Abstract: A dirt drying processing equipment is constructed so that hot air out of a hot-air generator is blown into dirt in a drying reservoir through a hot-air supply pipe having a pointed end opened to the bottom of the drying reservoir, vaporizing water contained in the dirt. Solid matter or evaporation residue of dirt is blown by hot air to a cyclone where it is separated therefrom for disposal.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for utilizing condensation water of an apparatus for drying a fibre web. The drying apparatus comprises two endless bands (1, 2) that are impermeable to air and that have a good thermal conductivity. A fibre web (5) runs between the bands (1, 2) with at least one felt or wire (3, 4). The metal band in contact with the fibre web (5) is heated with a pressure chamber (9) containing a pressure medium that is steam. Correspondingly, the metal band in contact with the felt is cooled. Water that has evaporated from the fibre web (5) and then condensed is gathered from the wire (4) and this condensate is made suitable for use in a power station by means of the removal of solid matter, so that the condensate can be utilized.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for utilizing energy of an apparatus for drying a fibre web. The drying apparatus comprises two endless bands (1, 2) that are impermeable to air and that have a good thermal conductivity. A fibre web (5) runs between the bands (1, 2) with at least one felt or wire (3, 4). The metal band in contact with the fibre web (5) is heated. Correspondingly, the metal band in contact with the felt is cooled with water contained in a water chamber (10). The cooling water used is conducted to a heat exchanger (25) that is used to heat water conducted to heat the process water in a papermaking or a board machine.

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.

Abstract: A system for removing excess carrier liquid from an electrostatic image developed with liquid developing material made up of toner particles immersed in a liquid carrier medium on an image bearing member. The system includes an absorbent contact roller for absorbing at least a portion of the liquid carrier off of the liquid image, a vacuum source coupled to the contact roller for generating negative pressure at the surface of the roller to draw the absorbed liquid through the contact roller, and a nonpermeable vacuum sealing membrane member partially surrounding the contact member in an area not adjacent to the image bearing surface for reducing the surface area of the contact roller which is exposed to the ambient atmosphere to create a vacuum sealing arrangement adapted to deliver negative pressure airflow to a selected area adjacent the image bearing surface.

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.

Abstract: A siphon for removing condensation water from the surface of a planar band. The siphon comprises a slide shoe, and at least one loading element for pressing the slide shoe so that it is substantially in contact with the surface of the band.

Abstract: A hair drying curler apparatus (10) for curling and drying a lock of hair is disclosed having a tubular roller (11) and a retaining clip (12). The roller has a tubular support (14), a moisture permeable inner cover material (15) joined to a moisture permeable outer cover material (16), and a mass of hair drying expediting material (18) positioned between the inner and outer cover materials. The outer cover material is quilted to form a linear array of generally axially aligned, annular channels (22) containing the expediting material. Similarly, the retaining clip has a support (26), a moisture permeable inner cover material (27) joined to a moisture permeable outer cover material (28), and a mass of hair drying expediting material (30) positioned between the inner and outer cover material. The outer cover material is quilted to form a linear array of arcuate channels (33) containing the expediting material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved drying techniques which increase the capacity and efficiency of agitated pan type dryers. In particular, the present invention relates to a conical screw type mixer/dryer apparatus and method for aggressive convective drying of hard to dry chemical compounds, such as pharmaceuticals. The aggressive drying is brought about by creating turbulence within the drying vessel during the drying cycle. Significant reductions in drying cycle times have been achieved.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-swellable, water-insoluble sulfonated cellulose having improved absorption properties. One embodiment of the present invention concerns a water-swellable, water-insoluble sulfonated cellulose having an average degree of sulfonic group substitution from about 0.2 to about 0.5 that exhibits an initial Absorbency Under Load value of at least about 8 grams per gram. The sulfonated cellulose may be used in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A container is provided for housing desiccant material therein and for facilitating fluid flow therethrough to a surrounding environment. The container comprises a cup member including a base or bottom wall member and a generally cylindrically shaped outer wall connected to the base or bottom wall member to thereby define a housing. A plurality of openings extend through the outer wall and provide communication between the housing and the surrounding environment. At least one recessed, relief portion is provided in communication with one of the openings. The recessed, relief portion has an outer diameter dimension less than the outer diameter dimension of the cup member. Accordingly, when the cup is snugly received in an associated canister or the like, a relief area is formed that defines a fluid flow channel along the interface of the cup member and canister.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unit, for removing rainwater from umbrellas, that can easily, effectively, and quickly remove rainwater from umbrellas. This unit comprises an umbrella insertion portion into which an umbrella that is wet with rain is inserted, a rainwater collecting portion where rainwater is held and from which it is discharged, and, with some configurations, a fan compartment from which warm air is driven into the umbrella insertion portion. With another configuration, the unit comprises a cylindrical external frame that has a handle and multiple brushes that are provided on the internal wall of the external frame. With these arrangements, the unit according to the present invention can easily, effectively, and quickly remove rainwater from wet umbrellas.

Abstract: A hydration system having one or more units (10, 10', 10") for providing a continuous flow of water to newly placed concrete has a plurality of spaced elongated soaker tubes (12) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (14) of the unit. Respective manifold tubes (16-19) are attached to each end of soaker tubes (12) and a supply coupler (32) is in turn attached to the manifold tubes at one end of the unit and an additional coupler (34) is attached to the manifold tubes at the opposite end of the unit. An upper impervious layer (28) is disposed over the tubes (12, 16-19) and a lower pervious layer (28) is disposed under the tubes (12, 16-19). Layers (26, 28) are attached to each other along the outer periphery of the unit and on opposite sides of the tubes by rivets (30) or stitching (42).

Abstract: A raw sewage disposal apparatus for evaporating and drying raw sewage by heating. An evaporation container has a closed bottom portion and an opened upper portion for containing raw sewage thereon. A rotary holding structure holds an upper end of the evaporation container so as to permit horizontal rotation thereof. A covering supports the rotary holding structure and closes the opened upper portion of the evaporation container from the atmosphere. A frame capable of hanging the evaporation container supports the covering substantially horizontally. A driving device is provided for rotating the evaporation container, and an electromagnetic heating means is disposed close to a lower surface of the evaporation container and generates a high-frequency electromagnetic wave which is supplied to the evaporation container.

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.

Abstract: A method of drying articles is presented. The method generally comprises fluidizing solid media, contacting the article with the fluidized media for a sufficient amount of time to allow liquid to be transferred from the surface of the article to the solid media. Typically this involves forming a bed of solid material, fluidizing the bed then immersing the article to be dried in the fluidized bed. Using solid media to contact the wet parts, the water, and anything dissolved in it, is wicked away. The parts are dried in seconds with little residue and no heating. The solids used are typically porous and have very high surface area and can therefore be rapidly dried and reused.

Abstract: A disposal apparatus according to a first aspect comprises an evaporation pipe communicating with a container for discharging vapor evaporated from raw sewage therein. A catalyst box accommodates a catalyst and communicates with the evaporation pipe. An ejector connects to the catalyst box for drawing air therefrom. A hot-air blower connects upstream to the catalyst box for heating flowing air, and an air supply unit supplies air to the ejector and the hot-air blower. A bypass pipe communicates between the ejector and the container. The disposal apparatus according to a second aspect comprises a heat-resistant airtight container for raw sewage, and an induction heating device disposed under the container. The heating device has a coil for generating a high-frequency electromagnetic wave to heat the container by induction. A rotatable stirrer and heat-holding balls are contained in the container. A stool communicates with the container through a valve mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A raw sewage disposal apparatus capable of easily stirring raw sewage and cleaning a container by rotating the container per se after introducing the raw sewage into the container and heating, evaporating and drying the raw sewage. The raw sewage disposal apparatus comprises a container for accommodating raw sewage therein, an electromagnetic heater for heating the container, a rotary holder for rotatably holding the container, a driver for rotating the container, spherical stirrers accommodated in the container, and a nonrotatable baffle having one end fixed to the cover plate and the other end extending to a position adjacent to the bottom of the container so as to contact the stirrers.

Abstract: The vehicle drying or polishing apparatus is equipped with device moving the vehicle relative to the apparatus. A flexible, drivable, endless conveyor member (3) is guided in a horizontal plane above the path of the vehicle by a plurality of deviating wheels (7, 8) arranged on both longitudinal sides of the apparatus and rotating about vertical axes (V), and is provided with a plurality of narrow strips (5) of absorbent material, connected to the conveyor member and hanging down vertically therefrom, being movable by means of the conveyor member transverse to the path of relative movement of the vehicle. The conveyor member (3) has two strip-free sections (3a) whose respective lengths (L) correspond at least to the greatest vehicle width.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying solid and liquified products using heating gas and a plurality of spherical balls having contacting surfaces. A drying chamber is established between a housing and a central body which is coaxially positioned through the center of the housing. Located within the drying chamber are a plurality of balls which form a drying bed. A screw auger is coaxially positioned through the center of the central body to circulate the balls through the drying chamber by moving them from the bottom to the top of the drying chamber where they are redeposited into the bed. A rotatable balls dispersing chute is coupled to the screw auger at the upper end of the central body to evenly distribute balls over the top of the bed of balls as it rotates.

Abstract: A method for forming images including the steps of: developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrying member with a liquid developer including a carrier liquid; and bringing a toner image thus formed into contact with an oil absorbent selected from the group consisting of a network-forming oil-absorbent material and a gel-swelling oil-absorbent material, to remove the carrier liquid.

Abstract: A hand-held rain towel suitable for cleaning and drying golf clubs and other implements in wet weather. A towel folded in an elongate configuration and provided with a pliable rainproof cover defines a pocket open on one side and at the bottom, which receives an object such as a golf-club handle, wipes water droplets off the object, and then absorbs residual moisture from the handle in the folds of the towel.

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.

Abstract: A raw sewage disposal apparatus for use in a temporary toilet capable of continuously drying a large amount of raw sewage. The raw sewage disposal apparatus comprising an incinerator shielded from the outside, a swing shaft rotatably horizontally supported by the incinerator, a drying cauldron which is hollow at the inside thereof and fixed to the swing shaft, an introduction port which is defined on the peripheral surface of the drying cauldron for introducing raw sewage in the drying cauldron, a plurality of spherical stirring balls which are accommodated in the drying cauldron, and a burner communicating with the lower portion of the incinerator for jetting flame toward the bottom surface of the drying cauldron.

Abstract: A method of maximizing net water loss from various sludges in the outdoor environment to stabilize or to reduce the volume and weight of sludges. Specifically, this method comprises drying a layer of wet sludge by surface evaporation, mixing a sufficient amount of additional wet sludge to the previously-dried sludge layer to form a sludge mixture having a water content at which surface evaporation is maximized, and drying the sludge mixture by surface evaporation or by periodical tilling or both. Additionally, the sludge surface is sealed by light compaction in the event of imminent precipitation to minimize rainwater retention and infiltration. In addition to stabilization, this method may be used as an effective pretreatment step towards other sludge treatment processes to drastically reduce the sludge treatment cost, based on the reduction of the sludge volume, sludge weight, and sludge water content.

Abstract: This invention discloses a simple and inexpensive household implement to blot grease from one lot of prepared solid foodstuff, particularly deep-fried articles. It comprises an air-evacuating pump connected to a openable, closable, disposable, and flexible plastic bag interiorly lined with a layer of flexible liquid-absorbing material. Upon activation of said pump, blotting action occurs after the closed bag and the layer of liquid-absorbing are packed tightly against the greasy articles.

Abstract: A device for increasing the solids content of an image formed from liquid developer comprising a belt which is comprised of an absorption material containing small pores to absorb dispersant from a dispersant laden image and a pair of rollers bearing the belt wherein the belt on one of the rollers contacts a dispersant laden image bearing portion of an image carrying member such as a photoreceptor drum or an intermediate sheet.

Abstract: A hair drying curler apparatus comprises a curler body and a curler clip, whereby the curler clip is adapted to snap in place over the curler body with a damp lock of the user's hair captured therebetween. The curler body is formed such that a material having a high-surface area extends about and is bonded to an outer surface of the curler body so as to allow an ample amount of hair drying expediting material to be evenly dispersed therethrough. The curler clip is configured in a similar manner as the curler body, whereby the inner surface of the clip is lined with a material having a high-surface area for hair drying expediting material to be embedded therethrough. Additionally, the curler clip is configured so as to clip a lock of hair on the curler body, and so as to expedite the drying of the damp hair between adjacent curlers. Therefore, when the present apparatus is applied to damp hair, the hair is dried and curled simultaneously.

Abstract: A raw sewage disposal apparatus, such as a portable toilet. The apparatus has a vessel with a first introduction pipe for feeding raw sewage into the vessel. The vessel is externally heated and contains heat-holding bodies and an agitator so that the sewage can be heated to evaporate liquid therefrom while being agitated to break down nonevaporable substances into powder. Air is circulated through the vessel to remove the vapor and later the powder therefrom. A deodorizing means including a catalyst, and a preheater for preheating the catalyst, are provided to treat the vapor to make it substantially odorless. A dust collector is provided to collect the powder. The dust collector can be heated, if necessary, to evaporate liquid present therein. A liquid level detector can be provided on the vessel to indicate when the vessel contains a large amount of raw sewage.

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.

Abstract: A veneer profile wrapping process employs a water-base polyvinylacetate glue system which is activated before application with an acid catalyst. The glue is applied to the veneer by a roller applicator. The veneer is transported on a vacuum belt which prevents the veneer from warping while the glue is dried with fans and infrared radiation. The process employs a porous substrate, such as particle board, which is heated by infrared radiation on all sides. Polyvinylacetate glue is applied to the surface of the substrate, which will be wrapped with veneer and the heat of the substrate plus additional infrared radiation and fans evaporates and dries the glue. The glue on the substrate is dried for approximately 60 to 90 seconds and on the veneer for approximately 10-15 seconds on cross feed drying lines. The veneer is inverted on a side belt changer and forced into intimate contact with the substrate by heated metal rollers.

Abstract: A flower press comprising a top plate and a bottom plate with layers of two materials therebetween and straps with VELCRO tabs to secure the press and apply the pressure for pressing flowers therein. The first layer is preferably cardboard to offer firm support for leaves and petals but not crush stems; the second layer is preferably absorbent paper. Two layers of paper are placed between two layers of cardboard. The top plate is preferably made of a transparent material so that it can be used for later display of the pressed floral arrangement.

Abstract: A raw sewage disposal apparatus, such as a portable toilet. The apparatus has a vessel with a first introduction pipe for feeding raw sewage into the vessel. The vessel is externally heated and contains heat holding bodies and an agitator so that the sewage can be heated to evaporate liquid therefrom while being agitated to break down nonevaporable substances into powder. A second introduction pipe is provided to circulate air through the vessel to remove the vapor and later the power therefrom. A deodorizing means including a catalyst, and a preheater for preheating the catalyst, are provided to treat the vapor to make it substantially odorless. A third introduction pipe is provided for supplying fresh air to the preheater. A dust collector is provided to collect the powder.

Abstract: A blow dryer appliance adapted with roller or non-roller accesories for contacting a surface and facilitating combined dryer and roller/non-roller type tasks on a surface. The roller and non-roller accessories are provided in the form of an attachments for the blow dryer member and are designed to accommodate heated air treatment with the appliance on a variety of selected personal or industrial tasks. As a personal care appliance, the roller element's structural features are in the form of a flexible body that conforms to a person's body parts to allow a sponge, or the like, roller surface to collect water particles after bathing. The drying task is enhanced by dispersement of moisture from the person's body facilitated by the combination of heated air evaporating moisture from the absorbent roller. The roller element is completely detachable, washable and/or disposable.

Abstract: Liquid dye deposited on the pile of a carpet tile can be fixed by inserting an array of heated pins into the pile. The pins, mounted on a block, penetrate the tufts of the pile which have liquid dye thereon but do not penetrate the backing of the carpet tile. A heating element to raise the pins to the fixation temperature of from 90.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. is clamped to or located within the block. Preferably, both the block and the pins are made of metal (not necessarily the same metal).

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.

Abstract: A surface of a fresh concrete body is dried by first covering the surface to be dried with a layer of bibulous granules having a great internal surface area for a time sufficient to draw generally all of the water out of the body via the surface and then preventing water from entering the layer from its side turned away from the body. The granules are finely divided hygroscopic particles, with an internal surface area of at least 200 m.sup.2 /g, preferably at least 800 m.sup.2 /g. The hydrophilic particles take up the moisture from the concrete and hold it in the layer of particles lying on the surface. This reduces the partial vapor pressure on the surface of the concrete body which effectively draws further liquid out of the concrete. The particles are a mixture of a cross-linked polymer that only swells in water and silica. The particles are carried in a coherent mat and are applied as a layer to the surface by laying the mat thereon.

Abstract: A method for the production of finished wood sheets from rough cut wood includes the steps of conditioning the rough cut wood, as necessary, to obtain a predetermined mositure content equivalent to a humidity of at least 50%. The conditioned rough cut wood is cut into predetermined dimensions using a sawdust-free process and then immediately dried to obtain a low moisture content. The dried wood is further machined to eliminate rough edges of the finished sheet.

Abstract: A photosensitive material-drying apparatus for drying a photosensitive material after being dipped in a treatment solution to wet the same. Water-absorbing rollers for contact with the same surface of the photosensitive material are provided in the vicinity of a photosensitive material-introducing inlet, and are arranged along a direction of transfer of the photosensitive material. The water-absorbing abilities of the water-absorbing rollers is increased progressively in the direction of transfer of photosensitive material.

Abstract: A brush for drying hair has a body with a hollow interior. The body has opposed surfaces with the surface on one side having teeth arranged in a more open or less dense pattern than the teeth on the opposite surface. The teeth on each face pass through a non-woven fabric sheet of water absorbant material with inner ends of the teeth seated in recesses in the inner body of the head of the brush. The non-woven fabric on one surface of the brush is isolated from the non-woven fabric on the other face so that its water absorbing function is isolated from the fabric on the other surface.

Abstract: A raw sewage drying apparatus, such as for a portable toilet. The apparatus has an outer casing with an opening in an upper portion thereof, and an outer cover for covering the opening. An inner casing made of a heat resistent material is housed in the outer casing. The inner casing has an opening in an upper portion thereof, and an inner cover for covering the opening. A heating device heats the inner casing. A rotatable drive shaft unit is provided in the inner casing, and a plurality of blades are fixed to the drive shaft unit for stirring the raw sewage stored in the inner casing. A plurality of heating balls are contained in the inner casing for heating the raw sewage.

Abstract: A method and device in particular a therapeutic device for abstracting moisture and fluid from one or more bodies such as bedridden patients, whereby use is made of a bed of moisture and fluid absorbing beads, wherein said beads in the bed are being fluidized by an air supply and conditioning system; air supplied in the fluidization bed having a low relative degree of humidity and suitable temperature which increases the regenerative action of the fluidization bed, necessary for abstracting moisture and fluid from said beads and said body.

Abstract: A method for the production of finished wood sheets from rough cut wood includes the steps of conditioning the rough cut wood, as necessary, to obtain a predetermined moisture content equivalent to a humidity of 50%. The conditioned rough cut wood is cut into predetermined dimensions using a sawdust-free process and then immediately dried to obtain a low moisture content. The dried wood is further treated using a grinding process to eliminate rough edges of the finished sheet.

Abstract: A raw sewage drying apparatus, such as for a portable toilet. The apparatus has an outer casing with an opening in an upper portion thereof, and an outer cover for covering the opening. An inner casing made of a heat resistent material is housed in the outer casing. The inner casing has an opening in an upper portion thereof, and an inner cover for covering the opening. A heating device heats the inner casing. A rotatable drive shaft unit is provided in the inner casing, and a plurality of blades are fixed to the drive shaft unit for stirring the raw sewage stored in the inner casing. A plurality of heating balls are contained in the inner casing for heating the raw sewage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a covering for a hydraulic ram of a freeze dryer. The freeze dryer of the present invention includes a pressure vessel having a sterile freeze drying chamber for receiving a stack of containers holding a sterile material to be freeze dried. A pressure plate located within the freeze drying chamber is adapted to be driven against the stack of containers for mechanically stoppering the containers. A hydraulic ram is connected to the pressure vessel and has an actuating arm projecting into the freeze drying chamber. The actuating arm is connected to the pressure plate and is extendible for driving the pressure plate against the containers and retractable for removal of the containers from the pressure vessel. The actuating arm has a non-sterile surface that could contaminate the freeze drying chamber and therefore, the sterile material could be freeze dried.

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.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing water from tennis courts. A large roller having a sponge sleeve thereon is rolled over the court surface to pick up water lying on the court surface. As the roller rotates the sponge sleeve moves against a smaller roller that exerts a localized pressure force on the sponge material; water is thus squeezed out of the sponge pores into a collection tank located below the small roller. The mechanism further includes a heating device located behind the large roller to direct heated gas onto the tennis court surface to evaporate moisture that was not picked up by the roller (sponge).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for timber processing during which the wood, such as sawn wood that is prepared for seasoning is dried in a kiln in a manner known per se at a temperature of between about 40.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C., to a moisture content of not more than 30%.Nitric acid is mixed with an aqueous solution an alkali earth metal salt, and this mixture is sprayed into the drying kiln at least once. The spray loosens the pectin of the fiber that blocks the evaporation of the moisture, while the alkali earth metal is being built into the wood fibers.