Recirculation Of Treating Gas Or Vapor Patents (Class 34/131)
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Patent number: 12130083Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for a closed loop product drying process are disclosed. Heated dry air enters a drying chamber, extracts moisture from a product to be dried, and exits the drying chamber, cooler and wetter. A heat pump air handler dries and warms the air from the drying chamber exhaust, and returns it to the drying chamber, in a closed air loop. The heat pump air handler includes a dehumidifier means in the closed air loop flow path. The dehumidifier means removes entrained moisture from wet air exiting the drying chamber, reheats the air, and returns it to the drying chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2024Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Inventor: Michael Goldberg
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Patent number: 11976409Abstract: A disclosed dryer includes a receptacle configured to contain material to be dried, an air duct configured to route recirculating air and/or fresh air to the receptacle, a heating device configured to heat the recirculating air, and at least one sensor. The sensor is configured to determine a relative humidity and/or temperature, and the air duct includes at least one adjusting element configured to modify a portion of recirculating air routed to the receptacle. The dryer further includes a control or regulating device configured to control or regulate the portion of recirculating air routed to the receptacle and/or a heating capacity of the heating device during a drying process. A disclosed method includes controlling a portion of recirculating air routed to the receptacle and/or a heating capacity of the heating device. Further, a mixture of recirculating air and fresh air are varied during heat-up, drying, and cool-down phases.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: LAVATEC LAUNDRY TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Wolf-Peter Graeser, Joachim Krause
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Patent number: 11821135Abstract: A laundry treating appliance comprising a combination washer/dryer having a cabinet defining an interior, a tub located within the interior with a first access opening, a rotatable drum located within the tub and having a rear wall defining a fan, a closure moveably mounted to the cabinet and selectively movable between open/closed positions to open/close at least one of the first and second access openings; an air recirculation conduit having an inlet fluidly coupled to a first portion of the treating chamber and an outlet fluidly coupled to a second portion of the treating chamber, which is different than the first portion, and a condenser fluidly coupled to the recirculation conduit.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Roy E. Masters
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Patent number: 11802367Abstract: An air filtration system for a laundry apparatus includes an air-lint inlet forming an interior volume configured to fluidically couple to a tumbler of the laundry apparatus and extending to an end portion. The system further includes a lint-collection reservoir coupled to the air-lint inlet configured to hold a liquid at a level, wherein the air-lint inlet extends into the lint-collection reservoir. The system further includes an outlet conduit in fluid connection with the air-lint collection reservoir. The outlet conduit is configured to expel filter air from the air-lint collection reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Victor A. Moniz, Daniel Eugene Quinn, Justin William Sampson, Bruce R. Villella
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Patent number: 10718082Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a rotating drum for processing laundry. A heat pump system has a heat exchanger that is positioned within an air conditioning chamber. A blower directs process air through an air path that includes the rotating drum and the air conditioning chamber. An insulating member positioned between a top portion of the heat exchanger and an underside of a cover member for the air conditioning chamber. The insulating member directs the process air through the heat exchanger and away from the underside of the cover member and absorbs sound and vibration generated by movement of process air through the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Mark J. Christensen, John G. Kantz
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Patent number: 10407818Abstract: A washer-dryer is provided with at least one condenser for condensing moisture-laden air exiting the laundry during a drying cycle. The washer-dryer includes a washing tub (10) comprising a cylindrical lateral wall (12) and a rear wall (14) and a rotatable laundry drum (24) arranged or arrangeable inside the washing tub (10). An inlet (20) of the condenser is arranged at or connected to the rear wall of the washing tub (10). An outlet of the condenser is connected to the washing tub (10). The rear wall (14) of the washing tub (10) comprises a duct (18) fluidly connected to the inlet (20) of the condenser, so that the air stream from the laundry drum (24) to the inlet (20) of the condenser passes the duct (18). At least one sensor (22) is arranged inside the duct (18).Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventor: Daniele Striato
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Patent number: 10365040Abstract: A method for drying high moisture, low calorific value lignite for a generating set and recovering water contained therein and an apparatus thereof mainly consist of a rotary steam tube dryer, a washing cooling tower, a coal mill, a first bag filter, a condenser, a weighing surge bunker, a water ring vacuum pump and so on. A drying system is integrated with a milling system, every dryer and the corresponding coal mill are disposed and are directly connected via a surge bunker, thereby not only saving the heat lost during the transportation of pulverized coal, but also omitting a long-distance transportation from a conventional drying system to a conventional milling system, effectively avoiding such phenomena as dust pollution, waste and spontaneous combustion during transportation and transshipment, simplifying the coal preparation system employed in the front-end process of drying.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: TIANHUA INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL MACHINERY AND AUTOMATION CO., LTDInventors: Xu Zhao, Yan Dou, Zhongfu Zhan, Yongpeng Tan, Jinwen Shi, Tao Shen, Yonggong Ling, Wei Yang, Yan Zhang
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Patent number: 10362798Abstract: A bean roasting system includes a roasting chamber, a blower, a variable diverter and a controller. The roasting chamber, the blower and the variable diverter each is disposed at least partially within a recirculating gas flow path. The blower is configured to provide a flow stream of gas through the recirculating gas flow path. The variable diverter is configured to split the gas flow path into at least two flow paths including a treated flow path and a bypass flow path. The treated flow path includes a series arrangement of a gas heater and a catalytic converter. The variable diverter is configured to control a percentage of a flow stream of gas that is diverted into the bypass flow path. The controller is configured to activate different predetermined operating modes for the bean roasting system by controlling a state of the variable diverter and a state of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Bellwether Coffee Co.Inventors: Ricardo Lopez, John Sandhu, Arno Holschuh, Victor Escobedo, Benjamin Jones, Brandon McLaughlin, Neil Vesco, Henry D'Souza, David Kortbawi
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Patent number: 10196772Abstract: A condensing type clothes dryer having a heat pump cycle and a method for controlling a condensing type clothes dryer having a heat pump cycle are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yongju Lee, Daeyun Park, Byeongjo Ryoo
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Patent number: 9758921Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a laundry dryer including a fan motor (26) for driving a drying air stream fan (18) with a variable speed (vf) and a drum motor (28) for driving a laundry drum (12). The method comprises the steps of setting a predetermined course for the speed (vd) of the drum motor (28), maintaining the speed (vd) of the drum motor (28) according to the predetermined course for the speed (vd) of said drum motor (28), detecting a power (Pd) or a current absorbed by the drum motor (28), and controlling the speed (vf) of the fan motor (26) on the basis of the absorbed power (Pd) or current of the drum motor (28). The speed (vf) of the fan motor (26) increases with a decreasing absorbed power (Pd) or current of the drum motor (28) and/or the speed (vf) of the fan motor (26) decreases with an increasing absorbed power (Pd) or current of the drum motor (28).Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Alberto Bison, Francesco Cavarretta, Maurizio Ugel, Massimiliano Vignocchi
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Patent number: 9510605Abstract: A crisp food product is prepared in a first phase from thin food pieces of raw fruit, vegetable or gelatinizable proteins, by blanching them (if necessary) and drying them. A second phase takes place in a vacuum chamber, where the dried thin food pieces are exposed to heat to expand them, are quickly removed from the heat source and are cooled, before being removed from the vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Inventor: Tania Maria Melnyczuk
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Patent number: 9243844Abstract: A dryer appliance includes an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation in order to urge a flow of air through a drum of the dryer appliance. The impeller assembly includes a base plate, a plurality of blades and a plurality of extensions. The size and position of the plurality of extensions can assist with urging the flow of air through the drum of the dryer appliance.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Zhiquan Yu
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Patent number: 8978267Abstract: A dryer is provided that includes a drying chamber for items to be dried; a supply air duct; a process air duct; an exhaust air duct; and a heat pump having a heat sink and a heat source, wherein the supply air duct and the exhaust air duct can be connected to each other through a recirculating air duct by means of a mechanism in order to adjust a proportion of recirculating and exhaust air in the dryer, and wherein the dryer has a first sensor for determining a process air temperature. A method for operating the dryer and a method for controlling the temperature and/or the humidity of the air of a room using the dryer are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Uwe-Jens Krausch, Andreas Stolze
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Patent number: 8449724Abstract: Systems and methods for producing torrefied lignocellulosic material in a commercially suitable process.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Andritz Technology and Asset Management GmbHInventors: Bertil Stromberg, Joseph Monroe Rawls
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Publication number: 20120324756Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drying bulk goods, in particular solids, such as granular materials, powders, grains, films, shreds, or the like, preferably plastic granular material. In order to dry the exhaust air flow (5) exiting the drying silo (9), the drying silo (9), through which an air flow flows, is connected by means of a process fan (11) to a wheel drier (1) that contains a drying or adsorbing agent and that has a rotatable drum (2) having radial cells (21). The individual cells (21) of the drum (2) of the wheel drier (1) are formed by plates, wherein clamping plates (24) of a cell (21) lying against the radial outer (22) and inner (23) jackets of the drum (2) have a U-shaped cross-section and are arranged axially on the inner wall. The legs (25) of the U-shaped clamping plates (24) are tilted outwardly. Separating plates (26) are provided as partitions of the individual cells (21).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: WITTMANN KUNSTSTOFFGERAETE GMBHInventor: Erhard Fux
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Patent number: 8231382Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials. The apparatus comprises at least one support, an oven (10) mounted to each support and adapted for receiving material to be treated: each oven (10) being moveable between a first position in which a first portion (4) is generally higher than a second portion (6) and a second position in which the second portion (6) is generally higher than the first portion (4) and in use, the or each oven (10) is repeatedly moved between first and second positions to move material within the oven. The apparatus including at least one afterburner (22) for generating a stream of hot gasses and conduit means for directing the stream of hot gasses into a treatment zone of the oven and exhaust means for returning the gasses to the at least one afterburner whereby the or each oven does not include an integral afterburner.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventors: Ophneill Henry Perry, Rifat Alchalabi
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Publication number: 20120090190Abstract: The present invention aims at the drum dryer drying the rolling clothes by the electric heating thermal energy, and a thermal flow recycling structure is further installed at an air intake flowpath of the room temperature air flow for introducing the discharged hot air, for mixing and preheating the intake air flow by the thermal energy of the introduced discharged hot air, so as to reduce the thermal energy loss.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Tai-Her YANG
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Publication number: 20120017464Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement in turn including an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected. A drum is provided to receive clothes to be dried. An auxiliary heater is included, as is a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over the condenser and the heater, and through the drum. A sensor is located to sense high side temperature and/or high side pressure of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the auxiliary heater, and is operative to: activate the auxiliary heater during a startup transient of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement; monitor the high side temperature and/or high side pressure, during the startup transient; and de-activate the auxiliary heater in response to the high side temperature and/or high side pressure reaching a first predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: David G. BEERS, Brent Alden JUNGE, Nicholas OKRUCH, JR., Amelia Lear HENSLEY
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Patent number: 8096063Abstract: An apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials comprises a support and an oven pivotally mounted to the support. The oven has charging portion for receiving material to be treated and a changeover portion. Incorporated within the changeover portion is a heat treatment chamber through which a stream of hot gases can be passed. The oven is pivotally moveable between a first position in which the changeover portion is higher than the charging portion and a second position in which the charging portion is higher than the changeover portion. The arrangement is such that the oven can be repeatedly moved between the first and second positions so that material within the oven falls from one portion to the other portion, passing through the stream of hot gasses in the heat treatment chamber. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventors: Ophneil Henry Perry, Rifat Alchalabi
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Publication number: 20100307020Abstract: A heat exchanger (1) for a dryer, especially for a domestic dryer, has a plurality of fins (2), wherein a flow channel (3) is established between two fins (2), and wherein air is guided along a flow direction (F) through the flow channel (3) from an inlet edge (4) to an outlet edge (5). To improve the behaviour of the heat exchanger as regards the collection of lint, at least the inlet edges (4) of the fins (2) have an at least partially rounded shape (6, 6?, 6?) seen in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction (F) and parallel to the surfaces (7) of the fins (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N. V.Inventors: Sergio PILLOT, Flavio NOVIELLO
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Publication number: 20100132217Abstract: A dryer includes a drying chamber, a supply air duct, a process air duct, a heater in the process air duct, a fan, an exhaust air duct, a recirculation duct, and a two-part closure mechanism that includes a fluff separator with a first surface and a second surface, and a damper. The fluff separator and the damper are rotatable against each other such that in a first position of the closure mechanism the damper disconnects the recirculation duct from the process air duct and the fluff separator disconnects the exhaust air duct from the process air duct, and in a second position of the closure mechanism the fluff separator disconnects the recirculation duct from the process air duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBHInventor: Günter Steffens
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Publication number: 20090320323Abstract: This device comprises a drum having a lateral surface through which fluid can pass, and two flexible belts (2) which pass over the lateral surface of the drum (1) at a distance from one another, each of them on an idle guide roller (3) of its own. Each roller (3) is mounted so as to pivot about a vertical axis (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: RIETER PERFOJETInventor: Jean-Michel Dubus
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Publication number: 20090300941Abstract: A household appliance and a method for drying a damp item via an air current are provided. An air current is conducted in a substantially enclosed dry air channel and is driven by a fan. The air current can flow through a treatment chamber with the item, a cooling arrangement for cooling the air current and removing moisture from the air current by condensation after it has flown through the treatment chamber, and a heating arrangement for heating the air current before it flows through the treatment chamber. The cooling arrangement has a first heat exchanger, via which heat from the air current is fed to a process gas that is conducted in a regenerative gas circulation process, and the heating arrangement has a second heat exchanger, via which heat from the process gas is fed to the air current.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBHInventor: Andreas Stolze
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Publication number: 20090211111Abstract: The present invention relates to a dryer. The dryer in which a drying object is dried with air from a rotating drum, the air having moisture removed therefrom, heated at a heating unit, and supplied to the rotating drum again, wherein a gas burner is used as the heating unit, and the air is heated by heat exchange with exhaust gas heated by the gas burner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: LG Electronic Inc.Inventors: Yang Ho Kim, Dae Rae Lee, Jung Wan Ryu, Young Soo Kim
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Publication number: 20090205220Abstract: An adapter to a dryer, or a new configuration to a dryer, allows articles, such as clothes, towels, sheets and the like to dry with reduced energy consumption. The adapted configuration draws air from outside the room or structure housing the dryer. The outside air is then used to dry the articles. The outside air can be heated within the dryer using the existing heater prior to entering the drum holding the articles. After the heated air removes moisture from the articles, the moist, hot air is expelled outside the room or structure through an outlet air duct. Thus, air within the room or structure is not used for the drying process and conditions such as temperature and pressure are not changed when the dryer is on.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: Charles Robert Dewald, III, Thomas L. Cristello
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Publication number: 20090193679Abstract: A method for roasting a load of plant biomass, includes the following stages: generation of a treatment gas stream by a thermal generating apparatus, the treatment gas stream being an inert gas consisting essentially of CO2; generation of a bed of material at high temperature, called the thermal base; treatment of the load of biomass with the treatment gas stream, the treatment gas stream being laden with gaseous components including a water steam and volatile organic compounds originating from the load of biomass during the treatment; and recycling of at least a portion of the water steam by passing at least a portion of the laden gas stream through the thermal base.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventor: Raymond Guyomarc'h
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Publication number: 20090094854Abstract: Clothes drying machine comprising a drum holding the clothes to be dried, a first fan adapted to blow a first flow of drying air through said drum, and possibly a condenser adapted to condense the moisture out of the drying air exiting said drum. The machine is provided with a drying programme that includes a step involving an increase in the temperature of the air introduced in said drum, in which said temperature is increased to a value of at least 130° C. and held there for a pre-set period of time, and said temperature increase step is provided in the initial portion of the drying programme, when the moisture content of the clothes is not less than 20%.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Silvano Cimetta, Flavio Noviello
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Publication number: 20080301969Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials. The apparatus comprising a support: and an oven (10) mounted to the support for receiving material to be treated. The oven (10) maybe moved between a first position in which a first portion is higher than a second portion, and a second position in which the converse is true. In use, the oven can be repeatedly moved between the first and second positions so material falls from one portion to the other portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2006Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Ophneill Henry Perry, Rifat Alchalabi
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Patent number: 7425688Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a hot air stream flowing in a flow passage of a tumble dryer. The heating assembly is configured for installation in the flow passage and comprises at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensor. The heating element is arranged such that the hot air stream can flow around it in a passing direction (D). The at least one temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the hot air stream and is arranged such that it projects into a core area of the hot air stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: DBK David + Baader GmbHInventors: Andreas Loesch, Ralf Frohn, Jerome Grunewald, Jens Koehne
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Patent number: 7331119Abstract: An apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials comprises a support and an oven pivotally mounted to the support. The oven has charging portion for receiving material to be treated and a changeover portion. Incorporated within the changeover portion is a heat treatment chamber through which a stream of hot gasses can be passed. The oven is pivotally moveable between a first position in which the changeover portion is higher than the charging portion and a second position in which the charging portion is higher than the changeover portion. The arrangement is such that the oven can be repeatedly moved between the first and second positions so that material within the oven falls from one portion to the other portion, passing through the stream of hot gasses in the heat treatment chamber. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventors: Ophneil Henry Perry, Rifat Alchalabi
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Patent number: 7143686Abstract: A coffee roaster that includes a combustion chamber and a connected roasting oven in which the heating gases for roasting the coffee beans are recirculated to the combustion chamber wherein the coffee bean chaff is separated from the recirculating heating gases prior to venting to atmosphere, and an associated cooling chamber wherein the roasted coffee beans are cooled in a two-stage-heating cycle wherein the cooling air is recirculated to the combustion chamber to be reheated to roasting temperatures and vented to atmosphere during the second stage of cooling. The coffee beans being de-stoned as the cooled coffee beans are conveyed from the cooling chamber to the discharge hopper.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventor: Raffael Sandolo
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Patent number: 6966124Abstract: A drum washing machine, which has a clothes-drying unit with a plurality of heat pipes. The heat pipes recover, during a drying-mode operation of the drum washing machine, heat from high temperature humid air flowing from a water tub, and combine the recovered heat with low temperature dry air flowing from an area around a condensing nozzle, thus saving time and electricity during the drying-mode operation. In the clothes-drying unit, an air duct includes first and second duct parts, having a condensing nozzle installed in the first duct part, and a blower fan and a heater installed in the second duct part. A lower end of the heat pipe is arranged in a lower end of the first duct part, and an upper end of the heat pipe is arranged in an upper end of the first duct part. The heat pipe thus recovers the heat from the air, which flows in the lower end of the first duct part, and combines the recovered heat with the air, which flows in the upper end of the first duct part.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Doo-Young Ryu
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Patent number: 6883249Abstract: An insulating flight for a dryer incorporates inner and outer plates with insulation between them. The concave surfaces of the inner and outer plates provide a space for the insulation and allow for thermal expansion without stressing the welds between the inner and outer plates.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Internetek, Inc.Inventor: Gary Catlett
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Publication number: 20040035019Abstract: A condenser of a condensing-type clothes dryer is disclosed, which includes a plurality of condensing ducts provided in a middle portion of a circulation duct, the condensing ducts condensing air being circulated there-through after being discharged from a drum; and a plurality of cooling fins provided to be in contact with an outer surface of the condensing ducts, wherein an interval or a pitch of the cooling fins is different partially according to flow rate of air blown from a cooling fan for a heat-exchange with air flowing through the condensing duct. At this time, the pitch or interval of the cooling fins is narrow at a portion where air blown from the cooling fan flows fast, and the pitch or internal of the cooling fins is wide at a portion where air blown from the cooling fan flows slowly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Young Hwan Park, Choon Myun Chung, Mu Yong Choi, Dae Yun Park, Kyung Seop Hong
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Patent number: 6551461Abstract: The energy efficiency of a throughdrying papermaking process is improved by recycling exhaust air from one or more throughdryers to further heat the web at various places in the process.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Michael Alan Hermans, Charlcie Christie Kay Leitner, Frank Stephen Hada, Ronald Frederick Gropp, Marek Parszewski
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Publication number: 20030019601Abstract: The energy efficiency of a throughdrying papermaking process is improved by recycling exhaust air from one or more throughdryers to further heat the web at various places in the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Michael Alan Hermans, Charlcie Christie Kay Leitner, Frank Stephen Hada, Ronald Frederick Gropp, Marek Parszewski
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Patent number: 6487790Abstract: An apparatus for continuously drying unpackaged food products, in particular vegetables, comprises conveyor means for conveying the products to be dried and circulating means for feeding dry air on the product to be dried and for collecting wet air coming from the products, and being characterized in that the apparatus further comprises means for dehumidifying the wet air, said means comprising an adsorption dehumidifier device.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Inventor: Pasquale Damiani
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Patent number: 6484417Abstract: An improved dryer (10) and drying methods are provided which increase overall dryer efficiency by maintaining substantially constant output air stream adiabatic saturation ratio and temperature values during the course of drying, notwithstanding the occurrence of upset conditions. The dryer (10) includes a dryer body (12), an input air heater assembly (14) including an air heater (32), and a control assembly (18). The dryer body (12) has a drying zone (30), with product inputs and outputs (20, 22) as well as an input (26) for a heated air stream and an output (28) for the cooled, moisture-laden output air stream. The dryer control assembly (18) includes temperature and humidity sensors (48, 50) coupled to controllers (54, 60) and a PLC (66). The controller (54) is coupled with an exhaust fan/damper unit (46) while controller (60) is connected with a fuel valve (36).Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Paul Tedman, Douglas Clark
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Patent number: 6196710Abstract: An apparatus for making asphalt paving material includes a dust collection and distribution system by which aggregate dust that is collected during the heating and drying of aggregate may be introduced into the mixing chamber and distributed over a substantial portion of the area of the mixing chamber. By distributing the aggregate dust over a broader area of the mixing chamber than has been previously known, the mixing effort required to achieve a thorough blending of the dust into the mixture is reduced, and the quality of the asphalt paving composition is improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.Inventors: Malcolm L. Swanson, Gary R. Keylon
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Patent number: 6138378Abstract: This invention is related to a wet gas process which would not require a spray pump, and which would allow the absorption liquid to be recovered smoothly even if the flow velocity of the gases entrained to the liquid should decrease. A wet gas processing apparatus in which the absorption liquid collected in the first liquid storage tank is sprayed in a specified direction (which may be upward, horizontal or downward) by a discharge unit consisting of spray nozzles (14) or the like in the absorption tower. The sprayed liquid is brought into contact with the exhaust gases which are conducted into the tower, and the targeted components of the gases are absorbed and removed. This processing apparatus is distinguished by the following. The first liquid storage tank for the absorption liquid comprises a pressure tank (11) which generates a pressurized gas in the space above the surface of the collected liquid (11a).Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Toru Takashina, Naoyuki Kamiyama, Takeo Shinoda, Hiromitsu Nagayasu, Susumu Okino, Masakazu Onizuka, Koichiro Iwashita, Satoshi Nakamura, Kenji Inoue
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Patent number: 5997288Abstract: A flighted, horizontally inclined rotary retort, heated externally by flame, hot gases, steam or other sources of heat. The retort shall have sufficient flight area to transport the coal through the retort in the predetermined time. The coal being processed in this retort is prevented from becoming exothermic by provision for a countercurrent flow of blanket gas, heated to a predetermined temperature below exotherm, to prevent coal surface temperatures from rising above the ignition temperature. The retort accommodates oversize pieces of raw coal by having alternating long and short flights, thus allowing greater space between long flights and allowing the larger pieces to be carried over the center pipe by the wiping action of the long flights. The retort will also be provided with an internal pipe, mounted on the center line of the shell.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Robert J. AdamsInventor: Robert J. Adams
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Patent number: 5908291Abstract: A direct heat rotary calciner and method for providing improved thermal treatment of particulate material comprises a rotary tube having a plurality of screened apertures along the length thereof. Material to be treated is passed through the rotating tube and contacted during passage with a cross-flow of heated gases entering and leaving through the screened apertures. At least a portion of the internal wall of the tube may be provided with spiral flights to aid in the conveyance of the particulate material through the rotating tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Harper International Corp.Inventors: Bruce J. Dover, Edward V. McCormick
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Patent number: 5882381Abstract: A thermal desorption system for the treatment of contaminated solids.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Modern Equipment Company, Inc.Inventors: Gunther Hauck, Lynwood L. Socks, Rodney H. Schueller, Robert Youmans, John W. Noland, Wayne L. Read
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Patent number: 5689848Abstract: The invention relates to a method of dry cleaning textiles which are washed with solvent and dried by hot air, the solvent being recovered after condensation, the invention being characterised in that the solvent concentration is measured at the point where it is highest and temperature is measured, both being measured continuously throughout the whole of the drying process and the values are processed in a computer, and the concentration in the supply of hot air is controlled as a function of the relationship of concentration, acting as the pilot value, to temperature along a characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: SATEC GmbHInventors: Hans-Udo Saal, Ralf Mathias Saal
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Patent number: 5551166Abstract: A dryer drum coater reduces blue smoke emissions by evacuating the blue smoke from the dryer drum coater independently of the exhaust of combustion products. The blue smoke, produced when heated and dried aggregate is mixed with other asphaltic products such as RAP or liquid asphalt, is preferably evacuated from a vapor outlet formed remote from the exhaust products outlet of the coater and adjacent the heated and dried aggregate inlet of the mixing chamber. Evacuating the blue smoke at this location obviates the need to separate the blue smoke from the combustion products and also prevents the introduction of excess oxygen into the combustion zone of the dryer drum coater. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the evacuated blue smoke is fed directly to the combustion air inlet of the coater's burner blower and is thereby incinerated.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.Inventor: John Milstead
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Patent number: 5522158Abstract: A dryer drum coater has an internal recirculation cylinder for promoting the recirculation of combustion products so as to entrain and incinerate blue smoke formed when heated and dried virgin aggregate is mixed with other asphaltic products such as RAP and/or liquid asphalt in the dryer drum coater. The recirculation cylinder acts to extend and strengthen natural eddy currents formed during operation of the coater such that combustion product recirculation which would normally extend only in the end area of the flame extends far enough toward the base of the flame to entrain the blue smoke and to draw the blue smoke into the base area of the flame. The cylinder may comprise a refractory lined stainless steel shell or may be formed from tee flights of the type used in the combustion zones of dryer drum coaters.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1994Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.Inventor: Malcolm L. Swanson
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Patent number: 5228214Abstract: The apparatus--which is used for the continuous treatment of a linear manufacture, such as length of fabric to be dried, with a gaseous stream - comprises a hollow rotor device (3) capable of being set in angular motion about a substantially horizontal axis, in combination with means (16, 14) for feeding the manufacture (M) to an open end of said rotor and means (42) for drawing the manufacture from the other open end of said rotor; continuous conveyor belt means (65, 65A) extend through the rotor in order to slowly advance said manufacture inside the internal volume of the rotor along said rotor; and suitable means (22, 30, 9) pass conditioned air or some other treatment gas into and along said rotor in order to treat the material.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1992Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignees: Officina Meccanica Biancalani, C. di Fiorenzo Biancalani & C. S.n.c., Coramtex S.r.l.Inventors: Fiorenzo Biancalani, Luigi Marcora
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Patent number: 5220732Abstract: A process of cooling sand and rocks enables large amounts of aggregate to be cooled to a desired temperature below ambient aggregate temperature. Such temperature reduction is particularly useful for preparing concrete. Aggregate is introduced into a rotating cylinder, in which the aggregate is slowly mixed and moved. Chilled gas is also introduced into the cylinder, to contact the aggregate particles and reduce the temperature of the aggregate. Chilled gas may be provided by blowing ambient air or gas into contact with a chilled gas or liquid supply, and then directing the chilled gas into the cylinder. The gas may be recirculated in a closed system, to conserve energy and prevent aggregate fines from being lost.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1992Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Inventor: Michael Lee
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Patent number: 4892411Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous drum dryer mixer apparatus and method for heating and drying virgin aggregates, as well as recycled asphaltic pavement materials and mixing such materials with liquid asphalt cement and other ingredients to formulate asphalt paving materials.A first cylindrical rotatable drum dryer has a first material input in one end thereof and a material output at the other end thereof. The output is directable at the option of the operator to either a hot elevator for carrying it to an asphalt batch plant or into a second concentric or offset rotating drum mixer. A burner is mounted either at the output end of the first cylindrical drum, or at the output end of the second drum and extends therethrough to the output end of the first cylindrical drum for directing a flame into the first cylindrical drum.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1988Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Inventors: E. J. Elliott, Fred W. Prill, Douglas R. Fisher
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Patent number: 4868999Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacture of asphaltic pavement from recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and virgin rock and asphaltic materials is shown and described. This method utilizes efficient and controlled heat from a recirculating air impingement air dryer for heating of the RAP to a first temperature prior to the RAP being mixed with high temperature rock which is supplied from a rotating drum heater. The mixture of rock and RAP may comprise as much as 80% RAP because the RAP is preheated piror to the RAP rock mixing step.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1987Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Assignee: C.D. High TechnologyInventor: John Radomsky