Abstract: A laundry appliance having: a treatment chamber; and a humidity measuring arrangement for measuring the humidity of at least one item to be treated. The humidity measuring arrangement has a sensing capacitor and a capacitance sensing unit for measuring a capacitance of the sensing capacitor and obtaining an indication of the humidity of the item to be treated according to the measured capacitance. The sensing capacitor has first and second electrical conductors and a dielectric. A volume of the chamber forms part of the dielectric. The appliance has an extension member configured to be positioned within the chamber for extending the first electrical conductor within the laundry treatment chamber. The extension member has an extension conductor and a coupling conductor, and the extension conductor can be electrically coupled to the first electrical conductor through a capacitive coupling via the coupling electrical conductor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a baking apparatus for secondary battery. The baking apparatus for secondary battery comprises: a feeding device, a discharging device spaced from the feeding device in a horizontal direction, a baking device disposed between the feeding device and the discharging device, and a transferring device. The baking device comprises a baking oven including a housing and a cover for connecting hermetically with the housing. The transferring device is configured to put a secondary battery to be baked, which is conveyed by the feeding device, into the baking oven, and take the baked secondary battery out of the baking oven and convey it to the discharging device.

Abstract: A bulk storage bin is provided for grain and particulate material and includes a hopper bottom formed by a plurality of trapezoidal panels, each having upper and lower edges and opposite side edges. Flanges extend outwardly along each edge of each panel to provide a bolted flanged joint for adjacent panels. Plate assemblies extend along the upper edge of each panel to form a continuous 360° compression ring when the panels are assembled. Each flange has a portion extending behind the plate assemblies, with interior bolt holes. An access hole is provided at each end of each plate assembly for access to the interior bolt holes.

Abstract: A heat pump laundry dryer or a heat pump washing machine having a drying function, includes a control unit controlling an operation of the laundry treatment apparatus. A laundry treatment chamber treats laundry using process air circulated in a process air circuit. A heat pump system has a refrigerant loop in which refrigerant fluid is circulated through a first and a second heat exchanger. A compressor circulates the refrigerant fluid through the refrigerant loop, and a cooling fan unit cools the compressor. During the operation, a conveyance capacity of the cooling fan unit is varied. A detector unit detects an operation parameter indicating a state of at least one electronic board. A method of operation includes operating the cooling fan unit based upon the electronic board operation parameter, and controlling the compressor operation output based upon the electronic board operation parameter, wherein the compressor is a variable speed compressor.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a laundry dryer including a laundry drum (12) with a variable drum rotation speed (vd) and a drying air stream fan (18) with a variable fan rotation speed (vf). The method includes the steps of setting a course of the drum rotation speed (vd) or a course of a drum motor power (Pd) of the laundry drum (12), and setting a fan rotation speed (vf) and/or a fan motor power (Pf) of the drying air stream fan (18) on the basis of the drum rotation speed (vd) and/or the drum motor power (Pd) of the laundry drum (12). The fan rotation speed (vf) and/or the fan motor power (Pf) of the drying air stream fan (18) is decreased with an increasing drum rotation speed (vd) and/or increasing drum motor power (Pd) of the laundry drum (12). The fan rotation speed (vf) and/or the fan motor power (Pf) of the drying air stream fan (18) is increased with a decreasing drum rotation speed (vd) and/or decreasing drum motor power (Pd) of the laundry drum (12).

Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster and methods are provided wherein a solvent vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle solvent vapor throughout a portion of the desolventizer portion of the apparatus housing. In other embodiments of the invention, a water vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle water vapor throughout a portion of the toaster portion of the apparatus housing. The solvent vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate meal dust separator, blower and superheater. The water vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate ejector or blower and superheater. Water vapor recovered in the solvent extraction process may be used as a water vapor feed to the heated water vapor recycling system.

Abstract: Solids drying equipment via an axial flow process can include a plenum, a product to dry distributor feeder, drying air distribution pipe, one or more upper diffusion modules(s), one or more drying chamber(s), lower air diffusion module, with four to sixteen discharge bases with a hollow pyramidal format, discharge hopper, with a sluice, with a drying air feeding pipe and with a vertical output air tube provided with air output extensions. Such equipment may obtain better productivity and may allow for uniform insufflation of a large volume of air in a reduced space, for example, in addition to allowing seeds temperature to be maintained in safe levels due to the greater height of the drying layer, and allowing a progressive rest of seeds which, during motion by gravity, go towards the drying air at the bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster and methods are provided wherein a solvent vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle solvent vapor throughout a portion of the desolventizer portion of the apparatus housing. In other embodiments of the invention, a water vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle water vapor throughout a portion of the toaster portion of the apparatus housing. The solvent vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate meal dust separator, blower and superheater. The water vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate ejector or blower and superheater. Water vapor recovered in the solvent extraction process may be used as a water vapor feed to the heated water vapor recycling system.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a bio-mass processing system, and method of processing waste bio-mass, wherein one or more mixers mixes a bed of bio-mass material such as manure at substantially any and all locations in a defined length and width portion of the bed, in a dryer. Heated air percolates upwardly through the bed. Separation apparatus separates a relatively dryer fraction of the bio-mass material from the dryer. The separated finished product from the dryer is optionally fed to a boiler where the dried bio-mass material is burned. Heat of combustion from the boiler is used as dryer heat for drying the bio-mass feed material in the dryer. Excess heat is optionally used to produce steam, which powers a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. Residual ash from the combustion process comprises about 2% by weight of the solids content of e.g. a feed stream coming into the dryer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pyrolysing a solid organic feed material are disclosed. Solid organic material is moved through a reaction chamber and exposed to a temperature profile within the chamber that dries and pyrolyses the organic material and releases water vapour and a volatile products gas phase. The water vapour phase and the volatile products gas phase are moved counter-current to the solid organic material so that the water vapour phase and condensable components of the volatile products gas phase condense in cooler upstream sections of the chamber and form a liquid water product and a separate liquid oil product. The liquid water product is discharged via an outlet along the length of the chamber and a dried and pyrolysed solid product is discharged from a downstream outlet in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drying a material, that includes the steps of: providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing, transporting a material into the housing, and drying the material in the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, transporting the dried material out of the housing and extracting from the gaseous atmosphere volatile substances which escape from the material into the gaseous atmosphere, especially flavors. The invention is also direct to an apparatus for drying the extruded material.

Abstract: Resin molding work is efficiently carried out in accordance with a consumption amount of resin pellets of a resin molding machine by sequentially supplying small amounts of dried resin pellets in short period of time. When changeover of a molded product is carried out, attached remaining resin pellets can be removed by simple work in a short period of time, thereby carrying out efficient changeover work. An interval of taking out dried resin pellets that are heated and dried in a decompressed state is shortened by sequentially moving a plurality of pellet containers that contain small amounts of resin pellets.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine is provided having a washing compartment, a drying unit that includes an absorption column with a reversibly dehydratable drying agent, and having an air circulation loop through the washing compartment and the drying unit. A temperature sensor is arranged in front of the drying unit and to the rear of the washing compartment with respect to the direction of the flow of air circulating in the air circulation loop.

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: The invention relates to a device and method for drying and deagglomerating moist feed material, whereby the feed material is kneaded, mixed and broken up by the action of at least one roller rolling on a driven plate and is dried by means of hot gas supplied thereto. The invention also relates to a method for converting this device into a mill drying device, whereby the at least one roll is provided with a pressing device.

Abstract: The process separates oil and water from a sludge mixture by directing the sludge mixture into a rapidly rotating friction dryer having a cylindrical chamber with a smooth inner surface and a rotating rotor having rotor arms extending into closely spaced relation to the inner surface of the chamber. The rotor is rapidly rotated to form an annular bed of the sludge material while moving the material particles in the mixture axially and tangentially and while frictionally generating heat between the rotor arms and the sludge material sufficient to evaporate the water in the sludge material to steam. At the same time, the oil in the mixture is heated by the steam and evaporated at a temperature below the normal atmospheric boiling point of the oil. Thereafter, the separated evaporated oil and the steam are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials comprises a support and an oven pivotally mounted to the support. The oven has charging portion for receiving material to be treated and a changeover portion. Incorporated within the changeover portion is a heat treatment chamber through which a stream of hot gases can be passed. The oven is pivotally moveable between a first position in which the changeover portion is higher than the charging portion and a second position in which the charging portion is higher than the changeover portion. The arrangement is such that the oven can be repeatedly moved between the first and second positions so that material within the oven falls from one portion to the other portion, passing through the stream of hot gasses in the heat treatment chamber. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, methods, and compositions for dispensing a fragrance onto laundry in a dryer without substantial loss of that fragrance during the drying process. The apparatus includes an electrostatic vapor generator capable of dispensing a fragrance composition into a dryer. The invention also provides electrostatically dispensable fragrance compositions containing glycols, vegetable oils, and perfumes. The invention further provides a kit and method for enhancing residual fragrance on laundry by adding a fabric conditioning composition and a fragrance composition in separate steps during the laundering process. The invention includes embodiments wherein the dispensation of the fragrance compositions is computer controlled.

Abstract: An immersion processing system is provided for cleaning wafers with an increased efficiency of chemical use. Such a system advantageously uses less cleaning enhancement substance that may be provided as gas, vapor or liquid directly to a meniscus or wafer/liquid/gas bath interface so as to effectively modify surface tensions at the meniscus with minimized chemical usage. Such a delivery system design may be applied for single wafer processing or for processing multiple wafers together within a single liquid bath vessel. For single wafer processing, in particular, cleaning enhancement substance can be delivered along one or both major sides of the wafer, preferably at the meniscus that is formed as the wafer and liquid are relatively moved, while a processing vessel usable for such single wafer processing may itself be designed with a minimized size to accommodate a single wafer.

Abstract: A manure processing apparatus which has a circular processing bin and a plurality of augers, with the augers arranged vertically and adapted to move in a circular path within the processing bin, and to raise and mix the manure continuously. The apparatus further comprises an air conditioning system to compost the manure and to dry the manure to produce feed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating plastic material, especially polyethylene terephthalate, wherein the relatively low temperature material is initially crystallized by heating before subjecting said material to heating or condensation in the solid phase. The material is then exposed to a hot treatment gas for at least 10 minutes in at least two chambers (2) of an apparatus and crystallized at a temperature above 135° C., e.g. 140-180° C. The is subsequently heated in a preheating chamber (3) having at least one to eight stages at a temperature of at least 185° C., preferably at least 200° C. and more preferably around 220° C.

Abstract: A manure processing apparatus is defined which has a processing bin and a plurality of augers, with the augers arranged vertically and adapted to move back and forth along the length and width of the processing bin. The apparatus further comprises an air conditioning system to compost the manure and to dry the manure to produce feed.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates, such as silicon wafers, wherein the substrates are immersed for some time in a bath containing a liquid and are taken therefrom so slowly that practically all of the liquid remains in the bath. The substrates are brought from the liquid directly into contact with a vapor of an organic solvent which is mixed with a carrier gas and introduced from gas leads having outlet nozzles. The vapor is miscible with the liquid to yield a mixture having a surface tension lower than that of the liquid, and which does not condense on the substrates. No drying marks with organic or metallic residues or other contaminations remain on the substrates.

Abstract: In a method for controlling airflow on a backside of a semiconductor wafer during spin processing, a wafer backing plate is first disposed below a semiconductor wafer. Air is then supplied to the volume defined by the wafer backing plate and the semiconductor wafer. The air may be supplied to the volume through a hollow core spindle, a rotary union, or apertures in the wafer backing plate. The separation distance between the wafer and the wafer backing plate and the flow rate of air supplied to the volume may be controlled to avoid any substantial recirculation of contaminated air into the volume. In addition to serving as one of the boundaries that define the volume, the wafer backing plate reduces particle recontamination on the backside of the wafer by preventing particles from contacting the backside of the wafer during spin processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating plastic material, especially polyethylene terephthalate, wherein the relatively low temperature material is initially crystallized by heating before subjecting said material to heating or condensation in the solid phase. The material is then exposed to a hot treatment gas for at least 10 minutes in at least two chambers (2) of an apparatus and crystallized at a temperature above 135° C., e.g. 140-180° C. The is subsequently heated in a preheating chamber (3) having at least one to eight stages at a temperature of at least 185° C., preferably at least 200° C. and more preferably around 220° C.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement is provided for treating substrates, such as, for example, silicon wafers (1), in which the latter are immersed for some time in a bath (2) containing a liquid (1) and are then taken therefrom so slowly that practically the whole quantity of liquid remains in the bath (2). According to the invention, the substrates (1) are brought from the liquid (3) directly into contact with a vapor not condensing thereon via leads (17) with outlet nozzles (18). The vapor is of a substance miscible with the liquid (3), which, when mixed therewith, yields a mixture having a surface tension lower than that of the liquid. It has been found that no drying marks with organic or metallic residues or other contaminations then remain on the substrates (1).

Abstract: A process and an apparatus is disclosed for drying sludge or other materials, more specifically, sewage sludge, in which a mixture of base material and wet material is introduced to a drier and passing hot gas or hot air passed over the mixture. The process and apparatus by regulating the feed rate of the wet material (wet sludge) in relation to the exit temperature of the hot gas or hot air from the drier. In embodiments, the feed rate of material is adjusted to maintain a substantially constant temperature of the gas.

Abstract: A recirculating batch peanut drying apparatus including a drying station for heating the peanuts, a tempering station for cooling the peanuts after heating, and a recirculating device which transports the peanuts in a continuous flow between the drying station and the tempering station.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving articles, such as lids for containers, from one location to other locations depending on processing requirements of a manufacturing operation wherein a continuous supply of lids are separated into units, each having a plurality of lids, which units are moved into a plurality of infeed stations and transferred to one of a plurality of inclined generally planar surfaces in spaced apart generally parallel relationship and wherein the lids roll over the inclined generally planar surfaces under the influence of gravity and wherein the transfer of a unit from an infeed station to one of the plurality of inclined generally planar surfaces and the movement thereover is controlled by a plurality of pivotally mounted gates. Heating means are provided for curing a heat curable coating on portions of the lids when necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drying hopper comprising, disposed in its lower position, a cone portion having diameters gradually decreasing toward a lower end thereof, in which a high temperature gas is injected toward powder descending in the cone portion to thereby dry the powder, wherein said drying hopper comprises a cone portion 11 having a slant, circular wall, said cone portion 11 having a plurality of vertically spaced rows of nozzles 20, formed through the circular wall, disposed at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the circular wall; a plurality of vertically spaced ring-like shells 21 fluidtightly attached to an external surface of the circular wall of the cone portion 11 with interstices therebetween in positions such that said plurality of rows of nozzles 20 are respectively, at gas inlets thereof, covered by said plurality of ring-like shells 21; and a plurality of gas feed pipes 22 respectively connected to said plurality of ring-like shells 21 in communicating relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluidized bed reactor in which olefins are polymerized or copolymerized in a bed formed by particles being polymerized and fluidized with the aid of a circulating gas. In the reactor, a circulating gas is fed from a gas space above the fluidized bed into the lower part of the reactor. The lower part of the reactor includes an annular space having an defined by an upwards tapering rotating conical surface and an outer wall defined by a downwards tapering rotating conical surface.