Central Hair Drying System

Abstract

A central system for delivery of an airflow at a variety of temperatures and rates to individual dryers, replacing the individual motor, fan and heating elements in the dryer. The system may produce a heated airflow based on multiple user-input temperature and airflow level commands. Multiple dryer users can independently control their desired temperature and the airflow level. The system may utilize an HVAC air delivery system and comprises a central control system with preprogrammed algorithm to operate the HVAC to achieve the desired results. A number of sensors can provide inputs to the control system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present teachings generally relate to a central system for delivering independently controlled temperature and airflow rate to a plurality of individual dryers and thus providing a reduced-weight and low-noise dryer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of hot air blowing devices are known for the drying of human and animal body parts and, in particular, drying, dehumidifying, shaping and styling of hair. The hair dryer is usually hand held and portable. Such devices, whether portable or not, commonly contain a housing which contains a powerful electric motor, a fan, heating elements, control features and a conduit to deliver directional heated or non-heated airflow.

The conventional hair dryer poses several health hazards to the professional users and their clients. The conventional hand-held hair dryer device is relatively heavy and hence challenging to maneuver, which consequently poses an ergonomic hazard for a professional user, for example hairdressers, groomers and beauticians. Repetitive manipulation of a heavy dryer is one of the causes to prevalence of occupational diseases associated with neck, shoulder, wrist and hand ailments among the professional users, as documented by European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.

Another occupational hazard of a conventional hand-held hair dryer is the noise emission generated by the motor and the fan, typically in the range of 70 dB to 90 dB. This level of noise is classified as “very loud” and processes which emit noise exceeding 80 dB to 85 dB cause irreversible hearing damage, as determined by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. During simultaneous operation of several dryers, the noise level increases considerably. Long-term exposure of professionals and clients to the noise is undesirable. Another negative aspect of the high noise level is the general acoustic pollution which impedes in-person and phone communication between the professional users and the clients. Utilization of the conventional hair dryer poses hygienic risk which stems from the fact the air drawn into the dyer and then directed toward a client, is a recirculated indoor air. When a conventional dryers are operated in a professional facility with multiple clients, there is a high risk of transporting contaminated air that may expose clients to other clients' germs, bacteria, microorganisms, fungi, skin particles and dust.

Several other negative aspects of the conventional dryer exist due to the fact that every dryer contains heating elements and a powerful electrical motor. A conventional dryer has to be frequently replaced due to a reduction in performance and has a typical short lifespan of only about 200 to 300 hours, which substantially increases the operational costs of the facility. In a typical commercial facility operating dryers the heat generated by the individual motors of the dryers significantly affects the ambient temperature. Typical 2000W dryer which operates five hours per day, has a relatively large carbon footprint of about 1500 kg of CO₂ released per year.

What is needed is a long lifespan, reduced weight and low noise dryer that delivers non-contaminated airflow at the lower cost. The objects of the invention is to overcome some or all of the above drawbacks in the art. It is one object of the invention to provide a reduced weight, lower noise and hence more ergonomical dryer by eliminating the need to have a motor/fan/heating system within individual dryer. This purpose is achieved by utilizing a central air delivery system, such as HVAC (Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) where the motor/fan/heating elements are located remotely relative to the dryer. Another object of this invention is lowering operational cost of a facility caused by a need of frequent replacement of multiple individual dryers and at the same time deliver fresh air to each dryer by adaptation of HVAC central system to deliver outdoor air to plurality of dryer units. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved combination in which desired airflow rate and temperature required by an individual user may be independently controlled by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One possible embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a first duct configured to conduct a first airflow that is at a first temperature and a second duct configured to conduct a second airflow that is at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. The apparatus may further include first outlets that are spaced apart along the first duct, second outlets that are spaced apart along the second duct and equal in number to first outlets. The apparatus may further include dryer handpieces equal in number to the first outlets, Y-connectors, each Y-connector including a first conduit connected to a respective one of the first outlets, a second conduit connected to a respective one of the second outlets, and a third conduit connected to a respective one of the dryer handpieces, for the connector to combine a first portion of the first airflow with a second portion of the second airflow to yield a third airflow exiting the respective handpiece. The apparatus may further include first dampers, each first damper configured to control the first portion of the first airflow and second dampers, each second damper configured to control the second portion of the second airflow. The apparatus may further include a programmable control system configured to control pressure of the first airflow, control pressure of the second airflow, control the first temperature, and for each dryer handpiece, control the first damper and the second damper that are associated with the respective dryer handpiece to control temperature of the third airflow exiting at the dryer handpiece.

In another possible embodiment of the present invetion each first damper is located in a respective one of the first outlets, and each second damper is located in a respective one of the second outlets. The present invention may further include a first fan configured to generate the first airflow and controlled by the central control system and a second fan configured to generate the second airflow and controlled by the central control system. The invention may further include temperature sensors, each temperature sensor configured to measure temperature at a respective one of the air supply units, and wherein the control system is configured to control temperature at the respective handpiece based on the temperature measured for the respective one of the air supply units. The invention herein may also include pressure or airflow sensors, each pressure or airflow sensor configured to measure a pressure or an airflow rate at a respective one of the air supply units, and wherein the control system is configured to control pressure at respective air supply units based on a feedback signal from the pressure or the airflow sensors by controlling fan motor speed.

In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the system may further include a preheater located upstream from the first and second air supply units and configured preheat the first and second airflows to the second temperature, and a first heater located downstream from the preheater and configured to heat the first airflow to the first temperature. Wherein the central control system includes a controller, and for each dryer handpiece: a first motor, controlled by the controller and coupled to the corresponding first damper, to enable the controller to control the corresponding first damper; a second motor, controlled by the controller and coupled to the corresponding second damper, to enable the controller to control the corresponding second damper.

BRIEF DECRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1a and 1b is a schematic general view of a facility using the central hair drying system to supply air to a number of dryer units (dryer handpieces).

FIG. 2a illustrates a cross-sectional plan side view of one embodiment of the central air supply system with an ambient air supply unit and a heated air supply unit, and 2b depicts a cross-sectional plan side view of another embodiment of the central air supply system with a temperature compensation unit (a preheater), an ambient air supply unit and a heated air supply unit.

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate an enlarged schematic design configurations of paired motor-driven dampers shown in different operational positions.

FIGS. 4a, b, c depict a schematic general view of different configurations of an ambient air supply unit, a heated air supply unit and a Y-connector (a mixing chamber), a connection to the dryer handpiece is also shown.

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c shows a chart of the connectivity between a dryer handpiece, central control system and the paired dampers, including an optional preheater.

Table 1 presents examples of an operational relation between the positions of paired motor-driven dampers and the corresponding temperature of airflow emerging from the dryer handpiece.

Table 2 presents examples of tabulated values of airflow (in units of cfm) vs. fan speed.

Table 3 presents example of tabulated values of airflow (in units of cfm) vs. fan speed dampers position for a system comprising four dryers.

Drawings are not drawn to scale for reasons of understanding. Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the invention. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail, so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description of the various embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

According to the present invention, an electrical motor, a fan and heating elements generating an airflow, are removed from the conventional dryer handpiece, and instead, a central system, installed in a central location, generates the heated or non-heated airflow and delivers it to a plurality of dryers. The central and remotely located system supplies the necessary airflow rate with the required temperature control, hence considerably reducing the weight of the drying unit, which now may mostly comprise switches and air conduits. The heated airflow is dispersed using a central airflow generating system and central heating elements, through an air ducting system and extendable flexible modular tubing, to the dryer. The required adjustments in airflow rate/pressure and in temperature are regulated by a central control system according to a preprogrammed algorithm and based on multiple inputs, for example, from dryers and sensors.

As used herein, the terms “dryer”, “dryer unit”, “hair dryer”, “dryer handpiece” and “hand-held dryer” are used interchangeably. The term “air supply unit” and “duct” are used interchangeably. The term “dryer” does not require any particular geometry and/or configuration. The term “blower” or fan describe any mechanical device that can move air or gases, such an impeller or centrifugal fan that can achieve the required air pressure. The term “central control system” and “control system” are used interchangeably. The term Y-coupler, Y-connector and “mixing chamber” are used interchangeably. Various embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

Illustrative Embodiments

The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope thereof. All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

FIGS. 1a and 1b show an overall environment in which the invention may be situated. The figure illustrates a central air supply unit 200 in fluid communication with dryers 120 via extendable and/or flexible tubing members 130. The central air supply unit 200 or its parts can be installed on close proximity to a room ceiling, a body of a wall or a floor, as shown in FIG. 1a, or inside an additional structure positioned in a remote and/or central location in relation to the room where dryers are operated. The central air supply unit or parts of the central supply unit may be installed on a different floor, or in a different building, or outside the walls of the main building, as shown in FIG. 1a. The central air supply unit may include structural support elements (not shown). The central air supply unit may include a housing 280. The central air supply unit may be substantially hidden from the room view as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the central air supply unit is an adapted HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) system. The central air supply unit comprises at least two air supply units. The different functions of the central air supply system are regulated by a central control system, for example, the temperature and the pressure/rate of the airflow in air supply units. The central control system is preprogrammed with an algorithm (logic control) that operates the HVAC system to achieve the desired results. In one preferred embodiment, there is one central control unit 270. The central air supply unit or its housing may be painted, decorated and/or thermally and/or acoustically partially insulated. The central air supply unit may include acoustic absorbers or acoustic dampers, active or non-active. The configuration shown in the FIGS. 1a and 1b are only an example, the configuration of the entire central air delivery system is a design choice. A facility may have more than one central unit wherein each may have a separate central control system.

One embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 2a. FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the central air supply unit 200. The central air supply unit may include a housing 280. The housing 280 may include acoustic insulation layer and/or a heat insulation layer. In one embodiment, the central air supply unit 200 comprises at least two separate air supply units or ducts positioned adjacent to each other, an ambient air supply unit 232 and a heated air supply unit 222. The ambient air supply unit may include an evaporator or a cooling system (not shown). The ambient air supply unit delivers air at the temperature range of about 15 C to 35 C, or about 18 C to 30 C, or about 22 C to 27 C.

Referring to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, a first air supply unit, a heated air supply unit, 222 comprises an air inlet 201 and a second air supply unit, an ambient air supply unit, 232 comprises an air inlet 202. The air inlets are typically positioned in one or more terminal locations of the HVAC system and draw an outdoor (outside) air. The first air supply unit 222 has a first air outlet 223, and the second air supply unit 232 has a second air outlet 233, the first and the second air outlets is spaced apart from the corresponding variable speed fan systems. Preferably, the variable speed fan systems are installed outside a building. Preferably, first air outlets have a first motor-driven dampers and second air outlets have second motor-driven dampers. The outlets and the dampers are schematically shown in FIG. 2a, 2b and in more detail in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the first and the second dampers may be installed within the first and the second air outlet openings. In another embodiment, the first and the second dampers may be installed downstream from the first and the second air outlet openings, e.g the dampers may be spaced apart from the air outlet openings, as schematically shown in FIG. 4. First and second air inlets comprise an air filter element 203. The filter element generally comprises common filter media such as fibrous web, and may further include functional filter layers. The filter element(s) are positioned in the air inlet such that there is a relatively small area is available for air to bypass the air filter elements. Preferably, substantially all air bypasses the air filter to ensure filtration of the entire airflow. The purpose of the filter is to limit the entry of airborne solid particles, debris, dust, as well as preventing animals or insects from passing through the filter. The filter elements may be replaceable and/or cleanable to ensure adequate airflow within a desired airflow range.

The walls of the air supply units are generally continuous between the outlets so as not to allow air to enter or leave the air supply unit other than at the inlet and the outlet respectively and form airflow conduit or passage. The air conduit may be a duct, a chamber, a pipe, a tube or a hose. In one embodiment, the duct structure may be substantially rigid, and comprise a sheet metal, a rigid heat resistant plastic or any substantially material that withstand the required pressure and heat. In another embodiment, the duct structure may be flexible as illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 4c and may comprise Aluminum layer and thermally insulating layer. In another embodiment, the duct comprises a combination of the substantially rigid and substantially flexible segments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 4c. As shown in FIG. 4b, the air outlets disposed in the rigid segment of the duct. As shown in FIG. 4, the rigid and the flexible ducts or their segments can be of different shapes, for example, round, rectangular, elliptical shape or a combination of the above. The air supply unit may be painted, decorated and/or thermally and/or acoustically partially insulated. The air supply unit may include acoustic absorbers and/or acoustic damping elements, active or non-active. The air supply units 222 and 232 may comprise an acoustic insulation layer, a heat insulation layer, a joint, a seam, a connector, an adaptor, a fitting, a sealing, and rigid or flexible structural supports. Each of the air supply units 222 and 232 comprises a variable speed fan system, the variable speed fan system located between the air inlet 201 and an air outlet 223 in the heated air supply unit, and similarly, between the air inlet 202 and an air outlet 233 in the ambient air supply unit. The air variable speed fan system comprises a mounting support (not shown), a variable speed fan 240, 241, operated by a variable speed motor 206, 207 and controls of the variable speed motor (not shown), wherein the fan generates an airflow distributed through an airflow distribution system of air outlets and their corresponding dampers. The central control system 270 may include a controller. The controller is configured to communicate with the controls of the variable speed motor to regulate the speed of the fan, resulting in a change of the airflow rate. The motor may be operated in a continuously variable speed or discretely variable speed. A high pressure air zone is established within each air supply unit. Such a construction provides an airflow in the range of about 0 cfm to 450 cfm (cubic feet of circulating airflow per minute), or about 25 cfm to 400 cfm, or about 75 cfm to 325 cfm. The typical air flow velocity is in the range of about 600 feet per minute to about 1000 feet per minute, or about 675 feet per minute to 920 feet per minute. In one embodiment, each of the ambient and heated air supply units comprise a pressure sensor and/or an airflow sensor, this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the sensors 281, 283 and 282, 284 disposed in the heated and ambient ducts correspondingly. In this embodiment, the pressure and/or airflow sensors communicate data to the central control unit 270. In this embodiment, the pressure and/or airflow rate sensors are part of a feedback loop which is discussed in more details elsewhere. The pressure and the airflow sensor can be a transducer, an analog or digital gauge, and may comprise a signal processing element(s). The first and/or the second air supply unit may include components for humidification, dehumidification, fragrance emitting elements, ionization elements, such as tourmaline, and UV, IR or Visible radiation emitters. Any of the air supply units may include a humidity sensor.

The air outlet is an aperture in the duct and may be located on any side or part of the duct, such as a bottom part, an upper part or a side part. Preferably, the central air supply system has more than two air outlets. The air outlets in the ambient air supply unit 232 and the air heated unit 222 may have different shapes, for example, a circular, a rectangular, an oval, or an elliptical shape. These shape configurations and their derivations are included in this invention. Preferably, the shape of the air outlets 223 and 233 is substantially circular as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Preferably, the circular outlets have a diametric dimension in the range from about 2 cm to 14 cm, from about 4 cm to 12 cm, and are preferably spaced apart about 5 m to 10 m, or about 2 m to 4 m, about 1 m to 3 m, about 50 cm to 100 cm, while the interior design and the placement of the users determine the placement of the outlets. The air outlet may comprise a sealing elastomeric ring. Preferably, each air outlet is in fluid communication with a Y-coupler (a mixing chamber) 420 via a motor-driven damper. In one embodiment, dampers may be spaced apart from the corresponding outlets and disposed within the Y-coupler, preferably within a rigid segment of the Y-coupler, as schematically shown in FIG. 4. The ambient air supply unit has motor-driven damper and the heated air supply unit has motor-driven damper, the different configurations of the dampers are shown in FIG. 3 and indicated as 320, 330, 340 and 350. Different locations of the dampers are shown in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, in the heated air supply unit 222, the outdoor air drawn through the inlet air is passing through a heater assembly. The airflow is generated by the variable speed fan system 240. The heater assembly is interposed between the air inlet 201 and a variable speed fan system 240. The heater assembly comprises heater elements 235, controls for adjusting a current supply to heating elements 242 and an insulating member (not shown). The heater location is aligned to permit predetermined the air flow rate in the range of 0 cfm to 450 cfm to be maintained within the duct. The heater elements 235 are preferably of the electrically resistive type and may contain ceramic elements. The heater mounting support may comprise a highly resistant insulating material, which also forms a rigid support. The heater assembly may also contain protective devices, such as a thermal fuse and a thermal circuit breaker to prevent the heater elements 235 from generating excessive temperatures within the heated air supply unit 222. The heating is accomplished by convection as the air passes across the heater elements, the heated airflow has a first temperature. The generated heated airflow is distributed through an airflow distribution system and associated ducting. The first temperature measured by a temperature sensor(s) 285 disposed in the first duct is preferably in the range of about 60 C to 100 C, from about 80 C to 100 C. The temperature may be controlled with a precision of, for example, ±12 C, ±10 C, ±7 C, preferably ±5 C within the predetermined temperature. For example, if the desired temperature is set to 90 C, and the precision control is ±5 C, the temperature values may be in a range between about 85 C to 95 C.

In another embodiment, the central air supply unit comprises one structural unit, the unit comprising internal wall separating it to two air pathways, the heated air pathway and the ambient air pathway.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2b, the central air supply unit 200 comprises a temperature compensation unit (a preheater) 290 located upstream from the air supply units. The preheater may preheat the outdoor air drawn into the heated air supply unit 222 and/or the ambient air supply unit 232, as shown is FIG. 2b. The temperature compensation unit can preheat the outdoor air to the second temperature, e.g. to the temperature of the ambient air supply unit (the second unit). The preheater 290 comprises heating elements 292 and current control 293. The preheater 290 may further comprise a temperature sensor 291, a pressure sensor (not shown) and an air filter element 211. The temperature sensor 291 and other sensors that may be located in the preheater provide input data to the central control unit, and the current control 293 is regulated by the controller. Alternatively, the temperature compensation unit 290 may comprise an evaporator system and/or a condensate system. This embodiment may be useful in climates with cold (or very hot) weather conditions or sharp fluctuations in outdoor temperatures.

In general, the heated air supply unit and the ambient air supply unit are configured to generate similar maximum airflow rate. The heated air supply unit (the first unit) generates an airflow at the higher range of temperatures than the ambient air supply unit (the second unit). The temperature of the air emerging from the dryer depends on the ratio between the two airflow rates modulated by the dampers, the two airflows having different temperatures. The relative positions of the dampers do not affect the general airflow rate, airflow velocity and air pressure within the air supply units. The airflow delivery system to the multiple handpieces is configured in combinations of paired dampers, each pair of dampers connected to a Y-coupler. The lone segment of the Y-coupler is connected to one handpiece via flexible tubing. Say it differently, each first damper in an ambient air supply unit has a corresponding paired second damper, preferably in an adjacent location, in the heated air supply unit. Preferably, the ambient air supply unit and the heated air supply unit include multiple paired dampers, such pairs are shown schematically in FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c. Each pair of dampers delivers airflow to one individual dryer 120 through the corresponding Y-coupler 420 and the flexible tubing 130. In one embodiment, the Y-coupler (mixing chamber) 420 can be spaced apart from the air outlets 223, 233. In this embodiment, the air outlets 223, 233 are in fluid communication with the Y-coupler 420 via flexible or rigid pipes 455, as shown in FIG. 4c. Each of the two paired dampers are controlled and operated independently, but in combination and in synchronization with each other, providing an airflow at the temperature determined by an individual user of a dryer. The operation of the dampers configured such that each damper in the pair provides similar maximum airflow rate entering the mixing chamber 420.

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c depict exemplary alternative configurations of a motor-driven damper and its different positions. The motor-driven damper facilitates sealing, partial opening and complete opening of the air outlet with respect to the Y-coupler 420 positioned downstream, thus modulating the airflow rate. Actuators 316 maneuver a motor-driven set of paired dampers to the suitable position by the controller according to the communication received from the central control system 270, based on the inputs received by the central control unit from the dryer user. For example, a damper may comprise a cover member configured as a sliding cover 340 or tilting (or pivotally connected) flap. Another example of a damper comprises an axially rotating plate 320 as shown in FIG. 3a. The actuating mechanism 316 which causes the movement of damper element(s) is shown schematically in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c. The damper configurations may include a rotary valve, a cover member 340, a combination of a cover member 340 and a perforated plate 330, or a grid 350 with rotating or tilting panels, operated by the actuating mechanism 316. The perforations in the plate 330 may be of circular, rectangular, oval, or elliptical shape or the combination of thereof. These configurations and their derivations are included in this invention. The typical airflow rate when measured emerging from the dryer is in the range of about 10 liter per second to 50 liter per second, from about 10 liter per second to 40 liter per second, from about 25 liter per second to 45 liter per second, from about 30 liter per second to 50 liter per second. The damper may comprise a circumferential seal and a filter. The components of a damper, the cover member, the plate, the grid panel are preferably made from a suitable heat resisting plastic, although it is also possible to utilize a suitable metal such as aluminum or sheet steel. The damper and its components are replaceable and/or cleanable.

The examples of an operational relation between the position of dampers in ambient and heated ducts, and the corresponding temperatures and airflows are summarized in the Table 1. In general, a substantially stable pressure in each duct is achieved by operating each of the fans at variable speeds corresponding to the command output from the programmable control system. In reference to Table 1, for example, when a damper in an ambient air supply unit is in a completely “open” position and a damper in a heated air damper is in a completely “closed” position, the airflow is at the maximum rate and will emerge from a dryer at an ambient temperature designated “Cool” in the Table 1, for example, at about 20 C. When a damper in an ambient air supply unit is in a completely “closed” position and a heated air damper is in a completely “open” position, the airflow is at the maximum rate and will emerge from a dryer at hot temperature (“Hot”), for example, of about 70 C. In this manner, as it is summarized in further detailed in Table 1, essentially any temperature ranging from the first temperature to the second temperature can be delivered to individual handpiece at different flow rates. The air emerging from the Y-coupler 420 delivers an airflow to a dryer in the temperature range of about 15 C to 95 C, from about 20 C to 85 C, or about 30 C to 75 C, the temperature measured at about 0.5 cm to 5 cm from the hair or body surface. The drying temperature from the same hair dryer may be different because of the positioning distance between the body or hair and the dryer. In other words, although the temperature of the air emerging from the hair dryer may be substantially stable, the measured temperature increases as the distance between hair and hair dryer decreases and decreases as the distance from between hair and hair dryer increases.

In reference to FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c, a central air supply system 200 may include a Y-coupler (mixing chamber). The incoming heated airflow at the first temperature from the first outlet and the incoming ambient airflow at the second temperature from the second outlet are mixed in the Y-coupler (mixing chamber) 420. In another embodiment, a conduit may connect the outlets 223, 233 to the Y-coupler 420. The conduit may be flexible pipe 455 and/or rigid pipe 456, the conduit may have a housing. The mixed airflow downstream of the Y-coupler is forced via the flexible tubing 130 and emerges from the handpiece 120. The flexible tubing 130 may be extendable, e.g. it has adjustable length. It also may be modular and comprise adaptors, fittings, joints, ball joints, bearings, in particular spherical bearings, rigid support, reinforcement elements, couplers and connectors 460, 490. Some of these elements may be used to change a diameter of the tubing, or provide improved flexibility and maneuverability, or alter the airflow rate. The diameter of the flexible tubing is in the range of about 2 cm to 8.0 cm, about 3.5 cm to 7.5 cm. It is advantageous to use quick release couplers 450, 480 to provide additional convenience for the users. Quick release couplers allow quick, safe and convenient connection and disconnection of a dryer from the flexible tubing and/or the flexible tubing from the Y-coupler in the case of desired re-location, maintenance etc. The diameter of the pipes maybe different from the diameter of the Y-coupler. The diameter of the tubing at the exit from the Y-coupler may be different from the diameter at the entrance to the dryer, as it schematically shown in FIG. 4. The flexible tubing may comprise elements that function as additional air dampers, dust collectors and ionizers. The flexible tubing can be mechanically supported, for example it can be mounted on a track. In one embodiment, the flexible tubing may be supported by a system of suspended mechanical support (not shown). In another embodiment, the flexible tubing may be supported or stored when not in use on a mount disposed on a floor, a wall, a table or a chair. The flexible tubing may extend from a ceiling, a wall, a floor or other central or other suitable remote location. The flexible tubing shape may be rectangular tubular or round tubular. The tubing has an adjustable length and the length may be extended due to tubing material properties, telescopic structure, coiled structure, flexible joints, or combination of thereof. The tubing is typically made of plastic used in similar air movement applications and other light-weight applications. Typically the flexible tubing is made from heat resisting plastic, reinforced plastic such as PVC and its derivatives, plastic such as polyethylene, polyurethane, nylon, neoprene; resins, thermoplastic rubbers, silicon or their combination. The tubing can also be made of metal sheathing, metal coated fiberglass and corrugated stainless steel. It is desirable to utilize tubing material that is resistant to heat, resistant to heat fluctuations, abuse resistant, durable, can withstand elevated pressures and airflow in the range of 2 bars. The flexible tubing can include heat insulating sheath, acoustic insulating layer and decorative layer. The flexible tubing can be colored, transparent, painted, anodized or otherwise configured to match various interior decor. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible tubing may comprise an electrical wiring, or wire harness, or electrical cable system to provide communication between a dryer and a control system. In another preferred embodiment the communication between the dryer and the control system is wireless.

The schematic depiction of a dryer (handpiece) is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. The typical handpiece is configured to connect to a flexible tubing and comprises a housing barrel which is preferably partially cylindrical and partially tapered cylindrical. Any number of barrel shapes or combinations thereof, such as wholly cylindrical, rectangular, elliptical, etc., would also accomplish the barrel function of confining and directing the air flow from the tubing while presenting very low air flow restrictions; these configurations and their derivations are included in this invention. The dryer has a gripping handle which may be collapsible or/and adjustable. The dryer may be adapted for suspension. The dryer may include any other typical removable accessories necessary to perform a function of drying hair, hair styling or drying other body parts. The dryer unit can be portable or stationary and mounted on a stand or a table. The user individually controls the air temperature and the airflow level delivered to the dryer, as shown in a schematic diagram in FIG. 5. The command input from the dryer is received by the central control system wirelessly or via an electrical conduit. The dryer comprises user-controlled switches to select the desired temperature of airflow and the level of the airflow. The central control is programmed with an algorithm, the algorithm comprises a safety function which can cause an override of any of the input signals from the handpieces. A purpose of the safety function is to ensure that when an airflow rate in the duct is very low and, for example, reaches the predetermined value of about 5 cfm, the control system causes disconnection of the current to the heating elements by setting the current supply of the heating elements to zero. In other words, the safety function overrides the inputs of the handpieces that may command delivery of heated air at that time. Another example of a safety function in the algorithm, is when the temperature of the airflow in the duct exceeds a predetermined temperature of about 105 C it causes disconnection of the current to the heating elements. The block diagrams in FIGS. 5a and 5b schematically depict these workflows. The handpiece switches may have a configuration of a rocker button switch, a dial switch, a rotary switch, a knob, a sliding know or a push on knob. For example, the user of the dryer can select different airflow rates, e.g. OFF, LOW, HIGH and different temperature settings, such as COOL, MEDIUM, HOT. There may be more selections of the airflow rates and the temperatures settings. The dryer controls are shown by way of an example as a rotary dial in FIG. 5a. The handpiece may comprise a timer, an airflow temperature sensor, an airflow rate sensor. In another embodiment, the dryer may comprise a heat sensor for a determination of a hair or body part temperature. The sensor preferably is an Infra-red heat sensor and may communicate the data to the central control system.

In general, the main functions of the control system in each of the air supply units are an electronic pressure regulator function and a thermostatic function. In general, multiple dryer users commands are communicated to the central control system, as a result, the controller sends the signal that effects an actuation of the dampers, the position of the dampers determines the desired temperature and the rate of the airflow delivered to each of the dryers. However, the overall pressure/airflow rate in each of the ducts has to be stable and has to be maintained on a level that supply the total “demand”, e.g. the air flowing out through all the outlets in the duct. In one preferred embodiment, the pressure stability and the pressure supply are achieved by utilizing the pressure sensors/airflow sensors in the feedback loop. In this embodiment, the pressure/airflow sensors are disposed in each duct, the sensors in communication with the central control system, as illustrated in the block diagram in FIG. 5b. The central system defines a certain pressure value that has to be maintain in each of the air supply units, schematically indicated by a circle that has a “set point”. The preprogrammed algorithm analyzes the feedback signals from the pressure/airflow sensor, and then provides an air pressure control by communicating with the motor controls of the variable speed fan. Some of the logical functionality and interconnectivity of the control system is shown in FIG. 5b. The pressure and the temperature safety functionality is also schematically shown in FIG. 5b. The control system in the heated air supply unit receives an input from the temperature sensor and, based on the algorithm, generate command output which is communicated to the heating elements as shown in FIG. 5b. In general, the central control and/or the controller system may communicate with the pressure/airflow sensors, the dryers, the fan motor controls, the temperature sensors in a heated unit, the temperature sensors in an optional preheater, and the actuators of the motor-driven dampers. The control system and/or the controller may also communicate with an outdoor temperature sensor, a room (indoor) temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an evaporator sensor or a safety device.

In another preferred embodiment, if further cost reduction or system simplification are desired, the central air delivery system may be configured to operate without a feedback from the pressure or airflow sensors in order to maintain the stable pressure at the desired level and regulate the fan motor controls. In this embodiment, as schematically depicted in FIG. 5c, the speed of the fan motors within each of the air supply units operates at a predetermined speed magnitude, the speed magnitude is adjusted to match the calculated combined airflow needed at any time, based on the input data received from all the handpieces. The central control is preprogrammed with at least two lookup tables (arrays of values), and the exemplary values from these tables are presented in Table 2 and Table 3. One lookup table contains tabulated values of the airflow rate in a heated or ambient duct vs. the fan motor speed. Table 2 shows exemplary tabulated values of airflow rate (in units of cfm) vs. fan speed designation. For example, fan speed designated “1” can generate an airflow rate of about 50 cfm. Another lookup table contains the total calculated airflow to all the Y-couplers given the positions of all the dampers in each duct. Table 3 shows exemplary tabulated values of total calculated to all the Y-couplers vs. sum of all the dampers position for a system comprises of four dryers. In this example, the fully close damper position has an assigned value of “zero” and the fully open position damper position has an assigned value of “one”. For example, if one damper is 50% open, it has an assigned value of “0.5”, and if a second damper is 25% open, it has an assigned value of 0.25. In this case the total sum of the two damper positions has an assigned value of “0.75”. If, for example, in a fully open damper position the airflow is 50 cfm, the corresponding required airflow for this sum of the damper position is 37.5 cfm. Every time that a user adjusts the airflow level-selecting switch on the handpiece, the algorithm adds together all the values of the total calculated airflow required in each of the ducts, the calculation based on the input received according to the settings on all of the individual handpieces. The central control unit using the algorithm and the lookup tables to find the motor speed value that corresponds to the total calculated airflow, and actuates the motor controls accordingly. The process of accessing the lookup tables, is repeated for each of air supply units, the hot air supply unit and the ambient air supply unit, every time the change is needed.

The components and procedures described above provide examples of elements recited in the claims. They also provide examples of how a person of ordinary skill in the art can make and use the claimed invention. They are described here to provide enablement and best mode without imposing limitations that are not recited in the claims. In some instances in the above description, a term is followed by a similar term or alternative term enclosed in parentheses.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope thereof. All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Invention of a range in terms of at “‘x’ parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition” also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition.”

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may” herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” be included are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

	TABLE 1
	Position of a damper
	Airflow rate and		Position of a
	Temperature		damper in	Position of a
	Airflow		conditioned air	damper in
	Rate	Temperature	unit	ambient air unit
	High	Hot	1 (completely	0 (completely
			open)	closed)
	High	Medium	½	½
	High	Cool	0	1
	Low	Hot	½	0
	Low	Medium	¼	¼
	Low	Cool	0	½
	No	—	0	0
	Flow

TABLE 2
FAN MOTOR SPEED IN
A HEATED OR AN
AMBIENT DUCT AIR FLOW (cfm)
1            50 ± 8
2            100 ± 15
3            150 ± 23
4            200 ± 30

TABLE 3
TOTAL SUM OF POSITIONS OF DAMPERS
IN A HEATED OR AN AMBIENT DUCT
(VALUE 0.0 ASSIGNED TO CLOSED   AIRFLOW RATE IN A
POSITION, VALUE 1.0 ASSIGNED TO HEATED OR AN
FULLY OPEN POSITION)            AMBIENT DUCT (cfm)
0                               0-10
0.25                            25
0.5                             35
0.75                            40
1.0                             50
1.25                            63
1.50                            75
1.75                            88
2.0                             100
2.25                            113
2.50                            125
2.75                            138
3.0                             150
3.25                            163
3.50                            175
3.75                            188
4.0                             200

Claims

1. A hair drying system comprising:

a first duct configured to conduct a first airflow that is at a first temperature;

a second duct configured to conduct a second airflow that is at a second temperature lower than the first temperature;

first outlets that are spaced apart along the first duct;

second outlets that are spaced apart along the second duct and equal in number to first outlets;

dryer handpieces equal in number to the first outlets;

Y-couplers, each Y-coupler including: a first conduit connected to a respective one of the first outlets, a second conduit connected to a respective one of the second outlets, and a third conduit connected to a respective one of the dryer handpieces, for the coupler to combine a portion of the first airflow with a portion of the second airflow to yield a third airflow exiting the respective handpiece; first dampers, each first damper configured to control the first portion of the first airflow; second dampers, each second damper configured to control the second portion of the second airflow; and

a programmable central control system configured to: control pressure of the first airflow, control pressure of the second airflow, control the first temperature; and for each handpiece, control the first damper and the second damper that are associated with the respective handpiece to control temperature of the third airflow exiting the handpiece.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each first damper is located in a respective one of the first outlets, and each second damper is located in a respective one of the second outlets.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a first fan configured to generate the first airflow and controlled by the central control system;

a second fan configured to generate the second airflow and controlled by the central control system.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

temperature sensors, each temperature sensor configured to measure temperature at a respective one of the air supply units, and wherein the control system is configured to control temperature at the respective handpiece based on the temperature measured for the respective one of the air supply units,

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

pressure or airflow sensors, each pressure or airflow sensor configured to measure a pressure or an airflow rate at a respective one of the air supply units, and wherein the central control system is configured to control airflow or pressure at respective air supply units based on a feedback signal from the pressure or the airflow sensors by controlling fan motor speed.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a preheater located upstream from the first and second air supply units and configured preheat the first and second airflows to the second temperature; and

a first heater located downstream from the preheater and configured to heat the first airflow to the first temperature.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the central control system includes:

a controller; and

for each dryer handpiece: a first motor, controlled by the controller and coupled to the corresponding first damper, to enable the controller to control the corresponding first damper;