With Gas Or Vapor Circulation For Contact With Treated Material Patents (Class 34/218)
  • Patent number: 8245414
    Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric K. Watson, Derek Lee Watkins, John K. Besore, Subhash Viswanathan Kollengode, Yogesh Kumar Allimalli, Sarah Lynn Kirchoff, Kyle Eden, David Scott Dunn, David D. Warmuth
  • Publication number: 20120204439
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for a vehicle having a chassis and a bulk load container mounted on the chassis. The apparatus includes a heating chamber for receiving the chassis, a heat source connected to the heating chamber for supplying heated gas to the chamber and a seal mounted to the heating chamber for substantially sealing the heating chamber about the chassis and the container, for guiding the heated gas along a floor and sides of the container to heat the container floor and sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Michael KLOEPFER
  • Patent number: 8215028
    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: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20120167405
    Abstract: The technology relates to spray dried plasma and methods of making the same. The method includes providing plasma to a spray drying apparatus, spray drying the plasma, at the spray drying apparatus, to form physiologically active plasma powder, the spray drying apparatus configured utilizing one or more parameters, and storing the physiologically active plasma powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: VELICO MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, JR., Michael Haley
  • Patent number: 8209878
    Abstract: A drying system for a hair removing device is safe and convenient for drying and sterilizing a cutter head with a sufficient amount of heat. The drying system includes a casing having a dry chamber with a top opening for detachably receiving a cutter head of the hair removing device, and a heater for heating the cutter head, a blower for generating a forced air flow and drying the cutter head. A lid is provided to close the top opening of the dry chamber such that the drying chamber is kept free from the entry of the environmental dust, which enables to heat the cutter head at an elevated temperature for effective sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ueda, Shin Hosokawa, Yasuo Ibuki, Minoru Kashiwabara, Kazuya Shigeta
  • Publication number: 20120159801
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dehydrating device comprising air diverging duct, linkage tube, dryer, air converging duct, water converging container and dehydrating room. The air blown from the blower sequentially passes through the air diverging duct, the linkage tube, the wavy first flow path and the U-shape second flow path of the dryer to be dehydrated. After being dried by the dryer, the air flows out of the sixth outlet of the air converging duct for further application. The device is designed to accomplish objectives such as improving the efficiency of dehydrating air, saving energy, being expandable and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Chin-Feng Chang, Hong-Hsin Lai
  • Patent number: 8201344
    Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a high-pressure airflow generator that takes air through an air inlet and generates a high-pressure airflow, a main body casing, a first air path that is protruded from the main body casing, and a nozzle that is located in a position ahead of the main body casing in a direction of the first air path. The main body casing includes a main-body air inlet through which outside air is taken and a second air path that causes air from the main-body air inlet to flow upward and then downward to a level where the air inlet of the high-pressure airflow generator is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Sawabe, Manabu Fukano, Shigeki Nishimura, Yasuyuki Itoigawa
  • Patent number: 8186076
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for honeycomb formed bodies includes: a drying chamber having a drying space to store undried honeycomb formed bodies; a microwave generator that generates microwaves; and a plurality of waveguides for introducing the microwaves into the drying chamber. On side surfaces of the drying chamber, provided is a plurality of microwave introduction ports for introducing the microwaves generated by the microwave generator into the drying space inside the drying chamber, the waveguides are disposed at the microwave introduction ports, and irradiation ports of the waveguides are provided directed to two or more different directions toward the drying space of the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Takagi
  • Publication number: 20120102776
    Abstract: A novel collapsible aeration system is retrofitted into a grain bin with a discharge opening in the bottom. This grain bin may have a sloped or conical hopper or a flat bottom. The aeration system is formed from a set of connected (e.g. hinged) duct sections that define a round or multi-sided duct having a minimum of three sides or faces. The sides may be flat, curved or corrugated. The collapsible aeration system is folded (collapsed), inserted into the bin via a hole, and then unfolded inside the bin. An air duct is connected to the aeration system to enable the aeration system to dry the grain in the grain bin. This technology enables existing grain bins to be retrofitted with a dryer in an easy and efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: AG GROWTH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Imre Varro
  • Publication number: 20120096734
    Abstract: A laundry treating machine is disclosed. A laundry treating machine includes a cabinet comprising an accommodating space formed therein to accommodate laundry, a door rotatably coupled to a front surface of the cabinet, an air supply device for supplying air or heated air to the accommodating space, and first and second hinge parts, the first hinge part selectively provided in one of two couples of diagonally opposite front corners of the cabinet and the second hinge part provided in the other one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jung Wook Moon, Chang Gyu Choi, Kwang Hee Lee, Hye Yong Park, Hyung Gyu Lim, Seung Gyu Ryu
  • Publication number: 20120096732
    Abstract: A drying apparatus is disclosed that includes a drum and an open-loop airflow pathway originating at an ambient air inlet, passing through the drum, and terminating at an exhaust outlet. A passive heat exchanger is included for passively transferring heat from air flowing from the drum toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the ambient air inlet toward the drum. A heat pump is also included for actively transferring heat from air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the drum. A heating element is also included for further heating air flowing from the heat pump toward the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Ward Evan TeGrotenhuis
  • Patent number: 8161663
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Wyssmont Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Weisselberg, Joseph Bevacqua, Robert Borre
  • Patent number: 8141270
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining flow rate of air or other gas through a conduit independently of conduit cross sectional area include providing apparatus for and measuring temperature of the air or other gas at a first position along the conduit; providing apparatus for and heating the air or other gas in the conduit of the location downstream from the first position by application of a known power level to the air or other gas in the conduit; providing apparatus for and measuring air or other gas temperature at a second position downstream of the heating position along the conduit; providing apparatus for and subtracting air or other gas temperature at the second position from air or other gas temperature at the first position to obtain a temperature difference and thereafter providing apparatus for and dividing power applied to heat the air or other gas by the product of the temperature difference and the specific heat of the air or other gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Maguire Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Gera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8141268
    Abstract: The present document describes a bag for storing and drying garments or sports equipment. The bag comprises an external envelope substantially made of flexible resistant material. The bag further comprises a frame supporting the external envelope and comprising frame sections capable of adopting a retracted position and an extended position in which the frame occupies more space than in the retracted position. The bag further comprises a tubular structure for hanging the garments or sports equipment and through which air can be blown for drying the hung garments or sports equipment. The tubular structure is mounted on the frame and comprises tube sections capable of adopting a retracted position and an extended position in which the tubular structure occupies more space than in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Jean-François Vezina, Pierrot Lebel
  • Patent number: 8141269
    Abstract: An expandable and collapsible enclosure is provided for a garment refreshing appliance. The appliance has at least either a top or a bottom rigid housing structure. The enclosure comprises a wall structure extending substantially an entire height of the enclosure. The wall structure is made of a flexible material. An opening is provided in the wall structure through which garments can be introduced into or removed from the enclosure. A zipper is attached at the opening to selectively open and close the opening. A snap attachment mechanism is located at either or both of the top and a bottom of the wall structure for securing the wall structure to the top and/or bottom rigid housing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: George F. Seiffert, Timothy J. Hicks, Shawn Oltz, Wesley Traylor, Floyd Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120066929
    Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster and methods are provided wherein a solvent vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle solvent vapor throughout a portion of the desolventizer portion of the apparatus housing. In other embodiments of the invention, a water vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle water vapor throughout a portion of the toaster portion of the apparatus housing. The solvent vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate meal dust separator, blower and superheater. The water vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate ejector or blower and superheater. Water vapor recovered in the solvent extraction process may be used as a water vapor feed to the heated water vapor recycling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: DESMET BALLESTRA NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Kemper, Marc Kellens, Philippe Van Doosselaere
  • Patent number: 8132337
    Abstract: A compact low-maintenance moving air modular cabinet wood particles/sawdust dryer having a serpentine path for heated air to move injected wood particles/sawdust through the cabinet, drying it as it goes, together with a system for providing controllable heated airflow and a regulated supply of wood particles/sawdust to be dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Batey
  • Patent number: 8132336
    Abstract: Resin molding work is efficiently carried out in accordance with a consumption amount of resin pellets of a resin molding machine by sequentially supplying small amounts of dried resin pellets in short period of time. When changeover of a molded product is carried out, attached remaining resin pellets can be removed by simple work in a short period of time, thereby carrying out efficient changeover work. An interval of taking out dried resin pellets that are heated and dried in a decompressed state is shortened by sequentially moving a plurality of pellet containers that contain small amounts of resin pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Star-Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yousuke Shiotani
  • Publication number: 20120055039
    Abstract: An appliance for drying or warming associated laundry items includes a housing having a wall forming a stationary cavity dimensioned to receive the associated laundry items. At least one article support member is preferably contained within the cavity. A heater increases a temperature of associated air within the cavity and a fan circulates the heated air within the cavity. A vent is dimensioned to allow air to exit the housing cavity, and a controller regulates circulation of the associated heated air within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Eric K. Watson, John K. Besore, Martin Mitchell Zentner, Anand Ganesh Joshi, Subhash Viswanathan Kollengode, David Scott Dunn, Lee Fain, Yogesh Kumar Allimalli, Sarah Lynn Kirchoff, Kyle Robert Eden, Robert Strojan, Manish Patel, Johnathan James Kroeger, Alicia Abend, David Duane Warmuth, Rajesh Narayan Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8127463
    Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus of a circulative preheating type comprises a working area, containing a material-filling-preheating sub-area, a heating sub-area, a drying sub-area, and a material-discharging sub-area; a rotatable frame, rotatably installed in the working area and having four accommodating spaces corresponding to the sub-areas of the working area, respectively; four cylinders, installed in the accommodating spaces of the rotatable frame and corresponding to the sub-areas of the working area; and a driving assembly, connected to and thereby driving the rotatable frame to rotate; wherein when the rotatable frame rotates, each of the cylinders is moved from a currently corresponding sub-area to an adjacent said sub-area. Thereby, since the cylinders have been preheated in the material-filling-preheating sub-area before receiving a heating procedure in the heating sub-area, a required duration of the heating procedure can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Ban Chih Wang
  • Publication number: 20120047762
    Abstract: A grain aeration assembly is provided for a hopper bottom bin, and includes a plurality of curved wall segments sized to pass through the manhole of the bin. The wall segments are assembled inside the bin to form a cylindrical tower extending upwardly. The wall segments include an internal frame and inner and outer screens. The tower is supported above the sloped floor of the bin by a plurality of legs. An air conduit extends between the tower and an exterior fan, which provides forced air into the space between the inner and outer screens of the wall segments. The air flows outwardly through the screens, while grain or stored material is prevented from passing through the screens into the wall segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: WOODHAVEN CAPITOL CORP.
    Inventors: JUAN NEUFELD, BERNIE THIESSEN
  • Publication number: 20120047764
    Abstract: A method for drying a wet semiconductor substrate includes the steps of immersing the substrate in a drying liquid in a drying chamber; removing the substrate from the drying liquid within the drying chamber; purging the drying chamber with inert gas; exposing the substrate to vacuum pressure within the drying chamber; and backfilling the drying chamber with the inert gas to substantially achieve atmospheric pressure. A system for drying a semiconductor substrate includes a drying chamber, a drying liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the drying chamber, a liquid pump, an inert gas supply in fluid communication with the drying chamber, and a vacuum pressure source in fluid communication with the drying chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: David Campion, Ryan Zrno
  • Patent number: 8122613
    Abstract: A combination clothes dryer and air filter. The device is adapted for reversal of airflow through a housing to allow a horizontal position and a vertical position for operation. The device is adapted for easy storage in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Sanders
  • Patent number: 8123141
    Abstract: A laundry transport apparatus and method includes a container defining an interior area configured to accommodate a plurality of laundry carts, the container having a door movable between closed and open configurations to selectively allow access to said interior area. The container is a trailer configured to be moved by a vehicle. The apparatus includes a ventilation network to pass air to and from the interior area, the ventilation network including an intake duct for channeling air to the interior area and an outlet duct for channeling air from the interior area. At least a portion of the intake and outlet ducts are immediately adjacent one another to influence temperature of air passing through each duct, warmer air passing through one of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming cooler and cooler air passing through another of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming warmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Bertram E. Lacey
  • Publication number: 20120042536
    Abstract: A drying system is provided. The drying system is configured to dry a person after the person exits a water feature. The drying system has a blower system configured to blow a gas proximate the person. The drying system has a controller system for operating the blower. The gas used in the drying system is configured to dry to the person after getting at least partially wet in the water feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. White
  • Patent number: 8119070
    Abstract: The scent removing device has a housing that forms an interior compartment. The compartment is separated into a first and second portion by a shelf that is disposed within the compartment and connected to the interior of the housing. The shelf has at least one channel and a plurality of openings to permit air to flow between the first and second portions. An air tube extends from the first portion, through the shelf to the second portion. A fan motor is in communication with the air tube to blow air through the air tube and into the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jamie Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8112899
    Abstract: A wall-mounted, hot air body blow drying apparatus comprising a plurality of round nozzles located along a front surface of the apparatus is herein disclosed. Said nozzles are adjustable and capable of directing jets of warm air over a person's body. A flow of heated air is provided by a resistance heater, an electric blower, and a plurality of distributing ductwork. The apparatus may be hard-wired thereto a standard household power circuit or by using a standard power cord. The apparatus is variably controlled by a temperature and fan speed controlling system and a timer. To use, a person would stand in front of the dryer apparatus and slowly turn around, allowing the multiple heated forced air streams to dry their body in a similar fashion as a forced warm air hand dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Russell L. Duckworth
  • Patent number: 8112900
    Abstract: An application for a hearing aid drying/disinfecting system includes a closable container with an internally mounted ultraviolet lamp for disinfecting the hearing aid. A heating element creates an internal temperature that is higher than ambient temperature and a fan circulates air through vents from the outside of the container over the hearing aid and back out, thereby drying the hearing aid contained within the drying/disinfecting system. The vents are positioned to reduce ultraviolet emissions out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hearing Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Romanek
  • Publication number: 20120030964
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hopper structure for the dehumidification of granular plastic material by means of a dehumidifying process fluid, including: a main body (1a), bearing, at the top in use, a closure wall (1b) with loading opening or mouth (4a) for the granular plastic material to be treated; at least one discharge mouth or opening (4c) for the process fluid provided on the main body (1a) or on the closure wall (1b), a tapered lower section (1c) terminating with a discharge opening (4b) for the dehumidified granular plastic material, an insert member (3) fluid-sealed and positionable in the main body (1a) and in the tapered section (1c) so as to delimit an annular air space (AG) therewith, the insert member (3) comprising at least one conical or frustoconical lower part (3a), which tapers towards bottom, and an upper part (3b), and at least one dehumidifying fluid feed duct (26) to the annular air space (AG), the lower tapered section (1c) comprising at least one pair of walls or wall segment
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Renato MORETTO
  • Publication number: 20120006025
    Abstract: A thermal power plant that uses low-grade coal as fuel and allows for increased thermal efficiency of the entire plant is provided. The thermal power plant includes a drying device (3) that dries the low-grade coal to be supplied to a lignite mill (coal pulverizer) (4), and a drying-gas heater (13) that heats air to be supplied to the drying device (3) so as to be used for drying the low-grade coal. A condenser (12) and the drying-gas heater (13) are connected with each other via a heat exchanger (19), and exhaust heat from the condenser (12) is used as a heat source for heating the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicants: KYUSHU ELECTRIC POWER CO., INC., MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Koyama, Takashi Yamamoto, Osamu Shinada, Hiromi Ishii, Hitoji Yamada, Shozo Kaneko, Kimishiro Tokuda, Isao Mochida, Tatsurou Harada
  • Publication number: 20110308104
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe a clothes drying apparatus and a method for using a clothes drying apparatus. The clothes drying apparatus can include a base portion with at least one blower. A drying chamber can be positioned above the base portion. A clothing frame can be housed within the drying chamber; the clothing frame having at least one vertical support member extending from the base portion, and at least one horizontal support frame member. A top portion can be removably coupled to the drying chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Gurdeep Singh
  • Publication number: 20110302802
    Abstract: A clothes dryer operates on at least one of first and second sources of power or fuel. The clothes dryer has a housing with a drum that receives associated laundry and a blower assembly for selectively circulating air in the drum to dry the laundry. The dryer is configured for connection with an associated first source of fuel/power for a first heater (e.g., electric) and additionally configured for connection with a different type, associated second source of fuel/power for a second heater (e.g., combustible fuel). Typically, the clothes dryer is adapted for both an electrical connection and a combustible fuel connection. A controller receives a signal or data from an external source indicative of price and usage operation of a particular power source. The controller can then provide an output that prompts the consumer for selection of different modes of operation using the first heater, second heater, or a combination of both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Joshua S. Wiseman, Michael F. Finch, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Chad Helms, Peter Pepe
  • Publication number: 20110296703
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a treating chamber to accommodate laundry, a heating part to supply at least one of hot air and steam to the treating chamber, a hanger bar arranged in the treating chamber, a driving part provided on an outside of the treating chamber to generate a rotational force, a power transmitting part transmitting the rotational force of the driving part, and a power converting part converting the rotational force transmitted by the power transmitting part to reciprocate the hanger bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Sung Min Kim, Don Won Kim, Sog Kie Hong, Hea Kyung Yoo
  • Patent number: 8065814
    Abstract: A foot dryer designed to provide air flow between a patient's toes for drying the bottoms of a patient's feet and especially between their toes. Toe separators are provided on a pair of replaceable gel foot beds for improved sanitation and comfort for the patient. The footpads are replaceable in order to decrease cross contamination from one user to another. Air vents are provided to direct air flow to hard to dry areas such as between a user's toes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Guadalupe Olvera
  • Publication number: 20110288508
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a moist, layered bioadhesive patch comprising one or more polymers. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of producing a monolayered film and a method of drying said film. Additionally, the invention relates to methods of producing bioadhesive, layered patches by combining layers of the monolayered film to obtain a desired thickness of the patch. Patches according to the invention may be used as such, or for delivering pharmaceutically active compounds, such as in a drug delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: SWEDISH PHARMA AB
    Inventors: Paul A. McCarron, Ryan F. Donelly, David Woolfson
  • Publication number: 20110283758
    Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Christianne Carin, Brian N. Gorbell, Christianne Carin, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud
  • Patent number: 8058588
    Abstract: An electronically controlled warmer drawer that supports a plurality of products, e.g., towels, in a drawer that is attached to a housing is disclosed. The housing includes a plurality of flow paths constructed to facilitate the passage of a heated gas flow through the cavity defined by the drawer. The drawer further includes a plurality of brackets constructed to support the articles to be heated along with a user interface, vents, blower fan, electrical heating element and two internal chambers. The system is controlled by way of the user interface on the front of the housing that interacts with an electronic control system to operate the heating element and fan. A sensor sends signals to the electronic control system to regulate the heating element and fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gagas, Richard C. Hochschild, Jr., Scott A. Jonovic
  • Patent number: 8056253
    Abstract: A system of drying a surface of a substrate is provided. The system includes a rotary support for supporting a substrate; and an assembly comprising a first dispenser, a second dispenser, and a third dispenser, the assembly positioned above the surface of the substrate, the second and third dispensers positioned on the assembly adjacent to and in contact with one another and spaced from the first dispenser, the second dispenser having an opening that is larger than an opening of the third dispenser, and the second dispenser being located between the first and third dispensers; and means for translating the assembly generally parallel to the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Zhi (Lewis) Liu, Ismail Kashkoush, Hanjoo Lee
  • Patent number: 8056257
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber, and a cleaning-liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid containing hydrofluoro ether onto a substrate to be processed placed in the chamber. In the chamber, there is further disposed a gas supply unit that supplies into the chamber a gas for preventing moisture from being adhered to a substrate to be processed, when a cleaning liquid containing hydrofluoro ether is supplied onto the substrate to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroki Ohno, Kenji Sekiguchi
  • Publication number: 20110271545
    Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet comprising an accommodating space formed therein to accommodate clothes, an air supply device configured to supply air or heated air to the accommodating space, a duct configured to guide the air or the heated air supplied by the air supply device toward the accommodating space, the duct comprising a communication part configured to draw external air into the accommodating space and a circulation fan configured to flow air along the duct, wherein the communication part is located in a rear portion of the circulation fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jung Wook Moon, Sog Kie Hong, Dong Won Kim, Seung Gyu Ryu, Hye Yong Park, Chang Gyu Choi, Dae Yun Park, Jong Seok Kim
  • Publication number: 20110271551
    Abstract: A forced heated air dryer for dental/medical instruments may be used to dry instruments prior to sterilization to prevent water corrosion and the discoloration of instruments. The dryer may also be used to dry damp instruments after the sterilization process to ensure the instruments and packaging are dry prior to storage. This may prevent corrosion and discoloration of instruments between usages. The dryer may allow a medical/dental office to dry their instruments in a single automated step not combined with washing, providing for an economical, efficient and safe solution to dry instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Robert S. Pearce
  • Patent number: 8051579
    Abstract: A dryer for hair shaving devices includes a casing having a drying space for removably receiving a blade portion of a hair shaving device, and a heater and a fan for drying the blade portion received in the drying space. Also, a control unit is provided for controlling output power of the heater and the fan to perform operation modes, the operation modes include a drying operation mode in which the heater and the fan are driven simultaneously and a sterilizing operation mode in which the heater alone is driven with the fan kept stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Ueda, Minoru Kashiwabara, Yasuo Ibuki
  • Publication number: 20110252663
    Abstract: A double pass reversing dryer provided with a main heat source for heating air passing through the upper plenum and a supplemental heat source for heating air as it passes from the upper plenum to the drying bin. When the double pass reversing dryer of the present invention is in an unbalanced state with more high moisture content agricultural material to be dried than low moisture content agricultural material to be dried, the temperature in the upper plenum is reduced and some of the air is vented directly to the lower plenum. The remainder of the air in the upper plenum is heated by a secondary heat source before the air passes into the drying bin containing the low moisture content agricultural material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Ralph, Walter J. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8037619
    Abstract: An air intake structure is located on an airflow guiding casing of a hand dryer communicating with gaps formed between motor blades in the airflow guiding casing. It includes a flow directing frame located on the airflow guiding casing, an axle located in the center of the flow directing frame and a plurality of flow directing blades located between the flow directing frame and the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hokwang Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shen-Chen Liu
  • Publication number: 20110247232
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying particles in a fluidized state includes a particle input segment into which wet particles are input, a drying segment having a multi-perforated plate dividing an inner space of the drying segment into an upper section and a lower section, a plurality of upper partition plates partitioning the upper section and positioned above the multi-perforated plate, a plurality of lower partition plates in the lower section respectively corresponding to the plurality of upper partition plates, a plurality of pairs of channel plates in the lower section that pass through the multi-perforated plate such that each pair of the plurality of pairs of channel plates are respectively arranged on opposite sides of respective ones of the plurality of upper partition plates and on opposite sides of respective ones of the plurality of lower partition plates; and a heated-air flow supply segment for supplying hot gas to the drying segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: THE KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Do Won Shun, Chang Keun YI, Gyong Tae JIN, Sung Ho CHO, Jae Hyeon PARK, Dal Hee BAE, Ho Jung RYU, Young Cheol PARK, Seung Yong LEE, Si Hyun LEE
  • Patent number: 8020314
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drying ceramic green bodies include providing one or more ceramic green bodies in a microwave heating chamber operatively connected to a microwave source and a PLC. The total mass of the ceramic green bodies present in the microwave heating chamber is determined. Microwave energy is generated with the microwave source and transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber. A transmitted power of the microwave energy transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber is measured with power sensors. The reflected power of reflected microwave energy reflected back from the microwave heating chamber is also measured. The power of the microwave energy transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber is adjusted based on the total mass of ceramic green bodies present in the microwave heating chamber, the measured transmitted power and the measured reflected power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob George, Parasuram Padmanabhan Harihara, Min Shen
  • Publication number: 20110219638
    Abstract: An aeration system for aerating particulate materials disposed in a storage bin is provided. The aeration system comprises a plurality of elongated hollow aerators and a supply conduit connected to each of the plurality of aerators. The supply conduit is connected to a blowing mechanism for receiving air there from and for providing the air to the aerators. Each aerator is disposed inside the storage bin having a substantially vertical orientation and mounted to an inside surface of a wall of the storage bin such that the aerator is structurally supported by the wall. Each aerator has at least an opening for transmitting air from inside the aerator to the particulate materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Schreiner
  • Publication number: 20110219639
    Abstract: A method for drying a material to be dried is described, which is acted upon inside a drying chamber by a drying gas guided in a circuit and heated by means of a heat exchanger (8) to remove the evaporated liquid. In order that a low external energy input is sufficient, it is proposed that a part of the drying gas stream is separated from the circuit, compressed and condensed in the heat exchanger (8) whilst releasing heat to the drying gas stream guided in the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Franz Groisböck
  • Patent number: 8015727
    Abstract: A dryer rack for use with an apparatus for drying an object inside a drum is disclosed, wherein the dryer rack includes a platform for having an upper surface for supporting the object. The platform may include at least one grip for loading and unloading the dryer rack into an interior space of the drum. The at least one grip is flush with the upper surface of the platform. The at least one grip is formed in a forward portion of the platform, to be near an access point of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Geun Lee, Il Tak Han, Tae Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 8015724
    Abstract: This heating blower has a housing 1, a fan 2, a heater 3, and an electrostatic atomizing device 5. The electrostatic atomizing device 5 is provided in the housing 1 and discharges nanometer-size ion mist to the outside. The electrostatic atomizing device 5 comprises a discharging electrode 50, an opposed electrode 52 disposed opposite the discharging electrode 50, a cooling part 53 which cools the discharging electrode 50 to generate moisture from ambient air near the discharging electrode, and a high voltage applying part 55 which applies a high voltage between said discharging electrode and the opposed electrode to atomize water generated near the discharging electrode. Therefore, this heating blower can discharge nanometer-size ion mist to the outside without replenishment of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Imahori, Toshihisa Hirai, Kishiko Hirai, legal representative, Akihide Sugawa, Fumio Mihara, Shousuke Akisada, Hirokazu Yoshioka, Kousuke Katayama, Toshiyuki Yamauchi, Hiroshi Suda, Yasunori Matsui