Abstract: A drying apparatus, system and kit. The apparatus includes a housing defining an air intake and air exhaust and at least one fan disposed within the housing and positioned to create a flow of air from the air intake to the air exhaust. A heater is disposed within the housing and positioned to heat the flow of air directed from the air intake to the air exhaust while a control means is provided for controlling an operation of at least one of the at least one fan and the heater. Attachment means is provided for removably attaching the housing to a garment enclosure. The system and kit each include at least one garment enclosure to which the apparatus is attached.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a microstructure drying treatment method by which a substrate having a microstructure has a fine pattern of less than 30 nm and a large-caliber substrate of 100 mm or more can be dried uniformly and in a short time without generating pattern collapse, and its apparatus and its high pressure vessel. The present invention is a microstructure drying treatment method of introducing a fluid that is gas at normal temperature and pressure and is liquid under high pressure inside a high pressure vessel in which a substrate having a microstructure in a state immersed in or wet with a rinsing liquid in a liquid or supercritical state. The method forms a specific gravity difference between the rinsing liquid and fluid inside the high pressure vessel and collects the rinsing liquid to the upper side or lower side of the high pressure vessel by changing at least one side of the temperature and pressure of the fluid and changing the specific gravity of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for controlling a clothes dryer is disclosed to precisely dry clothes on the basis of a load amount according to moisture contained in clothes in the clothes dry and a temperature change according to proceeding drying of clothes. The method includes: detecting a load amount detect signal corresponding to an amount of moisture contained in clothes in a drum; setting a heater exit temperature range of the clothes dryer to pre-set first and second temperature ranges on the basis of the load amount detect signal, and first drying clothes in the drum within the pre-set first temperature range; second-drying clothes in the drum within the pre-set second temperature range; and cooling clothes in the drum when the first and second-drying processes are completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pulsed dryer and a pulsed drying system. The dryer includes a pulse combustor fluid dynamically coupled to a drying chamber. The pulsed dryer can be any suitable type of dryer, for example a pulsed spray dryer or a pulsed fluid bed dryer. The pulse combustor can fire the dried fines or employ auxiliary fuel such as natural gas, propane, etc. The system can include a steam or heat transfer fluid thermal circuit for providing heat to the drying chamber and optionally for cooling the pulse combustor flue gases prior to flow into the drying chamber. The disclosed dryers and systems can be advantageously utilized for wet feedstock in general and in particular for drying biomass or other organic type feedstock.

Abstract: A substrate drying method according to the present invention comprises disposing a flat plate which has an opening and which is equal to a substrate or larger than the substrate above the substrate to have a predetermined space between the flat plate and the substrate and discharging a gas from the opening, and moving, by the gas, a removal target on the substrate outside the substrate.

Abstract: A jet spouted fluidised bed drier is described in which the bottom half of the drier chamber comprises a first lower conical part, and the top half of the drier chamber comprises a second upper conical part surrounding a conical grid located near to the top end of the second part. The drier chamber thus comprises two conical parts connected together at their wide ends. The result of this arrangement is that the collision zone becomes a toroid with an essentially triangular cross-sectional shape defined essentially by the conical internal surface of the top part and the conical outer surface of the conical grid. This revised structural arrangement has been found to be able to process materials which either cannot be processed, or cannot be processed efficiently, with known jet spouted fluidised bed driers. Additionally, this revised structural arrangement has been found to be able to process materials more efficiently, and to a lower desired final liquid content values.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drying chamber, a door assembly, a blower assembly and an air passage for directing an airflow to the drying chamber. A media holder is removably positioned in the air passage to suspend a volatilizable media in the path of the airflow. The media holder includes a main body having rear wall formed from a latticework frame, an interior for receiving the volatilizable material, and a door member. The door member is also formed from a latticework frame. With this arrangement, both the rear wall and door member include a plurality of openings to allow an airflow to carry a fragrance or other substance from the volatilizable material through the air passage to treat clothes placed in the drying chamber.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for detecting a residual drying time of a clothes dryer, by detecting a quantity of moisture contained in clothes in a clothes dryer and displaying a residual clothes drying time on the basis of the detected moisture quantity, a residual clothes drying time can be displayed accurately.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor supporting apparatus of a clothing drier comprising: first and second motor hubs respectively protruding at both sides of a motor; a supporting rib formed at a case for supporting the first motor hub; and a supporting member assembled at a lateral surface of the case by a sliding method for supporting the second motor hub. The apparatus simplifies assembly processes, enhances a mass production characteristic, and simplifies a service performance by improving a motor supporting structure and thereby enabling assembly/disassembly of a motor without disassembling a drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for suctioning external air of a clothes dryer, comprises a housing provided at one side with a suction port for introducing external air; a fan installed at the housing and generating a suction force for sucking external air while being rotated; a driving motor driving the fan; a guide duct guiding the external air introduced from the suction port to a condenser; and a grille installed at a predetermined gap from one side face of the housing where the suction port is to be installed so that a channel can be formed between the grille and the one side face and comprised of a plurality of grille plates extending in a direction lengthwise of the grille, one widthwise ends of the grille plates being bent toward the suction port. Accordingly, the apparatus has advantages such as a decrease in flow resistance, an improvement of a condensing effect and a decrease of vibration and noise by setting the flow amount and flow velocity of a cooling air to be suctioned in the best condition.

Abstract: A heating configuration for a drier, particularly for a laundry drier, has a burner with a burner head, a first heating channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and a second heating channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The cross-sectional area of the second heating channel is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first heating channel. The burner head projects into the inlet opening of the first heating channel and the outlet opening of the first heating channel projects into the inlet opening of the second heating channel. The first heating channel is disposed in the lower section of the second heating channel so that a uniform temperature distribution is achieved in the second heating channel.

Abstract: A wet chemical processing chamber comprising a fixed unit, a detachable unit releasably coupled to the fixed unit, a seal contacting the fixed unit and the detachable unit, and a processing component disposed in the fixed unit and/or the detachable unit. The fixed unit can have a first flow system configured to direct a processing fluid through the fixed unit and a mounting fixture for fixedly attaching the fixed unit to a platform or deck of an integrated processing tool. The detachable unit can include a second flow system configured to direct the processing fluid to and/or from the first flow system of the fixed unit. The seal has an orifice through which processing fluid can flow between the first and second flow systems, and the processing component can impart a property to the processing fluid for processing a surface on a microfeature workpiece having submicron microfeatures.

Abstract: A shoe for accommodating the normal mechanics of the foot and establishing a predetermined shape and degree of inclination for the rear foot bed includes a sandal incorporating layers of different materials in a predetermined order. One of the layers is a wedge-shaped layer that is shaped to provide an incline of between 2 and 6 degrees relative to a horizontal ground plane. The other layers of the sandal are stacked with the wedge-shaped layer to create an inclined rear foot bed. In operation, the user predetermines the angle of tilt between 2 and 6 degrees which will anatomically accommodate and correct his foot ailment and, accordingly, chooses a sandal having the preselected incline.

Abstract: The invention relates to footwear comprising a shank and a sole construction having an outsole. The shank is constructed with an upper material and with a water-tight functional layer which at least partially lines the upper material on the inner side thereof. In addition, the shank comprises a shank end area which is situated on the side of the sole and which has an upper material end area and a functional layer end area. The functional layer end area comprises an area which requires sealing, and the outsole is glued to the shank end area by means of an outsole adhesive situated on said outsole. The outsole adhesive is formed by a reactive hot-melt adhesive at least in one outsole partial area located opposite the area of the functional end area which requires sealing. Said hot-melt adhesive leads to water impermeability when complete reacted.

Abstract: A sole unit for footwear having, comprising: a medial side, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unit having at least one collapsible profile on a portion of its bottom surface, the collapsible profile being capable of selectively, resiliently canting a side of a user's foot upwardly on the side opposite an applied lateral force during use, the collapsible profile having a canting means for facilitating the selective canting of the user's foot. The invention is also directed to methods of constructing footwear in accordance with the foregoing.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: An improved expandable shoe and inner assembly are disclosed. The expandable shoe includes an outer shell and an adjustable inner assembly is disposed within the outer shell. The inner assembly has a first board portion and a second board portion in overlapping engagement with each other and a control to adjust the position of the first board portion relative to the second board portion. A lighted visualization window provides a visualization window to the inner assembly. The inner assembly may include size markings through the visualization window so that a size of the adjusted shoe may be determined as shoe size is adjusted.

Abstract: A snowshoe having an adjustable binding. The adjustable binding includes a fore foot member and a rear foot member. The rear foot member is attached to a freely slidable heel plate member to accommodate different sizes of boots. Strap members attach to the fore foot member and the rear foot member to fasten the boot in the binding. Another feature of the present invention includes a clear decking that provides the illusion of free floating on the snow.

Abstract: A sidewalk maintenance vehicle for clearing snow and ice from a surface and for applying granular material to the surface comprises a tractor for providing mobility to the sidewalk maintenance vehicle and having a generally central longitudinal axis. A snow and ice removal apparatus, such as a plow blade, is mounted on the tractor so as to be disposed forwardly of the tractor and generally tranversely to the generally central longitudinal axis. A hopper is mounted on the tractor for carrying the granular material therein. The hopper has an outlet disposed longitudinally between the tractor and the plow, and a dispensing means operatively mounted at the outlet for permitting controlled dispensing of the granular material from the hopper onto the surface.

Abstract: A digging tooth adapted to extend forward from a leading edge of a bucket or the like. The digging tooth has a forward end, with an edge extending thereacross, and a rear end. The digging tooth further includes wing structure formed integral with the digging tooth and extending from a surface on the tooth so as to provide the bucket with enhanced ground penetration capability while concomitantly shielding ground engaging components disposed rearwardly of a rear end of the digging tooth against wear and, thus, potentially extending the useful wear life of such components.

Abstract: An identification and memorialization apparatus comprising a decorative closed frame and at least one identification element removably attached to the frame where the system is removably mounted on the facade or shutter of the mausoleum crypt, columbarium or niche.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an information clip is provided and it not only resiliently engages a securing ridge adjacent a free edge of the clip holder, but in addition, is provided with a platform on which leading edges of the clip sit on when the clip is securely attached to the clip holder. The platform is part of a stepped construction formed as part of the clip holder and the platform has a rear edge that acts to inhibit access to the leading edges of the clip when the clip is securely attached to the clip holder. In one embodiment, an upper surface of the platform includes surface modifying features that are formed therein to assist in locating and retaining the leading clip edges along the upper surface of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure of a rotation frame of a rotational information display device which is capable of displaying a 3D image based on an afterimage effect by rotating a light source like a light emitting diode (LED). The rotation frame includes an outer most display unit, an inner most display unit and an intermediate display unit. The outer most display unit is longitudinally formed in an outer most portion from the rotary shaft in a longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft for thereby displaying a certain image in an outer circumferential surface of the image space formed as the light sources are rotated. The inner most display unit is longitudinally formed from the rotary shaft in a longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft for thereby displaying a certain image in a center portion of the image space.

Abstract: A revolving billboard with LED holders has an outdoor frame, an LED frame and a vertical louvered blind. The LED frame is mounted inside the upper recess, and the vertical louvered blind is located in front of the LED holders inside the upper recess. The revolving billboard provides a clear image by the LED frame at night and also provides a good image due to the vertical louvered blind during the day.

Abstract: A sign system has a support and a panel unit supported by the support. The panel unit has one or more panels for presenting information thereon. The sign system further has an anchoring system for anchoring the support to the ground, and a lighting system. The lighting system has an optical fibre unit provided in the panel unit. The optical fibre unit has one or more optical fibre rods with a rough peripheral surface or with translucent tape affixed or is clear and smooth for illuminating the information on the panels.

Abstract: An advertising system and method in which an advertising mural is segmented and portions of the advertising mural are formed on each one of a plurality of laterally aligned overhead stowage bin doors in a commercial aircraft. Each segment of the advertising mural is furthermore integrally formed with its associated stowage bin door so as to be non-removable therefrom. Thus, an advertising mural can be changed simply and quickly by removing the stowage bin doors making up the mural and replacing them with a different set of stowage bin doors having a different advertising mural formed thereon.

Abstract: An advertising system and method in which an advertising mural is segmented and portions of the advertising mural are formed on each one of a plurality of laterally aligned overhead stowage bin doors in a commercial aircraft. Each segment of the advertising mural is formed on an independent, strippable laminate panel that is secured to its associated stowage bin door so as to be generally non-removable therefrom without the aide of a heat gun or like implement. Changing the advertising mural involves using a heat gun or like implement to remove each laminate panel from its associated bin door. New laminate panels collectively forming a different advertising mural can then be individually applied to the bin doors. Accordingly, the same bin doors can be re-used to present a different advertising mural.

Abstract: A sign display mountable over a top surface of a cubicle wall includes a sign holder having a frame and a depending post extending therefrom for carrying a sign. A clamp assembly has a pair of engaging members and an attachment for securing the engaging members together to abut respective opposed vertical surfaces of a cubicle wall and a horizontal wall portion with an upper and lower surface. One engaging member includes at least one hole and the other engaging member includes an elongate slot. A threaded bolt is positionable upwardly through the elongate slot and one hole for securing the engaging members together. Each engaging member is a bracket formed as an L-shaped member to abut against a vertical surface of a cubicle wall and a horizontal wall portion.

Abstract: A support stand for a display device includes a chassis base, a display panel, a connecting member, a stand member, and a shock absorbing member. The display panel is attached to the chassis base, and the connecting member is coupled to the chassis base. The stand member is connected to the connecting member such that the stand member supports the chassis base to which the display panel is attached. The shock absorbing member is disposed between the connecting member and the stand member such that the shock absorbing member absorbs a shock caused by a collision between the connecting member and the stand member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kitchen appliance that includes a food mixer and a recipe card holding device. The recipe card holding device includes a first end that is attached to the food mixer and a second end that holds a recipe card.

Abstract: A sheet formed into a face panel and a mounting panel oriented perpendicularly thereto, with the mounting panel configured for mounting to a shelf. The face panel has a slot for receiving a product in suspension and a hole for receiving a fastener also inserted through the product to hold the product securely in place.

Abstract: A spring loaded holder with a holder plate which is rotatable between a deactivated zone and an activated zone. When the holder plate is manually moved to the activated zone a cam action will be activated to apply a holding force to the holder plate for firmly holding objects of varied thickness. Such holders can be installed in a picture frame for holding a stack of art sheets. For a vertically mounted art frame a displayed art sheet smaller than the internal size of the art frame can also be held by this holder without shifting. Unused art sheets and associated mat boards can be mounted along with the displayed art sheet. Since all art sheets and mat boards are kept together, the change of art sheet display can be easily achieved any time if desired. Such picture frame can also be used for displaying and storing expired calendar books. The holder can be further modified and used in a variety of holding boards including fun boards, bulletin boards and poster boards.

Abstract: This invention pertains to fishing poles whose bait is cast with the use of a compression spring. A traditional reel is used, but not a traditional rod. The rod is hollow and tubular in shape, and contains a compression spring. The fishing line runs from the lure at the top of the tube, through a funnel shaped container, through the length of the spring, and into the reel. Previous inventions allow their respective bait carriers to exit the rod. In this invention, however, neither the spring nor the funnel shaped container exit the tube due to a spring seat at the bottom of the tube and two small notches at the top. The angler reels in the lure, which enters the funnel shaped container, which engages the spring. The spring is compressed until the moment the angler pushes the reel button, releasing the tension and propelling only the lure out of the tube.

Abstract: A rod jigging apparatus is disclosed for jigging one or more rods at the same time. The rod jigging apparatus includes a mounting member being designed for coupling to a support structure. An arm member selectively engages the mounting member whereby the arm member is designed for extending away from the support structure. At least one rod member is coupled to the arm member. The rod member is positioned opposite the mounting member. The rod member is designed for receiving a handle of a fishing rod whereby the arm member is for being pushed down and released by the user to jig the fishing rod positioned in the rod member.

Abstract: An umbrella fishing rig having a housing, a teaser arm release mechanism and a plurality of collapsible teaser arms. These teaser arms are capable of moving relative to the housing from a trolling position to a collapsed position in response to the activation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: A tackle box for fishing gear and accessories comprises a container having a recessed storage area and a drawer, each for storage of fishing accessories. The drawer is subjacent the storage area. The storage area is divisible by dividers that may be added or removed as desired. The storage area is defined by the walls of the container, the walls having a plurality of channels for seating, securing and holding fishing rods placed therein for transportation.

Abstract: A concentrate composition contains (A) a fatty carboxylic acid based composition selected from (1) a fatty monocarboxylic acid, (2) an ester of (A)(1), (3) an amide of (A)(1), (4) an amine salt of (A)(1), and (5) a mixture thereof, and (B) a low temperature stability improving amount of a composition comprising one or more low temperature stability improving compositions. A fuel composition contains a major amount of a fuel and a minor amount of the concentrate composition. A method to improve the lubricity of a fuel composition containing a fuel comprises adding a lubricity improving amount of the concentrate composition to the fuel. The low temperature stability improving composition (B) is very effective in maintaining clarity, homogeneity and fluidity of a concentrate composition containing a fatty carboxylic acid based composition at low temperatures.

Abstract: A single layer ground cover (10) preventing weed growth comprising a fabric (12) providing at least one degradable portion (16) running lengthwise of the fabric and having opposed edges (18,19); and a non-degradable portion (20) adjacent the opposed edges of the degradable portion, wherein the degradable portion comprises from about 5% to about 75% of the area of said ground cover, and wherein the degradable portion substantially degrades before said non-degradable portion after exposure to ambient conditions. A method for facilitating tree growth and preventing weed growth comprises providing a ground cover comprising at least one degradable portion and at least one non-degradable portion; locating the ground cover on a section of ground to be planted; cutting a hole in the degradable portion of the ground cover; planting a plant within the hole; and covering the ground cover with soil sufficiently to at least bury it.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective covering material comprising an open mesh weave of scrim material, the mesh having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin layer having opposed major surfaces, where at least one of the warp or weft strip materials is a heat absorbing or heat reflecting material, and at least one of the major surfaces of the scrim material has a discontinuous coating having heat reflecting or heat absorbing properties opposite to that of the warp and or weft strip, the discontinuous coating thereon at least partially covering the surface.

Abstract: A reusable plant injector includes a sealed housing defining a reservoir for containing a pressurized fluid, the housing including an elongated neck having an inner end in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outer end defining a nozzle. An inlet valve is disposed in the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving a supply of fluid therethrough. A control valve is provided for selectively starting and stopping a flow of pressurized fluid from the reservoir through the neck and out of the nozzle. A method is also provided for treating a plant or group of plants using the described plant injector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for providing a seed grower with conditioned seed for planting the following cropping cycle from a portion of the harvested crop from a single seed production field. In one embodiment, the system includes an agreement between the seed production company and seed grower to plant and produce a varietal crop for seed purposes with specific genetic characteristics. The seed grower is initially furnished with source seed from the seed production company that matches these specified genetic characteristics and required to meet defined process specifications and results. At appropriate corresponding times during the planting, growing and harvesting processes, a seed production company representative and/or grower may inspect the seed grower's seed source, planting, cultivating, machinery, transport and storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a false bottom insert assembly for use in combination with an oversized planter container. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: A drainage tray suitable for use with plant pots is configured to collect and drain away excess plant treating fluids, such as water, fertilizer and the like, that drain from the plant pot. The drainage tray has a base member with a bottom having a side wall extending generally vertically from its periphery to form a reservoir with a generally open top and closed bottom. A drainage orifice in the base member connects to a tubular member, such as a hose, to drain the excess fluids from the reservoir to a suitable disposal site away from the area of the potted plant. Support members and stabilizer members are used to facilitate use of the drainage tray. The drainage tray prevents the accumulation of fluid near a potted plant that can damage or stain the deck, floor, sidewalk or other support surface and/or cause persons to slip and fall.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of low rank carbonaceous material, including the steps: (a) subjecting said low rank carbonaceous material to shearing stresses in order to cause attritioning of the microporous structure of said low rank carbonaceous material and release of water contained in the micropores; (b) continuing the shearing attritioning of step (a) until the low rank carbonaceous material forms into a plastic mass; (c) compacting the plastic mass of step (b) into compacted bodies; (d) heating the compacted bodies at temperatures sufficient to thermally decompose the compacted bodies to produce a reactive carbonaceous product; (e) reacting the reactive carbonaceous product with water vapour at a temperature sufficient to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas.

Abstract: A seal structure for a vehicle, which includes a door member and a seal member attached thereto. The seal member includes a horizontally extending upper seal lip which comes into elastic contact with a peripheral part of an opening provided on a vehicle body, and a vertically extending side seal lip which comes into elastic contact with another peripheral part of the opening. The upper seal lip and side seal lip are connected to each other by die forming, thus forming a connected portion thereof. The upper seal lip and side seal lip have, on a side of the connected portion to be proximate to the vehicle body when the door member is closed, a seal sheet member covering the connected portion.

Abstract: A doubled-sided PCD or PCBN compact as well as a new multi-layered PCD and PCBN can be produced using high pressure high temperature processes allowing for increased effective thickness of abrasive tools. A polycrystalline compact can include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface which are non-contiguous. Additionally, a first polycrystalline layer can be attached to the first surface of the substrate and a second polycrystalline layer attached to the second surface of the substrate. The first and second polycrystalline layers can include superabrasive particles bonded together by sintering or chemical bonding with an additional metal. Such double-sided PCD and PCBN compacts as well as a new multiple layered PCD and PCBN allow for increased effective thickness of a tool without suffering from non-homogenous results typical of standard PCD and PCBN compacts, regardless of superabrasive particle size.

Abstract: A flowable, granular abrasive material and method of manufacture thereof. The material is comprised of at least one abrasive grain selected from aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, cubic boron nitride and/or diamond and has a organic or inorganic coating comprised of a binder and an abrasive filling material in the amounts of 0.5 to 8% and 1 to 15% by weight, respectively. The filling material may include sulfides, phosphates, carbonates, halogenides, and/or sulfide-, carbonate- and/or halogenide-containing complex compounds. The binder may include a low-viscosity phenol resin, epoxy resin and/or polyurethane resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polishing slurry and polishing method used for polishing in a process for forming wirings of a semiconductor device, and the like. There are provided polishing slurry giving a polished surface having high flatness even if the polished surface is made of two or more substances, and further, capable of suppressing metal residue and scratches after polishing, and a method of chemical mechanical polishing using this. The polishing slurry of the present invention is polishing slurry containing at least one of a surfactant and an organic solvent, and a metal oxide dissolving agent and water, or polishing slurry containing water and abrasive of which surface has been modified with an alkyl group, and preferably, it further contains a metal oxidizer, water-soluble polymer, and metal inhibitor.

Abstract: There is provided a system for protection/isolation against infections or disease-bearing persons including an enclosure defining at least two chambers, an isolation chamber having at least one entering and exiting closable opening, at least one ambient air inlet and at least one air outlet connectable to a blower/filter, and an airlock chamber juxtaposed the opening having an access and egress closable aperture, means for forming under-pressure in the isolation chamber and airlock chamber, and at least one biological filter operationally connected to the means for forming under-pressure. A method for protecting/isolating against infection or disease-bearing persons, is also provided.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a fireplace surround for attachment to a fireplace. The surround may include first and second side members formed from a molded material, and a top member formed from the molded material that extends between the first and second side members. The top member defines a cavity that is in fluid communication with a vent of the fireplace to collect heated air from the fireplace. An opening formed in the top member facilitates movement of heated air collected in the cavity to pass through the cavity. The surround may also include a shield member that direct the heated air from the fireplace vent to the exhaust opening in the top member, and an insulating member that dissipates heat in the top member.