By Filter Patents (Class 34/82)
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Publication number: 20080307964Abstract: Contaminant laden gas streams from wood product dryer operations, and other sources, are purified. The gas stream first is saturated with moisture by contacting the gas stream with fine liquid droplets which entrain particulates. The gas stream then is subjected to a plurality of separate particulate and liquid droplet removal steps before a droplet-free gas stream having substantially reduced particulate contaminant levels is passed to a burner for removal of volatile organic compounds from the gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2005Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: TURBOSONIC INC.Inventors: Edward F. Spink, Robert A. Allan
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Publication number: 20080282569Abstract: A disposable filter media removably attachable to a conventional lint trap utilized in automatic clothes dryers is provided. The disposable filter media is in the form of a flexible, lightweight meshed liner adapted for snug, releasable attachment atop the lint collecting surface of a lint trap. The liner functions to provide optimum lint capturing efficiency without an inordinate drop in the air volume in a clothes dryer and is easily removed and disposed of after use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Paul L. Roberts
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Publication number: 20080271336Abstract: A lint filter assembly for a laundry dryer is provided. In the lint filter assembly, a door is provided, a lint filter has a filter housing installed at the rear of the door and a filter main body inserted into the filter housing, and at least one securing member is provided to secure the filter main body to the filter housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2005Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventor: Young Jin Doh
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Publication number: 20080256821Abstract: This unique invention will eliminate cleaning clothes dryer lint screens by applying disposable sheets, made of nonflammable material, to the lint screen of any gas or electric clothes dryer. Apply to screen when full of lint, peel off, and dispose of without brushing or having to manually clean the screen of the clothes dryer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Janice A. Jordan
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Publication number: 20080235978Abstract: A lint collector for a dryer in which clothes are dried by heated air supplied to a rotating drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: Michael Epstein
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Patent number: 7428785Abstract: A hair dryer in which the direction of a palm of a user gripping the hair dryer is same as the direction of wind blown from the hair dryer. A blowing pipe is coupled to a case and has an air outlet at one end. A heater for heating air is provided inside the case. A fan for blowing air toward the heater and the air outlet is provided inside the case. A grip part, which is designed to be gripped by a human hand, is coupled to a portion of the case opposite to the air outlet. A handle is mounted to the grip part so as to prevent the grip part from being released from the band.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Inventor: Tai Cheul Kim
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Publication number: 20080148943Abstract: A modular lint collection system for a fabric dryer, comprising a lint collection frame having a plurality of lint screen retaining members associated therewith, and a plurality of lint collection screens connected to respective lint screen retaining members and arranged in a zigzag pattern. The lint collection screens are oriented in respective vertical planes with adjacent screens lying in intersecting relation to one another, such that the air flow being drawn through the dryer generally impinges the screens at an oblique angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: G.A. Braun Inc.Inventor: Ryan Blair
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Publication number: 20080127505Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: In Hee Han, Won Tug Son
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Publication number: 20080127506Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: In Hee Han, Won Tug Son
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Publication number: 20080047159Abstract: A secondary lint trap couplable between a laundry dryer and a building-embedded vent duct. The trap has an elongate housing. Aligned inlet and outlet apertures are formed in bottom and top sides of the housing's rearward ends. A tray is removably insertable within the housing. A screened aperture in the tray is aligned between the inlet and outlet apertures when the tray is inserted within the housing. The housing is mountable above the dryer such that the inlet and outlet apertures extend rearwardly of the dryer. This facilitates coupling of the dryer's exhaust outlet to the inlet aperture through one 90° elbow via a first short, substantially straight, elbowless conduit; and facilitates coupling of the vent duct to the outlet aperture through one other 90° elbow collar via a second short, substantially straight, elbowless conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: ECCO HEATING PRODUCTS LTD.Inventor: David Thomas Mackay
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Publication number: 20080022550Abstract: A filtration system is provided for a clothes dryer. The filtration system includes a filtration member that receives lint laden exhaust air that is expelled from the rotating drum of the dryer into an exhaust conduit during operation. The filtration system can be disposed in a portion of the exhaust conduit that is carried by the dryer housing, or can be disposed in a conduit that is external to the dryer housing. The filtration system can be used in combination with a conventional lint screen or independently, and is configured to remove lint from the lint laden exhaust air. The filtration material can be vacuumed as desired to remove lint that has been trapped in the material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventor: Ronald Anthony Masters
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Patent number: 7305775Abstract: Clothes drying machine comprising a rotating drum, an exhaust conduit into which flows the air issuing from the outlet aperture of the drum, a lint filter formed in the shape of a sector of a cylindrical surface, which is arranged in said exhaust conduit below said outlet aperture of the drum, with the axis thereof extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum, in which there are provided automatic means adapted to ensure cleaning of said filter through a brushing action; said automatic means comprise a brush connected to an end portion of a moving arm, which is hinged, on the other end portion thereof opposite to said brush, on to a rotation pin, said moving arm being slidably linked with a driving pin which is rotating, by means of a respective rotation arm, about a driving spindle that is driven rotatably about its own axis by automatic driving devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Ugo Favret, Flavio Noviello
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Patent number: 7300484Abstract: A blower has a carrying frame provided with a base plate. A fan with a fan housing is mounted on the carrying frame. The fan housing has an intake opening that faces the base plate and is spaced from the base plate. An intake gap is formed between the base plate and the fan housing. An internal combustion engine drives the fan in order to take in working air through the intake opening and to blow out the working air through a blower tube. A leaf shield for preventing leaves and debris from entering the fan housing is provided and covers the intake gap. The leaf shield is made of a foam material having coarse pores to allow unimpaired intake of the working air and to prevent leaves or other debris from adhering to the leaf shield.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Randy Scully, Jim Herrala
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Patent number: 7257905Abstract: A laundry drying machine includes a cabinet and a laundry holding drum rotatably supported within the cabinet for rotation. The drum includes a wall that is circumferential relative to the rotation and a drum hatch that is a section of the wall. The drum forms an enclosure together with at least one stationary end surface centred on the axis of rotation of the drum. A motor is connected to drive rotation of the drum and a fan provides a flow of air through the interior of the drum. The drum includes an outlet opening centred on the axis of rotation and an annular filter screen extending from the periphery of the drum outlet and rotating with the drum. The annular screen is connected along one circumferential edge to the drum. There is an annular sliding seal between the other annular edge of the screen and the outlet duct and an annular sliding seal between the outlet duct and the drum external to the annular filter screen.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances LimitedInventors: Allen James Guinibert, Russell Joseph Jackson, Hugh Griffith Johnson, Geoffrey Simon Frazerhurst, Bruce Reginald Frank McGregor
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Publication number: 20070144028Abstract: An appliance for drying clothing articles has a drum for receiving the clothing articles, a motor for rotating the drum about an axis, a heater for supplying heated air to the drum during a drying cycle and a trap duct in air flow communication with the dryer drum through which air flows when leaving the dryer drum. The trap duct comprises a filter for trapping lint, and an air flow baffle positioned downstream of the lint filter that extends parallel to direction of air flow through the trap duct to improve air flow in the dryer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: MABE CANADA INC.Inventors: Serge Audet, Dominique Larochelle, Tsimi Nkoa
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Patent number: 7188434Abstract: A dehumidification apparatus including an outer tubular container (2) closed at its ends, a first (5) and a second (9) transverse grids located inside the tubular container (2), one grid element being spaced from the other and from a respective adjacent end of the tubular container (2) and delimiting a receiving space therewith, a mass of molecular sieves (MS) located in the receiving space, heating elements (19) in the tubular container (2), and first and second openings (4, 16) for communication of the interior of the container with the outside, characterised in that it comprises an inner tubular jacket (6) extending from at least the first grid (5) for a distance greater than that between the first (5) and the second (9) grid, thereby shaping the receiving space for the sieves (8) as an annular gap and providing a projecting section (6a) extending from the second grid (9); and an annular partition (17) between the outer container (2) and the inner jacket (6) at the projecting section (6a) of the inner jackType: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Moretto S.P.A.Inventor: Renato Moretto
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Patent number: 7093374Abstract: A clothes dryer and a method of controlling the clothes dryer. The method detects conditions of clothes using a sensor, and performs at least one of: a complex drying function to perform a drying operation, a deodorizing operation, and a wrinkle removing operation; a wrinkle removing function to perform the wrinkle removing operation and the drying operation; and a drying function to perform the drying operation, according to the detected conditions of the clothes. Accordingly, the clothes dryer is capable of not only drying the clothes, but also deodorizing the clothes and removing wrinkles. Additionally, the clothes dryer is capable of detecting conditions of clothes accommodated in a chamber, and drying and deodorizing the clothes as occasion demands, thus maintaining the clothes for a long period.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byoung Yull Yang, Hyung-Gyoon Kim, Sang-Yeon Pyo, Seon-Woo Park, Hye Soon Yang, Seong Min Oak, Jae-Ryong Park, Hyun Sook Kim
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Patent number: 7051453Abstract: A system for cleaning a particulate trap comprises locating the trap in a chamber and forcing cleaning air through the trap. The air and removed particulates is extracted from the trap towards a filter. The expelled air essentially without the removed particulates from the chamber, the removed particulates being essentially trapped in the filter. The trap is locatable about a longitudinal axis such that air is urged in a longitudinal direction through the trap. The trap is supportable on at least one rotatable roller to affect rotation about the axis. A motor and blower draws air from the chamber and an air pressure differential about the filter causes the particulate to be directed through the filter and excess air is pumped out of the blower by the motor operating the blower.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: City of Los AngelesInventors: William Raphael Schmitt, Cary M. Ellsworth, Ben Richard Baca, Michael Angel De Leon, Brian Patrick Cunningham, Leonard Seymour Walker
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Patent number: 7045013Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a spray booth that comprises a spray booth housing having a ceiling and side walls that define an interior for holding an object to be sprayed. A pressurized air plenum is disposed above the ceiling and is adapted to supply air into the interior. A filter media is used to filter air from the plenum before entering into the interior. At least one fan is disposed in the interior below the filter media. The fan is operable to locally increase air flows in the vicinity of the object to increase evaporation rates associated with a spray application on the object, and to enhance air flow over the object during a dry or a cure cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Garmat USAInventor: Karel DeRegge
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Patent number: 7007408Abstract: To remove and/or prevent contamination of a probe, at least a portion of the probe is positioned in a chamber having an inlet passage and an outlet passage, with a distal end of the probe extending through the outlet passage and terminating on a side thereof opposite the chamber. A gas is caused to flow through the inlet passage into the chamber and out the outlet passage, thereby modifying an environment surrounding the distal end of the probe. The gas may be heated prior to injection.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Solid State Measurements, Inc.Inventors: William H. Howland, Jr., James E. Healy, Jr.
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Patent number: 6971186Abstract: A filter assembly for collecting lint in use with a dryer having an interior compartment. The filter assembly includes a control unit, an input air pathway in communication with the interior compartment, an exhaust, and a micro-filter. The input air pathway carries air and lint from the interior compartment through the micro-filter into the exhaust. The filter assembly includes a first and second air flow sensor in the interior compartment for determining the change of air flow between the input air pathway and exhaust. The control unit is in communication with the first and second air flow sensors and an alarm. The control unit triggers the alarm when the air flow sensors detect a restricted pattern of air flow, thereby signaling a build-up of lint in the filter.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventors: TJ Chin, Patricia Farrow
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Patent number: 6966126Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventor: Martin Baurmann
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Patent number: 6935050Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an optical fiber preform including a metal remover, which operates by adsorption, that removes gaseous transition metal impurities present in a process gas to be provided to a furnace for drying, doping or consolidation. The apparatus and method may reduce attenuation of the resultant optical fiber drawn from the preform.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Dana C. Bookbinder, Richard M. Fiacco, Cynthia B. Giroux
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Patent number: 6928750Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank for performing semiconductor manufacturing. In one aspect, the invention is a method of supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: supplying a gas stream through at least one hydrophobic tube; exposing the outside surface of the hydrophobic tube to a liquid so that a vapor of the liquid permeates the hydrophobic tube and enters the gas stream, forming a gas-liquid vapor inside the tube; and transporting the gas-liquid vapor to the process tank. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: at least one hydrophobic tube adapted to carry a gas; and a housing forming a chamber that surrounds the tube, the chamber adapted to receive a liquid that can permeate the tube, forming a gas-liquid vapor.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Akrion, LLCInventors: Ismail Kashkoush, Richard Novak, Larry Myland
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Patent number: 6779279Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Soon-Jo Lee, Hae Deog Jeong
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Patent number: 6767521Abstract: A system for dehumidifying and deodorizing, the system comprising a hanging, dehumidifying and deodorizing pouch comprising a housing having a impermeable membrane and a semi-permeable securely attached to the impermeable membrane. The housing enclosing moisture-absorbent material and deodorizing material. The housing is enclosed within a jacket comprising a perforated contiguous wall; the wall defines an opening for receiving the housing. The jacket further comprises a closing member for closing the opening when the housing is within the jacket. The jacket can comprise a rigid, rectangular cage having a detachable lid. The semi-permeable membrane of the housing can comprise polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, individually or a combination thereof. The impermeable can comprise either polyethylene film or polypropylene film. The moisture-absorbent material can comprise a hygroscopic, deliquescent or a combination of a hygroscopic deliquescent and a gel forming polymer.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: W.M. Barr & CompanyInventors: Fred K. Vogt, Surendra Kumar Mishra, David Prince Heaner
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Patent number: 6757986Abstract: This invention is about portable mini clothes and hair dryer which is designed to collapse and fit into a standard suitcase. It possesses all the features of the standard clothes dryer but is approximately one tenth the size and weighs less than 25 pounds. The dryer will not operate in its collapsed state or if the lid is opened. It comprises a simple but reliable heater and motor assembly. The single flat motor drives both the blower fan and the rotating drum of the machine but the rotating drum can be disengaged when the unit is used for drying hair only. Clothes and other items can be packed in and around the dryer when traveling.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Inventors: Rhona A. Miller, Halden A Morris
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Publication number: 20040093756Abstract: There is provided a filter for use with a hair air-styling device and a method for maintaining and/or replacing such a filter. The filter has a frame for detachably retaining a flexible screening fabric so as to form an air permeable wall. The filter is telescopically connected to the hair air-styling device so as to provide a user selective access to the filter, thereby enabling the user to quickly visually ascertain the condition of the filter, and, if needed, to easily clean and/or remove and replace the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2002Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: CONAIR CIP, INC.Inventors: Vito James Carlucci, Henri Christophe Frederic Joseph Smal
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Publication number: 20040068889Abstract: A clothes dryer and a method for controlling its operation are disclosed, in which the clothes dryer includes a second motor being separately driven from a drum or a circulation fan to control a cooling fan for cooling a condenser. As for the second motor, a variable speed motor is used and amount of heating of a heater of the clothes dryer is variable. In the method for controlling an operation of a clothes dryer, the cooling fan is operated when a predetermined period of time passes after the cooling fan being stopped during an initial operation, or the cooling fan is operated at a regular speed when a temperature of air circulating reaches a predetermined degree after the cooling fan being operated at a low speed during the initial operation of the clothes dryer. Also, the speed of the cooling fan is varied according to amount of heating of the heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Young-Hwan Park, Choon Myun Chung, Mu Yong Choi, Dae Yun Park, Kyung Seop Hong
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Patent number: 6711831Abstract: In a compact combined spray drying and after-treatment apparatus having internal gas filters and an internal fluidized bed in the drying chamber and a fluidized bed in the after-treatment zone, pipe means are used for conducting a stream of particle-loaded gas formed in the after-treatment zone to suitable locations in the drying chamber without disturbing the normal operation of the drying chamber and the fluidized bed therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Niro A/SInventors: Ove Emil Hansen, Jens Mourits Sørensen, Martin Andreas Grønlund Scholten, Eric Franzen
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Patent number: 6709499Abstract: An air-routing household appliance includes an improved removable and washable filter in that the filter is of a flexible fiber material and is finished such that it can bind and/or decompose odorous substances. Such a filter can be disposed, in particular, in the closed process-air circuit of a condensation laundry dryer to free laundry of unpleasant odorous substances. The odor filter is produced, in particular, from a textile material and can, therefore, advantageously be cleaned in a washing machine. For the binding of odorous substances, the fibers of the filter can be treated with particles that can bind odorous substances and from which the odorous substances can also be washed out again to regenerate the filter.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventor: Harald Moschütz
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Patent number: 6694637Abstract: Flux management systems and methods are provided for filtering vaporized flux from the gas of a reflow soldering oven. A flux management system includes a cooling chamber having a cooling medium through which the gas passes. The vaporized flux condenses on the surfaces of the cooling chamber and drips into a collection pan, thereby preventing it from dripping onto circuit boards passing through the oven. The flux management system may further include a self-cleaning feature that includes a compressed gas, which is allowed to enter the cooling chamber through a solenoid valve. The compressed gas may then be directed through a heater, which increases the temperature of the cooling chamber, thereby causing a decrease in viscosity of the flux, which allows it to flow freely into a drain tube. The flux may then be transported by gravity into a collection container.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Speedline Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Miller, Jr., Jonathan M. Dautenhalm, Marc C. Apell
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Patent number: 6678969Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Wook Hong
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Publication number: 20040006886Abstract: A dryer having a filter sensing system that warns a user that a filter requires servicing. 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 predetermine threshold a control unit causes a notice unit to produce a warning signal that informs a user that filter service is required.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Soon-Jo Lee, Hae Deog Jeong
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Patent number: 6671977Abstract: A lint collector and safety system for the clothes dryer. The lint collector removes lint. The safety system determines whether the flow of exhaust air is above a pre-set level, and causes an interruption of electrical power to the clothes dryer if there is not. The invention provides for more efficient drying of clothes and reduces risk of fires. The system may also include an interruption of electrical power for other malfunctions of clothes dryer.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Boemar Inc.Inventor: Bart Donald Beaumont
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Patent number: 6662464Abstract: A device (10) for removing lint from a dryer lint screen (14). Device (10) preferably includes a trash container (13) and a trash container lid (12), the latter of which forms a slot (26) for receiving the dryer lint screen (14). Attached to the underside of lid (12) adjacent slot (26) are bristles (40). Lint is removed from the lint screen (14) by inserting it into slot (26) and then withdrawing it. Bristles (40) contact the lint and strip it off of screen (14) as the screen is withdrawn from the slot (26). The lint can then fall into trash container (13) for subsequent disposal.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventor: Daniel Mark Treu
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Publication number: 20030226278Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for drying the interior of a flexible beverage container. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet and outlet. A blower is disposed intermediate between the inlet and outlet and is operative to draw air through the housing via the inlet and outlet. An exhaust pipe is disposed at the outlet whereby the container may be disposed thereon for drying. The dryer is operative to blow air onto the farmost inner portions of the container to facilitate thorough and hygienic drying between uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventor: Scott T. Merchant
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Patent number: 6581297Abstract: A twin tower gas drying system is disclosed for cleaning compressed air lines in locomotives, buses, transit vehicles and the like by removing undesirable contaminants from an air or gas stream. A multistage filtration process employs a first scrubber that is capable of removing particulate material or soot from a stream of unpurified gas. A pre-filtering means is employed to remove impurities from the stream of unpurified gas. Coalescing filters are us to remove remaining moisture from the gas stream. Two towers of dessicant material dry the gas stream. The drying system is capable of controlling the flow of gas by alternately switching between supplying unpurified gas to a first tower and supplying unpurified gas to a second tower, with a purge cycle in between. Thus, a first dessicant tower is being purged of moisture while the second tower accumulates moisture, and likewise the second tower is purged while the first tower accumulates moisture, in alternating sequence.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Graham-White Manufacturing CompanyInventor: William F. Ginder
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Patent number: 6536132Abstract: A reusable device, and alternative methods of manufacture, for fast, efficient, fingernail preserving, and unfragmented removal of accumulated lint from clothes dryer filters. Each embodiment comprises a mitt and an attached storage pouch having upper and lower ends that can be independently manipulated for the addition and removal of lint. It also comprises magnetic means for attachment of the pouch to a dryer so that it remains conveniently accessible for use. The mitt preferably has two thumbs for interchangeable right-handed and left-handed use.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: Lisa Dawn Helmer
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Patent number: 6532682Abstract: A ventilated foot rest for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger vehicle, has a housing which contains at least one air-inlet opening and at least one air-outlet opening, and which has a foot-depositing board on its upper side. In order to better utilize this foot rest, it is proposed to form a storage space and at least two flow paths which are independent of each other in the housing. A first flow path ventilates the storage space, while a second flow path bypasses the storage space and ventilates the foot-depositing board.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Hans-Dieter Futschik, Peter Pfeiffer, Norbert Weber
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Patent number: 6493961Abstract: A processing unit for a substrate has a vertical thermal processing furnace 4 having a bottom and an opening 4a provided at the bottom. A boat 3 holding substrates W in vertical multistairs can be placed on a first lid 17, and the first lid 17 can open and close the opening 4a of the vertical thermal processing furnace 4 with the boat 3 placed thereon. The processing unit also has a boat-placing portion 19 on which the boat 3 and another boat 3 can be placed and a boat conveying mechanism 21 for conveying the two boats 3 alternatively between the boat-placing portion 19 and the first lid 17. A second lid 18 hermetically closes the opening 4a of the vertical thermal processing furnace 4 when the first lid 17 opens the opening 4a but no boat 3 passes through the opening 4a.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Katsumi Ishii
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Patent number: 6467185Abstract: A potted timer and circuit board assembly for use in a regenerative desiccant air dryer. The potted timer and circuit board assembly comprise a support member of a predetermined size and shape having a first surface and a second surface. A conductive pattern of a predetermined material and thickness is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the support member. A predetermined quantity and arrangement of electronic components of a predetermined voltage is disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the support member for providing a timed electronic signal to a solenoid valve that pneumatically operates an air dryer. A non-conductive material of a predetermined composition encases the electronic components on the support member for insulating the electronic components from environmental elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventors: Matthew D. Mitsch, James Varney
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Patent number: 6305843Abstract: A reusable device, and a method of manufacture, for fast, efficient, fingernail preserving, and neat removal of accumulated lint from clothes dryer filters. The device comprises a mitt and an attached storage pouch having upper and lower ends that can be independently manipulated for the addition and removal of lint. The devices also comprise magnets for attachment of the pouch to a dryer so that it remains conveniently accessible for use. The mitt preferably has two thumbs for interchangeable right-handed and left-handed use. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use by homeowners and cleaning services to facilitate the repetitive task of removing accumulated lint from clothes dryer lint filters needed to promote safe use of clothes dryers in homes, school dormitories, apartment complexes, and other residence facilities, as well as in laundromats, other commercial cleaning establishments, hotel laundries, hospital laundries, and the laundry facilities of uniform rental services.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Lisa Dawn Helmer
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Patent number: 6264895Abstract: An evaporator comprises a base with a vacuum connection. A tray is fixed to the base, and has seating positions in which to seat pans which hold sample liquid. A transparent cover is attached to the base with a hinge. The cover fits over the tray and when closed forms a tight fit with the base and is in close proximity to the pans. The cover has inlets angled down at about 37° to 42° over each pan seating position such that when a vacuum source is connected to the vacuum connection, air from outside the evaporator is drawn in through the inlets and aimed toward the sample liquid in each pan such that the solvent evaporates. Pans are preferably commercially available pans which are about 70 mm in diameter and about 16 mm in height, and tapered outwardly towards the top. Preferably, the cover has two inlets for each pan, aimed in opposite directions, and on opposite sides of each pan, such that when air strikes the sample liquid it induces a swirling motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventor: Robert S. Johnson
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Patent number: 6247245Abstract: A processing unit for a substrate has a vertical thermal processing furnace 4 having a bottom and an opening provided at the bottom. A boat holding substrates in vertical multistairs can be placed on a first lid, and the first lid can open and close the opening of the vertical thermal processing furnace with the boat placed thereon. The processing unit also has a boat-placing portion on which the boat and another boat can be placed and a boat conveying mechanism for conveying the two boats alternatively between the boat-placing portion and the first lid. A second lid hermetically closes the opening of the vertical thermal processing furnace when the first lid opens the opening but no boat passes through the opening. The processing unit can effectively reduce the undesirable influence from the opening when the first lid is taken off from the opening and the boat is conveyed out, and can also reduce the wasted energy by preventing the fall of the temperature in the interior of the thermal processing furnace.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Katsumi Ishii
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Patent number: 6170167Abstract: A structure for detachably attaching a drying agent unit to a lens barrel without increasing the size of the lens barrel. An opening for ventilation is formed in the circumference of the lens barrel. The drying agent unit comprises a container containing the drying agent. The container is provided with an opening. The drying agent unit is detachably attached to the lens barrel through a fixing mechanism such as fixing screws. The container communicates with the inside of the lens barrel through the openings in the attached state. Alternatively, the drying agent may be formed in a shape capable of fitting itself into the opening of the lens barrel, and a part of an outer surface of the drying agent that is exposed in the attached state is coated with an unbreathable coating. This eliminates the necessity of providing a container for the drying agent.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Kato
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Patent number: 6146448Abstract: A flux vapor management system for a reflow oven includes temperature control units disposed in heating and cooling regions of the oven. A fan within each of the temperature control units provides suction to an intake port. Intake ports of selected temperature control units in the heating region of the oven are connected with a barrier vent disposed between the heating and cooling regions of the oven. Gas drawn into the barrier vent by the suction from the intake ports prevents flux laden gas from migrating into the cooling region. The flux vapor management system also includes a filter for removing flux vapors from a reflow oven. The filter condenses flux vapors by converging a jet of hot gas from the oven with a cooled gas jet causing the flux vapors to condense while suspended in the gas stream. The flux laden gas does not contact any solid surface below the flux condensation temperature so there is no build-up of flux within the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Soltec B.V.Inventors: Russell G. Shaw, Walter James Hall, Roy J. Palhof, Phillip D. Bourgelais
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Patent number: 6122835Abstract: A device for cleaning exhaust air from clothes dryers has a housing, an element for connecting an interior of the housing with an outlet of a clothes dryer so as to supply in the interior of the housing air exiting the clothes dryer and containing impurities, an element for supplying liquid into the interior of the housing so that the impurities are washed off from the air by the liquid and entrained in the liquid, an element for withdrawing air after washing off from the impurities from the housing, and an element for withdrawing the liquid with entrained impurities from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Inventor: Arkadiy Khanyutin
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Patent number: 6101741Abstract: A gravity assisted lint trap includes a housing having an inlet port formed in a lower portion and an exhaust port formed in an upper portion thereof. A lint collection screen extends within the housing to separate the ports so that air flowing from the inlet port to the exhaust port passes through the screen and deposits lint thereon. The screen is oriented in a non-vertical position within the housing, and located above lint collector, such that lint collecting on the screen will drop by gravity into the lint collector, for selective removal.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventor: Jeffrey L. Sears
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Patent number: 6076272Abstract: A compressed air dryer assembly for an air braking system provides for uniform compression of a desiccant bed. Guidance of a housing urged into a dryer shell by a spring force is provided at radially inner and outer regions. This guidance allows for a wide range of movement so that the desiccant bed is maintained under uniform compression. In addition, a sliding seal effectively provides a wide range of movement and yet limits communication between the inlet and outlet openings.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventors: Richard J. Conklin, III, Scott McGill Alexander