Abstract:
A wood treatment system that includes at least one wood treatment vessel and a bundle lift system for loading and unloading a bundle of wood from a cart used to transport the bundle into and/or out of the treatment vessel. The lift system vertically disengages the bundle of wood from the cart within the interior of the vessel, thereby allowing the cart to be removed from the vessel prior to initiating treatment. The lift system, which can be physically separate from or physically coupled to the cart, is entirely disposed within a lower portion of the interior volume of the wood treatment vessel.
Abstract:
A microwave heater equipped with a microwave choke and suitable for heating wood under vacuum. The microwave choke inhibits leakage of microwave energy between a door of the heater and a main vessel body of the heater without causing arcing at the choke, even at low pressures. In certain situations, the microwave choke can be configured with side-by-side choke cavities. In certain situations, the microwave choke can be removably coupled to the door and/or vessel body for easier fabrication, installation, and/or replacement.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to extrusion coating systems (120), extrusion coated substrates, and processes for making the same. In some aspects, extrusion coating systems (120) as described herein may include an at least partially insulated (150, 152) outlet wall, which may facilitate production of coated substrates exhibiting a very desirable surface texture and appearance. Coated substrates of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of end applications, including, but not limited to, interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture.
Abstract:
A wood treatment method and apparatus employing a bundle support structure to support a bundle of wood during transportation and treatment of the bundle. The bundle support structure rests on a movable cart during transportation of the bundle, but is detached from the movable cart during treatment of the bundle.
Abstract:
A wood treatment method and apparatus that includes a cart drive system for enabling the movement of at least one wood-transporting cart into and/or out of a wood treatment vessel. The wood-transporting cart can have a length greater than the maximum internal dimension of the wood treatment vessel. The cart drive system can include at least one active drive component and at least one passive drive component. The active drive component can be physically separate from the cart and permanently fixed outside the interior of the wood treatment vessel. The passive drive component can be physically coupled to the cart and operable to move with the cart as it transports the bundle of wood into and/or out of the wood treatment vessel.
Abstract:
A wood treatment method and apparatus that utilizes at least two carts for transporting bundles of wood into, out of, and between at least two wood treatment vessels. In certain situations, each of the carts can move along a dedicated path and can be located exterior to the vessels during treatment. As a result, the process can have a minimal cycle time, while maximizing throughput from the facility.
Abstract:
A wood treatment method and apparatus utilizing a treatment vessel having an integrated bundle hold-down system for securing a bundle of wood within the interior of the vessel during treatment. The bundle hold-down system can be operable to counteract large buoyant forces associated with submersing the bundle of wood in a liquid reagent and/or can be used to maintain the shape and/or position of the bundle during treatment, even if a liquid reagent is not present.
Abstract:
A wood treatment method and apparatus that includes a laterally shiftable transportation segment adjacent a door of a wood treatment vessel. When retracted, the shiftable transportation segment accommodates the opening and/or closing of the door. When aligned, the shiftable transportation segment can support the weight of a cart that transports a bundle of wood into and/or out of the wood treatment vessel. Wood treatment systems described herein may also include a bundle adjustment system for applying an aligning force to at least a portion of the bundle during its loading and/or unloading from the wood treatment vessel.
Abstract:
A microwave heater equipped with a microwave choke and suitable for heating one or more articles under vacuum. The microwave choke inhibits leakage of microwave energy between a door of the heater and a main vessel body of the heater without causing arcing at the choke, even at low pressures. In certain situations, the microwave choke can be configured with side-by-side choke cavities. In certain situations, the microwave choke can be removably coupled to the door and/or vessel body for easier fabrication, installation, and/or replacement.
Abstract:
A dryer system configured for use in a polyester polymer production process. In one embodiment, the dryer system can be utilized in a non-solid- state polymer production process to dry the polymer particles prior to crystallization.