A method of producing a bioplastic granulate on the basis of sunflower seed shells or sunflower seed hulls. In the method, ground sunflower seed shells/sunflower seed hull material is provided, wherein the particle size is in the region of 3 mm or less, preferably in the region of 0.01 to 1 mm, preferably in the region of 0.1 to 0.3 mm. A plastic material is provided, which is compounded with the sunflower seed shells/sunflower seed hull material, wherein the compounding operation is preferably effected in an extruder, preferably a double-screw extruder. The compounded material is chopped at the end of the extruder section with a tool with the addition of water, wherein the water is at a temperature of preferably more than 50° C., preferably about 80 to 90° C., to cool down the compound material. During the compounding operation, the compounding material is subjected to atmospheric degassing and/or vacuum degassing.

An umbrella water removing apparatus for collecting and draining rainwater on a wet umbrella includes: a supporting part; plate-shaped first and second dewatering parts provided on an upper surface the supporting part at positions spaced apart from each other at a regular interval; a detachable pad attached and fixed to an inner surface of each of the first and second dewatering parts; a dewatering space formed between the respective detachable pads fixed to the respective inner surfaces of the first and second dewatering parts; and a plurality of protruding parts protruding from each of the detachable pads toward the dewatering space along a vertical direction.

An umbrella water removing apparatus for collecting and draining rainwater on a wet umbrella includes: a supporting part; plate-shaped first and second dewatering parts provided on an upper surface the supporting part at positions spaced apart from each other at a regular interval; a detachable pad attached and fixed to an inner surface of each of the first and second dewatering parts; a dewatering space formed between the respective detachable pads fixed to the respective inner surfaces of the first and second dewatering parts; and a plurality of protruding parts protruding from each of the detachable pads toward the dewatering space along a vertical direction.

A vibration unit assembly for a belt conveyor has a vibration element, and vibration generator and a connection assembly. The vibration generator is operatively connected to the vibration element for inducing vibrations in the vibration element. The connection assembly connects the vibration element to the belt conveyor so that the vibration element may move relative to the belt conveyor. A contact surface of the vibration element engages a material to vibrate and compress the material as it is transported on the belt conveyor. The vibration element may include a plate or a roller. A method for treating a material involves applying a vibration force and applying a compressive force to compact the material. A method for drying a material involves applying a vibration force to the material to release fluid and applying a compressive force to compact the material.

A vibration unit assembly for a belt conveyor has a vibration element, and vibration generator and a connection assembly. The vibration generator is operatively connected to the vibration element for inducing vibrations in the vibration element. The connection assembly connects the vibration element to the belt conveyor so that the vibration element may move relative to the belt conveyor. A contact surface of the vibration element engages a material to vibrate and compress the material as it is transported on the belt conveyor. The vibration element may include a plate or a roller. A method for treating a material involves applying a vibration force and applying a compressive force to compact the material. A method for drying a material involves applying a vibration force to the material to release fluid and applying a compressive force to compact the material.

Devices and methods for cleaning and/or drying endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, are provided. A drying device for use with an endoscopic instrument comprises an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument and a drying member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. The drying element comprises a variable pressure region shaped and configured to increase the hydrodynamic fluid friction force and fluid pressure force applied to the wall of the internal lumen of the endoscope to more effectively remove all of the moisture and fluid from the internal surfaces of an endoscopic instrument.

Devices and methods for cleaning and/or drying endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, are provided. A drying device for use with an endoscopic instrument comprises an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument and a drying member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. The drying element comprises a variable pressure region shaped and configured to increase the hydrodynamic fluid friction force and fluid pressure force applied to the wall of the internal lumen of the endoscope to more effectively remove all of the moisture and fluid from the internal surfaces of an endoscopic instrument.

A conveyance unit mounted to a machine for initial processing of natural raw rubber into aged rubber product, includes: a discharge delivery belt connected with the machine to receive the aged rubber product; a vibration delivery device connected to the discharge delivery belt to selectively delivery the aged rubber product from the discharge delivery belt; a drying and cooling device, comprising an elongated channel body and a circulation system mounted therein, wherein the rubber product is entered from one end of the elongated channel body while being dewatered and left from the other end of the elongated channel body, wherein the circulation system is operated to provide wind inside the elongated channel body for drying and cooling the rubber product; and a cutting device connected to the elongated channel body of the drying and cooling device to cut the dried rubber product into aged product.

A conveyance unit mounted to a machine for initial processing of natural raw rubber into aged rubber product, includes: a discharge delivery belt connected with the machine to receive the aged rubber product; a vibration delivery device connected to the discharge delivery belt to selectively delivery the aged rubber product from the discharge delivery belt; a drying and cooling device, comprising an elongated channel body and a circulation system mounted therein, wherein the rubber product is entered from one end of the elongated channel body while being dewatered and left from the other end of the elongated channel body, wherein the circulation system is operated to provide wind inside the elongated channel body for drying and cooling the rubber product; and a cutting device connected to the elongated channel body of the drying and cooling device to cut the dried rubber product into aged product.

Provided is an apparatus which simultaneously dries and brushes animals with hair or fur. A positive air pressure source is forced through a general air passageway configuration, comprising a tube, a handle member air passageway, a brush member air passageway, and an outward air aperture. A handle member, comprising a heat adjuster and airflow adjuster, connects to a brush member including an air aperture, a bristle base, and bristles. The bristle base is detachable from the brush member. A depressible prong mechanism is fastened to the handle member for repeated connection and disconnection of the handle member and the brush member. The detachable bristle base and the disconnection of the handle member from the brush member allows for effective apparatus cleaning which leads to more efficient animal drying.