Abstract: Methods for releasing thinned semiconductor dies from a mount tape and associated apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sacrificial layer may be disposed at a back side of thinned substrate including semiconductor dies. The sacrificial layer includes materials soluble in contact with a fluid (and/or vapor). A sheet of perforated mount tape may be attached to the sacrificial layer and an ejection component may be provided under a target semiconductor die to be released. The ejection component is configured to create a locally confined puddle of the fluid under the target semiconductor die such that the sacrificial layer is removed to release the target semiconductor die from the mount tape. Further, a support component may be provided to pick up the target semiconductor die after the target semiconductor die is released from the mount tape.

Abstract: A freeze-drying device includes a controller configured to control depressurization of containers filled with a liquid including a raw material and a medium to freeze the liquid from a liquid surface. The freeze-drying device also includes a gas capture pump configured to exhaust a freeze-drying chamber accommodating the containers, and a positive-displacement pump configured to discharge gas from a space accommodating the gas capture pump. The controller executes an exhaust mitigation process that performs the depressurization at an exhaust capability that is less than a rated exhaust capability of the freeze-drying device. The controller uses a partial pressure value of the medium to determine when the exhaust mitigation process ends. The controller maintains an exhaust speed of the gas capture pump and decreases an exhaust speed of the positive-displacement pump in the exhaust mitigation process.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a sump for collecting wash fluid, a water supply valve for supplying the wash fluid during a fill cycle, and a water level detection system including a pressure sensor for measuring sump pressures/fill levels. A controller is configured for operating the supply valve to fill the sump until a target volume is reached and obtaining a fill volume using the water level detection system. The controller determines that a fault condition exists based on a difference between the target volume and the fill volume, e.g., such as when the difference exceeds a predetermined fault threshold, and initiates a fault abatement process in response to determining that the fault condition exists.

Abstract: A system for drying or heating product using solar energy including an enclosure defining a kiln chamber in which a charge of the product is placed, the enclosure having at each side of the chamber at least one passage through which air from the kiln chamber can pass to be heated by solar energy impinging on the enclosure, and an air flow system having at least one fan for generating a circulating air flow within the kiln chamber whereby air passes from one side of the charge to the other, and an air supply for drawing air into each passage from the bottom part of the kiln chamber at opposite sides of the charge to move through the passage into an upper portion thereof for discharge into an upper part of the kiln chamber through one or more outlets leading into the upper part of the kiln chamber.

Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus for manufacturing high-quality coal products. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a housing and a heat conducting mechanism disposed within the housing. The heat conducting mechanism is provided with a heat conducting medium inlet proximate a material outlet end and a thermal conduction medium outlet proximate a material inlet end. The heat conducting mechanism comprises multiple groups of heat conducting units and the heating conducting unit comprises a plurality of heat conducting tubes. The heat conducting tubes are in communication with the heat conducting medium inlet and outlet. A plurality of fins inclining downward relative to the vertical direction are arranged along the longitudinal direction between adjacent heat conducting tubes.

Abstract: The substrate treating apparatus includes a process chamber in which an organic solvent remaining on a substrate is dissolved by using a fluid, that is provided as a supercritical fluid, to dry the substrate and a recycling unit including a recycler separating the organic solvent from the fluid discharged from the process chamber to recycle the fluid. The recycler includes a column having a space in which an absorbent for absorbing the organic solvent is stored, a supply tube supplying the fluid discharged from the process chamber into the space of the column, a discharge tube discharging the fluid from which the organic solvent is separated in the column, a gas supply tube supplying a purge gas into the column so that the organic solvent is separated from the absorbent, and an exhaust tube exhausting the purge gas containing the organic solvent to the outside of the column.

Abstract: The substrate treating apparatus includes a drying chamber in which an organic solvent remaining on a substrate is dissolved by using a fluid, and a recycling unit including a separator for separating the organic solvent from the fluid discharged from the drying chamber to recycle the fluid. The separator includes a distiller in which a fluid containing an organic solvent having a first concentration is introduced, a heating unit heating a fluid containing an organic solvent having a second concentration discharged from the distiller, and supplying an evaporated fluid containing an organic solvent having a third concentration into the distiller, and a condensation unit liquefying a fluid containing an organic solvent having a fourth concentration discharged from the distiller. The organic solvent has the second concentration, the first concentration, the third concentration, and the fourth concentration which are successively lowered in concentration.

Abstract: The recirculating dryer includes a housing having an operator control panel and a locking door mounted to a side of the housing. A rotating tumbler for holding the laundry to be dried is mounted inside the housing. Heated air is introduced through an inlet of the tumbler, and the outlet is kept closed by a flap. The heated air is recirculated and recycled through the tumbler. The air is reheated back to a predetermined temperature if the temperature falls below a level suitable for drying. A layer of moisture-absorbent material surrounds the tumbler to absorb the moisture gathered in the air from the drying process. At drying completion, the flap is opened to vent the used air. A control system controls various features with data from a thermostat and a moisture detector.

Abstract: An electric household appliance (1) having a casing (2); a rotary drum (3) housing laundry to be dried and mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis (L) inside the casing (2); a door (4) which rotates to and from a work position closing an opening (2a) in the casing (2) to close the drum (3); a hot-air generator (5) for circulating hot air inside the drum (3); a steam generator (15) for circulating a steam jet inside the drum (3); an exhaust manifold (11) communicating with the drum (3) to allow outflow of air/steam from the drum (3); and a shutter device (30) for selectively opening/closing the exhaust manifold (11) to permit /prevent free outflow of air/steam from the drum (3).

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of an internal combustion engine utilizes three three-way valves, one that receives ambient air through an air cleaner, a second that receives hot exhaust from a catalytic converter of the internal combustion engine, and a third that receives air from a high speed blower. The three-way valves direct ambient air through the air cleaner and into a first of three dryer canisters, and direct the dried ambient air through an ozone generator to the internal combustion engine, while concurrently directing gas from the exhaust catalytic converter to the second of the three dryer canisters, and also concurrently directing air from the high speed blower to the third of the three dryer canisters.

Abstract: A material drying apparatus for removing moisture from material positioned in an envelope interior. The apparatus comprises an inlet structure, an air removal assembly to remove air from the interior, and a moisture removal assembly for removing moisture from gases from the interior. The assembly comprises a first moisture removal structure, a second moisture removal structure, and a heat pump for transferring heat in a selected direction between the first and second moisture removal structures. The heat pump alternately heats a heat exchanger of one moisture removal structure and cooling a heat exchanger of the other moisture removal structures. The apparatus comprises a control apparatus for controlling operation of the first and second moisture removal assemblies and the heat pump. The control apparatus is configured to sense a condition of the apparatus and reverse operation of the heat pump upon detecting that the condition has passed a predetermined level.

Abstract: A system for dehumidifying and drying a powdered or granular material having a drying hopper, a dehumidifying unit, and a circulation route having a processing gas supply route and a processing gas dehumidifying route that interconnect the drying hopper and the dehumidifying unit to allow processing gas to circulate is proposed. The system repeatedly supplies and circulates the processing gas in the circulation route. The processing gas supply route and the processing gas dehumidifying route are interconnected by a bypass route having a regulation valve. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of processing gas exhausted from the drying hopper is installed in the processing gas dehumidifying route. The system further has a control means for controlling opening or closing of the regulation valve, provided in the bypass route, based on a temperature detection signal detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electric household appliance (1) having a casing (2); a rotary drum (3) housing laundry to be dried and mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis (L) inside the casing (2); a door (4) which rotates to and from a work position closing an opening (2a) in the casing (2) to close the drum (3); a hot-air generator (5) for circulating hot air inside the drum (3); a steam generator (15) for circulating a steam jet inside the drum (3); an exhaust manifold (11) communicating with the drum (3) to allow outflow of air/steam from the drum (3); and a shutter device (30) for selectively opening/closing the exhaust manifold (11) to permit /prevent free outflow of air/steam from the drum (3).

Abstract: A domestic appliance for the care of laundry items is provided a housing, a container housed by the housing and operable to accommodate laundry items, a process air loop, a heat exchanger operable to dehumidify process air exiting the container, a heater operable to heat process air, and a cooling air loop for conveying cooling air from an ambient environment of the domestic appliance into contact with the heat exchanger to thereby cool the heat exchanger, the cooling air loop including an air channeling device that is operable to selectively: a) directly vent at least some of the cooling air fed to the heat exchanger from the domestic appliance to the ambient environment and b) channel at least some of the cooling air fed to the heat exchanger into the domestic appliance for passage thereafter out of openings in the domestic appliance to the ambient environment.

Abstract: An operation method for a drying device is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a new type of a drying device which enables air in a drying drum and a cabinet for drying the laundry to circulate continuously, as well as capable of getting a suitable output of power based on each drying cycle due to a various structure of a drying heater.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the efficiency of dryer appliances that utilize heated air for drying and are disposed within a residence or other closed conditioned space includes an intake air duct connected between the dryer appliance and a source of intake air outside the conditioned space, an exhaust outlet diverter valve to receive exhaust air from the dryer and direct the exhaust air for release within the conditioned space or alternatively outside the conditioned space. Alternative embodiments provide for drawing intake air from more than one source, with and without heat exchange, for releasing heated air to more than one location, including into a heating system return air duct, either directly or through a heat exchanger. A method of controlling the operation of the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A dehumidification plant for granular material, comprising: dehumidification hopper having loading mouth and discharge mouth of granular material, inlet duct of a hot, dry gaseous processing fluid medium for each hopper and discharge duct of moisture-loaded treatment fluid medium for each hopper; generator group of hot, dry gaseous processing, supplied by discharge duct; pressurization means connected in input to generator group and set to pressurize the gaseous fluid medium generated by generator group and feed it in parallel to each hopper through a respective inlet duct; a programmable control unit; and a flow intensity adjustment device of the gaseous processing supplied into each inlet duct, each flow intensity adjustment device comprising valve means controllable by the programmable control unit, the flow intensity adjustment device of the gaseous fluid medium comprising at valve means controllable by the programmable control unit and arranged in each discharge duct.

Abstract: An energy savings apparatus configured for use with a clothes dryer comprising an air duct and a damper assembly. The air duct has a first end and a second end. The damper assembly includes an air duct portion and a damper device mounting on the duct portion. The air duct portion of the damper assembly is attached at a first end thereof to the first end of the air duct. The second end of the air duct portion of the damper assembly is configured for being attached to an air inlet of a heater assembly of a clothes dryer. The damper assembly is configured for selectively enabling air to be routed to the air inlet of the heater assembly from the second end of the air duct and from an air inlet intermediate the ends of the air duct portion of the damper assembly.

Abstract: A reduced pressure drying apparatus comprises a substrate stage section for disposing thereon a substrate having the surface coated with a coating liquid containing a film-forming component and a solvent, a hermetic vessel having the substrate stage section arranged therein, an exhaust means for reducing the pressure inside the hermetic vessel, a gaseous stream distribution control plate arranged apart from and in a manner to face the surface of the substrate disposed on the substrate stage section and provided with a plurality of gaseous stream-flowing ports through which flow a gaseous stream, each of the plurality of gaseous stream-flowing ports having a gaseous stream-flowing region, and a control means for controlling the distribution pattern of the gaseous stream-flowing regions of the gaseous stream distribution control plate.

Abstract: A dehumidification apparatus including an outer tubular container (2) closed at its ends, a first (5) and a second (9) transverse grids located inside the tubular container (2), one grid element being spaced from the other and from a respective adjacent end of the tubular container (2) and delimiting a receiving space therewith, a mass of molecular sieves (MS) located in the receiving space, heating elements (19) in the tubular container (2), and first and second openings (4, 16) for communication of the interior of the container with the outside, characterised in that it comprises an inner tubular jacket (6) extending from at least the first grid (5) for a distance greater than that between the first (5) and the second (9) grid, thereby shaping the receiving space for the sieves (8) as an annular gap and providing a projecting section (6a) extending from the second grid (9); and an annular partition (17) between the outer container (2) and the inner jacket (6) at the projecting section (6a) of the inner jack

Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate material has an elongated, tunnel-like process chamber, along which the material to be treated can be moved from an inlet to an outlet. A bottom of said process chamber is designed in that two flows of introduced process air are oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction and impinge on each other along a breaking-up zone. Arranged in the bottom are air guide elements which can be adjusted by an adjustment device in that the process air can have superimposed on it a variable movement component in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A first gas nozzle and a second gas nozzle are fixedly provided in the vicinity of the forward end of a nozzle arm. The nozzle arm is rotated along a locus R while a substrate rinsed with deionized water is rotated, for discharging nitrogen gas from the first and second gas nozzles. Visible moisture is loosely expelled from the upper surface of the substrate by spraying the nitrogen gas from the first gas nozzle, and moisture slightly remaining on a fine pattern or the like can also be completely removed by spraying the nitrogen gas from the second gas nozzle to the same region of the substrate as that sprayed with the nitrogen gas by the first gas nozzle. Consequently, the surface of the substrate can be stably and reliably dried. Thus, a substrate processing apparatus capable of stably and reliably drying the surface of the substrate is provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a dynamic liquid meniscus includes forming a meniscus at a first size, the meniscus being formed between a proximity head and a first surface and changing the meniscus to a second size by modulating a flow through at least one of a set of ports on the proximity head. A system for modulating flow through the ports in a proximity head is also described.

Abstract: An etching processing apparatus 1 has a transfer chamber 2, a plurality of processing chambers 3 and 4, and a plurality of cassette chambers 7 and 8. Inside the transfer chamber 2, a transfer mechanism 14 is provided. A control device 17 pauses the operation of the vacuum pump 16 after closing an opening/closing valve 15 of a vacuum evacuating mechanism, which vacuum evacuates the transfer chamber 2 in which the transfer mechanism 14 is provided, when the operation of the transfer mechanism 14 is paused for a predetermined time or longer. Accordingly, conservation of energy becomes possible without causing decrease of productivity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying granulate material in a hopper by controlling the amount of gas which flows through the hopper to heat and to dry the granulate. The control allows to use a minimum amount of gas for heating the granulate to the drying temperature and to dry it with an optimal low energy consumption. This effect is reached by controlling the amount of gas flowing through the drying hopper as a function of the temperature difference between the temperature of the heating gas leaving the drying hopper and the granulate to be heated.

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

Abstract: This substrate processing apparatus supplies wafers W accommodated in a closed processing container 10 with ozone gas and steam for processing the wafers W. The apparatus includes an ozone-gas generator 40 for supplying the ozone gas into the processing container 10, a steam generator 30 for supplying the steam into the processing container 10 and a steam nozzle 35 arranged in the processing container 10 and connected to the steam generator 30. The steam nozzle 35 is equipped with a nozzle body 35a having a plurality of steam ejecting orifices 35f formed at appropriate intervals and a heater 35h for preventing dewdrops of the steam from being produced in the nozzle body 35a. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the formation of dewdrops of solvent steam, which may produce origins of particles in the closed processing container, unevenness in cleaning (etching), etc., and also possible to improve the processing efficiency.

Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided with a fire detection and suppression system which releases a fire suppressing substance into the dryer chamber upon detection of a fire condition. The fire detection and suppression system includes, a controller, at least one temperature detector which is in communication with the controller and sends a signal to the controller when a temperature set point has been reached and/or exceeded, a source of fire suppressing substance (preferably water) which is delivered to the chamber over a pathway; and a valve in the pathway controlled by the controller. The controller opens the valve when a fire condition is detected, and closes the valve after a time sufficient to introduce a predetermined volume of the fire suppressing substance has passed.

Abstract: A cake resistance measuring system and method are used to measure the cake resistance of a freeze dried sample during or after processing, with the results of the measurement being used to improve that processing and/or subsequent freeze drying processes or formulations.

Abstract: A drier for a lacquering line in a known manner comprises inside a drier housing a plurality of drier sections, in which heated circulating air is circulated with the aid of fans. Heating of the circulating air is effected with the aid of a heating unit, which is common to all drier sections, and a common fresh-air heat exchanger, which is disposed downstream of the heating unit and to which fresh air is supplied from the environment via a pressure regulator. The fresh air heated in said manner is directed via branch lines to the individual drier sections. The quantity of heated fresh air supplied and hence ultimately the temperature in the respective drier section is determined by control flaps in branch lines, which connect a common fresh-air distribution line to the respective sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying semiconductor wafers in a solvent drying chamber and a method for drying are disclosed. The apparatus is equipped with an alarm/interlocking system such that when a flow of the solvent vapor into the drying chamber is stopped, the alarm is triggered and the interlocking system is activated to stop the further loading of wafers into the drying chamber and thus preventing the outputting of undried wafers from the chamber. The apparatus is used to prevent any malfunction in the flow control valves or in any other flow control system that stops the flow of solvent vapor into the drying chamber.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed drying and classifying apparatus is provided with a main body (10) in which a fluidized bed is formed to dry a granular material and to classify the same into fine particles and coarse particles. A perforated gas-distributing plate (12) is disposed in a lower part of a region in which a fluidized bed (14) is formed in the main body (10), a wind box having the shape of a hopper is disposed below the perforated gas-distributing plate. A dropped material discharge device (29) is connected to the lower end of the hopper-shaped wind box (16) to discharge the material dropped into the wind box (16). A gas supply system (110) is connected to the wind box (16) to supply a fluidizing gas that serves as a drying hot gas and a classifying gas into the wind box. A material supply opening portion (20) is mounted to the main body (10) to feed the granular material. A discharge chute (24) is connected to the main body (10) to discharge dried coarse particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing particles in reactors. The apparatus includes an enclosure for processing the semiconductor wafers. The enclosure has a wafer handling chamber connected by an isolation gate valve to a processing chamber. Additionally, the apparatus includes pipes for delivering a purge gas into the wafer handling chamber. The purge gas is used to eliminates particles from the enclosure. The apparatus also includes a pilot operated back pressure regulator for regulating the delivery and removal of the purge gas from the enclosure. The apparatus actuates the isolation gate valve in a controlled rate to reduce disturbances from the purge gas entering into the enclosure. The apparatus also includes a Bernoulli wand for lifting and holding a single semiconductor wafer. A dome loaded regulator is used to control the ramp rates of the gas to the Bernoulli wand. The dome loaded regulator is actuated by a pilot gas.

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

Abstract: A bed (6; 78) of particulate material, which is supported by a gas distribution bottom (9; 75), is located utilizing a treatment gas, which via ducts (19; 35; 77) is conducted in sectionalized manner to and directed up through the gas distribution bottom and the bed of material from one or several underlying compartments (15; 76). The flow of the treatment gas through each duct (19; 35; 77) is self regulated by means of a flow regulator (21) provided in each duct. It is thereby obtained that the total pressure loss across the gas distribution bottom can be reduced, that the flow of the treatment gas through the material bed is distributed in a desirable and well-defined manner across the entire gas distribution bottom regardless of the composition of the material bed and the distribution thereon, and that tunnel formations are avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus for fluidizing a pulverulent material in a stream of fluidizing gas includes a membrane through which the fluidizing gas can flow but the pulverulent material cannot, a first fluidizing gas gallery on a first side of the membrane, a second fluidized pulverulent material gallery on a second side of the membrane, a passageway out of the second gallery for the removal of fluidized pulverulent material therefrom, and apparatus for generating a signal indicative of fluidizing gas pressure inside the second gallery and controlling fluidizing gas pressure in the second gallery in response to the generated signal. The passageway accommodates a conveyor having multiple conveying sections. At least a first of the multiple conveying sections is located adjacent an inlet opening of a housing for the conveyor. The first conveying section is generally coextensive with the inlet opening. A conveyor drive mechanism is selectively engageable with the conveyor.

Abstract: Control of temperature of the shelves in a freeze dryer compartment is achieved by circulating a cooled heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger through a vacuum condenser independently of circulating the cooled heat transfer fluid either directly through the passageway chambers in the freeze dryer shelves, for cooling the shelves, or through a heater for heating the shelves. These circulations are effected by the selective control of electrically operated valves in fluid conduits automatically by a programmed computer.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the controlled drying of polymer plastic pellets within a dryer hopper are provided. A sensor tree having a plurality of temperature sensors spaced vertically on the tree is positioned vertically within the dryer hopper so that the individual sensors are each located at varying vertical distances from the bottom to the top of the dryer hopper. A target temperature for a particular type of polymer plastic pellet, when maintained for a specified residence time, indicates that the pellet is thoroughly dry for use in a manufacturing process. By determining the vertical level at which the target temperature has been achieved for the desired residence time, the amount of dry material within the hopper that is ready to be input to the manufacturing process is determined. A signal processing unit operating a software program automatically controls the throughput of the dryer hopper so that only dry polymer plastic pellets leave the hopper.

Abstract: A steam box includes a system for distributing steam onto a web being calendered. At least one valve is connected to the steam distributing system for controlling the flow of steam onto the web. The steam box also has element for feeding hot steam to the valve. Each valve has at least three steam channels, namely an inlet channel for feeding the steam to the valve, an outlet channel of the valve for feeding the steam onto the web and a recirculation channel for recirculating the steam. The valve also has a check element for controlling and dividing the incoming steam flow from the inlet channel between the outlet channel and recirculation channel of the valve, and a return pipe connected to the recirculation channels of the valves, capable of routing the steam directed to the recirculation channel of the valve to e.g., the condensate return line of the steam distributing system.

Abstract: Apparatus for production of long pasta products has a press, a movable bar hanging arrangement from which the products are suspended and a drier. The drier is constructed as a single level drier with a rapid heating zone and an intense drying zone. The rapid heating zone has several different climate zones of differing temperatures, and fresh and exhaust air ducts. The intense drying zone has a plurality of ventilated elements. The drier includes a climate controller for each climate zone. The rapid heating zone and intense drying zone are formed as a circulating system for fresh and exhaust air. Inside the drier, air flow is zonally controlled and directed, in each element, from top to bottom or bottom to top. A supplemental air system is provided for the plurality of ventilated elements. At least part of the circulating air is blown in as in a turbo system.