In Wall, Ceiling, Or Floor Patents (Class 34/233)
  • Patent number: 11821134
    Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus includes a frame; a hanger body configured to move with respect to the frame and provided to hang clothes or clothes hangers; a vibration module that generates vibrations by comprising at least one eccentric portion that rotates around at least one predetermined rotational axis in such a way that the weight is off-center, and that is connected to the hanger body to transmit the vibrations; and at least one elastic member that exerts an elastic force on the vibration module when the vibration module vibrates. The angular speed of the eccentric portion is changeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaehyung Kim, Semin Jang
  • Patent number: 11659976
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a door, and a drying device configured to supply air to a washing space in the tub. The drying device includes a drying duct that is disposed outside the tub and includes a condensing duct and a return duct, a fan configured to cause a flow of air in the drying duct, and a heater configured to heat the air in the drying duct. The condensing duct includes a first condensing duct connected to an inlet port configured to receive moist air from the washing space, and a second condensing duct disposed vertically below a bottom portion of the tub and connected to the first condensing duct. The return duct includes a return upstream end connected to the second condensing duct and a return downstream end connected to an outlet port configured to supply air to the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung Man Park, Seungyoun Kim, Min Jae Jeong, Kijoong Kang, Youngsoo Kim
  • Patent number: 11619405
    Abstract: The airflow system includes a wall penetration hole, a high-velocity fan system attached to that hole, and a port manifold which allows multiple fan systems to be connected to one wall penetration. The airflow system is controlled with a timer and a fan speed controller, either wirelessly or with electrical wiring. The airflow system is further self-optimizing with a temperature and humidity controller that allows the airflow system to turn itself on and off to adjust the designated space to reach a target temperature or humidity for the space. The airflow system reduces moisture in a designated space to improve air quality and reduce biological spores and gasses from poorly ventilated spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Greg Drenik
  • Patent number: 11576539
    Abstract: A drying arrangement includes a primary drying module having: a body, a bar movable relative to the body, the bar having an air outlet for exhausting an airflow in a first airflow direction; and a secondary drying module having a housing, the housing having an air outlet for exhausting an airflow in a second airflow direction; wherein the first airflow direction and the second airflow direction differ from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyun sun Yoo, Seung Yup Lee, Sang Yoon Lee, Byung Soo Oh, Hyun-Joo Jeon, So Ra Cheon, Ji sun Yoon
  • Patent number: 11559175
    Abstract: A full body dryer. The dryer includes a semi-circular base with a plurality of air tubes extending arcuately upward therefrom. The air tubes are extendable and retractable to adjust a height of the air tubes for use or for compact storage or transport. An upper end of each air tube of the plurality of air tubes includes an air vent to direct forced air toward a portion of an individual's body to dry the individual's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventor: Capujene Wright
  • Patent number: 11553822
    Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a body, a bar movable relative to the body; an air inlet, a flow generator to receive inlet air from the air inlet and generate an airflow, and a bar air outlet at the bar for exhausting the airflow from the flow generator. A bar orientation mechanism is operable to control an orientation of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyun Sun Yoo, Seung Yup Lee, Sang Yoon Lee, Byung Soo Oh, Hyun-Joo Jeon, So Ra Cheon, Ji Sun Yoon
  • Patent number: 11503891
    Abstract: The hair dryer with a scent dispenser includes a housing with an air outlet at a first end thereof, and an air inlet at a second end thereof. An airflow conduit is disposed within the housing. A fan is mounted within the airflow conduit for drawing air into the airflow conduit, and a heating element is mounted within the airflow conduit for heating the air. The heated air is blown by the fan through the airflow conduit and out the air outlet. A scent container is received within the housing for storing a scented liquid. An air pump is in fluid communication with the scent container for delivering pressurized air into the scented liquid to produce scented air. The scent container is in fluid communication with the airflow conduit such that the scented air mixes with the heated air within the airflow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: GIFTEDNESS AND CREATIVITY COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdulrahim Y. Kalendar, Gadir E. Alkandari
  • Patent number: 11339994
    Abstract: A control method and control device for a heat pump-type double-circulation hot-air drying system, relating to a device for supplying or controlling air or gas for drying solid materials or products, and in particular to a control method and control device for a heat pump-type hot-air drying system. The method comprises: configuring a temperature control parameter, and saving a preset temperature control curve parameter; detecting and monitoring an outlet air temperature, and the temperature and humidity of a drying room; dynamically adjusting a set temperature according to a preset temperature control curve; and selecting, according to a current set temperature, a double-circulation dynamic operation mode of a system. The control device uses a micro-processor to realize program control. By building an inner circulation loop for large-volume air circulation, the latent heat of condensation in a refrigerant is fully absorbed, to improve the basic air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGSU TENESUN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yujun Wang, Yunyun Wu, Xiaowang Wu, Zhonghai Ji, Ying Wang, Tianshu Wang, Yi Yang
  • Patent number: 11293449
    Abstract: A portable blowing device includes at least one support rod and a plurality of blades. The support rod comprises an upper rod portion, a lower rod portion, and a rotating ring that is located between the upper rod portion and the lower rod portion. A hook is disposed on the top end of the upper rod portion, and pluralities of first fixed portions are disposed on the outer surface of the rotating ring. Each blade has a first connection portion for connecting to the corresponding first fixed portion of the rotating ring. When the blowing device is activated, the rotation of blades generates the airflow to blow user or the clothes hung on a support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Po-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 11193712
    Abstract: Machines, systems and methods for curing materials, including organic and nonorganic materials, are described. In particular, machines, systems and methods for machines, systems and methods for materials, such as organic plant materials or inorganic materials, including cannabis materials. In particular, the present invention relates to machines, systems and methods for an automated drying and curing chamber machine for both personal and commercial applications, wherein the machine uses customized variable settings and laminar air flow dynamics via negative pressure to ensure the optimal curing and drying environment for plant materials are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: PipeSkin, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Kozlowski, Cole Ducey, Renzo Garcia
  • Patent number: 11102926
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprising an impervious bin skirt, the bin skirt comprising at least one section, a top portion of a first section of the bin skirt to couple to a side wall of the bin to shield a portion of a base of the bin from moisture penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin Glade Casper, Kim Haws
  • Patent number: 11077459
    Abstract: The present invention relates to accelerated directional airflows for use in, preferably, paint booths. Specifically, the present invention relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods of using the same that create an accelerated directional airflow while eliminating the requirement of having multiple vents, nozzles, hoses, and the like. Even more specifically, the present invention controls airflow more efficiently, requires fewer parts, and costs less to use and maintain. Specifically, the accelerated directional airflows are useful in paint booths for drying painted parts and for ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Global Finishing Solutions LLC
    Inventors: William McFadden, Brandon Lowder
  • Patent number: 10752358
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage having an internal cabin, and a garment refreshing system located within the internal cabin. The garment refreshing system is operable to refresh a garment of an individual within the internal cabin. A method of refreshing a garment while onboard an aircraft includes positioning a garment refreshing system within an internal cabin of a fuselage of an aircraft, and refreshing a garment of an individual onboard the aircraft with the garment refreshing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Karen L. Hills
  • Patent number: 10709145
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a heater to a grain bin aeration fan features a multi-piece adapter device having a connection adapter with inlets for receiving flexible ducts from a heater. The connection adapter can be used on its own to directly interface with a grain bin aeration fan of a first size, or can be used in combination with a cooperative sizing adapter to adjust an effective outlet size of the adapter to better fit a grain bin aeration fan of a different second size. An ambient air intake in the connection adapter entrains ambient air into the heated air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Adaptive Agriculture Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Rogoschewsky
  • Patent number: 10634428
    Abstract: An environmentally sensitive container assembly for curing cannabis includes a jar that has cannabis positioned therein for the purposes of curing the cannabis. A disk is positionable on the jar for closing the jar. A humidistat is coupled to the disk to detect humidity levels in the jar. A thermometer is coupled to the disk to detect a temperature in the jar. A display is coupled to the disk, the display displays temperature indicia for communicating the temperature in the interior of the jar and the display displays humidity indicia for communication the humidity in the interior of the jar. A lid is removably coupled to the jar and compresses the disk against the jar to close the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Tommy Peter
  • Patent number: 10568350
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to refresh food pieces. Food pieces (such as potato chips, etc.) can become stale when exposed to moisture for periods of time. An apparatus includes a heater and a blower which generate hot air blown into a connected container. Thus, the food pieces are rejuvenated when exposed to streams of hot air and can become “unstale” therefore ready for eating. A control on a base of the apparatus can separately control both the heater and the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: JBC Cpital, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Cohen, Scott Curry
  • Patent number: 10412988
    Abstract: An apparatus for roasting coffee beans comprises a roasting chamber for containing coffee beans. The roasting chamber is positioned within a resonant cavity of a waveguide. A microwave emitter produces microwave energy within the waveguide with one or more stable high intensity microwave regions within the roasting chamber to heat the coffee beans in the roasting chamber to a temperature sufficient to roast the coffee beans. A device configured to move the coffee beans within the one or more high intensity microwave regions is coupled to the roasting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: JACOBSEN INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, John McCullough
  • Patent number: 10405497
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely managing grain levels in one or more silos includes a computer system communicatively connected to one or more light sensors and grain loading drive mechanisms and/or grain supply reordering modules. When a sensor reports that a grain level has fallen below a predetermined threshold, the computer system generates an alert and forwards the alert across a wireless communications network to a user's mobile device. The user may select a user command to send to the computer system, whereupon the computer system may activate one or more grain loading drive mechanisms and/or reorder grain from the associated supplier in accordance with the response action or alternatively override the user command based upon one or more contextual determinations, the grain loading drive mechanisms able to replenish the grain levels to optimal, above-threshold levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Cell Sign Technologies
    Inventors: Eric Casebolt, Stephen M. Obsharksy
  • Patent number: 9714790
    Abstract: A facility for controlling moisture in grains provided with a grain storage silo conveniently installed on a hard flat floor and inside of which a raised floor drilled with air passageways is provided, determining an air chamber inside the silo and below the perforated floor, into which previously conditioned air is blown by an air heater, wherein the control of hot air blowing times is determined based on modeling and calculating carried out by a programmable controller operatively connected to an ambient air temperature sensor located outside the silo, an ambient relative humidity sensor located outside the silo and a temperature air sensor located into the air chamber inside the silo, thereby causing the application of different stages of drying, rewetting and maintenance of the first bottom layer of grain, ranging between an upper and lower moisture limits narrowing around the desired moisture while the drying progress, leading to an homogeneous final moisture content of all the grain bulk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Instituto Nacional De Techologia Argopecuaria
    Inventors: Ricardo Bartosik, Diego De La Torre
  • Patent number: 9573834
    Abstract: A device for cooling sheets of glass by jets of air emitted by at least one nozzle in a form of a pipe, including a box supplying the nozzle with air, airflow ejected via an ejection orifice of the nozzle passing successively through a conical part, of which an internal section is reduced in a flow direction, and then through a cylindrical part including the ejection orifice, of which an internal section corresponds to a smallest internal section of the conical part and to an internal section of the ejection orifice. The cylindrical part of the nozzle has a length greater than 6 times the diameter of the ejection orifice. The device achieves a high level of heat exchange when the sheets of glass are cooled, which makes it possible to increase reinforcing effect on the glass and/or to reduce power of fans used to convey air through the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Renate Von Der Ohe, Sebastien Thuillier, Fouad Fahl
  • Patent number: 9560860
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for decontaminating grain with ozone, where the apparatus includes a grain inlet, a decontamination chamber that includes a plurality of baffles and a plurality of ozone ports; and a grain outlet. Also disclosed is a method for decontaminating grain that includes contacting a gravity assisted or gravity driven flow of grain with ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Tim Zwijack
  • Patent number: 9500407
    Abstract: A drying apparatus that dries a porous membrane that is carryable along a predetermined direction and a drying method, the drying apparatus including a housing; a plurality of air suppliers arranged in the housing along the predetermined direction so as to inject air toward the porous membrane; and a plurality of air exhausters arranged in the housing along the predetermined direction so as to exhaust air that has been injected from the air suppliers to an exterior of the housing, wherein the plurality of air suppliers are symmetrically arranged with one another at opposite sides of the porous membrane to face each other with the porous membrane disposable therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo Jin Jang, Tae Sik Kim, Jin Kyu Park, Hun Young Park, Jun Ho Chung, Bong Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9336492
    Abstract: A modeling framework for evaluating the impact of weather conditions on farming and harvest operations applies real-time, field-level weather data and forecasts of meteorological and climatological conditions together with user-provided and/or observed feedback of a present state of a harvest-related condition to agronomic models and to generate a plurality of harvest advisory outputs for precision agriculture. A harvest advisory model simulates and predicts the impacts of this weather information and user-provided and/or observed feedback in one or more physical, empirical, or artificial intelligence models of precision agriculture to analyze crops, plants, soils, and resulting agricultural commodities, and provides harvest advisory outputs to a diagnostic support tool for users to enhance farming and harvest decision-making, whether by providing pre-, post-, or in situ-harvest operations and crop analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Iteris, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Mewes, Dustin M. Salentiny
  • Patent number: 9254978
    Abstract: A seasoning apparatus includes: a table on which a stack of paper sheets is loaded, each of the paper sheets having at least one face on which active light curable aqueous ink has been deposited; an air blowing device which blows air in an air blowing direction to a side of the stack loaded on the table; an active light emission device which emits the active light in an active light emitting direction to a side of the stack loaded on the table; and a control device which causes the air blowing device to blow the air to the stack to create gaps between faces of the paper sheets, and causes the active light emission device to emit the active light to the stack to cause the active light to enter the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8844163
    Abstract: A laundry treating machine includes a basement portion (14) having an upper side (17) with seats (18A-18F) formed thereon for receiving machine operational devices (5), and a lower side (16), opposite to the upper side (17). The lower side (16) forms an air path for air to be admitted into or exhausted from the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Deborah Palazzin, Alessandro Vian, Fabio Pasut, Luciana Riccardi
  • Patent number: 8720079
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Woodhaven Capital Corp.
    Inventors: Juan Neufeld, Bernie Thiessen
  • Patent number: 8677648
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gatco Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Schreiner
  • Publication number: 20130295833
    Abstract: A hopper bottom for a grain bin includes a hopper wall having an inverted cone shape so as to taper downwardly and inwardly towards a central bottom opening and including ventilation openings therein. Perforated ducts extend into the grain bin from the ventilation openings. According to one embodiment upright support legs support the hopper wall above the foundation. Each upright support leg has a hollow interior chamber to direct air from an inlet manifold structure to the ventilation openings in the hopper wall. According to another embodiment, an outer support wall supports the hopper wall above a floor structure which collectively enclose a manifold space which directs air from a blower into the ventilation openings in the hopper wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Lester James Thiessen
  • Patent number: 8567088
    Abstract: A hoof drying apparatus. The hoof drying apparatus is specifically sized and shaped to accommodate one or more hoofs of a hoofed animal and dries a bottom, side and top portion of a hoof from the bottom up. The hoof drying apparatus is portable and specifically designed, but is not limited to, drying hooves for the purposes of: hoof wall repair, preparation for medication for hoof diseases and preparation of the hoof for application of hoof dressings and hoof shoes. The hoof drying apparatus can also be used for drying non-hoofed animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Donald R. Tritz
  • Patent number: 8555519
    Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of multiple articles located in separate chambers (38) for treatment with an ambient or heated, and/or treated air flow stream (44); and processes for drying multiple articles located in the separate chambers (38) using an ambient or heated, and/or treated air flow stream (44). The chambers (38) are within a container or form a container (36), and the chambers (38) are connected in a manner that defines a virtual air flow stream tube having a length in excess of any single nominal length dimension or of any nominal internal width dimension or of any nominal internal height dimension of the container so that any to-be-treated items supported within any chamber is treated with air flow stream (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Martin Allen McFarland
  • Patent number: 8544186
    Abstract: A hand dryer with annular air exhaust includes a casing and an air supply device located in the casing. The casing has a coupling portion and an air exhaust portion connected to the coupling portion. The air exhaust portion has two extension sections extended from the coupling portion and a connection section connected to the two extension sections to form an annular hand drying passage. The air exhaust portion includes a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles corresponding to the hand drying passage which has a first opening and a second opening at two ends. The air supply device has an airflow guiding duct to direct air to the air exhaust portion. The first and second nozzles exhaust the air towards the hand drying passage to form annular air exhaust, and thus hand drying angles are increased to dry hands faster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hokwang Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chin Hsu
  • Patent number: 8528232
    Abstract: Described is a system and apparatus for stripping fluids from the surface of a passing vehicle. The apparatus includes an inflatable blower bag for attaching with a duct structure. The inflatable blower bag includes an entrance for receiving air from the support structure and an exit for directing air onto a passing vehicle. A flexible water stripping blade is positioned proximate the exit such that as the bag falls onto a passing vehicle, the flexible blade engages with the passing vehicle and strips water from the passing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: G. Thomas Ennis
  • Patent number: 8176651
    Abstract: A method of drying articles within a washer comprising: creating an airflow from an upper compartment of a chamber to a lower compartment of the chamber through a gap such that a curtain of air is formed along side walls of the chamber; creating an air flow from the lower compartment to the upper compartment through an opening therebetween wherein a portion of the curtain of air is drawn in a first direction over articles in the lower compartment and a portion of the curtain of air continues along the side walls and is redirected in a second direction over the articles in the lower compartment; heating the air in the upper compartment to a temperature sufficient to vaporize fluid in the chamber; venting a portion of the air in the lower compartment; and introducing clean filtered air into the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Maxime Robert, Ghislain Parent, Louis Martineau
  • Patent number: 8153419
    Abstract: An Intermodal container, also known as an ISO Ocean Freight Container is suitable for the dual purposes of bio-containment and also Intermodal shipping. Provision is made for the introduction of water, oxygen or other liquids or gasses to be treated into the container, for exit of liquids or gasses generated or converted in the container, and for the monitoring of biological processes occurring within the container, all in a liquid impervious container. Improved air ducts and flow paths are provided, while the effects of shrinkage and channeling are reduced, through a strategically placed and relative percentage of openings through the floor. Further improvements in air distribution are achieved by an elimination or substantial reduction in percentage of opening through the floor in areas immediately adjacent to the container side walls. The flooring incorporates a self-cleaning hole design which increases in diameter with increasing distance from the container contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: James J. McNelly
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8051629
    Abstract: A heat tunnel for applying heated air to articles enclosed in shrink-wrap film includes at least one air supply unit; a conveyor; and a heat shroud spaced from the conveyor. The air supply unit includes a source of heated air, a fan, a heated air plenum, air ducts, and a return air plenum. Multiple air supply units can be provided along the conveyor to create a heat tunnel of desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Irvan Leo Pazdernik, Bruce Malcolm Peterson, Paul Howard Wagner, Bradley Jon VanderTuin, Richard Jerome Schoeneck
  • Patent number: 7900371
    Abstract: The personal dryer apparatus provides a full personal enclosure. The apparatus can be positioned as chosen, whether next to a shower or bath or apart from. One door of the apparatus may be selectively removed if complete shower-to-apparatus joining is desired, as the apparatus provides opposite entry and exit. The cap design and interior air delivery and air exit designs provide optimal air flow into, through, and out of the apparatus. The spaced apart nozzles provide multi-levels of air delivery. The apparatus provides temperature controlled heated air. The selectively positioned nozzle openings and fan control provide selectively delivered air flow amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: B. Wade Bullard
  • Publication number: 20110035954
    Abstract: Exemplary mobile drying containers and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the mobile drying container includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall having a gate, an interior bottom, an upper volume and a lower volume separated by a ventilated floor supported by support members, wheels positioned below the lower volume, and one or more support legs positioned below the lower volume to provide support between the mobile drying container and the ground. The upper volume holds the crop to be dried, and the gate of the second end wall is operable to open and provide a path to dump or remove the crop. The lower volume is operable to receive a flow of air from an opening to assist with the drying of the crop. The present invention also encompasses other embodiments and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: APT ADVANCED TRAILER & EQUIPMENT, LP
    Inventor: Randal W. Hill
  • Patent number: 7841104
    Abstract: The present invention provides a washer for washing articles. A housing of the washer defines a chamber. A partition divides the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. An outer peripheral edge of the partition generally conforms to side walls of the housing such that a gap is formed between the edge of the partition and the side walls of the housing. A blower assembly disposed in the upper compartment has a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an air outlet. The first air inlet fluidly communicates with the lower compartment. The second air inlet fluidly communicates with an external air inlet line. The air outlet fluidly communicates with the upper compartment. An impeller is provided to circulate air from the lower compartment and from the air inlet line into the upper compartment. A heating means heats the air in the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Maxime Robert, Ghislain Parent, Louis Martineau
  • Patent number: 7818894
    Abstract: This process embodies forcing air through grain and granular biological products using a high volume horizontal airflow from a central vertical pervious tube to one or more plenum chambers near the structure sidewall to dry or cool products. Cross-flow air movement can be supplied by either suction or pressure. This conditioning and drying method has advantages over conventional storage structures, especially where product depth is much greater than diameter. In this process, horizontal air typically moves only ? to ? of vertical distances. Horizontal airflow resistance through elongated seeds is 50-60 percent of vertical airflow. Power for horizontal airflow is typically 8-15% that of vertical airflow. Grain and seed drying costs will be 15-30% of high temperature drying. To enhance germination, storage and grain and seed quality, and to kill or exclude insect pests, ozone is applied to drying or aeration airstreams for treating stored products and storages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald T. Noyes, Vitaly G. Danchenko
  • Patent number: 7695572
    Abstract: A dishwasher and a controlling method thereof are provided. The dishwasher includes a tub, a door, a steam generator, and a dish storage. The tub holds dishes and is opened at one end. The door selectively seals the opened end of the tub. The steam generator is provided outside the tub to generate steam. The steam discharger discharges the steam generated by the steam generator into the tub. The dish storage stores dishes to be sterilized by the steam discharged from the steam discharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Byung Hwan Ahn, Soung Bong Choi, Deung Hee Lee, Hung Myoung Cho, Hyeok Deok Kim, Seong Hae Jeong
  • Publication number: 20100083522
    Abstract: A configurable hoof drying apparatus. The drying components of the apparatus are selectable, configurable and inter-changeable for desired drying needs and change a pressure, speed and temperature of an original drying air source. Therefore it can be used with a hot/warm/cool/cold air drying source. The hoof drying apparatus is portable and specifically designed, but is not limited to, drying hooves for the purposes of: hoof wall repair, preparation for medication for hoof diseases and preparation of the hoof for application of hoof dressings and hoof shoes. The hoof drying apparatus can also be used for drying non-hoofed animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Donald R. TRITZ
  • Patent number: 7568297
    Abstract: An improved vertical aeration system is provided for a grain bin having a sloped hopper bottom with a discharge opening. A pyramid frame includes legs with lower ends attachable to the hopper bottom. Concave perforated walls are attached to the legs. Braces extending between the legs provide structural support for the walls. An air duct extends upwardly and centrally into the interior of the frame, to supply air into the aeration system for flow outwardly through the perforated walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Woodhaven Capital Corp.
    Inventors: Ken Pierson, Brian Macdonald, John Penner
  • Publication number: 20090094853
    Abstract: This process embodies forcing air through grain and granular biological products using a high volume horizontal airflow from a central vertical pervious tube to one or more plenum chambers near the structure sidewall to dry or cool products. Cross-flow air movement can be supplied by either suction or pressure. This conditioning and drying method has advantages over conventional storage structures, especially where product depth is much greater than diameter. In this process, horizontal air typically moves only ? to ? of vertical distances. Horizontal airflow resistance through elongated seeds is 50-60 percent of vertical airflow. Power for horizontal airflow is typically 8-15% that of vertical airflow. Grain and seed drying costs will be 15-30% of high temperature drying. To enhance germination, storage and grain and seed quality, and to kill or exclude insect pests, ozone is applied to drying or aeration airstreams for treating stored products and storages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald T. Noyes, Vitaly G. Danchenko
  • Patent number: 7509755
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and massaging feet, comprising a plate (2) whereon the feet are set, defining a plurality of holes (3) through which air escapes towards the feet, at a pressure of at least 0.5 bar, such as to produce not only the drying but also a massaging effect on the feet. The holes (3) are distributed at greater concentration in the regions where the toes and the front part of the feet bear. The plate (2) comprises a plurality of interchangeable templates (8) to adapt the apparatus to different foot sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Michele Avanzini
  • Patent number: 7497031
    Abstract: An apparatus for enhanced drying of bulk agricultural products is provided in a transport trailer. The apparatus includes a perforated false bottom below the product, an air manifold buried within the product, and baffles for air distribution. Product unloading capabilities are enhanced as well. These capabilities enhance the uniformity and reproducibility of drying, ease of product handling, and greater safety in unloading the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Revis Clary
  • Patent number: 7422895
    Abstract: A modular support system for a bed of organic filter medium has provision for adjusting the distribution of gases in the plenum defined below the filter bed platform. Once the filter bed platform has been fully erected, with a gas inlet below the platform, slide gates are positioned in special modules which define a gas distribution channel, preferably extending in a series to form a line in the assembled support platform. The slide gates, one at each side of the special flow distribution modules, are adjusted as to the depth of penetration down into the plenum, so as to close the sides of the flow distribution channel to varying degrees along the length of the channel, effective to balance the flow of gases up through the perforations in the platform modules. The proper gate setting can be determined empirically after erection of the filter bed platform, by flowing gas through the platform and checking the distribution of gas exiting the holes in the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hallsten Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hallsten
  • Patent number: 7377052
    Abstract: A low temperature clothes dryer having a drying chamber provides removable horizontal screens supporting clothing items and a hanging bar for hanging clothes to be dried. A timing control allows setting the time of operation of the drying cabinet. An electric heater with thermostat is provided to initially raise and maintain the air temperature within the drying chamber to at least about 90 degrees F. The dehumidifier is then operated, providing for circulation through the ducts and drying cabinet by an internal fan. The dehumidifier has an evaporator through which warm, humid air is passed, thereby cooling the air and condensing water therefrom, the water being collected in a removable container or drained through a drain hose. The fan forces the cooled, dried air through a condenser which heats the dried air for recirculation through the drying chamber by means of ducts, thereby drying the clothing therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Maruca