Nondrying Treating Precedes Drying Patents (Class 34/381)
  • Patent number: 8561317
    Abstract: A system for drying freshly grown forage involving the steps of placing loose mass forage on a receiving system; transporting the loose mass forage from the receiving system to a detangling mechanism; passing the loose mass forage through the detangling mechanism to break up any large clumps of forage and to create a forage carpet of a substantially uniform thickness; passing the forage carpet through a drying oven containing multiple chambers; drying the forage carpet to moisture content below the desired moisture content for the forage; and adding moisture to the forage carpet to bring the moisture content of the forage up to the desired moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Top Quality Hay Processors LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Warren, John E. Davie
  • Patent number: 8555520
    Abstract: A covered sample plate with wells holding samples to be dried. The cover has through holes that communicate with only a portion of each well. The covered plate is inserted into a cradle of an assembly of cradles that is rotated. The cradle assembly fits into a tub and when rotated the cradles present a sold wall that functions as a centrifugal fan that drives air out through an opening in the tub. The air is dried of solvent and re-circulated back through the through holes in the cover to the sample wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert J. Hedberg
  • Patent number: 8533972
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Patent number: 8528226
    Abstract: A vented dryer having a drum to dry damp laundry by warm process air; a first process air duct upstream of the drum; a heater to heat the process air in the first process air duct; a supply air duct leading into the first process air duct; an exhaust air duct; a second process air duct downstream of the drum and transitioning into the exhaust air duct; a blower; a first temperature sensor in the first process air duct; and a heat-buildup generator to generate a heat buildup at the first temperature sensor if a counter-flowing air current occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Kai-Uwe Bache, Philipp Steusloff, Andy Wischer
  • Patent number: 8528224
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a substrate include supplying steam in a chamber, arranging a substrate with a deposited layer that includes silicon in the chamber, and directing UV light onto the deposited layer in the presence of the steam for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially convert the deposited layer. Systems and methods for densifying a deposited layer of a substrate include supplying ammonia in a chamber, arranging the substrate that includes the deposited layer in the chamber, and directing UV light onto the deposited layer in the presence of the ammonia for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially densify the deposited layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhadri N. Varadarajan, Bart Van Schravendijk
  • Patent number: 8499471
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for drying a biosolid or sludge, such as wastewater sludge. The system and method include a fluidized bed dryer in which the sludge is dried. The fluidized bed includes bed media. In particular examples, the bed media is different than the sludge. The system and method can include additional features, such treating the sludge using a thermochemical process in a thermochemical reactor, such as a gasifier, to produce a fuel. The fuel is then combusted to produce energy and heat. The heat is recycled to the drier to help dry sludge. In particular examples, sludge input to the dryer is not first treated using a high-pressure dewatering technique. In some embodiments, the system and method include an anaerobic digester coupled to a combustion unit coupled to the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventors: Charles J. Coronella, Victor R. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 8484862
    Abstract: A condensation dryer having a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of a coolant; a first comparator to determine a temperature difference between a first temperature of the coolant and a second temperature of the coolant that is measured after a period of time and to compare the temperature difference with a limiting temperature difference stored in a controller; a counter to ascertain a number of occurrences in which the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the limiting temperature difference; and a second comparator to compare the number of occurrences with a limiting number stored in the controller and to evaluate a number difference between the number of occurrences and the limiting number with respect to the presence of an impermissible operating state. A first impermissible operating state is indicated if the number difference is greater than or equal to a value stored in the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Nawrot, Ulrich Nehring
  • Publication number: 20130174440
    Abstract: An improved method for supercritical point drying of a treated sample immersed in an intermediate drying fluid (e.g., ethanol or acetone), by purging the intermediary fluid with transitional fluid, and then entering a “stasis mode” allowing the sample to sit in its liquid state in the transitional fluid for a predetermined amount of time to extract any residual intermediary fluid into the transitional fluid. This ensures more thorough purging of the intermediary fluid from the sample and drying chamber, ultimately yielding a much higher success rate when drying thicker samples in the dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Chris Tousimis
  • Publication number: 20130160319
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an accompanying facility (1) for drying plant material (19), such as, for example, fruits, spices, plants, herbs and the like, by means of a stream of drying gas which is supplied to a drying installation. The method according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the material to be dried is distributed to a plurality of trays (15-17) of the drying installation (1), which trays are arranged one above the other and through which gas can flow, where each tray is supplied with a portion (10, 11) of refreshed and conditioned drying gas so that an almost uniform drying rate of the material to be dried is obtained on the individual trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: GLATT INGENIEURTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Jacob, Tilo Kloeppel, Melanie Guttzeit, Reinhard Boeber
  • Patent number: 8458922
    Abstract: A hygienic razor blade dryer is provided that comprises a housing having an interior, a razor blade holder disposed within the interior that is adapted to receive a razor blade, a dryer for drying a razor blade received in the razor blade holder, and a vacuum for evacuating the air within the interior to prevent moisture buildup in the air and on the razor blade and to inhibit oxidation on the blade surfaces. A sanitizer may also be provided to sanitize the razor blade before, during or after the dryer operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Toilettree Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Parisi, Gary Parisi, Paul Parisi
  • Patent number: 8438753
    Abstract: An application for a shower drying system that directs air downwardly onto the walls, surfaces and/or shower curtain of a shower enclosure. In one embodiment, the air is heated. The movement of the air in the downward direction helps urge droplets of water on the shower surface towards a drain at the lower level of the shower enclosure. Remaining water on the surfaces is evaporated into water vapor that is exhausted from above the shower enclosure, thereby reducing mold and mildew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Josh Martin
  • Publication number: 20130091725
    Abstract: A method of processing at least one garment involves a local environment with ambient moisture, a garment having a moisture content, a plurality of work stations, and a threshold amount of moisture. The plurality of work stations operate according to a plurality of parameters. The threshold amount of moisture is the amount of ambient moisture naturally absorbed by the garment. The method includes a processing step, a measuring step, a determining step and an adjusting step. The garment is processed through at least one of the work stations during the processing step. During the measuring step, the moisture content of the garment is measured. The relationship between the measured moisture content and the threshold amount of moisture is determined during the determining step. And, at least one parameter is adjusted based on the relationship between the measured moisture content and the threshold amount of moisture during the adjusting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CINTAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: CINTAS CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8407916
    Abstract: An apparatus for solvent recovery from a solvent/gas mixture from the exhaust air of systems processing printing, painting or other solvents, wherein the solvent/gas mixture from at least one oil-containing solvent/gas mixture is cooled down to a temperature below the lower condensation temperature of the oil of the solvent mixture using a heat exchanger, wherein a further, second heat exchanger is connected upstream of the heat exchanger, said second heat exchanger cooling the solvent/gas mixture specifically to the condensation temperature of an oil present in the mixture and both heat exchangers produce a recovery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Prinotech GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Haerle, Stephan Krauss
  • Publication number: 20130036623
    Abstract: A wrinkle-reducing clip is described for use in drying articles of fabric, such as clothing. The clip is applied to clothing during a drying process. The clip comprises a clip body and sliding tension clasp which holds the material within the clip during drying. The clip may be utilized with fabrics containing varying moisture-levels and with a variety of drying methods, such as a clothes line (e.g., air drying) to a conventional dryer. Also, the clip may be made from a variety of heat-resistant materials, such as plastic, and may comprise a number of shapes to accommodate any number of clothing styles, sizes, or wrinkle areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Lisa Kraetsch
  • Patent number: 8359765
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (01) for dewatering and drying a mixture made of plastic granulate and water, having at least one mixture intake (02), through which the mixture is supplied to the device (01), having at least one water outlet (08), through which the precipitated water is removed from the device (01), having at least one granulate outlet (13), through which the dried granulate is removed from the device (01), the device (01) having a dewatering line (06), along which the mixture is dewatered, and the device (01) having a drying line (12), along which the dewatered granulate is dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Automatik Plastics Machinery GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Doll, Reinhardt-Karsten Müerb
  • Patent number: 8296968
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly and effectively drying ground surfaces are disclosed and claimed. The invention has particular utility in the drying of a race track surface. The invention consists of a means for blowing air upon the surface, a means for heating the air and a means for moving the apparatus with respect to the surface to provide flexibility and control in the degree of drying/heating performed. The apparatus and method may be applied to a variety of surfaces including earthen (dirt) surfaces, concrete and asphalt. One of the objectives of the device is to enable the drying of a track surface such that the surface will not be damaged by overheating which can otherwise occur with other track drying devices applied to an asphalt surface in particular. The design of the invention makes specific use of enhanced turbulent air flow at the surface in order to improve performance over a purely laminar air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Charles Hensley
  • Patent number: 8291611
    Abstract: A wood kiln system and method that sequentially cures and dries layers of stacked wood during which each layer of wood is heated to 125 to 170 deg. F. as the kiln container is evacuated to approximately 13 inches of Hg for 8 to 12 hrs. After the wood has been cured, drying stage is commenced as the wood is continuously heated by evacuating the kiln container to 0.35 to 3 inches of Hg for 6 to 12 hrs. During the drying stage, a cold water bath is formed in the bottom of the kiln container. A condensation tank located between the vacuum pump and the kiln is used to continuously remove the water and water vapor from the kiln container. In one embodiment, the vacuum pump includes a primary vacuum pump serially connected to an auxiliary vacuum pump that allows the air to be continuously and gradually reduced in the kiln container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy L. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8276290
    Abstract: A washing and drying machine includes a water tank, a rotary drum, an irradiating light source and control means. The rotary drum is rotatably supported in the water tank. The irradiating light source is for emitting a light beam including ultra-violet ray to the inside of the rotary drum. The control means controls the irradiating light source such that the light beam including the ultra-violet ray is emitted to the inside of the rotary drum after the end of the drying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroko Uhara, Shinya Takagi, Masahiro Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8276291
    Abstract: A method of drying a surface of a substrate is provided. The method includes supporting a substrate; rotating the substrate about a rotational center point; applying a liquid to the substrate via a liquid dispenser; applying a drying fluid to the substrate via a drying fluid dispenser; moving the drying fluid dispenser and the liquid dispenser in a direction toward an edge region of the substrate, the drying fluid being applied closer to the rotational center point than the fluid; upon the liquid being applied to the edge region of the substrate, discontinuing application of the liquid while continuing the manipulation of the drying fluid dispenser; and upon the drying fluid being applied to the edge region of the substrate, continuing to apply the drying fluid for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Zhi (Lewis) Liu, Ismail Kashkoush, Hanjoo Lee
  • Publication number: 20120240427
    Abstract: A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus (100) is disclosed. A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus (100) configured to supply steam and/or heated air to an accommodating space (12) accommodating laundry therein, the control method includes a water supplying step supplying water to water supplying device (130) configured to supply steam, a step supplying steam to the accommodating space (12) by heating of water inside the water supplying device (130), the step applying a horizontal motion to the laundry for a predetermined time period, simultaneously with the steam supplying, a cooling step cooling the laundry, and a drying step supplying heated air having a predetermined temperature to the accommodating space (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC
    Inventors: Hye Yong Park, Yang Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8272411
    Abstract: A lyophilization device configured for use in a lyophilization process has a body defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be lyophilized, and a stopper creating a liquid-tight seal between the chamber and ambient atmosphere to form a sealed, empty sterile chamber. The stopper is adapted so that the chamber may be sterile filled with the substance through the stopper. A fluid passageway is formed through the stopper, through which the chamber is evacuated. The substance is lyophilized, the fluid passageway is closed, and the lyophilized substance is hermetically sealed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 8266820
    Abstract: A substrate processing method which can reduce the number of particles to be left on each substrate is provided. In the substrate processing method, substrates W to be processed are dried, by using a fluid heated by a heating apparatus having one or more heating mechanisms. The substrate processing method comprises a first step of supplying a mixed fluid containing a gas and a processing liquid and heated by the heating apparatus, into a processing chamber in which the substrates to be processed are placed, and a second step of supplying the heated gas into the processing chamber. The output of at least one of the heating mechanisms is kept at a preset constant value for a period of time during which a predetermined time passes after the start of the first step. In the second step, the output of the heating mechanism is determined under a feed back control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hideki Nishimura, Mikio Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8266821
    Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Wyssmont Company Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Weisselberg, Joseph Bevacqua, Robert Borre
  • Patent number: 8256135
    Abstract: A process for removing or treating harmful biological and chemical substances from an enclosure, such as a building or vehicle by using heated air. The method of the present invention is non-toxic and can be performed in a relatively short amount of time while effectively killing and removing a large proportion of dead organisms and substantially reducing volatile organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: ThermaPure, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Hedman
  • Patent number: 8250775
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic plant and a method of stockage in a covered yard of petcoke fuel with high humidity-contents, natural dehumidification up to set humidity values and subsequent reuptake for conveyance to the silos feeding a thermal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Magaldi Ricerche E Brevetti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Magaldi
  • Patent number: 8245414
    Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric K. Watson, Derek Lee Watkins, John K. Besore, Subhash Viswanathan Kollengode, Yogesh Kumar Allimalli, Sarah Lynn Kirchoff, Kyle Eden, David Scott Dunn, David D. Warmuth
  • Patent number: 8240063
    Abstract: Fluid is removed from the cleaning element of such as a sponge mop or string mop by inflating a bladder or like expansible member which is positioned in an enclosure adjacent the cleaning element, causing the expansible member to expand into contact with the cleaning element, thereby compressing the cleaning element for squeezing fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: David Brian Grimes
  • Patent number: 8196439
    Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. A laundry machine includes a drum rotatably provided in a cabinet, a substance supply device to generate water based substance and to supply the water based substance to the drum, a water supply source to supply water to the substance supply device, a pump positioned between the substance supply device and the water supply source, a connection unit to connect the pump with the water supply source, and a supporting module to support the water supply source, the pump and the substance supply device. The connection unit is configured of a coupling member having both opposite ends connected with the water supply source and the pump, respectively, the connection unit formed at a predetermined portion of the supporting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Dong Geun Lee, Yeon Sik Choi, Ju Han Yoon
  • Patent number: 8191281
    Abstract: A method of drying a honeycomb formed article, in which the honeycomb formed article can be dried in a short time while prohibiting occurrence of defects such as deformation, breakage and the like. There is provided a drying method of an unfired honeycomb formed article including raw material composition containing ceramics raw material, water, and binder, and having a plurality of cells, the cells being separated by partition walls to be passage of fluid, and electromagnetic wave drying is performed to dry the honeycomb formed article after the honeycomb formed article is preheated by steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Horiba, Hiromi Shimada, Yohei Takemori, Shinzou Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8181356
    Abstract: A substrate processing method is arranged to perform a heat process on a substrate with a coating film formed thereon to bake and cure the coating film. At first, the substrate, with the coating film formed thereon, is held at a preparatory temperature lower than a lower limit of temperature for baking and curing the coating film, to adjust distribution of a predetermined component in the coating film. Then, the substrate, with distribution of the predetermined component thus adjusted, is subjected to a heat process at a temperature not lower than the lower limit of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takahisa Otsuka, Tsuyoshi Shibata
  • Patent number: 8166668
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of fluoropolymer powdered materials is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles in a liquid carrier, preferably water, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of fluoropolymers particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whitford Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Iaian Robert Whitlow, Terry Anderson
  • Patent number: 8151482
    Abstract: An energy-efficient method and apparatus for drying pelletized, moist organic material is described. The method consists of a rapid, high temperature static drying process in a shallow bed, followed by traditional vertical static drying in a deep bed. Hot exhaust gas from the shallow-bed, hot-temperature static dryer is then recirculated to provide thermal energy to the deep-bed, warn-temperature static dryer. This invention can be used to convert wet, organic waste materials such as animal and poultry waste, municipal wastewater sludge, urban post-consumer food waste, or manufactured food byproducts and residuals into solid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: William H Moss, Richard J Romanek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8136264
    Abstract: An automatic dry control method is disclosed, enabling exact drying by stabilizing a detection value of a temperature sensor and performing an additional drying according to a first dryness achieving point at an automatic drying washer and a drum type dryer that determines dryness by using the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sun Cheol Bae, Dae Woong Kim, Chang Woo Son
  • Patent number: 8117764
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Great River Energy
    Inventors: Mark A Ness, Matthew P Coughlin, John M Wheeldon, Adam M Johnson
  • Patent number: 8112902
    Abstract: A spin or tumble dryer having an air outlet with a moisture sensor is connected to a controller. The moisture sensor determines and stored the measured absolute atmospheric humidity values in the air outlet during operation. Specific characteristic values of the detected moisture can be determined, such as at a point in time and the duration to reach a maximum value or an absolute atmospheric humidity at a specific instant, which can be compared with the values stored in the controller. From this, it is possible to determine the laundry load quantity that is located in the spin dryer, and as a result a program sequence for drying the load can be optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Muenzner, Kay Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8091252
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a gas valve of a dryer which controls the amount of gas supplied into a gas combustor. The method includes detecting the temperature of hot air supplied into a drum, detecting the temperature of the hot air discharged outside the drum, and controlling a gas valve of a gas combustor according to the temperature of the hot air supplied into the drum and the temperature of the hot air discharged outside the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Chang Hoo Kim
  • Patent number: 8065815
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system is provided for treating sewage sludge by heating the same in a container to drive off pathogens and/or pasteurize the sewage sludge while the material is tumbled in the container, and with moisture gases being evaporated therefrom and drawn off from the container. After treatment the treated sludge is discharged from the container. There is provided at least one weight-responsive member on which the container is mounted, and a control is provided connected to the one or more weight-responsive member whereby the solids content of the treated material can be determined by measuring the difference in weight of material in the container, before and after moisture is drawn off from the material and prior to its discharge from the drum. The control is preferably effected by means of a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W Christy, Robert Van Bramer, Michael Quici
  • Patent number: 8061056
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a sample drying system and method that provides a high rates of evaporation and sublimation that is commonly employed in compound processing procedures. The drying increases the sample-solute concentration and removes the solvent completely to produce the dried sample as a non-volatile solute precipitate. Re-circulating of drying gas is disclosed along with a solvent cold trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Modular SFC, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert J. Hedberg, Brian Kangas
  • Patent number: 8056257
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber, and a cleaning-liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid containing hydrofluoro ether onto a substrate to be processed placed in the chamber. In the chamber, there is further disposed a gas supply unit that supplies into the chamber a gas for preventing moisture from being adhered to a substrate to be processed, when a cleaning liquid containing hydrofluoro ether is supplied onto the substrate to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroki Ohno, Kenji Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 8051578
    Abstract: A dryer is provided that includes a drum for drying wet laundry via contact of the laundry with process air, an air inlet duct operable to convey process air to the drum, an outlet duct operable to convey process air that has exited the drum, a heating device located in the inlet air duct, and a fan containing an impeller. The fan applies a motive power to process air to effect flow of process air and the impeller has oblique blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Kohlrusch
  • Patent number: 8020314
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drying ceramic green bodies include providing one or more ceramic green bodies in a microwave heating chamber operatively connected to a microwave source and a PLC. The total mass of the ceramic green bodies present in the microwave heating chamber is determined. Microwave energy is generated with the microwave source and transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber. A transmitted power of the microwave energy transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber is measured with power sensors. The reflected power of reflected microwave energy reflected back from the microwave heating chamber is also measured. The power of the microwave energy transmitted from the microwave source to the microwave heating chamber is adjusted based on the total mass of ceramic green bodies present in the microwave heating chamber, the measured transmitted power and the measured reflected power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob George, Parasuram Padmanabhan Harihara, Min Shen
  • Patent number: 8020315
    Abstract: A substrate processing method which can reduce the number of particles to be left on each substrate is provided. In the substrate processing method, substrates W to be processed are dried, by using a fluid heated by a heating apparatus having one or more heating mechanisms. The substrate processing method comprises a first step of supplying a mixed fluid containing a gas and a processing liquid and heated by the heating apparatus, into a processing chamber in which the substrates to be processed are placed, and a second step of supplying the heated gas into the processing chamber. The output of at least one of the heating mechanisms is kept at a preset constant value for a period of time during which a predetermined time passes after the start of the first step. In the second step, the output of the heating mechanism is determined under a feed back control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hideki Nishimura, Mikio Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8015726
    Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer comprises a cabinet defining an interior space in which is rotatably mounted a drum that defines a drying chamber, a heater assembly having a heating element for heating air, and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower is mounted within the interior space and is fluidly coupled to the drying chamber for moving heated air through the drying chamber. A first temperature sensor is mounted upstream of the heating element. A second temperature sensor is mounted downstream of the blower. Outputs from the temperature sensors are utilized with one or more methods to determine the air flow characteristics through the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Carow, Mark E. Glotzbach
  • Patent number: 8006407
    Abstract: A drying system (100) for use in drying out a water-damaged structure includes a blower (105) for providing outside air to the water damaged structure. An indirectly fired furnace (101) is used for heating the outside air prior to its introduction into the water-damaged structure. An exhaust blower (114) removes humid air from the water-damaged building, and one or more remote temperature and humidity sensors (117) are used for controlling the furnace air temperature and supply blower volume. An air intake filter box (111) is used for adding make-up air to recirculated building air and promoting cooling within accompanying trailer. A differential air pressure transmitter (118) controls the volume of moist air removed from the water damaged building to an optimal rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Anderson
  • Patent number: 8002901
    Abstract: Drying of wet workpiece, such as a magnetic recording media, following a wet clean process where the wet workpiece is displaced from a liquid volume into a gaseous volume at a pull speed that is dependent on the temperature of the gaseous volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: WD Media, Inc.
    Inventors: Chaoyuan Chen, George Galluzi, John Cho
  • Patent number: 7997006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a control method thereof. The control method includes supplying steam, generated by a steam generator, into a drum, and supplying hot air into the drum to dry clothes wetted by the steam. According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively removing wrinkles on clothes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Woo Son, Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son, Heung Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 7997003
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for drying plate-shaped products in a multi-level throughflow dryer, moist air stagnated under the housing ceiling is sucked away and delivered into the suction area of axial blowers arranged in the lower levels, where the moist air is then differentially admixed into a quantity of re-heated drying air, and the mixture is delivered to the nozzle boxes of the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Lindauer DORNIER Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Alfred Dotzler, Anton Hecht
  • Patent number: 7987614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and processing method for drying lumber, for example two-by-four studs in an environment in a kiln in a manner to avoid warping, including crook, bow, cup and twist. The lumber pieces are stacked in a normal manner with stickers for providing air flow between courses of the lumber pieces, and the stack is dried while a horizontal force is provided to the respective courses of lumber in the stack to hold the individual pieces of lumber in edge to edge contact throughout the drying, equalizing, conditioning and cooling process for first drying of lumber, redrying of lumber or in a treatment process for removing warp from previously dried lumber. A vertical force comprising a weight or other force generating device can be also applied to the stack of lumber to augment the overall reduction in warpage if so evidenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert W. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7980000
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and methods for rinsing and drying substrates. One embodiment provides an end effector comprising a body having a contact tip for contacting an edge area of a substrate, wherein the end effector is configured to support the substrate while the substrate is in a rinsing bath and while the substrate is being dried from the rinsing bath, and the contact tip comprises a hydrophilic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Lewis, Michael Biese, Garrett H. Sin, Chidambara A. Ramalingam, Balaji Chandrasekaran, Tak Fan (Kerry) Ling
  • 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