Abstract: A system and method directed to a countertop oven comprising a powerhead or power unit, a dome, and a base, which may include a stainless steel pan, and/or a plastic base, adaptable to receive a dehydrating adapter, base, and/or one or more dehydrator trays. According to exemplary embodiment, the powerhead may include a sensor to detect when the powerhead has been inserted in the dehydrator adapter, according to an exemplary embodiment. The power unit may be detachably connectable to the dehydrating enclosure and a cooking enclosure dome. The power unit and the cooking enclosure may collectively combine into a multi-stage counter-top electric oven. The power unit and the dehydrating enclosure may also collectively combine into a dehydrator. The dehydrating enclosure may include a plurality of stackable dehydrating trays through which dehydrating air is circulated from the power unit.

Abstract: A vehicle dryer includes an energy-conserving rotatable inlet butterfly valve to selectively admit or block air to a fan encased in a blower housing. The valve includes a plate mounted on a shaft that extends across the inlet portion of the blower housing. The plate is rotated by its shaft to either an opened position for admitting air into a blower housing, or a closed position for blocking air from entering into the blower housing. A crank arm is coupled to the valve shaft, and a pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod for turning the crank arm through a ninety-degree angle, thereby rotating the valve plate between its opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A garment drying apparatus (200) is disclosed having a frame (201), a porous net 204, slip proof pads (205,206), an adjustable width garment hanger (202) and a hook (203) to support said adjustable width garment hanger; the frame (201) rests at an acute angle from the floor to provide iron free drying effect.

Abstract: A hearing aid drying device for receiving and heat-drying one or more hearing aids. The device includes an electrical outlet-supported and electrically actuated wall light having a base with electrical contacts for operative engagement into an electrical outlet and an electric light bulb operatively supported in the base. A support member is connected to the base and a container is connected to the support member in a position directly above and in close proximity to the light bulb. The container preferably includes a closeable lid and defines an interior volume adapted to receive at least one hearing aid placed therein whereby moisture in the hearing aid accumulated. during use thereof is heated sufficiently by the light bulb to cause the moisture to evaporate. Apertures formed through the lid and bottom of the container facilitate circulation of heated air through the interior volume.

Abstract: An organic antireflection coating is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A resist film is formed on the semiconductor substrate through the organic antireflection coating. The resist film is patterned for forming a resist pattern having an opening. A part of the organic antireflection coating exposed on the bottom of the opening of the resist pattern is removed with atomic oxygen. Thus provided is a method of forming a resist pattern so improved as to increase the dimensional accuracy of the resist pattern.

Abstract: Liquid is removed from disks by apparatus and methods for drying a disk that has been wet in a liquid bath. The disk and the bath are separated at a controlled rate to form a monolayer of liquid on the disk as the disk is positioned in a gas-filled volume. The separation may be by moving the disk out of the liquid bath, and the controlled rate is generally not less than the maximum rate at which a meniscus will form between the liquid bath and the surface of the disk when the liquid bath and the disk are separated. The gas-filled volume is defined by a hot chamber that continuously transfers thermal energy to the disk in the gas-filled volume. Hot gas directed into the volume and across the disk and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the disk. The directing of the gas out of the volume is independent of the separation of the bath and the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing moisture from a hearing aid by positioning the hearing aid in a chamber of preselected volume and passing heated air over the hearing aid and maintaining the first chamber within a preselected temperature range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying herbicide to the interior of sewer lines. The invention includes a heating assembly which is capable of raising the temperature of the herbicide such that it enters a gaseous state. This gaseous herbicide is then forced through flexible tubing and into the sewer line where it attacks flora infestations therein. A highly saturated atmosphere is maintained within the sewer line by a pair of inflatable inner-tube type devices which entrap the gaseous herbicide within the area of sewer line to be treated.

Abstract: A heater cabinet which utilizes a source of steam heat to elevate to a predetermined working temperature various industrial containers and the contents thereof. Containers suitable for use with the heater cabinet include barrels, drums, pails, nondisposable and disposable liquibins, and the like. In a preferred embodiment the cabinet includes a plurality of insulated walls which define an enclosure. Access to the enclosure is provided by a pair of swinging doors hinged to the front wall of the cabinet. Mounted near the bottom of the enclosure is an open grate for supporting containers placed within the enclosure for heating. Beneath the grate and contiguous therewith is a steam coil for connection to a source of steam which imparts heat into the enclosure. Below the steam coil is a drip pan for collecting and containing any spillage or drippage which may inadvertently flow from the container.