Abstract: Method and apparatus (3) for treating wastes, particularly of a biological and domestic origin, whose peculiarity consists in the fact of comprising a first treating step and first means (4) for treating such wastes for the purpose of separating a liquid fraction essentially suitable for disposal and a semisolid fraction for further processing, and a second treating step and second means (5) for treating the semisolid fraction separated in such first treating step and by such first treating means for the purpose of eliminating the residual moisture contained in such semisolid fraction, so as to turn such semisolid fraction into a block of dry refuse suitable for handing over to the municipal solid refuse collecting and disposal services.

Abstract: A drier installation (1) for drying web (2), more particularly paper, which installation is provided for drying a maximum web width, the installation (1) comprises gas-heated radiant elements (3) for radiating the web, arranged according to at least one row (4) stretching out in the transversal (5) direction over the substantially entire maximum web width. The installation (1) comprises at least a transversal convective system (7, 36) equipped with suction and blowing devices (8) for sucking at least part of the combustion products produced by the radiant elements (3) by means of a suction duct (13) and for blowing this pa o the combustion products towards the web (2) by means of a blowing duct (14). Both suction (13) and blowing (14) ducts stretch out in the transversal (5) direction of the web (2).

Abstract: A drying apparatus (100) for drying a plastic element with water membrane formed thereon includes a tray (10), a sonicator (20) and a dryer (30). The tray (10) is configured for holding the plastic element (40) to be treated. The sonicator (20) is attached to the tray (10) for rupturing the water membrane formed on the plastic element (40). The dryer (30) is disposed corresponding to the tray (10) for providing hot air for drying the plastic element (40).

Abstract: An air blade comprising a handle portion and a blade portion connected to the handle portion, with the blade portion including an elongated opening therein for blowing air out of the air blade onto an object. The air blade also includes a pair of projections located on each end of the elongated opening and extending outwardly in a direction of the blowing air leaving the air blade such that when the blade portion of the air blade is positioned to abut the object, the elongated opening will be spaced from the object.

Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition and a transfer surface to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in that the transfer surface when attached to a fixing surface of the tumble dryer is inclined outwardly toward the interior of the dryer and 0°-45° relative to a vertical plane.

Abstract: 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 to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Also included is an apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. This is useful for segregating contaminants like sulfur and mercury from the product stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry dryer that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry dryer includes a drum in which laundry is held; a hot air heater that heats air to supply hot air to the drum; a steam generator that generates steam to supply the steam to the drum; and a water tank to hold water to supply to the steam generator, the water tank in flow communication with a water supply hole through which water is supplied into the water tank with the water tank kept in flow communication with the steam generator.

Abstract: An umbrella and shoe drying device, for use removing moisture, dirt, and debris from shoes and umbrellas, having a mat portion, a blower housing, and an umbrella holder. The mat portion has a substantially flat top surface having a grating upon which shoes are placed. The blower housing is mounted upon the flat top surface of the mat portion, supports the umbrella holder, and contains a blower. The umbrella housing has a main bore for accommodating umbrellas. The blower is in communication with the main bore and grating, and generates suction that removes moisture, dirt, and debris from umbrellas in the main bore and from shoes positioned upon the grating.

Abstract: A system for drying a work piece is provided. The system includes a chamber containing a cleaning fluid in a first portion of the chamber and a drying region. The system includes a wet transition arm configured to support a plurality of work pieces while disposed in the cleaning fluid. A dry transition arn configured to accept the plurality of work pieces from the wet transition arm as the wet transition arm is being raised is also included. The dry transition arm and the wet transition arm are coupled to a common drive mechanism, wherein the common drive mechanism includes a first and a second motor. The first motor is configured to drive both the wet and dry transition arms. The second motor is configured to control an amount of separation between the wet and dry transition arms. A transition arm and method for drying a work piece are provided.

Abstract: An evaporation apparatus 10 is shown in the form of an inflatable elongate plastic tube 12 that is fitted with fluid control means in the form of an inlet gas fan 14 and a gas outlet hole 16. The capacity of the inlet gas fan 14 and the size of the outlet hole 16 are matched so that the degree of inflation of the tube 12 can be maintained. In use the inflated tube 12 is partially filled with a volume of liquid 18 in a pool at a base thereof to be heated and evaporated by solar radiation and carried out of the tube 12 by a flow of gas therethrough. The pool of liquid 18 may include solid matter 19, or even contain substances such as dissolved solids or salts. Over time a significant quantity of this material can become deposited in the tube 12, and can be reclaimed.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes at least one self-actuating valve assembly, incorporated within a wall of the enclosure, including at least one spring member, at least one pivot, attached to the at least one spring member, and at least two seal plugs, attached to the at least one spring member, wherein one of the at least two seal plugs actuates a gas purge and one of the at least two seal plugs actuates a gas fill. The enclosure also includes a retaining clip fastened to the at least one self-actuating valve assembly, wherein the retaining clip ensures that the at least two seal plugs do not unseat under dynamic environments.

Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising: a reservoir (6) for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means (300) to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble dryer and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in the provision of reservoir charging means (301) comprising one or more charging conduits (60) for directing fabric treatment composition to one or more regions of the transfer means.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and drying semiconductor wafers improves device yield by providing more advanced control of the ratio of drying fluid to cleaning fluid, for example the ratio of N2 vapor to IPA vapor. In addition, a quick drain process is employed to improve process throughput, and to further improve particle and watermark removal during the cleaning and drying steps.

Abstract: An indexer part, removal processing part, interface, and dry processing part are disposed adjacent to each other in a row. That is, the removal processing part that performs removal processing of an organic matter by using a removal liquid is disposed adjacent to the indexer part loading and unloading a substrate with respect to the exterior of an apparatus. The interface that gives and receives a substrate between the removal processing part and dry processing part is interposed between the removal processing part and the dry processing part that performs dry processing of a substrate after passing through the removal processing. This enables to provide a substrate processing apparatus that can completely dry the substrate after a reaction product removal processing.

Abstract: A clothes dryer and a method of controlling the clothes dryer. The method detects conditions of clothes using a sensor, and performs at least one of: a complex drying function to perform a drying operation, a deodorizing operation, and a wrinkle removing operation; a wrinkle removing function to perform the wrinkle removing operation and the drying operation; and a drying function to perform the drying operation, according to the detected conditions of the clothes. Accordingly, the clothes dryer is capable of not only drying the clothes, but also deodorizing the clothes and removing wrinkles. Additionally, the clothes dryer is capable of detecting conditions of clothes accommodated in a chamber, and drying and deodorizing the clothes as occasion demands, thus maintaining the clothes for a long period.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus which includes a means for transferring substrates from a loader, with a transferring device, to a double lock chamber; and, then to a selected vacuum processing chamber. The substrates are returned to a substrate, by the vacuum loader, into their original position in the substrate table. The surfaces of the substrates are maintained in a horizontal position during processing.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, methods, and compositions for dispensing a fragrance onto laundry in a dryer without substantial loss of that fragrance during the drying process. The apparatus includes an electrostatic vapor generator capable of dispensing a fragrance composition into a dryer. The invention also provides electrostatically dispensable fragrance compositions containing glycols, vegetable oils, and perfumes. The invention further provides a kit and method for enhancing residual fragrance on laundry by adding a fabric conditioning composition and a fragrance composition in separate steps during the laundering process. The invention includes embodiments wherein the dispensation of the fragrance compositions is computer controlled.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use in the production of semiconductor components comprises two feed devices with which a fluid medium is guided across a respective surface of an object to be cleaned so that different faces of the object are simultaneously cleaned. At least two gas feeding devices, having one means each for directing a gas flow onto the surface of the object to be cleaned, open into a cleaning chamber supplying a pressurized cleaning gas. At least two extraction means are connected to the outside of the cleaning chamber for discharging the gas fed to the cleaning chamber. The object can be introduced into the cleaning chamber through at least one gap. At least two ionization means are used to ionize the gas and the particles that are present in the cleaning chamber. One ionization means each is mounted between a direction means and an extraction means.

Abstract: A combination washing machine and dryer having a trap door interposed between a washing machine and a fabric dryer. After the washing machine has finished washing the clothes contained therein, the trap door automatically opens to allow the wet clothing to fall into the fabric dryer, thereby obviating the need for the user to interrupt whatever he/she is doing in order to remove the wet clothing from the washing machine and to transfer the clothing to the fabric dryer for subsequent drying.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus is composed of a cassette block and a vacuum processing block. The cassette block has a cassette table for mounting a plurality of cassettes containing a sample and an atmospheric transfer means. The vacuum processing block has a plurality of processing chambers for performing vacuum processing to the sample and a vacuum transfer means for transferring the sample. Both of the plan views of the cassette block and the vacuum processing block are nearly rectangular, and the width of the cassette block is designed larger than the width of the vacuum processing block, and the plan view of the vacuum processing apparatus is formed in an L-shape or a T-shape.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system comprises a print head assembly comprising a plurality of ink-ejecting nozzles and a drying station downstream of the print head assembly and configured to produce and emit air proximate a print media. A deflector is mounted between the print head assembly and the drying station and is configured to deflect an amount of the air that is produced by the drying station.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A shirt-smoothing device includes a lower part and an inflatable body fixed thereon. Because the inflatable body must be at least the same size as the shirt to be smoothed, the device has considerable height, however, the rigid components in the area of the inflatable body are lowerable to handle the device more easily and, more particularly, to stow it away easily. An internally disposed supporting frame and a button strip tensioner disposed in front of the inflatable body can be lowered after use into the lower part, whereby the inflatable body, which is exclusively connected to the supporting frame at the top becomes folded. The same applies to flexible inflatable support bodied and support nets disposed between the inflatable body and the supporting frame. The storage space required for the shirt smoothing device can be substantially reduced by the invention and the handling and storage thereof simplified.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for measuring the physical strength and ability of a solid sample, to resist breakdown into fines after repeated cycles of hydration and regeneration of temperatures in excess of 100° C. The test samples are evaluated using an accelerated degradation apparatus that subjects the sample to a predetermined number of timed cycles of wetting/drying under heat and vacuum, and the weight-percent of any fines produced by the degradation of the sample are measured and recorded after a prescribed number of cycles. Specific values are used for predicting potential useful service life, in years of samples from different commercial manufacturers of the same class of product; the resulting data can be used by manufacturers for more effective quality control of production batches.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for stripping one or more optical fibers having multiple coatings, accomplished with multiple stripping steps or passes. As an example, each coating may be stripped relatively independently. Such stripping may be accomplished with multiple bursts of a fluid or gas heated to a temperature sufficient to remove the coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a drying machine (10) comprising a frame structure (12), means for propelling air, and means for directing air. In this embodiment the drying machine (10) includes a flexible skirt (14) mounted about a perimeter of the frame structure (12). The frame structure (12) is a wing-type platform which includes an underlying cavity (16) which is substantially enclosed by the flexible skirt (14) to permit hovering of the frame structure (12). The propelling means includes a motor (18) which is operatively coupled to a fan (20) via a gearbox (22). The frame structure (12) is fabricated so as to define a duct (32) about the propeller (20) and the duct (32) provides a flow of air to both a main flow passage (34) and an auxiliary flow passage (36) which are separated by a dividing wall or splitter plate (38).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for stripping one or more optical fibers having multiple coatings, accomplished with multiple stripping steps or passes. As an example, each coating may be stripped relatively independently. Such stripping may be accomplished with multiple bursts of a fluid or gas heated to a temperature sufficient to remove the coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating workpieces comprises a treatment chamber enclosing a treatment zone for workpieces. A conveyor guides workpieces through the chamber. Said conveyor comprises drive elements located outside the chamber, and a carrier arm, extending through a slot along the conveyor's path of motion, in a wall of the chamber. A sealing arrangement comprises a first set of spring strips, which overlap laterally and are attached on one side of the slot to the wall, and an opposing second set of spring strips attached on the other side of the slot to the wall. In a resting position, the end zones of the spring strips overlap. Two deflecting devices, which move together with the carrier arm by the conveyor, open the sealing arrangement proximate the carrier arm by resiliently bending apart the spring strips. After passage of the carrier arm, the spring strips return to a sealing position.

Abstract: A low pressure, low air volume system for heating and drying concrete walls in a damp environment is disclosed. A wall unit consisting of a wall panel having a plurality of vertical grooves and ridges formed in a back surface, the ridges in contact with a concrete wall surface and the grooves forming a plurality of air channels in contact with the surface of the wall, ducts heated air across the concrete surface of the wall, evaporating moisture migrating through the wall. An upper and lower plenum connect the air channels of the wall unit with a remote system consisting of a dehumidifier and discharge pump, heating element and fans for moving air through the system, the dehumidifier removing the moisture from the air before recirculating it through the system.

Abstract: A hand held drying device has a body with a front air outlet. A heater, motor and fan are contained in the body. A shroud covers at least a portion of the body, with at least one passage defined between the shroud and the body for communicating air to the fan from at least one air inlet. The shroud reduces the level of noise generated when operating the drying device.

Abstract: A combined washer and dryer that automatically moves laundry from the washer to the dryer thereby allowing the operator to avoid manually moving wet laundry and eliminating a step requiring the operator's presence. The invention includes an automatic load-feeder that automatically loads laundry into the washer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for measuring the physical strength and ability of a solid sample, to resist breakdown into fines after repeated cycles of hydration and regeneration of temperatures in excess of 100° C. The test samples are evaluated using an accelerated degradation apparatus that subjects the sample to a predetermined number of timed cycles of wetting/drying under heat and vacuum, and the weight-percent of any fines produced by the degradation of the sample are measured and recorded after a prescribed number of cycles. Specific values are used for predicting potential useful service life, in years of samples from different commercial manufacturers of the same class of product; the resulting data can be used by manufacturers for more effective quality control of production batches.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus which includes a conveyor structure for transferring a substrate from a substrate storage device held on a substrate storage device mount table. The apparatus further includes a vacuum loader provided with an additional conveyor structure and a vacuum processing chamber for sequentially loading substrate to be processed. The conveyor structures are each provided with a robot.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treatment fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition, means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; means for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door preferably a hook and sucker; and optionally means for indicating to a user when the fabric treatment composition is used up.

Abstract: A wafer conveyor system for use in a vacuum processing apparatus wherein the conveyor structure is provided with a transfer structure, and a robot apparatus is arranged on the transfer structure. The robot provides for rotation of the wafer in a horizontally from a position in a cassette to an opposite position of the cassette.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system has a carrier including wafer slots. A process robot engages the carrier and installs the carrier into a rotor within a process chamber. The rotor has a tapered or stepped inside surface matching a tapered or stepped outside surface of the carrier. Wafer retainers on the carrier pivot to better secure wafers within the carrier.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus which includes a means for transferring substrates from a loader with a transferring device to a double lock chamber and then to a selected vacuum processing chamber. The substrates are then returned to a substrate by the vacuum loader and back into the substrate table. The surfaces of the substrates are maintained in a horizontal position during processing.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus, supporting racks and heating arrangement for heating and cooling work pieces such as magnet assemblies for rotating electric machines. Because of the closed oval path through which the work pieces are transported on the racks by means of a conveyor mechanism that does not have to support the weight of the work pieces, very high efficiencies can be obtained.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for stripping an optical fiber includes a source of air and means for generating very short bursts of air. A heater heats the bursts of air to a temperature sufficient to remove the outer coating from an optical fiber, while maintaining the air isolated from the heat source. A single burst of heated air removes the outer coating of an optical fiber, within less than about one second. A series of closely spaced bursts or a prolonged burst of heated air may be used to remove an expanded length of fiber coating. Stripping may include translation of the fiber or the heater or portions thereof. The stripper may be configured to strip several loaded fibers or a single fiber.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for freshening fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric freshening composition, holes or opening in the reservoir to expose fabric freshening composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier thereby transferring a portion of the fabric freshening component into contact the fabric freshening composition and transfer a portion thereof into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; suction, adhesive, hook, or claw fastener for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door; and optionally the contents of the reservoir are visible to the user for indicating to a user when the fabric freshening composition is used up.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating workpieces comprises a treatment chamber enclosing a treatment zone for workpieces. A conveyor guides workpieces through the chamber. Said conveyor comprises drive elements located outside the chamber, and a carrier arm, extending through a slot along the conveyor's path of motion, in a wall of the chamber. A sealing arrangement comprises a first set of spring strips, which overlap laterally and are attached on one side of the slot to the wall, and an opposing second set of spring strips attached on the other side of the slot to the wall. In a resting position, the end zones of the spring strips overlap. Two deflecting devices, which move together with the carrier arm by the conveyor, open the sealing arrangement proximate the carrier arm by resiliently bending apart the spring strips. After passage of the carrier arm, the spring strips return to a sealing position.

Abstract: A hot air drying apparatus for noodles which makes possible steady production of high quality instant noodles by blowing hot air at an optimal velocity and in an optimal flow rate all over noodle ribbons to be dried in a short period of time and thereby makes a texture of noodle ribbons uniform and fine is to be provided. In a hot air drying apparatus, a conveyor runs from one end of a lengthwise direction of this apparatus to the other, and noodle ribbons carried from a preceding step riding on this conveyor move within an apparatus at a prescribed speed. The apparatus includes a plurality of drying chambers D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and so forth into which it is divided in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus includes a means for transferring wafer cassettes from a transferring chamber to a lock chamber. The wafer cassettes are mounted within a cassette table and are arranged in a single line. The vacuum processing apparatus further includes lock chambers connected to a plurality of processing chambers with each substrate being carried into and out of the lock chambers.

Abstract: A dispenser for laundry products, particularly for fabric softener products to be used in the dryer. The dispenser comprises a hollow ball having a plurality of product dispensing openings and a further product ingress opening for placing product in the ball. A measuring cup to hold product is accessed from the product ingress opening. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the measuring cup includes only a single opening in its side wall for releasing product from the cup and into the hollow sphere. One or more closures are associated with the dispenser. After travelling through the small hole in the cup, the product is dispensed to the exterior of the hollow ball through the product dispensing openings and thus onto product. The hollow ball is preferably a manually squeezable plastic such as polyurethane. In another embodiment, the cup includes more than the single hole in the cup walls.

Abstract: A vibrating wafer particle cleaner for cleaning a semiconductor wafer. The cleaner removes particles from the surfaces of the wafer by vibrating the wafer inside an enclosure and passing a filtered air stream at the wafer to flush the particles out of the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention is a portable machine using two pairs of rollers to squeeze water from a wet floor mat. A motor provides a driving force to the lower rollers and the upper rollers are driven by frictional engagement with the lower rollers. After passing through the two sets of rollers, the mat exits the back of the machine and falls into a basket. After processing by the machine, the car mat is substantially dry and able to be placed into a car interior without fear of mold formation.

Abstract: A heated airflow dryer system for drying granular, crushed, and in particular, sliced fruit and other crops and materials where granules are of at least about one quarter inch diameter or slices are about one quarter inch or more thickness. An integral or removable materials holding container has multiple removable airflow plates configured with airflow channels extending through the container interior connecting an inlet high pressure plenum to a lower pressure outlet plenum of a primary heated airflow circuit. The airflow plates are parallel and uniformly spaced to form vertical or horizontal bays of sufficient width to hold the granules or slices. The primary airflow is directed through the container. An air dryer removes excess moisture in the primary airflow or a secondary airflow circuit, which may incorporate a heat exchanger, exhausts moist air and provides make up air to the primary airflow.

Abstract: A dryer has a blower and means for dividing an airflow into two separate chambers. A drying channel is defined between the two chambers and material to be dried passes along the channel. The walls between the chambers and the channel are apertured to allow air to flow into the channel. The channel increases in cross-sectional area along the length thereof such that air flowing along the channel is subject to a pressure drop. The air thus flows substantially in one direction along the channel.