Gas Or Vapor Conducting Conduits In Drum Or Receptacle Patents (Class 34/138)
  • Patent number: 9937639
    Abstract: A powder heating assembly of a rapid prototyping apparatus includes a powder feeder and a heating module. The powder feeder includes an accommodation space and a powder falling port in communication with the accommodation space. The heating module is disposed under the powder feeder, and includes a thermally conductive cap and a heat conduction structure. The powder falling port is capped by the thermally conductive cap. The thermally conductive cap includes a powder exhaust port. The powder exhaust port is in communication with the powder falling port. The heat conduction structure is arranged between the accommodation space of the powder feeder and the thermally conductive cap and includes a heater. The heat generated by the heater is transferred to the construction powder within the powder feeder to preheat the construction powder, remove the moisture contained in the construction powder and dry the construction powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Microjet Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Tsung Chen, Yen-Yu Lin, Kwo-Yuan Shi
  • Publication number: 20150082653
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a dryer appliance. The 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 and an annular front plate spaced apart from the base plate. A plurality of blades extends between the base plate and the annular front plate. The size and position of the base plate, the annular front plate and the plurality of blades relative to one another can assist with urging the flow of air through the drum of the dryer appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Zhiquan Yu
  • Patent number: 8984767
    Abstract: A laundry drying unit includes a process air circuit and a component arranged in the process air circuit. Provided above the component is a washing tank for dispensing a cleaning fluid, with a flow of cleaning fluid dispensed from the washing tank to the component being controlled by a controllable valve. The valve can be controlled on the basis of an amount of cleaning fluid in the washing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Grunert, Guido Sattler
  • Publication number: 20140150278
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter, whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Ig Geun Kwon, Sangwook Hong, Youngsuk Kim, Hyunseok Seo
  • Patent number: 8499471
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for drying a biosolid or sludge, such as wastewater sludge. The system and method include a fluidized bed dryer in which the sludge is dried. The fluidized bed includes bed media. In particular examples, the bed media is different than the sludge. The system and method can include additional features, such treating the sludge using a thermochemical process in a thermochemical reactor, such as a gasifier, to produce a fuel. The fuel is then combusted to produce energy and heat. The heat is recycled to the drier to help dry sludge. In particular examples, sludge input to the dryer is not first treated using a high-pressure dewatering technique. In some embodiments, the system and method include an anaerobic digester coupled to a combustion unit coupled to the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventors: Charles J. Coronella, Victor R. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 8449724
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing torrefied lignocellulosic material in a commercially suitable process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Andritz Technology and Asset Management GmbH
    Inventors: Bertil Stromberg, Joseph Monroe Rawls
  • Publication number: 20130042500
    Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer (1) includes a cabinet (10), a drum (11), a rear supporter (30), and a dry duct (42). The cabinet (10) defines an external appearance. The drum (21) is rotatably provided in the cabinet an housing articles to be dried. The rear supporter (30) supports a rear end of the drum (21). The dry duct (42) supplies dry air. Here, the dry duct (42) is connected to a circumference of the rear supporter (30) to supply the dry air into the drum through the circumference of the rear supporter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Sog Kie Hong, Jong Seok Kim, Sung Min Kim, Dae Yun Park
  • Patent number: 8371037
    Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8365433
    Abstract: A technique by which various types of organic waste can be easily treated so as to obtain a reusable material. An apparatus is provided which comprises a vessel (20) for introducing organic waste (18) therein, the vessel being equipped with: stirring means (82), (92), and (98) for stirring the organic waste (18); steam supply means (62), (64), and (66) which supply high-temperature high-pressure steam to the vessel (20); evacuation means (77), (78), and (80) which evacuate the vessel (20); and heating means (24), (68), (64), and (66) which heat the organic waste (18) present in the vessel (20). The apparatus has such constitution, in which the organic waste (18) in the vessel (20) is decomposed by hydrolysis and pyrolysis and vacuum dried using those means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kunitomo Kankyo Plant Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Ogura
  • Patent number: 8356420
    Abstract: A combined plenum divider/hopper is provided for a grain drying tower. The divider/hopper is positioned in the drying tower proximate the heater for the drying tower and is operable to adjust the ratio of the length of the heating portion of the plenum to the length of the cooling portion of the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The GSI Group, LLC
    Inventors: David Morrison, John M. Frankovich
  • Patent number: 8347525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spray drying system and a method for its operation that provides a composition of dry. or essentially solvent free, particles from a solution of an agent. The system comprises a generally vertical tube reactor arranged for counter-current removal of solvent from a process flow fed with aerosol droplets of solution descending from the top said reactor with an ascending gas flow. The reactor includes a perforated process tube for transportation of the process flow from the outlet of an aerosol generating device to a dry particle collecting device. A membrane sleeve essentially surrounds the peripheral area of said process tube and separates the descending process stream from the ascending gas stream. Vaporized solvent is transported from the process stream to the ascending gas stream. A reactor housing is sealingly covering said process tube and membrane sleeve and is provided with means for introducing and/or removing the process fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Inhalation Sciences Sweden AB
    Inventor: Per Gerde
  • Patent number: 8322056
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Terra Green Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P. Causer
  • Publication number: 20120246962
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clothes dryer, which includes: a main body in which a drum is rotatably installed; a circulation passage which becomes a path of the air passing through the drum in the main body to dry the clothes; a heat exchanger composed of an evaporator, a compressor, an expansion valve and a condenser to cool and heat the air on the circulation passage; an inlet port provided on one lateral surface of the main body to inhale the outdoor air; and an outlet port provided on the bottom surface of the main body to discharge the outdoor air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Junseok LEE
  • Patent number: 8276289
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Terra Green Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P. Causer
  • Patent number: 8250775
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic plant and a method of stockage in a covered yard of petcoke fuel with high humidity-contents, natural dehumidification up to set humidity values and subsequent reuptake for conveyance to the silos feeding a thermal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Magaldi Ricerche E Brevetti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Magaldi
  • Patent number: 8220177
    Abstract: An embossed screen having raised deflector elements on the internal surface is provided for a centrifugal pellet dryer. The deflector screen is formed as an integral structure, eliminating the need for separate deflector components secured by fastening elements along with the associated risks such as loosening or separation of the strip and contaminate build-up between the strip and the screen. The embossed deflector screen effectively deflects the pellets back toward the rotor where the pellets are reengaged with rotor energy, resulting in increased dryer efficiency and flow rate. The embossed deflector screen also enhances the overall structural strength of the screen, reduces manufacturing costs and prevents pellet entrapment that can lead to contamination in future runs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Bryan
  • Patent number: 8191388
    Abstract: There are provided a drying duct assembly and a washing machine having the drying duct assembly. The drying duct assembly includes a duct lower, a duct upper coupled to an upper portion of the duct lower, a reflector seating on one of inner circumferences of the duct lower and the duct upper, a heater provided in the duct lower to generate heat, and a fan assembly provided on a side of the duct lower to suck air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myoung-Deok Kim, Dong-Woo Kang, Su-Hee Shin, Hyon-Su Ahn
  • Publication number: 20120102781
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement having a working fluid and an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected and containing the working fluid. The apparatus also includes a sensor located to sense at least one parameter, a controller coupled to said sensor and said compressor, a drum to receive clothes to be dried, wherein a rear portion of the drum is equipped with multiple perforations, and a perimeter portion of the drum is equipped with multiple perforations, and a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over said condenser and through said drum, wherein the duct and fan arrangement is configured to facilitate airflow through the perforations on the rear portion of the drum into the drum, and out of the drum through the perforations on the perimeter portion of the drum to enable an increased airflow without an increased power input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: David Beers, Nicolas Okruch, JR.
  • Patent number: 8127462
    Abstract: A dryer uses conduits to carry a heating medium, such as steam, to heat the outer surface of the dryer. The volume of steam is successfully reduced to non-explosive levels and the shell need not be designed to prevent an explosion. Conduits may be formed through the shell itself or grooves may be formed on the inner surface of the shell, with the conduits retained within the grooves. Also, the conduits can be placed against the inside surface of the dryer and a material, such as zinc, can be filled in about the conduits. The material serves to both retain the conduits in place and thermally couple the conduits to the dryer to assure efficient heat transfer between the conduits and dryer. These modifications relieve the dryer from the Unfired Pressure Vessel classification to the classification of a piping assembly under ASA code regulations. This results in savings in operation safety, installation cost and operating costs due to the absence of costly inspections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Osvaldo Ricardo Haurie, Richard Kenneth Haurie
  • Patent number: 8037618
    Abstract: Device for dewatering and drying solids, especially plastics granulated under water, in form of a centrifuge dryer comprising a housing (1) having an inlet opening (2) for the solid material with adhering water and an outlet opening (3) for the dehydrated solid material, a screen cylinder (4) fixedly disposed inside the housing (1), a rotor (5) arranged inside the screen cylinder (4) and wings (6) attached to the rotor at a distance from one another, a water drain (7), and arrangements (8, 8?) for the introduction and removal of an air stream passing vertically through the device. It is distinguished on the one hand in that the inlet opening (2) is arranged tangential to the screen cylinder (4, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ECON Maschinenbau und Steuerungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Hehenberger, Johannes Remili
  • Patent number: 8020313
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: TD*X Associates LP
    Inventors: Carl R. Palmer, Michael J. McElwee, Gregg S. Meyers
  • Patent number: 7987613
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Great River Energy
    Inventors: Mark A Ness, Matthew P Coughlin, John M Wheeldon, Adam M Johnson
  • Patent number: 7908765
    Abstract: A continuous granulating and drying apparatus comprises a granulator and a fluid bed dryer. The fluid bed dryer comprises at least two separate processing compartments forming part of a common vessel being provided with radially extending partition walls separating the processing compartments from each other. Each processing compartment has a product inlet and a product outlet. The fluid bed dryer comprises a granulated product supply conduit arranged rotatably to selectively communicate with the product inlet of each separate processing compartment, respectively, and a product discharge conduit arranged rotatably to selectively communicate with the product outlet of each separate processing compartment, respectively. The granulator and the fluid bed dryer are closely coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Collette NV
    Inventors: Michel Simon Waldron, Trevor Gordon Page
  • Publication number: 20110016736
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clothes dryer, comprising: a body; a drum rotatably installed at the body; a duct for guiding air exhausted from the drum; and a filter assembly for filtering lint included in the air exhausted from the drum. The filter assembly includes a lint filter and a cover filter, and a lint collector encompassed by the lint filter and the cover filter. The clothes dryer includes sensing means for sensing whether the lint filter has been mounted to a precise position or not. The sensing means consists of a magnet mounted to a mesh frame of the lint filter, and a reed switch mounted to a cover guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Jae-Seok Kim, Ju-Han Yoon
  • Publication number: 20090320313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry dryer having an improved structure, which can remove wrinkles of laundry during a drying cycle after washing. A dryer includes a cabinet in which various parts are installed; a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, the drum holding laundry therein; a heater that heats air to supply hot air to the drum; a steam generator that generates steam to supply the steam to the drum; a water container that has an outlet to supply water to the steam generator; a water supply path provided between the steam generator and the water container; and a contact prevention part that prevents the remaining water of the water container or the water supply path from contacting with the various parts provided in the cabinet, wherein the remaining water is the water remaining in the water container or the water supply path when the water container is detached from the water supply path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Jung Wook Moon, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son
  • Patent number: 7614161
    Abstract: A dryer uses conduits to carry a heating medium, such as steam, to heat the outer surface of the dryer. The volume of steam is successfully reduced to non-explosive levels and the shell need not be designed to prevent an explosion. Conduits may be formed through the shell itself or grooves may be formed on the inner surface of the shell, with the conduits retained within the grooves. Also, the conduits can be placed against the inside surface of the dryer and a material, such as zinc, can be filled in about the conduits. The material serves to both retain the conduits in place and thermally couple the conduits to the dryer to assure efficient heat transfer between the conduits and dryer. These modifications relieve the dryer from the Unfired Pressure Vessel classification to the classification of a piping assembly under ASA code regulations. This results in savings in operation safety, installation cost and operating costs due to the absence of costly inspections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Osvaldo Ricardo Haurie, Richard Kenneth Haurie
  • Publication number: 20090172969
    Abstract: A drying apparatus and a controlling method thereof are provided. During an initial phase of drying operation according to a selected drying cycle, a point of terminating the drying operation is calculated based on a moisture level sensed by a moisture sensor and a moisture output quantity stored in the storage. Drying is performed up to the calculated point of drying operation termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Sang Doo Kim
  • Publication number: 20090165325
    Abstract: A duct for a dryer includes an intake duct provided with a discharge part formed with a discharge hole for discharging air therethrough and a coupling hole formed around the discharge part; and a contact prevention part seated in the coupling hole and spaced apart from the discharge part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ju Dong Lee, Chang Hoo Kim
  • Publication number: 20090126220
    Abstract: A method for detecting the standstill of a drum in a tumble drier during the drying of damp laundry by means of process air which is heated by a heating device in an inflow channel in front of the drum and passes into an outflow channel after passage through the drum, wherein the conductivity of the laundry is measured in the drum and the change in the conductivity is evaluated with regard to the detection of the standstill of the drum. Here, the temperature of the process air is measured by means of a temperature sensor which is arranged in the outflow channel after the drum, and the change in the temperature of the process air is evaluated with regard to the detection of the standstill of the drum. The invention also relates to a tumble drier which is suitable for this purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgrate GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Nawrot, Ulrich Nehring
  • Publication number: 20090119944
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clothing dryer comprising a drum in which a drying object is contained, an exhaust duct connected to the drum and exhausting air in the drum, a blowing fan mounted at an intermediate portion of the exhaust duct and configured to move air, a fan housing receiving the blowing fan and temperature sensors installed at the fan housing. And, temperature sensor mounting portions are formed in the fan housing so as to prevent foreign materials from being accumulated at a front portion of the temperature sensors disposed at a front side of a flow direction of air passing through the fan housing, accordingly it is capable of preventing the foreign materials such as lint from being accumulated at the front side of the temperature sensors and of reducing resistance against air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Dong-Geun Lee, Soo-Won Park
  • Publication number: 20090113744
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clothing dryer comprising a drum in which a drying object is contained, an exhaust duct connected to the drum and exhausting air in the drum, a blowing fan mounted at an intermediate portion of the exhaust duct and configured to move air, a fan housing receiving the blowing fan and a cut-off bracket mounted in the fan housing. As bracket fixing means are formed at the fan housing so as to prevent one end of the cut-off bracket from coming into contact with the blowing fan, it is capable of mounting the fan housing at its original position even though the cut-off bracket is thermally deformed and of preventing air volume from decreasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Soo Won Park
  • Publication number: 20090094854
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Silvano Cimetta, Flavio Noviello
  • Publication number: 20090071031
    Abstract: A condensed water discharge device for use in a laundry treatment machine and a laundry treatment machine are provided. The condensed water discharge device includes a pump housing having an air outlet and may thus be able to discharge air in the pump housing through the air outlet. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a pumping failure caused by air in the pump housing and thus to facilitate the discharge of condensed water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Kyung Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20090071030
    Abstract: A laundry dryer is provided. The laundry dryer includes a drying drum (14), a drying duct (17), a heater (166), an upper base (22), a lower base (21), and a blower (23). The drying drum (14) hold laundry. The drying duct (17) guides indoor air to be suctioned into the drying drum (14). The heater (16) heats the air suctioned into the drying drum (14) The upper base includes a drum connecting duct (203) that guides air passing from the drying drum (14) in a downward direction. The lower base (21) has the upper base (22) mounted therabove, and forms an air passage (201) that exhausts the air guided downward by the drum connecting duct (203) an indoor space. The blower (23) is mounted on one side of the lower base, and suctions air inside the drying drum (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hwan-Joo Myung, Soon-Jo Lee
  • Patent number: 7421803
    Abstract: Venting through the walls of an interior room of a building to an external environment is facilitated by apparatus and techniques for mounting an in-wall unit for interfacing with the exhaust ports of equipment, such as dryers, using flexible pipe. The in-wall unit connects with venting pipe, such as stovepipe, for connecting to the external environment through an exterior surface, such as a roof. If a roof exhaust is desired, a vent assembly is provided that contains a flap that automatically closes when the exhaust flow terminates, but opens when venting is underway. The flap is removable so that cleanout of path between the in-wall unit and the room exhaust can easily occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Philip Charron
  • Patent number: 7404262
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for agricultural product production with heat and moisture control with optional heat and moisture recovery. Some embodiments transfer heat and moisture from a warm, moist exhaust air stream to incoming agricultural material, steam condition the material, pelletize the material into warm pellets, cool the warm pellets with make-up air to produce the warm, moist exhaust air used to transfer heat to the incoming material and to produce cooled pellets, wherein the cooled pellets are at a temperature lower than the warm moist air. In some embodiments, the system includes counter-flow devices to transfer heat and moisture. In some embodiments, a controller is used to adjust system devices and overall system flow. In some embodiments a water sprayer, to moisten agricultural product when the product is over dry, and an air flow controller, to slow air flow through the pellet dryer/cooler when ambient temperatures are dryer/cooler, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Pesco, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Jurkovich, Mark R. Oliver
  • Patent number: 7353621
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a material dryer may include an air source, a pulse nozzle selectively in fluid communication with the air source and located within a section of the solids outlet assembly, and a controller for controlling an air flow from the air source periodically to the pulse nozzle, where the nozzle is actuated by the periodic air flow to provide a corresponding periodic burst of air to the section of the solids outlet assembly, and the burst of air is of sufficient force to dislodge material accumulated within the section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Tony Clarke, Richard Bingham
  • Patent number: 7322124
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spray-drying device (1) having a vertical drying chamber (2), material-atomization means (4) and drying-gas feed (6) means. Filter elements (11) are present in order to filter the fine particles out of the flow of drying gas (7). The fine particles are periodically removed from the filter elements (11) and collected in fine-particle collection means (10) in such a manner that they remain separate from the main flow of spray-dried material. In this way, it is possible to successfully control the properties of the spray-dried (main) material without it being undesirably influenced by the fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Antonius Johannes Maria Bouman
  • Patent number: 7318288
    Abstract: A pollution abatement apparatus comprises an electrified filter bed preceded by a cyclonic mix chamber to remove wood fines and fly ash in a flue gas stream from a wood chip dryer heated by hot gas from an energy system that includes a wood waste combustor. The cyclonic mix chamber has dual inlets, one supplied with flue gas from the dryer and the other supplied with hot gas from the energy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Karim Zahedi, Arya Zahedi
  • Patent number: 7225556
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for powdered or granular material comprising a hopper body with an electric heater in its center, housing therein a heat conducting fin formed with plural compartment walls radially projected therefrom and a carrier gas communication path provided in the conducting fin, which has an upper introduction port and a lower exhaust port, both connected with a penetrating up and down path provided in the center of the heat conducting fin. The apparatus is constructed such that carrier gas externally introduced is fed into the hopper body. According to the apparatus, powdered or granular material is uniformly heated and dried and heating source for carrier gas is not necessary, thereby achieving improvement in energy efficiency and energy saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: KabushikiKaisha Matsui Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tada, Motoharu Shimizu, Takayuki Okuda, Yorinobu Takino
  • Patent number: 7155841
    Abstract: An improved rotary shell or drum dryer (10) is provided having an elongated, horizontally disposed, axially rotatable shell (12) with product and air inlets (14, 18) and an outlet (16) at opposite ends of the shell. Internally, the dryer (10) includes axially spaced apart first and second drying sections (26, 28) each having a turbulator (30, 32) and a downstream serpentine flow section (34, 36). The turbulators (30, 32) are designed to divert portions of a product/airstream in different directions respectively to achieve the intense mixing similar to that obtained in an impingement dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Earth Care Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Livingston
  • Patent number: 6928752
    Abstract: A combination tumble and cabinet dryer appliance includes a housing with a tumble dryer and a cabinet dryer therein. The tumble dryer and cabinet dryer are operable independently of one another. Separate sources of hot air are provided to each of the tumble and cabinet dryers. The cabinet dryer extends over and along one side of the tumble dryer. A portion of the cabinet dryer extends substantially along the height of the housing so as to receive long hanging clothes, such as a dress. Removable shelves are provided in the cabinet dryer for drying sweaters and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Troy A. Johnson, Lee R. Birch, Michael C. Roberts, Kevin W. Shipley, Julie M. Bundy, Frank S. Nekic, Stephen D. Schober, Curtis J. Tremel
  • Publication number: 20040159008
    Abstract: A restriction sensor system for identifying the existence of blockages in exhaust conduits of clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may include a pressure sensing device having a body configured to be coupled to an exhaust conduit of a clothes dryer. The pressure sensing device may be capable of determining changes in air pressure in the exhaust conduit. Once the air pressure present in the exhaust conduit exceeds a threshold air pressure, the pressure sensing device may send a signal to an indicator to generate an alarm, which may be a visual alarm or audible alarm, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Richard John Harpenau
  • Patent number: 6752156
    Abstract: A humidifying cylinder includes a first rotatable cylinder having an inlet end and an outlet end and a plurality of first blades extending substantially radially outwardly from an exterior surface of the first cylinder. The humidifying cylinder further includes a second rotatable cylinder having an inlet end and an outlet end and a plurality of second blades extending substantially radially inwardly from an interior surface of the second cylinder, the second cylinder being substantially coaxial with the first cylinder and the first cylinder being disposed inside of the second cylinder such that the exterior surface of the first cylinder and the interior surface of the second cylinder define an annular space. At least one drive is provided for rotating the first cylinder and the second cylinder. At least one conduit is disposed in the annular space for introducing moisture into the annular space. A method of humidifying material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven Rohn Wagoner
  • Patent number: 6745491
    Abstract: An intermediate assembly has a vertical plate with a rectangular opening. The intermediate assembly has a container with side walls and a rear wall and a horizontal upper wall. The upper wall has parallel side edges rearwardly and a semicircular edge forwardly. A securement frame has a forward periphery with a rearward projection removably positioned within the opening in the plate. A tube assembly includes an upper tube positionable above the upper wall and a lower tube coaxial with the upper tube and positionable below the upper wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Rodolfo Hernandez-Zelaya
  • Patent number: 6725570
    Abstract: A clothes dryer having a fire protection system. The clothes dryer chamber has an inlet which receives drying air and an exhaust for removing moisture laden air. The temperature within the drying chamber is monitored, and a determination is made from the dryer electronic controller whether or not a fire exists in the tumbler. The fire detection conditions are based on determining whether a certain temperature rise exists within the tumbler when the drying air ceases. The fire suppression system when activated will inject a fire suppressing substance into the tumbler for suppressing the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: American Dryer Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Confoey, Dennis Slutsky
  • Patent number: 6643953
    Abstract: A clothes dryer in accordance with the present invention includes a drum rotatably supported in a case having an interior space for drying clothes. Air for drying clothes is supplied to the suction duct that is connected to one side of the drum. An extension duct extending from the suction duct into the drum supplies the air from the suction duct into the drum. An exhaust duct is connected to the other side of the drum for exhausting the air that is used to dry clothes to the outside of the case. The clothes dryer uniformly dries clothes inputted into the drum as the dryer directly transmits heated air to the center portion of the drum, thereby improving clothes drying efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Bae Song, Sang Wook Hong, Sang Heon Yoon, Hwan Joo Myung
  • Patent number: 6618958
    Abstract: A laundry dryer has a drum rotatively installed inside a case, a heater heating air flowing inside the drum, a rear plate coupled so as to cover a rear portion of the drum and having a vertically elongated inlet hole traversing upper and lower areas of the drum body, a central portion of the vertically elongated inlet hole crossing a horizontal line of the rear plate, and an inlet duct covering the inlet hole and simultaneously having a plurality of duct holes formed at a portion covering the inlet hole so as to guide air heated by the heater to flow inside the drum. The present invention enables the common use of the rear plate for both electrical and gas laundry dryers, and thus allows the use of a common line for assembly. Therefore, the present invention reduces product costs and increases productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hwan-Joo Myung, Sang-Heon Yoon, Sung-Bae Song, Sang-Wook Hong
  • Publication number: 20030150130
    Abstract: A clothes dryer having a fire protection system. The clothes dryer chamber has an inlet which receives drying air and an exhaust for removing moisture laden air. The temperature within the drying chamber is monitored, and a determination is made from the dryer electronic controller whether or not a fire exists in the tumbler. The fire detection conditions are based on determining whether a certain temperature rise exists within the tumbler when the drying air ceases. The fire suppression system when activated will inject a fire suppressing substance into the tumbler for suppressing the fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: AMERICAN DRYER CORP.
    Inventors: Michael W. Confoey, Dennis Slutsky
  • Patent number: 6578286
    Abstract: A clothes dryer adapter. The adapter includes (a) a first cylindrical portion with a generally cylindrical tubular segment having a first longitudinal axis, a inlet portion, an inlet end cap located at an effective inlet end, and an outlet end, and (b) a second cylindrical portion interfittingly engaging the first cylindrical portion for rotatable adjustment with respect thereto. the second cylindrical portion is similar to the first cylindrical portion, and has an inlet end, an outlet end cap located at an effective outlet end, and an outlet portion for discharge of hot dryer exhaust air therefrom. The two portions are rotatably adjustable, before assembly, but sized and shaped for interfitting mating engagement to form a sturdy, sealable dryer vent when fully assembled, having an inlet portion and an outlet portion with parallel but offset longitudinal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Gene Seeley