With Gas Or Vapor Circulation For Contact With Treated Material Patents (Class 34/218)
  • Publication number: 20110209356
    Abstract: A novel clothes dryer, and an adaptor for a conventional clothes dryer, are disclosed. The novel clothes dryer and the adaptor enable a method for operating a clothes dryer located inside a building. The method comprises the steps of drawing air directly from outside the building into a dryer inlet, heating the air to produce heated air, circulating the heated air among moist textiles in a dryer drum to evaporate moisture from the textiles to produce moist heated air, and then venting the moist heated air from a dryer air outlet directly to outside the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Bradley J. Goemans
  • Publication number: 20110209353
    Abstract: An adaptor can convert a conventional hot air clothes dryer to draw air from outside instead of inside a building, and comprises an adaptor housing securable over the air intake region of the dryer in fluid communication with the air inlet of the dryer, with an adaptor housing inlet connectible to an air intake linkage. A filter and filter bypass assembly can be used in combination with the adaptor. The assembly comprises an outer enclosure and an inner enclosure inside the outer enclosure. An inner enclosure inlet and inner enclosure outlet define a first airflow path through the inner enclosure and an outer enclosure inlet and outer enclosure outlet define a second airflow path through the outer enclosure and bypassing the inner enclosure. The inner enclosure and the outer enclosure have a common aperture for insertion of a filter into the inner enclosure across the first airflow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Bradley J. Goemans
  • Patent number: 8006407
    Abstract: A drying system (100) for use in drying out a water-damaged structure includes a blower (105) for providing outside air to the water damaged structure. An indirectly fired furnace (101) is used for heating the outside air prior to its introduction into the water-damaged structure. An exhaust blower (114) removes humid air from the water-damaged building, and one or more remote temperature and humidity sensors (117) are used for controlling the furnace air temperature and supply blower volume. An air intake filter box (111) is used for adding make-up air to recirculated building air and promoting cooling within accompanying trailer. A differential air pressure transmitter (118) controls the volume of moist air removed from the water damaged building to an optimal rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110200742
    Abstract: A drying method in which a substrate on which a coating liquid such as a resist liquid containing a volatile solvent is applied is dried under a reduced pressure in an airtight container, and an inert gas is then supplied in the container, so that flows do not concentrate and accumulate in the center portion includes placing the substrate in the container, reducing pressure in the container by exhausting air through an exhaust channel using an exhaust mechanism and volatizing the solvent, and returning the container to atmospheric pressure by supplying an inert gas through a supply channel using a supply mechanism after the reducing step. The supply mechanism includes long purge nozzles ejecting the gas inside the container and spaced from and parallel to two opposed substrate edges. The returning step is performed by the nozzles ejecting the gas toward inside walls of the container opposite to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masataka Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7987614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and processing method for drying lumber, for example two-by-four studs in an environment in a kiln in a manner to avoid warping, including crook, bow, cup and twist. The lumber pieces are stacked in a normal manner with stickers for providing air flow between courses of the lumber pieces, and the stack is dried while a horizontal force is provided to the respective courses of lumber in the stack to hold the individual pieces of lumber in edge to edge contact throughout the drying, equalizing, conditioning and cooling process for first drying of lumber, redrying of lumber or in a treatment process for removing warp from previously dried lumber. A vertical force comprising a weight or other force generating device can be also applied to the stack of lumber to augment the overall reduction in warpage if so evidenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert W. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7984567
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a simulated hair article such as a wig or other hairpiece. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing, an ozone generator, an ultraviolet light source, and a gas recirculation structure. The apparatus reduces or eliminates microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi from the simulated hair article, and also eliminates odors therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Christ Bill Bertakis
  • Patent number: 7980000
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and methods for rinsing and drying substrates. One embodiment provides an end effector comprising a body having a contact tip for contacting an edge area of a substrate, wherein the end effector is configured to support the substrate while the substrate is in a rinsing bath and while the substrate is being dried from the rinsing bath, and the contact tip comprises a hydrophilic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Lewis, Michael Biese, Garrett H. Sin, Chidambara A. Ramalingam, Balaji Chandrasekaran, Tak Fan (Kerry) Ling
  • Publication number: 20110167665
    Abstract: This invention discloses a dryer for insertion into a cavity of a reservoir bladder with a fill inlet, a primary internal cavity and a back pocket cavity portion, the dryer including a framework configured for insertion into a water inlet of an internal cavity of reservoir bladder which includes a primary internal cavity and a back pocket cavity portion, and a first air passageway formed by the framework and configured to receive heated air from an air supply passageway and heater, and to direct the heated air to the primary internal cavity. The invention also discloses the framework forming a second air passageway which is configured to direct heated air to the back pocket cavity portion and such a framework providing a biased tab mounted to the framework configured to provide a biased securing tab for applying outward pressure to the water inlet of the reservoir bladder, for securing the reservoir bladder to the framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Blair G. Peet
  • Publication number: 20110167666
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying grain in a storage bin as well as the method of drying the grain. The apparatus includes an air blower positioned outwardly of the storage bin which has an air inlet end and an air discharge end. The air discharge end of the air blower is in communication with the interior of the storage bin. A heat exchanger is positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the air blower and has an air passageway with an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end of the heat exchanger is spaced from the inlet end of the air blower. An infrared heater is spaced from the inlet end of the heat exchanger so that infrared rays from the infrared heater will be directed into the air passageway of the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger will heat the air being drawn through the heat exchanger by the air blower with the air blower sucking heated air from the air passageway and blowing the same into the storage bin to dry the grain therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: James Zoucha
  • Publication number: 20110146098
    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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Jena-François VEZINA, Pierrot LEBEL
  • Patent number: 7946055
    Abstract: A drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, and a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow. At least one slot-like opening communicates with the fan and is arranged in the casing so as to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The slot-like opening is formed between opposing walls which are manufactured from a thermosetting plastics material. By manufacturing the walls of the slot-like opening from a thermosetting plastic material such as melamine, the walls of the slot-like opening can be molded economically instead of machined from metal. The thermosetting plastic material is dimensionally stable when moulded, thermally resistant and impact resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: John Churchill, James Dyson, Peter David Gammack
  • Publication number: 20110094122
    Abstract: An egg dryer incorporating a rotating spool bar conveyor extending between an inlet end and an outlet end and upon which are supported a plurality of eggs conveyed through the body. An airflow exhibiting a humidity less than that associated with an environment outside the body is directed from the outlet end in a normal and opposing flowing direction relative to a direction of travel of the eggs. Subset flows of heated/desiccated air are also redirected to one or more intermediate header tubes arranged at internal locations of the body in communication with the conveyor and, in combination with impinging baffle plates mounted in proximity to the header tubes, provide additional and targeting drying of such as the ends of the eggs in combination with the overall heated/desiccated airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: FPS FOOD PROCESSING SYSTEMS, B.V.
    Inventors: James Carlton Webb, Carl Gene Cooper, Wayne William Kelly
  • Patent number: 7930836
    Abstract: A drying system for a hair removing device is capable of effectively drying the cutter head. The drying system includes a casing having a dry chamber configured to detachably receive a cutter head of the hair removing device, a heater for heating the cutter head; and a blower for generating a forced air flow and drying the cutter head. The casing is formed with an air flow channel configured to direct the forced air flow towards the cutter head. A tray is provided to define the bottom of the dry chamber and bear the cutter head. The tray is formed with a draft port through which the flow channel communicates into the dry chamber so that the forced air flow can be directed straight to the cutter head for effectively cooling or drying the cutter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Ueda, Kazuya Shigeta, Yasuo Ibuki
  • Patent number: 7913419
    Abstract: A non-tumble dryer comprises a cabinet and a drawer configured to support an article to be dried and slidably mounted to the cabinet. An air supply system provides air to a drying chamber formed at least partially by one of the cabinet and the drawer for drying the article supported by the drawer. The non-tumble dryer can function as a pedestal whereby the top of the cabinet can be configured to support a laundry appliance in an elevated position. Alternatively, the cabinet can overlie one or more laundry appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Tomasi, Robert W. Meyer, Matthew D. Rhodes, Richard A. Sunshine
  • Patent number: 7913417
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling energy that is input to a material substance, for the controlled removal of moisture from the material substance, is disclosed. A controlled air flow is blown onto the material substance at a specified air flow rate over at least one specified time period such that the material substance absorbs thermal energy from the controlled air flow via at least one outer surface of the material substance. The controlled air flow is of a specified humidity level at a specified temperature level. The material substance is also irradiated with microwave energy at a first specified power level for at least a first specified time duration such that the material substance absorbs at least a part of the microwave energy and converts the absorbed microwave energy to thermal energy within the material substance. As a result, moisture is removed from the material substance in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: John J. Patka, Sr., Sharon L. Judge
  • Publication number: 20110061260
    Abstract: Apparatus for drying structural cavities located within a space defined by a floor and a vertical surface such as a wall or cabinet includes an elongate sheet of flexible material and a plurality of spaced apart and parallel arranged reinforcing bars extending in a lateral direction between the longitudinal ends of the elongate sheet. The elongate sheet with the reinforcing bars is positioned to diagonally span across the cavity and an air blower is provided for blowing air into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas D. Geer
  • Publication number: 20110041353
    Abstract: A vented dryer having a drum to dry damp laundry by warm process air; a first process air duct upstream of the drum; a heater to heat the process air in the first process air duct; a supply air duct leading into the first process air duct; an exhaust air duct; a second process air duct downstream of the drum and transitioning into the exhaust air duct; a blower; a first temperature sensor in the first process air duct; and a heat-buildup generator to generate a heat buildup at the first temperature sensor if a counter-flowing air current occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Kai-Uwe Bache, Philipp Steusloff, Andy Wischer
  • Publication number: 20110030237
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drying a material, that includes the steps of: providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing, transporting a material into the housing, and drying the material in the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, transporting the dried material out of the housing and extracting from the gaseous atmosphere volatile substances which escape from the material into the gaseous atmosphere, especially flavors. The invention is also direct to an apparatus for drying the extruded material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Siegfried Schmidt, Maria Toivonen
  • Patent number: 7883886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for malting cereals comprising a tower (2) consisting a certain number of stories which are separated from each other by storey floors (9, 10), each storey comprising an air-proof carrier plate (13) carrying germinating cereals (24). Said tower also comprises air conditioning means for air conditioning, transfer means provided with a feeding channel and a removing channel for transferring conditioned air by means of the feeding channel which extends from air conditioning means downwards to the bottom of the carrier plate, passes along said carrier plate and a cereal layer arranged thereon in a direction of the top surface of said cereal layer and exits said top surface of the cereal layer by means of the removing channel. The inventive device is characterized in that the feeding channel and/or removing channel extend through a central opening in at least one storey floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Buehler AG
    Inventor: Gerardus Swinkels
  • Patent number: 7878112
    Abstract: Apparatus is described for storing sensitive materials in containers (32) which are sealed and in which the internal atmosphere may be purged by flushing with an inert gas fed in from a purger unit (30) via a suitable feed lead (35). The gas exhausted from inside the container (32) is fed back into the purge unit (30) and then checked against a desired parameter, for example oxygen concentration, until the value of that parameter reaches a desired level. Purging may then be stopped and the container left sealed, preferably at a slight over pressure relative to the ambient atmosphere. The use of a separate purge unit enables many containers to be sequentially and effectively processed. The containers are particularly useful for storing sensitive chemical and biological samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Roylan Developments Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Naylor
  • Patent number: 7874082
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for drying bulk material, especially bark, sawdust, pretreated sludge or a mixture of these. Also provided are a method and apparatus for cooling waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process. Certain embodiments include a pulp mill, paper mill and a novel way of using a wire. Other embodiments provide for cooling in one and the same heat exchanger the waste water produced in a pulp or paper production process while simultaneously heating the gas that cools the waste water. Heated gas extracted from the heat exchanger is conducted through one or several drying conveyers and through the material to be dried that is conveyed on the drying conveyer so as to dry the material with the heated gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: UPM-Kymmene Corporation
    Inventors: Esko Saarela, Juhani Kinnunen
  • Patent number: 7870685
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of covering materials for use with a vehicle component, in particular for pieces of trim or vehicle seats, whereby the moisture content of the covering material is temporarily increased, such that the covering material is softened in a treatment chamber by the introduction of moisture and then smoothed by the action of a drawing force extending the covering material is disclosed. A vehicle component treated by the above method, in particular seats, roof linings, and trim pieces for motor vehicles is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventor: Henry Wurm
  • Publication number: 20110000098
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a shoe drier, comprising: a structure (16) having an enclosed space into which shoes (28) are placed for drying; a heating system (detailed in FIG. 4 and the description thereof), for heating air inside said structure, thereby drying said shoes; a first rack (36), disposed inside said enclosed space, onto which said shoes are placed for drying; a mechanism for lifting said first rack as a result of opening the top of said structure, and placing down said first rack as a result of closing the top of said structure (detailed in FIG. 3 and the description thereof); thereby facilitating the use thereof for a disabled user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Alexander Karafinka
  • Patent number: 7861436
    Abstract: A laundry treating machine is disclosed. The laundry treating machine includes a case having a laundry receiving space for receiving laundry defined therein, the case being located above another laundry treating machine, a hot air supply unit for supplying hot air into the laundry receiving space, a manipulation part for allowing a user to select a drive course, a control unit for controlling the hot air supply unit to be driven according to the course selected by the manipulation part, and a guide unit for assisting the user to put the laundry in the laundry receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Joo Yeon Kim, Kyung Ah Choi
  • Patent number: 7861437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel dryer systems that incorporate two-stage processes for heating air for drying a traveling web. The present invention is operable within a drying system having a drying hood containing a dryer. The drying hood receives heated air through an intake and expels system air through an exhaust. The portion of system air that is maintained in the system is divided into two portions and directed into separate parallel conduits for two-stage heating that results in greater temperature uniformity and efficiency within the system. One loop includes a mixing chamber for the initial mixing of system air with the combustion products of a burner. A second loop includes an injection chamber that receives the initially mixed air and injects it into the other portion of the system air, resulting in greater temperature uniformity within the drying hood and increased operating efficiency for the entire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Paper USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Margaret E. Solomon-Gunn, Laurent R. Parent, Lynn C. Cotta
  • Publication number: 20100313438
    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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: GUADELUPE OLVERA
  • Patent number: 7845197
    Abstract: A high efficiency triple pass tunnel finisher includes an articulated spraying function for allowing steam to effectively penetrate a garment. The tunnel finisher can be used for the laundering of shirts, pants, and jackets. The tunnel finisher includes hot air chambers and a steam chamber that can include two rows of steam injectors located at a 45° angle in relation to the walls of the module. The steam chamber has a lower pressure than the hot air chambers, creating an air pressure differential. The hot air chambers are positively pressurized, preventing the relatively cooler air of the steam chamber from entering the chamber. The pressurization prevents heat loss, allowing the finisher to be more efficient, while increasing the temperature at which the garments exit the steam chamber. This leads to faster drying times, less garment wrinkling, and reduced dwell time for a garment with a high quality appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Leonard Automatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Neal Frushtick
  • Patent number: 7845037
    Abstract: A triple pass tunnel finisher for finishing fabric. The finisher includes a side module, a front module, and a rear module. The side module includes an entrance for receiving a fabric piece to be conveyed through the apparatus, and a steam injection chamber downstream of the entrance for treating the fabric piece with steam. The front module communicates with the side module to receive the fabric piece conveyed therefrom, and includes first and second hot air chambers, and an exit downstream of the second hot air chamber. The rear module communicates with the front module to receive the fabric piece therefrom, and includes a heating apparatus for heating the fabric piece, and a U-shaped intermediate hot air chamber downstream from the first hot air chamber and upstream from the second hot air chamber for receiving the fabric piece from the first hot air chamber and for delivering the fabric piece to the second hot air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Leonard Automatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Neal Frushtick
  • Publication number: 20100299954
    Abstract: A device for refreshing fabrics by reducing malodors and/or wrinkles without requiring that the fabrics to be put through an entire standard laundry process. The device comprises an extractable drawer which is pulled out of the device to allow for loading of a fabric into a receiving region. The extractable drawer can then be closed transporting the fabric into the interior of the device. A fabric treatment composition is sprayed or otherwise dispensed onto the fabrics when the device is operated. The device comprises an air flow path and a heating element which allows for the fabrics to be treated during use. The extractable drawer of the present invention can be positioned to extract laterally or vertically out of the shell of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Roselle, Corey Michael Bischoff, Lieven Richard Deketele, Stefan H. Hollinger, Stephan James Andreas Meschkat, Andre Christian Convents
  • Publication number: 20100296799
    Abstract: An airflow directing structure for hand dryers includes an airflow directing case, an air inlet, an air outlet, a heating means, an air intake means and a flow directing channel. The air intake means has a rotary axle which has one end fastened to air intake blades. The flow directing channel has an air intake passage communicating with the air inlet, a tortuous passage communicating with the air intake passage and an air exit passage with one end communicating with the tortuous passage and the other end communicating with the air outlet. The air exit passage and the air intake means are parallel in a juxtaposed manner, and located on the same side with the air intake blades and the air outlet. Thus total size of the airflow directing structure is smaller and the cost is lower, and an optimal heating speed can be achieved to improve drying efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: HOKWANG INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shen-Chen LIU
  • Patent number: 7836607
    Abstract: A drum assembly of a laundry dryer includes a cylindrical drum main body formed through a seam-welding process, a drum head including a main head rim having a predetermined width in a direction toward a center of the drum main body, the main head rim being coupled to a first end of the drum main body and provided with a plurality of elevated portion, and a support sleeve bent from an end of the main head rim, a drum rear wall coupled to a second end of the drum main body and provided with a plurality of hot wind introducing holes, and a lift coupled to an inner circumference of the drum main body to lift the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20100269364
    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: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HOKWANG INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shen-Chen LIU
  • Patent number: 7806075
    Abstract: The invention concerns an installation wherein is performed a crosslinking operation for a coating such as an ink or a varnish through ultraviolet radiation or electronic beam, in the presence of a gas mixture with controlled oxygen residual content. The installation comprises a chamber including one or more UV lamps or a source of accelerated electrons, required for performing the crosslinking operation, and is characterized in that it comprises an input device adjacent the chamber comprising at least the following three components, viewed successively by the product moving to be treated: a labyrinth system, means for injecting an inert gas forming a gas knife and a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: François Coeuret, Géraldine Rames-Langlade, Andrea Spizzica
  • Patent number: 7802376
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate material has a process chamber for receiving and treating the material. A bottom is composed of a plurality of overlapping guide plates which are placed one above the other and between which annular slots for process air to pass through are formed. An annular-gap nozzle is arranged centrally in the bottom, the orifice of this annular-gap nozzle being designed in such a way that a planar spray pancake which runs approximately parallel to the bottom plane can be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert Hüttlin
  • Publication number: 20100229420
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of controlling heated air drying of product. Exhaust temperature is measured during drying and compared to a target or ideal exhaust temperature function or reference. The exhaust temperature function or reference is correlated to a target or ideal drying rate for the product. Drying factors are adjusted to compensate for variance between measured exhaust temperature and the target or ideal exhaust temperature function to influence actual exhaust temperature to follow the target or ideal exhaust temperature function during drying. Drying factors such as inlet air temperature and drying pressure can be controlled manually or automatically by the comparison to promote efficient and controlled drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: MARIO GARRIDO, ROBERTO VARGAS, CRISTIAN VIOLIC
  • Publication number: 20100229416
    Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus that can decrease the time necessary for cooling a processed wafer for improving the throughput. The substrate processing apparatus comprises: a process chamber configured to process a substrate; a substrate supporter configured to support the substrate and load the substrate into the process chamber; a transfer mechanism configured to carry the substrate to the substrate supporter; and a non-sealing type shield part installed between the substrate supporter and the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: HITACHI-KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Yukinori ABURATANI, Seiyo NAKASHIMA, Masakazu SHIMADA
  • Publication number: 20100223804
    Abstract: An air modulating non-thermal dryer (AMND) system that de-waters a wet feedstock stream with an ambient airstream, to produce a dried product stream. The system utilizes a drying chamber in the efficient production of a dried product, and includes an acoustic induced air motion liberation or “SONICATION™” of the moisture with a combination of drivers, labyrinth transmission lines, and air modulating devices. Initially, a 50% to 60% dry composite of biomass or biosolids is pneumatically conveyed to the chamber through an in-line cutter and a swiveling load leveler with an atomizing nozzle for final shredding. The system can liberate up to 90% of the moisture content, using high volumes of process air, along with infeed motive air to deliver wet feedstock material into the chamber. Expelled airborne moisture may be discharged to atmosphere, without further processing, or it may be recaptured for potable uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Flaherty, Randolph D. Hedgebeth
  • Publication number: 20100218521
    Abstract: Provided is a dryer for minimizing moisture entrained within a refrigerant used to provide a cooling effect to a temperature-controlled environment, and a refrigeration appliance including such a dryer. The dryer includes a housing defining a drying chamber and a desiccant disposed within the drying chamber for removing at least a portion of the moisture from the refrigerant. A first outlet is formed in the housing adjacent a lower region of the drying chamber when the drying chamber is viewed in an operational orientation. A second outlet is also formed in the housing at an elevation vertically above the first outlet when the dryer is viewed in the operational orientation for discharging at least a portion of the refrigerant introduced into the drying chamber to be delivered to a second heat exchanger with a relatively-low internal pressure. The elevation of the second outlet relative to the first outlet promotes the discharge of the refrigerant through the first outlet instead of through the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Juan Antonio Contreras Lafaire, David L. Hall, Marcelo Candeo, Dennis Carl Hansen
  • Patent number: 7774953
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to dry the hands of individuals. The system may include a pedestal, an air pedal and powder pedal hinged to the pedestal, a chamber having a dome connected to a shroud to define a chamber interior. The chamber interior may be divided into a first divided area, a second divided, and an overhead area that connects the first divided area to the second divided area. Each dived area may include a perforated tube to deliver pressurized air and powder into the chamber interior. An air compressor may be connected directly to the perforated tubes and connected to a powder chamber. In addition to pressurized air being delivered to the chamber interior, powder optionally may be delivered to the chamber interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Napoli I. Duran
  • Publication number: 20100199515
    Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a drying chamber, a process air channel having a supply air opening for drawing in process air, an exhaust air opening for expelling process air, an exhaust air channel through which process air is conducted to the exhaust air opening, and a nebulizer that distributes condensate in process air. The dryer further includes a fan in the process air channel for driving process air through the drying chamber, and a heat exchanger that extracts heat from process air flowing out from the drying chamber, supplies heat to process air flowing into the drying chamber, and separates the condensate from the process air for the nebulizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventor: Günter Steffens
  • Publication number: 20100199513
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Sanders
  • Publication number: 20100199510
    Abstract: A drying apparatus and method including heated airflow and ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transducers are arranged and operated for effectively breaking down the boundary layer to increase the heat transfer rate. The ultrasonic transducers are spaced from the material to be dried a distance of about (?)(n/4), where ? is the wavelength of the ultrasonic oscillations and n is an odd integer (i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, etc.). In this way, the amplitude of the ultrasonic oscillations is maximized to more-effectively agitate the boundary layer. In addition, the ultrasonic transducers are operated to produce about 120-190 dB (preferably, about 160-185 dB) at the interface surface of the material to be dried. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers are of a pneumatic type. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers are of an electric type. And in other embodiments, infrared and/or UV light devices are included for further boundary layer disruption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Zinovy Plavnik
  • Patent number: 7762006
    Abstract: A device and corresponding methods for drying medical equipment involving a dryer for drying the medical equipment; and a supply orb having a body and a cavity within the body for holding, ventilating, and storing the medical equipment, the at least one supply orb being mechanically coupled to the dryer for operation and being mechanically decoupled from the dryer during non-operation. The supply orb having a ventilation feature and a configuration conducive to creating a combined irrotational and rotational gas flow therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: SiestaMed, Technologies
    Inventor: David Kasso
  • Publication number: 20100180461
    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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Bertram E. Lacey
  • Publication number: 20100174668
    Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the clothes dryer in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes dryer in the energy savings mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: MICHAEL F. FINCH, John K. Besore, Jeff Donald Drake, Darin Franks, Chad Michael Helms, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson, Joshua S. Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20100170102
    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: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Wang Ban Chih
  • Patent number: 7748562
    Abstract: Container device for an environmental humidity absorber with an anti-spill system which comprises A lower receptable to collect saline liquid with a recessed rib that fits into a peripheral flange in an outer part of a wall of a tray for hygroscopic material, disposed over the upper edge of the receptable; A drainage tube that extends vertically inserted in a central drainage hole of the receptable embedded into the base of the tray An upper lid with ventilation holes, a lateral peripheral flap over the tray wall and with a lower peripheral flange Recessed projections that fit into the complementary openings of respective horizontal recessed tongues that emerge from opposite sides of the lid, emerge from at least two respective opposing segments of the wall of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Top Grade, S.L.
    Inventor: Eva Schmidt Dios
  • Patent number: 7748137
    Abstract: A method of drying comprises placing a moist material inside a substantially enclosed solar greenhouse. The greenhouse comprises at least one light transmission roof and/or wall panel that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, but resistant to convective and conductive heat transfer. The interior temperature and humidity of the greenhouse are maintained within their pre-determined ranges while the interior moisture of the greenhouse is effectively reduced to allow a controlled drying of the material. A solar greenhouse for the drying process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Yin Wang
  • Publication number: 20100154249
    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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: STAR TECHNO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yousuke SHIOTANI
  • Publication number: 20100154248
    Abstract: A dryer includes a drying chamber for the items to be dried, an inlet air duct, a process air duct, an exhaust air duct, a recirculating air duct, a fan, and a heat pump with an evaporator, a condenser and a programmable controller. The dryer defines a process air path for obtaining and maintaining a predetermined minimum difference ?Tset between an evaporator entry temperature T2 and a dryer entry temperature T1 as well as a predetermined lower threshold T2set for the evaporator entry temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Stolze