14) of the drier is not allowed until the moisture level measured is below said threshold.

Abstract: A basket or dryer liner that has the usual basket shape, i.e, generally cylindrical, but is resiliently compressible or deformable along multiple axes for reshaping into irregular shapes. It has perforate bottom wall and side walls and an open top and is generally symmetrical about x, y, and z axes that are orthogonal to each other. The basket may be manually compressed alone these axes and then allowed to return to its normal shape when released. Thus, it has a non-compressed, relaxed state wherein it has maximum exterior dimensions and can stand-alone and serve the normal functions of a basket. The basket also has a compressed condition wherein at least certain of the dimensions of the basket are less than said maximum dimensions so that it can be fitted into a dryer, allowed to expand, and serve as a dryer liner. Wet clothes and other items can then be placed in the basket through the dryer opening in the normal manner.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is described for drying a load of moist fibrous material, particularly a load of laundry washed and placed in a washer/drier machine or a clothes drier, wherein a closed-circuit flow of superheated steam at 102-180.degree. C. and substantially at atmospheric pressure is passed through the load of fibrous material. The method is characterized in that, prior to the superheated steam drying step, the air in the closed circuit is flushed therefrom with steam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the initial conditions of a clothes dryer prior to the start of the drying cycle is provided. The clothes dryer comprises a drying chamber with air inlet and outlet ports. A blower powered by a first motor is arranged in the outlet port to draw air into the drying chamber through the inlet port. A burner for heating the air before it enters the drying chamber is arranged in the inlet port. Also arranged at the inlet port is an air proving device for measuring the air flow through the drying chamber. A second motor is provided for the drive system which creates the tumbling action in the drying chamber. The air flow proving device must be enabled before the second motor is started.

Abstract: A dryer for processing semiconductor substrates which rotates a carrier containing the substrates within a housing in combination with a bubbler which heats and directs a gas containing a water tension reducing vapor to the housing to contact the substrates and thereby hasten drying, decrease water marking, and decrease contamination.

Abstract: A centrifuge of the type including a housing and a rotatable bowl, and including a heating jacket located therebetween. The heating jacket is established through inflatable seals which selectively seal a space located between the bowl and the housing. The seals may be inflated when the bowl is stationary. A heating fluid is then introduced into the heating jacket so that collected solids in the bowl may be heated and dried. A vacuum may be applied to the bowl to assist in the removal of moisture from the solids. A scraper assembly, including at least one scraper, is disposed within the bowl. The scraper assembly pivots between a stowed position and an operative position to remove the solid that has collected on the inside wall surface of the bowl.

Abstract: A apparatus for separating pieces of laundry, comprising a drum which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and with an open front and an open rear, which drum is accommodated in a housing, in which the rear of the drum is almost closed off by a stationary wall, which is provided in the middle with an engaging opening in which engaging means for engaging and feeding through the pieces of laundry are arranged, and in that in the housing air conveying means are provided for transporting the pieces of laundry from the front to the rear of the drum. A method for separating pieces of laundry with the help of the apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heated aeration method of completing the processing of a partially treated mixture of wastewater sludge and alkaline materials to produce a biologically active but pathogenetically clean fertilizer which can safely and easily be spread on agricultural lands. Also disclosed are a product made by the method and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The mixture is loaded into a forceful stream of heated air which carries the mixture through a rotating, internally vaned drum which has an internal, longitudinal, vaned core which rotates with the drum. The core and the vanes impart paths to the mixture particles which allow smaller particles to exit quicker than larger and thereby avoid sterilization and which breaks up larger mixture particles and otherwise enhances the spreadability of the resultant fertilizer. A vane on the core is bent and its portion beyond the bend is pronged to facilitate showering rather than dumping mixture particles.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying a moist material includes a container having an opening for receiving the material therein. A top cover is provided for closing the opening of the container. A heater and fan are provided on the bottom of the top cover so as to confront to the opening of the container when the top cover is closed. The heater and fan produce and blow a heated air stream toward the material to vaporize the moisture therein. A rotary drive unit is provided under the container to rotates the container for mixing the material. By the mixing operation, the material is stirred such that the inside portion the of material is moved up and is exposed to the heated air stream. The vapor released from the heated material is vent ed to the outside of the apparatus through a ventilation unit.

Abstract: In order to considerably reduce expenditures for the dewatering of sludges, particularly from sewage treatment facilities, and thereby perform the step from a sticky, wet solid to a flowable solid granulate practically without the re-admixture of material, it is proposed to employ a solid bowl sludge centrifuge as the dispersing member in a subsequently connected convection dryer for further dewatering of the wet solids particles that are ejected with a dry substance content of approximately 25-35 weight percent. The wet solids particles that are ejected at high speed in the form of a film of particles from the outlet of the solid bowl sludge centrifuge are surrounded by the hot drying gas while still on their trajectory and are pre-dried to a dry substance content of approximately 65 weight percent (FIG. 5).