Abstract: A method and device for processing berries. The method may comprise: providing a berry preparation device that is configured to prepare a plurality of berries; placing the plurality of berries in a plurality of trays; loading the plurality of trays into the berry preparation device; wherein the berry preparation device may be positioned substantially within two rooms, a first room and a second room; wherein the berry preparation device may comprise a first wash portion, a second wash portion, a third wash portion, a first drying portion, and a second drying portion; wherein the first wash portion, the second wash portion, the third wash portion, and the first drying portion may be within the first room; wherein the second drying portion may be within the second room; and wherein the plurality of berries may be prepared by the berry preparation device are ready-to-eat and have a shelf life of at least 21 days.

Abstract: A distribution device can be used to distribute items in a container. The items can fall off of a chute into the interior of the container. Some of the items may contact the distribution device. The items that contact the distribution can have their trajectories changed prior to falling into the container. The distribution device can more evenly distribute the items in the container than in the absence of the distribution device.

Abstract: A heating pad includes a heat pad with an anterior and posterior side. The heat pad includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is located in between the first layer and the third layer. The first layer is located on the posterior side, while the third layer is located on the anterior side. The second layer has a wire selectively heated to increase the temperature of the heat pad. The third layer is a reflective material positioned to reflect heat from the second layer towards the first layer, decreasing heat emitted on the anterior side of the heat pad. The heating pad also includes a battery storage section for securing a battery. The battery is in electronical communication with the wire of the heat pad. The heating pad further includes an engagement mechanism to secure the heating pad to a user.

Abstract: Blowers having noise reduction features are provided. A blower may include a main body defining an airflow path therethrough, the main body extending between and defining an inlet end and an outlet end. The blower may further include an inlet muffler provided at the inlet end. The inlet muffler includes a plurality of inlet ports, each of the plurality of inlet ports including a peripheral surface defining a port aperture therethrough. At least one of the plurality of inlet ports further includes a damper material provided on the peripheral surface of the at least one inlet port and further defining the port aperture therethrough.

Abstract: A cosmetic sponge drying and storage container has a plurality of components, including at least a first component and a second component, the first component being moveable with respect to the second component to position the container in at least an open condition and a closed condition. At least one of the first component or said second component is perforated with perforations. A cosmetic sponge may be placed within the container when in the open condition and the perforations provide at least 10% ventilation when the container is in the closed condition. Preferably, both the first and second components are perforated to provide for cross-ventilation. In addition, a base may be provided to support the first and second components, and most preferably the base may be perforated.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting biological or other material from contamination through the steps of filling, freeze-drying, packaging, storing and use are disclosed. A system can include a flexible container, a membrane configured to transmit air or solvent vapor out of the flexible container, and a membrane frame supporting the membrane and engaged with at least one column member. The at least one column member can be configured to maintain the membrane and the membrane frame a spaced distance from one or more contents received within the flexible container. Upon application of a downward force, the at least one column member can assume a collapsed configuration. A method can include inserting a biological material, for example, into a flexible container, freeze-drying the biological material, moving the freeze-dried biological material to a portion of the flexible container that includes at least one port, and sealing the biological material within the portion.

Abstract: A system includes a frame having multiple separate supports and multiple flexible rails. Each support is configured to be secured in a position apart from another support, and each flexible rail is configured to be coupled to the supports and placed under tension. The system also includes a sensor head configured to be mounted on the rails and to move back and forth along the rails. The sensor head is substantially self-contained and configured to receive operating power over the rails. The frame may further include a tensioned member configured to be coupled to the supports, and the sensor head can be configured to move back and forth using the tensioned member. The sensor head can be self-contained in that the sensor head does not push and pull any wiring assembly during movement along the rails.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of layered materials used to facilitate the removal of sweat and toxins which a person may experience during a physical workout. It is useful for sanitarily wicking away sweat and various other functions which may be specific to a person's needs such as carrying important items.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation insert for ventilating textiles, shoes and soles of shoes, gloves, protective helmets and their visors, protective goggles, insulating mats, cushioning mats, knee pads and shin pads, headgear and similar articles. The invention proposes a ventilation insert in which an open-pored support layer (1) is provided with an open-pored cover (1.1, 10) or individual covering elements (2) which are at least partly composed of a material (3) which undergoes a swelling or shrinking effect on account of moisture, heat or an electrical voltage, or a material (3) of this type is connected to the support layer (1), the cover (1.1, 10) and/or the covering elements (2) or constitutes the support layer or cover in such a way that ventilation openings (5, 12) in the support layer (1) and/or in the cover (1.1, 10) are exposed or closed on account of the swelling or shrinking effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a felt material comprising at least one felt layer and an absorbing layer, to a method for producing the felt material, and to the use of the felt material in textiles, shoes, technical application or medical applications. The felt material according to the invention has the advantages of conventional felt materials regarding the warming and damping properties and is permeable to air in the dry state. Due to the special design, however, it is waterproof in the wet state and thus it is suitable for sealing many materials. The felt material according to the invention binds more humidity or binds water in a different way than common felt materials.

Abstract: A multi-chamber dryer using adjustable conditioned air flow is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a drying belt configured to receive a product to be dried on a first surface of the drying belt and a heat medium in contact with a second surface of the drying belt. The heat medium is configured to heat the product and is maintained at a pre-determined temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are boot (and other footwear) dryer insert materials that are to be used to dry out boots without the use of electric or mechanical power. Said boot insert dryer materials utilize a low bioburden, biodegradable and/or compostable moisture absorbing nonwoven structure and one or more antimicrobial and/or antifungal agents that minimize odor by mitigating the spread of odor causing pathogens. The drying process includes the ability of the outer surface of the boot dryer to allow the ingress of moisture absorbed from the boot while at the same time preventing captured moisture to escape back into the boot. Fluid absorbing or superabsorbent, capabilities may be incorporated in the devices of the present invention to control excess fluids. Also disclosed are methods of manufacture of the boot dryer inserts of the present invention.

Abstract: A watermark-free hand dryer includes a main body, an annular air discharge portion and a water absorbing portion. The main body generates high pressure airflow. The annular air discharge portion is connected to the main body and includes at least one extending section extended from the main body and a connecting section connected to the extending section. The extending section and connecting section surround to form an annular hand drying passage to receive user's hands. The annular air discharge portion further has at least one nozzle on an air discharge surface communicating with the annular air discharge portion. The nozzle forms an air discharge angle against the air discharge surface to output the high pressure airflow towards an air discharge side. The water absorbing portion is located on the main body and relative to the air discharge side to receive the high pressure airflow output from the nozzle.

Abstract: A skate dryer assembly. The assembly has a skate, a dryer module, and a device for blowing or sucking air through or from the module. The skate includes a boot and a blade. The dryer module defines a slot therein adapted to receiving and retaining the blade therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for drying coal using activated alumina. The method and system dries the coal by combining coal with the activated alumina. While in combination, the mixture is agitated to maximize surface contact between the activated alumina and the coal. As the coal contact the activated alumina, the surfactant moisture on the coal is then absorbed by the activated alumina. The activated alumina allow for the water molecules to pass into the sieves, thus being removed from the coal. After a period of agitation, the method and system thereby separates the activated alumina and the coal.

Abstract: An industrial fabric, belt or sleeve and a method of making the fabric, belt or sleeve are disclosed. The industrial fabric, belt or sleeve is produced by spirally winding strips of polymeric material, such as an industrial strapping or ribbon material, and joining the adjoining sides of the strips of material using ultrasonic welding or laser welding techniques. The fabric, belt or sleeve may then be perforated using a suitable technique to make it permeable to air and/or water.

Abstract: A clothing for supporting a wet paper web for dewatering is provided, comprising a dewatering fabric extending in a machine direction and formed only from a woven material to have a single, substantially consistent, permeability. A pair of laterally-spaced strip portions extend along the dewatering fabric in the machine direction, with each being substantially and consistently impermeable to air and forming a substantially and consistently smooth non-water-retaining surface. The strip portions define a permeable web-carrying portion of the dewatering fabric therebetween, wherein the paper web carried thereby extends over the entire width thereof. The permeable web-carrying portion allows air to flow therethrough, exclusively of the impermeable strip portions, such that the wet paper web carried only by the permeable web-carrying portion is dewatered. The width of the permeable web-carrying portion thereby defines the width of the wet paper web dried thereon. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for absorbing condensation from cold food and beverage containers wherein a cloth comprising polyester, rayon and spandex is wrapped around the cold object. It can be used to wrap juice containers, food containers, and the like to prevent condensation in a closed environment from wetting other dry objects in the environment.

Abstract: A garment drying device is provided. The garment drying device has a flexible outer layer, with a flexible inner layer attached. The outer layer may be substantially planar and may have an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner layer may be substantially planar and formed of an absorbent and flexible material. The device may further have a closure structure capable of holding the device in a rolled position when closed, and allowing the device to be in an unrolled position when open.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein relating to a device and method for a disposable body towel and its accompanying waterproof container. In alternate embodiments, the towel may comprise a textured section, a lotion section, perforated coupons, a pocket, a graphic section and a cut-away section. The towel may comprise inward and outward-facing adhesive sections that may be configured to removably attach to one-another, preventing a towel from falling off when wrapped around a user. The towel may be fabricated of a plurality of plies of cellulose and/or polymer/and/or viscose fabric having different properties of wet-strength, absorbency, softness and biodegradability. In a preferred embodiment the towel is fabricated of biodegradable materials. In a preferred embodiment the towel is packaged in an easily-opened, lightweight, recyclable waterproof container. In alternate embodiments, the towel may be shaped for use as a disposable robe or a disposable pillow case.

Abstract: A disposable hand towel that can be customized for multiple sensory stimulation. That hand towel comprises a short fabric, cloth-like element for individual hand drying, said cloth-like element having at least two distinct color components, a first main component for a substantial body of the cloth-like element and a second accent component for covering only portions of the cloth-like element, each element further including a plurality of raised regions and recesses for providing each element with a three-dimensional feel. A plurality of such cloth-like elements are adjoined end to end on an elongated sheet and wound onto a central having at least one of: a scent dispensing element and a motion detector sound chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.

Abstract: A permeable belt for use in a system for dewatering and/or drying a fibrous web. The permeable belt capable of being subjected to a tension of at least approximately 30 kN/m, the permeable belt having at least one side having an open area of at least approximately 25% and a contact area of at least approximately 10%.

Abstract: The present invention involves to the industrial automated producing method for dewatering the sludge into the dry sludge powder and the assembly thereof. The present method is to realize the industrial automated production in the industrial automated producing assembly, especially in the main equipment, dehydrator, for dewatering the sludge into the dry sludge powder, so as to dewater the sludge having the moisture content below 85% into the dry powder having the moisture content below 5%. The method and assembly of the present invention realizes recycling, reducing, stabilizing, and reusing the sludge, and can be widely applied for dewatering process of the domestic, industrial or riverway sludge or sediment.

Abstract: A construction for a permeable liner within a modular shoe preserver system having interchangeable components. The preserver adapted to snugly fit within a shoe including a permeable covering, a permeable liner and an absorbing material. The permeable liner is disposed within the permeable covering. The permeable liner is constructed from an expandable material having a closed heel end and an open toe end adapted to receive an absorbent material. In construction, the open toe end of the permeable liner is folded various times before it is closed to define a forefoot end having a material mass substantially thicker and wider than the remainder of the permeable liner that resembles that of a forefoot. The absorbing material is disposed within the permeable liner to withdraw moisture from an interior surface area of the shoe.

Abstract: A structure for use in industrial fabrics such as paper machine clothing and engineered fabrics is disclosed. The structure includes one or more layers of an elastic nonwoven extruded film or sheet, which is elastic, resilient, and compressible in a thickness direction, and extensible, bendable, and resilient in its length and transverse directions, and one or more layers of a plurality of substantially parallel machine direction (MD) yarns in various patterns. The structure can also include one or more layers of a plurality of substantially parallel cross-machine direction (CD) yarns attached on top of or under the MD yarns. The structure has a high degree of both compressibility under an applied normal load and excellent recovery (resiliency or spring back) upon removal of that load.

Abstract: A device comprising an alumino-phosphate with thermal management for the more efficient drying of objects and appliances. Also, a drying method for obtaining dried objects and appliances, as well as a method for regeneration accompanied by the desorption of water from water-containing alumino-phosphate.

Abstract: A conditioner infuser cartridge for use with a dryer attachment having an attachment end for engagement with a hair dryer barrel, an opposite air outlet end and a perforated portion between the ends having at least one air intake, the cartridge configured for engagement near the attachment end and including a conditioner element constructed and arranged for retaining a supply of vaporizable conditioner and a support frame receiving the conditioner element and securing same in the attachment.

Abstract: An industrial fabric, belt or sleeve and a method of making the fabric, belt or sleeve are disclosed. The industrial fabric, belt or sleeve is produced by spirally winding strips of polymeric material, such as an industrial strapping or ribbon material, and joining the adjoining sides of the strips of material using ultrasonic welding or laser welding techniques. The fabric, belt or sleeve may then be perforated using a suitable technique to make it permeable to air and/or water.

Abstract: The present invention provides grain-drying facilities which can effectively use the heat energy of a biomass combustion hot-air that has been generated in a biomass combustion furnace.

Abstract: A food blotting composite includes an absorbent layer and a non-absorbent layer, the absorbent layer in one embodiment having an oleophilic surface and the non-absorbent layer having an oleophobic surface. The absorbent layer is physiologically safe for food contact applications, such as removing oil and grease from pizza and other cooked foods. A pizza box assembly and a blotting method also involve the pizza-blotting composite. In one embodiment the composite is positioned beneath the pizza with the absorbent layer facing upwardly to contact the underside of the pizza in use.

Abstract: A drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, and at least one slot-like opening communicating with the fan and arranged in the casing so as to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The slot-like opening has a maximum width which is no greater than 0.8 mm. This produces a very narrow, high velocity, high pressure airflow which is capable of drying an object efficiently and quickly and is suitable for use in a hand dryer.

Abstract: A rain protective towel for use in association with sporting events, work endeavors, or general use is provided. Also presented are methods of manufacturing of such a towel. In general, the towel is formed of a terrycloth or other cotton water absorbent material, which is rendered waterproof or rain resistant by being subjected to a bath of a water-diluted water repellant fluoropolymer that is allowed to permeate the cloth. The edges of the towel are bound or otherwise finished, and the towel may have any of various desired aesthetic designs thereon. The towels may be formed from processing a web of terrycloth material through a bath of diluted water repellant fluoropolymer, thence through a wringer, various dryer stations, a station for printing, embroidering or embossing and subsequent stations for cutting and edge binding. Alternative processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A silent hair dryer and a silencer for a hair dryer includes at least one casing with an inlet end and an outlet end and enclosing at least one turbine sucking in air via at least one admission orifice upstream of the turbine and expelling it downstream via at least one outlet orifice. The silent hair dryer includes at least one chamber upstream of the admission orifice and an inlet orifice for aspiration of air upstream of the chamber; the diameter of the chamber being greater than the diameter of the admission orifice and the diameter of the inlet orifice, the length and the diameter of the chamber being of such a size so as to define a volume turned as a function of the sound frequencies to be attenuated by the silencer.

Abstract: A clothing for supporting a wet paper web for dewatering is provided, comprising a dewatering fabric extending in a machine direction and formed only from a woven material to have a single, substantially consistent, permeability. A pair of laterally-spaced strip portions extend along the dewatering fabric in the machine direction, with each being substantially and consistently impermeable to air and forming a substantially and consistently smooth non-water-retaining surface. The strip portions define a permeable web-carrying portion of the dewatering fabric therebetween, wherein the paper web carried thereby extends over the entire width thereof. The permeable web-carrying portion allows air to flow therethrough, exclusively of the impermeable strip portions, such that the wet paper web carried only by the permeable web-carrying portion is dewatered. The width of the permeable web-carrying portion thereby defines the width of the wet paper web dried thereon. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for drying shoes comprising the steps of: providing a pair of wet shoes with insole; utilizing a plurality of newsprint sheets; crumpling up the newsprint sheets; stuffing the crumpled newsprint sheets into the wet shoes; setting the wet shoes aside for a specific amount of time, so that the crumpled newsprint sheets will absorb the moisture from within the wet shoes; removing the wet crumpled newsprint sheets out of the dry shoes; and disposing the wet crumpled newsprint sheets in a proper manner.

Abstract: A drying device comprising a titano-alumino-phosphate with thermal management for the more efficient drying of objects and appliances, and its production. Further, a drying method for obtaining dried objects and appliances, as well as a method for regeneration accompanied by the desorption of water from water-containing titano-alumino-phosphate.

Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a high-pressure airflow generator that takes air through an air inlet and generates a high-pressure airflow, a main body casing, a first air path that is protruded from the main body casing, and a nozzle that is located in a position ahead of the main body casing in a direction of the first air path. The main body casing includes a main-body air inlet through which outside air is taken and a second air path that causes air from the main-body air inlet to flow upward and then downward to a level where the air inlet of the high-pressure airflow generator is located.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drying device, comprising a molded part, which has a hollow chamber formed by one or more inside walls, and one or more outside walls, wherein a superabsorbent material is provided between the inside wall(s) and the outside wall(s), and at least one wall is permeable for water and/or water vapor. The drying device can be used in a clothes dryer for reducing the drying time.

Abstract: A modular preserver system for a protective covering. The modular preserver system includes a permeable flexible covering received within the protective covering. An absorbing material is provided within another permeable covering, which is disposed within the permeable flexible covering for retaining moisture withdrawn from the interior surface area of the protective covering. A compact cover may be wrapped over the protective covering adapted to contain any contaminants within the compact cover thereby preventing the contaminants polluting adjacent objects. The modular preserver system may include a flexible strap adapted to modularly carry a pair of protective coverings.

Abstract: A drying wire provided with an independent top fabric and bottom fabric. The bottom fabric is woven from longitudinal and cross direction monofilament yarns. The top fabric is woven from longitudinal yarns and shapeable cross direction yarns. The shapeable yarns make the structure of the top fabric denser and increase the contact surface area and the number of contact points. On the other hand, the bottom fabric is also smooth, wherefore it has good aerodynamic properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for drying mineral slurry concentrate and high moisture content minerals using activated alumina. The method and system dries the mineral slurry concentrate by combining the slurry with the activated alumina. While in combination, the mixture is agitated to maximize surface contact between the activated alumina and the slurry. As the mineral slurry concentrate contacts the activated alumina, the surfactant moisture on the mineral elements is then absorbed by the activated alumina. The activated alumina allow for the water molecules to be adsorbed by the activate alumina, thus being removed from the slurry elements. After a period of agitation, the method and system thereby separates the activated alumina from the mineral slurry concentrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for at least partially drying separated electronic components comprising: a carrier for the electronic components; a moisture-absorbing material; and a holder covered with the moisture-absorbing material, wherein the holder and the carrier are displaceable relative to each other such that the electronic components for drying can be brought into contact with the moisture-absorbing material.

Abstract: A shoe preserver having a permeable flexible covering received within a shoe. An absorbing material is disposed within the permeable flexible covering to retain moisture withdrawn from the interior surface area of the shoe. A bladder including an inlet valve is also disposed within the absorbing material. The bladder is adapted to expand the shoe preserver to completely fill an interior surface area of the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for drying coal fines using molecular sieves. The method and system dries the coal fines by combining coal fines with the molecular sieves. While in combination, the mixture is agitated to maximize surface contact between the molecular sieves and the coal fines. As the coal fines contact the molecular sieves, the surfactant moisture on the coal fines is then absorbed by the molecular sieves. The molecular sieves allow for the water molecules to pass into the sieves, thus being removed from the coal fines. After a period of agitation, the method and system thereby separates the molecular sieves and the coal fines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage device (1), and more specifically to a device (1) for storing and drying articles, in particular tennis balls (4), to maintain their performance and preserve their longevity. The device (1) comprises a layer (6) of a wicking material, and the drying of articles is achieved through direct contact of the wicking material with the articles to be dried.

Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a high-pressure airflow generator that takes air through an air inlet and generates a high-pressure airflow, a main body casing, a first air path that is protruded from the main body casing, and a nozzle that is located in a position ahead of the main body casing in a direction of the first air path. The main body casing includes a main-body air inlet through which outside air is taken and a second air path that causes air from the main-body air inlet to flow upward and then downward to a level where the air inlet of the high-pressure airflow generator is located.

Abstract: Gas drying device, consisting of a desiccant dryer (2) which makes use of a pressure tank (4) with a drying zone (5) and a regeneration zone (6), with an adsorption and/or absorption medium (7) which is alternately guided through the drying zone (5) and the regeneration zone (6); a primary circuit (8) in which the abovementioned desiccant dryer (2) is included, which makes it possible to guide the gas to be dried through the drying zone (5) of the desiccant dryer (2); a secondary circuit (9) which makes it possible for a part of the gas to be dried to be guided through the regeneration zone (6) of the desiccant dryer (2) and to absorb moisture there, characterized in that the device also contains a cooling dryer (1) which is inserted upstream the abovementioned desiccant dryer (2) in the primary circuit (8).

Abstract: An air drying system for use in a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a first vent pipe and a first desiccant pack. The first vent pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and includes a first inlet open to ambient air, and a first outlet open to an interior of the solar power generation system in fluid communication with the fluid heat transfer medium. The first desiccant pack is positioned within the first vent pipe between the first inlet and first outlet and is positioned to reduce moisture content of ambient air flowing into the first vent pipe.