Abstract: A horizontally extending hose cleaning and drying apparatus includes a plurality of rack sections connected at ends thereof to create an elongated rack having a slope. Each rack section includes an upper plate having apertures or mesh material to allow water to fall therethrough. Legs are detachably connected to each rack section, the shortest legs being attached to a rack section at one end of the rack and the longest legs being attached to a rack section at the opposite end of the rack to create the slope. Preferably, the rack is of a length of at least 50 feet to accommodate fire hoses.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of manure to novel fertilizer and/or soil builder products useful as input for organic farming operations. 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. The dryer vessel receives the manure for contact with the turbine exhaust gases to convert the manure to a dry material, which is passed to the processing unit where it is formed into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final dry fertilizer product. The method comprises drying, heating and converting the manure to form novel self binding fertilizer and soil builder type products for organic farming and other uses.

Abstract: In one of the many embodiments, a method for processing a substrate is provided which includes generating a first fluid meniscus and a second fluid meniscus on a surface of the substrate where the first fluid meniscus being substantially adjacent to the second fluid meniscus. The meniscus also includes substantially separating the first fluid meniscus and the second fluid meniscus with a barrier.

Abstract: Interconnecting substrates used in the manufacturing of microelectronic devices and printed circuit assemblies, packaged microelectronic devices having interconnecting substrates, and methods of making and using such interconnecting substrates. In one aspect of the invention, an interconnecting substrate comprises a first external layer having a first external surface, a second external layer having a second external surface, and a conductive core between the first and second external layers. The conductive core can have at least a first conductive stratum between the first and second external layers, and a dielectric layer between the first conductive stratum and one of the first or second external layers. The conductive core can also include a second conductive stratum such that the first conductive stratum is on a first surface of the dielectric layer and the second conductive stratum is on a second surface of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank for performing semiconductor manufacturing. In one aspect, the invention is a method of supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: supplying a gas stream through at least one hydrophobic tube; exposing the outside surface of the hydrophobic tube to a liquid so that the liquid permeates the hydrophobic tube and enters the gas stream, forming a gas-liquid vapor inside the tube; and transporting the gas-liquid vapor to the process tank. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: at least one hydrophobic tube adapted to carry a gas; and a housing forming a chamber that surrounds the tube, the chamber adapted to receive a liquid that can permeate the tube, forming a gas-liquid vapor.

Abstract: Treatment apparatus and a process for thermal desorption of hydrocarbon contaminants from excavated soil provides efficient contaminant removal by handling the soil in a thermally conductive treatment vessel that fits within an insulated treatment chamber. The soil is treated in this chamber with fresh air that is dried and electrically heated prior to contacting the treatment vessel. The dry air passes through the soil and the air mixed with contaminants is withdrawn from the chamber through piping in the treatment vessel. Excavating the soil directly into the treatment vessel allows the treated soil to be returned to the final disposition site in the same vessel, minimizing soil handling.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micromachined component includes using a first liquid to etch a first layer (140) located underneath a second layer (150), exposing the second layer to a second liquid that is inorganic and miscible in carbon dioxide, and supercritical drying the micromachined component with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the removal of moisture from seed cotton in a cotton gin. The moisture level and rate of seed cotton entering a seed cotton dryer stage of a cotton gin are measured, and, based on those measurements and the desired moisture level of the seed cotton, the seed cotton dryer stage of the cotton gin is controlled to remove a precise amount of moisture from the seed cotton.

Abstract: A biosolids treatment system comprising a storage tank for containing a quantity of biosolids sludge, a system of disinfection piping within the storage tank comprised of a segment of inner biosolids piping having a plurality of holes spirally arranged at a desired spacing around its perimeter concentrically arranged with a segment of outer steam piping, delivery pumps for delivering a quantity of biosolids to the storage tank, biosolids pumps for delivering a flow of biosolids from the storage tank to the inner biosolids piping; and steam pumps for delivering a flow of steam to the outer steam piping and thereby injecting a flow of steam from the outer steam piping into the inner biosolids piping for thermally disinfecting the flow of biosolids in the inner biosolids piping. The system includes computerized controls for continuously and simultaneously monitoring and operating the biosolids and steam pump means.

Abstract: Drying semiconductor wafers or substrates by introducing an polar organic compound in liquid form into or onto means for enhancing evaporation within a process chamber and allowing the liquid to evaporate and form a drying vapor within the process chamber.

Abstract: A process for drying a web provides for guiding a web having a moisture content and subjecting the web to laser radiation to remove at least some portion of the moisture content. A system for drying a web includes at least one laser, a moisture measurement device, and a control device, wherein the control device receives input from the measurement device and influences the at least one laser.

Abstract: A cleaning processing apparatus and method of wafers W held by a rotor capable of holding a plurality of wafers W, which is one embodiment of the liquid processing apparatus of the present invention, comprises an outside chamber, an inside chamber arranged slidable between a process position and a retreat position, and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inside chamber in the retreat position. The cleaning mechanism includes a cylindrical body arranged in the inside chamber so as to form a substantially cylindrical cleaning processing space between the inside chamber and the cylindrical body, a cleaning liquid spurting nozzle for spurting a cleaning liquid into the cleaning processing space, and a gas supply nozzle for supplying a predetermined drying gas into the cleaning processing space so as to make it possible to clean and dry the inside chamber.

Abstract: Rapidly disintegrating preparations containing at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient and at least one excipient can be obtained by a simple process in which at least the predominant part of the complete composition of the ingredients for the preparation to be produced is granulated, the resulting granules and, where appropriate, the remainder of the ingredients are shaped in the presence of liquid virtually without pressure, and the resulting shaped articles are dried.

Abstract: Improved spray drying apparati, and methods of use thereof, have been developed. The spray drying equipment includes a primary drying chamber and a secondary drying apparatus which includes tubing having a length sufficient to increase the contact time between the drying gas and the droplets/particles to dry the particles to the extent desired, at a drying rate and temperature which would be too low to provide adequate drying without the secondary drying apparatus. The secondary drying apparatus increases the drying efficiency of the spray dryer system without increasing the drying rate, while minimizing loss in yield. Te secondary drying apparatus can include multiple secondary apparati, which are independently controlled for temperature and/or have different dimensions (cross-sectional areas and/or lengths), to allow for optimization of drying conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for the treatment of a wafer. After a treatment at elevated temperature, a wafer is taken out of the reactor in question with the help of a mechanical transport apparatus which preferably grips the wafer around the circumference and on the under side and consists of a wafer surrounding ring. The wafer is then placed in a floating wafer reactor where it is cooled in a controlled manner. Transport for further action or treatment then takes place.

Abstract: A process for the drying of woven glass fabric to be used in a reinforcing laminate in sensitive electronic equipment is disclosed. The process implements a drying technique utilizing microwave energy for drying.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the moisture content bound by capillarity in fiber cells of solid materials containing carbon. The material is ground and screened to form a loose sheet of the solid materials and/or sludges. The material is processed by screening and grinding methods for a plurality of hoppers for different grain sizes and grain size distributions. A thin layer of fines is spread as a first layer onto the spreading, feeding and filter belt, and a substantially thicker coarse material layer is formed as a second layer to form a sandwich of the material. The fines layer depth HF and coarse material depth HG of the sandwich correspond to the consistency and the proportion of the fines of the material. The sandwich formed is then carried by a belt into the pressure chamber of the filter press according to the dewatering cycle, while simultaneously the squeezed-out dry material is carried away.

Abstract: Just after resist solution is coated on a substrate, it is dried substantially in a non-heating state. In reality, inertia gas or the like is blown from a shower head to the substrate. Thus, the resist solution coated on the substrate is dried. Consequently, transfer marks that cause the film thickness of resist film to be unequal and the line width of a circuit pattern to fluctuate can be prevented.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing contamination of a substrate in a substrate processing system. The apparatus has a substrate support, a gas directing shield circumscribing the substrate support and a shadow ring disposed vertically above the substrate support and gas directing shield for retaining the substrate. The gas directing shield and substrate support define an annular channel that is provided with an edge purge gas. The edge purge gas imparts a force at the edge of a substrate resting on the substrate support the lifts it off the substrate supports and against the shadow ring. The shadow ring further has a plurality of conduits extending from its upper surface to its sidewall to provide a path for the edge purge gas to vent and to impede the flow of process gases under the backside and around the edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A process for the heat treatment of lignocellulosic material where the material is perheated and dried at a temperature close to the vaporization temperature of water, heated in a reducing atmosphere and cooled by the injection of water vapor.

Abstract: Improved spray drying methods of have been developed. The spray drying method includes use of a primary drying chamber and a secondary drying apparatus which includes tubing having a length sufficient to increase the contact time between the drying gas and the droplets/particles to dry the particles to the extent desired, at a drying rate and temperature which would be too low to provide adequate drying without the secondary drying apparatus. The secondary drying apparatus increases the drying efficiency of the spray dryer system without increasing the drying rate, while minimizing loss in yield. The ratio of the length of tubing to the length of the primary drying chamber is at least 2:1. The tubing diameter is substantially smaller than the diameter of the primary drying chamber, such that the particles move at higher velocity through the tubing to minimize product losses.

Abstract: An enclosed drainage facility to dry municipal waste combustion ash has a plurality of spaced elongated channels to drain by gravity, water from piles of ash into a disposal or reclamation pool. The channels are sloping concrete ditches leading to a common trough or pipe to a covered storage basin. Steel plates pierced with a plurality of spaced slender slits abut each other to cover each channel. The atmosphere in the facility is changed by being pumped into one side of the facility and exhausted adjacent an opposite side. Also, a process for drying municipal waste combustion ash includes dewatering and drying of ash piles in an atmosphere of warm dry air for a period of time necessary to reduce the moisture to about 28%.

Abstract: A varnish oven (10), including a preheating station (12), a temperature homogenization station (14), a varnish application station (16), a varnish curing station (18), a cooling station (20), a conveyor system (24) and a control system (38). The conveyor system (24) moves parts through the oven. The parts start at the preheating station (12) where portions of the part are raised to an appropriate temperature for varnish application. The parts then move to the temperature homogenization station (14) where the temperature is maintained at an appropriate level. Varnish is applied to the part in the varnish application station (16) and is cured in the varnish curing station (18). Finally the part is cooled in the cooling station (20). The control system (38) varies the temperature of the preheating station (12), the temperature homogenization station (14), and the cooling station (20) to maintain part temperature upon stoppage of the conveyor system (24).

Abstract: Just after resist solution is coated on a substrate, it is dried substantially in a non-heating state. In reality, inertia gas or the like is blown from a shower head to the substrate. Thus, the resist solution coated on the substrate is dried. Consequently, transfer marks that cause the film thickness of resist film to be unequal and the line width of a circuit pattern to fluctuate can be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying and deagglomerating substances of finely-divided solids suspended in a fluid medium. The apparatus includes the basic components of a phenumatic friction dryer, a flash dryer and a ring dryer.

Abstract: A grain dryer includes a wall assembly having (i) an inner wall and an outer wall which defines a grain flow path therebetween, and (ii) a discharge slot defined in the wall assembly through which grain may flow. The grain dryer further includes a grain shelf floor positioned relative to the wall assembly such that grain flowing through the discharge slot advances onto the grain shelf floor, the grain shelf floor has a hopper opening defined therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying small lots of product, for example ear corn. The method includes simultaneously directing air flow through the product while weighing the product from time to time to derive moisture content to the product. Air temperature and flow can be adjusted to desired levels for controlling the drying process. The apparatus includes an air permeable product bin and a docking station for receiving the bin. A scale is associated with the docking station to obtain weight measurements during the drying process. An air plenum supplies controlled air flow to the docking station. The structure allows monitoring of moisture content during drying and control of air flow. The temperature can also be controlled through control of an air gate from a main hot and cold air plenum.

Abstract: Nitrogen gas is jetted into a space on the liquid level of pure water in a drying chamber in which wafers are immersed. Simultaneously therewith, liquid-phase isopropyl alcohol is jetted at a temperature higher than the temperature of the wafers and in the vicinity of jetting openings for the nitrogen gas. When the wafers are exposed above the liquid level in the drying chamber, the pure water held on both front and rear surfaces of the wafers is replaced by the isopropyl alcohol of mist-form. The isopropyl alcohol is then evaporated, whereby the wafers are dried.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for controlling the rate of heat transfer from as-cast railroad wheels after their removal from the mold utilizing a plurality of vertically adjustable caps with a cap positioned over each wheel to control the rate of heat transfer therefrom as it is transported to a successive operation, each cap having a generally symmetrical shape to inhibit or reduce deflection of radiant energy from the wheel, and the disclosure also provides a method for controlling the rate of heat transfer including a control system to provide the requisite displacement of each cap from the associated wheel to control cooling of the wheel prior to its subsequent operation.

Abstract: There is provided an improved method for removing water from oil based drilling fluids used in the drilling of boreholes through the ground wherein MgSO4 (magnesium sulfate) is added to the drilling fluid to scavenge the water therefrom.

Abstract: A method of treating a piece of lumber including the steps of a) analyzing the lumber to detect a surface defect at a site on the lumber; b) removing at least a portion of the surface defect to form an opening in the lumber at the site of the defect; c) drying the lumber using a process wherein moisture is allowed to escape from the lumber through the opening; and, d) inserting a solid plug in the opening to refill the opening in the lumber.

Abstract: In a process for thermally utilizing wet spent grains (1), the wet spent grains (1) are mechanically predried in a first drying stage (2), thermally dried in a further drying stage (4) and finally thermally utilized by burning or gasification. In order to be able to realize a process of this kind economically, the mechanically dehydrated spent grains (15) in the further drying stage (4) are heated by the aid of a smoke gas occurring within the energy system of a brewery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying material, especially wood particles, having moisture therein, comprising depositing the material to a selected depth onto a transport conveyor at the first end of a drying chamber. Heat is applied to the material as it is transported toward the opposite second end of the drying chamber so that, adjacent the second end, the material forms essentially two layers, a first layer having a first level of moisture therein and a second layer having a second level of moisture therein which is different from the moisture content of the first layer. Means are provided adjacent the second end for removing the second layer, which has the desired moisture, from the conveyor and directing that layer exteriorly of the chamber. The first layer, which has a remaining moisture content greater than the first layer, may be further dried to achieve the desired moisture content.

Abstract: A vacuum dryer and a method of drying a semiconductor device using the same are provided. In the present invention, a vacuum dryer using isopropyl alcohol vapor, including an outer bath, an inner bath, a main water supply line, a supplementary water supply line, an inner bath drain line, and an outer bath drain line, is provided. After cleaning the inside of the vacuum dryer, the inner bath is filled with the supplied deionized water and the deionized water is continuously overflowed. Then, the semiconductor substrate is loaded into the inner bath of the vacuum dryer to which the deionized is continuously overflowed. The loaded semiconductor substrate is dried by supplying the isopropyl alcohol vapor to the inner bath into which the semiconductor substrate is loaded.

Abstract: A modular food dehydrator utilizing a heater blower assembly located on a top surface of a dehydrator module is disclosed. The heater blower assembly includes a motor driven fan, a heating element and an air distribution portion for directing heated air across the support surfaces. The heater blower assembly is preferably releasably attachable to the dehydrator module. In a first embodiment, the dehydrator module has a central opening extending generally vertically through the support surfaces in fluid communication with the heater blower assembly for directing heated air radially outward across the plurality of support surfaces. The dehydrator module preferably includes outlet vents on an outer perimeter surface for exhausting the heated air. At least one outlet vent is preferably located between each of the plurality of support surfaces.

Abstract: A grain dryer includes a wall assembly having (i) an inner wall and an outer wall which defines a grain flow path therebetween, and (ii) a discharge slot defined in the wall assembly through which grain may flow. The grain dryer also includes a grain shelf floor positioned relative to the wall assembly such that grain flowing through the discharge slot advances onto the grain shelf floor. The grain dryer further includes a floor sweep assembly positioned vertically above the grain shelf floor, the floor sweep assembly having (i) a support member, and (ii) a wiper positioned relative to the support member such that, when the floor sweep assembly is viewed in a plan view, the support member defines an intersection with the wiper. The grain dryer also includes a motor for rotating the floor sweep assembly about a central axis. In addition, the grain dryer includes a spacer attached to both the support member and the wiper in a manner which causes the support member to be spaced apart from the wiper.

Abstract: A carriage mechanism for horizontally carrying a rectangular shaped substrate and a gas injection mechanism for jetting a gas toward both upper and lower surfaces of the carried rectangular shaped substrate are provided and an air from a gas injection port is jetted on the substrate toward a center portion from both ends of the substrate, wherein by means of the high pressured air jetted from the gas injection port of the gas injection mechanism, droplets are collected from both end surfaces of the substrate and collected at the center portion of the substrate where the air concentrates, and the collected droplets are blown away from the end surfaces of the substrate with the help of surface tension of the substrate also.

Abstract: A method for closely protecting materials (10) sensitive to contamination by airborne contaminating agents and placed on a work surface (P). At least one decontaminated gas stream (1, 2) is fed from either side towards the materials in a direction substantially parallel to the work surface, and each gas stream (3) leaves the work surface in an intermediate area between the edges of the work surface and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto. Alternatively, at least one gas stream is fed towards the materials from above the work surface at an intermediate area between the edges thereof, and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, and each gas stream leaves the work surface in a direction substantially parallel thereto and on either side of the materials.

Abstract: A drying equipment includes an equipment body including a vapor bath, carrier for carring a semiconductor wafer, receiver tray, inert gas supply unit, cooling pipe, exhaust unit, transportation unit, control unit, etc. An air supply opening of a blower is opposite to a top opening of the vapor bath. The vapor bath contains an organic solvent therein. A vapor is generated by heating the organic solvent. A vapor phase boundary surface is formed on the boundary between the vapor and air overlying the same. When the wafer at low temperature is put into the vapor bath by means of the transportation unit, the organic solvent vapor condenses on the surface of the wafer. The inert gas supply unit supplies an inert gas to the vapor in the vapor bath. The wafer is pulled up slowly from the vapor by means of the transportation unit, and passes the vapor phase boundary surface on the way.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating green woods for the purpose of creating lumber of suitable quality for the implementation of building. The woods are placed in a treatment chamber with a sealed atmosphere, the temperature of the chamber is increased, and the woods are maintained at a specific temperature and humidity for a given period of time, the woods are the sprayed with hot water until the moisture content of the woods are allowed to decrease to a desired value.

Abstract: A method of treating paint sludge containing uncured polymer resin, water and/or solvent is provided in which a paint sludge putty is formed which may be used as a replacement for polymeric components used to form compounded polymeric compositions. The treated paint sludge putty or powder comprises from about 5 to 90% by weight of the total compounded polymeric composition and may be used in a variety of compositions including pressure sensitive sealants, caulking sealants, automotive sealants, polyvinyl chloride plastics, rubbers and asphalt cement coatings, and waterbased sealers and coatings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that prevents premature drying of a layer of a water-based coating composition on a substrate are disclosed.

Abstract: This method relates to a non-draining type human waste disposal by pulse combustion drying. In the method, a pulsating combustion gas is discharged downward into a vertically cylindrical dryer from a pulse combustor disposed at the top of the dryer, and making contact the pulsating combustion gas with residue-removed human waste, digester chamber sludges or their mixtures charged therein, turning the charged matters to dried powder and steam under the dryer conditions of 120.degree.-150.degree. C., withdrawing the dried powder from the bottom of the dryer and the combustion gas containing steam from a lower side of the dryer, dust-removing the combustion gas containing steam maintained at 120.degree.-150.degree. C., deodorizing the dust-removed combustion gas, and exhausting the deodorized gas into the air. As an alternative method, the dried powder and the combustion gas containing steam are withdrawn from the bottom of the dryer, the withdrawn material maintained at 120.degree.-150.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coaxial waveguide applicator for an electromagnetic wave-activated sorption system which comprises at least one sorber having a metallic tubular housing defining an outer conductor and first and second ends which are sealed to define an enclosure within the outer conductor; a sorbate/sorbent compound located within the enclosure; the sorber including a port through which a sorbate may be communicated into or out of the enclosure; a metallic inner conductor extending into the outer conductor and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sorber; an electromagnetic wave generator; and a waveguide for coupling electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generator to the inner and outer conductors; wherein electromagnetic waves transmitted by the electromagnetic wave generator are propagated through the enclosure by the inner and outer conductors to desorb the sorbate from the sorbate/sorbent compound.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a glass fiber package. The apparatus includes a heated bushing for supplying streams of molten glass to be drawn into continuous fibers, a rotatable member adapted to draw the streams into fibers and to wind the fibers into a package, an applicator for applying a size to the fibers, and a drying device including a heated element maintained at a temperature of between about 1000.degree. F. and 1500.degree. F. for contacting and transferring energy in the form of heat to the sized fibers to dry the fibers before they are wound into the package. The heating member is stationary while contacting the sized fibers.

Abstract: A method for lowering the residual monomer content of non-vitrified processing aids for thermoplastic polymers involves subjecting an emulsion polymerizate containing methylmethacrylate and, optionally, up to 50% by weight of a comonomer to a post-catalysis step to reduce the residual monomer content followed by a spray-drying step where the residual monomer content is further reduced. The spray-drying step is performed at an exit temperature which is either above the boiling point of methylmethacrylate or if an optional comonomer is present which has a higher boiling point than methacrylate, at a temperature above the boiling point of the comonomer. The resulting product which is suitable for use as a non-vitrified processing aid has a residual monomer content of 100 ppm or less. The processing aid can be used with thermoplastics to form containers, e.g., beverage bottles of PVC, which would not adversely affect odor or taste of the contained food product.

Abstract: A wide printed paper web is longitudinally separated into at least two partial paper webs after the last printing unit of a printing press and before being dried. The plural partial paper webs are dried in a drying device on separate or the same level. The partial paper webs are dried in a smudge-free manner and are free of longitudinal creases or folds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing or preventing distortion of woods. Woods are heated at a temperature, a relative humidity and for a time sufficient to uniformly distribute lignin and cellulose therein. These woods are then sprayed with heated water and then dried to a desired moisture content.

Abstract: A rotary drum dryer dries a slurry into discrete solid particles. The dryer contains three long horizontal cylinders: an outer cylinder, a perforated cylinder inside the outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder inside the perforated cylinder. As the cylinders rotate, slurry in the outer cylinder is compressed through the perforated cylinder by the inner cylinder and deposited onto the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder in discrete masses. The masses are dried as the cylinder rotates and then are removed by a scraper and conveyed outside the dryer for further treatment and/or packaging.

Abstract: A material to be dried, such as a semiconductor substrate during manufacturing a semiconductor device, is loaded into a process chamber fitted at a loading opening with a lid which is closed from above. The inner side wall surface of the process chamber has a first surface formed in the lower part thereof and is substantially in parallel with the inner wall surface of the lid, and a second surface extending from the upper end part of the first surface and bent outwards to face the inner wall surface of the lid. A processing solution vapor is fed through a steam supply port in the second surface into the process chamber and flowed downwardly over the material to be dried. The processing solution vapor is condensed and recovered below the material to be dried.