Abstract: A quantity of water deposited on sand particles is adjusted to a predetermined value by utilizing a method and apparatus disclosed having a hopper through which the sand particles to be treated are supplied. A velocity energy is imparted to the particles to project them in a predetermined direction, thereby causing the particles to collide against rotating drums. As a result of the collision, a portion of a quantity of water initially deposited on the particles is removed therefrom and transferred to the drums, which is thereafter separated from the drums by a centrifugal force created by rotation of the drums. A plurality of notches or slits may be formed to axially extend along the periphery of the drums so that the deposited water moving along the periphery will tend into contact with be separated therefrom when it comes to one of the notches or slits. An air jet stream passing through the respective slits to the outside will function to facilitate the water removal from the periphery of the drums.

Abstract: Installation for the centrifugal spin-drying or combined spin-drying and drying of fibrous or porous materials comprising, in combination, a spin-drier and a material carrier adapted to receive at least one pile of spools or similar of fibrous or porous materials, said material carrier being formed from a plurality of supports each adapted to receive a pile of spools or similar, disposed along at least one ring about a common axis formed by a central caisson, said spin-drier being equipped with a basket comprising a plurality of pockets or similar each adapted to receive a pile of spools or similar carried by a support of the material carrier, said supports being designed to be each housed in a pocket of the basket of said spin-drier and the common axis about which said supports are disposed in a ring being formed by a hollow central caisson adapted to fit into the central pivot of the centrifugal spin-drier.

Abstract: A spin drier including a casing and a rotor equipped with at least one holder for a carrier, which is adapted to enclose a semiconductor material such as a silicon wafer therein, and embraced in the casing so that the semiconductor material placed on the rotor is dried by a gas stream which has been introduced through an intake port provided above the rotor, passes through the rotor and is to be exhausted through an exhaust port formed through a circumferential wall of the casing. The rotor is provided with at least three guide members on the outer section thereof, and each guide member includes a substantially vertically disposed curved surface with its convex side faced inwardly. The described holder is positioned between two guide members, to thereby guide the above described gas flow and thus prevent water, dusts and/or stains located on the bottom wall and circumferential wall of the casing from flowing back onto the semiconductor materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retarding splashback of liquids collected from a rotating workpiece is disclosed. In accordance with the apparatus, there is provided a work station upon which a workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, is positioned, a collecting means for collecting liquids discharged from the workpiece by rotation of the work station and a means for rotating the collecting means. Also in accordance with the present invention, the collecting means may be rotated separately from the work station but in the same direction as the work station. In accordance with the method, there is provided applying liquids to the workpiece, rotating work station with the workpiece positioned on it and rotating a collecting means in the same direction as the work station. Also in accordance with the invention, the apparatus may be combined with apparatus for a segregated drainage of first and second liquids such that splashback during collection of these liquids will be retarded.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting fluid from rotary air filters including novel support means upon which an individual filter is mounted and means for imparting rotation thereto for effecting centrifugal extraction. The support means includes a base member, which receives the rotational motive power, and a lower support member resiliently biased in spaced relation to the base member in a manner minimizing the possibility of damage due to vibration or unbalance. Upper support means include a pair of annular rings, one of which is vertically adjustable with respect to the other, which encircle the mounted filter. Annular discs having central openings matched to the outside diameter of the mounted filter may be removably mounted upon the vertically adjustable support ring.

Abstract: The drying container has foraminous side walls and an open bottom which is received onto a vertically positionable, upwardly facing lower wall having a sloping surface. A pair of semi-cylindrical shielding walls encircle the drying basket and are spaced therefrom, the inner surface of which includes a trough to receive water from the drying container. During drying, produce received within the drying container is rotated which moves the water from the produce outwardly through the openings in the container sidewalls to the trough. At the conclusion of spin drying, the lower wall is moved downwardly away from its container enclosing position and the dried produce falls onto receiving conveyor belts for moving the dried produce to a packing station. At this time the drying container is subjected to short reciprocative movements which serves to shake loose any produce adhering to the inner surface of the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spin drier for silicon wafers and the like including a rotor equipped with at least one holder for a carrier, which is adapted to enclose a silicon wafer or the like therein, and a casing embracing the rotor. The spin drier is further provided with a guide member, which is disposed between the lower face of the rotor and the bottom wall of the casing and formed of a plurality of guide blades extending downwardly aslant in the rotating direction of the rotor. Owing to the provision of the guide member, water and dusts are prevented from splashing back onto the wafers or the like from the bottom wall of the casing. Thus, the wafers or the like can be dried faster without deleteriously affecting the washing effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spin drier for silicon wafers and the like including a rotor equipped with at least one holder for a carrier, which is adapted to enclose a silicon wafer or the like therein, and a casing embracing the rotor. The radial distance between the circumferential wall of the casing and the central axis of the rotor gradually increases as the circumferential wall extends all around the rotor in its circumferential direction from a position adjacent to an air exhaust port to the air exhaust port, thereby making an air conduit formed around the rotor gradually wider. The bottom wall of the casing gradually slopes down towards the air exhaust port. Owing to the above construction, the resistance to an air stream through the casing has been reduced, thereby preventing air from flowing back into the rotor after striking the circumferential wall of the casing and thus preventing stains and water on the circumferential wall of the casing from flowing back and sticking on wafers or the like.

Abstract: The device comprises a tubular container having a closed end and an opening at the opposite end. The roller is inserted in the container by way of this opening. The container has internally spacer elements capable of receiving the roller in a position spaced from the inner surface of the tubular wall of the container and rendering the container connected to the roller for rotation with the latter. There is at least one outer cylindrical rolling surface on the container. For removing liquid from the roller, the latter is placed in the container and the assembly comprising the container and the roller is rapidly rolled on a surface so that the mixture of water and paint is ejected from the roller by centrifugal force and received in the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for batch continuous laundry processing involves a system for continuously centrifugally extracting fluids from sequentially received batches of washed laundry. The discrete batches of laundry are continuously received by a conveying apparatus that automatically loads the batches into the discrete compartments defined within the segmented drum of the extractor. While the extractor is rotating, the conveying apparatus arranges a plurality of laundry batches to be quickly loaded into the extractor upon completion of the processing of the previous batches so that the conveying and processing is completely continuous and automatic. The conveying apparatus is vertically, laterally and longitudinally translatable to receive the batches from a washer at one level, to arrange the batches in two rows, and then to automatically feed them, for example two at a time, into the compartments of the segmented extractor.

Abstract: A hydro-extracting apparatus for drying cheeses of yarn comprises a rotary table having a plurality of spindles mounted thereon, on which spindles cheeses of dyed yarn are mounted vertically, a device for holding and conveying the cheeses one by one, which device includes a cheese lifting mechanism and a movable arm mechanism having chucks for engaging and releasing cheeses, this device being adapted for conveying cheeses one by one from the spindles of the rotary table to a hydro-extractor and, after hydro-extraction, to deliver the cheeses one by one to a cheese receiving unit, and a centrifugal hydro-extractor for hydro-extracting each of the cheeses, which hydro-extractor is laterally spaced apart from and adjacent to the foregoing device for conveying the cheeses. A flexible drive shaft and a spring are provided in the hydro-extractor to absorb vibrations, whereby hydro-extraction of dyed cheeses can be performed intermittently, consecutively and efficiently.

Abstract: A dehydration apparatus for separating water deposited on articles charged in a dehydrating vessel by centrifugal force resulting from rotation, in which the bottom plate of said dehydrating vessel is constructed so as to be openable such that the articles in the dehydrating vessel are caused to drop down by opening said bottom plate and can be easily taken out.

Abstract: A method of operating a particle-treating apparatus having a hollow foraminous drum centered on and rotatable about an upright axis comprises the steps of feeding particles into the upper portion of the interior of the drum, rotating the drum about the axis at a speed sufficient to form the particles into an annular body lying on the inner surface of the drum, passing a drying gas radially inward through the drum into the interior thereof and withdrawing the gas axially from the interior to at least partially fluidize the body and dry the particles, and collecting the particles beneath the drum as the body moves off the lower edge thereof. The rate of gas flow through the drum and the rotation rate of the drum are such that the body moves axially down in the interior toward the lower edge of the drum.

Abstract: A dehydrating drier is so arranged that the dehydrated and dried members in a thin form, such as silicon wafers, glass for liquid crystal, photo masking glass or lenses, are rotated with a rotor, and deflectors are disposed in a ventilation channel for a flow of drying gas which reaches the dehydrated and dried members. Preferably, the deflectors are disposed substantially concentrically to the ventilation channel. Furthermore, the improved dehydrating drier also includes an electricity remover for removing charged electricity on the members. In addition, high voltage electrodes of the electricity remover of an electric type are preferably disposed substantially concentrically to the ventilation channel upstream in the path of the flow of drying gas before reaching the members.

Abstract: A rotor receives the wet material to be dried and centrifugates it outwards with conveyance air created by the same rotor. Around the rotor there develops a first scroll, which receives and conveys towards an outlet the material centrifugated by the rotor and said conveyance air. The lateral wall of said first scroll is provided with a bored grating, against which there hits the centrifugated material, which thus looses a part of the liquid that accompanies it; another part is removed by the same conveyance air, which filters partially through the grating into a second scroll that conveys it to discharge with the liquid separated and passed through the grating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydro-extractors used for extracting water or other liquids mixed with a treated material. The hydro-extractor according to the invention comprises, in addition to the perforated wall of revolution 1 driven in rotation about its axis, material advancing members 4-6 acting on the material layer, the path of travel f of the advancing members in the region where said members cooperate with the layer m of treated material forcibly applied against the perforated wall 1 comprising a component f.sub.p in the diametral plane and an axial component f1 directed downstream. The invention provides a hydro-extractor operating continuously, the dried product circulating in the direction of arrow D.

Abstract: A processor for processing undeveloped photographic film discs mounted on a spindle assembly has a conveyor to intermittently convey the spindle assembly along a generally horizontal conveyor path. The spindle assembly is conveyed to a plurality of processing and drying stations on the conveyor path. At each processing station, the spindle assembly and film discs mounted thereon are rotated at a first rate of rotation and the film discs are contacted with processing fluids. At a first drying station, the spindle assembly and film discs are rotated at a second higher rate of rotation. At the second drying station, the spindle assembly and film discs are again rotated at the first rate of rotation. Tempered air is blown through the drying stations and a movable dryer hood encloses the drying stations to prevent fluid from being cast from the spinning film discs into the rest of the processor and to direct the tempered air through the drying stations.

Abstract: A high speed dehydrator or centrifugal extractor includes an article receiving rotatable drum or basket driven by a high rpm electric motor, and further includes improvements in the housing assembly and interior mounting of the basket and motor, an improved braking mechanism comprised of a disc-type braking plate rotatable with the basket and a disc-type brake pad to be pressed into engagement therewith during braking operations, a pivotal cover for opening to yield access to the rotatable basket, means for biasing the brake pad toward engagement with the braking plate with the pivotal cover being opened, and linkage mechanism connected to the brake pad and engageable by a closing cover to release the braking mechanism.

Abstract: There is described a method of drying wet items of textile material, in which the wet item is rolled onto a roller and in the process subjected to a width-increase of at least 15% in the transverse direction while being fed without tension in the longitudinal direction, until the outer diameter obtained is substantially equal to the internal diameter of a perforated retaining sleeve into which the rolled item is introduced for subjection to a spin-drying operation.

Abstract: A new vegetable drying apparatus consists of a net bag or perforated plastic bag placed inside an outer imperforate plastic film bag, both bags being provided with handles or other means for holding the same for manual rotation at relatively high speed. The washed vegetables which are to be dried are placed in the net bag, which is, in turn, placed inside the outer imperforate bag. The two bags are held together as a sling and manually rotated at a sufficiently high speed to remove water from the vegetables by centrifugal force. The water removed from the vegetables is collected inside the imperforate bag instead of being thrown out into the area where the bags are rotated or slung around. After use, the inner bag is removed from the outer imperforate bag and the vegetables, free of surface water, are removed. The water collected in the outer bag is poured out and the bag turned inside out to dry, if desired. An alternate embodiment includes a water absorbent liner, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying moist chlorinated polymers, which are separated from an aqueous suspension, comprises a centrifugal nozzle structure which has a discharge outlet associated with it and a fluidized bed drier provided with a closable discharge outlet. The discharge outlet of the centrifugal nozzle structure opens into the upper portion of the fluidized bed drier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a wafer at a drying station includes a wafer holder which grips the wafer on its edge so that there is no contact with a face of the wafer. This eliminates contact areas which could cause stains on the face. A carriage mechanism brings a wet wafer into the drying station at one level and takes the dry wafer out of the drying station at a different level to prevent any contact between the dry wafer and residual moisture at the incoming level.

Abstract: A method is provided, along with apparatus for practice of the method, wherein laundry, such as linen or the like, is treated, following a washing operation applied thereto, by applying centrifugal force to extract rinsing liquid from a saturated laundry batch and then applying to the exterior of the laundry batch a pressurized fluid flow as a further treatment step, which is withdrawn from the laundry work batch from a point generally within the batch whereby rinsing liquid is withdrawn in a direction countercurrent to the preceding centrifugal extraction step. A suction may be applied at a point within the batch to either establish or enhance the liquid extraction operation.The apparatus of the invention includes a perforated spin-drying drum within a housing such that a circumjacent space is defined between the drum and the housing, and a remotely located blower in conduit communication with the housing generates a pressurized flow to the circumjacent space.

Abstract: Moist chlorinated polymers, which are separated from an aqueous suspension, are dried. To this end the moist polymers are pre-dried in a centrifugation zone and the pre-dried polymers are completely dried in a fluidization zone which is arranged downstream of the centrifugation zone and in which a bed of fluidized material is continually maintained.The apparatus used for carrying out the drying process comprises a centrifugal nozzle structure which has a discharge outlet associated with it and a fluidized bed drier provided with a closable discharge outlet. The discharge outlet of the centrifugal nozzle structure opens into the upper portion of the fluidized bed drier.

Abstract: A dryer which employs open air and solar energy for tumble drying of such items as clothes comprises a rotatable, closed drum and a frame. The drum has first and second end surfaces and a lateral surface. Each of the end surfaces and lateral surface has a plurality of orifices for permitting open air and solar energy to enter and moisture to exit the drum. An access door is attached to the drum and is movable between open and closed positions to permit loading and unloading of the drum. The frame on which the drum is mounted exposes the drum interior to open air and solar energy. Bearings are coupled to the drum and frame for rotatably supporting the drum on the frame. A mechanism for rotating the drum is mounted on the frame and coupled to the drum. The method of drying comprises loading the items to be dried in the drum and exposing the drum loaded with the items to the open air and solar energy while simultaneously rotating the drum to tumble dry the items in the drum.

Abstract: An appliance which is made solely of snap-in molded plastic components includes a strainer for holding the vegetables which is rotated within a covered bowl by a hand crank transmitting the rotational motion through a step-up transmission having a planetary gear and through a frictional fit between a strainer and an easily removable strainer cover.

Abstract: A drier suitable for drying yarn in skeins suspended from rods, comprises a rotor mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. Access to the interior of the rotor is provided through doors in the rotor. Adjacent the door openings, the rotor has supports for receiving the ends of several rods with skeins suspended therefrom. Drying is effected by centrifugal effects and by circulation of air.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying lettuce and other vegetables including a basket in which wet lettuce is placed, a holder in which the basket is removably received, and a motor for rotating the basket and holder. When the basket is rotated to expel water through openings in its sidewalls by centrifugal force, the sidewalls bend outwardly to engage the holder and center the basket.The holding mechanism is normally held against rotation by a brake. When the motor is energized, current flows through the brake to release it. As a safety feature, no power is applied to the motor and brake circuits when the device is not in operation.

Abstract: An installation for drying a liquid-containing particulate product comprises a supporting frame, a centrifugal separator removably mounted thereon and a large receptacle for the particles ejected from a discharge end of the separator basket supported on the supporting frame. The receptacle has a vertical wall defining an opening and the centrifugal separator is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and is arranged with the discharge end of the basket facing the opening in the vertical wall and extending into the receptacle whereby the particles are ejected into the receptacle upon rotation of the basket, the opening having a diameter slightly in excess of the diameter of the discharge end of the basket. The separator may thus be horizontally moved for placing it in position with the discharge end extending into the receptacle and for removing it without dismounting the receptacle.

Abstract: An upper retaining plate, including a plurality of radially extending, arcuately spaced slots therein, and a lower retaining plate, including a plurality of arcuately spaced apertures, are joined by a connecting rod and rotatably mounted within an outer stationary container. The honeycomb frames are inserted vertically through slots in the upper plate in such a manner that an extension of the top bar of the comb frame is seated securely in a corresponding aperture in the lower plate. The frames are thereby spaced arcuately around a central shaft and the shaft rotated at a speed adequate to centrifugally extract the honey from the frames. As the honey is drawn from both sides of the combs simultaneously it will flow downwardly along the walls of the outer container and collect in the bottom thereof.

Abstract: In a process that involves use of a fluidized bed of solid particulate material wherein fluidization is obtained by passge of a gas through the bed, and the bed is stabilized by including discrete magnetizable particles in the bed and applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to the bed, temperature gradients that occur in the bed when the process in which the fluidized bed is used involves release or absorption of heat are reduced by periodically removing the magnetic field in a cyclical fashion. The period of magnetic field removal is long enough to destabilize the fluidized bed with respect to the positioning of fluidized particles so that the particles will move about in the bed, but the period of removal is not so long as to permit the unstabilized bed to exhibit a boiling or bubbling effect. The ratio of "on" time to "off" time is generally within the range of from about 4 to 1 to about 4000 to 1.

Abstract: Particles to be dried are loaded into the bottom of an upwardly open vessel which is then spun about a central axis at a speed sufficient to form the particles into an annular body and to urge the particles radially outwardly with a centrifugal force greater than the force of gravity. The outer wall of the vessel is gas-pervious and drying gas is passed radially inwardly through this wall to contact the particles and at least partially fluidize the body of particles. The dried particles are drawn off out of the upper end of the rotating vessel as fresh wet particles are loaded into the lower end.

Abstract: A method for the production of a fine-grained mixture of mineral solids such as pulverized raw material for the calcining of cement clinkers composed of several materials, one of the starting materials constituting a substantial proportion of the total mixture and having a grain size suitable for further processing, but having a relatively high moisture content, and another starting material also constituting a substantial proportion of the total mixture and consisting of coarse grained fragments. In accordance with the present invention, these two starting materials, together with other additives which might be present, are mixed and suspended in a column of heated air to dry the mixture to a moisture level suitable for further processing.

Abstract: A lettuce and like dryer is adapted for use with a conventional blender apparatus or other appliances such as an electric juicer having a vertical drive shaft, the dryer including an outer basket having a top opening and a bottom having a generally annular reservoir and an axial opening, engaging means at the bottom axial opening adapted to engage the housing of said blender, an inner axial stub shaft connected to gear drive means mounted in said bottom opening and adapted to engage the blender drive shaft and perforate basket means removably engaging said stub shaft to be driven thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying lettuce and other vegetables including a basket in which wet lettuce is placed, a stand in which the basket is removably received, a holding mechanism that rotatably supports the basket using magnets to maintain its position, and an electric motor for rotating the basket. The sidewalls of the basket are perforated to allow water propelled by centrifugal force to escape as the basket is rotated. A removable splash shield that surrounds the basket confines the water causing it to be collected in a drip pan.The holding mechanism is normally held against rotation by a brake. When the motor is energized, current flows through the brake to release it. As a safety feature, no power is applied to the motor and brake circuits when the device is not in operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dehydration (drying) of textile materials, especially mats or webs of nonwoven fiber or the fiber itself, comprises means for feeding the material to a continuous extractor at the end of which is provided a conduit for the pneumatic transport of the dry material. According to the invention, the conduit opens into a cyclone in which the textile material is permitted to fall by gravity and separate from the entraining air. Means is provided to maintain a pressure equilibrium within the cyclone. The latter means can include a fan or ventilator.

Abstract: A food damp drying centrifuge for commercial use comprises a rollably supported cylindrical housing, removably supported within which is a cylindrical food spinner basket. A drive motor affixed to the underside of the housing has a drive shaft extending through the housing bottom and terminating in an octagonal drive head interconnectably receivable within a complementary recess integrally formed in the underside of the spinner basket. A pair of mutually coaxially journalled, separable cover members cover and enclose the housing and spinner basket, respectively, for placing the centrifuge in condition for centrifuging food placed in the spinner basket upon energization of the drive motor.

Abstract: A filter drying apparatus for cylindrical-type filter units having a frame and an adjustable means for rotating the filter unit at regulated set speeds, the area in which the filter is rotated being surrounded by a casing. Within the casing, adjacent the bottom thereof, is a freely rotatable lower cone-shaped member for supporting one end of the filter, and directly above the lower cone is a similar vertically adjustable cone-shaped member connected with the filter rotating means. These cone-shaped members are adapted to engage the filter unit, one at each end thereof, the cones being tapered at an angle of approximately 60.degree., and constructed of a semi-elastic material such as rubber, or a suitable plastic composition. Both cone members are tapered outwardly and downwardly from their tops, the lower cone member engaging the inner edge of the filter unit, and the upper cone member engaging the outer edge of the opposite end of the filter unit to rotate the same.

Abstract: A rotary-type dryer for use in drying slices such as semiconductor wafers includes a rotatable basket for accommodating the slices to be dried. A plurality of blades are arranged in a circle concentric with the axis of rotation of the basket. The blades are disposed at an angle relative to the tangential direction of the circle. A case is provided outside the blades and the basket and includes an air-and-liquid exhaust port. An air intake port allows drying air to be introduced into the basket.

Abstract: Equipment for use in washing articles such as egg trays and the like wherein the articles after being washed are moved by a conveyor to a drying zone for being picked up by a rotatable carriage by which they are lifted into a hood and rotated at high speed to discharge water or other washing liquid therefrom. The movement of the conveyor and the rotation of the carriage are coordinated to start and stop the rotation of the carriage so as to dry one article after another as it is advanced to the drying zone and onto the carriage by the conveyor. The rotatable carriage includes a system for orientation of the trays or the like for discharge to the conveyor and a brake assembly for quickly decreasing the rotational velocity of the carriage.

Abstract: Sample preparation apparatus for forming a thin layer of diluted blood specimen on a substrate by centrifugal force includes a sample probe having coaxial blood and diluent conduits coupled to respective reversibly-drivable peristaltic pumps having forward operation intakes connected to a diluent supply. A one-way clutch limits the diluent pump to forward operation and the pumps are geared to produce a blood-to-diluent displacement ratio of 2:1. A substrate holder is mounted on a carriage for selective insertion into and removal from a sealed centrifuge chamber in which it is spun at a high angular rate by a drive motor. Means are provided to form a curtain of flowing liquid within the chamber surrounding the spinning substrate to collect spun-off blood particles and aerosol. The liquid forming the curtain is drained by an exhaust pump which operates after spinning has ceased so as to create a partial vacuum for draining off residual aerosol prior to unsealing the centrifuge chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning pleated paper and other hollow cylindrical filters by centrifugal force combined with reverse air flow. A housing carrying a rotatable platform supports one end of the filter, and a closure unit for a housing aperture centers the filter by contact with the other end and frictionally rotates it through the contacting surface. Filter rotation is concurrent with removal of air from the housing around the filter, to be replaced by air drawn through the filter as a whole through the centering and driving components of the closure unit. Means for facilitating the emptying of collected material from the housing is shown, as is means for adapting the structure for use as a simple vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A centrifugal drier comprises a rotary closure member mounted in the rotary drier basket and closing off the lower part of the interior basket chamber. Purging means is mounted on the periphery of the closure member and includes an annular element coaxial with the basket and having an exterior conical surface parallel to the conical wall of the basket. The exterior surface of the annular element is at a small distance from the screen and defines an annular ejection chamber open towards the basket wall. The annular element defines an annular inlet chamber open towards the rotary axis of the basket, a narrow passage connects the inlet chamber with the ejection chamber, and at least one fixed spray nozzle delivers a purging liquid to the annular inlet chamber.