With Means To Remove Liquid From Treated Material By Contact With Solids Patents (Class 34/71)
  • Patent number: 9558970
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for at least partially drying separated electronic components comprising: a carrier for the electronic components; a moisture-absorbing material; and a holder covered with the moisture-absorbing material, wherein the holder and the carrier are displaceable relative to each other such that the electronic components for drying can be brought into contact with the moisture-absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Besi Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Jurgen Hendrikus Gerhardus Huisstede, Wilhelmus Johannes In Den Bosch
  • Patent number: 9267236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dewatering a fibrous web with a press zone which is formed by a mating element with a curved surface and a permeable press belt which wraps at least partially around the curved surface and has a running side and a contact side contacting a second side of the fibrous web. A permeable carrier belt arranged between the mating element and the fibrous web guides the fibrous web through the press zone. The device is configured so a fluid can flow through the press belt, the fibrous web, and the permeable carrier belt at least in a part region of the press zone. The permeable press belt is configured to generate a pressing pressure in the press zone when a tensile stress of at least 20 kN/m is applied and the contact side is adapted to a quality of the fibrous web produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Luiz Carlos Silva, Thomas Scherb, Daniel Schoeps, Dalcio Chiaranda, Daniela Reis
  • Patent number: 7565752
    Abstract: An automatic ground surface dryer, system and method for automatically, conveniently, quickly and effectively drying a ground surface without the need for manual labor and capable of quickly drying a large ground surface is described. The automatic ground surface dryer has a frame, a drying apparatus mounted to the frame, a support for the frame to facilitate movement of the frame over the ground surface, a motor coupled to the frame to move the frame over the ground surface, and a controller coupled to the motor and the drying apparatus to drive the motor and to operate the drying apparatus in response to a rainfall data signal from a rainfall data gathering system which gathers rainfall data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Ivan Tumbocon Dancel
  • Patent number: 7454846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically drying a tennis court or other flat surface after rainfall is provided. A robotic vehicle cooperates with a sensing unit preferably mounted on a fence adjacent the court or other paved surface. A sensing unit detects the onset and cessation of rain and then waits a predetermined amount of time. After waiting, the sensing unit transmits a signal to the robotic vehicle which actuates the vehicle. The robotic vehicle includes an on-board controller which is internally programmed with a map of the court including obstructions. The robotic vehicle automatically sponge rolls the entire court. A thermal imaging camera connected to the sensing unit then scans the court to determine if any wet spots remain. The location of any remaining wet spots is recorded and transmitted to the on-board controller of the robotic vehicle. The robotic vehicle then returns to the location of the wet spots and automatically sponge rolls and fan dries those remaining wet spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: William I. Brobeck
  • Publication number: 20080098611
    Abstract: An automatic ground surface dryer, system and method for automatically, conveniently, quickly and effectively drying a ground surface without the need for manual labour and capable of quickly drying a large ground surface is described. The automatic ground surface dryer has a frame, a drying apparatus mounted to the frame, a support for the frame to facilitate movement of the frame over the ground surface, a motor coupled to the frame to move the frame over the ground surface, and a controller coupled to the motor and the drying apparatus to drive the motor and to operate the drying apparatus in response to a rainfall data signal from a rainfall data gathering system which gathers rainfall data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ivan Tumbocon Dancel
  • Patent number: 6931756
    Abstract: A portable, atmospheric dehydrator and water condenser for dehydrating fruits and vegetables while producing pure atmospheric condensation from humidity found in the air and purifying the water for dispensing and drinking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Morgan, Janet Morgan
  • Patent number: 6767521
    Abstract: A system for dehumidifying and deodorizing, the system comprising a hanging, dehumidifying and deodorizing pouch comprising a housing having a impermeable membrane and a semi-permeable securely attached to the impermeable membrane. The housing enclosing moisture-absorbent material and deodorizing material. The housing is enclosed within a jacket comprising a perforated contiguous wall; the wall defines an opening for receiving the housing. The jacket further comprises a closing member for closing the opening when the housing is within the jacket. The jacket can comprise a rigid, rectangular cage having a detachable lid. The semi-permeable membrane of the housing can comprise polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, individually or a combination thereof. The impermeable can comprise either polyethylene film or polypropylene film. The moisture-absorbent material can comprise a hygroscopic, deliquescent or a combination of a hygroscopic deliquescent and a gel forming polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: W.M. Barr & Company
    Inventors: Fred K. Vogt, Surendra Kumar Mishra, David Prince Heaner
  • Patent number: 6701637
    Abstract: A web treatment device is disclosed capable of heating and creping a fibrous web with control systems for uniform operation. The web is pressed between two belts in a compression zone, where is it also subject to a temperature gradient that can assist in water removal. Durable coatings on the press belts can assist in maintaining good performance. The system can be used to apply texture to a fibrous web or drive chemical reactions or other physical changes in the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Lindsay, Kenneth Curtis Larson, Charles Herbert Goerg, Timothy Maurice McFarland, Michael Alan Hermans, Paul Douglas Beuther, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Patent number: 6634115
    Abstract: A conditioning device to change the moisture content of printing stock, in which the stock is brought into contact with at least one endless cloth that absorbs moisture. The endless cloth is heated by heated transport rolls. A reduction of the moisture content contributes to a reduction of distortions of the printing image in two-sided printing, especially in digital printing machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Kai-Michael Gundel, Gerhard Klukas, Andreas Schweizer
  • Patent number: 6503454
    Abstract: A multiple-ejector system for printing arrays of biofluids include a tooling plate having a plurality of sets of tooling pins extending outward from the surface of the tooling plate. A printed circuit board is provided having pairs of power connection pins and ground return pins extending from a surface of the circuit board. A plurality of biofluid drop ejection units are provided and include alignment grooves and at least a transducer. Each of the plurality of biofluid drop ejection units are connected to a corresponding one of a set of tooling pins by connection of the tooling pins and alignment grooves. The power connection pins of the pairs are in operational connection with respective transducers and the ground return connection pins of the pairs are in operational connection with a body portion of the drop ejection units. The different drop ejection units will contain different biofluids which are to be emitted onto a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Babur B. Hadimioglu, Scott A. Elrod, Richard H. Bruce, Jaan Noolandi, David A. Horine
  • Publication number: 20020179269
    Abstract: A drying section for drying a web in a papermaking machine has a pre-drying section and a final drying section, wherein the pre-drying section includes a hot press formed by a first press member and a rotatable counter roll in engagement with each other so as to form a nip therebetween through which the web passes. The hot press further includes a heating device disposed in heat-transfer relation to the counter roll and operable to heat a surface region of the counter roll which then passes through the nip so as to heat the web therein, and an imprinting fabric arranged in an endless loop, the imprinting fabric defining an imprinting surface for imprinting the web and being arranged to pass through the nip of the hot press with the web against the imprinting surface such that the web is imprinted. The imprinting fabric continues to support the imprinted web downstream of the hot press at least up to the final drying section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Metso Paper Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Ingvar Klerelid
  • Patent number: 6430838
    Abstract: A dehumidifier drying apparatus adapted to dry saturated drying agent of dehumidifiers, including a top-open drying box, the drying box having an air inlet, a detachable seal cover covered on the drying box and adapted to hold saturated drying agent for drying, the detachable seal cover having a plurality of air vents, and a hot air source, for example, a hair dryer adapted to blow hot air through the air inlet of the drying box and the air vents of the detachable seal cover to dry saturated drying agent being put on the detachable seal cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Shih Hsein Yang
  • Publication number: 20020095815
    Abstract: A link for making a modular papermaking fabric by interconnecting with other links is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of open and contact areas on each link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: AstenJohnson, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Barry Johnson
  • Patent number: 6381869
    Abstract: A device for pressing and drying organic materials. The organic material is inserted between two sheets of thin cloth which are, in turn, sandwiched between two thick felt pads. These pads are then sandwiched between platens made from inorganic material. The assembly is heated, resulting in a pressed and dried organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert R. Lunan
  • Patent number: 6351896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a fiber web, in which the fiber web is dried between two tight bands moving in the same direction and turning around turning rolls. The first band is heated and the second band is cooled by a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber includes at least one cooling element and the cooling element includes at least one inlet chamber and at least one outlet chamber. The fiber web is arranged to run through a drying zone, with at least one felt or wire, such that the fiber web is in contact with the surface of the first, heated band and the felt or wire is between the fiber web and the second, cooled band. The pressure of the cooling element is balanced by a pressure balancing means, and the second band is provided with a hydraulic bearing for allowing the band to slide evenly and with little friction on the cooling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Veli-Matti Vainio
  • Patent number: 6345453
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus of drying a fiber web (5) which is dried between two tight bands (1, 2) that move in parallel and turn around turning rolls (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), the first band (1) being heated and the second band (2) being cooled, the fiber web (5) being arranged to run through the drying zone defined by the bands (1, 2) together with at least two felts or wires (3, 4) such that the fiber web (5) is in contact with the surface of the first band (1), a coarse wire (4) is in contact with the surface of the second, cooled band (2), and a fine wire (3) is between the fiber web (5) and the coarse wire (4). The fine wire (3) is cleaned with a cleaning device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Jari Ilomäki, Seppo Mustonen, Timo Ojala
  • Patent number: 6272769
    Abstract: A device for transporting fragile articles, for example fruit and the like, along a longitudinal path of travel is disclosed. The device includes a spaced and parallel series of rotatable rollers extending along the path of travel for carrying the articles thereon, the rollers forming a series of intermediate article receiving spaces therebetween. A drive assembly is provided for rotating the rollers in the direction of the path of travel, and a carrier assembly is positioned with respect to and spaced from the rollers. A carrier assembly includes a spaced series of carrier members constructed and arranged to engage a peripheral surface portion of the rollers, the carrier assembly being constructed and arranged to move the carrier members in the direction of the path of travel as they engage the peripheral surface portions of the rollers for urging the articles along the path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: De Greef s. Wagen-, Carrosserie - en Machinebouw B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Jan De Greef, Hendrik Dirk Van De Kop, Jan Marinus Van Arkel
  • Patent number: 6263589
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drying a fiber web and an arrangement in a fiber web drying apparatus, the fiber web being dried between two tight bands that move in parallel in the same direction and turn around turning rolls. The first band is heated and the second band is cooled. The fiber web is guided through a drying zone, defined by the bands, with at least one felt or wire, so that the fiber web comes into contact with the surface of the first, heated band and the felt or wire is between the fiber web and the second, cooled band. The position of the edge of the band is measured by means of a sliding block which is brought into contact with the edge of the band, the material of the sliding block being substantially harder than that of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Veli-Matti Vainio
  • Patent number: 6250374
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling substrates is disclosed wherein the apparatus contains a cooling mechanism having a cooling plate, components for circulating a cooling fluid through the cooling plate, a positioning mechanism which positions the substrate relative to the cooling plate during operation of the apparatus and a housing for containing the cooling mechanism, the positioning components and the circulating components. The cooling plate has a non-planar top surface which provides an enlarged surface area used to cool the substrate. The cooling apparatus may be used in conjunction with a larger processing apparatus to fabricate an information storage disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Anelva Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Fujino, Naoki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6240654
    Abstract: A method and several exemplary apparatus for capillary dewatering of foam materials. The apparatus may include felt which is applied to an exposed face of the foam material, or a double felt arrangement applied to two opposed surfaces of the foam material. The apparatus may provide a temperature differential between the two exposed surfaces of the foam material. An alternative embodiment utilizes a roll having a capillary dewatering medium. The capillary dewatering medium may be maintained at a vacuum either above or below the breakthrough vacuum of the capillaries. The disclosed apparatus and method is particularly useful for dewatering foams having relatively fine open capillaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerald Martin Weber, Osman Polat, Daniel Joseph Valerio, Jr., Kofi Aduwusu, Thomas Allen Desmarais
  • Patent number: 6226888
    Abstract: A method and device for drying a gas by means of adsorption on a desiccant able to be regenerated (11), whereby a portion of the dried gas is used for regenerating the desiccant. The gas portion used for the regeneration is heated in at least two successive steps, said steps being performed in different zones (30,31 or 33-36) situated successively in the flow direction of the gas portion through the regenerating desiccant (11) and by stopping the heating in a zone (30,31 or 33-36) as soon as the desiccant (11) in this zone (30,31 or 33-36) is regenerated, so that this zone (30,31 or 33-36) may already cool down by the gas portion for regeneration while a successive zone (30,31 or 33-36) is still regenerated by the heated gas. In each vessel (7, 8) at least two individually controllable heating elements (25-26; 27-28; 38-41) are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventor: Kristian Karl Henrik Lang
  • Patent number: 6195908
    Abstract: A method and device for thermal drying of a solid product in small pieces utilizing a first contact element and a second contact element between which a layer of the solid product can be brought into contact. The first contact element and, opposed thereto, the second contact element, are arranged so that at least one contact element is heated comprising a heat source forming part and at least one of the contact elements is gas permeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: D.S.P. N.V.
    Inventor: Guido Crul
  • Patent number: 6163980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for continuous dehydration of sludge wherein, prior to dehydration, water is mechanically removed from the sludge, and the thus obtained sludge of cutting consistency is mixed with heated spheres. Dehydration is carried out at reduced pressure, wherein the sludge from which water has been mechanically removed is intimately mixed with the heated spheres in order to increase the heat capacity of the sludge. The dehydrated sludge and the cooled spheres are then separated from each other, the dehydrated sludge is removed, while the cooled spheres are reheated and subsequently added to fresh sludge that is to be dehydrated. The spheres are partly heated by means of water vapor coming from the sludge and partly by means of steam. The spheres are made from steel, having a diameter of 8-16 mm. The pressure in the system ranges form approx. 2 bars to approx. 0.05 bar. An apparatus is also provided for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignees: DHV Milieu en Infrastructuur B.V., Technische Universiteit Delft Faculteit Technische Aardwetenschappen
    Inventors: Eduardus Julius Maria Van Poppel, Peter Carlo Rem
  • Patent number: 6158144
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and several exemplary apparatus for capillary dewatering of foam materials. The apparatus may include felt which is applied to an exposed face of the foam material, or a double felt arrangement applied to two opposed surfaces of the foam material. The apparatus may provide a temperature differential between the two exposed surfaces of the foam material. An alternative embodiment utilizes a roll having a capillary dewatering medium. The capillary dewatering medium may be maintained at a vacuum either above or below the breakthrough vacuum of the capillaries. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly useful for dewatering foams having relatively fine open capillaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerald Martin Weber, Osman Polat, Daniel Joseph Valerio, Jr., Kofi Aduwusu, Thomas Allen Desmarais
  • Patent number: 6131306
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and smoothing a fibre web between two tight bands that move in parallel and run around turning rolls, the first band being heated with hot steam and the second band being cooled with water, and the fibre web being conducted through the drying zone that the bands define together with at least one felt or wire such that the fibre web is in contact with the surface of the first, heated band and that the felt or wire is between the fibre web and the second, cooled band. The apparatus and method further comprise spreading the fibre web in its transverse direction before it is led into the drying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Elias Retulainen
  • Patent number: 6094834
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a drying section of a paper machine, the arrangement comprising a fine wire (5a) and a coarse wire (5b) that are arranged to pass between metal bands (2, 3) of a band dryer (1) together with a web (4) to be dried. The fine wire (5a) comprises at least three interwoven textural layers, wherein the outermost layers, in other words a surface (10) and a bottom (11), have a finer texture than the middle section (12) situated between them. According to a preferred embodiment, the surface layer (10) is provided with a denser texture than the bottom (11), which, in turn, has a denser texture than the middle section (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Tamfelt OYJ ABP
    Inventors: Seppo Taipale, Terttu Turpeinen
  • Patent number: 6092298
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a drying section of a paper machine, the arrangement comprising a fine wire (5a) and a coarse wire (5b) that are arranged to pass between metal bands (2, 3) of a band dryer (1) together with a web (4) to be dried. The coarse wire (5b) comprises a fine texture (5d) to be placed against the cooled metal band (3). Further, against the fine-textured section (5d) placed against the cooled metal band (3) there is a coarse texture (5c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Tamfelt Oyj ABP
    Inventors: Ari Salminen, Kari Hyvonen
  • Patent number: 6009634
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying a fiber web, in which apparatus the fiber web (5) is dried between two tight bands (1, 2) moving in the same direction and turning around turning rolls (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b). The first band (1) is heated by means of a pressure chamber (9) and the second band (2) is cooled by means of a water chamber (10). The fiber web (5) is led together with at least one felt or wire (3, 4) through a drying zone defined by the bands (1, 2) in such a way that the fiber web is in contact with the surface of the first band (1) and the felt or wire (3, 4) is between the fiber web (5) and the second band (2). At least one band (1, 2) is guided by a shoe (11a, 11b) in such a way that the fiber web substantially immediately upon coming into contact with the first band (1) is exposed to the effect of the compression pressure of the pressure chamber (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Elias Retulainen
  • Patent number: 5950329
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for drying a fiber web, whereby the fiber web (5) is dried in a cylinder drying unit (12) and in a band drier unit (11). The cylinder drying unit (12) and the band drier unit (11) are arranged one above the other. A considerable space saving is then achieved and the building costs remain rather moderate. Simultaneously, a remarkable addition to the drying capacity is achievable by moderate investments by means of existing apparatuses, for instance. (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Lehtinen, Elias Retulainen
  • Patent number: 5933978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for drying a fiber web, whereby the fiber web is dried in a cylinder drying unit (12) and in a band drier unit (11). The fiber web (5) is led from the cylinder drying unit (12) to the band drier unit (11) in such a way that it is easy to determine a desired dry content for the fiber web (5) in the cylinder drying unit (12) when the fiber web (5) is transferred to the band drier unit (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Lehtinen, Elias Retulainen
  • Patent number: 5878506
    Abstract: An arrangement in an apparatus for drying a fiber web, in which apparatus the fiber web (5) is dried between two tight bands (1, 2) moving in the same direction and turning around turning rolls (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b). The first band (1) is heated by means of a pressure chamber (9) and the second band (2) is cooled by means of a water chamber (10). The fiber web (5) is led together with at least one felt or wire (3, 4) through a drying zone formed by the bands (1, 2) in such a way that the fiber web is in contact with the surface of the first band (1) and the felt or wire (3, 4) is between the fiber web (5) and the second band (2). The arrangement comprises means for supporting the wire or wires (3, 4) in such a way that the fiber web (5) is exposed to a compression pressure by the effect of the wire or wires (3, 4) substantially immediately upon coming into contact with the first band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Paavo Rautakorpi
  • Patent number: 5867918
    Abstract: A gas dryer having a housing, an outlet chamber, a pressure relief space, and a connection connecting the outlet chamber to the pressure relief space. An outlet valve is located within the connection connecting the outlet chamber to the pressure relief space. A piston which actuates opening and closing of the outlet is subjected to pressure contained in a control chamber. This pressure urges the outlet valve into an open position. The gas dryer also has an auxiliary valve system which is located between the control chamber and the pressure relief space. The auxiliary valve system controls the flow of the pressure medium between the control chamber and the relief space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Deike, Wolfgang Pohl
  • Patent number: 5867919
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for drying a fiber web, in which apparatus the fiber web (5) is dried between two tight bands (1, 2) moving in the same direction and turning around turning rolls (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b). The first band (1) is heated by means of a pressure chamber (9) and the second band (2) is cooled by means of a water chamber (10). The fiber web (5) is led together with at least one felt or wire (3, 4) through a drying zone formed by the bands (1, 2) in such a way that the fiber web is in contact with the surface of the first band (1) and the felt or wire (3, 4) is between the fiber web (5) and the cooled second band (2). The surface (11) of the first band (1) bearing against the fiber web (5) is at least partially formed in such a way that reflection from it to a specular reflection angle is reduced substantially. Excessive gloss can then be removed from the surface of the fiber web (5) and the end product to be manufactured of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Elias Retulainen
  • Patent number: 5839203
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a fiber web is provided by pressing the web, preferably by impulse drying and then introducing the web into a gas pressurized zone followed by reducing the pressure in the zone, the reduction preferably being effected with cooling of the fiber web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David I. Orloff, Timothy Patterson, Isaak Rudman
  • Patent number: 5778555
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and smoothing a fibre web (5) between two tight bands (1, 2) that move in parallel and turn around turning rolls (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), the first band (1) being heated with hot steam and the second band (2) being cooled with water, and the fibre web (5) being conducted through the drying zone that the bands (1, 2) define together with at least one felt or wire (3, 4) such that the fibre web (5) is in contact with the surface of the first, heated band (1) and that the felt or wire (3, 4) is between the fibre web (5) and the second, cooled band (2). In the invention, the fibre web (5) is smoothed such that the press means located in the vicinity of the first turning rolls (6a, 7a) in the travel direction of the fibre web (5) apply to it a pressure that is essentially higher than the pressure in the other parts of the drying zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Lehtinen, Taisto Juntunen, Paavo Rautakorpi
  • Patent number: 5737846
    Abstract: A lead frame dryer comprises a pair of water absorbing rollers positioned downstream of a lead frame water jet deflasher. The water absorbing rollers remove water from surfaces of the lead frame. A solid roller is positioned adjacent each of the water absorbing rolls to squeegee to compress the water absorbing roller and remove water stored in the water absorbing rollers for collection. A venturi device is provided which creates a vacuum for absorbing water removed from the water absorbing rolls. The collected water can be recycled back to the water jet deflasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Semiconductor America, Inc.
    Inventors: Waite R. Warren, Jr., Lou W. Nicholls
  • Patent number: 5722183
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a fiber web is provided by pressing the web, preferably by impulse drying and then introducing the web into a gas pressurized zone followed by reducing the pressure in the zone, the reduction preferably being effected with cooling of the fiber web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David I. Orloff, Timothy F. Patterson, Andrew M. Krause
  • Patent number: 5713138
    Abstract: A dryer system for drying a coating applied to a substrate includes a thermally conductive roll having a length and a peripheral surface for supporting the substrate, and a plurality of energy emitters disposed within the conductive roll along the length of the conductive roll. The plurality of energy emitters are controlled to selectively emit energy along the length of the conductive roll. The conductive roll is at least partially surrounded by at least one convection unit. The convection unit includes a blower assembly, a heater assembly and a vacuum passageway. The blower assembly includes an inlet and directs a current of air towards the substrate. The heater assembly heats the air being directed towards the substrate. The vacuum passageway extends between the substrate and the inlet of the blower assembly for returning the heated air to the blower assembly once the air has impinged upon the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Research, Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul D. Rudd
  • Patent number: 5706587
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying a fibre web, the apparatus comprising two endless bands that conduct heat well and are impermeable to air, which bands are arranged to run part of the way parallel with each other, the first band (1) being heated and the second band (2a) being cooled and the fibre web (3) being conducted together with at least one fabric between the bands (1, 2a) in such a way that the fibre web is in contact with the heated band (1) and the fabric is between the fibre web and the cooled band (2a). The invention comprises additionally a third band (2b) that conducts heat well and is impermeable to air, which band is located after the second band (2a) in the travel direction of the bands and forms together with the first band (1) a second drying zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Lehtinen, Paavo Rautakorpi, Jari Ilomaki
  • Patent number: 5669154
    Abstract: An air drying and purification system for compressed air is disclosed. The system is adapted particularly for use with dental compressors. The system comprises: (a) a centrifugal separator chamber for at least partially drying and purifying cooled compressed air from a compressor by separating moisture and other contaminants from the compressed air, (b) a drying chamber containing a bed of absorbent material for absorbing moisture from the cooled, partially dried and purified compressed air, and (c) an assembly for periodically ventilating the separator and drying chambers. A particular feature of the system is that the compressed air that is vented periodically from the drying chamber is used to cool compressed air at elevated temperatures from the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: A P Systems (Australia) Pty., Ltd.
    Inventor: Erasmo Mimmo Bellomo
  • Patent number: 5594997
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying a fibre web between two tight bands that move in parallel and turn around turning rolls, wherein a fibre web is taken between heating wires through a drying zone defined by the bands, and auxiliary wires are arranged between the heating wires and the bands. The heating wires are permeable to steam, whereby the steam evaporating from the fibre web passes through the heating wires and the auxiliary wires toward the cooled bands simultaneously from both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Jukka Lehtinen
  • Patent number: 5566472
    Abstract: The invention relates to seals for use at band edges in a Condebelt.RTM. apparatus described in Finnish Patent 54 514. In the apparatus, a material web to be dried passes in a substantially airless space between two metal bands (1, 7) or other similar bands or membranes of good thermal conductivity together with drying wires. One of the metal bands is arranged to heat and the other is arranged to cool; the heating band (1) evaporates moisture contained in the web to be dried, the moisture condensing on the surface of the cooling band (7), separated from the web (2) to be dried by drying wires. The drying space between the bands of the Condebelt.RTM. apparatus is sealed up at the edges by seal profiles (10, 11) attached to the heating band (1) or the cooling band (7). It is also possible to use a number of seal profiles positioned against each other or side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Valmet-Tampella Oy
    Inventors: Jukka Lehtinen, Paavo Rautakorpi, Seppo Haavisto
  • Patent number: 5533577
    Abstract: A maintenance vehicle with a suction roller constructed as a water-removing device is used for preparing, for the purpose of achieving an optimum condition, a natural grass playing field for soccer games or the like. This suction roller is essentially a perforated drum-shaped roller with a foam-rubber coating surrounding it. A weight roller lies approximately on top on the suction roller and is rotatably supported axially parallel to same, and a catching trough is positioned in the suction roller with a pipeline leading into a water tank for the purpose of emptying the trough. This maintenance vehicle also has a lawn verticulator, a surface roller, and a warm-air blower for drying or aerating the playing field. Thus, it is possible to remove accumulating rain water on a playing field within the shortest possible time, so that soccer games can take place independently of the respective weather conditions and the terrain can be maintained in an optimum condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: John Jucker
  • Patent number: 5519948
    Abstract: A process for the production of pourable, free-flowing granules which are suitable for use as wetting agents, detergents or cleaning products from aqueous solutions or suspensions of such materials in a fluidized-bed spray granulation apparatus employing a hot fluidizing gas. The aqueous selections or suspensions are dried with superheated steam as the fluidizing and drying gas wherein the drying step is carried out in a closed-loop system comprising a steam circuit from which the water evaporated from the aqueous solutions or suspensions of starting materials is removed as a partial stream and the thermal energy released is returned to the steam circuit. The granules are discharged from the granulation apparatus before they can be damaged by heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfried Raehse, Johann Fues, Wilhelm Beck, Otto Koch
  • Patent number: 5377427
    Abstract: An automatic hand drying apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing defining an inner space; in one embodiment, at least one arm member is attached to and extends away from said housing; a rotating towel device is supported on the arm member; a drive is disposed in the housing for rotating the rotating towel means. In another embodiment, the rotating towels or rollers are supported on a turntable. The preferred drive means include an electro-motor and a transmission connects the motor with the towel. The apparatus may also include a warm air blower disposed in the housing and the housing has warm air nozzle openings formed therein for directing warm air from the warm air blower towards the rotating towel means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Moshe Mashata
  • Patent number: 5241759
    Abstract: Apparatus for wiping moisture off the sides of running webs of photosensitive material in developing machines employs one or more deformable elastic wiping elements in the form of elongated lips or rings which are maintained in contact with the respective side or sides of the running web. Each wiping element extends transversely of the path of the running web and is imparted a movement having a component in a direction transversely of the running web. This reduces the likelihood of extensive localized wear upon the wiping element or elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Weidlich, Lutz Beckmann, Jurgen Brunner, Ernst Schweiger
  • Patent number: 5191722
    Abstract: An improved arrangement and method of drying fire hoses is disclosed which reduces the time and energy required to dry fire hoses. According to one aspect of the invention, a plug is forced through the hoses prior to drying to strip water from the interior of the hose. According to a different aspect of the invention, a closed loop drying arrangement is used where moist warm air which has passed over the hoses being dried is reconditioned to remove the water at a dehumidifying station, followed by reheating for further drying of the hoses. This closed loop system has improved the efficiency in drying hoses and produced a system which is not seriously affected by changing ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Province of Ontario
    Inventors: Baldev K. Nayyar, Gabor Kellner, Peter Pinchis, Joseph Martinek, Anthony Ayuso, Julius Weiss
  • Patent number: 5115579
    Abstract: A roller for removing water from tennis courts, bowling greens, verandahs and other surfaces has a roller covered with a water absorbent material covered with a net of nylon for prevention of abrasion damage, and a handle. The handle including channels on either side sufficiently close to the surface of the absorbent material to receive water squeezed therefrom by a transverse spring loaded member. Outlet pipes are fitted to the ends of the channels and these are movable from a position in which the end is above the level of the relevant channel for retention of the water until desired to discharge it, when the pipe is swivelled to a second position in which the free end is below the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Heraklus Pappas
  • Patent number: 4989346
    Abstract: A device for drying pieces of food comprising a series of blowers, an absorbent multi-layered conveyor belt, and a aereation bed. Two blowers providing a blast of air and a suction, respectively, that pulls the water from the outer layers of the food through the absorbent conveyor belt and out of the machine. Another blower being positioned to blow the food pieces off the end of the conveyor belt on to the aereation bed for further processing and packaging. Another nozzle being positioned to blow the food pieces off the end of the conveyor belt on to the aereated (aereation) bed for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Frank Hamachek Machine Company
    Inventor: Leslie E. Wilken
  • Patent number: 4958444
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying a fibre web (4), wherein the web (4) is dired in at least two successive drying zones between a heated band (1b, 1d) and a cooled band (1a, 1c) moving substantially in parallel with and at equal speed as the web (4), the bands being endless and air-tight and having good thermal conductivity. In order to shorten the apparatus and to save energy, it comprises several drying zones positioned on top of each other in a direction transverse to the surface of the web (4), whereby the web (4) moves in opposite directions in drying zones positioned immediately on top of each other. Further, the endless band (1b, 1c) positioned between two drying zones positioned on top of each other forms one of the drying elements in both drying zones, whereby the same cooling or heating means (8, 9) positioned within the band (1b, 1c) between the rolls (2b, 3b; 2c, 3c) can cool or heat the web sections positioned within the length of both drying zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Oy Tampella AB
    Inventors: Paavo Rautakorpi, Jukka Lehtinen, Pekka Majaniemi