Abstract: A shoe last for air activation and air cooling utilized to heat and activate as well as cool and shape a semi-finished shoe made up of a midsole and a vamp includes a body, at least one inlet, and at least one jet outlet. The body has an outer surface. The at least one inlet is disposed on the outer surface of the body. The at least one jet outlet is disposed on the outer surface of the body, is spaced apart from the at least one inlet, and fluidly communicates with the at least one inlet. The semi-finished shoe is sleeved on the body and covers the at least one jet outlet. Gas is injected into the body via the at least one inlet, flows out of the body via the at least one jet outlet, and is ejected to the semi-finished shoe.

Abstract: An inflatable shirt drying system. The inflatable shirt drying system includes a balloon having a torso and a pair of arms, wherein the balloon is designed to emulate the shape of a human torso when inflated. An inlet valve is disposed on the balloon in communication with an interior volume of the balloon. A plurality of micro-perforations are disposed across the balloon, wherein the micro-perforations emit a stream of fluid from the interior volume when the pressure within the balloon exceeds a threshold pressure. An air supply is securable to the inlet valve, wherein the air supply includes a pump that can inflate the balloon to a desired pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic hair treatment method comprising at least the steps consisting of: a) applying a mechanical tension to said hair, b) exposing said hair under mechanical tension to microwaves, in the presence of a solvent in vapor form in contact with said hair, without complete drying of the hair during microwave exposure, the solvent in vapor form being entirely generated by the evaporation of a compound which is present, before emission of the microwaves, in contact with the treated hair.

Abstract: A drying system and method with a container such as a bucket, a small electrical fan mounted to the container such that when it is powered it draws air into the container, and a plurality of tubes coupled to the container such that they each fluidly communicate with the interior of the container. The tubes are constructed and arranged to be placed into items of clothing such as footwear and gloves, so that when the fan is energized air will be directed through one or more of the tubes into such item of clothing, to dry the item.

Abstract: A drying furnace (20) for drying an object (11) by hot air is provided with a heater (36, 38, 43, 45) that applies radiant heat to a hard-heating region (35, 42) having a larger heat capacity than the other region (37, 44) in the object (11) so as to heat the hard-heating region (35, 42) to a temperature approximate to a temperature of the other region (37, 44).

Abstract: A wig drying apparatus and method are provided, the apparatus being adapted to support a wig and which may be used to direct air currents upward such that a wig may be dried quickly and easily without damaging the wig or unduly altering the wig's outer appearance, comprises, a stand adapted to hold a wig, the stand comprising a main body member comprising a base and a neck member, and upper members comprising a central member and side members. The neck member comprises a base tube comprising a base opening. The base opening is adapted to accept a hose/outlet portion of a dryer. In the preferred embodiment, the device's shape is generally that of a human head and neck. In one embodiment, the central member and base tube are removable and may be used to dry a wig not supported by the remaining portions of the stand.

Abstract: The mitten and boot dryer for use with a residential furnace includes a vent plate made of a ferrous material, which is mounted either one a forced air residential furnace or down line therefrom. The vent plate features a plurality of holes upon which a vent may be attached via an angled base support. The angled base support features a magnet embedded therein, which attaches itself onto the hole of the vent plate, and can rotate there about. Alternatively, the angled base support may feature a winged end that slides into a winged hole on the vent plate, and is rotated therein so as to lock into the vent plate. The vent has a cap on a farthest distal end and features a plurality of holes along the length. The angled base support includes a friction hinge to enable rotation of the vent with respect to the vent plate. The vents are ideally oriented at angles to enable a boot or mitten to rest thereon.

Abstract: A glove holder is disclosed for coupling a glove to an air vent. The air vent discharges an air flow over a fan shroud. The glove holder comprises a cylinder having an interior surface. The interior surface defines an interior bore. The cylinder is inserted into the glove. A support arm extends from a first end to a second end. The first end of the support arm is secured to the interior surface of the cylinder. The second end of the support arm is positioned within the interior bore. A key receiver is secured to the second end of the support arm. A clamp extends between a key and a conical backing. The key slidably engages the key receiver and the conical backing frictionally engages the air vent. The air flow is displaced from the air vent, through the interior bore of the cylinder and through the body of the glove for drying the glove.

Abstract: A glove holder is disclosed for coupling a glove to an air vent. The glove has a body defining an interior cavity. The body has an aperture for accessing the interior cavity. The air vent discharging an air flow. The air flow dries the glove. The glove holder comprises a cylinder having an intake end, an exhaust end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines an interior bore extending from the intake end to the exhaust end. The cylinder is insertable through the aperture and into the interior cavity of the body for positioning the exterior surface of the cylinder adjacent to the body of the glove. A support arm extends from a first end to a second end. The first end of the support arm is secured to the interior surface of the cylinder. The second end of the support arm is positioned within the interior bore. A clamp secures the second end of the support arm to the air vent.

Abstract: A device and method for assisting in the removal of fluid, such as water, and related moisture from a bladder of a fluid storage device, such as a personal hydration pack or reservoir, is disclosed. The device has a three-dimensional structure or profile so that, when inserted within the bladder, the bladder is held in an open configuration or position, which allows any water or fluid to drain out and allows evaporation to the atmosphere of moisture to occur through the port of the bladder used to fill the device. In one form, the device has an insertion section having portions of elongated structure having a smaller size than the opening so that the insertion section can be fed into the bladder, and the overall insertion section has a profile larger than the opening so that the bladder is held open.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to dry the hands of individuals. The system may include a pedestal, an air pedal and powder pedal hinged to the pedestal, a chamber having a dome connected to a shroud to define a chamber interior. The chamber interior may be divided into a first divided area, a second divided, and an overhead area that connects the first divided area to the second divided area. Each dived area may include a perforated tube to deliver pressurized air and powder into the chamber interior. An air compressor may be connected directly to the perforated tubes and connected to a powder chamber. In addition to pressurized air being delivered to the chamber interior, powder optionally may be delivered to the chamber interior.

Abstract: A portable collapsible clothes dryer kit including two clothing article dryer units for engaging and spreading different articles of clothing, one of the units being supported by spaced, elongated flexible elements and the other of the units being supported by a coat hanger.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lyophilized reagent, including mounting a plurality of reagent cartridges in which a liquid reagent is loaded in a tray including one or more tunnel-shaped first rails having opened end portions in a lengthwise direction and an opening formed in the top of the one or more first rails; closing the opened end portions, placing the tray in a lyophilizer and lyophilizing the liquid reagent according to a lyophilizing program.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for facilitating drying of a garment on a garment hanger are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for drying a garment on a garment hanger includes an elongated body comprised of a water resistant material. The body has a major axis extending between a first end and a second end. The body is configured to be repeatably changed between a substantially flat and a substantially tubular orientation. An elongated aperture formed in the first end of the elongated body to allow passage of the hook of the garment hanger through the body.

Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a housing, a tubular arm, a telescoping arm and a fan. The tubular arm is attached to the housing at a portion between proximal and distal ends. Also, the tubular arm is able to rotate tangential to the housing. The tubular arm includes a proximal end and a distal end and is attached to the housing at a portion between the proximal and distal ends. The telescoping arm is attached to the tubular arm and able to slide between an open and closed position. The telescoping arm includes an aperture that is open in the open position and covered in the closed position. The fan encased within the housing and arranged to direct airflow through the tubular arm and out the aperture when the telescoping arm is in the open position. The air flow is restricted when the telescoping arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: A clothes pressing apparatus has a body block movable between a supply position at which an article of clothing can be placed on the body block and a press position at which pressing work can be achieved. A sleeve holder is also mounted on the base for holding sleeves of the an article of clothing and having a sleeve tucking iron. Also included are a body air supply device for supplying a first air blast suitable for pressing the body portion of the article of clothing, and a sleeve air supply device for supplying a second air blast for pressing the sleeve portion. The apparatus further includes a controller for operating the sleeve air supply device for supplying the second air blast only when the body air supply device is operated for supplying the first air blast.

Abstract: A method for drying a surface comprises supporting a fabric cover above the surface, and holding side edges of the fabric cover against the surface such that an air channel is formed between the fabric cover and the surface. The air channel has an inlet end and a discharge end, and a pressurized warm air stream having a relative humidity less than an ambient relative humidity is directed into the inlet end of the air channel such that the warm air stream moves through the air channel to the discharge end and out to the atmosphere. An apparatus for practicing the invention provides a plenum along the inlet end with plenum outlets to discharge the warm air stream, and cover supports extending out from the plenum to support the cover above the surface. A fabric tube plenum and cover supports provide versatility and portability.

Abstract: The device for removing water drops from an umbrella is constituted such that a number of water absorption members with elastic property are disposed at certain intervals radially in the inserting opening for an umbrella of the device body, the inserting space for the umbrella is in the central part of a number of water absorption members, thereby a closed rainy umbrella is inserted into the inserting space, the umbrella cloth is inserted into the clearance between the each adjacent water absorption member, then water drops on the umbrella cloth can be absorbed and removed by sliding the inserted umbrella in the direction of insertion of the umbrella, the device does not need such energy as electric energy, and water absorption is performed certainly and within only short time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for drying and conditioning sports equipment and apparel. A base contains an airflow generator, such as a motorized fan. Ambient temperature air is conveyed through a plurality of tubular members. Apertures in the tubular members allow for airflow to be conveyed to the surface of sports equipment or apparel. The sports equipment and apparel is maintained a distance from the apertures by pegs, pins or other support members. The base may contain a pad for conveying airflow with a fragrance or an antifungal agent.

Abstract: A horizontally extending hose cleaning and drying apparatus includes a plurality of rack sections connected at ends thereof to create an elongated rack having a slope. Each rack section includes an upper plate having apertures or mesh material to allow water to fall therethrough. Legs are detachably connected to each rack section, the shortest legs being attached to a rack section at one end of the rack and the longest legs being attached to a rack section at the opposite end of the rack to create the slope. Preferably, the rack is of a length of at least 50 feet to accommodate fire hoses.

Abstract: A drying mold 1 for a pulp molded article has a first mold member 10, a second mold member 20, and a third mold member 30. The first mold member 10 has a drying portion 12 and first passageways 13a and 13b connecting the drying portion 12 to an exterior surface of the first mold member 10. The second mold member 20 has a prescribed heating means and is disposed in contact with the exterior surface of the third mold member 30. The third mold member 30 is disposed in contact with the exterior surface of the first mold member 10. The drying mold 1 is designed to form second passageways 2a and 2b between the first and the third mold members when the first and the third mold members are disposed in contact with each other. The passageways 2a and 2b connect the first passageways 13a and 13b to the outside of the drying mold 1.

Abstract: A drying system for bladder-style personal hydration systems is comprised of an air conduit, a system for forcing air through the conduit, and a method of dispersing the air into the bladder. The bladder from the personal hydration system (such as a CamelBak®) is placed over the conduit, and air is forced into the bladder and the drinking tube to dry it. This would provide a faster and potentially microbiologically safer method of drying the bladder as compared to traditional methods.

Abstract: A shirt-smoothing device includes a lower part and an inflatable body fixed thereon. Because the inflatable body must be at least the same size as the shirt to be smoothed, the device has considerable height, however, the rigid components in the area of the inflatable body are lowerable to handle the device more easily and, more particularly, to stow it away easily. An internally disposed supporting frame and a button strip tensioner disposed in front of the inflatable body can be lowered after use into the lower part, whereby the inflatable body, which is exclusively connected to the supporting frame at the top becomes folded. The same applies to flexible inflatable support bodied and support nets disposed between the inflatable body and the supporting frame. The storage space required for the shirt smoothing device can be substantially reduced by the invention and the handling and storage thereof simplified.

Abstract: An insert is disposed in a glove to open up the glove and allow the flow of drying air to the inner surfaces of the glove. A cruciform shaped opening is provided in a central portion of the insert. The opening is adapted to interlock with a mating cruciform member on a drying tree for drying in ambient air. Alternatively, the insert with glove mounted thereon can be disposed in a mechanical dryer (electric or gas) if desired.

Abstract: A stationary dryer, useful as a clothes dryer, is provided comprising a housing enclosing a space and a stationary clothes support located within the space. An air moving device is provided for generating an air flow through the space from an air inlet to an air outlet. An air distributor mechanism comprising a distribution plenum is positioned between the air inlet and the clothes support, with a plenum wall having a plurality of perforations therein. The perforations are sized, shaped and arranged so as to provide jets of air against the clothes support and to equalize an air flow distribution over the clothes support.

Abstract: A stationary dryer, which may be used for drying clothes, is provided having a housing enclosing a space. A stationary support is located within the space for receiving articles to be dried. An air moving device is provided for generating an air flow through the space from an air inlet to an air outlet. An air distributor mechanism comprising a distribution plenum is positioned between the air inlet and the stationary support, with a plenum wall having a plurality of perforations therein. At least one of the distribution plenum and the perforations are sized, shaped and arranged so as to equalize an air flow distribution over the stationary support.

Abstract: A drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member which has an upper portion for holding an item of apparel, and a platform coupled to the body portion. The platform can be moved into a first, generally horizontal position over the drying member and can be moved into a second, non-horizontal position not over the drying member such that a user has access to the upper portion of the drying member. The drying apparatus can include an air freshener.

Abstract: A shoe drier has a housing from which paired tubes (10) project as holding elements for the shoes, boots, or the like which are to be dried. In the housing (1) there is a fan (15) which forces air into the tubes (10), the tubes are chosen to be serpentine and project with their free ends out of the housing. The air which has been forced into the tubes emerges from the tubes (10) through openings (20). In order to heat the air (19) emerging from the openings (20), there are heat conductors (30) in the tubes (10).

Abstract: A low pressure, low air volume system for heating and drying concrete walls in a damp environment is disclosed. A wall unit consisting of a wall panel having a plurality of vertical grooves and ridges formed in a back surface, the ridges in contact with a concrete wall surface and the grooves forming a plurality of air channels in contact with the surface of the wall, ducts heated air across the concrete surface of the wall, evaporating moisture migrating through the wall. An upper and lower plenum connect the air channels of the wall unit with a remote system consisting of a dehumidifier and discharge pump, heating element and fans for moving air through the system, the dehumidifier removing the moisture from the air before recirculating it through the system.

Abstract: A holder for drying plastic bags including a base with series of interconnected sockets; and dowels, each dowel having a smooth and rounded end, to accommodate a bag and an opposite end being inserted into the sockets of the base. A bag is placed upside-down over the dowels to dry. The dowels may be positioned in different sockets to accommodate different size bags. Alternatively, the end of the dowel being placed in the base may be hollow thereby accommodating a spring placed between the sockets of the base and the dowels so that the dowels may be easily adjusted. The bag holder may optionally provide a horizontal attachment to permit simultaneous drying of a plastic bag and a dish towel.

Abstract: An breathable rack (10) for storing helmets is provided for use in transportation and storage. The rack (10) includes a frame (18) pivotally mounted on a mounting surface (12) to extend between an open position and an closed position. The rack (10) is secured in the closed position by a snap catch (52). A flexible fabric cover member (16) is secured to the frame (18) to support a helmet (12) therein. A drying subsystem (22) including a fan (60) and heating elements (80) facilitates ventilation during use. The rack (10) is especially adapted for use in trailers or storage sheds.

Abstract: This device aids in the drying or curing process of a turkey tail. The device consists of a flat surface (back plate) with holes and dowels to tack the individual primary turkey tail feathers in a desired drying position. Also, the lower section of the back plate consists of a tray used to contain a chemical that will hasten the drying time. A stabilizing block is placed in the chemical tray over the meaty part of the turkey tail and fastened to the back plate with a bolt and wing nut. The device and the turkey tail can then be placed upright in a small space, or hung on a nail or screw using the slot on the rear of the back plate, for the drying duration.

Abstract: The helmet dryer described includes an electric fan mounted in a base having a stanchion for supporting a helmet. The dryer provides convenience in removing moisture from a helmet worn during strenuous activities. The electric fan delivers air through perforations in the stanchion which circulates along the inside of the helmet for drying purposes. The helmet is separated from the stanchion by spacers affixed to a dome to insure a proper, complete air flow along the inside of the helmet.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying “dry suits”, HAZ MAT suits, cleanroom suits and the like utilizes a blower and heating elements mounted through a neck, wrist or ankle seal of the suit. The heated and compressed air is discharged into the suit to absorb moisture from the internal suit surfaces, then is discharged through the suit seals, rapidly drying the suit. Inserts for establishing a desired discharge rate from the suit seals are described. The inserts also serve to stretch the neck and arm seals to the proper diameter for maintaining comfortable wear.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a reticle. There is provided a clean chamber and a reticle having a pair of opposing edges and a pair of opposing surfaces which is to be cleaned disposed in the clean chamber. A gas inert to the reticle is directed in a direction tangential to each of the surfaces of the reticle and along one the edge of the reticle. The gas is exhausted from a location spaced from the other of the pair of opposing edges and remote form the one edge. An optional monitor monitors the particles in the exhausted gas. The gas is preferably applied in pulses which have a pulse length of from about 0.05 second to about 1 second and a pulse repetition rate of from about 0.5/second to about 40/second. The gas is preferably ionized and preferably is applied at a pressure of from about 20 psi to about 120 psi. The stepper chamber is vibrationally isolated from the blow-off chamber.

Abstract: A bag dryer comprising a pair of identical members, each having a central portion, and integral faucet-engaging portion, and an integral bag-engaging portion. The two members are pivotally connected and spring-biased so that the faucet-engaging portions tend to be rotated toward one another. The dryer is intended to be mounted upon a faucet over a sink so that dripping from a bag inverted over the bag-engaging portions may drip into the sink.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a protective resilient cover for hand held hairdryers serve to protect the shell or housing and motor and other components therein from damage in the event the hairdryer is dropped or otherwise suffers an impact. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of resilient bands which are joined at their ends and which extend about the surface of the body of the hairdryer generally opposite the hand grip. The joined ends of the bands include elastic straps connecting them together, for securing the cover about the hairdryer. In another embodiment, the bands are formed integrally of a single piece of material, rather than being sewn or otherwise secured together from two separate pieces. Yet another embodiment utilizes separably fastenable connecting material (e.g., Velcro™, snap fasteners, etc.) for securing the protective device about the body of the hairdryer.

Abstract: Wafer rack consisting of a carrier frame provided with accommodations for at least two wafers. To provide uniform distribution of gas over said wafers a gas distribution device is fitted at least above each wafer, which gas distribution device is connected to the gas supply for the reactor in which the wafer rack is placed. Connection to such a gas supply can be via coupling of the wafer rack to a part of said reactor.

Abstract: An electric hair dryer is connected to a portable housing having a plurality of angularly adjustable housing segments. The air passes through the segments and out spaced air outlet openings formed in the housing segments.

Abstract: A glove dryer attachment for a boot dryer includes a boot dryer attachment flange that is configured to mount on a boot dryer. A panel on the boot dryer attachment is provided with ribs projecting from the panel and defining air duct passages, including air inlet passages along one side of the panel and air discharge passages along the other side of the panel. The ribs and panel define open airway connections joining the air inlet passages and air discharge passages. The boot dryer attachment flange includes a baffle arranged to guide air into the intake passages and outwardly from the discharge passages.

Abstract: An automatic plant (20) for pressing and unloading trousers (26, 27) using a plurality of machines (22, 23, 24, 25) for pressing said trousers by means of steam and/or hot air, each of which machines being provided with first means (10, 11) for blocking and unblocking an upper end of an article of clothing, and second means (12, 13) for blocking and unblocking lower ends of a same article of clothing, as well as with third means (15) for expelling and directing steam and/or hot air internally of said trousers when they are blocked by said first and second means. Said machines (22, 23, 24, 25) are mounted on a movable carousel continuously moving along a predetermined route, in such a way that said trousers (26, 27) are subjected to a pressing operation by means of steam and/or hot air for the whole period of time comprised from loading to the unloading operations of said trousers.

Abstract: A collapsible drying apparatus and method for forming and collapsing such apparatus, said apparatus comprising a frame having an expanded state and a collapsed state, a web substantially stretched over the frame, at least one support member coupled to the frame, and a strap having its ends coupled to the web, including a releasable fastener located a predetermined distance from one of the ends of the strap, and having adjustable length to apply a corresponding tension to the frame and the web, biasing the apparatus into a convexly arcuate condition.

Abstract: A dryer for drying accessories includes a support beam and a plurality of tubular members with air delivery passages extending therethrough. The support beam is adapted for positioning and aligning with a wall register of a heating and ventilation system and for aligning the tubular members with the wall register. The tubular members extend through the support beam and are cantilevered from the support beam for supporting one or more accessories thereon and for delivering air to the inside of the accessory. The support beam preferably includes a pair of base members which provide stability to the support beam when the tubular members support the one or more accessories thereon.

Abstract: A pressurized air distribution network of conduits terminates in small, needle-like nozzles adapted to penetrate a wall, ceiling or layers of flooring, or other moisture-laden areas, such as trapped air space beneath cabinets, through an unobtrusive, easily repaired hole. Air is dispersed by positive-pressure nozzles within the area and collected by nozzles of negative pressure relative to the air pressure within the area. To maintain equal air distribution about a large area, air pressure at the several positive-pressure nozzles is maintained approximately the same by an air supply ring disposed about the relevant room. Spaced apart about the ring are several manifolds, each feeding air to a nozzle. The ring is maintained at near constant pressure, that is, with minimum pressure gradation about the ring, by attaching several air blowers around the ring. In lieu thereof, a central blower provides air to a duct which divides at least once into multiple conduits at at least one branch location.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing a plurality of baby bottles is provided including a housing with side faces defining an open bottom. Such housing has a top face integrally coupled to top edges of the side faces. The top face has a plurality of compartments coupled thereto which extend downwardly therefrom. Such compartments each define an open top that is flush with the top face of the housing. The compartments are adapted to allow the placement of a bottle therein. Each of the compartments have a plurality of slots formed therein for allowing the drying of the bottles.

Abstract: Hanging bar for drying long lengths of pasta, having in cross-section a profile which narrows from the top down, and the surface of which has a raised pattern with a repeating motif such that the lengths of pasta rest on several successive asperities of the pattern along their bent-over part in contact with the bar.

Abstract: Air flow in a hollow wall, ceiling, or floor is created by forcing air into or drawing air out of the wall, ceiling, or floor through a hole around a pipe through which the pipe extends from the wall, ceiling, or floor. The apparatus of the invention includes a body that fits around the pipe to position an end against the wall, ceiling, or floor surrounding the pipe and hole and provides for the connection of an air flow hose thereto. The air flow hose provides a source of pressurized air or a source of vacuum to force air into the wall, ceiling, or floor or draw air therefrom.

Abstract: A garment dryer having a plurality of segments which are connected together to form the shape of a garment. The garment dryer has a body assembly having two or more body segments to which is connected a pair of extremity assemblies, each of which may be formed in two or more parts. The extremity assemblies may be either arm assemblies or leg assemblies, or both. The arm assemblies may be used with the body assembly to dry garments such as sweaters and sweatshirts. The leg assemblies may be used with the body assembly to dry garments such as pants. The arm and leg assemblies could be used together with the body assembly to dry garments such as jumpsuits. A garment is placed over the assembled garment dryer and is allowed to dry by hanging it either vertically or horizontally. Each of the segments of the garment dryer will nest within one of the other segments so that the entire garment dryer can be compactly stored.

Abstract: A glove drying apparatus has five fingers which are angularly movable with respect to one another. A sliding mechanism is actuated to move the fingers between a relatively closed position in which the apparatus can be readily inserted into a glove. The sliding mechanism is then actuated once inside the glove to expand the fingers into a glove drying position. After the glove has been thoroughly dried, the sliding mechanism is again actuated to retract the fingers to facilitate the removal of the glove drying apparatus from a glove.

Abstract: A collapsible drying apparatus and method for forming and collapsing such apparatus, said apparatus comprising a frame having an expanded state and a collapsed state, a web substantially stretched over the frame, at least one support member coupled to the frame, and a strap having its ends coupled to the web, including a releasable fastener located a predetermined distance from one of the ends of the strap, and having adjustable length to apply a corresponding tension to the frame and the web, biasing the apparatus into a convexly accurate condition.