Abstract: A hand dryer comprising: a housing containing a duct defining a pathway for air through the housing from an inlet to the housing to an outlet from the housing; the duct having a longitudinal axis extending a major length of the duct; the duct in the vicinity of the inlet defining a minor length of the duct with a secondary longitudinal axis the section of the duct along the secondary longitudinal axis having a cross section transverse the secondary axis in the form of a figure having a boundary with a maximum linear dimension no more than twice a minimum linear dimension; the duct in the vicinity of the outlet defining a slot lying substantially transverse the longitudinal axis; the slot having a width at least four times greater than its height; the duct in passing from the extended volume to the slot; changing in cross section from the section to the slot to provide a relatively smooth transition in shape for the pathway from the inlet to the outlet; and following a path lying around the longitudinal axis o

Abstract: A finger nail dryer is provided including a housing having an upper surface and an extension for directing air over the upper surface. A fan assembly is mounted within the housing with a propeller coupled to a rotor of a motor. The motor is adapted to rotate the propeller upon the receipt of power thereby directing air to the extension for drying fingernails of a hand situated on the upper surface of the housing. A switch is connected between the motor and a battery. The switch has a first orientation for supplying the motor with power and a second orientation for precluding the supply of power to the motor. Finally, at least one hygienic cover is removably situated on the upper surface of the housing.

Abstract: A hot air towel warmer comprising a substantially airtight enclosure having an access door to enable placing a towel to be warmed in the enclosure and to enable removing the warmed towel therefrom; a shelf disposed within the enclosure having perforations therethrough to support the towel; a blower disposed within the enclosure adjacent to the shelf to create a stream of air and to continuously circulate the stream of air within the enclosure for passage through the perforations of the shelf and the towel; a resistance coil heater disposed within the enclosure adjacent the blower to heat the stream of air; and an electrical control circuit disposed within the enclosure associated with the stream of air, the blower and the heater to automatically maintain the stream of air at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range for a given period of time, or until the access door is opened, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: A method for closely protecting materials (10) sensitive to contamination by airborne contaminating agents and placed on a work surface (P). At least one decontaminated gas stream (1, 2) is fed from either side towards the materials in a direction substantially parallel to the work surface, and each gas stream (3) leaves the work surface in an intermediate area between the edges of the work surface and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto. Alternatively, at least one gas stream is fed towards the materials from above the work surface at an intermediate area between the edges thereof, and in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, and each gas stream leaves the work surface in a direction substantially parallel thereto and on either side of the materials.

Abstract: A dryer box for quickly drying coated surfaces of small articles, such as paint sample cards. The dryer box has a sleeve that receives a conventional dryer gun. A vertical air channel directs air to a first drying location at the bottom of the box especially designed for placement of a small three dimensional article. A horizontal air channel directs air to a second drying location on an inner side wall of the box especially designed for attachment of a two dimensional article. The same inner side wall is used as a door for access to both drying locations.

Abstract: A drying unit for drying fire and rescue equipment is disclosed. The unit includes a fresh air intake and heating system into which fresh air is drawn and heated. Once the air is heated it is passed into a drying chamber where wet items are placed. As drying occurs, excess moisture is collected in the water removal and exhaust system where it is evaporated by the heated air and then exhausted from the drying unit by an exhaust fan.

Abstract: A portable heater of the type having a housing containing an internal fan and heating element to force heated air out of a blower opening is disclosed herein. The heater housing includes a plurality of foot-operable, push-button switches mounted on an outlet face, and the housing is of a horizontally stable configuration. A fulcrum, which also may be utilized as a carrying handle, is also disclosed to assist in foot-operation of the switches, and an angled outlet face is disclosed to direct heated air from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a portable garment dryer having a support member (10, 14, 60) with a centrally located opening (26) on a top surface thereof. A light but durable, air permeable garment bag (18) is secured about the opening (26) on a bottom surface of the support member (10, 14, 60). An elastic member (28) circumscribes the opening (26) on the other side of the support member (10, 14, 60) and snugly receives a barrel of a hair dryer (22) in an air tight relationship. A pair of adjustable straps (20) are secured to the sides of the support member (10, 14, 60) and supports the support member (10, 14, 60) so that the garment bag hangs freely beneath the support member (10, 14, 60). A damp garment can be hung in the interior of the bag (18) and the hair dryer unit turned on. In a preferred embodiment, foldable flaps (16, 17) extend from the support member (14) to enclose the garment bag (18) folded tightly against the bottom surface of the support member (14) when the garment dryer is not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for overnight drying and storage of wet boots, shoes, gloves, mittens and the like, which consists of a furniture-style cabinet with capacity to hold and dry all of the foot and hand apparel of a family or other group in a typical vacation lodging environment. The cabinet contains means to support apparel for drying and a drying air distribution device wherein ambient drying air is drawn-in from the surrounding room and is fan driven from a plenum into a plurality of individual conduits through conduit flow restrictors. By resisting the free flow of air, conduit flow restrictors act to substantially equalize the air flow through all conduits, regardless of length. The individual conduits convey the ambient drying air to the interior chambers of the apparel items and cause overnight drying. Air mixing within the cabinet assures overnight drying of the exterior surfaces of apparel.

Abstract: In a hand drier for drying the hands by blowing hot wind at the extended hands, a drying time is contracted. Unpleasant feelings are avoided by excessively increasing the hot wind temperature.By perceiving the hands extended to the drying portion 2 with a hand sensor 9, the air is sucked by the fan 7 and the air is heated by the heater 8 to discharge the air to the drying portion 2. The Peltier effect element 6 is arranged in a ventilation passage from the air sucking opening 4 to the discharging opening 3 so that the heat sucking side A may be thermally exchanged for the air within the ventilation passage 5, so as to remove the humidity of the air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for deacidifying cellulose based materials, especially books, magazines, and other bound or folded cellulose materials having a spine. The method includes contacting the materials with a treating medium and producing relative movement at a predetermined velocity between the materials and the treating medium in a direction generally parallel to the spine of the materials and, preferably simultaneously, directing the treating medium by means of a spray toward the materials in a direction generally perpendicular to the spine of the material for a period of time effective for the treating medium to contact substantially all of the material. Following treatment, any excess treating medium is removed from the material and directing any such removed treating medium to a holding tank for reuse later. The movement in a parallel direction is achieved by reciprocating the materials through a tank filled with treating medium.

Abstract: A desiccant accessory for shoes and the like is provided for the removal of moisture therefrom. The accessory includes an external pouch having an internal chamber with an opening at one end, a transparent packet made of permeable material detachably connected with the pouch adjacent the open end, a reusable desiccant arranged in the packet for adsorbing moisture from surrounding air, and an indicator combined with the desiccant for alerting a user when the desiccant has adsorbed a maximum amount of moisture.

Abstract: A container for a soap bar is provided which container is formed of first and second mating sections which are hollowed to form a soap-bar-receiving chamber when the sections are mated. The chamber recess in the first section is formed so as to control the position of the soap bar therein to control the contact area of a wet soap bar with the walls of the chamber in the first section so as to minimize sticking of the soap bar to the chamber walls and to facilitate air flow through the chamber. An opening is provided in the first section to permit the soap bar to be pushed out therefrom with a users fingers and to, in conjunction with an opening in the upper section, further facilitate air flow through the container for soap bar drying. A lip or other suitable element may be provided to prevent water drippage from the openings or the openings may be otherwise designed to inhibit water from flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A dryer for use with chemical compounds employs controlled vacuum, elevated temperature and dry, inert gas to dry the chemical compounds. The dryer includes a vacuum chamber into which trays containing the compounds are placed. The chamber includes heating elements which elevate the temperature of chemical samples placed within the chamber. Supplying and evacuating manifolds, each with a plurality of orifices for supplying and evacuating dry inert gas, provide a substantially laminar flow of dry inert gas just above the trays of chemical compounds which are to be dried. The laminar gas flow removes the unwanted vapor which tends to form above the tray of chemical compound, thus accelerating the drying process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible, portable body dryer including a substantially rectangular base component having a planar upper surface and four peripheral side edges depending therefrom. Attached to each of two opposing side edges are a pair of lockable casters allowing the device to roll on a support surface. Attached to a third side edge is an elongated arm having a handle at a distal end thereof which may be grasped and pulled by a user. Perpendicularly extending from the upper surface of the base portion are a plurality of telescoping support legs each having a terminal end. Attached to the terminal end of each support leg is a substantially rectangular top portion having an upper surface, a lower surface and four peripheral side edges forming an interior chamber therebetween. Received within the top component interior chamber is an electrical fan and heating element for delivering hot air therebelow.

Abstract: A portable sport equipment bag having an air distributor is connected with a hose to blower operable to move air under pressure into the air distributor. The air distributor has one or more manifolds located within the bag. The manifolds have a plurality of holes to allow air in the manifolds to flow into the bag to dry sport equipment and objects within the bag. One or more air filters mounted on the bag remove odors and foreign matter from the air flow from the bag into the environment adjacent the bag.

Abstract: This invention is a shoe dehumidifier, which consists of an air-processing unit and an air-distribution unit. The two units are joined through a retractable air duct. A fan and a heating element are located on the top portion of the air-processing unit. Air is drawn into the air-processing unit by the fan, and is then warmed and dehumidified by the heating element. Through the air duct, heated air is guided into air-distribution unit and driven into the shoe. Air routing grooves outside the air-distribution unit then evenly guide heated air to different locations inside the shoe, achieving an overall drying effect. The design of the retractable air duct allows the unit to be folded making it easy to transport and store.

Abstract: A portable clothes dryer has a rectangular cabinet for storing a blower fan at a rear portion of the cabinet and shelf inserts at a front portion of the cabinet. The cabinet has vertical slots located on the inside of the cabinet side panels for receiving and storing the shelf inserts. The cabinet further has a pair of front door panels having aligned horizontal slots that extend along the inside of the front door and side panels. The shelf inserts are fitted into the horizontal slots and clothing is placed on the shelf inserts. The blower fan then circulates air about the clothing placed on the shelf inserts. After the clothes are dry, the shelf inserts are removed from the horizontal slots and placed in the vertical slots. The front door panels may then be closed and the portable clothes dryer can be conveniently stored. Rollers are provided on the bottom of the cabinet to aid in movement of the dryer.

Abstract: The conceable drying bar for a clothes hamper provides a simple mechanism to receive and suspend wet or damp towels of clothing externally of the hamper structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming towels, or other articles. The apparatus includes a cabinet having an internal vertical wall that divides the cabinet into a warming chamber and a second chamber. A tubular rack extends generally horizontally across the warming chamber and is adapted to support a towel, or other article to be warmed. An open inlet end of the rack extends through the interior wall. An integral air supply unit is located within the second chamber and includes a motor driven fan or blower and a pair of discharge channels are connected to the discharge side of the fan. The upper end of one channel registers with the inlet of the rack, while the open upper end of the other channel communicates with the upper end of the warming chamber. The air discharge unit is removably connected within the second chamber in a manner to cause registry of the upper end of the first channel with the inlet of the rack.

Abstract: A footwear dryer support rod that includes an interconnectable rod assembly including a fixed length rod section, a circuit housing rod section, and a spring loaded telescoping rod section; an alarm circuit housed within the circuit housing rod section including a detecting circuit and an alarm circuit, the alarm circuit including an electrically driven audible output device; two disk shaped, resilient protector pads, one resilient protector pad being securable to the end of the fixed length rod section and one resilient protector pad being securable to the end of the spring loaded telescoping rod section; a first moisture probe pair extending outwardly from the end of the fixed length rod section and positioned through one of the resilient protector pads; and a second moisture probe pair extending outwardly from the end of the telescoping rod section and positioned through a one of the resilient protector pads.

Abstract: A new Portable Clothes Dryer for providing a system for drying an article of clothing by use of a portable hair dryer. The inventive device includes a bag defining an interior volume adapted for enclosing an article of clothing and an intake port providing communication with the interior volume of the bag. The intake port is adapted for receiving and retaining the outlet nozzle of a portable hair dryer whereby air is discharged out the outlet nozzle of the portable hair dryer, through the intake port, and throughout the bag so as to dry the article of clothing placed therein.

Abstract: An electrothermal drying rack including a main support, a retaining cover pivotally connected with the main support and a heating tube disposed in the retaining cover. Ventilating devices such as fans are disposed on the main support. The retaining cover serves to firmly secure and protect the heating tube and mount the drying rack on a wall face. The retaining cover defines a half-closed air passage and the fans forcedly guide and speed the air flow through the air passage so as to enhance the drying effect.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device which has been specifically conceived to dry feet thoroughly by means of hot air; it comprises an upper and a lower chamber. The lower chamber acts as a support for the upper chamber, and should be rectangular in shape and hermetically sealed. This lower chamber houses the ventilating mechanism which has an air intake for the fan which is driven by an electric motor fed by a cable; the fan generates the draft necessary for the drier to work. The drier is also fitted with a tubular resistor which heats up when electric current is applied and so warms the air in the lower chamber to a preferred temperature controlled by means of a regulator and a timer to pre-set the operating time The upper chamber is half enclosed with a convex cover and is positioned and supported on the walls of the lower chamber. Its function is to close in the air and direct it all around the top and sides of feet in a whirling fashion, so drying the upper part of the feet and the toe webs.

Abstract: The foot dryer dispenses heated air under pressure over the entire upper and lower portions of the foot of the user. The dryer includes a dryer housing having a front air baffle unit and a rear air containment unit that defines a foot receiving cavity with the dryer housing. A blower mounts within the dryer housing for delivering a uniform flow of air under pressure onto the top and bottom portions of one's foot safely and effectively. A mist dispenser mounts within the rear air containment unit of the dryer housing and dispenses automatically a mist of particles of a fungus inhibiting agent downwardly onto the user's toes. The dispensed powder facilitates inhibiting the growth of foot fungus, such as athlete's foot. The quantity of the agent dispensed is a selected quantity ranging from a nominal dispensing quantity to a maximum dispensing quantity.

Abstract: Described are a device and methods for drying hosiery and other articles of clothing in a way which is aesthetically pleasing and efficient. In one embodiment, the invention provides an enclosure comprising a bottom portion; suspending means disposed above the bottom portion for hanging the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing within the enclosure; absorption means which, during normal use, is disposed above the bottom portion and below the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing when hung within the enclosure, for absorbing liquid which may drop from the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing when wet; and attachment means for attaching the enclosure to a substantially vertical surface; whereby the hosiery and/or other articles of clothing may be stored to dry while remaining substantially concealed within the enclosure.

Abstract: A dryer mounted in a housing with a balance for determining the moisture content of material to be weighed which is in a dish placed in the balance and is subjected to a heat source. The dish is placed in a dish support device which can be placed in and removed from the dryer together with the dish. The dish can be inserted into the dish support device and removed from the dish support device manually and from the side. An upwardly bent inner edge of a support ring prevents impurities resting on the support ring from unintentionally dropping into the dish.

Abstract: A wood treating apparatus for efficiently treating wood with a chlorine-based organic solvent includes: a solvent tank storing a mixture of chlorine-based solvent and water, which solvent tank is provided with a heater for heating the mixture to generate vapor of chlorine-based solvent and water; a treating chamber for containing wood to be treated, which treating chamber receives the vapor from the solvent tank; and a cooling chamber contacting an upper portion of the treating chamber for cooling and condensing the vapor. The treated wood dries rapidly, and can uniformly be dyed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying scent to clothing has an enclosed compartment having a top, bottom and side walls. A horizontal perforated shelf extends across the compartment and divides the compartment into upper and lower portions. A closeable access opening is located in the side walls of the compartment for placing articles of clothing on top of the shelf. An air circulation conduit connects the upper and lower portions of the compartment. A fan is connected to the conduit for moving air therethrough from the upper portion to the lower portion of the compartment. A scent cartridge is in communication with the compartment in the path of air passing therethrough so the passing air will pick up the scent of the scent cartridge whereupon the scented air will move into the lower portion of the compartment, thence through the shelf and articles of clothing, and thence into the upper portion of the compartment and back into the conduit.

Abstract: A multipurpose dryer which can serve as a household drying center to provide versatile drying function for a wide variety of clothing, fabric articles and other household goods. A cabinet has a heating chamber located at the bottom of the cabinet for generating forced and heated air as drying medium. There is a heated air chamber to receive and distribute heated air to a drying chamber located below the top wall of the cabinet and above the heated air chamber. There are hollow air ducts attached to the side walls of the cabinet and a perforate heat diffusion plate above the heated air chamber for evenly distributing heated air into the drying chamber. A versatile support means is disposed in the drying chamber for hanging clothes, draping large size or bulky goods, or supporting a wire basket for holding delicate drying goods. The clothes and goods are dried without tumbling, thus avoiding fraying or wrinkles.

Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is a deodorization, sterilization and drying apparatus for bedding and clothing, which comprises: a warm air generator wherein an alkaline chlorine dioxide gas generator, within which is an alkaline ceramic body that is impregnated with an alkaline chlorine dioxide solution, is located along a flow path of the warm air that is generated in the warm air generator; an air mattress, a case and a bag for deodorizing, sterilizing and drying bedding and clothing by using the warm air from the warm air generator; and a hose for connecting the air mattress, etc., to the warm air generator, whereby the warm air from the warm air generator is brought into contact with the ceramic body so as to supply warm air that contains alkaline chlorine dioxide gas to the air mattress, etc. In addition to the above described arrangement, provided is a deodorization, sterilization and drying apparatus for bedding, etc.

Abstract: The storage device for an umbrella includes a quiver-shaped receiving housing (1, 30) provided with an opening (2) at one end for the umbrella (3) and a base wall (4, 34) at another end remote from the one end; a mounting device (18) including a base plate (19) and a mounting pillar (20) having a flange and arranged substantially at right angles to the base plate; and a joint (13) pivotally connecting the receiving housing (1,30) with the mounting means (18) so that the receiving housing (1,30) is pivotable from a stowed-away position (P1) into a swiveled-out position (P2) for insertion and removal of the umbrella (3). The joint (13) has a swivel axis (SA) about which the receiving housing (1,30) pivots and the swivel axis (SA) extends transversely to a receiving housing longitudinal axis (15). This joint (13) is arranged on a side of the base wall (4, 34) opposite from a receiving housing interior and hingedly connects a fixing bolt (14a) to the base wall (4, 34).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying objects that may have been wetted in a manufacturing The objects are submerged in a rinse liquid in an enclosed chamber, and aerosol particles from a selected drying liquid are introduced into the chamber above the rinse liquid surface, forming a thin film on this surface. As the rinse liquid is slowly drained, some aerosol particles settle onto and form a film on the exposed surfaces of the objects, and displace and remove rinse liquid residues from the exposed surfaces. Surface contaminants are also removed by this process.

Abstract: A foot dryer designed to dry the toes and areas between the toes on an individual's foot includes a housing which is designed to accept and support a conventional hair dryer. The housing is a box-like structure which defines an internal cavity. A cradle is located within the cavity and the cradle is designed to accept a number of the conventional hair dryers available on the market. The cradle supports the hair drying in a position where the air flow from the hair dryer is directed through a plurality of apertures in the top panel of the housing. An aperture in one of the side panels of the housing allows for the insertion and removal of the hair dryer into engagement and disengagement with the cradle.

Abstract: A protective device for use in protecting hay bales and preventing spoilage thereof, the device comprising a cover designed to substantially cover an upper surface of the hay bale, the cover being spaced from the upper surface thereof and having a vent to permit the egress of air from the space between the upper surface and the cover and to prevent the increase ingress of moisture therethrough. The cover preferably has means of securing itself to the hay bale. The cover minimizes deterioration of the hay and is particularly adapted for use with so called round bales stored on their side.

Abstract: The apparel conditioner system of this invention includes an apparel conditioning device that can be used to dry and deodorize apparel. The apparel conditioning device can be supported inside an outer enclosure to comprise an apparel conditioner system used to improve the deodorizing of apparel along with drying the apparel. The apparel conditioning device includes a fan to force ambient air through an air passage defined within a housing of the apparel conditioning device. An adjustable apparel rack is positioned within the air flow passage using an adjustable rack mount. The position of the apparel rack is selected for supporting and holding the apparel such that a flow of ambient air can circulate to the inside surfaces of apparel having an inside surfaces and envelop the outside surfaces of the apparel at the same time. The fan has a speed adjustment to obtain a velocity of the flow of the ambient air to improve the circulation in and envelopment around the apparel.

Abstract: A coating layer drying system for a cathode ray tube (CRT) includes a furnace. A pedestal for placing a CRT bulb on is installed in the inside of the furnace. Both ends of a hose are fixed on the side walls of the furnace. A heater for heating low temperature air is connected to the hose. A pump for ventilating high pressure air is also connected to the hose. A pressure gauge for checking the inner pressure of the furnace is fixed on the upper part of the furnace. A temperature gauge for sensing the inner temperature of the furnace is also fixed on the upper part of the furnace. And, in addition, a controlling element for controlling the operation of the pump and the heater is installed next to the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining sensitive articles such as IC wafers or the like contaminant-free including a base member having a removable cover defining a sealed unit having an interior in which a plurality of sensitive articles are supported and through which a particle-free ionizing gas from a source on a wheeled table is continuously passed, the sealed unit being movable from a storage position on the table to an access position on associated processing without interruption of the ionized gas flow and at which the cover is removed and the supported articles continuously bathed with a particle-free, ionized gas to permit the articles to be sequentially moved to a fabricating position in the processing equipment and back to the access position while being continuously bathed with a particle-free ionized gas for subsequent assembly of the cover and base member and return of the sealed unit to the storage position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unit, for removing rainwater from umbrellas, that can easily, effectively, and quickly remove rainwater from umbrellas. This unit comprises an umbrella insertion portion into which an umbrella that is wet with rain is inserted, a rainwater collecting portion where rainwater is held and from which it is discharged, and, with some configurations, a fan compartment from which warm air is driven into the umbrella insertion portion. With another configuration, the unit comprises a cylindrical external frame that has a handle and multiple brushes that are provided on the internal wall of the external frame. With these arrangements, the unit according to the present invention can easily, effectively, and quickly remove rainwater from wet umbrellas.

Abstract: A device for drying and storing cooking utensils including a container open at a front side and having a top wall, two side walls, a rear wall, and a vertical wall mounted on the bottom of the container, the container having a recess at a bottom, the vertical wall being formed with a first opening communicated with the recess and a second opening provided with a filtering net, a water tray fitted in the recess through the first opening, a switch mounted on the lower wall, an inclined board mounted within the recess and having a slot at an end, an electric drier electrically connected with the switch and having an inlet and an outlet, the electric drier being installed under the inclined board with the inlet aligned with the second opening and the outlet aligned with the slot, a bottom plate mounted on a bottom of the container, a supporting plate mounted on an inner side of the rear wall, a cover pivotally connected with the vertical wall at a lower edge of the cover and having a flange extending towards the

Abstract: A dryer mounted in a housing includes a precision balance arranged in the housing for determining the moisture content of material to be weighed which is placed on a weighing dish and is subjected to heat radiation from a heat source of the dryer. For making the material to be weighed accessible, the precision balance can be moved in and out of the housing. A duct for conducting an air flow is mounted between the weighing dish and the load-receiving unit which supports the weighing dish and is mounted above the measuring cell of the precision balance.

Abstract: A sealed storage container includes a large storage compartment and a smaller cartridge chamber near the bottom of the storage container for a carbon dioxide gas cartridge. The cartridge chamber communicates with the storage compartment via a piercing orifice mechanism. The mechanism pierces the carbon dioxide gas cartridge when the cartridge is loaded into the cartridge chamber and pushed into the piercing orifice by a closure plug. When the cartridge is pierced; the carbon dioxide gas flows into the storage compartment and displaces the air in the storage compartment. The displaced air is exhausted through a small exhaust orifice near the top of a side wall of the storage container. When a sufficient amount of air is displaced, the exhaust orifice is sealed with a pipe plug.

Abstract: A multipurpose household drying center which can provide versatile drying functions for a wide variety of clothings, fabric articles and other household goods. A blower and a heating chamber are disposed on the top portion of a cabinet to generate forced and heated air downward into a drying chamber in the cabinet below the heating chamber. There are horizontally disposed heat diffusion plates under the heating chamber and vertically disposed air ducts on the side walls of the cabinet to enable heated air to be evenly distributed and filled in the drying chamber for uniform drying of the goods held therein. A support stand having a horizontal and rectangular frame secured on the top ends of a pair of spaced and vertical telescopically structured tubes is disposed within the drying chamber. The rectangular frame is spaced from the top, bottom and side walls of the drying chamber.

Abstract: In the system for analyzing aqueous samples, the aqueous sample is deposited upon a sheet of filter paper which is held in a filter holder by clamping the peripheral edges of the filter paper between male and female threaded members of the filter holder. The filter paper with the sample is dried by a heated air stream directed perpendicularly toward the paper so that it flows around and through the paper. After the sample has been dried, it is analyzed by near infrared spectral analysis to measure the constituents of the dried sample.

Abstract: A footwear drying insert includes an elongated foot-shaped body defining opposing toe and heel ends and including tubular inner and outer layers of material that are secured together to define an intermediate space between the layers and an interior space within the inner tubular layer. A plurality of baffles are formed between and connect the inner and outer layers of the body together. The baffles extend in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis between the toe and heel ends of the body to divide the intermediate space into compartments. A desiccant composition is enveloped within at least one of the compartments, and structure is provided for exerting outward support on the body during use. The support structure is compressible to allow the insert to be deformed for insertion into and removal from the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight, portable drying apparatus which naturally, uniformly and quickly drys footwear and small items of apparel such as shoes, hats, gloves and scarves. The portable drying apparatus includes a flexible waterproof bag having an inner support structure for holding multiple pieces of footwear and small articles of apparel. The flexible bag may be rigidly supported by a top panel and a collapsible waterproof tri-fold support insert which defines the boundaries of an enclosed inner chamber. During operation, ambient air is circulated throughout the chamber using a blower assembly mounted on the support structure for drawing air into the chamber, and a vent formed in the flexible bag material for releasing the drawn air from the chamber. In a second embodiment, the support structure includes a base panel for defining a bottom portion of the chamber and two or more removable flexible rods bent in an arch shape to form a dome shaped structure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument cleaner includes a containment chamber with an intake opening on a front thereof and an exhaust vent on a rear thereof. A manifold is positioned in the intake opening, and connected to a steam source. Nozzles arranged around the manifold emit converging steam jets at a single point positioned away from a plane defined by the nozzles. The steam jets are directed rearwardly into the containment chamber, so that they create a front-to-rear airflow between the intake and the exhaust vent. An instrument is positionable at the jet convergence point for cleaning. The airflow carries steam and airborne debris blasted from the instrument safely away from the user.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises an apparatus and method for curing and drying coatings on nails of the human hand. A housing (12) is provided having two elongated solid sides (14), one elongated solid top (15), two solid ends (16), and an elongated underneath side (18) having a length. Restrictive air vents (22) are provided along the length of the elongated underneath side (18) of the housing (12), such that the housing (12) and air vents (22) define a substantially closed air pressure chamber (34). An ultraviolet light source (20) is disposed along the underneath side (18). A flat surface (26) running the length of the underneath side (18) is disposed a distance beneath the restrictive air vents (22) and the ultraviolet light source (20).

Abstract: In a process for treating an object by a hot-air flow directed on the object by a hand-held air blower which is provided with a heating device and a fan, the heating device is controlled proportionally as a function of distance. The hand-held air blower has a distance detecting device for carrying out the process. The distance detecting device has an output for determined measured distance values. Proportional control signals for controlling the output control device are formed by a comparison device from the measured distance values and from a given temperature value of a temperature selector.

Abstract: A dish drier including a housing having an inner vertical wall, an outer vertical wall, the inner vertical wall being provided with a plurality of rails, a plurality of racks supported on the rails, a groove formed between the inner vertical wall and the outer vertical wall, two doors slidably fitted in the groove, a recess formed at a lower portion, and a receptacle received in the recess, a container mounted on a top of the housing, a steam generator installed in the container, a hot air blower arranged in the container, a first inverted U-shaped member mounted on an inner vertical wall of the housing, having a plurality of perforations, and connected with the steam generator, and a second inverted U-shaped member mounted on an inner vertical wall of the housing, having a plurality of perforations, and connected with the hot air blower.