Abstract: A device and related method are provided for lyophilizing a substance within the device and storing therein the lyophilized substance. The device is penetrable by a needle for filling the device with the substance to be lyophilized, and a resulting needle hole in the device is laser resealable by transmitting thereon laser radiation from a laser source. The device defines a chamber for receiving therein the substance to be lyophilized. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber with the substance to be lyophilized through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation thereto.

Abstract: A method for increasing the removal of a higher fraction of liquid from the press cake in any belt press is described. Specifically, the invention incorporates a series of rollers that create multiple pinch points to compress the solid fraction while removing liquid. After each pinch point, the solid material is allowed to separate from the belt, fall by gravity, and repack so that more liquid can be released at each successive pinch point than is possible if the material is fed to multiple rollers and pinch points in series without decompressing as is done is prior art.

Abstract: An dual path kiln is provided that includes a kiln having one or more chambers and at least two lumber charge paths adapted to convey lumber through the kiln in opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying a product using a regenerative adsorbent, more in particular to such a method which can be carried out in an energy-saving manner. According to the invention, the product is dried by bringing it into contact with an adsorbent, water being taken up form the product by the adsorbent. Subsequently, the adsorbent is regenerated with superheated steam, steam being obtained, which steam comprises at least a part of the mentioned water.

Abstract: A laundry drier control method reads a temperature variation rate per unit time, to enable drying according to the amount and type of an object being dried. The method includes steps of initiating a drying procedure; measuring a temperature variation rate per unit time over the drying procedure; calculating an overall drying time based on the measured temperature variation rate per unit time; and performing the drying procedure for the calculated overall drying time. The drying time determining step is repeated if a substantial increase in the temperature variation rate is detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for conditioning semiconductor wafers and/or hybrids having the steps: preparation of a space (1) which is at least partially enclosed and has a wafer/hybrid holding device (10) which is located therein and has the purpose of holding a semiconductor wafer and/or hybrid; and conduction of a dry fluid through the wafer/hybrid holding device (10) in order to heat-treat the wafer/hybrid holding device (10); wherein at least a portion of the fluid leaving the wafer/hybrid holding device (10) is used to condition the atmosphere within the space (1). The invention also provides a corresponding device for conditioning semiconductor wafers and/or hybrids.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for preparing a surface of a substrate using a proximity head includes applying a non-Newtonian fluid between the surface of the substrate and a head surface of the proximity head. The non-Newtonian fluid defines a containment wall along one or more sides between the head surface and the surface of the substrate. The one or more sides provided with the non-Newtonian fluid define a treatment region on the substrate between the head surface and the surface of the substrate. A Newtonian fluid is applied to the surface of the substrate through the proximity head, such that the applied Newtonian fluid is substantially contained in the treatment region defined by the containment wall. The contained Newtonian fluid aids in the removal of one or more contaminants from the surface of the substrate. In one example, the non-Newtonian fluid can also be used to create ambient controlled isolated regions, which can assist in controlled processing of surfaces within the regions.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.

Abstract: A method of filling a drying system 24 with product comprises providing a washing unit 22, and a drier or driers 26a, 26b arranged such that one at a time the driers 26a, 26b receive product 48 discharged from the output of the washing unit 22. The washing unit 22 is configured to receive product 48 which is continuously weighed 104 as it is delivered to the washing unit. The product is washed in the washing unit 22 by being passed through the washing unit at a substantially constant speed, allowing the arrival time at the drier 26a, 26b to be predicted. The weight of product loaded into the drier is regulated by controlling the flow of product into the drier.

Abstract: A spin head includes a rotatable plate, first chucking pins and second chucking pins for supporting a edge portion of a substrate loaded on the plate, and a driving unit for selectively driving the first and second chucking pins. The driving unit includes a first magnet connected to the first chucking pin and disposed at a first height, a second magnet connected to the second chucking pin and disposed at a second height, and a driving magnet for driving the first and second magnets. The driving magnet is elevated by means of an elevating member to selectively apply a magnetic force to the first or second magnet and moves in the radius outside direction of the first or second chucking pin due to a magnetic force.

Abstract: A method of drying comprises placing a moist material inside a substantially enclosed solar greenhouse. The greenhouse comprises at least one light transmission roof and/or wall panel that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, but resistant to convective and conductive heat transfer. The interior temperature and humidity of the greenhouse are maintained within their pre-determined ranges while the interior moisture of the greenhouse is effectively reduced to allow a controlled drying of the material. A solar greenhouse for the drying process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for preserving wood product comprising, in one embodiment, a treatment space sealable in medium-tight manner; a vacuum pump connected to the treatment space; a steam source connected to the treatment space; a heating device which is in thermal contact with the treatment space; a dispenser for adding predetermined amounts of either a base or an acid to the treatment space; pH measuring device for determining the pH value of steam in the treatment space; and measuring and control equipment adapted to monitor at least the pH temperature and pressure inside the treatment space and to control the vacuum pump, the steam source and the heat source, and the pH by dispensing either a base or an acid. Also disclosed is a method for preserving wood. The preservation process has a relatively short process time, wherein a good preservation is realized while the mechanical strength of the wood is largely retained. The amount of waste wood material is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for agricultural product production with heat and moisture recovery and control. Some embodiments transfer heat and moisture from a warm, moist exhaust air stream to incoming agricultural material, steam condition the material, pelletize the material into warm pellets, cool the warm pellets with make-up air to produce the warm, moist exhaust air used to transfer heat to the incoming material and to produce cooled pellets, wherein the cooled pellets are at a temperature lower than the warm moist air. In some embodiments, the system includes counter-flow devices to transfer heat and moisture. In some embodiments, a controller is used to adjust system devices and overall system flow. In some embodiments a water sprayer, to moisten agricultural product when the product is over dry, and an air flow controller, to slow air flow through the pellet dryer/cooler when ambient temperatures are dryer/cooler, are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for drying a water containing substance, such as manure, into a single dry product, wherein an airflow is conditioned, in order for the airflow to be able to take up moisture, and wherein a substance/airflow interface is provided, in order to allow the air to take up moisture from the substance at the interface to thereby dry the substance, wherein the method comprises the steps of heating the airflow, separating the substance in a relatively solid fraction and a liquid, using the relatively solid fraction to create a first, static substance/airflow interface, using the liquid fraction to create a second, dynamic substance/airflow interface, guiding the airflow to the first substance/airflow interface to dry the relatively solid fraction of the water containing substance, and thereafter guiding the airflow to the second substance/airflow interface to pre-dry the liquid fraction of the water containing substance, mixing the pre-dried liquid fraction with water containing substance.

Abstract: A method and an installation or machine for screening and drying strand material. The strand material still in the moist state is screened with a screening device into at least two different fractions of strand material. At least one of the screened fractions is fed to at least one dryer, and the feeding of the strand material to the dryer is carried out by means of a conveying device, which is controlled by a control unit. The control unit assures a uniform, predetermined weight and/or volume input into the dryer(s) by measuring the mass and/or the weight per unit area of the strand material by means of a measuring device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for dehumidifying, drying or the like of different materials. The invention is developed primarily for dehumidification of sewage sludge (7), but it may be utilized for many different materials including foodstuffs as crispbread and pasta. The sludge (7) or other material is dehumidified or dried in a chamber (1) by means of thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is given by means of one or more elements (2) for thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is concentrated to one or more distinct wavelength ranges at which water has peaks for absorption of radiation energy. Air is circulated in the chamber (1), to take up moisture evaporated from the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material.

Abstract: A method of drying clothes in a clothes dryer comprising a clothes chamber for receiving clothes, an air supply system for directing air through the clothes chamber, and a heater for heating the air supplied by the air supply system. The method comprises cycling the heater between an ON state by energizing the heater until a heater trip condition is met and an OFF state by deenergizing the heater until a heater reset condition is met, determining a heater off time by determining the time between the heater trip condition and the heater reset condition, and determining a drying time based on the heater off time.

Abstract: A control user interface for laundry appliances, such as a clothes dryer or washing machine, enables a user to control multiple modes of operation and a variable associated with at least one mode of operation by manipulating a single control element. In one arrangement, the variable is time and multiple time increments are associated with at least one mode of operation. One embodiment includes a rotatable single control knob. Upon detecting the rotation of the control knob, a determination is made whether the currently selected operation mode has associated operation times to be presented to the user. If no associated operation times are presented, the user interface display is updated to reflect the next mode of operation. The operation mode and operation times may be part of different display region within the dryer control user interface.

Abstract: The invention refers to a cover, comprising a fleece arranged between a top and a bottom layer which holds a super absorber. At least in one layer a permeability area which is permeable to moisture is provided through which the cover can be moistened in a controlled way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of delivering one or more volatile materials, during the operation of a drying apparatus, to a fabric article. The present invention also relates to fabric treatment compositions comprising one or more volatile materials. These compositions may be used to treat fabric articles during the fabric article drying process.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.

Abstract: In a factory that uses a large number of containers, it is necessary to ensure an installation location for a container washing device that is absolutely necessary as a preprocess for a container drying device. A container washing and centrifugal drying device has an exterior section having a door section, and having a container washing and centrifugal drying unit that comprises a turntable on which tacked containers are placed inside the exterior section, each of two columns erected at opposing position the same distance from the rotational center of the turntable on an upper part of the turntable, a clamp opening and closing cylinder for opening and closing clamp sections, and a plurality of washing tubes provided in a vertical direction at substantially equal intervals in a circumferential direction on the outer periphery spaced apart from the turntable, each of the washing tubes being provided with a plurality of washing nozzles at equal intervals in the vertical direction facing inwards.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a system for regulating the inlet air temperature. The system includes a first sensor located in an inlet of the dryer and including a thermistor and a thermostat, a heat source located in a heater box adjacent the first sensor, and a second sensor located in an exhaust of the dryer. The thermistor measures the inlet air temperature of the dryer and cooperates with the controller to prevent the thermostat from reaching its trip temperature and turning off the heat source. Thus, damage due to excessive air temperatures in the dryer is prevented.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 10 including a vapor generating unit 371 which generates a mixed gas consisting of an organic solvent vapor and an inert gas by bubbling the inert gas in the organic solvent; support means for supporting a plurality of substrates to be vertically arranged in parallel at equal pitches; a processing vessel 15 which accommodates multiple substrates supported by the support means; a lid 30 for covering the upper opening of the processing vessel; jet nozzles 33 provided in the lid 30; and first piping 3712, 342, 3421, and 3422 which causes the vapor generating unit and the jet nozzles to communicate with each other. In the substrate processing apparatus 10, the first piping and the jet nozzles are respectively equipped with heaters, and the heaters are controlled by means of dry gas containing organic solvent mists of submicron size being emitted from the jet nozzles.

Abstract: A system for drying freshly grown forage involving the steps of placing loose mass forage on a receiving system; transporting the loose mass forage from the receiving system to a detangling mechanism; passing the loose mass forage through the detangling mechanism to break up any large clumps of forage and to create a forage carpet of a substantially uniform thickness; passing the forage carpet through a drying oven containing multiple chambers; drying the forage carpet to moisture content below the desired moisture content for the forage; and adding moisture to the forage carpet to bring the moisture content of the forage up to the desired moisture content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for agricultural product production with heat and moisture control with optional heat and moisture recovery. Some embodiments transfer heat and moisture from a warm, moist exhaust air stream to incoming agricultural material, steam condition the material, pelletize the material into warm pellets, cool the warm pellets with make-up air to produce the warm, moist exhaust air used to transfer heat to the incoming material and to produce cooled pellets, wherein the cooled pellets are at a temperature lower than the warm moist air. In some embodiments, the system includes counter-flow devices to transfer heat and moisture. In some embodiments, a controller is used to adjust system devices and overall system flow. In some embodiments a water sprayer, to moisten agricultural product when the product is over dry, and an air flow controller, to slow air flow through the pellet dryer/cooler when ambient temperatures are dryer/cooler, are provided.

Abstract: A dummy substrate is obtained by covering a silicon substrate with a resin coating. This increases the strength of the dummy substrate, prevents pieces and particles of the silicon substrate from scattering, and even when the dummy substrate is damaged during processing, prevents them from contaminating a processing apparatus. The use of a chemical-resistant resin for the resin coating restrains the dummy substrate from being etched by a cleaning process using a chemical solution and increases the number of times that the dummy substrate can repeatedly be used.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use in combination with a clothes dryer wherein the device is designed to uniformly treat fabric. The invention further relates to a method for treating a fabric article in need of treatment that combines a clothes dryer and liquid dispensing system designed to uniformly treat fabric.

Abstract: A shrink wrap machine has a shrink wrap tunnel with an entrance and an exit. A conveyor transports products to be shrink wrapped from the entrance through the tunnel to the exit. A source of gas is coupled to the inside of the tunnel and bathes the products. A heater controls the gas temperature in the tunnel. A pump controls the gas volume and/or velocity in the tunnel. An input device receives product identification information. A memory stores different process parameters, namely gas volumes, gas velocities, conveyor speeds, and/or temperatures applicable to the product identification information. A computer selectively retrieves process parameters from a memory responsive to the input device and sets the pump, the heater, and/or the conveyor to match the retrieved process parameters. The computer and memory are preferably a programmable logic controller (PLC). A machine readable product code such as UPC is as the product identifier and a code reader as the input device.

Abstract: A solvent removal apparatus and method is provided that can dry a coat on a workpiece in a uniform thickness. The solvent removal apparatus includes a support base for supporting a substrate provided with a liquid phase film-forming coat containing a film material and a solvent, a gas introduction mechanism for introducing a solvent removal gas toward a center part of the substrate, and a flow restrictor for restricting flow of the solvent removal gas in such a manner that the gas can flow radially outward from the center part of the substrate toward a peripheral edge part thereof. The solvent is removed from the coat while restricting the flow of the gas with the flow restrictor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of for detecting lint are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light is directed to a plate. The light can be being emitted by a light source. A reflectometer is calibrated to a specific thermal emissivity of the plate. The thermal emission resulting from the light directed to the plate is received at the reflectometer. Lint is permitted to deposit on the plate. A change in thermal emission is detected if lint deposits on the plate. The change in thermal emission can be detected by the reflectometer. An indication that lint is present within the clothes dryer is provided if a change in thermal emission is detected by the reflectometer.

Abstract: A pollution abatement apparatus comprises an electrified filter bed preceded by a cyclonic mix chamber to remove wood fines and fly ash in a flue gas stream from a wood chip dryer heated by hot gas from an energy system that includes a wood waste combustor. The cyclonic mix chamber has dual inlets, one supplied with flue gas from the dryer and the other supplied with hot gas from the energy system.

Abstract: There is provided a method for treating preservative-treated wood such that the preservative is substantially prevented from leaching. The treatment comprises drying of the preservative-treated wood until the moisture content of the wood is below a level capable of supporting the diffusion of the preservative.

Abstract: The downtime of a vacuum processing apparatus due to wet cleaning is reduced. In a vacuum processing apparatus that requires aging for its chamber or process container after vacuum evacuation of the apparatus and before actual processing of a workpiece, when the chamber has been opened to atmosphere for the purpose of wet cleaning or component replacement, the apparatus comprises a high precision absolute pressure gauge for use in processing, a wide range gauge capable of measuring a wide range of pressures, and a controller, wherein the controller uses a pressure trend during vacuum evacuation to determine whether the vacuum evacuation is satisfactory, and starts aging upon determining that the vacuum evacuation is satisfactory even if the actual pressure is not below a prescribed value.

Abstract: A knock-down type dryer assembly for prosthesis liners includes a housing mounted on a base member and a prosthesis liner support detachably mounted to the housing. The prosthesis liner support comprises a cross-member detachably coupled to an arm member and includes adjustable side wing portions that allow a user to adjust for the size of a particular prosthesis liner. When activated, an electrical fan in the housing draws ambient air into the housing and directs it up through the prosthesis liner where it circulates before exiting the liner. An anti-microbial lamp within the housing can be utilized to help rid the prosthesis liner of harmful bacteria. The manner in which the liner support is assembled, and the manner in which the liner support detachably connects to the housing, allows a user to easily assemble and disassemble the liner dryer and encourages proper cleaning/drying of the prosthesis liner before use.

Abstract: A method of estimating the displaced size of a knot in a lumber piece includes the steps of: translating the lumber piece downstream along a flow path between a radiation source and sensor while simultaneously irradiating the lumber piece with radiation from the first radiation source whereby the radiation is attenuated by the lumber piece; collecting a set of radiation intensity data from the radiation sensor as the lumber piece is irradiated; processing the set of radiation intensity data to sum the radiation intensity data and to provide radiation intensity profiles transversely of the flow path direction and corresponding density profiles transversely of the flow path direction; mapping the density profiles to model a set of three dimensional density profiles of the lumber piece; processing the radiation intensity data to determine a clear wood density threshold value for the lumber piece and a maximum density value of the density profiles; and, computing a ratio of the summed density profile values to th

Abstract: A clothes drying cabinet is provided with a shaker assembly including a bar suspended in the cabinet for supporting clothes hangers. A motor is mounted adjacent the bar and has a drive shaft. A drive weight is eccentrically mounted to the drive shaft of the motor so that upon actuation of the motor, the drive weight imparts a shaking motion to the bar so as to facilitate removal of wrinkles from the clothing on the hangers. A ballast weight may also be provided in the shaker assembly so as to evenly distribute the energy from the eccentric weight regardless of the weight of the clothes hanging on the bar.

Abstract: A method of detecting lint in a clothes dryer is disclosed. Light is directed through a surface within the clothes dryer, the light being emitted by a light source. The light is received at a photocell if the light is reflected off the surface when lint covers the surface. An indication is provided that lint is present within the clothes dryer if light is received at the photocell. Furthermore, a voltage level detector is positioned within the lint detector and determined if a threshold amount of light is received. In another aspect, if the threshold amount of light is received a warning light, an audio speaker, or an electrical output can be activated. Likewise, the clothes dryer can be automatically shut down. In another aspect, the photocell is a phototransistor. In another aspect, the photocell is a photoresistor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning, rinsing and drying a reticle used in semiconductor device manufacturing, tilts the reticle during the drying process to prevent water from the rinsing process from collecting and remaining on the reticle. The rectangularly shaped reticle is held in a carrier and the top and bottom edges of the reticle may form an angle of at least about 8° with the horizontal to maximize drying efficiency, when the carrier is placed on a horizontal surface or suspended from above.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing and drying a dialyzer or other device, wherein a vacuum drying phase is interrupted by interspersed pulses of air or other gas. The pulses lessen the evaporative cooling effect, to thereby reduce differential shrinkage that can structurally damage the dialyzer.

Abstract: A drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member which has an upper portion for holding an item of apparel, and a platform coupled to the body portion. The platform can be moved into a first, generally horizontal position over the drying member and can be moved into a second, non-horizontal position not over the drying member such that a user has access to the upper portion of the drying member. The drying apparatus can include an air freshener.

Abstract: An industrial dishwashing machine with at least one essentially closed water circuit in which washing water is circulated, and with at least one water inflow which makes rinsing water available which is received into the water circuit after a rinsing operation following a washing operation. An air circuit is provided for drying the batchwith the air circuit being dehumidified by means of the water of the water inflow.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotation type silicon wafer cleaning device to further raise the stability of a silicon wafer by providing a better hydrogen termination on the silicon wafer after completion of chemical and pure water cleaning treatments. According to the present invention, a rotation type silicon wafer cleaning device has a silicon wafer support/rotation driving mechanism inside the case body for cleaning the silicon wafer at the post chemical cleaning with pure water, drying and hydrogen termination treatments on the outer surface of a silicon wafer is performed by means of installing a silicon wafer drying device comprising a gas supply panel attached to a case body to supply a mixed gas of the hydrogen gas and inactive gas containing a hydrogen gas of more than 0.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use in combination with a clothes dryer wherein the device is designed to uniformly treat fabric. The invention further relates to a method for treating a fabric article in need of treatment that combines a clothes dryer and liquid dispensing system designed to uniformly treat fabric.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a particulate trap comprises locating the trap in a chamber and forcing cleaning air through the trap. The air and removed particulates is extracted from the trap towards a filter. The expelled air essentially without the removed particulates from the chamber, the removed particulates being essentially trapped in the filter. The trap is locatable about a longitudinal axis such that air is urged in a longitudinal direction through the trap. The trap is supportable on at least one rotatable roller to affect rotation about the axis. A motor and blower draws air from the chamber and an air pressure differential about the filter causes the particulate to be directed through the filter and excess air is pumped out of the blower by the motor operating the blower.

Abstract: A method for etching a metal layer on which an oxide-based ARC layer is coated in a semiconductor device comprises the step of performing a dry cleaning process by using a Cl2/CHF3 based gas, after dry cleaning the ARC layer by using the oxide-based gas. As a result, the etching rates of the center area and the edge area are substantially same.

Abstract: When separating steam and gas from a stream containing, possibly glue-coated, fibre pulp produced by a refiner, the hot fibre pulp is directly fed from the refiner to a separation cyclone (4) placed in a drying channel (2) for drying the fibre pulp. A hot drying air flow having substantially higher temperature, about 160° C., than the fibre pulp is blown through the drying channel so that the separation cyclone is surrounded by the hot drying air flow. The light steam containing fraction separated by the separation cyclone is conducted out of the separation cyclone via an outlet conduit (9) away from the hot drying air flow, whereas the separated heavy fibre containing fraction is conducted out of the separation cyclone directly into the hot drying air flow that entrains the heady fraction to a drying plant. Energy is recovered from the light steam containing fraction and ecologically harmful substances are separated from the latter.

Abstract: A dryer for insertion into a cavity in a garment, boot or shoe, including a framework with a heated surface on one side of the framework, with the heated surface forming at least one side of an exit airflow passageway to create and induce drying airflow through the cavity of the garment, boot or shoe. The dryer may be configured for an upper cavity and/or lower cavity of the object being dried and may in addition to the airflow, create a temperature differential across the framework to further or create a desired airflow.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for compacting a continuously conveyed fiber composite (V) by means of heat (W) impingement. A heated treatment medium (L) is blasted towards the fiber composite (V) by means of at least one nozzle arrangement (2a, 2b). Said nozzle arrangement (2a, 2b) comprises a plurality of adjacent blasting nozzles (4) which are disposed at a distance (a) from each other. An intermediate space (5) is formed between two adjacent nozzles (4). Said intermediate space (5) between blasting nozzles (4) is essentially closed to the fiber composite (V) counter to the conveying path (F) such that an overpressure (P) can be created in a pressure chamber (6) located between the nozzle arrangement and the surface (O) of the fiber composite (V), whereby the treatment medium (L) can be blasted through the entire thickness of the fiber composite (V) even when said fiber composite has a great thickness.