Treating Gas Or Vapor Drawn Through Material Patents (Class 34/507)
  • Patent number: 11712006
    Abstract: A grain aeration system facilitates thorough and efficient aeration of grain within a grain bin. The system includes a grain bin having a top vent and a bottom vent. A stand is positioned within the grain bin. A duct includes a loop section supported on the stand and an extension extending from the loop section out through the bottom vent in the grain bin. The duct has a duct wall and a plurality of perforations extending through the duct wall. A blower drives air flow out of the bottom vent creating air flow into the grain bin through the top vent and into the duct wherein the blower is configured to aerate grain positioned within the grain bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: LeRoy Edlund
  • Patent number: 11668448
    Abstract: Vehicle exterior lighting systems for vehicles equipped with tailgate assemblies may be configured to provide redundant backup lighting functionality for all tailgate positions (e.g., closed, open, and removed). Exemplary systems may include both vehicle static body structure mounted backup lamps and tailgate structure mounted backup lamps for providing the backup lighting redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Aquilina, Michael Bryan Vanbelle, Corey M. Ross, Kenneth C. Meissner
  • Patent number: 11255041
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tumble dryer (1) comprising a housing (2), a rotatable drum (11) in the housing being accessible from a front side (3) of the housing, and a fan arrangement (13) for producing a flow of process air through the drum. A heat pump is used for drying the process air before it enters the drum, the heat pump comprising a condenser (19), a compressor (17), and an evaporator (15). The condenser 19 the compressor (17), and the evaporator (15) are arranged as components in a heat pump unit (43), wherein the heat pump unit is removable from the remainder of the tumble dryer (1) through an opening in the rear side of the tumble dryer housing without separating the components. This facilitates for instance service of the tumble dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Electrolux Professional AB (publ)
    Inventors: Johan Brisjö, Martin Nilsson, Gunnar Ingemar Persson
  • Patent number: 10107565
    Abstract: A cooling module of a galley chiller system is provided including an internal chamber. A heat exchanger assembly has air and a liquid coolant flowing there through. The heat exchanger assembly includes a first heat exchanger core and a second heat exchanger core. The first heat exchanger core and the second heat exchanger core are arranged generally sequentially within the internal chamber. Heat transfer within the first heat exchanger core is limited such that a temperature of the air in the first heat exchanger core remains above freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steve Shubat, Donna S. Prause, Thomas M. Zywiak, Donald E. Army, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9839210
    Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting furniture, having a main member including an inner surface configured for receiving the furniture. The main member includes a plurality of apertures disposed along the inner surface. The apparatus has at least one temperature controller and at least one air source to the controller for heated blowing air. The apertures are in communication with at least the air source, and UV light from the light source and air from the air source can at least partially pass through the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Stewart
  • Patent number: 9358498
    Abstract: A device for automatically detecting and removing air from a gas mixture of an organic gas and air includes calculating a saturation pressure value based on a temperature of the gas mixture in a reservoir 1, and obtaining a pressure threshold value by adding a margin value to the saturation pressure value. When the pressure value inside the reservoir 1 is higher than the pressure threshold value, air is detected to be in the gas mixture. After this detection, a controller 5 pressurizes and introduces the gas mixture into a pressure container 2 to condense the organic gas in the gas mixture, thus producing a diluted gas mixture. Subsequently, the diluted gas mixture is introduced to a supply side of a membrane unit 3, the organic gas in the diluted gas mixture is recovered at a permeation side thereof, and a residual gas is discharged outside of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mikiko Hatama, Kokan Kubota, Yoshitaka Kawahara, Hiroaki Shibata, Ichiro Myogan, Isamu Osawa
  • Patent number: 8875415
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a drying method by which both cost reduction and superior physical properties can be attained in a step which comprises subjecting a water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer obtained by polymerizing an aqueous monomer solution to fine granulation during or after the polymerization, and drying the resultant particulate water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer with a through-circulation band dryer. The method has a feature in that the drying conditions over a period from a time of introducing the particulate water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer into a drying zone of the through-circulation band dryer to a time of reaching a solid content concentration thereof to 80% by weight, satisfy that (1) a difference of temperature between a temperature of hot air blown to a particulate hydrogel layer and a temperature measured after the hot air passes through the particulate hydrogel layer is 20 to 70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Irie
  • Patent number: 8863402
    Abstract: A dryer for drying objects of material has a container-like body. The body is substantially tight and material to be dried can be fed into it. The body may be substantially upright or inclined. The material to be dried is fed at the lower part of the body is discharged from the upper part thereof and drying gas is directed to the dryer substantially at the upper part of the body and taken off from the lower part thereof. This is achieved by shut-off arrangements of the feeding and discharge of the material to be dried and by the structure of the body. The drying gas circulates in the dryer in a substantially closed circulation. The drying gas taken off from the lower part of the body is heated by element of a heating device and the heated drying gas is fed to the upper part of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: CCM-Power Oy
    Inventors: Leo Ruokamo, Heikki Majava
  • Patent number: 8858213
    Abstract: An apparatus for the application of atomized fluid to a permeable web material is disclosed. The apparatus has a fluid source and a receipt plenum. The fluid source is disposed in proximate fluid contact with the first surface of the web material. The fluid source has a positively pressured permeable roll having atomized fluid and at least one aperture disposed therein. The apertures provide fluid communication between an inner portion of the roll and a surface thereof. The fluid is disposable from the inner portion to the surface through the apertures into contacting engagement with the permeable web material. The receipt plenum has an opening disposed adjacent to the second surface of the web material that provides a source of negative pressure to the second surface of the web material that causes the fluid to traverse through the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: André Mellin, Kevin Benson McNeil, Peter David Meyer
  • Patent number: 8567099
    Abstract: A system and process for removing an inorganic salt from a catalyst roaster belt is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus with a drying vessel having a catalyst roaster belt inlet, a catalyst roaster belt outlet, a heating medium inlet, and a heating medium outlet, wherein the catalyst roaster belt inlet and the catalyst roaster belt outlet are spaced apart along a first direction, the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet are spaced apart along a second direction, the heating medium inlet is spaced apart from the catalyst roaster belt inlet in the second direction, and the catalyst roaster belt inlet is between the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet along the second direction. The system includes an acid bath and a moveable catalyst roaster belt extending from the acid bath through the catalyst roaster belt inlet and through the catalyst roaster belt outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: Hua Bai, Ralph S. Kruska
  • Patent number: 8215029
    Abstract: Exemplary mobile drying containers and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the mobile drying container includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall having a gate, an interior bottom, an upper volume and a lower volume separated by a ventilated floor supported by support members, wheels positioned below the lower volume, and one or more support legs positioned below the lower volume to provide support between the mobile drying container and the ground. The upper volume holds the crop to be dried, and the gate of the second end wall is operable to open and provide a path to dump or remove the crop. The lower volume is operable to receive a flow of air from an opening to assist with the drying of the crop. The present invention also encompasses other embodiments and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: APT Advanced Trailer and Equipment, LP
    Inventor: Randal W. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110047814
    Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: ERIC K. WATSON, Derek Lee Watkins, John K. Besore, Subhash Viswanathan Kollengode, Yogesh Kumar Allimalli, Sarah Lynn Kirchoff, Kyle Eden, David Scott Dunn, David D. Warmuth
  • Patent number: 7882646
    Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian N. Gorbell, Christianne Carin, legal representative, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud
  • Patent number: 7874082
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for drying bulk material, especially bark, sawdust, pretreated sludge or a mixture of these. Also provided are a method and apparatus for cooling waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process. Certain embodiments include a pulp mill, paper mill and a novel way of using a wire. Other embodiments provide for cooling in one and the same heat exchanger the waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process while simultaneously heating the gas that cools the waste water. Heated gas extracted from the heat exchanger is conducted through one or several drying conveyers and through the material to be dried that is conveyed on the drying conveyer so as to dry the material with the heated gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: UPM-Kymmene Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Saarela, Juhani Kinnunen
  • Publication number: 20100101109
    Abstract: This disclosure reveals a combination of embodiments that increase the evaporation rate of liquid solutions when subjected to blow-down gas flows. Certain gas flow separator baffles or framed inserts with vanes may be especially effective to enhance evaporation when combined with aggressive blow-down flow rates and centrifugal force. The centrifugal force applied to the evaporating liquid protects sample integrity by preventing the solution(s) from splashing out of the drying container. Such splashing, when high blow-down gas flow rates are directed into the sample containers, affects yield and purity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Herbert J. Hedberg, Brian A. Kangas, Michael A. Burns
  • Patent number: 7574816
    Abstract: A drier apparatus for removing water or other liquids from various materials includes a mixer, drying chamber, separator and regenerator and a method for use of the apparatus. The material to be dried is mixed with a heated media to form a mixture which then passes through the chamber. While passing through the chamber, a comparatively cool fluid is passed counter current through the mixture so that the mixture becomes cooler and drier and the fluid becomes hotter and more saturated with moisture. The mixture is then separated into drier material and media. The media is transferred to the regenerator and heated therein by the hot fluid from the chamber and supplemental heat is supplied to bring the media to a preselected temperature for mixing with the incoming material to be dried. In a closed loop embodiment of the apparatus, the fluid is also recycled from the regenerator to the chamber and a chiller is utilized to reduce the temperature of the fluid to a preselected temperature and dew point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Steve D. Shivvers
  • Patent number: 7401417
    Abstract: When drying a web-formed material, the web-formed material is passed, in contact with a gas-permeable dryer screen, through a drying plant. One or more fans blow hot process air against, and through, the web-formed material in order to dry it. A chamber, surrounding the fan or the fans, has a limiting surface that is essentially parallel to the surface of the web-formed material. This limiting surface has an opening that extends essentially across the whole width of the web-formed material. A distributing member, in the form of an arcuate perforated, sheet-formed element, placed outside the chamber, covers the opening completely. With the distributing member a first flow of process air is divided into a large number of jets, distributed over essentially the whole of the angular area that faces the web-formed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Andritz Fiber Drying Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Ingemar Rydell, Ake Ringqvist, Heikki Salo
  • Patent number: 7024796
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Christianne Carin, Christianne Carin, legal representative, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud, Brian N. Gorbell, deceased
  • Patent number: 6886271
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an improved method of drying wet or water damaged surfaces. The method uses a vacuum source, a manifold, and a plastic sheet covered grid. The grid includes a lattice formation with spaces to permit moisture and air to pass from and beneath the surface to the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Injectidry Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest J. Storrer
  • Patent number: 6880265
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a method of drying metallic waste having pyrophoric tendencies (liable to catch fire and/or explode), said waste being for compacting; an apparatus for drying said waste, the apparatus including a compacting canister and being suitable for implementing said drying method; and a canister for compacting said waste, the canister being particularly adapted to implementing said drying method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Maurice Ladre, Serge Le Cocq, Gérard Limeuil
  • Publication number: 20040064969
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a material which includes a process chamber, a process pan operatively connected to the process chamber and removable therefrom, a blower operatively connected to the process chamber and to a heat source, the blower adapted to force heated air into the process chamber through the material disposed on the process pan, the forced heated air adapted to vaporize hydrocarbons and other contaminants disposed on the material, and at least one condenser operatively connected to the process chamber and adapted to condense the vaporized hydrocarbons and other contaminants is disclosed. Further, a method for separating hydrocarbons from a material which includes passing a stream of heated air over the material to volatilize the hydrocarbons, passing the stream of heated air containing the hydrocarbons through at least one condenser to form liquid hydrocarbons, collecting the liquid hydrocarbons, and recirculating the heated air is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Gary E. Fout, Jerry T. Connaughton
  • Patent number: 6607785
    Abstract: Disclosed are dual chambered bubbler designs for use with solid organometallic source material for chemical vapor phase deposition systems, and a method for transporting a carrier gas saturated with source material for delivery into such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael L. Timmons, Richard J. Colby, Robert S. Stennick
  • Patent number: 6598313
    Abstract: The invention produces equipment for drying bales of forage comprising: at least one unit for generating hot air (30) channeled onto at least one pair of treatment units (A, B) stack one over the other, each having a rectangular bottom chamber (2, 5) and top chamber (4, 6), kept apart by spacing devices (40, 41; 60, 61; 103, 104) supporting the top chamber above the bottom chamber, and where one or more telescopic columns (A1, A2, A3; B1, B2, B3) set between the bottom chamber and the top chamber transfer the hot air from the bottom chamber to the top one. The bales are set in each treatment unit between the bottom chamber (2, 5) and the top chamber (4, 6) stacked in two layers so that they can be dried by the countercurrent flow of hot air. One or more of the telescopic columns (A3; A1, A2) is provided with shutoff dampers (20; 101, 102) suited to opening/closing the air flow from the bottom treatment unit (A) to the top treatment unit (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Clim.Air. 50 Srl
    Inventor: Giovanni Beltrame
  • Patent number: 6519870
    Abstract: A method for heating bulk materials, especially granular plastic material, in which the bulk material is fed to a vessel and exits the vessel based on the consumption. A heat-transfer gas flow is simultaneously fed to the vessel and conducted either cocurrently with or countercurrently to the flow of granular material. The gas inlet temperature or quantity of gas are thereby varied in such a way that the temperature of the granular material at the outlet corresponds to a target temperature value required for the granular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mann & Hummell ProTec GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Becker, Michael Zlotos
  • Patent number: 6471898
    Abstract: A system and a method for reducing the level of moisture of fluent materials or wet solid materials, characterized in that the material to be treated is provided in a particle form and then exposed to a relatively high volumetric flow of gas treating medium which is drawn through the material so as to force the moisture in the center of each individual piece to migrate towards the periphery thereof where it can be easily evaporated. Air at ambient temperature may be used as gas treating medium so as to minimize the level of energy required to provide an efficient drying operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Solutions Mabarex Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Barré, Marcel Bilodeau
  • Patent number: 6449875
    Abstract: A method for heating bulk materials, especially granular plastic material, in which the bulk material is fed to a vessel and exits the vessel based on the consumption. A heat-transfer gas flow is simultaneously fed to the vessel and conducted either cocurrently with or countercurrently to the flow of granular material. The gas inlet temperature or quantity of gas are thereby varied in such a way that the temperature of the granular material at the outlet corresponds to a target temperature value required for the granular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel Protec GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Becker, Michael Zlotos
  • Patent number: 6311411
    Abstract: An vertical dryer (10) is provided having a plurality of individual dryer decks (12-18) including alternating fan and heater decks (14, 16), an air circulation assembly (11), and an upright, common plenum chamber (26) in communication with the decks (12-18). The assembly (11) is operable to create a continuous drying air stream which passes upwardly in countercurrent flow relationship to product on the decks (12-18). Also, the assembly (11) serves to pass the drying air stream into, through and out of the plenum (26) at the level of each heater deck (16); in the plenum (26), the air stream velocity is decreased, causing particulate fines to fall out of the stream for collection. The use of the common plenum (26) also allows independent control of the decks (12-18) in terms of air flows therethrough and recirculation characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Clark
  • Patent number: 6202321
    Abstract: The invention is a convective airflow dryer system for coffee beans and other such crops, that includes a removable materials container. The removable, stackable container has at least one interior airway structure extending from, preferably, the bottom or sidewall surface to about the top of the container. The airflow structure is configured to freely admit, flow and transfer air, including moisture ladened air, through a port or vent in the bottom or sidewall, over its length and breadth into and out of the coffee beans or other crops or materials being dried, and out the top of the container. The dryer system and the containers are configured for directing the full airflow of the dryer system through the container or set of interconnected containers when in place, and to easily remove the containers from the dryer for emptying, refilling and reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Paul B. Soucy
  • Patent number: 6189237
    Abstract: Process and device for drying a moving web. The process includes vaporizing moisture in the web, creating a blanket of compressed air along a first surface of the web, and the blanket of compressed air directing the vaporized moisture in a direction from the first surface toward a second surface of the web that faces away from said blanket of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Mayer, Karl Steiner
  • Patent number: 6122839
    Abstract: A method of contacting an article placed in a chamber with a gas flowing through the chamber includes the step of displacing at least one interior surface in or of the chamber relative to the article so that the surface and the article are positioned adjacent one another to inhibit the flow of gas between them and to encourage the flow of gas into contact with the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Gilbert Franciscus Evarist D'Hollander
  • Patent number: 6079119
    Abstract: A method and device for simultaneous drying bodies of air-permeable material, comprises providing a hole in each body, the hole containing a tube having an air permeable mantle and placing the bodies adjacent each other so that the holes thereof form a continuous chamber, interconnecting two adjacent bodies by connecting the tubes belonging to the two, adjacent bodies by interconnecting members so that the two bodies abut against each other while preventing undue air leakage therebetween, the interconnecting members being arranged to allow, with a relatively small resistance, movement of the tubes towards each other but to counteract, with a relatively great resistance, movement of the tubes away from each other and establishing a pressure difference between the hole in each body and the surroundings of the body for generating a drying air flow through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Borje Magnusson
  • Patent number: 5960556
    Abstract: An improved system is disclosed drying interior layers of sheathing by reducing moisture in narrow wall spaces, particularly between layers of sheathing and/or insulation board. The method involves inserting a special nozzle into a hole drilled into the wall. The nozzle has a depth gauge in the form of a shoulder, calibrated screw threads or other equivalent means to control the placement of a drying substance into the space without damaging the insulation board or blocking the outlet for the drying substance which may be warm, low humidity air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Phillip E. Jansen
  • Patent number: 5915816
    Abstract: A method of preparing an adsorbent which contains a medium, which medium may comprise water. The medium is removed from the adsorbent by a hot regeneration gas, and the adsorbent is then cooled, wherein heat recovered during said cooling is used to heat the regeneration gas in a heat accumulator/exchanger. In order to improve the dewpoint characteristics of the dried gas, the adsorbent is passed successively through the following zones:an adsorption zone in which the adsorbent adsorbs the given medium;a regeneration zone in which the regeneration gas is passed through the adsorbent; anda cooling zone in which heat is withdrawn from the adsorbent, to be transferred to the heat accumulator/exchanger. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the described method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Roderich W. Graff
  • Patent number: 5887514
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a press, and a control device for reducing the capillary-bound water content in fiber cells of carbon-containing, finely comminuted solid materials and/or sludges. The method according to the invention includes rapidly raising the movable press plate of a filter press while the pressure chamber remains closed. A steam-coal dust mixture is formed due to the rapid expansion. At the same time, a first discharge lock is opened while the second discharge lock remains closed so that the exhaust steam flows in the direction of the controlled outlet valve. The exhaust steam can then be sent to a heat exchanger and then to another heat exchanger and, finally, may be reused for a subsequent operating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt, Eckhard Kintscher
  • Patent number: 5862612
    Abstract: Water content which is bound by capillarity in fiber cells of carboniferous materials is reduced by a thermomechanical dewatering process. In the process, the carboniferous materials are conveyed by a dispersion box into a pressure chamber including upper and lower plates. Steam is applied to the materials introduced into the pressure chamber from both the upper and lower plates to heat the materials up to about 125.degree. C. and to release the water which is bound by capillarity in the fiber cells. Initially, the pressure within the chamber is maintained at no greater than the steam pressure. Subsequently, the pressure chamber is sealed gastight and the carboniferous materials in the pressure chamber are pressed using the upper and lower plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt
  • Patent number: 5862609
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying solid foodstuffs is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing in which a gas permeable conveyor carrying the foodstuffs is arranged. The housing is divided into at least one drying section and at least one cooling section near the discharge end of the conveyor. Each section comprises means for generating a flow of drying or cooling gas along the foodstuffs, perpendicular to the conveyor. After passing along the foodstuffs, the gas is recirculated to drying or cooling means arranged in each section. The foodstuffs are thus first heated and then cooled down, so that the temperature thereof at the discharge end is substantially equal to the temperature at which the foodstuffs are supplied. The drying and cooling means are arranged such, that the temperature of the foodstuffs does not exceed 40.degree. C., and that the foodstuffs leave the apparatus at a temperature of less than 5.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Backus Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Petrus Johannes Maria Stevens, Hubertus Gertruda Cornelis Peeters
  • Patent number: 5702655
    Abstract: Provided is a method for charging a powdery heat insulator into a thermally insulated, double-shelled tank between its inner vessel and outer vessel. The method comprises causing a powdery heat insulator to flow together with water into a space between the inner vessel and outer vessel of a thermally insulated, double-shelled tank, discharging the water in said space, and then drying the powdery heat insulator. The pressure in the space is then also reduced. The drying of the powdery heat insulator can be carried out by heating either the inner vessel or outer vessel, or both of these vessels, or by inert gas flow, such as nitrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Toshiro Kato
  • Patent number: 5659974
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing and regenerating an adsorbent material which material contains a medium (particularly moisture). The medium is removed from the adsorbent material by a hot regeneration gas, following which the adsorbent material is cooled. In order to improve the energy efficiency ("energy balance") in a process for drying a humid gas, particularly humid air, it is proposed that regeneration offgas be passed through the adsorbent material immediately before the adsorbent material is subjected to (final) regeneration, the regeneration offgas having a lower temperature than the hot regeneration gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Roderich Wilhelm Graeff
  • Patent number: 5653043
    Abstract: Apparatus of the present invention for batch drying crop in the shell comprises a bin having a generally cylindric bin wall, a conical upper drying floor carded by the bin wall, means floor for forming a substantially uniform layer of the crop to be dried on the upper surface of the upper drying floor, and selectively operable means for effecting the gravity discharge of the batch of crop from the upper drying floor. An inverted conical lower drying floor is carded by the bin below the upper drying floor for receiving the crop discharged from the upper drying floor. The lower drying floor has a hopper shaped crop supporting surface. Means is associated with the lower drying floor for forming a substantially uniform layer of crop on the lower drying floor upon the crop being gravity discharged from the upper drying floor. The lower drying floor further has a bottom outlet for the gravity discharge of the crop supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: The GSI Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Bestwick, Jeffrey D. Decker
  • Patent number: 5604994
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Annen, Akira Tsuzaki, Isao Shizuma, Takao Uetake, Mitsunori Ichimura
  • Patent number: 5600899
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying solid foodstuffs is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a gas premeable conveyor belt, a plurality of heaters arranged under the conveyor belt. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of coolers. A cool gas is supplied to a first heater, heated and drawn through the conveyor belt by a first fan. The gas is transported back under the conveyor belt to a second heater, and then again drawn through the conveyor belt by a second fan. Thus, the gas is led through and along the conveyor belt along a corkscrew-shaped path against the direction of supply of the foodstuffs. As the gas is heated along its path, the gas temperature is lowest at the first location where the gas is drawn through the conveyor belt, which first location is nearest the discharge of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Bakcus Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus P. J. M. Stevens, Hubertus G. C. Peeters
  • Patent number: 5570517
    Abstract: An improved slurry dryer of the type having a plurality of beater blades carried on a rotating shaft in a cylindrical housing, the improvement in combination therewith of a plurality of scraper blades mounted on at least one disk carried by the rotating shaft at the inlet end of the dryer for scraping the cylindrical side wall and the end wall to prevent the material entering the dryer from adhering and remaining on the side and end wall of the cylindrical housing. The scraper blades are replaceable and adjustable with respect to the side and end walls of the housing by slotted mounting to accommodate wear of the scraper blades. An air dam in the form of a radially extending disk is provided downstream of the scraper blade disks to direct drying air radially outward to impinge on the slurry material to be dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Scott Equipement Company
    Inventor: William A. Luker
  • Patent number: 5343632
    Abstract: A dryer is designed as a closed system in which heated air used to dry the materials is continuously recycled within the drying compartment of the dryer without being discharged to the atmosphere, thus increasing the efficiency of the system while preventing the discharge of contaminated vapors to the atmosphere and also conserving energy which would otherwise be required to heat or air-condition the air drawn into the dryer from the building in which the dryer is located. A regenerative heat exchanger and an atmospheric cooler/condenser are provided in the dryer and condense and remove moisture from the saturated air and transfer the heat of condensation back into the air before the air is reheated and recycled back to the materials to be dried. The drying compartment may comprise an enclosed tunnel through which a rack of superposed trays are conveyed or may comprise some other conveying mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Advanced Dryer Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Khanh Dinh