Abstract: The present invention is a portable cart for maintaining athletic balls in a warm and dry condition, comprising an insulated container having an interior drum configured to hold up to twelve (12) footballs, or other sports balls such as, soccer balls, rugby balls, baseballs, etc. A handle and wheels are secured to the container to facilitate easy transporting of the unit around the playing field. The balls are secured to a circular drum that rotates the balls through a heating and drying cycle. The unit contains an air filter, a heating element, a blower fan, a back-up battery, and a thermostat to control temperature. As wet, cold balls are placed onto the drum within the unit, they pass through the heating and drying cycle, eventually rotating back to the front door, having been effectively heated to the desired temperature and dried, readying them for play.

Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer has a drying cycle followed by a cool down cycle where the cool down cycle is terminated when the sensed output temperature of the dryer drum falls below a default temperature value preselected or altered by user. This permits the user to adjust the termination cool down cycle temperature to the user's preference and touch sensitivity to the warmth of clothing removed from the dryer. The user adjusts the setting of a user variable selection device on the dryer control panel to a preferred temperature signal representing the desired temperature of articles in the dryer when the cool down cycle is terminated. The dryer has a comparator that is connected to the outlet thermistor for receiving the sensed signal representing the temperature of the air leaving the drum and that is connected to the user variable selection device for receiving the user preferred temperature signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the saturated, surface dry (SSD) condition point of aggregates includes warm air-drying of a water saturated aggregate sample of known initial weight. The sample is rotated in an open mesh screened drum, and heated ambient air is passed radially through the drum and the sample to remove water. Initially surface water is removed, followed by pore water. The loss in water weight and the exit air relative humidity (EAH) is tracked by sensors and recorded. The EAH values change significantly at the SSD point. Following SSD point determination, the test procedure continues until all free water is removed from the sample to determine total moisture content of the sample.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for use in a drying device, having a surface and a first mechanism to at least partially hold an article relative to the surface. A second mechanism associated with the surface is operable to cooperatively engage with an air exit in the drying device, and is in air communication with an interior of the first mechanism. An airflow channel is formed between a portion of the drying device, the article, the interior of the first mechanism, the second mechanism, and an air exit in the drying device, facilitating more even drying of the article.

Abstract: A dual-train or multi-train installation for the production of cement clinker from raw meal includes several cyclone suspension heat exchanger trains which provide substantially equal gas and meal loads of the following gas-solid suspensions through use of a vortex homogenization chamber (29), having an inlet opening (30) for the gas-solid suspension and having at least two outlets to a pair of pipes (28, 31) for the discharge of the thoroughly blended homogenized gas-solid suspension substreams. The vortex homogenization chamber (29) is positioned in a calcination stage (17), upstream of its branching and splitting between the several heat exchanger trains (A, B).

Abstract: Method for controlling a washing and drying machine, for improving a drying performance, and saving an energy, the method having a drying cycle for supplying heated air into an inner tub to dry laundry in the inner tub, wherein the drying cycle includes a plurality of drying steps each having the steps of rotating a pulsator for a preset time period, and rotating the inner tub for a preset time period in regular and reverse directions, for enhancing flow of the laundry.

Abstract: A washing/drying machine and a clothes dryer including an air circulative duct for circulating air into the inner tub for washing or drying inputted clothes or an inner portion of a drum and an evaporator of the refrigerating cycle, positioned in the air circulative duct to dehumidify the circulated air can improve dehumidifying performance of the circulated air, reduce time for drying clothes and energy consumption.

Abstract: A clothes dryer in accordance with the present invention, including a drum supported in the case rotatably, having a space for drying clothes inside, a suction duct connected to one side of the drum, to which air for drying clothes is supplied, an extension duct lengthened from the suction duct into the drum, for flowing the air supplied from the suction duct into the drum and an exhaust duct connected to the other side of the drum, for exhausting air which dried clothes to the outside of the case can dry clothes inputted into the drum uniformly by composing the dryer capable of directly transmitting heated air to the center portion of the drum, thus to improve clothes drying efficiency.

Abstract: A laundry drier includes a filter is disposed removably in the air duct carrying the process air and is held in an at least two-part foldable frame. To extend its functionality with a view to the binding of odors from the laundry items, the filter contains a charcoal-fiber insert that is equipped to combine and/or convert odorous substances.

Abstract: A clothes dryer having a fire protection system. The clothes dryer chamber has an inlet which receives drying air and an exhaust for removing moisture laden air. The temperature within the drying chamber is monitored, and a determination is made from the dryer electronic controller whether or not a fire exists in the tumbler. The fire detection conditions are based on determining whether a certain temperature rise exists within the tumbler when the drying air ceases. The fire suppression system when activated will inject a fire suppressing substance into the tumbler for suppressing the fire.

Abstract: A clothes dryer, for drying washed clothes, including a drum supported in a case rotatably, for drying clothes inserted to the inside of the case, a driving means installed in the case, for rotating the drum, a suction duct connected to a side of the drum, for supplying heated air to the inside of the drum, an exhaust duct connected to the other side of the drum, for exhausting air which dried the clothes in the drum, a first blowing means installed in the suction duct or the exhaust duct, for flowing air to the inside of the drum and exhausting the air at the same time and a suction increasing means installed in the case, for blowing air into an inlet of the suction duct can improve clothes drying performance and reduce time for drying clothes by increasing the amount of air supplied into the drum.

Abstract: In a drum for a clothes drier having a plurality of baffles projected from the inner circumference of the drum, lifting and moving clothes, a drum for a clothes drier comprises a cylindrical body housing clothes and rotating and a plurality of baffles projected from the inner circumference of the cylindrical body in a length direction of the cylindrical body and lifting the clothes, wherein at least one baffle is installed at each disposal domain and is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the length direction of the cylindrical body when the inner circumference of the cylindrical body is divided into a plurality of disposal domains in the length direction of the cylindrical body. Accordingly, because the clothes housed in the drum can be regularly dispersed, contact of the clothes and heating air can be performed well, accordingly clothes drying efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A fire arrester for use with a clothes dryer includes a fire detector at the dryer vent to detect fires starting in the dryer and provides an electrical power disconnect means to break the flow of electrical power being supplied to operate the dryer. Optionally, the signal is applied to release an extinguishing agent or fire suppressant into the interior of the dryer just prior to shutting off the dryer blower. The output signal from the fire detector can also be used to provide various alarms, including local visual and/or alarms, as well as a remote alarm, which can be accomplished by sending a signal to a remote monitoring facility such as a home intrusion service or to a local fire department. Optionally, the activation of any of the alarm signals, and/or the activation of any of the features or functions of the fire arrester can be accomplished by using wireless communications.

Abstract: A method for determining a load in a tumble dryer. Laundry in the tumble dryer is moved in a drum. The electrical conductivity of the laundry is determined by electrodes which touch the laundry at least from time to time resulting in a measurement signal. The electrical conductivity measurement signal exhibits pulses because of the changes in the determined conductivity of the laundry. The changes occurring during the movement of the laundry in the drum. The frequency of the pulses of the measurement signal of the conductivity is determined and serves as a measure of the load in the tumble dryer. As a result, the measure of the load is made available having a high accuracy and in a digital form. The digital form of the load is particularly advantageous for further processing in digital components.

Abstract: A method for determining a load in a tumble dryer. Initially, laundry is moved in a laundry drum and the electrical conductivity of the laundry is determined by electrodes residing in the laundry drum. The method is distinguished by the fact that a range of fluctuation of the electrical conductivity is determined and serves as a measure of the load. As a result, the determination of the load can be carried out without an additional outlay for components and circuitry in the case in which a conductivity measurement is already implemented in the tumble dryer. The method is particularly suitable to be carried out by a microcontroller.

Abstract: A drum made from a wire mesh is axially rotatable whereby wet clothes in the drum tumble when the drum is rotated. A motor is mounted on a platform beneath the drum. The motor has fan blades mounted on its shaft that provide a flow of air to the drum when the shaft rotates. A friction coupling of the drum to the motor is used to rotate the drum. When the shaft does not rotate, power is provided to the motor through two capacitors that are in parallel. When the motor starts, a sail switch causes a break in an ohmic connection between one of the capacitors and the motor.

Abstract: A combination closed-circuit washer and drier apparatus having a washing cycle and a drying cycle. The apparatus comprises a unitary housing having a tub and a tumbler within the tub, the tub also having an air inlet and air outlet which allows air to flow through the tub, wherein air flowing from the air inlet is in communication with the tumbler. The apparatus also includes a desiccant recharging system located within the unitary housing having a entrance and an exit, the entrance coupled to the air outlet and the exit coupled to the air entrance, thus allowing a continuous flow of air through the system. The desiccant recharging system also includes a diverting valve that directs the flow of air primarily through the desiccant system in a closed-loop during the wash cycle. The diverting valve alters the air flow between the washing cycle (desiccant regeneration) to the drying cycle (desiccant water adsorption).

Abstract: A reusable device, and alternative methods of manufacture, for fast, efficient, fingernail preserving, and unfragmented removal of accumulated lint from clothes dryer filters. Each embodiment comprises a mitt and an attached storage pouch having upper and lower ends that can be independently manipulated for the addition and removal of lint. It also comprises magnetic means for attachment of the pouch to a dryer so that it remains conveniently accessible for use. The mitt preferably has two thumbs for interchangeable right-handed and left-handed use.

Abstract: A new dispenser for laundry products, particularly for fabric softener products to be used in the dryer. The dispenser comprises a hollow ball having a plurality of product dispensing openings and a further product ingress opening for placing product in the ball. A measuring cup to hold product is accessed from the product ingress opening. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the measuring cup includes only a single opening in its side wall for releasing product from the cup and into the hollow sphere. One or more closures are associated with the dispenser. After travelling through the small hole in the cup, the product is dispensed to the exterior of the hollow ball through the product dispensing openings and thus onto product. The hollow ball is preferably a manually squeezable plastic such as polyurethane. In another embodiment, the cup includes more than the single hole in the cup walls.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for treatment fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition, means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; means for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door preferably a hook and sucker; and optionally means for indicating to a user when the fabric treatment composition is used up.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved drum assembly for washing and drying machines, in which the section of the wedge elements (8) facing the drum ring (3) and provided for engaging with the latter is formed, before the drum assembling, with an edge (9) defined by an inwardly turned wall of the wedge element and parallel to the surface of the front ring (3). This front ring is in turn provided, at each wedge element (8) with a window (10) the contour of which is so deformed as to provide a deformed portion (11) adapted for firmly engaging the edge (9). The invention provides a direct mechanical coupling between the wedge elements and front ring element, i.e. a mechanical coupling which does not comprise any welding spots susceptible to favor oxidation and sealing failure problems of the made connection.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for freshening fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric freshening composition, means to expose fabric freshening composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier thereby transferring a portion of the fabric freshening component into contact the fabric freshening composition and transfer a portion thereof into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; means for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door; and optionally means for indicating to a user when the fabric freshening composition is used up.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted dryer for accelerated drying of clothing generally comprises a fixed frame, a rotatable drum within the fixed frame for holding and tumbling clothing within a vacuum sealable interior space, a vacuum pump fixedly attached to the drum and a power delivery system for communicating electrical power from the fixed frame to the vacuum source on the drum. The power delivery system comprises a slip ring assembly about a spindle utilized to maintain the drum upon its axis of rotation inside the fixed frame. A plurality of heating pads are provided about the interior of the drum to facilitate drying of the clothing. A blower assembly evacuates to a conventional dryer vent moist air exhausted from the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A drying tumbler is provided which includes a temperature bypass which helps prevent an excessive amount of heat from building up in the tumbler. The drying tumbler includes a rotatable drying chamber for containing items during drying. The drying tumber further includes an air handling system that has a heat source which is operable to provide heated air into the interior space of the drying chamber through an air handling and a blower operable to draw air from the interior space of the drying chamber through an air handling outlet. The air handling system is operable so as to produce an air flow through the drying chamber which is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the drying chamber. A bypass passageway is provided which communicates with the interior of the drying chamber through a bypass inlet which is in spaced relation from the air handling outlet opening and the blower.

Abstract: A water-driven jet or venturi extraction means is used to remove, capture and cool the hot, highly humid air created within commercial dishwashers during a wash rinse or sanitization cycle. A cold water spray is used to create a pressure reduction zone which serves to draw in hot, highly humid air from the dishwasher. Water vapor cools and condenses on contact with the cold water spray within the venturi. The invention also serves to help vent the dishwasher. Cool, fresh air is drawn into the dishwasher while the hot air is drawn into the venturi.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the initial conditions of a clothes dryer prior to the start of the drying cycle is provided. The clothes dryer comprises a drying chamber with air inlet and outlet ports. A blower powered by a first motor is arranged in the outlet port to draw air into the drying chamber through the inlet port. A burner for heating the air before it enters the drying chamber is arranged in the inlet port. Also arranged at the inlet port is an air proving device for measuring the air flow through the drying chamber. A second motor is provided for the drive system which creates the tumbling action in the drying chamber. The air flow proving device must be enabled before the second motor is started.

Abstract: A drum for holding, moving and treating a particulate material is rotatable about its axis and has a metallic wall enclosing the axis and provided with perforation holes. A wire fabric has wires sintered to one another, rests essentially with its entire outer surface against the inner surface of the wall, is sintered essentially over its entire outer surface to the wall and separates the perforation holes thereof from the free interior space of the drum. Since the wire fabric rests essentially with its entire outer surface against the wall, no particulate material can enter between the wall and the wire fabric. The wire fabric is durable and can be cleaned rapidly and readily together with the rest of the drum.

Abstract: A blower moves cooling air through the primary side of an air-to-air heat exchanger and process air the secondary side. The efficiency of the heat exchanger is increased in that the primary side is divided into at least two portions, through which the cooling air flows in series.

Abstract: A drying device for a coating machine equipped with a rotary pan (1), in which the products to be coated are introduced, includes air injecting means (5) for supplying air to dry the products inside the rotary pan (1), and an exhaust air pipe (7), equipped with perforated hollow head pieces which can be removed, adapted to be immersed in a heap of products to be coated. The pipe (7) is supported by sliding means (21) which are moved in a direction longitudinal to the same pipe between a working position, in which the exhaust pipe (7) is operated, and an advanced position, so as to allow maintenance operation on the exhaust pipe (7) performed from outside through the front opening (3a) of the pan (1).

Abstract: The field of the invention is food drying apparatus and methods. In particular, the invention discloses a rotary dryer which dries food granules, such as rice, by rotation within a perforated cylindrical barrel, to prepare the rice for packaging. The dryer provides high velocity drying zones along its length, and high temperatures may be used.

Abstract: A rotatable drum forms an airtight seal with a door. A vacuum line connects the interior of the drum to a vacuum pump. A shutoff valve closes the vacuum line to the pump. A pressure equalization valve connects the drum to the outside atmosphere. A bearing supports the drum, in combination with the vacuum line. Infrared lamps heat clothes placed inside the drum. The vacuum pump reduces the air pressure in the drum below atmospheric pressure, reducing the evaporation temperature of the water in the clothes. A heat sensor measures the temperature of the air leaving the drum. Solenoid-driven purge valves allow air to enter the drum in short bursts, thus aiding the drying of the clothes.

Abstract: A device for recovering heat during the drying of a load in a clothes dryer of the once-through external air type, said machine comprising a tub for containing a load to be dried, a conduit for feeding external fresh air into said tub, and a conduit for expelling hot moist air from this latter and for feeding it into the environment in which the machine is located. A container is provided containing a phase change material or PCM in which heat transfer surfaces or channels are present, along or within one of these latter there passing at least part of the hot moist air from the exit of the tub so as to transfer thermal energy to said PCM, which changes its physical state or phase, within another of said channels or along another of said surfaces there passing at least part of the fresh air entering the machine and to which said energy is transferred by the return of said PCM to its original physical state or phase.

Abstract: A rotating drum clothes drier has an annular lint filter which rotates with the drier drum and which encircles the drier door. Heated air enters an inlet at one end of the drum, passes through the clothes in the drum (picking up lint from the clothes), through the annular lint filter and out of the drier. During operation, lint collects on the inner surface of the rotating filter, eventually building up to form a felted layer. A scraper blade fixed to the drier cabinet and aligned with (but displaced a fixed distance from) the surface of the filter peels the felted layer of lint from the filter once the thickness of the felt is such that the scraper blade contacts the lint felt. The layer of lint felt thus removed from the filter surface is then collected in a cavity within the drier door for storage and later disposal.

Abstract: A U.V. Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal Dryer Light is provided designed to eliminate bacteria and fungus-causing germs from the laundry. The present invention consists of ultraviolet mechanisms situated within the door of typical gas and electric dryers thereby eliminating germs from the laundered clothing. Ultraviolet lights are contained within a dryer door-mounted plate and covered with clear glass or polycarbonate plastic. When the dryer is on, the ultraviolet lights will illuminate, thus beginning the process of abolishing the germs of the laundry.

Abstract: A lint enclosure system for a laundry dryer including an elongated lint basket supported beneath a lid. The lint basket is formed from a filter wall having a first end wall and a second end wall disposed at opposite ends. The filter wall has a generally U-shaped cross-section. An inlet opening is formed into the first end wall and a plurality of outlet openings are formed into the filter wall. The outlet openings are configured to cover successively greater portions of the filter wall at successive linear points between the first wall and the second wall. Lint builds up linearly in the lint basket, accumulating in a linear fashion from the second end wall toward the first end wall. The lid positioned above the lint basket includes a window disposed adjacent the first end wall such that when lint accumulation is visible through the window the basket is substantially full of lint. In this fashion, the window operates as visual signaling means for cleaning the lint from the basket.

Abstract: A bulk lint storage system supported by a top panel of a dryer. The storage system includes a elongated lint tray connected to the top panel and having an inlet port at one end for receiving lint laden air and an outlet port. A lid is hingedly connected to the lint tray and can be positioned in an open or closed position. A lint basket having an inlet opening and a plurality of screened outlet openings is slidingly supported on support rails extending from the lid. When the lid is closed the inlet opening of the lint basket aligns with the inlet port of the lint tray wherein lint laden air is supplied into the lint basket. When the lid is positioned in an open position, the lint basket is slidingly removable from the support rails such that accumulated lint may be cleaned therefrom.

Abstract: A drying device for worked metal parts which can prevent the worked metal parts from sticking to each other to efficiently dry the whole of the parts in a short time. The drying device includes a turntable rotatably mounted, a cage detachably mounted on the turntable for containing the worked metal parts, a driving device for rotating the turntable, magnets fixed to the turntable, and an air nozzle device for blowing air toward the cage.

Abstract: A panel assembly for use inside the rotatable drum of a clothes dryer for drying plastic containing clothes. The panel assembly comprises: (a) a perforated panel having a plurality of bores, this panel being of a size adapted to conform to the shape of a peripheral sector portion of the drum; (b) polytetrafluoroethylene coating the perforated panel for preventing the lint, dust, and plastic parts of the clothes from accidentally sticking to the panel and from clogging the panel bores; (c) a piano hinge, for edgewisely mounting the panel to the interior wall of the drum sector portion for relative movement of the panel between a closed position, in which the panel generally conforms to the drum sector portion spacedly therefrom, and an open position, in which the panel extends transversely to the drum sector portion interiorly thereof. The panel is releasably locked at its closed position by screws extending through the drum wall and through a panel flange located opposite the piano hinge.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a housing, a back wall being joined to the housing, an at least approximately horizontally rotatably supported laundry drum having at least one bottom, and a bearing journal supporting the at least one bottom on the back wall. The bearing journal has a spherical bearing-relevant surface being secured to the back wall. The drum bottom has at least one bearing shell tightly embracing the spherical surface.

Abstract: A rotating drum tumbler for loosening damp, entangled cloths or sheets is disclosed which includes a frame, a cylindrical drum rotatably supported by the frame for rotation about a horizontal axis thereof and having an opening in each of the opposite ends thereof, and drive means for rotating the drum, and which is characterized in that a conveyer is secured within the drum for rotation therewith and operable to discharge the loosened cloths or sheets placed thereon through one of the openings when the drum is maintained in a predetermined position with the conveyer being horizontally positioned.

Abstract: A computer based material processing system 10 allows for the processing of contaminated material in a manner which allows the material to be discharged into a sewage facility or placed in a landfill.