With Venting Means Patents (Class 34/235)
  • Patent number: 11359328
    Abstract: A magnetically positioned dryer vent coupling is adapted for use in combination with a clothes dryer. The dryer vent coupling includes a flexible exhaust duct, a first mounting substrate, and a second mounting substrate. The first mounting substrate is located at one end of the flexible exhaust duct and includes a first magnet. The second mounting substrate is adapted for residing proximate one of the dryer exhaust port and wall port, and includes a second magnet. When moved into close proximity, the first and second magnets magnetically attract to one another to self-align and self-assemble the first and second mounting substrates of the dryer vent coupling, such that the first and second mounting substrates create an audible snapping sound when engaged thereby indicating a close magnetic seal at the dryer vent coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Kevin Patrick Kelley
  • Patent number: 11262126
    Abstract: A drying system for a vehicle includes an airflow intake duct structured to be mountable to the vehicle so as to reside exterior of the vehicle. The airflow intake duct includes an intake duct airflow passage structured to receive an airflow therein from outside the vehicle when the vehicle is moving. An airflow duct is structured to be coupled to the intake duct so as to reside in an interior of the vehicle and so as to receive therein the airflow from the intake duct when the intake duct is mounted exterior of the vehicle. The airflow duct includes a plurality of holes structured to enable discharge of a portion of the airflow from the airflow duct into the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott Louis Frederick
  • Patent number: 11019922
    Abstract: A locker includes a pair of upstanding sidewalls, upper and lower horizontal panels, a plenum, and at least one compartment defined between the upstanding sidewalls. A chemical dispensing unit is disposed on or in the locker relative to the upper and lower horizontal panels, over and/or between the sidewalls. A first fan is disposed between the chemical dispensing unit and the plenum of the locker. The first fan pulls air and chemical into perforations formed in the locker to dispense the chemical throughout and in close proximity to the locker and remove dirty air. The first fan, or a second fan, draws clean air through the perforations of the locker. The dirty, chemical-integrated-air exits the locker room out an exhaust vent and is replaced by the clean air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventors: Sam Allen, John Allen
  • Patent number: 10815610
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus having a drying function includes: a cabinet; a drum provided within the cabinet; a heat-exchanger heat-exchanged with air exhausted from the drum; a lint filter disposed on an upstream side of the heat-exchanger with respect to flow of air exhausted from the drum to collect lint in the air; a spray tube spraying water to the lint filter to separate lint collected in the lint filter from the lint filter; and a lint collecting part at least partially provided below the lint filter or below the heat-exchanger to collect falling lint. Lint in condensate water may be collected, and thus, generation of a bad influence when condensate water is re-used may be suppressed. Also, contact between lint in drying air and the heat-exchanger may be restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyuksoo Lee, Seungphyo Ahn, Bio Park
  • Patent number: 10723547
    Abstract: An adapter for a vent system for a cargo container having corrugated panels, has a base portion formed of sheet material, having an outer boundary and an inner boundary, the inner boundary enclosing an area sufficient to accommodate a twelve-inch diameter circle, the base portion shaped to closely conform to geometry of the corrugated panels of the cargo container, an intermediate portion joined in an airtight manner to the inner boundary of the base portion, presenting a surface at a height above an upper extremity of the corrugated geometry of the base portion, and an interface providing a through opening in the surface of the intermediate portion within the area enclosed by the inner boundary of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher Wayne Forrest
  • Patent number: 10138588
    Abstract: The clothes dryer ventilation system is adapted for use with a dryer. The clothes dryer ventilation system is a duct with a damper that routes the exhaust air discharged from a dryer to either 1) an exhaust vent leading out of the building the dryer is located in; or, 2) a recirculation vent that directs the discharged exhaust air into the interior of the building the dryer is located in. The clothes dryer ventilation system further comprises a filter assembly that filters the discharged exhaust air before release. The clothes dryer ventilation system comprises a master duct, a damper, a filter assembly, and a vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Dock Foy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9933078
    Abstract: A passive isolation valve equipped with one or more nozzles configured to deliver a flow of gas to an area adjacent the valve seat so as to remove accumulated particulate material from the area of the valve adjacent the valve seat that otherwise may adversely affect closure of the valve in response to an energetic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Garnett, E. Dean Miller
  • Patent number: 9359711
    Abstract: The disclosed dryer vent is a spring-loaded, expandable/retractable dryer vent assembly. The assembly houses a flexible dryer vent aluminum hose with spiral wire. The flexible aluminum dryer vent hose has a plurality of spring rings therearound allowing springs to be attached therebetween. The ends of the flexible dryer vent hose are clamped with a clamp assembly that also has mounts for additional springs. The end clamp assembly clamps the flexible dryer vent hose at each end to annular duct pieces that mount to the dryer or the household wall. The dryer vent hose freely rotates and can be expanded, retracted, or twisted without kinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ultimate Dryer Vent LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Houser
  • Patent number: 9107562
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing container having a washing chamber, an expansion housing with a condensing surface, and an expansion line with a first end connected to the washing chamber and a second end in the expansion housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Haltmayer, Mathias Herrmann, Stefan Kasbauer, Claus Köther, Martin Weissenburger
  • Patent number: 9103589
    Abstract: A clothes dryer exhaust line blower system is provided that assists a clothes dryer venting hot air and lint from the dryer interior and through the length of the dryer ducting to maintain a clear pathway and maintain the dryer's efficiency over time. A Y-pipe having a main exhaust line and an intermediate line is installed on the dryer exhaust port and connects the dryer exhaust outlet to an existing dryer duct that is adapted to communicate dryer exhaust from the dryer to the exterior of a dwelling. An intermediate section of the Y-pipe connection includes an electric blower assembly that functions as an auxiliary venting means, which generates air pressure to assist the dryer assembly vent the heated air through the exhaust conduit during the drying process. The blower is electrically driven and is controlled via a manual switch or timer switch that functions in conjunction with the drying cycles of the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Lowell R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20150121715
    Abstract: The disclosed dryer vent is a spring-loaded, expandable/retractable dryer vent assembly. The assembly houses a flexible dryer vent aluminum hose with spiral wire. The flexible aluminum dryer vent hose has a plurality of spring rings therearound allowing springs to be attached therebetween. The ends of the flexible dryer vent hose are clamped with a clamp assembly that also has mounts for additional springs. The end clamp assembly clamps the flexible dryer vent hose at each end to annular duct pieces that mount to the dryer or the household wall. The dryer vent hose freely rotates and can be expanded, retracted, or twisted without kinking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: THE ULTIMATE DRYER VENT LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Houser
  • Patent number: 8966780
    Abstract: A tumble dryer includes a housing, which has an enclosable drying chamber, a heater mounted in the enclosable drying chamber, a gate for closing/opening the enclosable drying chamber and a tumbler rotatably mounted in the drying chamber, an intake pipeline equipped with an intake control valve for guiding outside air into the drying chamber, an exhaust pipeline equipped with an exhaust control valve for guiding air out of the drying chamber to the atmosphere, an air-suction pipeline equipped with a pipeline control valve and having a pump installed therein for pumping air out of the drying chamber to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Hui-Li Lin
  • Patent number: 8950084
    Abstract: A semi-drying method of a washing machine, and a ventilating structure and a control apparatus for the same. In the semi-drying method, the dehydration and disentanglement of cloth are repeated plural times, and a washing tub is rotated at a designated dehydration speed for a time longer than that of the conventional dehydrating operation so as to minimize the jamming of the cloth into water pores of the washing tub, thereby increasing the dehydration degree of the cloth compared to the conventional dehydrating operation, removing offensive odors from the cloth, preventing damage to the cloth, allowing a user to select the duration of a semi-drying operation and to see the state of the semi-drying operation, and ventilating the washing tub during the semi-drying operation to improve the dehydration degree of the cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seok Kyu Park, Ki Ho Kang, Yong Kyu Cho
  • Publication number: 20140317949
    Abstract: A retractable clothes dryer vent includes a support, a duct coupling, a dryer vent hose, a dryer exhaust coupling, a first retraction guide assembly, and a second retraction guide assembly. The duct coupling is mounted in the support and has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an opening extending through the support. The dryer vent hose has a first end extending from the first end of the duct coupling and a second end opposite the first end. The dryer exhaust coupling extends from the second end of the dryer vent hose. The first retraction guide assembly has a first end mounted to the support and a second end anchored to the dryer exhaust coupling. The second retraction guide assembly has a first end mounted to the support and a second end anchored to the dryer exhaust coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Lonnie Sheldon Knowles
  • Publication number: 20140047734
    Abstract: A prebake equipment for drying a substrate (105) and an air discharge method, the prebake equipment comprising: a bottom plate (105), a periphery frame (101) and an upper cover plate, the bottom plate (105) and the upper cover plate being spaced from each other, the periphery frame (101) being provided between the bottom plate (105) and the upper cover plate such that the bottom plate (105), the periphery frame (101) and the upper cover plate define a cavity, wherein discharge holes are provided at the periphery frame (101) and a filler (104) for filtering moisture and dust in the air stream is provided between the bottom plate (105) and the periphery frame (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicants: HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xudong Cao, Seong Cho Lee, Dongdong Yin, Kun Li, Xinxiao Hua, Lifeng Wu, Chao Li, Wenxu Wang
  • Patent number: 8468716
    Abstract: A system for drying structures including an enclosed housing with a plurality of outlet openings, a plurality of flexible outlet hoses each connected to a respective outlet opening, and a vacuum motor engaged with the housing such that an outlet of the vacuum motor is exhausted into an interior of the housing so as to pressurize the interior of the housing such that compressed air is directed through the plurality of outlet hoses. Also a method of drying an interior of a structure, including placing a pressurized drying system adjacent a region of a structure, forming a plurality of openings in surfaces of the structure where the surfaces define enclosed spaces, inserting distal ends of outlet hoses of the pressurized drying system into respective openings of the surfaces of the structure, and engaging the pressurized drying system so as to generate a flow of pressurized air and to direct the pressurized air into the enclosed spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Mary A. Walker, Mark S. Walker
  • Patent number: 8429833
    Abstract: A restriction sensor system for identifying the existence of blockages in exhaust conduits of clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may be used as a retrofit system that is capable of being installed on existing clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may include a fitting configured to be coupled to an exhaust conduit of a clothes dryer and a blockage indicator housing positioned remote from a clothes dryer. The pressure sensing device may be capable of determining changes in air pressure in the exhaust conduit. Once the air pressure present in the exhaust conduit exceeds a threshold air pressure, the pressure sensing device may send a signal to an indicator to generate an alarm, which may be a visual alarm or audible alarm, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Richard J. Harpenau
  • Publication number: 20130000144
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for treating a substrate and a method for discharge a supercritical fluid, and more particularly, an apparatus for treating a substrate using a supercritical fluid and a method for discharging the supercritical fluid using the same. The apparatus for treating the substrate includes a container for providing a supercritical fluid, a vent line through which the supercritical fluid is discharged from the container, and a freezing prevention unit disposed in the vent line to prevent the supercritical fluid from being frozen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SEMES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YongHyun Choi, Kibong Kim, Woo Young Kim, Jeong Seon Park
  • Patent number: 8333019
    Abstract: A laundry dryer with a blower and an air duct configured to convey a flow of air toward the blower. The air duct includes one or more flow chambers with curved sections. The curved sections are configured to deflect the flow of air toward the blower. The laundry dryer also includes a displacement member disposed in the flow chamber in front of the blower and configured to produce an irrotational flow onto a wheel of the blower so as to reduce a formation of vortices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Gossel, Christian Maiss
  • Patent number: 8256133
    Abstract: A dryer exhaust duct alarm detects the presence of lint or other obstructions in an exhaust duct or vent. A thin lever is suspended within the duct and is slightly cupped in shape to more effectively capture air flow. In the presence of uninhibited air flow, the lever is substantially displaced from its initial substantially-vertical position toward a substantially horizontal position. But when airflow is inhibited, the lever is not sufficiently displaced. A detector detects operation of the dryer. If the dryer operates for a determined period of time but the lever is not sufficiently displaced, the user is alerted of the problem. Other data may also be presented to the user, including real-time data over a communication medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Safety First Appliance Protection, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Asciolla, Lawrance J. Paterno
  • Publication number: 20120204439
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for a vehicle having a chassis and a bulk load container mounted on the chassis. The apparatus includes a heating chamber for receiving the chassis, a heat source connected to the heating chamber for supplying heated gas to the chamber and a seal mounted to the heating chamber for substantially sealing the heating chamber about the chassis and the container, for guiding the heated gas along a floor and sides of the container to heat the container floor and sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Michael KLOEPFER
  • Publication number: 20120180334
    Abstract: An electrical resistance heater assembly includes a heater housing forming a channel having a longitudinal axis for a fluid such as air to pass through and a heater support plate forming first and second levels in the heater housing. A first mica board assembly supporting a ribbon heater is mounted to the heater support plate at the first level and a second mica board assembly supporting a ribbon heater is mounted to the heater support plate at the second level. The first level is positioned adjacent an inlet of the heater housing and the second level is positioned adjacent an outlet of the heater housing. The first level and a side of the heater housing form a passageway for air to enter the heater housing and be directed to the ribbons of the second level, thereby allowing air to bypass the heater ribbons of the first level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: TUTCO, INC.
    Inventor: James Lee SHERRILL
  • Publication number: 20120174431
    Abstract: Method of extracting syngas between the zone in a furnace where oxygen-starved combustion of biomass occurs and the zone in the furnace where secondary air is added to complete combustion, conditioning and cleaning the extracted syngas, and delivering it in a metered amount to the oxidizer or upstream of the oxidizer to reduce or eliminate the need for additional fossil fuels once the oxidizer has achieved its operating temperature. The gasifier or furnace burns solid waste and produces a syngas containing relatively high levels of CO, which is extracted from the furnace, conditioned, and introduced into an RTO as a fuel source. In certain embodiments, no extraction of syngas from the furnace takes place; the furnace conditions are manipulated so that normally undesirable levels of CO and other VOC's remain in the process stream. The heat from the furnace is used as intended (e.g., to heat a dryer), the stream is conditioned, and ultimately proceeds to a downstream RTO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MEGTEC SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: James T. Cash, Jeffrey C. Rudolph
  • Patent number: 8215029
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: APT Advanced Trailer and Equipment, LP
    Inventor: Randal W. Hill
  • Publication number: 20120159807
    Abstract: The present document describes a container for storing and drying garments or sport equipment, the container comprising an external envelope comprising a resistant material; and a ventilation structure through which air can be blown for drying the garments or sports equipment, the ventilation structure supporting the external envelope, the ventilation structure comprising hanging elements for hanging the garments or sports equipment thereon, the ventilation structure capable of adopting a retracted position and an extended position in which the ventilation structure occupies more space than in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Jean François Vézina, Pierrot Lebel
  • Publication number: 20120073158
    Abstract: System for installation of a complete, safe, compact, and efficient one piece dryer exhaust. Provides a removable end cap for access to internal areas of conduit for dryer lint build-up removal. This will allow the removal of built up lint which is a potential fire hazard, which current available products lack. Has a recessed collar/sleeve connector to the outside wall port. Allows dryer placement in tight confines: laundry closets, pantry areas, first floor apartments, anyplace where space for a dryer vent is limited. System may be used to route dryer exhaust conduit inside of dwelling walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Sciallo, Barry Krohn
  • Patent number: 8122613
    Abstract: A combination clothes dryer and air filter. The device is adapted for reversal of airflow through a housing to allow a horizontal position and a vertical position for operation. The device is adapted for easy storage in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Sanders
  • Patent number: 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: 8037617
    Abstract: A soil remediation apparatus for treating contaminated soil comprises an air deck unit and a remediation unit. The air deck unit comprises an enclosure with a contaminated soil inlet and a remediated soil outlet; at least one conveyor located inside the enclosure and operable to convey soil from the enclosure inlet to the enclosure outlet; and contaminated air extraction means having an inlet in fluid communication with the enclosure and an outlet, and operable to extract air from the air deck unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Russell Gary Kossowan
  • Patent number: 7992318
    Abstract: A disclosed heating apparatus for heating a substrate on which a film is coated includes a process chamber having a gas supply opening for supplying a first gas to the process chamber and a gas evacuation opening for evacuating the first gas from the process chamber; a heating plate that is arranged in the process chamber and includes a heating element for heating the substrate; plural protrusions arranged on the heating plate so as to support the substrate; plural suction holes formed in the heating plate so as to attract by suction the substrate toward the heating plate; and a gas inlet adapted to supply a second gas to a gap between the heating plate and the substrate supported by the plural protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kawaji, Yuichi Sakai, Masatoshi Kaneda
  • Patent number: 7966745
    Abstract: Fluid bed granulation process comprising the step of cooling the granules in a cooling fluid bed (F2). At least part of the fluidizing air coming out from said cooling fluid bed (F2) is fed into the granulation fluid bed (F1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Urea Casale S.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Bedetti
  • Patent number: 7941936
    Abstract: A garment drying apparatus including upper and lower housings with an expandable and collapsible wall extending therebetween. The apparatus may include at least one support pole and/or bracket to support the upper housing to expand the wall. The upper and lower housings may include openings to slidably receive ends of the at least one support pole and/or bracket. A blower assembly can be located within the lower housing configured to circulate air through one or more vents, wherein when the wall is in an expanded position, the blower assembly circulates air through the one or more vents and into the chamber to dry and press the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ingenious Designs LLC
    Inventor: Joy Mangano
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7900372
    Abstract: A clothes dryer has horizontally extending louvres located in its rear cabinet wall that permit ambient air to enter the dryer cabinet during normal dryer operation. U-shaped cover brackets are positioned to horizontally extend and cover the louvres where the brackets each define a horizontally extending airflow channel having opposing open ends. Air entering the dryer flows through the louvres along the airflow channels and out through the open ends. The cover bracket helps to contain a fire within the dryer cabinet should one occur by restricting flow of ignited particles and other debris as a result of a fire from exiting through the louvre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mabe Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Silvia Ionelia Prajescu, Pasquale Antonio Renzo, Dominique Larochelle
  • Patent number: 7891709
    Abstract: A sealing member of an exhaust pipe of a dryer prevents vibration of the exhaust pipe secured to an opening in a sheet of glass or a wall from transmission, and prevents exhaust gas from leaking from connection portions of a plurality of exhaust pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kang Mo Choi
  • 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: 7814678
    Abstract: An application for a hearing aid drying/disinfecting system includes a closable container with an internally mounted ultra-violet 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 shielded vents from the outside of the container through the container and back out, thereby drying the hearing aid contained within the drying/disinfecting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Hearing Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Romanek
  • Publication number: 20100223807
    Abstract: Solar and electric energy dryers use the sun as a main energy-generating product, and electric power as an additional energy-generating product. Dryer has a single pipe system of fluidity of fluids regulated by a microprocessor /8/ and electromagnetic valves /30/. Pipes wind the inside of the dryer and gradually climb up to the top of the dryer, and then descend and fill in the horizontal space all up to the end of the dryer, at the same time these enable equal temperature balance along the cubic volume of the dryer. At the top of the dryer there is an outlet dome /34/ that accepts evaporations, directs it into an outlet pipe /7/, which is enclosed either by a cooling tank /23/ or a cooling spiral /18/ and extends it up to the condenser /49/. Ventilator /22/ pushes the air through the input pipe /13/ and back into the dryer. Solar panel /44/ is coupled to the dryer in an elastic coupling /17/ and makes a functional unity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Nenad Veselinovic, Milos Veselinovic
  • Patent number: 7779556
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: APT Advanced Trailer and Equipment, LP
    Inventor: Randal W. Hill
  • Patent number: 7762007
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet or surround structure with an attachment for a removable front panel and a removable front panel for attachment to the cabinet. The appliance is a drum and a drum support structure supporting the drum for rotation. There is a movement interface between the drum support structure and the cabinet or surround structure, allowing the drum support structure to move between an operating condition within the cabinet and a maintenance condition wherein the drum and drum support structure are at least substantially disposed outside the envelope defined by the cabinet. In the operating condition the drum and support structure are hidden behind the removable front panel. They may be moved out to the maintenance condition after removal of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited
    Inventors: Allen James Guinibert, Russell Joseph Jackson, Geoffrey Simon Frazerhurst
  • Publication number: 20100170105
    Abstract: A grain drying system utilizing a geothermal loop to remove heat from the ground, and a heat pump to transfer the ground heat to air which is provided over grain to assist in the drying. The system is provided with a telescoping duct to allow more or less ambient air into the system to assist in the drying process, depending upon ambient temperature and humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: David W. Burns
  • Publication number: 20100162588
    Abstract: A device for drying clothes includes a tunnel portion (1), a funnel portion (3) provided at least at one end of the tunnel portion, and a hanging system (15, 25) for clothes provided within the tunnel portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Newman
  • Publication number: 20100031527
    Abstract: A dryer vent contains one to three components that connect the dryer from the dryers exhaust port to the wall connection port where the air flow is directed to the outside of the business or residence. The Next Generation Dryer Vent System is composed of two end units that have a universal fitting and they are connected by a flexible rectangular tube allowing for the dryer to be closer to the back wall in which current available products leak or fail. The universal fittings allow for a proper seal while maintaining flexibility the end units transfer the heat from one end to the other thru the tubing to the outside port exhaust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: James Phillip Robinson, Jackie Perry Robinson
  • Publication number: 20100000118
    Abstract: While a dryer is running, continuously automatically monitor operation of a dryer venting system, and continuously automatically determining if the dryer venting system is operating improperly, and if it is determined that the dryer venting system is operating improperly then automatically disabling the dryer. If the dryer starts running then automatically turning on a booster fan. Operation of booster fan is monitored by sensing the current drawn. Monitoring operation of the venting system through a first controller and automatically disabling the dryer through a second controller. Automatically turn off the booster fan if the dryer is not running. Automatically adjust operating parameters of the dryer venting system in an attempt to operate the venting system properly, and disabling the dryer if the venting system continues to operate improperly after adjustment. Check to determine if the dryer is drawing current to indicate the dryer is running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: J. Vern Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7637030
    Abstract: A fully passive-type solar lumber drying house classified into two models, one is an east-west model configured as a half Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the east-west direction, and another is a north-south model configured as a Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the north-south direction and the house is fully surrounded by a triple transparent film and a carbon fiber sheet and is available to be used through all year in which stacked lumber can be dried due to solar energy being assisted by auxiliary heat for one or two weeks under leaving the dry process controlled automatically, and besides moist air inside the house is exhausted through an insulated cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Marusho-Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Sugawara, Kimio Kanayama, Shoshichi Sotoda, Kazuhiko Sotoda, Hiromu Baba, Hidehiko Seto, Shinya Koga, Masahiro Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20090293302
    Abstract: An artwork drying cabinet includes a housing that defines an interior drying compartment. A plurality of removable shelves are provided in parallel spaced relation within the compartment. A hinged door provides access to the compartment for purposes of loading and removing shelves with artwork. The door includes a vent to exhaust moisture laden air from the compartment. A blower and heating element are provided to supply a heated current of air to the compartment. A shroud couples the blower and heating element to the cabinet and directs the flow of heated air into the cabinet. The blower sends the current of air over the heating element through a diffuser comprising a v-shaped baffle with a central elongated opening along the vertex. Controls are provided to regulate air speed and temperature. An optional timer controls the duration of a drying cycle. The diffuser evenly distributes parallel laminar streams of heated air above and below each shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Helbert J. Jonaitis, Steven Wallis
  • Publication number: 20090277034
    Abstract: An air intake system for supplying outdoor air to a clothes dryer, the system including an enclosure positioned to substantially cover an air intake of a clothes dryer and a conduit coupling the enclosure with the outdoor environment, the enclosure defining an air space for maintaining a volume of supply air and an open side positioned adjacent the air intake such that air is supplied to the air intake from the supply air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Clive A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20090265952
    Abstract: A portable crop material dryer system for use with a flexible elongated bag in which harvested crop material is placed in situ. The dryer includes an internal combustion engine driving a blower for movement of air through the flexible container. The cooling system for the engine is connected to be in series flow relation to the air blower so as to heat the air and increase the drying capacity of the system. A burner may be connected to further increase the heating of the air and the power output of the engine may also be used to drive a generator for auxiliary purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel J. Burke, Alan D. Sheidler, Bill T. Hurley
  • Publication number: 20090260251
    Abstract: A clothes dryer has horizontally extending louvres located in its rear cabinet wall that permit ambient air to enter the dryer cabinet during normal dryer operation. U-shaped cover brackets are positioned to horizontally extend and cover the louvres where the brackets each define a horizontally extending airflow channel having opposing open ends. Air entering the dryer flows through the louvres along the airflow channels and out through the open ends. The cover bracket helps to contain a fire within the dryer cabinet should one occur by restricting flow of ignited particles and other debris as a result of a fire from exiting through the louvre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: MABE CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Silvia Ionelia Prajescu, Pasquale Antonio Renzo, Dominique Larochelle
  • Patent number: 7603792
    Abstract: The dryer hose attachment apparatus provides a coupling with more than one embodiment. Each coupling rotationally engages the outlet hose provided for the dryer and the initial hose of a flex hose provided for exhausting air from a dryer environment. Each coupling provides for sealing the dryer exhaust air, from the dryer to the flexible exhaust hose. Each coupling provides for the apparatus to be fitted and to operate in close confines typical to clothes dryer environments. The flange of the dryer attachment may be fixed to the dryer via fasteners. The interior of the outlet hose of the dryer attachment provides sizing for interference fit around an existing hose which exits a dryer. And, both means of engagement may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventors: Loraine M McDonald, Douglas McDonald