Abstract: A system for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, is provided. The system may have more than one brew module. The system allows a user to quickly and easily brew a variety of types of single-cup portions of a beverage. In some embodiments, the system may brew a single-cup portion of coffee in a relatively short period of time based on a combination of certain parameters. The system may include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles. The system may also include apparatus configured to substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. The system may also include apparatus configured to provide a precise dose of material based on, for example, volume of the material. Methods and apparatus for brewing a beverage are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods determine a permeation characteristic of a challenge chemical for a chemical protective material. A processor retrieves barrier characteristics of the chemical protective material for which the permeation characteristic is to be determined from a computer memory. Information regarding the challenge chemical is obtained. A temperature is received of the chemical protective material for which the permeation characteristic is to be determined. The permeation characteristic is determined from the temperature, the barrier characteristics, and the information regarding the challenge chemical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (3) for drying at least one optical glass, comprising: a chamber (7), intended to house at least one optical glass, having at least one air inlet (19) arid at least one air outlet (29); a circuit (9) for circulating air, arranged to blow a flow of drying air from said at least one inlet (19) to said at least one outlet (29), the drying device has: an evacuation orifice (11), in fluid communication with the chamber (7), in order to evacuate a first portion of the flow of drying air, called the evacuated airflow, out of the drying device (3); and a manifold collecting: an inflow of a second portion of the flow of drying air, called recovered air, in fluid communication with the chamber (7), from said at least one air outlet (29); an inflow of a flow (33) of air from outside the drying device (3); and having an outlet (29) in fluid communication with the circulating circuit (9).

Abstract: A controlled environment enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure has a tank with a lid, wherein the lid and tank are capable of creating a sealed enclosure. The enclosure also has a fluid filling inlet for introduction of a filling fluid into the tank, a fluid sensor for detecting a fluid other than the filling fluid, and a controller connected to the fluid sensor and the fluid filling inlet for selectively allowing the filling of the enclosure by the filling fluid through the fluid filling inlet.

Abstract: A moisture removal system and method employing air movers, dehumidifiers, heaters and attendant methods for reducing moisture in a construction project. The method and system include operating moisture removal equipment and testing moisture content levels sufficient to reduce the moisture content levels to a desired threshold to reduce the likelihood of mold growing or moisture damage in the construction after it is completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation having a process chamber which comprises an inner space having a receiving region for workpieces. The process chamber has an opening for the supply or discharge of workpieces. The process chamber is constructed so as to have a device for the introduction of gaseous fluid into the inner space, which device has at least one nozzle or aperture for the production of a fluid stream curtain between the opening and the receiving region for workpieces. The process chamber has a device for supplying fresh air, with which device fresh air can be introduced into the receiving region at a side of the fluid stream curtain, which side faces away from the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to testing dryers of crops and, more specifically, to a pilot dryer for ear corn, sunflowers and other field crops that is scalable to adjust to a wide range of desired throughputs and flexible to accommodate drying of a wide range of crops. The apparatus is for drying plant material comprising: an air preconditioning system for producing a processed air supply, a drying bin having first and second end and a bin chamber to operably receive the plant material, said bin forming a part of an airflow pathway; data sensors proximate the bin; air controls; and an airflow pathway operative to transport processed air supply through the plant material within the drying bin in either an up airflow or down airflow direction through the bin, wherein drying the plant material with said processed airflow.

Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities containing spent nuclear fuel is devised.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically drying wet floors includes a floor mat; a controller; a detector mat that is positioned adjacent to the floor mat, the detector mat having at least one moisture sensing element that is operable to detect moisture and transmit a moisture detection signal to the controller in response to detecting the presence of moisture at the first location, and a floor dryer that is operative to turn on and off for drying the floor mat by directing moving air toward the floor mat in response to an operating signal from the controller, wherein the controller outputs the operating signal to the blower based on the moisture detection signal.

Abstract: A clothing dryer and control method thereof is provided. A conventional dryness sensor may be used, without installation of a separate component, to detect breakage of a belt. Upon detection of belt breakage, the motor is stopped together with report of abnormality of the to reduce cost. A conventional temperature sensor may be used to maintain a proper surface temperature of a door of the clothing dryer, without installation of a separate component. Thereby, harm to a user due to rise in the surface temperature of the door may be prevented, and degradation of drying quality may be prevented. Furthermore, the pipe temperature of a compressor may be used to detect incorrect or broken wiring of the compressor. When incorrect or broken wiring of the compressor is detected, the compress is stopped together with report of to protect the product.

Abstract: A grain drying system includes a master control unit external to the grain storage bin which is preprogrammed with a desirable grain moisture content or EMC. Condition sensor assemblies mounted within the grain bin determine the relative humidity and the temperature of the grain within the grain bin. Also, sensors mounted in the bin's plenum determine temperature, relative humidity and air pressure. A weather station mounted externally of the grain bin determines the outside air temperature and relative humidity. Depending on the conditions determined by the sensor assemblies and the weather station, the master control unit selectively activates the grain bin's drying fan when needed and when it is efficient and effective to do so. A radio or cellular modem allows for communication of the grain's condition. The internal sensor assemblies are preferably secured to flexible cables hung within the grain bin. The cable and rigid rod-like members support the sensors.

Abstract: A drying device has been developed having a single electric motor configured to drive a drum and directly drive an air blower. The single electric motor is a non-line frequency electric motor. The drum is coupled to a support frame to enable rotation of the drum relative the support frame. The drum has an interior space for holding a load of articles, such as clothing. The motor includes a controller configured to regulate the angular velocity of the output shaft of the motor with reference to the current drawn by the motor.

Abstract: This work is in simplifying the freezing and heating process required for a typical lyophilization process. From a liquid nitrogen supply tank called LIN tank, calculated quantity of vaporized nitrogen is transported the use point where a heater that uses heating media heats up nitrogen to a desired temperature and pass into the annular space of the steel plate where lyophilized solvent such as water of solvent is deposited on the outer surface of the plate. The heated nitrogen temperature will dictate the rate at which the solvent or water will be thawed. This unique process offer simplicity, safety and ease operation allowing the user to avoid heating oil as heating media, a common practice in the industry.

Abstract: A drying rack assembly for drying and storing baby bottles and other component parts of baby bottles thereon including a base housing having an air duct inlet and a fan associated therewith, and at least one trunk module having at least one branch associated therewith, each trunk module having a passageway extending therethrough in communication with the air duct inlet and each branch having a passageway extending therethrough in communication with a trunk passageway. The fan is positioned in the vicinity of the air duct inlet for directing the flow of air through said at least one trunk module and through said at least one branch to assist in drying an item positioned on said branch. A plurality of trunk modules can be assembled in a modular configuration to increase the storage capacity of the overall assembly.

Abstract: An automotive paint spray and drying booth having a plurality of walls which, together, define a housing with a chamber sufficient in size to contain an automotive vehicle. An air dispenser is positioned within the chamber and the air dispenser includes an outlet positioned to direct air along one or more of the housing walls. A regenerative blower is positioned outside the housing chamber. The blower is connected to an inlet open outside of the housing chamber and includes an outlet which is fluidly connected to the air nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting the cycle termination of a household tumble dryer having sensors for measuring at least two different parameters related to the drying process. In a an example method for detecting the cycle termination of a household tumble dryer having sensors for measuring at least two different parameters related to a drying process, signals from the sensors are combined according to a predetermined algorithm in order to improve the accuracy of said detection.

Abstract: A method for estimating the temperature of a laundry load in a treating chamber of a laundry dryer.

Abstract: A restriction sensor system for identifying the existence of blockages in exhaust conduits of clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may be used as a retrofit system that is capable of being installed on existing clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may include a fitting configured to be coupled to an exhaust conduit of a clothes dryer and a blockage indicator housing positioned remote from a clothes dryer. The pressure sensing device may be capable of determining changes in air pressure in the exhaust conduit. Once the air pressure present in the exhaust conduit exceeds a threshold air pressure, the pressure sensing device may send a signal to an indicator to generate an alarm, which may be a visual alarm or audible alarm, or both.

Abstract: A washing and/or drying appliance includes a heating circuit (140) for heating a washing liquid and/or a drying air flow, connected to voltage distribution lines (105a,105b) distributing power inside the appliance. The heating circuit includes at least one heating resistor (205) in series to switch means (210a,210b) controlled by an appliance control unit (125) for selectively energizing the heating resistor when required. The switch means of the heating circuit includes a first and a second switch (210a,210b) in series to the heating resistor, the heating resistor being interposed between the first and second switches. A monitoring circuit arrangement is provided, which includes a first resistor (R1) in shunt to the heating resistor and having a resistance substantially higher than that of the heating resistor, and a pull-up network connected between a first terminal (215b;215a) of the heating resistor and one of the voltage distribution lines.

Abstract: A method for determining status of a drying cycle comprises receiving, at a first time, a first signal from a bladder pressure sensor configured to be responsive to changes in a weight of a container of the dryer, the container retaining materials to be dried. At a second time, the controller receives a second signal from the bladder pressure sensor. A change in the bladder pressure signals is calculated based on difference between the second signal and the first signal, and the change in the bladder pressure signals is interpreted as a change in the weight of the container. Based on the change in the weight of the container and the length of time, a rate of change in the weight of the container is calculated.

Abstract: A double drum arrangement comprising a frame adjustment mechanism to adjust the second frame with respect to the first frame for adapting the gap between the first drum and the second drum, wherein the frame adjustment mechanism comprises a robust adjustment mechanism for adapting the gap within a predetermined robust tolerance and a precise adjustment mechanism for adapting the gap within a predetermined precise tolerance, wherein the precise tolerance is smaller than the robust tolerance. Further, an adjustable end stop is provided.

Abstract: A dryer felt tension indicator apparatus is disclosed for indicating a value which is proportional to a tension applied between a frame and a stretcher roll for guiding a dryer felt. The value is proportional to a tension of the dryer felt. The apparatus includes a carriage for rotatably supporting the stretcher roll. A wheel is rotatably secured to the carriage and a tensioner having a first and a second extremity cooperates with and extends around the wheel such that the wheel is disposed between the first and the second extremity of the tensioner. A tension indicator has a first and a second end. The first end of the tension indicator is anchored to the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid storage container and a clothes dryer having the same. The liquid storage container comprises: a reservoir installed at the clothes dryer, and configured to store liquid therein; a light transmitting window disposed above the reservoir; and a level indicator configured to be partially or wholly immersed into the liquid stored in the reservoir according to a level of the liquid. According to the amount of the liquid stored in the reservoir, an immersed degree of the level indicator into the liquid may become different. Accordingly, a user may easily and rapidly check a remaining amount of the liquid with his or her naked eyes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly drying porous materials. A sealable chamber is connected to a cold trap which is connected to a vacuum pump. A sample is placed inside the sealable chamber. The vacuum pump is turned on and air is evacuated through the cold trap to the vacuum pump. An infrared lamp may be used to heat the chamber and sample therein directly or heated air may be allowed to enter the sealable chamber. Air may be drawn directly from the sealable chamber to the vacuum pump bypassing the cold trap. Various parameters may be used to determine if the drying process is complete, including the degree of vacuum achieved in the chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities loaded with high level waste (“HLW”) is devised. The invention utilizes a non-intrusive procedure that is based on monitoring the dew point temperature of a non-reactive gas that is circulated through the cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a system for drying a cavity loaded with HLW comprising: a canister forming the cavity, the cavity having an inlet and an outlet; and a source of non-reactive gas. The system further flows the non-reactive gas from the source of non-reactive gas through the cavity; and repetitively measures the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for temporary location within a damp or waterlogged room is disclosed. The apparatus includes sensors to sense the level of temperature and humidity within the room, a heater to provide heat for the room, an air circulation fan for selectively circulating heated air within the room or selectively exhausting warm and humid air from the room and for allowing outside ambient air into the room. The apparatus being adapted to cyclically continue until the sensed humidity reaches a required level, the apparatus thereafter indicating, directly or indirectly, the completion of the drying process. A method of drying a room using such apparatus is also disclosed which employs a technique whereby the rate of change of the temperature increase is used to determine when humid air should be exhausted from the room. A time limit can also be use to determine when said exhausting takes place.

Abstract: A dryer exhaust duct alarm detects the presence of lint or other obstructions in an exhaust duct or vent. A thin lever is suspended within the duct and is slightly cupped in shape to more effectively capture air flow. In the presence of uninhibited air flow, the lever is substantially displaced from its initial substantially-vertical position toward a substantially horizontal position. But when airflow is inhibited, the lever is not sufficiently displaced. A detector detects operation of the dryer. If the dryer operates for a determined period of time but the lever is not sufficiently displaced, the user is alerted of the problem. Other data may also be presented to the user, including real-time data over a communication medium.

Abstract: The technology relates to spray dried plasma and methods of making the same. The method includes providing plasma to a spray drying apparatus, spray drying the plasma, at the spray drying apparatus, to form physiologically active plasma powder, the spray drying apparatus configured utilizing one or more parameters, and storing the physiologically active plasma powder.

Abstract: The present document describes a container for storing and drying garments or sport equipment, the container comprising an external envelope comprising a resistant material; and a ventilation structure through which air can be blown for drying the garments or sports equipment, the ventilation structure supporting the external envelope, the ventilation structure comprising hanging elements for hanging the garments or sports equipment thereon, the ventilation structure capable of adopting a retracted position and an extended position in which the ventilation structure occupies more space than in the retracted position.

Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus includes a base module having a base housing with a bottom base wall, and enclosing a fan. The base module is moveable along an external surface in a first direction. The fan can move air through the base housing from an interior of the base housing to exteriorly of the base housing through an exhaust outlet in the base housing. A plenum fluidly communicates at a first end with the exhaust outlet and at a second end with at least one plenum outlet opening. The at least one plenum outlet opening is between the base wall and the external surface. The at least one plenum outlet opening can direct air exhausted from the interior of the base housing along the external surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus includes a drum configured to accommodate therein an object to be dried, an air suction device configured to form a flow path of air introduced into the drum, an air exhaustion device configured to form a flow path of air exhausted from the drum, a condenser disposed to heat air sucked into the drum through the air suction device, an evaporator disposed to cool air exhausted from the drum the air exhaustion device, and a compressor and an expander configured to constitute a heat pump together with the condenser and the evaporator. The method includes a temperature detection step of detecting a temperature change of air passing through the condenser or the air suction device, and a determination step of determining that refrigerant leakage has occurred when a temperature decrease amount measured in the temperature detection step is more than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A drier information system is provided including display means relating to a given region of the system which means serves, at least while a drying cycle is in operation, to provide a visual display indicating at least one of the following parameters: the extent of the region; a boundary of the region; direction or example of manipulation of a pair of hands or other article while in the region to provide for a preferred drying sequence. The visual display can represent the parameters as a two dimensional array within or adjacent the region. Alternatively the visual display can represent the parameters as a virtual or actual three dimensional array within or adjacent the region.

Abstract: A wall-mounted, hot air body blow drying apparatus comprising a plurality of round nozzles located along a front surface of the apparatus is herein disclosed. Said nozzles are adjustable and capable of directing jets of warm air over a person's body. A flow of heated air is provided by a resistance heater, an electric blower, and a plurality of distributing ductwork. The apparatus may be hard-wired thereto a standard household power circuit or by using a standard power cord. The apparatus is variably controlled by a temperature and fan speed controlling system and a timer. To use, a person would stand in front of the dryer apparatus and slowly turn around, allowing the multiple heated forced air streams to dry their body in a similar fashion as a forced warm air hand dryer.

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a treating chamber to accommodate laundry, a heating part to supply at least one of hot air and steam to the treating chamber, a hanger bar arranged in the treating chamber, a driving part provided on an outside of the treating chamber to generate a rotational force, a power transmitting part transmitting the rotational force of the driving part, and a power converting part converting the rotational force transmitted by the power transmitting part to reciprocate the hanger bar.

Abstract: A restriction sensor system for identifying the existence of blockages in exhaust conduits of clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may be used as a retrofit system that is capable of being installed on existing clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may include a fitting configured to be coupled to an exhaust conduit of a clothes dryer and a blockage indicator housing positioned remote from a clothes dryer. The pressure sensing device may be capable of determining changes in air pressure in the exhaust conduit. Once the air pressure present in the exhaust conduit exceeds a threshold air pressure, the pressure sensing device may send a signal to an indicator to generate an alarm, which may be a visual alarm or audible alarm, or both.

Abstract: The system is peculiar in that there is provided a number of temperature sensors inside a rotary dryer, the sensors indicating a representative temperature of the materials dried/heated in the zone in which the sensor in question is located. By combining the measured temperatures with indications/measurements of flow, temperature and humidity of the materials to be dried, and temperature and humidity of the flue gas, a regulating unit/system with a simple mathematical model of the drying process may control the oil or gas burner optimally, such that the energy consumption for the drying process is minimised, and the waste of material occurring by too much or too little heating, typically by start and shutdown, is almost eliminated. The system may be used both by concurrent and countercurrent rotary dryers, respectively, and by single as well as double chambered rotary dryers, respectively, for drying and heating mineral materials, primarily for asphalt production.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved continuous vertical feed pistachio nut dryer that has an inner compartment defined by bulkhead walls formed of smooth and seamless outer walls of perforated sheet stock, and has an infeed chamber with a batch hopper used in conjunction with an auger to provide a structure configured to operate in a batch fill mode wherein the inner compartment is filled evenly along the length of the dryer.

Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along a surface and a plenum. The base module comprises a base housing enclosing a fan for moving air through the housing from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing through an exhaust outlet in the housing. The plenum fluidly communicates at one end with the exhaust outlet and at another end with at least one plenum outlet opening adjacent the surface to direct air exhausted from the housing interior along the surface.

Abstract: A device for determining the conductance of laundry in a drier. The device comprises at least two electrodes and means for dissipating heat from at least one part of at least one of said electrodes. The invention further relates to a drier comprising at least one area for receiving laundry and at least two electrodes for measuring the conductance of the laundry, at least one of the electrodes at least partly bordering said receiving area. Means for cooling at least one part of at least one of the electrodes are also provided inside the drier. Also disclosed is a method for preventing the formation of layers on electrodes used for measuring conductance in a drier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining flow rate of air or other gas through a conduit independently of conduit cross sectional area include providing apparatus for and measuring temperature of the air or other gas at a first position along the conduit; providing apparatus for and heating the air or other gas in the conduit of the location downstream from the first position by application of a known power level to the air or other gas in the conduit; providing apparatus for and measuring air or other gas temperature at a second position downstream of the heating position along the conduit; providing apparatus for and subtracting air or other gas temperature at the second position from air or other gas temperature at the first position to obtain a temperature difference and thereafter providing apparatus for and dividing power applied to heat the air or other gas by the product of the temperature difference and the specific heat of the air or other gas.

Abstract: The invention discloses an end of use indicator (EUI) with a visual cue and a dryer device thereof. The EUI prompts the consumer to refill a cartridge within a device, replace a cartridge within a device, or replace the device itself. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention teaches a repetitive use, dryer device with an EUI for the treatment of fabrics in a laundry dryer.

Abstract: A dryer felt tension indicator apparatus is disclosed for indicating a value which is proportional to a tension applied between a frame and a stretcher roll for guiding a dryer felt. The value is proportional to a tension of the dryer felt. The apparatus includes a carriage for rotatably supporting the stretcher roll. A wheel is rotatably secured to the carriage and a tensioner having a first and a second extremity cooperates with and extends around the wheel such that the wheel is disposed between the first and the second extremity of the tensioner. A tension indicator has a first and a second end. The first end of the tension indicator is anchored to the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the air flow in a clothes dryer by determining a pressure characteristic of the air within the drying chamber when the dryer is turned on and comparing the determined pressure characteristic to a predetermined reference value to ascertain the condition of the air flow in the dryer.

Abstract: A laundry treatment appliance having a drum; a motor to drive the drum; a control device, in which an acoustic reference signal is stored; an acoustic sensor to measure an acoustic signal; and a comparator to compare the acoustic signal recorded by the acoustic sensor with the acoustic reference signal stored in the control device; wherein each of the acoustic signal and the acoustic reference signal is a sonogram.

Abstract: A device for refreshing fabrics by reducing malodors and/or wrinkles without requiring that the fabrics to be put through an entire standard laundry process. The device comprises an extractable drawer which is pulled out of the device to allow for loading of a fabric into a receiving region. The extractable drawer can then be closed transporting the fabric into the interior of the device. A fabric treatment composition is sprayed or otherwise dispensed onto the fabrics when the device is operated. The device comprises an air flow path and a heating element which allows for the fabrics to be treated during use. The extractable drawer of the present invention can be positioned to extract laterally or vertically out of the shell of the device.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a housing, a controller within the housing, a drying chamber within the housing, a closed-loop process air channel within the housing and including, a first blower operable by the controller, a heat pump operable by the controller, a condensate collector that collects condensate from the heat pump, and means for cooling a component of the heat pump including an open-loop cooling channel with a second blower operable by the controller. The appliance further includes a temperature sensor within the housing operable by the controller to generate a signal dependent upon a temperature within the housing, and wherein the controller operates the second blower in response to the signal.

Abstract: In a sensor system for a domestic laundry dryer in which a canister-shaped condensate container 5 is mounted in a receiving chamber 15, at least one sensor S2 is used to monitor the insertion of the condensate container 5. Another sensor S1 takes over the detection of a limiting filling level 12 of the condensate in the condensate container 5. When this level is reached, emptying of the condensate container 5 is requested by switching an audible and/or visual attention signal. This container can be removed from the inside of the loading door 6. At least one sensor S2 is a non-contact switch. The sensor system contains a circuit arrangement which can be influenced by the sensor or sensors S for controlling the drying program of the laundry dryer. The sensor or sensors preferably S contain magnetically influencable switches. They form a switching system comprising a magnetically influencable switching contact 1 and a magnet 2.

Abstract: A freeze-drying device for the monitoring and control of water vapor in a freeze-drying process, comprising an optical spectrometer, and methods of using same to monitor and control the amount of water vapor in said process under sterile conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry dryer capable of removing and/or preventing wrinkles of laundry. A laundry dryer includes a drum in which laundry is held, a hot air heater that heats air to supply hot air to the drum, and a water heating part that heats water by using the heat generated at the hot air heater to generate steam.

Abstract: A system for reducing organic contaminates from the condensate discharge of a closed loop industrial drying process. The system includes a dryer, a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) in flow communication with the dryer, and an energy recovery unit in flow communication with the RTO.