Abstract: A device for the drying of tooth or bone surfaces includes a radiation source for irradiating the tooth or bone surface to be dried, a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of displaying an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG). In one embodiment, an EPG is constructed of a three dimensional virtual mesh, in which independent objects representing television programs are situated. The virtual mesh is displayed perpendicularly, so that the hardware requirements of the set top box (STB) may be reduced. A user can navigate the mesh to find television programs that they wish to view. A user can designate the types of television programs that they prefer, and these programs will be displayed more prominently. In addition, the mesh is constructed of at least two planes. The first plane is flat, while all other planes are hyperbolic to correct for a viewer's line of sight.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described to dry solid objects being manufactured in a chain of steps. The apparatus contains a cartridge to hold the objects, a chamber to house the cartridge, nozzle sections to spray drying agents on the objects, and a vacuum section to remove the drying agent and the released solvent. The apparatus also contains an optical radiation source such as an IR lamp for heating the objects, which can be used in conjunction with the vacuum section for removing solvent and drying steps. The cartridge or the nozzles can be swayed changing the orientation of the objects and the nozzles. The spraying step and evacuating steps can be repeated as needed.

Abstract: This invention resides in an apparatus and related method for rapidly curing thin film sol-gel coatings, particularly such coatings adhered to low melting temperature plastic substrates, whether rigid or flexible, without deforming the substrate. The curing is achieved using IR heating lamps and dry or humid hot gas flow. This curing densities the sol-gel coating and provides desired optical and mechanical properties. The use of IR lamps and hot-gas nozzles, either singularly or in combination, produces a rapid cure by effectively heating the thin film coating layer. In this manner, a sufficiently high temperature can be attained in the film layer, to densify the sol-gel coating, but for a sufficiently short time duration to avoid melting or otherwise deforming the substrate. The sol-gel coatings can be cured two to three orders of magnitude faster than with conventional oven curing, leading to significant cost reductions and manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a freeze-drying process in an apparatus (1) holding one or more samples (9) of a material to be freeze dried, comprises the steps of directing input radiation onto the sample (9), the input radiation forming output radiation by interaction with the sample (9); collecting at least part of the output radiation and leading the thus collected radiation to a radiation analyzer (11); and analyzing the collected radiation spectroscopically in the radiation analyzer (11) to obtain a measurement value of one or more freeze-drying parameters of the sample (9), such as the temperature of the sample (9) and/or the content of a solvent in the sample (9) and/or the structure of the sample (9).

Abstract: A UV curing module for use with a label printer. UV curing lamps/radiation emitters are located to cover the label media path. The UV curing module may be integrated into the label printer or similar devices including a label applicator or a label rewinder.

Abstract: A drying station for drying printed sheets transported by a transport belt includes an irradiation device for irradiating the printed sheets, a deflection section located in vicinity of the irradiation device for guiding the transport belt away from the irradiation device, and a shielding device disposed between the transport belt and the irradiation device for shielding the transport belt against radiation from the irradiation device while the sheets are exposed to the radiation. A printing machine including the drying station and a method for drying printed sheets are also provided.

Abstract: A method for processing semiconductor wafers and similar articles has an ozone remover connected to a processing chamber. The ozone remover has a light chamber surrounded by reflectors. Ozone and other processing gases and vapors flow out of the processing chamber and into the light chamber. Ultraviolet lights in the ozone remover flood the light chamber with ultraviolet light, converting ozone into oxygen. The amount of ozone released into the environment is reduced. A recirculation line receives the gases and vapors flowing out of the ozone remover. Oxygen and any remaining ozone are separated from other gas and vapor components and are recycled back to an ozone generator, to increase the ozone generator efficiency in supplying the machine with ozone.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture for providing electromagnetic drying of printed media. A resonant cavity allows support of standing waves along many radial axes throughout the resonant cavity. The electromagnetic drying unit allows forced air to be introduced into the resonant cavity, thereby reducing moisture within the resonant cavity and extending the life of the resonant cavity. Input and output openings may be arranged longitudinally along the resonant cavity and may be designed to substantially reduce the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from them during operation. A honeycomb feature at the end of the resonant cavity may allow egress of the forced air, while substantially reducing the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from the end of the resonant cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer (1) for drying continuously conveyed products, e.g. a warp, comprising essentially a first dryer array (2) and a second dryer array (3). A passage (4) for passing through the product (W) is formed between the dryer arrays (2, 3). The second dryer array (3) is configured in such a way as to be able to move in relation to the first dryer array (2). When the dryer (1) is in stop position (S), the second dryer array (3) is disposed relative to the first dryer array (2) in such a way that the cross section of the passage (4) is bigger than in the operating position (B).

Abstract: Heated cylinder and process of using same for heating a fibrous material web in machines for one of producing and refining the fibrous material web. The heated cylinder includes a cylinder jacket having an outer jacket layer with good heat conductivity, a heat insulating layer positioned contiguous to and inside of the outer jacket layer, and at least one heating system positioned outside the cylinder jacket adapted to heat at least a surface of the cylinder. The process includes heating a surface of the cylinder to a temperature between about 120 and 250° C. with the at least one heating system, and guiding a material web over a portion of the surface of the cylinder such that the material web contacts the surface of the cylinder for a period of at least about 50 ms.

Abstract: A dryer uses a two-phase drying system having a brief water condensation interval, followed by impinging parallel laminar recirculating hot air jets which impinge on wet ink to increase the copy rate of inkjet printing and to increase the quality of the printed image.

Abstract: Method and device for moisture profiling of fibrous material web to be dried in machines for manufacturing and/or refining of fibrous material web. Method includes subjecting fibrous material web to electromagnetic waves in the form of high-frequency waves. Device includes a fibrous material web support that supports travel of fibrous material web and a rotating cylinder. Rotating cylinder receives fibrous material web from fibrous material web support, and fibrous material web support is arranged outside fibrous material web in relation to the surface of the rotating cylinder. At least one electromagnetic wave transmitter is also included.

Abstract: A process chamber 25 for processing a semiconductor substrate, comprises a support for supporting a substrate 50. A gas distributor 90 provided for introducing process gas into the chamber 25, comprises a gas nozzle for injecting process gas at an inclined angle relative to a plane of the substrate 50, into the chamber 25. Optionally, a gas flow controller 100 controls and pulses the flow of process gas through one or more gas nozzles 140. An exhaust is used to exhaust the process gas from the chamber 25.

Abstract: A method and device for moisture profiling of a fibrous material web to be dried in machines for manufacturing and/or refining this web that includes subjecting the fibrous material web to electromagnetic waves in the form of microwaves and/or high-frequency waves.

Abstract: The device (10) and method are used for ventilating an offset pocket space (12) located in a drying section of a papermaking machine by injecting air from at least one heated dry air supply inlet (11). The offset pocket space (12) is situated between three axially-parallel drying cylinders (20) over which consecutively runs a paper web (14). A first and a third of these cylinders (20) are vertically spaced from a second one. The paper web (14) is pressed against the first and the third cylinder (20) by a felt (16) which further runs around a felt roll (26) having a rotation axis parallel to that of the cylinders (20). The felt roll (26) is disposed between the three cylinders (20) in an offset position which is closer to the first cylinder (20) than the third cylinder (20).

Abstract: A combined infrared and hot air dryer includes a pressurized hood which is fed with combustion air through an air delivery duct. Each cross-direction zone of the hood includes a mixer. The air enters the mixer without any direct connection between the delivery duct and the mixer. Gas is supplied to each mixer from a gas manifold having a gas supply tube for each mixer. Excess air from the hood is fed through thin-walled tubes into the IR exhaust duct in a counter flow fashion to provide pre-heated clean air for air bars trailing the infrared zone.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying a substance that is being rapidly conveyed in a conveyor apparatus, in particular for drying layers of printing ink on rapidly transported paper, wherein in a drying zone by means of incident electromagnetic radiation a moisture component, in particular a solvent, is separated from the substance to be dried. The separated moisture component is transported away from the drying zone by means of a transport gas current. Efficient and rapid drying of in particular printed newsprint or thermal printing paper is attained at high conveyor velocities.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and method utilizes the combination of radiant heat and air to quickly dry photosensitive material. The arrangement of the drying apparatus is such that radiant heat said assembly including a heating bar and a reflective cover positioned on one side of said conveying path, and a reflective member disposed on the other side of said conveying path, said reflective cover and said reflective member reflecting the heat from said heating bar toward said conveying path.

Abstract: A method of drying veneer sheets by continuously shingling discrete wood veneer-sheets to form a layup where the leading edges of adjacent sheets are offset by a distance X with the lower, veneer sheet leading in the direction of movement the one there above and continuously feeding the so formed layup in the direction of movement into a drier where the veneer sheets while still in the layup are dried. The dried veneer sheets are then separated into discreet dried veneer sheets and are thereafter individually tested.

Abstract: A thermal processing unit for the processing of plastisol-based floor coverings comprising a radiant heat transfer section which raises the temperature of a plastisol-based floor covering to an approach temperature followed by a convection heating section which raises the temperature of the plastisol-based floor covering to a predetermined target temperature.

Abstract: A dry end of a machine for manufacturing a material web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, includes at least one convection drier, having at least one drying section. The material web passes through the at least one drying section, and is guided between two air-permeable wire belts.

Abstract: A device for pressing and drying organic materials in a microwave oven. The organic material is inserted between two sheets of thin cloth which are, in turn, sandwiched between two thick felt pads. These pads are then sandwiched between platens made from inorganic material. The assembly is placed in a microwave oven and heated, resulting in a pressed and dried organic material.

Abstract: An improved clothes dryer has a rotatable drum with an emissive coating on the drum to reflect energy from a heat source, such as a radiant infrared lamp, inside the dryer. By reflecting the energy inside the rotatable drum, the rate of heat transfer is increased, thus increasing drying rate and increasing the energy efficiency of the dryer. Convection air can be used in combination with the infrared heat to further enhance drying.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removing solvents from coated materials while capturing evaporated vapors in a confined space and maintaining non-explosive conditions within the space. Microwave energy may be applied to a coated material as the coated material passes through a cavity configured to produce an electromagnetic resonance mode. The application of microwaves to the coated material causes rapid evaporation of the solvents. The cavity is also configured to confine the evaporated vapors in a small volume and control the inflow of air into the volume so as to produce an effluent waste stream which includes a relatively high concentration of solvent molecules while maintaining a non-explosive atmosphere within the cavity. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for treating coated web materials, especially continuous webs.

Abstract: A combination infrared/air convection dryer or oven for travelling webs. A shutter assembly is provided between the infrared radiation source and the moving web in order to selectively expose the web to infrared radiation, and to create a sealed air chamber when in the closed position. Enhanced drying of the web and/or a coating on the web at high speed is achieved without a concomitant increase in dryer length. When the drying atmosphere has a high concentration of solvent, exposure of that atmosphere to the heating elements, which can cause explosions, is eliminated by actuation of the shutters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, air bars are used to floatingly support the moving web to avoid contact of the web with dryer elements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an information carrier which cures an adhesive by means of UV radiation in an inert-gas atmosphere. The adhesive is interposed as an adhesive layer between two superposed layers of a disc-shaped information carrier. The device includes a UV source, a supplier for an inert gas, and a holder for holding the information carrier in a centered position with respect to a centering axis. The inert-gas supplier has discharge openings for inert gas, situated in a circular zone around the centering axis, at a distance from the centering axis which substantially corresponds to the radius of the peripheral edge of the information carrier, so as to cause inert gas to flow past the peripheral edge during curing, as a result of which locally present oxygen which would interfere with curing is expelled.

Abstract: In a method for drying substrates, in particular, semiconductor wafers, an especially residue-free drying of the substrates results when, during removal of the substrates from a liquid, a meniscus of the liquid forming at the transition between the substrate surface and the liquid surface is heated. A device for performing the method is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for manufacturing or treating a material web that includes at least one heatable cylinder and a combustion unit. The combustion unit is adapted to heat the at least one heatable cylinder with at least one of combustion gases and infrared radiation and the material web is adapted to be guided one of alone and with a transport belt over the at least one heatable cylinder. The apparatus also includes at least one blower box positioned to direct a hot gas onto the material web. The hot gas is at least one of the combustion gas and heated by the combustion gases. The process includes heating the at least one heatable cylinder with at least one of combustion gases and infrared radiation of the combustion unit, guiding the material web, one of alone and with a transport belt, over the at least one heated cylinder, and directing a hot gas from the blower box onto the material web, the hot gas being at least one of the combustion gas and heated by the combustion gases.

Abstract: A method for drying and/or curing a traveling web including a RF generating means for delivering RF through field and RF stray field to the web to heat the web, air bars to direct air flow to the web for cooling to facilitate emission of moisture therefrom and to avoid blistering due to overheating, an RF field generator to reflect RF energy to the web, and a control system to monitor and to control air temperature and/or flow, RF field strength, and/or web temperature to maintain a balance between heating and cooling to obtain efficient high speed drying while avoiding damage to the web.

Abstract: A method and device for drying a coating on a paper web or equivalent in which the direction of running of the paper web is turned, free of contact, by blowings produced by a turning device and the coating on the paper web is dried free of contact by blowings of drying devices placed at both sides of the paper web. The direction of running of the paper web is turned by drying blowings. The exhaust air of the turning device and drying device, which is placed at the side of the turning device, is removed from direct vicinity of the paper web or equivalent by a common exhaust device. The turning device and drying device are placed under and within a common box construction so that access of the exhaust air into the surrounding space is prevented. The device includes a turning device for turning the running direction of the paper web free of contact and a drying device for contact-free drying of the coating on the paper web.

Abstract: A thermal processing unit for the processing of plastisol-based floor coverings comprising a radiant heat transfer section which raises the temperature of a plastisol-based floor covering to an approach temperature followed by a convection heating section which raises the temperature of the plastisol-based floor covering to a predetermined target.

Abstract: A process for drying a web of material moving at a speed of at least about 150 feet per minute. In the first step of the process, a web of material is contacted with a first mixture of air and flue gas while passing the web under a first air nozzle. Thereafter, a portion of the first air/flue gas mixture is exhausted through a first exhaust nozzle disposed less than 12 inches away from the first air nozzle. Thereafter, the web is passed under a multiplicity of gas fired infrared radiation emitting burners while contacting said moving web with infrared radiation and flue gas and heating said moving web to a temperature of from about 100 to about 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Thereafter, the web is contacted with a second mixture of air and flue gas while passing it under a second air nozzle.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for controlling drying of a photographic material in which, by controlling respective temperatures of a contact-heating device and warm air, temperatures can be controlled to the minimum temperature necessary to provide the photographic material with optimal effects so that the relative contributions of drying the photographic material by the contact-heating device and the warm air are always constant.

Abstract: An infrared wood product dryer apparatus (10) constructed in accordance with the invention broadly includes enclosure structure (12) defining an interior (20), a conveyor assembly (14) configured for conveying a particulate material along a material flow path through the interior (20) substantially between an inlet (22) and an outlet (24), an array of infrared radiant energy sources (22) configured for exposing the material to infrared radiant energy while it is conveyed along the path (38), and a series of agitators (18) configured for agitating the material in order to increase the exposure of the material to the infrared radiant energy. A gas recirculation assembly (52) is provided to direct a heated interior gas onto the material in order to convection-dry the material. An exhaust assembly (62) reduces the moisture content of the interior gas by drawing a quantity of the gas from the dryer (10) so that fresh gas having a lower moisture content may be drawn into the dryer (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a crop growing in a field by continuously cutting the crop with a transportable cutter and forming a layer of the cut crop on a moving conveyor. A stream of solar heated air is continuously forced onto the moving crop to reduce its moisture content. Thereafter the crop is continuously formed into bales and the bales accumulated. The crop is processed by continuously cutting, solar drying, baling and accumulating it directly in the field in a one pass operation within a contained, transportable chamber. A dessicant material aids in removing moisture from air used for drying so that dried air can be recirculated.

Abstract: An infra-red dryer utilizes high velocity air jets which scrub and break up the moist air layer which clings to the surface of a freshly printed and/or coated sheet. The high velocity air jets are directed through multiple air flow apertures across an array of infra-red lamps onto the freshly printed and/or coated sheets. An extractor exhausts the moisture-laden air from an exposure zone while short wave infra-red radiation heats the ink and/or protective coating. The effective exposure to pressurized air is increased by the air jets which produce a balanced pressure air blanket along the sheet travel path. The moist air layer is displaced from the printed and/or coated sheet and is extracted from the press as the sheet moves through the exposure zone.

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

Abstract: A device for coating a paper web includes two applicator rolls disposed parallel to one another, forming a roll gap for the passage of a paper web therethrough. At least one applicator for applying a coating onto a surface of at least one of the rolls is also provided. The coating roll thereafter transfers the coating onto one side of a paper web disposed in the roll gap. Guide elements disposed downstream of the roll gap with respect to a direction of travel of the paper web through the device include at least one beam-like air guide element adapted to create an air cushion-between the paper web and a surface of the air guide element facing the paper web. The air guide element is disposed in such a manner as to deflect a paper web at least once downstream the roll gap. At least one air guide element is disposed directly downstream of the roll gap at a distance from the roll gap of about 0.3 times to about 1 time the diameter of at least one of the rolls.

Abstract: A paper tinting and drying machine has a tinting module and a dryer module spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance so that aqueous liquid ink with less than five percent volatile organic compounds by volume applied to the underside of the paper can be visually inspected by the machine operator and so that ink application adjustments located on the paper output side of the tinter module can be accessed by the machine operator. Rollers in the tinting module constrain the paper to follow a path of travel through two sets of inking rollers so that both sides of the paper are evenly coated. After entering the dryer module without smearing or transferring wet ink to the dryer module input guide roller, the ink on the paper is dried by air knives and infrared heaters within the dryer module. In a first embodiment, the rollers in the tinting module drive the paper through the machine.

Abstract: A method and a device (1) to treat a paper web (12) by using air, which flows around and cools the infrared lamps (4), to impinge against the paper web and thereafter be removed. A glass plate (9), supported by a pair of glass holders (8), is used to shield the paper web from the infrared lamps. In order to improve the total efficiency and, in particularly, to achieve even and efficient drying of the paper web by using less energy, the cooling air outlets adjacent the glass holders are designed as adjustable width nozzles (19) to direct the heated air against the paper web. The nozzles extend across the entire width of the paper web and the cooling air is ejected from the nozzles at high speed thereby forming an air knife to tear apart the boundary layer of humid air which follows the paper web and subjects the paper web to a more intense heat treatment.

Abstract: The emulsion surface of a film may be damaged as it is pushed into or pulled through a dryer unit. Described herein is a transport arrangement for transporting a film through a dryer which comprises a conveyor belt for transporting the film, and air jets arranged above the surface of the belt. The film is placed on the conveyor belt with its emulsion surface uppermost. The air jets operate to hold the film against the belt as it is transported through the dryer as well as assisting in the removal of moisture from the emulsion surface.

Abstract: A method and a system serve to completely or partially dehydrate sludge by evaporation which originates from e.g. sewage. The sludge is dried with addition of heat in a drying chamber (2), the sludge being transported on an endless travelling grate (3) from an inlet opening (8) in the drying chamber (2) to a discharge opening (9) in it. The sludge is deposited on the grate in a plurality of juxtaposed sludge strings (18) by means of an extruder (6), in which the sludge is preheated to almost 100.degree. C. prior to extrusion. The extruded strings (18) are then heated with such an intensity that the water in the sludge immediately begins to boil, and that a zone of preferably saturated water steam is formed at any rate in the immediate vicinity of the sludge. This provides a light and porous, dried sludge product which is in no way either burnt or scorched, and which constitutes excellent fuel as well as excellent compost.

Abstract: A drying method and a device each employ a specific range of infrared radiation which has a high transmissivity relative to a coated layer formed on a metal substrate and a high absorptivity relative to the substrate. The energy transmitted through the coated layer is absorbed in the substrate and changed into heating energy to heat the substrate surface. The backsurface of the coated layer is also heated and solidified. The surface of the coated layer is solidified at the termination of the drying process so that surface is not injured by evaporation of solvent from the coated layer. A combination of infrared radiation and a blow of hot air ensures that the coated layer will not experience irregular heating which helps to prevent the generation of pin holes in the coated layer and shortens the drying period. The blowing direction is oriented in the same or at right angles to the infrared radiation.