Abstract: An automatic cleaning unit for AMHS includes a plurality of sensors disposed on OHT rails. The sensors are configured to define a cleaning zone and to detect a location of an OHT vehicle. The automatic cleaning unit further includes a vacuum generator and a top cleaning part installed over the OHT rails in the cleaning zone. The top cleaning part is coupled to the vacuum generator. The vacuum generator is turned on to perform a vacuum cleaning operation when the sensors detect the OHT vehicle entering the cleaning zone.

Abstract: Wood pulping process including pulping wood to produce a pulping effluent or liquor. Pre-concentrating the liquor in a pre-concentration unit produces concentrated liquor, a contaminated condensate and a non-contaminated condensate. Directing the concentrated liquor to a multi-effect train of forced circulation solids concentrators that further concentrating the concentrated liquor to form a highly concentrated liquor. Directing the contaminated condensate produced by the pre-concentration unit to a steam stripper and stripping gases therefrom and in the process producing a contaminated vapor stream. Utilizing the contaminated vapor stream and its thermal energy to power the forced circulation solids concentrators of the multi-effect train.

Abstract: In various embodiments, novel methods of fabricating and/or packaging aerogels are provided.

Abstract: A dryer for an electrode substrate of a rechargeable battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a drying oven for drying an electrode substrate by feeding the electrode substrate to an inlet and discharging it through an outlet; fixed guide rolls provided at a distance from each other between the inlet and the outlet to guide the electrode substrate; lifting guide rolls ascended or descended at one side of the respective fixed guide rolls to guide the moving electrode substrate; driving rolls disposed to correspond to locations of the lifting guide rolls; and a shuttle moving toward the outlet from the inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly drying porous materials. A sealable chamber is connected to a cold trap which is connected to a vacuum pump. A sample is placed inside the sealable chamber. The vacuum pump is turned on and air is evacuated through the cold trap to the vacuum pump. An infrared lamp may be used to heat the chamber and sample therein directly or heated air may be allowed to enter the sealable chamber. Air may be drawn directly from the sealable chamber to the vacuum pump bypassing the cold trap. Various parameters may be used to determine if the drying process is complete, including the degree of vacuum achieved in the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating fluids from drill cuttings. Specifically, the invention relates to shakers that incorporate a vacuum system and methods of operating such systems to effect a high degree of fluid separation. The system and methods are effective across a variety of screen sizes, vacuum flows and vacuum designs.

Abstract: A drying apparatus that dries a porous membrane that is carryable along a predetermined direction and a drying method, the drying apparatus including a housing; a plurality of air suppliers arranged in the housing along the predetermined direction so as to inject air toward the porous membrane; and a plurality of air exhausters arranged in the housing along the predetermined direction so as to exhaust air that has been injected from the air suppliers to an exterior of the housing, wherein the plurality of air suppliers are symmetrically arranged with one another at opposite sides of the porous membrane to face each other with the porous membrane disposable therebetween.

Abstract: A robot system according to one aspect of an embodiment includes a robot and an instructing module. The robot holds one of a plurality of feed materials used for processing a workpiece. The instructing module gives instructions to the robot, when the feed materials are used for processing the single workpiece, for an operation in which the feed material held last in the previous round of processing a workpiece is used first in the subsequent round of processing a workpiece.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for preventing or reducing raised edges in wound films are disclosed herein. This improvement can be accomplished by employing a roll spacer that is narrower than the film and/or by entrapping a gas between the layers in the wound film. One or more embodiments of the present invention concern a multilayered wound film roll.

Abstract: A fabrication apparatus of a display that is adaptive for improving reliability is disclosed. The fabrication apparatus of a display device includes a chamber for vacuum heating; a hot plate disposed on the inside of the chamber; a plurality of external pipes that are disposed on the outside of the chamber, and to which vent gas for converting the atmospheric pressure of the inside of the chamber, which is in a vacuum state, into the atmospheric pressure of the outside is supplied; a gas outlet tube, which is extended from the external pipe and disposed on the inner side surface of the chamber in order to discharge the vent gas; and a gas heating part which is disposed on each of the external pipe and heats up the vent gas supplied from the outside.

Abstract: Vacuum concentrator, comprising a vacuum chamber with a closure which may be sealed in an airtight manner, a centrifuge rotor arranged in the vacuum chamber with at least one receiver for at least one vessel for samples to be dried, a drive motor arranged outside the vacuum chamber for driving the centrifuge rotor, a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum chamber, a tempering device associated with the vacuum chamber for tempering the at least one sample in the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor associated with the vacuum chamber for detecting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber and an electrical control and evaluating device which is connected to the drive motor, the vacuum pump, the tempering device and the pressure sensor, for detecting the end point of the vacuum concentration by means of the pressures detected by the pressure sensor in the vacuum chamber and terminating the vacuum concentration when the end point is determined.

Abstract: A skate dryer assembly. The assembly has a skate, a dryer module, and a device for blowing or sucking air through or from the module. The skate includes a boot and a blade. The dryer module defines a slot therein adapted to receiving and retaining the blade therein.

Abstract: A device is provided for separating beads from a carrier fluid, the device comprising: a bead-receiving means for receiving beads dispersed in a carrier fluid, a fluid removal means operable to remove fluid from the bead-receiving means in a first fluid removal zone by the application of reduced pressure, and a bead collection means operable to remove beads from the bead-receiving means in a bead collection zone by the application of reduced pressure, the bead-receiving means being movable so that beads are movable from the first fluid removal zone to the bead collection zone.

Abstract: A coalescing dryer passes air downwardly through items to be dried in a container. The air can be diverted to change direction following passage of the air through the items to be dried. The moving air causes liquid on the surface of items to be dried to coalesce and travel downwardly and from the items being dried. A vacuum dryer applies a vacuum to the container of items to be dried when placed in a vacuum chamber after pre-drying by the coalescing dryer so as to evaporate liquid in the items to be dried that has not been removed by the coalescing dryer.

Abstract: A vacuum kiln apparatus and method of using same are disclosed for use in drying corn, other grains, seeds and legumes. The vacuum kiln apparatus can include a support base, a wall, a vacuum pump system, a pressure valve, a top hatch, a machinery access hatch, an anti-overload baffle, a conveyor system, a motor, a chamber vent valve, an air outlet manifold and an air compressor. The wall defines an internal chamber for receiving the grain. The vacuum pump system is used to draw down the pressure within the internal chamber which drives moisture out of the corn while maintaining the integrity of the corn, i.e., drying the corn with little or no cracking. The air outlet manifold along with the air compressor are used to flush high pressure air through the piles of corn to strips off any residual water that may be clinging onto the exterior of the corn grains.

Abstract: A hygienic razor blade dryer is provided that comprises a housing having an interior, a razor blade holder disposed within the interior that is adapted to receive a razor blade, a dryer for drying a razor blade received in the razor blade holder, and a vacuum for evacuating the air within the interior to prevent moisture buildup in the air and on the razor blade and to inhibit oxidation on the blade surfaces. A sanitizer may also be provided to sanitize the razor blade before, during or after the dryer operation.

Abstract: An evacuation method which can reduce evacuation time without causing moisture-related problems. In a vacuum processing apparatus including a vacuum processing chamber, during the evacuation for the vacuum processing chamber, the pressure in the vacuum processing chamber is maintained at a pressure lower than or equal to the atmospheric pressure but higher than or equal to 6.7×102 Pa (5 Torr).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for removing a solvent from a solvent wetted surface of a heat exchange tube. The method includes placing the heat exchange tube in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the vacuum chamber to a lower pressure at which the solvent boils to a vapor, and reclaiming the solvent vapor. The method may include heating the heat exchange tube within the vacuum chamber to a temperature of at least room temperature, but below the solvent's flash point temperature. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum chamber and a solvent reclaimer for recovering solvent vapor. The apparatus may also include an infrared heater, a radiant heater or other non-flame heater. The method and apparatus may be used for removing solvent from a heat exchange tube having an inside surface wetted with a solvent carrying a dry lubricant.

Abstract: A dryer includes a sealed drum, a heat pump system, a vacuum device and a steam generating device. The steam generating device connects with the interior of the drum to introduce hot steam into the interior of the drum. The vacuum device connects with the interior of the drum. The heat pump system is arranged external to the drum. Heat generated by the heat pump device is exchanged with the outer surface of the drum through a liquid medium so as to heat the wet clothes in the drum. Simultaneously, damp-hot air mixed with the water vapor in pumped from heating clothes in the drum by the vacuum device and the hot steam pumped into the drum and contacted with clothes are cooled and condensed into water. The water produced by damp-hot air is connected with water provided by the steam generating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an accompanying facility (1) for drying plant material (19), such as, for example, fruits, spices, plants, herbs and the like, by means of a stream of drying gas which is supplied to a drying installation. The method according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the material to be dried is distributed to a plurality of trays (15-17) of the drying installation (1), which trays are arranged one above the other and through which gas can flow, where each tray is supplied with a portion (10, 11) of refreshed and conditioned drying gas so that an almost uniform drying rate of the material to be dried is obtained on the individual trays.

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: Systems and methods for separating fluids from drill cuttings. Specifically, the invention relates to shakers that incorporate a vacuum system and methods of operating such systems to effect a high degree of fluid separation. The system and methods are effective across a variety of screen sizes, vacuum flows and vacuum designs.

Abstract: A vehicle dryer includes an energy-conserving rotatable inlet butterfly valve to selectively admit or block air to a fan encased in a blower housing. The valve includes a plate mounted on a shaft that extends across the inlet portion of the blower housing. The plate is rotated by its shaft to either an opened position for admitting air into a blower housing, or a closed position for blocking air from entering into the blower housing. A crank arm is coupled to the valve shaft, and a pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod for turning the crank arm through a ninety-degree angle, thereby rotating the valve plate between its opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A mobile surface drying apparatus includes a vacuum fan, a blower fan, a vacuum and blower assembly and tubing. The vacuum and blower assembly includes a vacuum head powered by the vacuum fan and a blower head positioned next to the vacuum head and powered by the blower fan. The tubing connects the vacuum head to the vacuum fan and the blower head to the blower fan. The vacuum head includes an inlet that suctions moisture from a surface and the blower head includes an outlet that communicates airflow onto the surface to direct moisture toward the vacuum head to enable the vacuum head to extract the moisture from the surface.

Abstract: The removal of moisture from an object to be sterilized is provided through at least the steps of placing the load in the chamber, reducing the pressure within the chamber to increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from the load, monitoring over a predetermined period of time the increase in the quantity of vapor within the chamber resulting from evaporation of moisture from the load, admitting gas into the chamber and repeating the steps following placing the load into the chamber.

Abstract: An electrode dryer includes a drying furnace; and a conveyance member for longitudinally conveying a band-like electrode base material coated with a coating material from an entrance to an exit of the drying furnace, the drying furnace including an air-permeable mounting member for horizontally supporting the electrode base material to be conveyed in the drying furnace; and a suction member for sucking the electrode base material through the air-permeable mounting member.

Abstract: A method and a device for rapidly drying ware shell, and a ware shell, are provided, in the field of precision casting technology. Conventionally, the ware shell drying process fails to ensure high quality of a ware shell and rapid drying simultaneously when the ware shell has a complex structure. The method includes the following steps: a. putting a ware shell to be dried in a sealed chamber; b. vacuuming the sealed chamber under the premise condition of controlling the ware shell in a constant temperature state, and cooling the gas in the sealed chamber in a predetermined time period to condense the moisture in the sealed chamber; c. vacuum injecting gas to the sealed vacuum chamber to make the chamber return to normal atmosphere pressure; d. determining whether the ware shell is dry. If result is YES, then end, otherwise back to step b.

Abstract: A coalescing dryer passes air downwardly through items to be dried in a container. The air can be diverted to change direction following passage of the air through the items to be dried. The moving air causes liquid on the surface of items to be dried to coalesce and travel downwardly and from the items being dried. A vacuum dryer applies a vacuum to the container of items to be dried when placed in a vacuum chamber after pre-drying by the coalescing dryer so as to evaporate liquid in the items to be dried that has not been removed by the coalescing dryer.

Abstract: A disclosed heating apparatus for heating a substrate on which a film is coated includes a process chamber having a gas supply opening for supplying a first gas to the process chamber and a gas evacuation opening for evacuating the first gas from the process chamber; a heating plate that is arranged in the process chamber and includes a heating element for heating the substrate; plural protrusions arranged on the heating plate so as to support the substrate; plural suction holes formed in the heating plate so as to attract by suction the substrate toward the heating plate; and a gas inlet adapted to supply a second gas to a gap between the heating plate and the substrate supported by the plural protrusions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin film drying method, an alignment film drying method and a method for manufacturing a display panel. The thin film drying method comprises the following steps: forming the thin film on a substrate; placing the substrate in a vacuum chamber; and reducing a pressure in the vacuum chamber. The thin film drying method can be applicable to the alignment film drying method and the method for manufacturing the display panel. The invention can enhance the film quality after drying.

Abstract: This dry cleaning method for a plasma processing apparatus is a dry cleaning method for a plasma processing apparatus that includes: a vacuum container provided with a dielectric member; a planar electrode and a high-frequency antenna that are provided outside the dielectric member; and a high-frequency power source that supplies high-frequency power to both the high-frequency antenna and the planar electrode, to thereby introduce high-frequency power into the vacuum container via the dielectric member and produce an inductively-coupled plasma, the method comprising the steps of: introducing a gas including fluorine into the vacuum container and also introducing high-frequency power into the vacuum container from the high-frequency power source, to thereby produce an inductively-coupled plasma in the gas including fluorine; and by use of the inductively-coupled plasma, removing a product including at least one of a precious metal and a ferroelectric that is adhered to the dielectric member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying and reducing the particle size of malleable material. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a drying apparatus for use with a malleable material, comprising a blower, an airlock feeder, a main line which contains an accelerator, a conditioning chamber, and a dehydration chamber, a polishing line which contains an accelerator, a conditioning chamber, and a dehydration chamber, and a squid line blower for providing pressurized heated air to the apparatus. An alternative preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a method of drying and size reducing malleable material.

Abstract: A drying system (100) for use in drying out a water-damaged structure includes a blower (105) for providing outside air to the water damaged structure. An indirectly fired furnace (101) is used for heating the outside air prior to its introduction into the water-damaged structure. An exhaust blower (114) removes humid air from the water-damaged building, and one or more remote temperature and humidity sensors (117) are used for controlling the furnace air temperature and supply blower volume. An air intake filter box (111) is used for adding make-up air to recirculated building air and promoting cooling within accompanying trailer. A differential air pressure transmitter (118) controls the volume of moist air removed from the water damaged building to an optimal rate.

Abstract: A vacuum kiln apparatus and method of using same are disclosed for use in drying corn, other grains, seeds and legumes. The vacuum kiln apparatus can include a support base, a wall, a vacuum pump system, a pressure valve, a top hatch, a machinery access hatch, an anti-overload baffle, a conveyor system, a motor, a chamber vent valve, an air outlet manifold and an air compressor. The wall defines an internal chamber for receiving the grain. The vacuum pump system is used to draw down the pressure within the internal chamber which drives moisture out of the corn while maintaining the integrity of the corn, i.e., drying the corn with little or no cracking. The air outlet manifold along with the air compressor are used to flush high pressure air through the piles of corn to strips off any residual water that may be clinging onto the exterior of the corn grains.

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: An apparatus and method for microwave vacuum-drying of organic materials, such as food products. The apparatus has a microwave vacuum chamber 20, a loading module 36 to load containers 38 of the organic material into the vacuum chamber, a rotatable cylindrical cage 64 in the vacuum chamber for rotating the containers, a piston 114 for moving the rotating containers through the vacuum chamber, and means for unloading the containers of dehydrated material from the vacuum chamber. The apparatus may include an equilibration chamber 150 for cooling the dehydrated material under reduced pressure, and a transfer module 42 to transfer the containers from the vacuum chamber to the equilibration chamber. The apparatus has a microwave transparent window 54 for transmission of radiation into the vacuum chamber, and a gas jet 58, 60, 62 for blowing a stream of gas, such as air or nitrogen, into the vacuum chamber adjacent to the window.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of drying wet or water damaged surfaces using a vacuum source, a manifold, and a plastic sheet covered grid having a lattice formation with spaces to permit the passing of moisture and air from and beneath the surface to the vacuum source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening of polycondensation catalysts, wherein at least two polycondensation catalysis reactions are performed simultaneously under substantially equivalent conditions in at least two reaction cells which are present in one and the same room, using a sample comprising material to be polycondensated and a catalyst to be screened, and wherein the performances of the catalysts are analyzed. The present invention further relates to an apparatus suitable for performing the method.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning Fire Control Radar APG-68 tactical radar systems (FCR) utilized in military aircraft and returning them to operation with extended useful life expectancies equivalent to or better than new of the FCR APG-68 unit high frequency, high voltage dual mode radar transmitters that are deployed in over 1000 state-of-the-art military aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, and B-1 bombers. The novel method extends the mean lifetime of previously repaired and repairable FCR APG-68 tactical radar units and radar units and ageing transmitters from about 100 to a few hundred hours to about five hundred or more hours by the step of removing embedded moisture and absorbed moisture from the heterogeneous electronic components in the FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit.

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: A mobile surface drying apparatus includes a vacuum and blower assembly. The vacuum and blower assembly includes a vacuum head and a blower head. The vacuum head suctions moisture through an inlet of the vacuum and blower assembly, and the blower head communicates airflow through an outlet of the vacuum and blower assembly.

Abstract: Methods and devices of drying biological materials are described, including a desiccation chamber that may be used to dry biological materials while substantially preserving functional integrity of those materials. The desiccation devices and methods provide optimal conditions and ease of use for drying biological materials. The devices and methods provided here may be used to prepare biological materials for use in one or more of diagnostic, therapeutic, industrial, and research applications.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a tube-shaped chamber after performing at least one deposition process includes equipping a tube-shaped cleaner into a loading chamber, loading the tube-shaped cleaner into the tube-shaped chamber and injecting a cleaning gas, and cleaning the tube-shaped chamber using the tube-shaped cleaner.

Abstract: A laundering aid having a core member, such as an elastomeric ball member, that includes a covering comprising an abrasive or brush-like material adapted for engaging and lifting matter, such animal hair, adherent to the surface of fabric articles when the laundering aid is placed into contact with clothing and other fabric articles within an operating tumble-type clothes dryer. The covering may further include a second material comprising a material that substantially lacks characteristics for lifting matter from other fabric, the first material being disposed adjacent to or over the first material to form a series of discrete sections having different properties that facilitate the dislodgement and or removal of the hair or other fine matter. The exemplary elastomeric ball member may be inflated for shape retention, while allowing for expansion when heated during the drying cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to dry veneer or other items by vaporization of moisture in the item. Apparatus has an insulated chamber with a frame and a drawer with a door. A mesh surface of the drawer supports item for drying with a heater at sub-atmospheric pressure inside of the chamber. Item is placed on the layer of mesh of the drawer of the apparatus and secured with fasteners such as another layer of mesh. The drawer with fastened item is placed into the chamber of the apparatus. With the drawer fully engaged within the chamber, the drying apparatus is closed with an airtight seal. A pump draws a vacuum in the chamber and heat is directed at the item to raise the temperature of the item to less than 160° F., particularly between 120° F. to 150° F. Apparatus can dry veneer in less than five minutes.

Abstract: Vacuum concentrator, comprising a vacuum chamber with a closure which may be sealed in an airtight manner, a centrifuge rotor arranged in the vacuum chamber with at least one receiver for at least one vessel for samples to be dried, a drive motor arranged outside the vacuum chamber for driving the centrifuge rotor, a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum chamber, a tempering device associated with the vacuum chamber for tempering the at least one sample in the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor associated with the vacuum chamber for detecting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber and an electrical control and evaluating device which is connected to the drive motor, the vacuum pump, the tempering device and the pressure sensor, for detecting the end point of the vacuum concentration by means of the pressures detected by the pressure sensor in the vacuum chamber and terminating the vacuum concentration when the end point is determined.

Abstract: This vacuum processing apparatus has a fixed processing chamber 24 and two movable load lock chambers 28a and 28b. A gate valve 26 is provided on the processing chamber 24, and gate valves 30 are respectively provided on the load lock chambers 28a and 28b. Each of the load lock chambers 28a and 28b is moved in a Y direction by a preparatory chamber moving mechanism 34. A vacuum seal 54, which is expandable and shrinkable so as to vacuum seal a gap G between the gate valves 26 and 30 which are set close to each other during the expansion, is provided around a peripheral edge portion of the processing chamber gate valve 26. Further, a substrate transporting mechanism for transporting a substrate 2 between the processing chamber 24 and each of the load lock chambers 28a and 28b set close thereto.

Abstract: A method of dewatering a fibrous web in a paper machine including the steps of carrying the fibrous web on a side of a first fabric; contacting the fibrous web with a side of a second fabric, the fibrous web being between the first fabric and the second fabric; and passing air successively through the first fabric, the fibrous web and the second fabric.

Abstract: A vacuum dryer and method for drying granular or powdery material including at least one canister for holding said material being movable among a series of locations including material heating and vacuum drying locations, means for moving said canister among said locations, and means for directing heating air to a canister for delivery to said canister at a selected position on said canister for heated air passage though material in said canister in a selected direction corresponding to the selected position at which said heated air is delivered to said canister.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a first detection unit for detecting a temperature of an inner wall of the vacuum vessel, a second detection unit for detecting a temperature of the processing unit, and a first control unit for controlling a temperature of the gas. The first control unit controls the temperature of the gas based on a temperature gradient between the temperatures of the inner wall and the gas or a temperature gradient between the temperatures of the processing unit and the gas. A method for removing particles from a processing apparatus includes a first detection step for detecting a temperature of an inner wall of the vacuum vessel, a second detection step for detecting a temperature of the processing unit, a first control step for controlling a temperature of the gas, and a gas introduction step for introducing the gas into the inner space of the vacuum vessel.