Abstract: Dewatered municipal sludge is dried and simultaneously pelletized in an indirect dryer. A sweep air is introduced into the dryer to extract a water vapor and air mixture. The water vapor and air mixture is condensed and cleaned in a condensor and a scrubber to obtain a clean non-condensable gas. The non-condensable gas is heated and recycled to the dryer after heating for use as the sweep air. Since air leakage into the system is inevitable, an excess amount of air accumulates that does not need to be recycled to the dryer. The excess amount of air is diverted from the recycled sweep air and thermally treated to destroy any malodorous gaseous constituents contained therein. Preferably, the indirect dryer is a horizontal drum dryer that is heated by the hot flue gases from a combustion furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decontaminating contaminated microspheres of a patient support system employing a fluidizing medium to fluidize the microspheres to provide support for the patient, includes a tank for containing the microspheres. The tank includes a diffuser mounted inside the tank to form a plenum in the bottom of the tank. A rigid shell surrounds heat-insulating material around the outside of the tank. A recirculation channel is defined in the shell. A cover seals the tank. An air heater member and a gas blower provide hot air to fluidize the microspheres inside the tank. A valve permits a heating mode of operation, a cooling mode of operation, and a holding temperature mode of operation. The valve is switched between modes by action of a solenoid or a motor. A temperature probe monitors the temperature inside of the tank. A control circuit controls the air heater, the valve, and the gas blower according to a predetermined timed sequence of actuation.

Abstract: A vapor reflow type soldering apparatus with an upper supply hole of vapor for heating the upper surface of an article to be processed, the position of which is displaced to the downstream side along a direction of delivery with respect to that of a lower supply hole of vapor for heating the lower surface of the article, so that the temperature of the upper surface of the article to be processed can be raised more moderately than that of the lower surface thereof.

Abstract: An improved vapor degreaser characterized by a deep freeboard zone (i.e., freeboard to width ratio of 1.0 to 2.3) containing a three-stage condenser/heat exchanger configuration comprising: a water-cooled lower primary exchanger operating above 32.degree. F. to effect condensation of the bulk of the vapor generated by the boiling sump and a combination of an intermediate exchanger above, but preferably overlapping, the primary exchanger and a dehumidifying third exchanger position just below the top lip of the degreaser, both operating at a temperature below 32.degree. F. (preferably +10.degree. to -30.degree. F.) to effect a reduction in the vapor concentration gradient that controls the rate of vapor diffusion through the freeboard zone. The improved vapor degreaser is particularly useful in reducing vapor losses when using low boiling solvents.

Abstract: A laundry dryer has an interior for holding laundry that is accessible via a door. Vapor-laden warm air from the interior, on the one hand, and a cooling medium, on the other, can be introduced into a condenser. The air and the cooling medium are brought into thermally conductive contact one with the other in the condenser to cool the air. In order to obtain the smallest possible outside dimensions relative to the usable interior and to be able to easily open the condenser or remove it from the laundry dryer for cleaning purposes, the condenser is arranged on an outer panel, preferably integrated in the door.

Abstract: A process for the containment and recycle of organic vapors from an open container or tank that utilizes a chilled gas blanket over the surface of the organic liquid, with a continuous recirculaton of the chilled gas through a condenser heat exchanger for cooling the gas flow and condensing and returning the condensed vapor to the tank or container. Included are the means of distribution of the recirculated chilled gas, the means of collecting the recirculated chilled gas, the means of providing an enclosed chilled gas recirculation system, the apparatus for condensing the vapor to liquid, the apparatus for collecting and recycling the condensed vapor, the apparatus for providing a full open access to the top of the tank or container and the apparatus for control of the flow of the recirculated chilled gas.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a flammable solvent in a nonflammable environment involves covering the flammable solvent with a nonflammable vapor blanket provided by a nonflammable solvent, such that vapors from the flammable and nonflammable solvents form a nonflammable gaseous mixture in the blanket. Such a method is used in removal of both oil-based and polar contaminants to control the flammability potential of an alcohol solvent. An apparatus for cleaning articles using fluorocarbon and alcohol solvents includes a chamber having a plurality of compartments for containing the solvents and a bounded vapor space. At least one of the compartments contains liquid fluorocarbon and at least one other will contain liquid alcohol. The solvents voltalize into the bounded vapor space to provide a nonflammable vapor blanket over the alcohol-containing compartment.

Abstract: In a vapor degreasing apparatus solvent vapor provided by a boiling sump is subjected to further heating for producing superheated solvent vapor to which a workpiece in the process of being cleaned is exposed. The superheated solvent vapor raises the temperature of the workpiece in order to minimize solvent adhering to the workpiece surface as the workpiece is removed from the apparatus to ambient. Further heating is achieved by heating means interposed in the natural convection flow path of the solvent vapor provided by a boiling sump to a vapor zone area in the degreasing apparatus.

Abstract: A vapor degreasing open topped defluxer is disclosed in which cleaning solvent vapors are generated by boiling a liquid solvent in an open topped tank with the parts to be cleaned inserted therein through the open top. The open topped tank is formed from plural upright sidewalls connected to a bottom wall. Heating elements disposed in the tank bottom vaporize the solvent such that the generated heated solvent vapors rise above the liquid solvent to contact the parts to be cleaned and dissolve the grease on the parts. A condenser coil supported within the tank above the liquid solvent condenses the solvent vapors and defines an upper limit or vapor line of the solvent vapor zone located above the liquid solvent and below uppermost edges of the upright sidewalls. The light rising solvent vapors have a natural tendency to rise upwardly out of the tank by following a convection flow path generally along the inner surfaces of the sidewalls and upwardly past the uppermost edges thereof.

Abstract: Microprocessor controlled isopropyl alcohol vapor dryer system for robotic drying of wafer cassettes containing wafers or substrates. A wetted wafer or substrate is robotically placed into a virgin isopropyl alcohol vapor zone. The wetted surface and free-moving contaminants are replaced by a layer of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) which condenses on the surface. The dryer then robotically moves the IPA coated wafer or substrate into an upper cooling zone causing the isopropyl alcohol layer to flash off of the substrate surface, leaving the surface completely dry to a molecular level. IPA vapors are heated at the bottom of a quartz tank and maintained as a vapor by electric heating panels surrounding the quartz tank.

Abstract: A drier for wafers or the like has a drier chamber shaped to receive the wafer, which is lowered into the open top of the drier chamber and withdrawn therefrom by a lifter, which may be motor actuated. Below the drier chamber is a heater chamber to vaporize alcohol or other liquid, which rises and condenses on the relatively cool wafer. A water jacket around the top of the drier chamber condenses vapor and thus reduces escape of vapor.

Abstract: A vapor reflow type soldering apparatus comprises a vapor generating tank disposed substantially centrally in the apparatus for receiving therein a thermal medium and saturated vapor of said thermal medium; a preheating chamber arranged upstream of the vapor generating tank; a cooling chamber arranged downstream of the vapor generating tank; an inlet side passage connecting the vapor generating tank and the preheating chamber; an outlet side passage connecting the vapor generating tank and the cooling chamber; a conveyor extending horizontally through the preheating chamber, the inlet side passage, the vapor generating tank, the outlet side passage and the cooling chamber, wherein the conveyor can vary the width thereof; an outlet side exhaust port provided at the outlet side passage; an inlet side cooler arranged beneath the inlet side passage and having a cover at an upper position thereof; an outlet side cooler arranged beneath the outlet side passage and extending close to the outlet side exhaust port; a

Abstract: A condensation heating apparatus particularly useful for curing abrasion resistant coatings on eyeglass lenses has an open topped chamber with a baffle assembly for reducing the loss of vapor through the open top. The baffle assembly includes a fixed vertical partition and a removable, L-shaped baffle that has a horizontal portion to cover part of the chamber and a vertical portion which also serves as a partition. The baffle assembly extends only partially into the chamber and terminates above the top of the vapor zone so that the assembly does not become hot to the touch.

Abstract: A solvent vapor control apparatus used in conjunction with a degreaser or defluxer into which articles to be degreaser or defluxed are conveyed into intimate contact with liquid solvent and/or a vapor phase thereof is disclosed. The vapor control apparatus includes a housing having a conveyor flow path with an inlet opening in communication with solvent vapor in the degreaser/defluxer and an outlet in communication with ambient air. The inlet is preferably disposed elevationally above the solvent vapor zone to impede outflux of solvent vapor. A baffle defining the uppermost extent of the conveyor flow path establishes a low point in the path disposed elevationally below adjacent upstream and downstream sections of the path. The low point is provided with chilled air which condenses solvent vapor as the articles are forced to enter the chilled air section.

Abstract: A vapor reflow type soldering apparatus comprising a tank that is filled with saturated vapor of a heat medium and a passage extending through the tank. An article to be processed is transferred through the passage and is brought into contact with the saturated vapor so that a solder material on the article is heated and molten. Also, a discharge gas collecting unit is provided in the apparatus and includes a chilled water system through which water at a constant temperature is caused to flow. The heat medium is collected out of the discharge gas from the apparatus and is returned back to a tank. A flux separating unit is connected to the chilled water system of the discharge gas unit through a pipes and switching valves. The chilled water in the chilled water system is selectively introduced into the flux separating unit to cool the heat medium within the tank, and a flux molten into the heat medium is removed from the molten solder material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for drying printed circuit boards or similar workpieces. The dryer apparatus comprises an "aspirator" portion of a "blower" portion. The aspirator portion of the apparatus is operative to create negative pressure or suction upon the surfaces of circuit boards as they pass along a fixed conveyor path. The blower portion of the apparatus is operative to pass drying air over the surfaces of the advancing circuit boards after they have been subjected to the negative pressure or suction force of the aspirator. The "aspirator" and "blower" portions of the apparatus may be enclosed in a substantially air-tight housing or cabinet so as to provide for substantially self-contained recirculation of air therewithin.

Abstract: The level of vapor generated by heaters located in boiling electronic liquid contained in a vessel is maintained at a first level below the path of travel of work product and is elevated to a second level above the work product to process the work product. After a selected processing time the vapor level is lowered to the lower level so that the work product will not be overheated.

Abstract: A method and filtration apparatus for purifying solvents. Impurities present in the solvent are separated out in the filtration apparatus via filtration using at least one filter, through which the solvent flows and upon which the impurities settle as a filter cake. At least prior to the removal of the impurities that form the filter cake from the filtration apparatus, solvent residues present in the filter cake and possibly also in the filter are recovered by evaporation. The solvent residues in the filtration apparatus are vaporized by the action of a hot, gaseous medium that is conveyed first through the filter and only then through the filter cake, i.e. the impurities, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solvent flowed through the filtration apparatus during the filtration process.

Abstract: An object to be dried is cooled and then held within an atmosphere of a drying medium vapor, until the temperature of the surface of the object rises to the temperature of the vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating articles includes a main heating vessel having an inlet opening, an outlet opening and an exhaust opening therein, a quantity of a vaporizable heat transfer liquid in the vessel, a heating unit for heating the heat transfer liquid to produce a vapor blanket in the vessel, a transport assembly for transporting an article to be heated so that it passes through the vapor blanket and a control for controlling the heating unit to maintain the height of the vapor blanket at a predetermined level. The inlet opening, the outlet opening and the exhaust opening are all at least partially above the upper level of the vapor blanket, and an exhaust fan is provided for withdrawing air from the main heating vessel so that air is continuously drawn inwardly through the inlet opening and the outlet opening to prevent loss of vaporized heat transfer medium from the vessel.

Abstract: A vapor dryer system in which products to be dried are positioned in a tank and immersed in a hot vapor cloud and saturated with hot vapor, which removes water from the surface of the product as the vapor condenses on the surface. The condensate is collected and diverted to preserve the purity of the solvent reservoir. The vapor is formed from a liquid reservoir which is heated by heat transducer means disposed remotely from the tank to minimize the risk of igniting the vapor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing processing oil from thin sheets of microporous plastic material is comprised of a tank having a liquid zone in its bottom portion which is divided into three sub-tanks having decreasing depths extending across the tank. Heating coils in each sub-tank vaporize the solvent to form a cleaning zone, containing vaporized solvent, above the liquid portion, and condensing coils located at the top of the tank condense the vaporized solvent and deposit it into the deepest sub-tank which also is supplied freash make up solvent when required. A series of rollers feeds the material through the tank, from the side having the shallowest sub-tank toward the side having the deepest sub-tank, while repeatedly passing it between the cleaning zone where solvent is condensed on it to clean it, and the condensing zone where it is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the vaporous solvent.

Abstract: A vapor drying apparatus for semiconductor wafers, which is capable of preventing dust particles from entering the interior of the vapor drying apparatus incorporating therein a water washing part and a vapor drying part for a semiconductor wafer and, at the same time, thoroughly removing from the surface of a vapor dried semiconductor wafer the vapor cleaner adhering in the form of film or in a molecular thickness to the surface or an organic substance contained in the cleaner thereby bringing the surface of the semiconductor wafer to an ideally cleaned and dried state.

Abstract: A balanced extraction system including a decompressed space and a pressurized space connected to form a decompression/pressurization balanced circuit. Atomized corpuscles are generated from a liquid such as water in the pressurized space. The atomized corpuscles are held at an appropriate vapor pressure and temperature and fed to the surface of a matter to be extracted, in the decompressed space. Foodstuffs fragrance and other matter to be extracted are coated with dew-like droplets which are the vaporized and extracted and then condensed within the circuit to recover the matter to be extracted.

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting electronic parts to a printed circuit board is disclosed which comprises a collector for collecting thermal medium adhered to a conveyor that is travelling out of a vapor tank. Thus, it is possible to prevent generation of poisonous gas and to enhance a safety aspect of the apparatus. Also, since it is possible to collect the thermal medium, the running cost may be reduced.

Abstract: A system is provided for vapor phase soldering of articles, in a hot vapor, in which the articles are preheated prior to being delivered to a vapor zone, to raise the temperature of the wires or other contact points that are to be soldered together, to be compatible. Techniques are employed to prevent escape of the soldering vapor, including controlled opening of inlet and outlet closures to the system, sloped inlet and outlet tunnels, heated inlet and outlet zones, the condensation of vapor at transition locations and an air screen or air shield system just inside the openable closures to the system. A control of the locations of condensation of the vapors is provided, with delivery of the condensate for re-use. A condensate flash tray is provided in the system for substantially immediate re-vaporization of some of the condensate. An electric fluid boil system and a still are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting by vapor-phase treatment a solder applied to an object. The liquid serving for vapor production, which is situated in a vessel, is heated by electrical heating means which are disposed exclusively outside of the vessel and are completely enveloped by a liquid heat-carrying medium. The vessel floor is provided with projections to increase the thermal transfer. A tubing coil is furthermore disposed in the heat-carrying medium for rapid cooling thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of replenishing and/or preparing water-displacing treating liquids or mixtures of these treating liquids and of water-absorbing liquids. Said liquids are contained in treating compartments and are used to remove water which adheres to the surface of objects immersed in the treating liquids. The objects may consist of, for example, glass, ceramic, nickel, copper, stainless steel or synthetic resin such as, for example, disc-shaped information carriers.

Abstract: A vapor reflow type soldering apparatus is provided with a vapor generating tank in which liquefied thermal medium is heated to be converted into vapor. An article or part to be processed is delivered through the vapor generating tank by a conveyor, and a soldering material of the article is heated and molten by the vapor of the thermal medium. The soldering apparatus is further provided with at least one unit or system for introducing the liquefied thermal medium into the vapor generating tank. The liquefied thermal medium is delivered through a pipe provided at a position where heat-exchange between the liquefied thermal medium of the pipe and the high temperature thermal medium is possible to be effected. The liquefied thermal medium is introduced into the vapor generating tank after it has been preheated through the heat exchange with the high temperature thermal medium.

Abstract: The lead finish can be greatly improved on leaded electronic components in a vapor phase reflow process without extra process steps by providing an improved conveyor belt having supports for carrying the components in bug down orientation while preventing the leads from substantially protruding through the plane of the conveyor mechanism and simultaneously allowing for the free flow of the heated vapor through the conveyor belt and on top of the belts such that the leads of the electronic components rest on the tape. The remaining portion of the belt is of a large grid mesh to permit the free flow of vapors in the upper portion of the reflow chamber.

Abstract: A technique for condensation soldering of articles (29) in a facility (40 or 80) having a vapor chamber (42) and a pair of aligned input (102) and exit (104) throats. An article (29) to be soldered is transported sequentially through the input channel (56), the vapor chamber (42) and the output channel (58). Simultaneously, air is moved, in a controlled manner, into and through a portion of the exit channel, in a direction opposite to the movement of the article and withdrawn from the input channel. The air exiting the input channel is processed to recover the expensive vapor entrained therein.

Abstract: A continuous vapor phase processing machine of the type wherein work is selectively heated by a processing vapor in a processing vapor zone to a selected temperature for vapor phase processing. The machine has a tank containing a processing vapor, and a throat is in communication with the tank. The throat communicates with the air, and cooling coils extend along at least a portion of the throat. Openings are defined in the throat across the throat at a location substantially spaced from the outer end of the throat and a manifold communicates with these openings. Means are connected to the manifold for drawing air from the throat through the openings defined in the throat and for removing processing vapor therefrom, the flow of air being drawn into the throat through the throat exit aperture and being pulled through the opening comprising a barrier to the flow of processing vapor to the throat exit aperture.

Abstract: A vapor phase processing system includes a vessel providing a processing chamber in which a two-phase treatment fluid bath is present. A conveyor for moving flat circuit boards on horizontal pallets down into, through and up out of the vapor phase of this treatment fluid includes two pairs of parallel rails. A first pair of rails supports a front end portion of each pallet and a second pair of rails supports a rear end portion thereof. Downward sections of each pair are parallel with downward sections of the other pair; and upward sections of each pair are parallel with upward sections of the other pair. These mutually parallel sections are spaced apart by the distance between the front and rear pallet supports. This results in the pallets and the circuit boards on them remaining horizontal while passing through the processing chamber.

Abstract: A vapor tank for processing a product by heating the same through exposure to vapor serving as a heat transfer medium. The vapor tank includes at least one partition wall separating a vapor chamber filled with vapor and a heating chamber for processing the product by heating the same for supplying a sufficient saturated vapor to the product. The partition wall is formed with openings for allowing the saturated vapor to be injected therethrough from the vapor chamber into the heating chamber where the product is enveloped by the saturated vapor. The vapor tank is provided with a recovery device for recovering the vapor flowing out of the tank through an inlet and an outlet for introducing and discharging the product into and out of the tank with a high degree of vapor recovering efficiency and with a minimum loss of energy. The vapor tank is also provided with a mechanism for externally supplying air currents to prevent the vapor from flowing out of the tank through the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A machine for heat-treating articles or products with solvent vapors of the in-line type which comprises a tunnel, displacement means for conveying the articles of products to be heated from the inlet of the tunnel to its outlet and, in the following order, a first chamber for the condensation of a secondary vapor, a second chamber for the vaporization of a secondary liquid and for the complementary condensation of a primary vapor, a third chamber for heating the article or product to be heated and which is filled with the primary vapor, a fourth chamber for the vaporization of secondary liquid and for the complementary condensation of the primary vapor, and a fifth chamber for the condensation of the secondary vapor. The chambers have a cross-section larger than that of the tunnel, and are distributed along the tunnel and are interconnected by sections of the tunnel. The machine is efficient, with there being little or no loss of solvent vapors during use.

Abstract: A paper web recording medium provided with toner images as conducted through a fixing housing containing solvent vapor over a paper deflection drum for fixing the toner images on the recording medium. The paper deflection drum is formed by a rigid roller body made of expanded or foamed plastic over which an elastic grid network fabric of toner-repellent material is drawn as an exterior surface sleeve. A low-mass paper deflection roller having low thermal conductivity is thus provided, so that no solvent vapor can condense at the surface of the fixing drum. The low-mass structure of the paper deflection drum also prevents a smear print when starting or stopping conduct of the paper web through the fixing housing.

Abstract: A single vapor system for soldering, fusing, or brazing includes vertically disposed chambers which provide a draining and drying zone above a vapor processing zone. Draining occurs in the upper zone with no additional heat being added in vapor recovery. A sealing system is utilized which is actuated by the carrier elevator as an article-carrying basket is moved into and out of the zones. The sealing system includes a moveable top cover resting on the top of the article-carrying basket, with the top cover being left at the top of the draining and drying zone to seal the top of this zone when the basket is lowered to the bottom of this zone. A moveable bottom plate is raised by pulleys and weights, spring returns or other means to the bottom of the draining and drying zone such that the bottom plate seals the bottom of this zone, isolating the zones one from the other.

Abstract: A tank system for cold fixing a toner powder on a paper as it is conducted through a fixing station of a non-mechanical high speed printing and copying device characterized by the printed paper being conducted through an atmosphere enriched with the vapor of a fixing agent. The tank system includes an injection tank which is connected to a replaceable feed container containing the agent with the injection tank being controlled to inject the agent into the fixing station to maintain the desired concentration of the vapor. The system also includes a recovery device including a water separator which separates condensed fixing agent from the water of the condensate. The system also includes a buffer tank which receives the recovered fixing agent, a pressure tank which is coupled to the buffer tank and has an outlet with a valve connected to the supply system, and an air pump to supply compressed air to the pressure tank to return any agent in the tank into the feed container and/or into the injection tank.

Abstract: Vapor condensation mass soldering apparatus (46) is of modular construction and includes a primary vapor zone assembly (50), a secondary vapor zone assembly (52), an ambient air moisture-removal zone assembly (54) and a hood assembly (56) mounted in readily separable, vertically stacked relationship. An article load-unload assembly (48) is secured to the front of the other assemblies (50, 52, 54 and 56). Each of the zone assemblies (50, 52 and 54) also includes respective condenser coil modules (142, 150 and 154) of special construction which can readily be mounted on and removed from their respective assemblies as integral units.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of solvents from coated parts during the drying step which consists of a means for heating the air used to dry the parts, an insulated drying chamber, a liquid spray scrubber, a refrigeration section to condense solvent and a cross-exchanger which allows air coming into the refrigeration section to be cooled by that exiting therefrom. The cooled solvent-lean air is then passed to the heating means before being recycled to the drying step.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and drying articles including an evacuable drying chamber for heating therein articles by condensation heat of the vapor of a first liquid supplied to the drying chamber, a vacuum pump for evacuating the boiler, a first vapor condenser and a second vapor condenser connected betwen the drying chamber and the vacuum pump, a thin film evaporator for receiving condensate from the drying chamber in the form of the first liquid and a second liquid having a higher boiling point than the first liquid, the second liquid being obtained from the articles within the drying chamber, a condensate collecting container for receiving from the evaporator liquid condensate which is not evaporated in the evaporator, a pressure barrier arranged between the evaporator and the collecting container and a re-evaporator arranged between the pressure barrier and the collecting container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the forming of hair. At the forming a strand of hair is drawn into a chamber (24) from an orifice (29) thereof by means of an air stream flowing inwards from said orifice. The chamber is shaped to produce an intended curvature of the strand of hair. By means of introduction of heated air through openings (28) close to the orifice (29) of the duct, the horny substances of the hair will be softened so that a plastic bend of the hair is obtained. The strand of hair being subjected to heating during a predetermined period of time, which is adjusted to the softening process of the horny substance and carried out by a heating means (19) for the supplied air by means of an automatic time controlling device (64) being maintained in activated condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vapor conservation and control for use with vapor phase soldering, degreasing, or similar systems having an open tank containing the vapor into which work is introduced and removed. The present invention comprises apparatus associated with the tank and operative to create a counter-convection flow which opposes the outward convection flow of vapor from the open tank. The process vapor is substantially retained within the tank while maintaining an open central channel for work entry and removal. The counter-convection flow is produced by establishment of a temperature differential by cooling and/or heating means disposed to cause a convection flow in a downward direction which opposes the normal upward flow of vapor from the tank.

Abstract: A continuous vapor processing system for vapor phase soldering, degreasing, or similar processes wherein a product is moved into and out of a vessel in a continuous manner via open conduits or channels while preventing escape of vapor from the processing tank and the conduits.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for the at least substantial prevention of hardening of paint brushes and the like which harden by an oxidation/polymerisation mechanism. The paint brush, or the paint applying portion thereof, is suspended within a housing, the housing being provided with a cover. The housing contains therein, or is supplied therewith, an effective amount of at least one antioxidant or a composition containing at least one antioxidant, the vapour of which is effective in at least substantially preventing the stated hardening of the paint on said paint brush.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying tire cord fabric dipped in a liquid coating containing a vaporizable solvent. The drying chamber of the apparatus includes a boiling sump for filling the chamber with solvent vapor, and a plurality of vertically elongated plenums mounted in side-by-side relation, each plenum having a number of horizontally elongated nozzles in vertically spaced relation. The tire cord fabric is passed adjacent the nozzles and super-heated solvent vapor is forced through the nozzles against the moving fabric to flash off or vaporize the solvent carried by the fabric, thereby drying the fabric.

Abstract: An improved process and/or system for coating of a metal strip includes means for continuous travel of the strip and a chamber for substantially completely enclosing the strip beyond an area for application of a mixture of coating and solvent. In that chamber is at least one induction coil for induction heating the strip to drive off the solvent, means for introducing substantially pure nitrogen near opposite ends of the travel of the strip therein and in between the places of introduction of the substantially pure nitrogen means for removing the resultant mixture of nitrogen and solvent which mixture is then at least largely separated into its components and reclaimed nitrogen brought back into the chamber at locations between the location of removal of the mixture and the respective locations of introduction of substantially pure nitrogen. The temperature of the interior atmosphere of the chamber is automatically maintained at a predetermined temperature preferably within the range between about 300.degree.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vapor conservation and control for use with vapor phase soldering, degreasing, or similar systems having a tank into which work is introduced and removed. The air present above the processing vapor zone is drawn from the processing tank and cooled to condense the vapor, and the remaining air is then returned to the tank above the area of withdrawal. A negative pressure is preferably created at the tank entrance such that air flow is into the tank to prevent emission of vapor and pollutants from the tank into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for a condensation-drying plant is disclosed wherein in an autoclave the material to be dried is heated by the heat of condensation of a readily volatile fluid and where this material contains a less volatile fluid (e.g. oil). Two evaporators are provided to separate this less volatile fluid during the drying process. Thermal energy is conserved by feeding the steam of the more volatile fluid from the first evaporator to the autoclave.

Abstract: A housing contains a sump located below a partition wall having an opening which communicates the sump with a work receiving chamber above the partition wall. An upper condenser is provided in said chamber and a lower condenser in said sump. A chilled coil is located in the chamber above the elevation of the upper condenser but below the upper lip of the housing. Between the upper lip of the housing and the chilled coil, there is provided a vapor discharge port.