Abstract: An apparatus for calcination of gypsum includes a gypsum calciner having an interior wall surface with a circular or annular configuration as seen in its plan view, and a tubular combustor positioned at a center part of a body of the calciner. Raw gypsum is calcined or dehydrated by a high temperature gas spouting flow (Hg) ejected from a lower portion of the combustor. The calciner has a stationary-vane-type or movable-vane-type auxiliary device, which circumferentially energizes the raw gypsum in the vicinity of the interior wall surface toward a circumferential direction of the calciner. The auxiliary device has a plurality of stationary vanes circumferentially arranged in an outer peripheral zone of a lower portion of the combustor and spaced apart from each other at an angular interval, or an agitator extending through a conical or inner circumferential surface defined by the interior wall surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the processing of a particulate material, the apparatus comprising: a processing chamber having one or more inlets for admitting particulate material to be processed and one or more outlets for processed particulate material; the processing chamber comprising an annular treatment zone and a plurality of processing fluid inlets arranged in a base of said annular treatment zone and configured so that, in use, jets of processing fluid pass into the annular treatment zone through the plurality of processing fluid inlets to establish a spiral flow of particulate material in the annular processing zone; wherein said one or more outlets for processed particulate material are located in the base of said annular treatment zone and surrounded by said plurality of processing fluid inlets so that the spiral flow of particulate material circulates around said one or more outlets; the processing chamber further comprising means for deflecting a portion of the spiral flow o

Abstract: A vortex chamber device comprising: a reactor comprising at least one chamber having a substantially circular cross-section; a device for feeding at least one fluid that is gaseous or liquid into the chamber; a device for removing said one or more fluids from the chamber; a device for feeding powder particles or a powder particles precursor to said chamber; wherein said fluid removing device comprises at least one discharge opening for removing said at least one fluid from the chamber. The invention also provides a method for treating powder particles or a powder particles precursor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning device resistant to liquid backsplash comprises an upper casing and a lower casing. The upper casing moves upward and downward relative to the lower casing. The upper casing comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, and a hollow cavity formed therebetween. The inner wall is provided with a plurality of liquid inlet apertures which are communicated with the hollow cavity. Through the liquid inlet apertures and the hollow cavity provided in the cleaning device and the cleaning system of the present invention, the chemical liquids and/or particles used are introduced into the hollow cavity via the liquid inlet apertures and discharged via the liquid discharging apertures during the high speed rotation of the wafer so as to achieve better cleaning device.

Abstract: The device for evaporating a treatment liquid comprises a cylindrical enclosure having an outlet orifice opening out into the top end of the enclosure, the enclosure being placed vertically and having a heated inside wall, and liquid nozzles associated with a blow pipe for blowing air under pressure so as to form a jet comprising a mixture of air and of pulverized treatment liquid in a direction that is tangential to the inside wall of the enclosure, each liquid nozzle and the associated blow pipe being arranged so that the jet of mixture is formed in an upper portion of the enclosure and is downwardly inclined.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for heat treatment capable of heat-treating toner particles efficiently and uniformly while suppressing increase of coarse particles due to coalescence, to thereby enable stable toner production. The apparatus for heat-treating powder particles each of which contains a binder resin and a colorant includes: a cylindrical treatment chamber in which the powder particles are heat-treated; a columnar member (6) provided so as to protrude from a lower end part of the treatment chamber toward an upper end part thereof; a powder particle supply unit (2) for supplying the powder particles to the treatment chamber; a hot air supply unit (3) for heat-treating the supplied powder particles; and a collection unit (5) for collecting the heat-treated powder particles discharged outside the treatment chamber through a toner discharge port provided on the lower end part side of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A heat treating apparatus for powder particles including a cylindrical treating chamber; a powder particle-supplying unit; a hot air-supplying unit that supplies hot air for heat-treating powder particles; a cold air-supplying unit that supplies cold air for cooling the heat-treated powder particles; a regulating unit for regulating a flow of the supplied powder particles; and a recovering unit that recovers the heat-treated powder particles. The regulating unit is a substantially circular columnar member, the hot air-supplying unit has an outlet opposite to the upper end portion of the columnar member, and the regulating unit is equipped with a substantially conic distributing member for distributing the supplied hot air in a circumferential direction and a rotating member for rotating the distributed hot air in a spiral manner, on the center of the upper end portion.

Abstract: A cyclone comprising: an upper cylindrical portion which opens into the wider end of a lower frusto-conical portion, with the longitudinal axes of said upper and lower portions aligned and substantially vertical; a primary air inlet into the cyclone arranged such that the inlet air is substantially tangential to the circumference of the cyclone; an exhaust outlet at or adjacent the top of the cylindrical portion; a control valve associated with said exhaust outlet and capable of partially or completely shutting off said exhaust outlet; a secondary air inlet associated with the narrow end of the frusto-conical portion and provided with an airflow stabilizing device which is adapted to admit a stream of air substantially along or spirally around the longitudinal axis of the cyclone; means for removing processed product from the cyclone; means for moving said airflow stabilizing device into and out of the narrow end of the frusto-conical portion during product processing and/or between product processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device with a rotating fluidized bed in one or a succession of cylindrical chambers, in which injectors (12), distributed around the fixed circular wall (2) of said cylindrical chamber(s), inject along this wall, in successive layers, one or more fluids (13), which entrain the solid particles (17), passing through this/these chamber(s), in a movement of rapid rotation whereof the centrifugal force concentrates these particles along this wall, thereby forming a fluidized bed rotating around a central duct or a plurality of central ducts (3), through which the fluids are removed. The present invention further relates to a method of catalytic polymerization, drying or other treatments of solid particles in suspension in a rotating fluidized bed or of catalytic conversion of fluids passing through said rotating fluidized bed using a device according to the present invention.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There has been achieved a sludge dehydrating processor with less mechanical operation and with satisfactory dehydrating efficiency and heating efficiency. In order to process and convert sludge including an organic substance into solid fertilizer, a heating treatment zone for feeding and sterilizing an object to be treated and a dehydrating treatment/retrieving zone for separating water from the object to be treated and retrieving a treated object are provided. In the heating treatment zone, induction heating for efficiently heating the object to be treated without rotating a kiln body is introduced. In the dehydrating treatment/retrieving zone, a vortex air current producing mechanism for efficiently drying the object to be treated without rotating a dehydrating treatment chamber is introduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic dewatering apparatus (1) for wet product. The apparatus (1) comprises essentially a cyclone chamber (2) connected to a centrifugal fan (3). Various vortex flow forming stations (6), each followed by a vortex shedding station (7), are mounted within the cyclone chamber (2). Tight centripetal vortices are formed and are then shed such that water is delivered out the cyclone chamber (2) into a sump (42).

Abstract: A roaster for roasting coffee beans includes a roasting chamber having a top and a bottom. A cover is seated on the top of the roasting chamber and a bottom of the roasting chamber is seated on a base. A hot air supply is provided in the base for supplying hot airflow into the roasting chamber for heating the coffee beans. At least one air opening is formed on the bottom for enabling the airflow to enter the roasting chamber. A wind tunnel is provided over the air opening for increasing the speed of the airflow in the roasting chamber as the airflow passes through the wind tunnel.

Abstract: A housing assembly includes first and second sides and first and second panels spaced apart from each other by an interior of the housing and traversing the first and second sides. A first porous desiccant retention plate and a second porous desiccant retention plate are spaced from each other are secured within the housing so as to define a desiccant chamber therebetween for maintaining the desiccant medium. An opening is formed within one of said panels in a location corresponding to the location of the desiccant chamber, facilitating replacement of the desiccant medium within the desiccant chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding a drying gas to a mixing granulator comprising a mixing chamber and a rotating agitator (3), on which mixer blades (4) are arranged in a radial position with respect to a drive shaft (5). The feeder line (6) for the drying gas is disposed inside the drive shaft (5) of the agitator (3). An exit line (7) is respectively connected in the region of each mixer blade (4), said line terminating in at least one outlet (8) arranged underneath and, in the direction of rotation, behind the mixer blades (s). The outlet (8) extends advantageously in at least partial manner along the mixer blades (4), embodied in the form of a slit or in a flat manner in the form of a porous element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotatable chuck for supporting a substrate and a splash guard. The splash guard surrounds the chuck and surrounds a substrate mounted on the chuck. The splash guard has a portion that deflects fluid being flung off the substrate by centrifugal action in a manner so as to not splash back onto the substrate. The splash guard is moveable between a process position in which the upper annular edge of the splash guard extends above the chuck and a substrate on the chuck, and a load/unload position in which the splash guard is tilted so that one side of the upper annular edge is below an upper edge of the chuck. The movement of the splash guard facilitates loading and unloading of a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a generally flat substrate that has been cleaned has a rotatable support for supporting the substrate, a substrate drying assembly, and a controller. The substrate drying assembly includes a substrate drying assembly support arm, an outlet for applying liquid to an upper surface of the substrate, and an outlet for applying a drying vapor to the upper surface of the substrate. The substrate drying assembly is configured to position the liquid applying outlet and to position the vapor applying outlet above a portion of the substrate. The controller causes the substrate drying assembly to be retracted over the upper surface of the substrate at a faster rate near a center of the substrate than near a periphery of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing moisture from air which includes a moist air inlet area, a dry air outlet area, a regeneration air inlet area, a regeneration air outlet area and a desiccant medium. A drying fan is provided for drawing the moist air through the moist air inlet area, through the desiccant, as to exit the unit through the dry air outlet area. A regeneration fan is provided for drawing regeneration air through the regeneration air inlet area, through the desiccant medium, so as to exit the unit through the regeneration air outlet area.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a generally flat substrate that has been cleaned has a rotatable support for supporting the substrate, a substrate drying assembly, and a controller. The substrate drying assembly includes a substrate drying assembly support arm, an outlet for applying liquid to an upper surface of the substrate, and an outlet for applying a drying vapor to the upper surface of the substrate. The substrate drying assembly is configured to position the liquid applying outlet and to position the vapor applying outlet above a portion of the substrate. The controller causes the substrate drying assembly to be retracted over the upper surface of the substrate at a faster rate near a center of the substrate than near a periphery of the substrate.

Abstract: A bottom element for a device for treating particulate has a two-dimensional body having numerous apertures. Means for imposing to a treatment medium passing said bottom are provided. Said bottom being designed as blade-shaped body, said apertures being designed as slots, said slots being generated by a removal of material from said plate-shaped body. Said slots having side walls sloping towards a plane of said body. For facilitating a cleaning of said bottom said side walls of said slots further consecutively tapers to a direction of a side of said bottom a particulate material rests.

Abstract: A processing device for coffee beans to undergo a de-husking, bean-halving, membrane removing and roasting device to proceed with a de-husking, bean-halving, membrane removing and roasting step of coffee beans, wherein the de-husking, bean-halving and membrane-removing device comprises: a first beating mechanism having a plurality of rotating blades with hard rubber at the surface thereof to beat and remove the dried husk, flesh and inner skin of coffee beans; a second beating mechanism having a plurality of rotating blades with soft rubber at the surface thereof to beat and remove the silvery skin of the inner layer of the bean; a first separating mechanism mounted with a lower for separating the coffee bean from skin and debris; and the roasting device including a rolling container mounted with a spiral conductive plate and a burner at the bottom section of the rolling container for roasting of coffee beans after the coffee beans have been de-husked, halved and membrane-removed for appropriate stiring for e

Abstract: An apparatus for removing moisture from air which includes a moist air inlet area, a dry air outlet area, a regeneration air inlet area, a regeneration air outlet area and a desiccant medium. A drying fan is provided for drawing the moist air through the moist air inlet area, through the desiccant, as to exit the unit through the dry air outlet area. A regeneration fan is provided for drawing regeneration air through the regeneration air inlet area, through the desiccant medium, so as to exit the unit through the regeneration air outlet area.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for bringing particulate material into contact with a moving fluid in an annular processing zone to create processed material. The zone has a base and the process includes generating a circumferentially directed flow of gas in the zone to develop a circumferentially circulating turbulent bed of particulate material within the processing zone. Particulate material is supplied to the processing zone so that the particulate material is circulated in the processing zone to provide a predictable particle flow path both circumferential of the processing zone and helically of the zone.

Abstract: An appliance for thermally processing granular material, especially for roasting food items such as coffee beans. The granular material lies on a perforated base through which gas flows upwardly to create a fluidized bed. The exhaust gas is fed to a cyclone separator for separation of entrained solid particles. Preferably, the base is located in an inner chamber which is at least partially enclosed in an outer chamber forming the cyclone separator. The exhaust gas is fed into a top opening of the outer chamber thereby providing a rotary gas flow. Alternatively, the base is located in an outer chamber in which at least the area above the base is designed as the cyclone separator. The outer chamber at least partially encloses an inner chamber through which gas is fed to create a rotary gas flow. In both cases, an extremely compact roaster design is realized.

Abstract: A device which is employed in drying of particulate, granular or powdered material, substantially fish-related material. The device has a drying chamber designed substantially as a vertical standing container. The drying chamber may be circular cylindrical and has a conically shaped tapering shape over its entire or parts of its height. The conically tapering shape may be directed towards the drying chamber's upper or lower portion. The material may be inserted in the bottom area or in the top of the standing container (1), through an inlet (5). In the drying chamber's bottom area there is placed a movement device (3) which sets the material in the drying chamber in rotary motion, thereby flinging the material towards the drying chamber's vertical wall, which is heated by means of a heating jacket (2).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a coffee bean roaster with recirculated, filtered exhaust airflow. The coffee bean roaster includes a roasting drum sized and configured to receive coffee beans for roasting therein. The roasting drum has a drum airflow inlet and a drum airflow outlet for exhausting airflow from the roasting drum. The coffee bean roaster further includes a blower configured to blow airflow through the drum airflow inlet for venting the roasting drum. The coffee bean roaster includes a fluid filter having a filter airflow inlet and a filter airflow outlet. The filter airflow inlet is in fluid communication with the drum airflow outlet. The fluid filter is configured to filter airflow from the roasting drum. The filter airflow outlet is in fluid communication with the blower for recirculating airflow into the roasting drum.

Abstract: Control of the roasting fluidized bed of coffee. It is governed by determining when the pyrolysis of the roasted batch is at its peak. The roasting is then stopped after a predetermined period of time. The following of the commencement of pyrolysis accurately and uniformly determines the starting period for the timing of the stoppage of the process to obtain uniform roasting result. The process is not vulnerable to variations in roasting such as moisture, temperature of the roasting air etc. Air circulation control conduit is provided with a vent port for gases and an inlet port for fresh air, the two ports can be simultaneously opened or closed while the control conduit is simultaneously closed or opened, respectively. Additional air circulation and discharge systems are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A coffee bean roaster having an annular coffee bean receptacle, an air passageway extending from a source of outside air to the annular coffee bean receptacle, and a fan positioned in the air passageway operative to draw air from the outside source through the air passageway and into the annular coffee bean receptacle. An air heater is positioned in the air passageway so as to heat air propelled through the air passageway by the fan prior to entering the annular coffee bean receptacle. A chaff receptacle is positioned adjacent the annular coffee bean receptacle so as to receive chaff from beans roasted in the annular coffee bean receptacle and an air exhaust passageway extends from the annular coffee bean receptacle to a region proximate to the chaff receiving receptacle and is operative to establish an exhaust air flow that carries the chaff to the chaff receptacle.

Abstract: In a process for processing particulate material with a stream of fluid in an annular processing zone, which includes the steps of supplying the particulate material for processing in the zone, discharging processed material from the zone and generating in the zone a circumferentially directed flow of fluid to develop a circulating turbulent band of particles, an improvement to the processing zone which provides a predictable particle flow path both circumferentially and helically of the zone. The improvement comprises directing the flow of fluid to develop a circulating bed with inner bed depth and outer bed depth, a flow of fluid directed at an angle relative to the processing zone base and controlling fluid velocity so that it is greater than the terminal velocity of larger particles point of impact on the bed base and less than the terminal velocity of smaller particles in the superficial space above the bed upper surface.

Abstract: An exhaust particle and particulate containment system for a coffee roaster comprises a filter chamber for exhaust coffee roasting by-products including chaff and smoke particulates and oils is comprised of a screen for separating chaff from the exhaust coffee roasting by-product effluent and a filter for containing chaff and removing smoke particulates and oils when the screen is in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for roasting coffee beans in small quantities. The device includes a housing, coffee bean roasting basket, chaff collector, heater and fan to conduct the roasting operation. Thermosensors are located within the roasting basket whose output is provided to a microprocessor which, in turn, controls the roasting process by controlling roasting parameters.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for roasting raw coffee beans includes a main housing (10) having an air inlet (24). A blower assembly (18,20,22) is disposed within the housing (10) and is in fluid communication with the inlet (24). The blower assembly has a discharge location (32) whereat an electric heater (34) is located. A coffee bean receiving vessel (12) is removably mounted on the main housing (10) and in turn, a hull collector (14) disposed on the vessel (12). A control (FIG. 3), including a sensor (38,136), is located in the air stream upstream of the inlet (56,58) to the vessel (12) and downstream of the electric heating element (34).

Abstract: A coffee bean roaster comprises a cylinder-shaped housing, a roasting vessel, a hemishpere-shaped lid, a guiding duct and a handle duct. The housing has a duct connections part protruded in one side. Corresponding to the housing, a lower plate is formed on a bottom face. A partition plate is formed in an upper end. A placement part having air inducing holes is placed above the partition plate. A fan is installed. A heater upper plate and a heater lower plate are placed in the upper end of the placement part. A heater coil is placed between the two plates to form a heater assembly. Corresponding to the roasting vessel, a guiding part is placed at the bottom face of a heated air blower. Blowing holes are formed on the outer perimeter surface of the heated air blower in the oblique direction, a spindle is formed therein. The coffee bean roaster has an excellent roasting capacity by a strong whirlwind, and easily removes the hulls of the raw beans.

Abstract: A coffee bean roaster is provided with a cylindrically shaped transparent viewing tower in which coffee beans are roasted by an upwardly directed hot gaseous stream while being fluidized into a visually pleasing ascending central and descending outside columns during the roasting cycle. A two way valve located at the bottom of the tower permits the gaseous stream to enter the tower when the valve is in a first position and the roasted beans to be diverted to a cooling chamber when the valve is in a second position.

Abstract: A coffee roaster oven chamber wherein coffee beans are heated and intermixed in a fluidized bed is fabricated as a unitary structure from a transparent material that allows incandescent coils to radiantly heat coffee beans while they are concurrently heated by air heated by the same coils. In a preferred embodiment the oven chamber is fabricated from glass as a single piece structure which may be removed from the coffee roaster for adding or removing coffee beans and cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for roasting raw coffee beans which apparatus can instantly roast a small quantity of raw coffee beans according to personal taste and provide a unique taste and fragrance of coffee, and in particular to an apparatus suitable for home use. The apparatus has a roasting vessel for containing raw coffee beans to be roasted. A plurality of air openings are provided for creating a whirling vertical motion to a heated airstream ascending therethrough, whereby the raw beans are roasted and also caused to have their hulls separated and caused to ascend upwardly with the airstream to a hull-receiving vessel.

Abstract: A particulate material drying apparatus and method including a pulse combustor and an associated combustion chamber. Fuel and combustion air are introduced to the combustion chamber whereby the combination of the pulse combustor and combustion chamber generates a pulsating flow of hot gases. A material feed introduction chamber receives the hot gases and material to be dried is delivered into the introduction chamber for contact therein with the flow of hot gases. A drying chamber is connected to the introduction chamber for receiving the mixture of material and hot gases exiting from the introduction chamber. The drying chamber comprises an enclosing wall, a porous inner wall spaced inwardly from the enclosing wall, and an annular space defined between the enclosing wall and the porous inner wall. Fluid under pressure is introduced to the annular space whereby the fluid passes through the porous inner wall and deters build-up of material on the inner surface of the porous inner wall.

Abstract: An idler device is provided for maintaining tension on a belt driven by a rotating drive pulley of a motor. The idler device includes an idler strap assembly having a strap with first and second end portions, a circular boss on the first end portion, and an idler pulley rotatingly mounted on the second end portion. The boss extends through an opening in a wall of a motor support bracket which is generally perpendicular to a rotational axis of the drive pulley such that the strap is rotatable about a central axis of the boss which is parallel to a rotational axis of the drive pulley. The boss has a pair of opposed, longitudinally extending, rectangular tabs behind the wall to secure the strap to the wall. The idler pulley has a rotational axis generally parallel with the rotational axis of the drive pulley.

Abstract: A coffee roaster which roasts coffee beans in a removable oven chamber employing both radiant and convection heating techniques while the beans are continually intermixed in a fluidized bed rotating in the horizontal plane. Roaster control means are provided to terminate the roasting process by quenching the beans and oven chamber with relative cool air while maintaining the beans in a fluidized bed to avoid scorching or further roasting by the residual heat of the coffee bean mass. The oven chamber is provided with an insulated handle to facilitate its removal from the heating chamber for dispensing roasted coffee beans. It includes an upper transparent section through which the roasted charge of beans may be viewed to thereby facilitate poring beans from the removed chamber.

Abstract: An industrial dryer for drying industrial materials, such as sludge, salt water, brines and the like. A transition plate which is slotted in a manner to cause hot gases flowing toward and through the slots to be immediately transformed into a free standing vortex on the downstream side of the transition plate. The vortex operates on the wet materials and the hot gases. Structure is provided to collect the water vapor created by the drying action. In a first embodiment, hot gases are created by the operation of a blower which directs air under pressure through a heater, then into and through the slotted transition plate. In a second embodiment, a resonating engine is used as a source of hot gases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for drying particulate materials such as seeds and grains in which an air dryer having at least one drying stage is accompanied by means to create an upwardly vertical air flow having a velocity in the mesh openings at least equal or larger than the suspension speed of the particles to be dried so that they are temporarily suspended until enough accumulate to provide sufficient weight or downward pressure for the particles to overcome the upward air flow, pass downward through one or more mesh screens and reach the bottom of the dryer. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for effecting chemical and/or physical reactions.

Abstract: A coffee roaster which roasts coffee beans in an oven chamber employing both radiant and convection heating techniques while the beans are continually intermixed in a fluidized bed rotating in the horizontal plane. Roaster control means are provided to terminate the roasting process by quenching the beans and oven chamber while maintaining the beans in a fluidized bed to avoid scorching or further roasting by the residual heat of the coffee bean mass. The oven chamber includes an upper transparent section through which the roasting charge of beans may be viewed and thereby allow manual control of the process in response to visual observation.

Abstract: Offal material, such as shrimp or crab shells, fish offal, etc, is dried to produce a fine-grained base material or additive for use in foodstuffs and animal fodder by subjecting a starting material in a chamber to a turbulent air current which accelerates the material lumps into various paths of movement. Hereby the material lumps continuously collide with each other, thereby constantly exposing new surfaces or rupture. The chamber is supplied with air, having a temperature which partly depends on the temperature of the starting material and partly depends on the comminution rate, in an amount adjusted according to the amount of starting material introduced per time unit. Hereby it is achieved that free water is immediately removed from the exposed surfaces of rupture by evaporation. By exerting a counter-pressure, the material is retained in the chamber until a desired particle size has been achieved.

Abstract: In a vertical cylindrical casing (1) of the apparatus along the axis thereof a gas-supplying pipe (8) is disposed, the end face (11) of which is disposed above a gas-distributing grating (3) at the level of the height of a fluidized bed formed thereon and in which a tube (12) is arranged with a swirler (13) inserted thereinto, said tube forming an annular gap (14) with the pipe (8). On the gas-supplying pipe (8) and on the gas-distributing grating (3) truncated cones (15, 16) are arranged coaxially, the upper end face (17) of the external cone (16) being disposed below the end face (11) of the gas-supplying pipe (8). In the upper part of the casing (1) in front of the inlet to an axial gas-discharging pipe (7) a baffle cone (19) is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for roasting raw coffee beans which apparatus can instantly roast a small quantity of raw coffee beans according to personal taste and provide a unique taste and fragrance of coffee, and in particular to an apparatus suitable for home use. The apparatus has a roasting vessel for containing raw coffee beans to be roasted. A plurality of air openings are provided for creating a whirling vertical motion to a heated airstream ascending therethrough, whereby the raw beans are roasted and also caused to have their hulls separated and caused to ascend upwardly with the airstream to a hull-receiving vessel.