With Venting Means Patents (Class 34/235)
  • Patent number: 7596884
    Abstract: A clothing dryer including: a housing; an exhaust pipe; a first fixing bracket disposed at the exhaust pipe; and a second fixing bracket disposed at the bottom of the housing, the first fixing bracket being fitable in the second fixing bracket. The exhaust pipe is fixed without using an additional fixing member, whereby assembly and disassembly of the clothing dryer are accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20090220905
    Abstract: An oven for bonding adhesives to the back surface of a textile article includes a housing with a transport frame for passing the textile article through a curing chamber within the housing. The oven also has an air source and a duct system that delivers an airflow into a cool zone on the opposite, pile surface side of the textile article. The airflow has a lower temperature than the elevated temperature of the curing chamber and is supplied to the cool zone in sufficient amounts such that the pressure in the cool zone exceeds the ambient pressure in the curing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Billy F. McGowan
  • Patent number: 7556049
    Abstract: A modular exhaust vent for use in venting a wash chamber of a dishwasher, such as during a dry cycle, comprises a housing that forms an exhaust flow path from the wash chamber to the exterior of the dishwasher and a valve operable for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between an opened and closed position for selectively closing the exhaust flow path. An actuator for moving the valve is connected to the valve by a link such that activation of the actuator effects movement of the link to pivot the valve to either the opened or closed position. Further, the valve selectively closes the exhaust flow path at an inlet to impede introduction of sound into the exhaust flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle L Oakes, Marc R Pendergrass, Angela J Robbins, Andrew J Retsema
  • Publication number: 20090151188
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treating apparatus includes a cabinet having an accommodating space to accommodate clothes, a hot air supplying device to heat air and supply hot air to the accommodating space, and a communicating unit to communicate the accommodating space with the outside. The communicating unit includes a restraining part to restrain exhaust of hot air supplied from the hot air supplying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS
    Inventors: Jung Wook Moon, Dae Yun Park, Sog Kie Hong, Jong Seok Kim, Seung Gyu Ryu, Hye Yong Park, Chang Gyu Choi, Dong Won Kim
  • Publication number: 20090151186
    Abstract: A Clean Dryer Vent Hookup is designed to make the removal and reconnection of the dryer hose an easy process for periodic lint removal. The removable base, having a center hole the diameter to accommodate a standard dryer hose, is attached to the rear of the dryer vent. Four adhesive flaps that are attached to the base are extended to allow placement of the hose through the base and into the dryer well. Protective covering is removed from the adhesive on the flaps so they adhere to the hose to hold it secure. Lint can be removed and a new Vent Hookup unit installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Thomasene Filmore
  • Publication number: 20090119943
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vented dryer having a drying chamber for items to be dried, a supply air duct for supply air, in which is situated a heater for heating the supply air and the heated supply air (process air) can be directed by means of a first fan over the items to be dried, an exhaust air duct, a motor for driving the drying chamber, a first heat exchanger in the exhaust air duct and a condensate pan arranged beneath the first heat exchanger, whereby the vented dryer has first means for the discharge of warm air from a housing interior surrounding the motor toward the condensate pan and away across the latter. The invention also relates to a method for the operation of this vented dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Grunert, Guenter Steffens, Andreas Stolze
  • Patent number: 7520068
    Abstract: A drying apparatus and method of drying a wafer including supplying a drying material for drying a wafer and controlling a flow of the drying material to uniformly or substantially dry the wafer. The flow of the drying material may be controlled by a vent unit including at least one part for controlling the flow of the drying material to uniformly or substantially uniformly dry the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-Jung Yi, Sang-Oh Park
  • 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: 7497030
    Abstract: A lint filter assembly for removing lint and particulate matter from a clothes dryer exhaust system includes a conduit adapter and a filtering element. In a preferred embodiment the lint filter is a secondary filter removably connected inline between conduits substantially at the point of communication of the exhaust gases through a wall or floor to the outside, the filter portion not exceeding the conduit size in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Richard A. Belgard
  • Publication number: 20080256826
    Abstract: Air circulating apparatus for providing ventilation within a drying cabinet or locker having, the air circulating apparatus having an intake air flow fan and a circular-shaped air ducting system for producing cyclonic air flow within the drying cabinet or locker for enhancing the drying and deodorizing of clothing and sporting equipment not easily laundered for use in an equipment drying cabinet or locker, closet or the like. The air circulating apparatus having a small sized intake air fan, a charcoal filter element activated by the air flow, a timing circuit permitting the fan to be set for a selected period of time, a circular-shaped air ducting system having a series of angled baffles for directing air flow upwardly in a cyclonic flow pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas P. Zarembinski
  • Publication number: 20080244922
    Abstract: There are provided a drying duct assembly and a washing machine having the drying duct assembly. The drying duct assembly includes a duct lower, a duct upper coupled to an upper portion of the duct lower, a reflector seating on one of inner circumferences of the duct lower and the duct upper, a heater provided in the duct lower to generate heat, and a fan assembly provided on a side of the duct lower to suck air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Myoung-Deok Kim, Dong-Woo Kang, Su-Hee Shin, Hyon-Su Ahn
  • Publication number: 20080216345
    Abstract: The invention describes a device for dehydrating food such as fruits, vegetables, or meat products such as jerky. The device is adapted to permit opening form either screened side. An advantage to the present invention is the use of a cable that is resistant to stretching while avoiding the use of rods that bend in the center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Michael J. Barkfelt
  • Publication number: 20080216347
    Abstract: A drying apparatus and method of drying a wafer including supplying a drying material for drying a wafer and controlling a flow of the drying material to uniformly or substantially uniformly dry the wafer. The flow of the drying material may be controlled by a vent unit including at least one part for controlling the flow of the drying material to uniformly or substantially uniformly dry the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Hun-Jung Yi, Sang-Oh Park
  • Patent number: 7421803
    Abstract: Venting through the walls of an interior room of a building to an external environment is facilitated by apparatus and techniques for mounting an in-wall unit for interfacing with the exhaust ports of equipment, such as dryers, using flexible pipe. The in-wall unit connects with venting pipe, such as stovepipe, for connecting to the external environment through an exterior surface, such as a roof. If a roof exhaust is desired, a vent assembly is provided that contains a flap that automatically closes when the exhaust flow terminates, but opens when venting is underway. The flap is removable so that cleanout of path between the in-wall unit and the room exhaust can easily occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Philip Charron
  • Publication number: 20080168678
    Abstract: A pedestal dryer vent passes the dryer vent hose through the pedestal, allowing the dryer to be placed close to a wall and reducing the opportunity for kinks or obstructions in the vent hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin R. Menlove
  • Publication number: 20080141555
    Abstract: A laundry dryer is configured to facilitate multiple venting arrangements, including side venting. A rear wall of the dryer includes a recessed region that extends width-wise along a lower portion of the rear wall, below an inwardly directed step and a deep tray of the rear wall panel. The dryer includes sidewall panels having a generally rectangular cut-away portion located at the respective lower rear corner thereof, in general registry with opposite ends of the recessed region. This arrangement allows the dryer to vent to either the left or right side, or downwardly to the floor, along the exterior of the housing, but within the dryer footprint, without requiring any modifications to the housing or internal vent passage. In addition, the dryer may include a telescoping vent tube extendible beyond the rear wall of the dryer to facilitate connection of an exterior vent extension during dryer installation, and retractable back into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Steven Hoogendoorn, Michael Paul Ricklefs, Steven John Joerger, Barry Eugene Gilman, Brian Douglas Ripley, Lee Allen Roose
  • Publication number: 20080127506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust structure for a clothes dryer in an apartment building. The exhaust structure includes at least one riser pipe mounted in a vertical direction crossing every floor of a building, a plurality of branch pipes branched from the riser pipe to a household in the every floor to guide exhaust gas from the household to the riser pipe, a lint filter provided in each of the plurality of branch pipes to filter lint included in the exhaust gas, a first pressure sensor provided in front of the lint filter to sense a pressure in each of the plurality of branch pipes, and a filter controller to determine whether the lint filter is blocked, by receiving a value of the pressure sensed by the first pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: In Hee Han, Won Tug Son
  • Publication number: 20080127505
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust structure for a clothes dryer in an apartment building. The exhaust structure includes at least one riser pipe mounted in a vertical direction crossing every floor of a building to discharge exhaust gas, a plurality of branch pipes branched from the riser pipe to a household in the every floor to guide exhaust gas from the household to the riser pipe, and a fan mounted above a top of the riser pipe and operating in proportion to the amount of exhaust gas in the riser pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: In Hee Han, Won Tug Son
  • Patent number: 7370435
    Abstract: A handheld vaporization device comprises a heating chamber for heating a substrate of volatile compound so as to yield vapor including the volatile compound. The heating chamber includes a closable opening, for example using a plug, to receive the substrate. The heating chamber also includes scavenging channels for allowing air to enter therein. The handheld vaporization device further comprises a vapor chamber mounted to the heating chamber so as to be in fluid communication therewith for receiving the vapor scavenged therefrom and has a vapor outlet for releasing the vapor including the volatile compound. By applying heat to the exterior of the handheld vaporization device's heating chamber, with a flame or any heating device, the confinement resulted from the heating chamber and the emissivity of its walls create a uniform heat across the substrate which is deposed into it. Heating the substrate in this manner permits great efficacy in extraction of undiluted organo-volatile elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Gregoire Boki
  • Patent number: 7347005
    Abstract: Ventilation system for household appliances, in particular for washing machines, including a device having at least a chamber for housing an impeller, a suction duct, through which a first fluid, in particular damp air, is sucked into the chamber by the impeller, an ejection duct, through which the first fluid sucked into the chamber is expelled from it by the impeller, a first movable shuttering for obstructing the suction duct at least partially, the first shutter being movable at least partially inside the suction duct, and a first actuator for producing the motion of the first shutter. According to the invention, after operation of the first actuator the first shutter is capable of performing movements having at least a linear component, the linear component extending in the same axial direction of the suction duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Eltek, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Cerruti
  • Patent number: 7117611
    Abstract: The body hair and feet drying chair is a seat comprising an upright base having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, and a hollow interior. A seat is disposed on top of the base. At least one air outlet is defined in the seat in communication with the base's hollow interior. At least one air channel is defined in the bottom portion of the base in communication with the base's hollow interior. A motorized fan contained within the hollow interior of the base draws air into the hollow interior through the air channels and expels air from the hollow interior through the air outlets. Air expelled from the air outlets dries genital and posterior areas of a user seated on the body hair and feet drying chair, while air drawn into the air channels dries the user's feet and toes when the user's feet and toes are positioned over the air channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: Chan J. Park, Myo Sik Park
  • Patent number: 6966126
    Abstract: A laundry drier includes a filter is disposed removably in the air duct carrying the process air and is held in an at least two-part foldable frame. To extend its functionality with a view to the binding of odors from the laundry items, the filter contains a charcoal-fiber insert that is equipped to combine and/or convert odorous substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Baurmann
  • Patent number: 6962005
    Abstract: A shower dryer system includes a dryer tower with nozzles for directing heated air into a shower enclosure interior. A programmed controller controls the rate of air flow and the temperature of air flow to and through the air nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Jacuzzi, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Khosropour, Harold Leung, Jim R. Pauls, Bob A. Davis
  • Patent number: 6951063
    Abstract: An intermediate assembly has a vertical plate with an orifice. The intermediate assembly also has a first and a second side wall and a top and a bottom wall. The walls extend rearwardly from the orifice with a rear wall. The walls are joined and form a generally rectilinear chamber. A lip has a planar surface parallel with the vertical plate with an intermediate surface coupling the planar surface of the lip and the vertical plate of the intermediate assembly. The lip forms an orifice essentially coextensive with the orifice of the intermediate assembly. The lip has an upper edge and a lower edge. Between the upper and lower edges are a first side edge and a second side edge. The edges of the lip each have a large radius of curvature. A circular air hole with a large diameter is located in the top wall. The intermediate member and lip are integrally fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Rodolfo Hernandez-Zelaya
  • Patent number: 6904701
    Abstract: A device for holding substances during drying comprising a flask having a structure defining an opening. A pair of contiguous or juxtaposed filters is disposed in the opening. A freeze-drying assembly comprising a freeze-drying apparatus, and the device disposed in the apparatus for holding substances during freeze-drying processing. A method for processing a substance under sterile conditions comprising disposing a substance in a flask, positioning the flask in a drying apparatus, and passing a drying medium through a pair of juxtaposed filters for drying the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Thurein M. Htoo, John H. Crowe, Ann E. Oliver, Fern Tablin
  • Patent number: 6857199
    Abstract: A drying mold 1 for a pulp molded article has a first mold member 10, a second mold member 20, and a third mold member 30. The first mold member 10 has a drying portion 12 and first passageways 13a and 13b connecting the drying portion 12 to an exterior surface of the first mold member 10. The second mold member 20 has a prescribed heating means and is disposed in contact with the exterior surface of the third mold member 30. The third mold member 30 is disposed in contact with the exterior surface of the first mold member 10. The drying mold 1 is designed to form second passageways 2a and 2b between the first and the third mold members when the first and the third mold members are disposed in contact with each other. The passageways 2a and 2b connect the first passageways 13a and 13b to the outside of the drying mold 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Otani, Shingo Odajima, Tokihito Sono
  • Patent number: 6829842
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a vessel having a first end an a second end. A first cap is releasably mounted on the first end. A second cap is releasably mounted on the second end. The vessel is configured to prevent crushing and promote ventilating thereof. The first cap and/or second cap may have an aperture for ventilating the vessel. A fan is fixed relative to, for ventilating, the vessel. The fan is mounted on an end cap. The fan energizable with a battery. A switch is provided for selectably supplying energy to the fan. If a fan is provided, a barrier is disposed in the vessel configured to protect an object in the vessel from the fan. The barrier should have an aperture for ventilating the vessel. The invention may include a handle connected thereto, for carrying, the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis J. Zuccaro
  • Patent number: 6829844
    Abstract: Treatment apparatus and a process for thermal desorption of hydrocarbon contaminants from excavated soil provides efficient contaminant removal by handling the soil in a thermally conductive treatment vessel that fits within an insulated treatment chamber. The soil is treated in this chamber with fresh air that is dried and electrically heated prior to contacting the treatment vessel. The dry air passes through the soil and the air mixed with contaminants is withdrawn from the chamber through piping in the treatment vessel. Excavating the soil directly into the treatment vessel allows the treated soil to be returned to the final disposition site in the same vessel, minimizing soil handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Richard Brady, John Lee Brady
  • Publication number: 20040216324
    Abstract: A drying furnace contains therein hot plates which are disposed in a plurality of stages in a vertical direction, on each of which is seated a platelike workpiece. A gateway for the workpiece is disposed on a front side of the drying furnace and is normally left open to face the plurality of stages of hot plates. A chamber casing is disposed on a rear side of the drying furnace. An exhaust chamber is defined in the chamber casing and has a flow dividing plate which has formed therein a plurality of ventilation holes each facing a gap between the plurality of stages of hot plates. The exhaust chamber is forcibly exhausted by an exhaust blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Yoshiaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 6780100
    Abstract: A dryer vent outlet hood mounting device comprising a mounting block portion having a central opening, an interior peripheral wall about the central opening and a pair of planar, generally rectangular, peripheral flanges extending at right angles from and joined to the interior peripheral wall to define a peripheral channel for the receipt of siding, and a dryer vent outlet hood mounted on the exterior surface of one of the peripheral flanges. The central opening may include a central circular aperture for engagement with a dryer vent tube. The mounting block may include a variety of nailing members as well as the incorporation of a variety of score lines that permit adjustment of the size of the mounting block portion for adaptation to a variety of new and retrofit siding configurations. The dryer vent hood may also incorporate openable louvers and a bird or insect impermeable mesh over its outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6779279
    Abstract: A dryer having a filter sensing system that warns a user that a filter requires servicing is provided. The dryer includes a drum that retains laundry. Hot air is drawn through the drum (for drying) and out an exhaust casing having a filter for removing lint and other particles. The temperature difference of the air in front of the filter (on the drum side) and behind the filter is determined using temperature sensors. When that temperature difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, a control unit causes a notice unit to produce a warning signal that informs a user that filter service is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soon-Jo Lee, Hae Deog Jeong
  • Publication number: 20040159008
    Abstract: A restriction sensor system for identifying the existence of blockages in exhaust conduits of clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may include a pressure sensing device having a body configured to be coupled to an exhaust conduit of 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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Richard John Harpenau
  • Patent number: 6754976
    Abstract: The in-wall dryer vent for venting to another floor is used to vent clothes dryer exhaust to a floor other than that on which the clothes dryer is located. The invention has an upper portion adapted for installation within the three and one-half inch cavity inside a wall constructed with standard two-by-four studs, and has a lower portion that expands to a width of at least four inches from front to back. The upper portion has a flanged opening adapted to extend through drywall and attach to standard clothes dryer outlet coupling devices. The lower portion has an outlet tube adapted for coupling to standard dryer vent piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: David G. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6745496
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for drying and de-wrinkling an article of clothing, which includes a housing having an upper compartment, a lower compartment, and a dividing wall separating the compartments. An exhaust hole is disposed through one side of the upper compartment of the housing, and an intake hole and an outflow hole are disposed through the dividing wall. A mechanical assembly is disposed within the upper compartment and includes a fan, heater, thermostat and humidity sensor. An exhaust fan is in fluid communication with the exhaust hole and is adapted to control a flow of air through the exhaust hole in the side of the housing. A control system is disposed within the upper compartment and accepts an input from a user, a temperature input, and a humidity input, and controls the heater, the fan and the exhaust fan based upon the temperature input and the humidity input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Cassella
  • Patent number: 6745491
    Abstract: An intermediate assembly has a vertical plate with a rectangular opening. The intermediate assembly has a container with side walls and a rear wall and a horizontal upper wall. The upper wall has parallel side edges rearwardly and a semicircular edge forwardly. A securement frame has a forward periphery with a rearward projection removably positioned within the opening in the plate. A tube assembly includes an upper tube positionable above the upper wall and a lower tube coaxial with the upper tube and positionable below the upper wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Rodolfo Hernandez-Zelaya
  • Patent number: 6729586
    Abstract: A system for holding a portion of the flexible exhaust hose from a dryer within a wall, thereby allowing the dryer to be placed in close proximity to the wall is provided. The system provides a dryer rough-in box including a contoured surface for smoothly guiding the flexible exhaust hose to minimize bending and kinking. An integral segment of duct is provided to allow for convenient and aesthetic installation, where the connection of the system to the duct in the was is hidden within the wall. Additionally, the rough-in box includes an opening structured and arranged to snugly fit a gas line is provided, thereby aiding in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Ralph L. Arguijo, Ivan H. Jack
  • Patent number: 6682415
    Abstract: A replacement dryer vent for remodelers includes a typical exterior vent portion and an interior tube portion. The tube portion extends into the building and has an internal diameter that increases towards its innermost edge, i.e., toward the interior of the building. The extension is designed to slip over an existing cylindrical duct already in a wall. This allows one to replace an existing dryer vent by simply removing the exterior vent portion and leaving the duct work in position. The new vent is simply inserted in the existing hole with the tube slipping over the duct making a tight connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bluegrass Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Vagedes
  • Patent number: 6678969
    Abstract: A clothes dryer is disclosed, in which the clothes dryer comprising a first and second connecting ducts communicating with a drum, respectively, a first flow passage control device to communicate a heating duct with the first connecting duct or with the second connecting duct, and a second flow passage control device to communicate an exhaust duct with the first connecting duct or with the second connecting duct. When the first flow passage control device is operated to communicate the heating duct with the first connecting duct, the second flow passage control device is operated to communicate the exhaust duct with the second connecting duct. When the first flow passage control device is operated to communicate the heating duct with the second connecting duct, the second flow passage control device is operated to communicate the exhaust duct with the first connecting duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Wook Hong
  • Patent number: 6675492
    Abstract: A regenerative dehumidifier includes: a housing having perforations formed through the housing for directing moisture-laden (or moisture-free) air therein (or therefrom), a moisture-absorbable dehydrating agent including silica gel filled in the housing for absorbing moisture as laden in the air entering the housing for dehumidification or dehydration, and a heating device sandwiched in a first layer and a second layer of the dehydrating agent disposed on opposite sides of the heating device for heating the moisture-saturated dehydrating agent for vaporizing water from the dehydrating agent in order for regenerating the water-absorbed dehydrating agent for its re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Tsang-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6662467
    Abstract: A portable hand truck mounted drying assembly for the drying of an elevated enclosed space which has been subjected to flooding, the drying assembly having an inlet path for the introduction of ambient air into the enclosed space, the ambient air being preheated in a heat exchanger by moisture laden air removed from the enclosed space, the preheated ambient air being subjected to further heating before introduction into the enclosed space, the portable hand truck mounted unit being positioned within the enclosed space and having a plurality of conduits in communication with the enclosed space for the introduction of dry heated air and the removal of moisture laden air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Charles S. Cressy, Michael Tufariello
  • Patent number: 6640461
    Abstract: In the flow path to atmosphere venting hot exhaust gases of a clothes dryer, a fluid-tight seal between a flow-diverting elbow telescoped about a clothes dryer exiting conduit consisting of a rubber sleeve in increasing thicknesses in width in the direction of flow effective in providing an establish sealing contact into the sleeve at a location of its thickness which obviates leakage of gas through the telescoping connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Edwin L. Berger
  • Patent number: 6630105
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for decontaminating chemical and biological agents using the reactive properties of both the single atomic oxygen and the hydroxyl radical for the decontamination of chemical and biological agents. The apparatus is self contained and portable and allows for the application of gas reactants directly at the required decontamination point. The system provides for the use of ultraviolet light of a specific spectral range to photolytically break down ozone into molecular oxygen and hydroxyl radicals where some of the molecular oxygen is in the first excited state. The excited molecular oxygen will combine with water vapor to produce two hydroxyl radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Hugh J. O'Neill, Kenneth L. Brubaker
  • Patent number: 6606801
    Abstract: A system and process for drying a shoe, for example a leather shoe comprising a fan operable to produce an air flow, a heating element and at least one duct having at least one outlet, which is adapted to direct a portion of the air flow into a shoe. Additionally, the shoe drying system provides a drying effectiveness of at least 70 g/hr within the first hour of drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Janine Morgens Strang, Ilya Yurievich Ilyin, Viatcheslav Vladimirovitch Karamychev, Valeriy Valentinovich Pavlov, Michael Peter Siklosi
  • Publication number: 20030131492
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a vessel having a first end and a second end. A first cap is releasably mounted on the first end. A second cap is releasably mounted on the second end. The vessel is configured to prevent crushing and promote ventilating thereof. The first cap and/or second cap may have an aperture for ventilating the vessel. A fan may be fixed relative to, for ventilating, the vessel. The may be mounted on a cap. The fan may be energizable with a battery. A switch may provide for selectably supplying energy to the fan. If a fan is provided, a barrier may be disposed in the vessel configured to protect an object in the vessel from the fan. The barrier should have an aperture for ventilating the vessel. The invention may include a handle connected to, for carrying, the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis J. Zuccaro
  • Patent number: 6584702
    Abstract: A metal plate (52) is connected to a wall (10). Plate (42) includes a vent opening (48) that communicates with vent ducting (18) with the wall (10). A magnetic sheet body (52) is connected to a vent tube (60) located at the back of a clothes dryer (64). The clothes dryer (64) is moved towards the wall (10) and the magnetic sheet body (52) is moved against the metal plate (42). A vent opening (54) in the magnetic sheet body (52) is put into alignment with the vent opening (48) in the metal plate (42). The magnetic sheet body (52) provides a seal between the two vent openings (54, 48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Greg A. Irey
  • Patent number: 6578591
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher with enhanced drying performance without using a fan. Water contained in the dishwasher is circulated preferably by means of one of the pumps in the machine (circulation or discharge pump) and through a jet pump placed in the dishwasher in such a manner that the air intake opening is in communication with one of the wash tub surfaces. Water within the dishwasher accelerates due to the kinetic energy acquired during this circulation and its pressure drops locally to a value below the atmospheric pressure. Due to this reduced pressure, water vapour and air from the washtub is suctioned from the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Semsettin Eksert, Gökhan Özgürel, Ufuk Askin
  • Patent number: 6578286
    Abstract: A clothes dryer adapter. The adapter includes (a) a first cylindrical portion with a generally cylindrical tubular segment having a first longitudinal axis, a inlet portion, an inlet end cap located at an effective inlet end, and an outlet end, and (b) a second cylindrical portion interfittingly engaging the first cylindrical portion for rotatable adjustment with respect thereto. the second cylindrical portion is similar to the first cylindrical portion, and has an inlet end, an outlet end cap located at an effective outlet end, and an outlet portion for discharge of hot dryer exhaust air therefrom. The two portions are rotatably adjustable, before assembly, but sized and shaped for interfitting mating engagement to form a sturdy, sealable dryer vent when fully assembled, having an inlet portion and an outlet portion with parallel but offset longitudinal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Gene Seeley
  • Patent number: 6550157
    Abstract: A clothes dryer vent system is designed for hollow walls framed with scantling and covered with sheathing secured to the scantling, the walls having a hollow interior space that is uniformly, at least about 3½ inches wide. The vent system includes a rough-in box for recessed mounting within a hollow wall, the rough-in box having a substantially planar rear panel, side panels and nonparallel top and bottom panels, the side panels and the top and bottom panels intersecting and unitary with the rear panel, each side panel intersecting and unitary with both top and bottom panels, the rough-in box also having a depth no greater than about 4 inches, and a stub connector pipe affixed within the top panel, the stub connector pipe having a lower portion of oval-shaped cross section within the box that is couplable to a flexible dryer vent hose and an upper portion outside the box directly couplable to an oblong vent pipe having a minor cross-sectional dimension no greater than about 2 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Robert W. Harding
  • Patent number: 6499231
    Abstract: A device for isolating dryer exhaust lines. The device can be attached between a dryer exhaust and an exterior dryer vent. The device has a door that slides between an upper position allowing the air passage duct between the dryer exhaust and the exterior vent to be open and a closed position which closes the air passage duct. A rod slidable within eye type slits has a handle at one end and is attached to the sliding door at the opposite end. A user can push the rod downward which slides the door to close the air passage duct. Lifting the handle pulls the rod up which causes the door to slide up opening the air passage duct. An electrical safety disconnect switch can disconnect power to the dryer when the door is in a closed position. The safety switch can be turned off allowing the dryer to be powered when the door is in the open position. A whistle can further operate in the device which can turn on when pressure builds up if the dryer is turned on and the door is still in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Frank R. Bradley