Abstract: A clothes dryer may rely on a hybrid heat source for drying clothes. In some embodiments, the clothes dryer may rely on a combination of electrical energy to power the clothes dryer and hydronic heat to dry clothes. The hydronic heat may, for example, use hot water from an outdoor wood boiler circulated into a hydronic coil. Air passing over the hydronic coil may be warmed and delivered to the clothes dryer. The hybrid heat clothes dryer may reduce energy consumption from about 27 amperes to about 3 amperes.

Abstract: A drier apparatus for removing water from various materials includes a heating portion, a drying chamber, a first fluid recirculation system, a regenerator and a makeup heater. Also, a method for use of the apparatus. The material to be dried is heated with the first fluid and transferred to the drying chamber. The material is passed counterflow through the drying chamber relative to a second fluid. The second fluid upon exiting the drying chamber is used to preheat the first fluid.

Abstract: A method for drying articles is provided comprising, providing a wash basket within a wash drum inside a washing machine and an air stream which follows an air flow path through the wash basket and through the machine. Then engaging a heater located along the air flow path, engaging a cooling unit located along the air flow path, and spinning the wash basket with the heating unit and cooling units engaged. Also provided is an apparatus for drying articles comprising, an air stream which follows an air flow path through a washing machine comprising a wash basket, a heating unit located along the air stream, a cooling unit located along the air stream, and a supplemental heater located along the air stream.

Abstract: A bearing for supporting the drum of a clothes dryer which includes an interior structural layer of high coherency felted fibrous material and an exterior surface covering for contact with the dryer drum formed of fibrous material including a wool constituent. The felted interior provides support and noise damping character while the exterior surface covering provides friction reduction and enhanced flame retardancy.

Abstract: A combination closed-circuit washer and dryer apparatus having a washing cycle and a drying cycle. The apparatus comprises a unitary housing having a tub and a tumbler within the tub, the tub also having an air inlet and air outlet which allows air to flow through the tub, wherein air flowing from the air inlet is in communication with the tumbler. The apparatus also includes a desiccant recharging system located within the unitary housing having a entrance and an exit, the entrance coupled to the air outlet and the exit coupled to the air entrance, thus allowing a continuous flow of air through the system.

Abstract: An improved clothes dryer has a rotatable drum with an emissive coating on the drum to reflect energy from a heat source, such as a radiant infrared lamp, inside the dryer. By reflecting the energy inside the rotatable drum, the rate of heat transfer is increased, thus increasing drying rate and increasing the energy efficiency of the dryer. Convection air can be used in combination with the infrared heat to further enhance drying.