With Fluid Current Conveying Of Treated Material Patents (Class 34/576)
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Patent number: 10697702Abstract: In order to provide a treatment installation for treating workpieces that is of simple construction and enables optimised workpiece treatment, it is proposed that the treatment installation should include a treatment chamber and a conveying device, by means of which the workpieces are suppliable to the treatment chamber, are removable from the treatment chamber, and/or are conveyable through the treatment chamber in a conveying direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Dürr Systems AGInventors: Oliver Iglauer, Kevin Woll, Dietmar Wieland, Joachim Wickenhaeuser
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Patent number: 10687460Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product mechanical conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes a pneumatic agitation system operably connected to the tanks of the applicator to agitate the particulate material disposed within the tanks in order to reduce the formation of agglomerations and/or bridges of particles within the tanks. The pneumatic agitation system includes a number of nozzle connected to each tank that are in turn connected to a pressurized air source and a controller. The controller is operable to selectively cause pressurized air to flow into the tanks through the nozzles to agitate the particulate material positioned therein, thereby breaking up and agglomerations of material within the tanks.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Joel Denis, Rex L. Ruppert
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Publication number: 20150096187Abstract: A method and device for continuously drying and crystallizing water-flushed granulate. The method comprises the steps of: feeding water-flushed granulate into a pre-dryer, pre-drying granulate in the pre-dryer, conveying pre-dried granulate into a dryer/crystallizer, and discharging crystallized granulate from the dryer/crystallizer. An air conditioning means produces temperature-controlled and humidity-conditioned air that is delivered to the dryer/crystallizer, wherein the exhaust air of the dryer/crystallizer is delivered to the pre-dryer, and wherein the exhaust air of the pre-dryer is returned to the air conditioning means forming a closed air circuit is formed by the dryer/crystallizer, pre-dryer, and air conditioning means. The device comprises a pre-dryer, a dryer/crystallizer, an air conditioning means, and optionally a control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventor: Stefan Deiss
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Patent number: 8844162Abstract: A device for removing fluids from particulate materials, including a container having a circular process chamber with a cylindrical external contour, an input device for inputting the materials into the process chamber, a discharge device for discharging the particulate materials freed of the fluid from the process chamber, a feed device for feeding a fluidizing agent from below into the process chamber, and at least one conditioning device for conditioning the fluidization agent in the direction of flow prior to the feed device.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: BMA Braunschweigische Maschinenbauanstalt AGInventors: Lothar Krell, Gerald Caspers
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Publication number: 20140141381Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement. Coal can be intercepted on current coal feed systems ahead of the pulverizers. Drying fuel, such as coal, is done to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. A two-stage bed utilized in the process first “pre-dries and separates” the feed stream into desirable and undesirable feedstock. Then, it incrementally dries and segregates fluidizable and non-fluidizable material from the product stream. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Elevation of fan room air temperature is also accomplished using waste heat, thereby making available to the plant system higher temperature media to enhance the feedstock drying process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: GREAT RIVER ENERGYInventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, Dennis R. James
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Publication number: 20130283636Abstract: A gas-particle processor comprising: a chamber having a gas inlet, a gas outlet and one or more particle inlets; a gas flow arrangement operable to flow gas through the chamber from the gas inlet to the gas outlet at a first controlled mass flow-rate; and a particle flow arrangement operable to introduce particles in one or more streams into the chamber at a second controlled mass flow-rate, each particle stream flowing through respective processing regions in the chamber, wherein the processor is operable to control the first and/or second controlled mass flow-rates to provide a gas-particle mixture porosity in a substantial portion of each processing region of 0.900-0.995.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: Owen Potter
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Publication number: 20130019492Abstract: Systems and processes may be used for continuously processing a solid material at a non-atmospheric pressure. In some examples, the material is delivered to a process vessel at substantially the same non-atmospheric pressure condition as the process vessel so as to avoid shearing the material. In some examples, the solid material is continuously fed into a process vessel, continuously processed in the process vessel, and continuously discharged from the process vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: BEPEX INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventor: BEPEX INTERNATIONAL, LLC
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Patent number: 8177959Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon fluid that includes contacting the hydrocarbon fluid with an effective amount of ozone. A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated material includes supplying the contaminated material to a processing chamber, moving the contaminated material through the processing chamber, heating the contaminated material by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated material, removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants, collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants, and contacting the volatilized contaminants with an effective amount of ozone.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Neale Browne, Catalin Ivan
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Patent number: 7938271Abstract: This consists of the preparation of powdered still slops from concentrated liquid still slops dried and converted into a powder in a conventional dryer (1) and then fed to a powder collecting cyclone (4), featuring at the lower outlet aperture of the collecting cyclone (4) a circular or snail-shaped or logarithmic spiral-shaped device (7) fed with a cool, dry air draught which generates a downward suction effect counter to the upward suction effect of the collecting cyclone (4), bringing about the falling and separation of the powder from the draught of hot air which carries the same. The cool, dry air carries the powder to the exterior for bagging, and the hot air exits upwards via the collecting cyclone (4) towards the flue (6), using a device for the recovery of the heat which it still bears as much as possible.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: HPD Process Engineering, S.A.Inventor: Daniel Irisarri Navalpotro
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Patent number: 7895769Abstract: Raw meal sludge is dried in a vapor flow dryer by circulating exhaust vapor through a steam circuit which, prior to introduction thereof into the lower part of the dryer, is heated by indirect heat transmission from gaseous flows from a pre-heating system from a gas cyclone of a clinker production line. A partial vapor flow corresponding to water evaporated during raw meal sludge drying is removed from the steam circuit and extracted in the form of a condensate after increasing the vapor temperature by a vapor compressor and the passage of vapor arranged in the dryer over a heating surface of a vapor condenser. The sludge is sprayed into the lower part of the dryer where water is evaporated by the heat of the circulating exhaust vapor and heat from the condenser heating surface. Dried raw meal is separated from the exhaust vapor in a cyclone separator.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: KHD Humboldt Wedag GmbHInventors: Matthias Jochem, Klaus Kühne
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Patent number: 7867376Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon fluid that includes contacting the hydrocarbon fluid with an effective amount of ozone. A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated material includes supplying the contaminated material to a processing chamber, moving the contaminated material through the processing chamber, heating the contaminated material by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated material, removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants, collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants, and contacting the volatilized contaminants with an effective amount of ozone.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Neale Browne, Catalin Ivan
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Publication number: 20100101107Abstract: According to a method for drying fuels in the form of dust, particularly to be fed to a gasification process, such as coal, petroleum coke, biological waste, or the like, wherein the fuel (1) is crushed in a mill (2) and fed to a filter/separator (3) by means of a propellant and drying gas, and at least part of the propellant/drying gas in the circuit is returned to the mill (2) after heating, the known disadvantages are not only to be avoided, but particularly a cost-effective milling and drying method and a corresponding system are to be provided, having low emissions and a low inert gas requirement. This is achieved according to the method in that part of the propellant/drying gas flow is cooled down and dehumidified in a spray tower (6), or the like, wherein part of the dried gas exiting the spray tower is fed to the environment and/or a firing process, and the other part is returned to the propellant/drying gas flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Uhde GmbHInventors: Johannes Kowoll, Eberhard Kuske
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Patent number: 7578073Abstract: This invention relates to an appliance (1) for the removal of fluids and/or solids from a mixture of particulate materials with a container (2) that constitutes a ring-shaped processing space (20) with a cylindrical outer contour with devices for the charging and discharging of the particulate material into and out of the processing space (20) and with a fan device (5) for supplying a fluidization agent from underneath into the processing space (20) as well as devices (6) for the processing of the fluidization agent in the flow direction in front of the fan device, whereby in the processing space (20), cells (15, 16, 17) are formed extending in the vertical direction where one cell constitutes a discharge cell (17) through which there is no fluidization agent flow from underneath where at the lower end of the discharge cell the discharge device is arranged and where another cell (15) is provided with a charge device and where the cells (15, 16, 17) are open at their upper ends in order to facilitate transportType: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Braunschweigische Maschinenbauanstalt AGInventors: Lothar Krell, Gerald Caspers
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Patent number: 7487601Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.Inventors: Christianne Carin, Christianne Carin, legal representative, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud, Brian N. Gorbell
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Publication number: 20080245706Abstract: A soil sampler includes a fluidized bed for receiving a soil sample. The fluidized bed may be in communication with a vacuum for drawing air through the fluidized bed and suspending particulate matter of the soil sample in the air. In a method of sampling, the air may be drawn across a filter, separating the particulate matter. Optionally, a baffle or a cyclone may be included within the fluidized bed for disentrainment, or dedusting, so only the finest particulate matter, including asbestos, will be trapped on the filter. The filter may be removable, and may be tested to determine the content of asbestos and other hazardous particulate matter in the soil sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Barry H. O'Brien, Paul D. Ritter
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Publication number: 20080189979Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: EarthRenew, Inc.Inventors: Christianne Carin, Brian N. Gorbell, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud
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Publication number: 20080127507Abstract: A method for drying a wet polymer including a drying carried out in a dryer containing at least heating element inside which a heat-transfer fluid flows, the heat-transfer fluid being low-pressure steam.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2005Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: SOLVAY (SOCIETE ANONYME)Inventors: Jean-Paul Bindelle, Manuel De Francisco, Stephanie Bodin
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Patent number: 7360322Abstract: A non-contacting conveyance equipment comprises: a body having an end face that opposes an object to be conveyed, and a concave opening formed in the end face and surrounded by a cylindrical inner side wall; and a fluid passageway having a plurality of pairs of spouts to introduce fluid into an inner space of the concave opening in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical inner side wall so as to cause a swirl of fluid within the concave opening, each of the plurality of pairs of spouts being formed on the cylindrical inner side wall symmetrically to a central axis of the concave opening. A plurality of the non-contacting conveyance equipments may be provided on a base.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Harmotec Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Iwasaka, Hideyuki Tokunaga
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Patent number: 7350318Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuous heat treatment of granulated materials, especially to the crystallization of polymer granulate, such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) for example. The device comprises several adjacent fluidization chambers respectively provided with a sieve plate through which a fluidization gas used to fluidize the granulate can be insufflated into the respective chamber from below via a gas inlet, the gas being able to escape via a gas outlet in the top area of the device. The first chamber takes up the greater part of the overall volume of all chambers and neighboring chambers are, respectively, fluidically connected by product throughflow openings in the separating walls arranged therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Buhler, AGInventors: Christian Dachauer, Camille Borer, Hans Geissbühler
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Patent number: 7225819Abstract: The present invention is a method, apparatus and process for an improved substrate mounting and processing technique for various substrate treatments comprising cleaning, dicing, sawing, polishing, and planarization, among others.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventor: David P Jackson
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Patent number: 7134222Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for the transport of transfer objects such as glass substrates or semiconductor devices in which cleanliness and secure transport are of major concern. A plurality of air nozzles inject air through the plurality of air nozzles to hold a transfer object in place above or below the plurality of air nozzles without the plurality of air nozzles making contact with the transfer object. The plurality of air nozzles are positioned perpendicular to the transfer object to stop and/or engage the transfer object in a rest position. The plurality of air nozzles are inclined to a specified angle to move the transferred object in a desired direction. Advantageously, because the transfer object is moved without physical contact between the structure of the air nozzles and the transfer object, the transfer is secure, clean, and efficient.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Geun-Soo An, Gi-Cheon Yoon
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Patent number: 7024800Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.Inventors: Christianne Carin, legal representative, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud, Brian N. Gorbell, deceased
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Patent number: 6996918Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating a hydrocarbonaceous waste material, in particular a rolling scale slurry and/or grinding slurry, the waste material being heated in a dryer, preferably moving, by the indirect supply of heat, and in the process hydrocarbons, if appropriate together with other volatile components, in particular H2O, being removed. In this process, in the dryer, at low temperature, the hydrocarbons are broken down in a specific way, the hydrocarbons being broken down by chemical and/or radiation means, which effect decomposition of the hydrocarbons of low volatility into highly volatile hydrocarbons, preferably decomposing high molecular weight hydrocarbons into lower molecular weight hydrocarbons, and the hydrocarbons, if appropriate together with the other volatile components in particular together with the H2O, are at least partially discharged, in particular by suction, from the vessel. The invention also relates to a apparatus for treating a hydrocarbonaceous waste material.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Voest - Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH & Co.Inventors: Werner Bsirske, Andreas Zobernig, Alexander Fleischanderl, Christof Lanzerstorfer
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Patent number: 6993856Abstract: A jet spouted fluidized bed drier is described in which the bottom half of the drier chamber comprises a first lower conical part, and the top half of the drier chamber comprises a second upper conical part surrounding a conical grid located near to the top end of the second part. The drier chamber thus comprises two conical parts connected together at their wide ends. The result of this arrangement is that the collision zone becomes a toroid with an essentially triangular cross-sectional shape defined essentially by the conical internal surface of the top part and the conical outer surface of the conical grid. This revised structural arrangement has been found to be able to process materials which either cannot be processed, or cannot be processed efficiently, with known jet spouted fluidized bed driers. Additionally, this revised structural arrangement has been found to be able to process materials more efficiently, and to a lower desired final liquid content values.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural ResourcesInventors: Marzouk Benali, Mouloud Amazouz
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Patent number: 6974505Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning substrates, comprising a circulation conduit through which is circulated a cleaning liquid or gas. The circulation conduit is disposed in fluid communication with an upstream flow chamber and a downstream cleaning chamber, the cross-sectional area of which cleaning chamber is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber. In use, the cleaning chamber receives a wafer substrate for cleaning of particles or removal of polymer films from the substrate. The smaller cross-sectional area of the cleaning chamber accelerates the flow of a cleaning fluid flowing through the cleaning chamber from the flow chamber. The rapidly-flowing cleaning fluid removes the particles and/or films from the substrate while preventing dropping of the removed particles or re-deposition of the film back onto the substrate. A particle filter may be provided in the circulation conduit downstream of the cleaning chamber for removing the particles.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hsin-Ching Shih, Chun-Li Chou, Ming-Hong Hsieh, Hong-J. Tao
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Patent number: 6942887Abstract: A method and apparatus for pan roasting a mass of green coffee beans at rest by heat conduction from the pan bottom to the beans mass. A glass cover and smoke filter closes the roasting chamber. A radial blower operates at slow speed to draw ambient air and vacate smoke from the chamber to permit visual monitoring of roasting beans. Periodically, the fan can operate a high speed for a short time to mix or swirl the bean mass without substantial cooling them. The blower can sequence through high and low speed cycles until roasting completes and heating ceases. A high speed cool down phase removes remaining chaff, smoke, and quick cools the beans to preserve freshness. Electric power drives the blower and resistant heating element. The system enables the operator to use appearance, sound, smell, and time to determine roasting completeness.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Inventor: Jeffrey Freedman
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Patent number: 6941676Abstract: Disclosed is a freeze-drying apparatus for foodstuffs, medicaments, etc., wherein liquid material is directly and distributively poured into upright cylindrical tubes, then, in its isolated state from external atmosphere for perfect sterilization, the liquid material is frozen with uniform thickness onto inner wall surface of the tubes, with further possibility of uniform heating of the freeze-dried layer. The main body of this apparatus is constructed with upright cylindrical tubes for freezing liquid material onto inner surface of tubes and jackets to surround the outer periphery of each of the tubes in a substantially concentric cylindrical shape, within which to circulate heat medium; then, a duct communicating to the vacuum exhaust system is connected to the upper end side of these tubes, while, a recovery chamber provided with valve is connected to the lower end side of tubes; and an inlet port is defined for feeding liquid material into inner cavity of tubes.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Kyowa Vacuum Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiromichi Akimoto, Ryoji Sunama
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Patent number: 6910285Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Michael David Vrbanac, Ramon Charles Dezutter, Brian Wester, Michael James Yancey
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Patent number: 6892475Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating fluidized bed apparatus for powder particle. A gas circulation path is formed at the periphery of the treatment chamber 2 via the circumferential faceplate 202, 212, and the circumferential faceplate is adapted to rotate around an axis. Behavior of powder particles can be controlled by introducing gas from the periphery of the treatment chamber via the circumferential plate 212 to exert centripetal force on the powder particle, while exerting centrifugal force on the powder particles accompanying rotation of the circumferential plate 212.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Nara Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Wakamatsu, Satoru Watano
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Patent number: 6845571Abstract: The invention can relate to a fluidized bed apparatus with an integrated spray-drying device and to a method for using the same. The invention also can relate to a method for producing a spray-dried powder material, whose product characteristics can be specifically adapted according to the ulterior use of the material.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Merck Patent GmbHInventors: Eugen Schwarz, Gernot Moeschl, Hanspeter Ruetzler, Jean-Marc Dutter
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Publication number: 20040231187Abstract: 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 jackType: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Moretto Plastics Automation SRLInventor: Renato Moretto
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Publication number: 20040194337Abstract: Apparatus (1) is provided for passing a fluid through a solid material (5). Apparatus (1) has an enclosure (2) with an upper part (7) in which the solid material is received. The solid material flows downward through one or more passages (13) which extend between end walls (11 and 12). Opposing sides of the or each passage are formed by side plates (14, 15) of fluid inlet and outled ducts (9, 10). The side plates are perforated so that fluid can pass transversely through the solid material flowing through each passage. The inlet and outlet ducts (9 and 10) have inlet parts (16 and 17) respectively, outside the enclosure. Solid material arrives at a lower part (8) of the enclosure and then leaves the enclosure. The apparatus (1) can be made compactly for the degree of fluid/solid contact provided. It is applicable to many applications such as drying of solids, heat exchange between fluids and solids, dust removal from gases, chemical reactors and humidifying/dehumidifying of fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Giacomo Salvatore Gasparini, Giovanni Barbieri
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Publication number: 20040194338Abstract: Conventional spray-drying methods are improved by incorporation of a pressure nozzle and a diffuser plate to improve the flow of drying gas and a drying chamber extension to increase drying time, such improvements leading to the formation of homogeneous solid dispersions of drugs in concentration-enhancing polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: Pfizer IncInventors: Ronald A. Beyerinck, Heather L. M. Diebele, Dan E. Dobry, Roderick J. Ray, Dana M. Settell, Ken R. Spence
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Publication number: 20040168342Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating fluidized bed apparatus for powder particle. A gas circulation path is formed at the periphery of the treatment chamber 2 via the circumferential faceplate 202, 212, and the circumferential faceplate is adapted to rotate around an axis. Behavior of powder particles can be controlled by introducing gas from the periphery of the treatment chamber via the circumferential plate 212 to exert centripetal force on the powder particle, while exerting centrifugal force on the powder particles accompanying rotation of the circumferential plate 212.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Yoshihiro Wakamatsu, Satoru Watano
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Patent number: 6770315Abstract: A roaster for roasting coffee beans includes a roasting chamber having a top and a bottom for holding coffee beans when the beans are being roasted, a cover seated on the top of the roasting chamber and a base on which the bottom of the roasting chamber is seated. A device is provided in the base for supplying airflow into the roasting chamber. A controller controls the airflow supplying device to generate a roasting temperature inside the roasting chamber that tracks a predetermined temperature curve. The temperature curve includes a first stage in which the roasting temperature is set to a first predetermined level for a first predetermined time period, and a second stage in which the roasting temperature is set to a second predetermined level that is higher than the first predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Hearthware Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Jung S. Moon, Rong Liu, Kitak Chae, Jongrok Kim
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Patent number: 6754979Abstract: An apparatus (1) is proposed for drying and heat-treating pellets with a stream of inert gas, wherein the apparatus has a cuboid base unit (2) with a feed (3) for the pellets in its upper part and an outlet (4) in its lower part, with a feed (5) on one lateral surface and with an exhaust base (6) on the opposite lateral surface of the cuboid base unit (2) for the stream of inert gas, and also with distribution and retention equipment (7, 8) in the region of the feed (5) and, respectively, of the exhaust (6) for the stream of inert gas, where each of these extends essentially over the entire vertical cross section of the cuboid base unit (2).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Alfons Ludwig, Ragnhild Pille, Gunter Pipper
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Publication number: 20040118007Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making particles comprising: (a) spraying an emulsion, solution, or suspension, which comprises a solvent and a bulk material (e.g., a pharmaceutical agent), through an atomizer and into a primary drying chamber, having a drying gas flowing therethrough, to form droplets comprising the solvent and bulk material dispersed in the drying gas; (b) evaporating, in the primary drying chamber, at least a portion of the solvent into the drying gas to solidify the droplets and form particles dispersed in drying gas; and (c) flowing the particles and at least a portion of the drying gas through a jet mill to deagglomerate or grind the particles. By coupling spray drying with “in-line” jet milling, a single step process is created from two separate unit operations, and an additional collection step is advantageously eliminated. The one-step, in-line process has further advantages in time and cost of processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: ACUSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Donald E. Chickering, Sridhar Narasimhan, David Altreuter, Paul Kopesky, Mark Keegan, Julie A. Straub, Howard Bernstein
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Publication number: 20040098877Abstract: A continuous gravity flow apparatus for heating and/or drying of particulate material is vertically disposed and is provided with an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom. The apparatus includes a flow passage for the particulate material which is defined between an outer housing and an inner housing. Each of the outer and inner housing defines perforated wall sections allowing for the flow of hot gas through the wall of one housing, into contact with the particulate material, and then out through the wall of the other housing. Manifolds are associated with the outer and inner housings to provide for uniform flow of the gas through the material. The perforated wall sections are positioned and designed to enhance particle-to-particle movement of the material to thereby avoid particle sticking and bridging problems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Charles L. Stock, Peder K. Langsetmo, Gregory J. Kimball, David L. Phillips
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Patent number: 6732454Abstract: A system for removing from a particle mass a liquid permeating the particle mass includes a vaporizing stage having a space wherein the pressure is less than the pressure of the particle mass. As the particle mass enters the vaporizing stage, the lower pressure causes much of the liquid to vaporize. Once vaporized, the vapor can be removed with a pump. A first stripping stage receives the particle mass from the first stage at a first particle inlet port and discharges the particle mass at a first particle outlet port. A first stripping gas inlet near the first particle outlet port of the first stripping stage injects an inert stripping gas into the particle mass. The inert gas mixes with remaining elements of the liquid and any entrained gas formed by the liquid, and the mixture is discharged at a gas outlet near the first particle outlet port. A second stripping stage having construction and operation different from the first stripping stage may receive the particle mass.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Crown Iron Works CompanyInventors: George E. Anderson, Daniel D. Anderson, Richard W. Ozer, Floyd C. Teeter, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040049941Abstract: A method of drying wet toner particles includes adding different sized wet toner particles to a dryer drying chamber and drying each of the wet toner particles for a drying time TD. The drying time TD can vary for each toner particle and is proportional to the mass of the wet toner particle. The method can also include introducing a heated drying gas into the drying chamber to create a circulating flow of drying gas having a curved portion, and retaining the toner particles in the circulating flow until the toner particles lose enough moisture that exiting forces overcome centrifugal forces and the toner particles no longer remain in the drying chamber. A dryer for drying toner particles includes a drying chamber, at least one drying gas inlet for introducing heated drying gas into the drying chamber to produce a circulating flow of drying gas. The dryer includes a feed inlet for introducing wet toner particles into the circulating flow of drying gas to dry the wet toner particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Applicant: XEROX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven M. Malachowski, Chieh-Min Cheng
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Publication number: 20040025370Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating gas for a processing system is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for generating gas for a processing system includes an unitary, isolatable, transportable canister having a plurality of first spacing elements, a plurality of second spacing elements and a solid material disposed within the canister. The spacing elements have different mean diameters. The solid material is adapted to produce a gas vapor when exposed to a temperature above a predetermined level at a predetermined pressure. In another embodiment, an apparatus for generating gas includes a gas source coupled to a processing chamber by a first gas line. A canister is coupled in-line with the first gas line and contains a solid material that produces a process gas when heated. A heater is disposed between the gas source and the canister to heat gas flowing into the canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Rolf A. Guenther
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Publication number: 20030230004Abstract: A batch fluid bed processing machine for processing products. The batch fluid bed processing machine has a container and a gas source coupled to a first end of the container. An expansion chamber is coupled to a second end of the container. An expansion funnel having a second open end is coupled to an interface between the expansion chamber and the container. A column is mounted in the container between the expansion funnel and the gas source. A gas stream is passed from the gas source and through the container. Products may be coated or dryed in the gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Anne Marie Borsavage, Michael L. Cappola, George W. Gereg
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Patent number: 6612049Abstract: The preheater and dryer device has a housing and a first collector is disposed inside the housing. A feeding device extends into the housing and contains a material to be dried and preheated. A movable and hollow central conduit extends from the upper end of the housing to a bottom portion of the first collector. The central conduit carries a hot and dry air into the housing. A first and a second conical shield are attached to the central conduit. The central conduit is movable between a first open position and a second closed position. The second conical shield is tightly held against the first collector to close the bottom opening thereof when the central conduit is in the second closed position and the second conical shield is separated from the first collector when the central conduit is in the first open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Inventor: Roland Lofgren
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Publication number: 20030159311Abstract: A grain drier comprises two main bodies and a rocking device for actuating the main bodies to rock. The main bodies are mounted on a stand and are provided in the hollow interior with a plurality of bellows-like devices, with each having a hot air admitting port and a plurality of air holes for circulating the hot air stream so as to effect the process of drying the grain deposited on the outer side surface of the slantingly-arranged bellows-like device. The rocking device is fastened with the stand.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Chun-Chien Yu
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Patent number: 6607768Abstract: Coffee beans and the like are roasted in an enclosed, pressurized roaster under conditions which provide rapid heat transfer and close control of roasting time-temperature profiles. The roasting chamber desirably has a bottom screen, a top screen and a shutter adapted to momentarily occlude flow through the various portions of the top screen. Roasting gas passes upwardly through the beans, entrains some of the beans and forces them against the top screen. The beans drop back into the chamber when the shutter occludes a particular portion of the top screen holding the beans. Time-temperature profiles can be controlled by monitoring process conditions such as inlet and outlet gas enthalpies.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Praxis Werke, Inc.Inventor: Joachim Eichner
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Publication number: 20030140520Abstract: A system for removing from a particle mass a liquid permeating the particle mass includes a vaporizing stage having a space wherein the pressure is less than the pressure of the particle mass. As the particle mass enters the vaporizing stage, the lower pressure causes much of the liquid to vaporize. Once vaporized, the vapor can be removed with a pump. A first stripping stage receives the particle mass from the first stage at a first particle inlet port and discharges the particle mass at a first particle outlet port. A first stripping gas inlet near the first particle outlet port of the first stripping stage injects an inert stripping gas into the particle mass. The inert gas mixes with remaining elements of the liquid and any entrained gas formed by the liquid, and the mixture is discharged at a gas outlet near the first particle outlet port. A second stripping stage having construction and operation different from the first stripping stage may receive the particle mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: George E. Anderson, Daniel D. Anderson, Richard W. Ozer, Floyd C. Teeter
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Publication number: 20030121172Abstract: A process and apparatus for the purging of excess hydrocarbons or monomer from polymer materials using a settled bed non-fluidized conditioning vessel having an internal gas distribution system which insures uniform gas distribution within the vessel and solids bed and provides for mass flow of solids. The gas distributor consists of several pipes or distribution legs configured parallel to the converging hopper walls of the vessel, having gas injection ports along their axial length. The injection ports are located so that the gas is evenly distributed across the cross section of the vessel at the level of the port. The size of the ports may be varied along with the spacing between ports such that specified pressure drops occur across any cross section of the vessel. The invention may be applied externally to a vessel such that the gas distribution legs enter through the vessel walls, or inserted entirely within the vessel, or even attached to the internal walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventor: Thomas W. Kay
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Patent number: 6584701Abstract: A system for drying particulate material in a drying hopper (DH) has a plurality of gas flow paths, one (FP1) of which extends from a compressed gas inlet (16) to a first sub-system (SS1) that includes a membrane dryer(MD) and a heater (EH′), whereby dried and heated gas is supplied to a lower portion (36) of the hopper, and another (FP2) of which extends from the inlet (16) to a second sub-system (SS2) that includes a mixing device (30) and a heater (EH). The mixing device uses compressed gas to induce a flow of gas from the hopper and mixes the compressed gas with gas withdrawn from the hopper. The mixed gases are heated and supplied to a second portion (34) of the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Novatec, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Brown, John W. Doub, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030093916Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Michael David Vrbanac, Ramon Charles Dezutter, Brian Wester, Michael James Yancey
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Patent number: 6558726Abstract: A roasting apparatus for roasting nuts, cocoa beans, coffee beans, and other small food stuffs comprising a base, a motor and afterburner assembly attached to the top of the base on one side thereof, a roasting assembly attached to the top of the base on the other side thereof, and a top cover assembly removably attached to the tops of the motor and afterburner assembly, and the roasting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: The Metal Ware CorporationInventors: Chad S. Erickson, Wesley C. Drumm