Abstract: Apparatus for improving the efficiency of dryer appliances that utilize heated air for drying and are disposed within a residence or other closed conditioned space includes an intake air duct connected between the dryer appliance and a source of intake air outside the conditioned space, an exhaust outlet diverter valve to receive exhaust air from the dryer and direct the exhaust air for release within the conditioned space or alternatively outside the conditioned space. Alternative embodiments provide for drawing intake air from more than one source, with and without heat exchange, for releasing heated air to more than one location, including into a heating system return air duct, either directly or through a heat exchanger. A method of controlling the operation of the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for joining sheets of woven material such as wire cloth in side-by-side relation to form a unitary sheet of material having a greater width. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a joining mechanism for joining the multiple sheets to form a unitary sheet, and optionally, either or both of a planarizing mechanism for reducing (or eliminating) differences in the thickness of the joint(s) from the bulk of the unitary sheet and a coating mechanism for coating at least areas of the unitary sheet near a joint. Following processing, the unitary sheet can be wound on a spindle to form a roll of woven material having greater than standard width.

Abstract: A structure intended for above-ground use has a floor support structure including at least one substantially horizontal member. A floor sheet having an upper surface and an area bounded by a perimeter is supported by the floor support structure, and at least one wall extends upwardly from the floor sheet. In order to preclude rodents and other small vertebrates from the interior of the structure, the structure is provided with an intrusion barrier disposed between the substantially horizontal member and the floor sheet. The intrusion barrier underlies substantially all of the area of the floor sheet and, at the perimeter of the floor sheet, extends upwardly to at least the upper surface of the floor sheet so that rodents and other small vertebrates are precluded from entering the structure from below. The structure may also have a roof including exterior roofing material, a support system for the exterior roofing material, and a second intrusion barrier overlaying the support system.