Combined Patents (Class 34/90)
  • Patent number: 11796219
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing air and an air treatment preparation includes a drying module, an air treatment preparation module, and an air diverter. The drying module has an air dispensing outlet and an air diverter outlet. The air treatment preparation module has an air diverter inlet and an air treatment preparation. The air diverter has a one-way valve. The air diverter connects the air diverter outlet of the drying module to the air diverter inlet of the air treatment preparation module via the one-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Xela Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Todd J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 11672338
    Abstract: A bathroom facility in which bathroom furniture is combined with home appliances for use in bathrooms is disclosed. The bathroom facility according to the present disclosure comprises: a mirror cabinet device attached to the wall of a bathroom; and a sink cabinet device mounted to the floor of the bathroom and including a bathroom sink. The mirror cabinet device includes a cooler and a charging box for charging small home appliances, and the sink cabinet device includes a drawer type towel management unit and a drawer type console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seongho Kim, Jeongyun Kim, Jong Seok Kim, Daeyun Park, Inhyung Yang, Ung Je Jo
  • Patent number: 11274392
    Abstract: A suitcase-integrated drying system is an apparatus that effectively dries clothing while remaining portable and compact throughout transportation. The apparatus includes a suitcase, a rack system, a dryer system, and a drainage system. The suitcase contains travel items as well as the rack system, the dryer system, and the drainage system. The rack system upholds and suspends clothing above the dryer system. The rack system is extendable and retractable with the dryer system. The dryer system directs heated air to the clothing hung with the rack system. The dryer system provides a continuous flow of heated air towards the clothing. The dryer system preferably includes a rack cover as well to further contain the heated air around the clothing, further facilitating the drying of the clothing. The drainage system collects any drippings from the wet clothing being dried and preserves the integrity of the suitcase throughout the drying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Pat Anthony Castello
  • Patent number: 11185142
    Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer that is movable between a first position and a second position in order to alter one or more characteristics of the airflow therethrough. In one embodiment, an internal sliding element is movable within an outer housing in order to alter the internal flow paths inside the housing. In a second embodiment, movable arms cause changes to the shape of an outer housing made of a flexible and resilient material. Motion of the arms between positions causes a change in the shape of the attachment outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
    Inventors: James Richard Potter, Joshua Thomas Richards, Steven Luke Bailey
  • Patent number: 11161387
    Abstract: The invention is a device, system and method of use for cooling the temperature in the passenger compartment of a vehicle without the need for a power source or moving parts, thus allowing the device to operate when the vehicle engine is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Lisa Marcucci
  • Patent number: 10993585
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a shower drying system and a system to provide air circulation within a pocket door assembly. According to one aspect of the present invention, a first preferred embodiment is provided which includes a shower to steam room conversion system in which activation of an internal control button/timer switch activates a blower which sends a layer of air through a web of plastic tubing fitted around a stainless-steel pocket door insert. Using this embodiment, air is forced through the tubing and directed to drive the water/moisture off the glass, all surfaces of the stainless pocket, and all surfaces of the shower interior and towards the drain of the shower making a clean, dry environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Ronald Tucker
  • Patent number: 10961655
    Abstract: Portable assemblies and methods for drying apparel, for example, footwear or gloves, are provided. The assemblies include a housing; projections or pegs pivotally mounted to or inserted into the housing, the projections each having an inlet, an outlet, an internal passage communicating the inlet to the outlet, and the projections can be oriented in a position adapted to receive the apparel; and a source of air having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlets of the projections. The assemblies may include a handle or strap for transporting the assemblies. The air may be provided by a fan or blower, and may be heated. The projections can be pivotally mounted in different directions and extend and retract into the housing. The retracted projection may be flush with the surface of the housing when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Hinkey
  • Patent number: 10935317
    Abstract: A laundry aid device including a spherical-body and a plurality of spokes. The laundry aid device is preferably constructed from heat resistant rubber materials for flexibility and constructed from anti-bacterial and anti-fungal materials. The spokes extend radially from the spherical-body, each of the spokes including a head affixed to an end of the spoke furthest from the spherical-body, and a neck disposed between the spherical-body and the head of the spoke. The spokes each also include circumferential ribs located between the neck and the head of the spoke. The circumferential ribs are constructed of a flexible material such that the head of the spoke is able to flex in relation to the remainder of the spoke. The device is placeable into a laundry machine to prevent tangling of clothing and linens and increase the efficiency of the laundering of the laundry machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Lance Minnite
  • Patent number: 10857087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating keratin fibres, in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising: (i) a step of applying an oxidized polysaccharide, (ii) a step of heating to a temperature of at least 100° C., (iii) a step of applying a pyridinedicarboxylic acid compound. The process makes it possible to obtain good hair-conditioning cosmetic properties, with a long-lasting effect. The invention also relates to a cosmetic composition and a kit used for performing the treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Nawel Baghdadli, Isabelle Pasini
  • Patent number: 10807435
    Abstract: The invention is a device, system and method of use for cooling the temperature in the passenger compartment of a vehicle without the need for a power source or moving parts, thus allowing the device to operate when the vehicle engine is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Lisa Marcucci
  • Patent number: 10638893
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for automatically dispensing air, for example, for hand drying, through either a dedicated air only spout (side mount embodiment) or through a multi-use spout configured for dispensing water, soap and/or air. The air drying module, which is typically positioned below a counter, can be modified according to the system needs to operate with hot and/or cold air and to optionally include a filter and/or fragrance dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Xela Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Muderlak, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Patent number: 10619289
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system for a laundry appliance includes a blower that delivers process air along an airflow path. A drum receives process air to dry laundry. A heat exchanger dehumidifies the process air and removes condensate therefrom. A drain channel receives condensate from the heat exchanger. A pump directs fluid from the drain channel and along a fluid path. The fluid at least partially includes the condensate. A fluid diverter valve receives the fluid from the pump and selectively and delivers the fluid sequentially to a plurality of spray nozzles that direct a flow of the fluid onto a lint filter and toward the drain channel and a fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gianluca Bocchino, Arun Rajendran
  • Patent number: 10602827
    Abstract: A blow dryer attachment for vectoring directional flow of an airstream exiting a barrel of a blow dryer. The attachment features at least two body components in an articulated engagement having a central passage which may be curved by such articulation to reposition and exit aperture in a nozzle end opposite a connection to a blow dryer. A flexible coupling may be provided as an interface to connect the device to a broader range of blow dryers. A rotational engagement of the first component to the blow dryer allows for rotation of the exit aperture around the axis of the blow dryer barrel for additional adjustment of the angle and direction or vector angle of the exiting airstream from the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventors: Serafino Torres, Serafino James Edwards
  • Patent number: 10544988
    Abstract: A system for drying a hose of a CPAP machine includes an elongated member, a drying element, a coupling element and a mounting member. The elongated member includes a first end and a second end and is flexible along its length. The coupling element is carried at the first end of the elongated member and couples the drying element to the elongated member. The mounting member mounts the system to a door to suspend the hose during drying of an interior of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Kuhlmann
  • Patent number: 10422539
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes: a suction body having an air suction hole formed therein; a heat exchanger in which air sucked into the air suction hole is heat-exchanged; and a pair of blow discharge units through which the air heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger is passed and discharged. In the air conditioner, each of the pair of blow discharge units includes: a discharge body in which an air inflow hole and an air discharge hole are formed to be spaced apart from each other, and a discharge passage is formed between the air inflow hole and the air discharge hole; a rotation mechanism for rotating the discharge body about a vertical center axis; a cross flow fan rotatably positioned in the discharge passage, the cross flow fan being disposed vertically long in the discharge passage; and a fan motor having a vertical rotational shaft for rotating the cross flow fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Minsu Son, Kiwon Seo, Byungsoon Kim, Deok Huh
  • Patent number: 10132024
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus includes a reception unit for receiving clothes, a discharge duct for guiding air coming from an interior of the reception unit to the outside, a filter unit including a frame that is detachably inserted into the discharge duct and a filter provided in the for filtering air, and an attachment unit to detachably couple the filter unit to the discharge duct. The attachment unit includes a body provided in the frame and configured to rotate to allow coupling between the filter unit and the discharge duct, and a coupling part located at one side of the body for selectively coupling to the discharge duct through a through hole in the frame. The body defines a body through hole passing through the body, the body through hole being configured to prevent foreign substances from remaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sangik Lee, Kyungmun Jung
  • Patent number: 10104949
    Abstract: A blow dryer attachment for vectoring directional flow of an airstream exiting a barrel of a blow dryer. The attachment features at least two body components in an articulated engagement having a central passage which may be curved by such articulation to reposition and exit aperture in a nozzle end opposite a connection to a blow dryer. A flexible coupling may be provided as an interface to connect the device to a broader range of blow dryers. A rotational engagement of the first component to the blow dryer allows for rotation of the exit aperture around the axis of the blow dryer barrel for additional adjustment of the angle and direction or vector angle of the exiting airstream from the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventors: Serafino Torres, Serafino Edwards
  • Patent number: 9874398
    Abstract: A hands-free dryer allows for drying of a target while permitting the hands of a user to not be controlling the operation of the hands-free dryer. The hands-free dryer includes a blower for providing air flow, an orientation system allowing the blower to be adjustably oriented at an angle. There is a semi-rigid flexible hose connected to the blower that retains its configuration without the user having to maintain the configuration. Also, there is a support system that provides support for the hands-free dryer while worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan Wampler, Priscilla Hill-Wampler
  • Patent number: 9851122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reliable, efficient, and low cost ventilation system for storage covers that improves the distribution of air flow and improves aeration of the particulate material and the method of installing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: J&M Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Gaudet, Jr., Aaron Gummer
  • Patent number: 9516938
    Abstract: A hair styling and drying apparatus has a pair of pivotally connected arms, styling surfaces on the arms, air suction and discharge orifices in the styling surfaces, and a blower for blowing air through the air orifices and recycling air between the arms. At least some suction orifices of one styling surface can align with at least some discharge orifices of the other styling surface. The blowers blow air out the discharge orifices and suck air into the suction orifices, thereby recycling much of the blown air. The apparatus can include heaters for heating the blown air and for heating the styling surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: TRADE BOX, LLC
    Inventors: David Richmond, Howard Richmond, Michael Ragosta, Bruno Meglio, Claudio Marino, Henry Yu, Jefferson McCrory
  • Patent number: 9333888
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a heater fan for a body support arrangement, and specifically the heater fan has at least one air delivery arrangement and at least one heating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GENTHERM GMBH
    Inventor: Winfried Helmenstein
  • Patent number: 9192202
    Abstract: A head garment is provided that has a head band and at least one hair holding component. The head band is formed from an piece of material that is folded over on itself to provide inner and outer layers and a bottom edge. A top edge is formed by sewing the free edges of the layers together. Ends of the layers are also sewn together to provide a rear seam. The rear seam is provided with an opening through which the component can be extended when it is desired to be used, or which can be moved through the opening to be held between the layers when not desired to be used. The component being secured between the layers. An alternative head garment has a button attached to a rear of a head band for releasably securing a hair net thereto. Each head garment may include a visor if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Jennipher Adkins
  • Patent number: 9125533
    Abstract: A dryer and towel dispenser combination and method of operating the same. The combination includes a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel through a first area, a sensor having a sensing area for sensing an object that penetrates the sensing area. The dryer is activated in response to a sensing of the object for drying the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Dikran Babikian
  • Patent number: 9109180
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method for the hydrothermal carbonization of renewable raw materials and organic residues, in which, in a first processing stage, a pressure increase essentially to the pressure level of the carbonization occurs, in the second processing stage, the carbonization, which is performed at a pressure of at least 5 bar and at most boiling temperature, the obtained carbonized product is at least partially settled as sediment, and the filling height of the water in the second processing stage is set by removing water, and the temperature of the sediment delivered from the second processing stage is reduced by the vaporization of water and it is supplied to the third processing stage, drying which is heated using steam, in which the drying is performed in steam atmosphere, and subsequently discharged from the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SUNCOAL INDUSTRIES GMBH
    Inventors: Bodo M. Wolf, Tobias Wittmann, Christian Von Olshausen
  • Patent number: 8997374
    Abstract: A drying furnace (20) for drying an object (11) by hot air is provided with a heater (36, 38, 43, 45) that applies radiant heat to a hard-heating region (35, 42) having a larger heat capacity than the other region (37, 44) in the object (11) so as to heat the hard-heating region (35, 42) to a temperature approximate to a temperature of the other region (37, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wataru Sato
  • Patent number: 8978264
    Abstract: A fuel cell system having an apparatus for gas drying that includes, but is not limited to at least one cooling element with at least one first surface and at least one detachment device. The cooling element is designed to be thermally connected to a heat sink and to come into contact with gas flowing past. The detachment device is movably held relative to the first surface and is designed to detach frozen water from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Henning Stolte, Sebastian Mock, Johannes Lauckner
  • Publication number: 20150068058
    Abstract: A method for utilizing spent grain in a brewery in which the spent grains are mechanically dewatered and then thermally utilized. The press water arising from the mechanical dewatering is thermally concentrated using low-temperature waste heat generated during the brewing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Andreas Buettner, Thomas Hammer, Martin Tackenberg, Gernut Van Laak
  • Patent number: 8955233
    Abstract: A skate dryer assembly. The assembly has a skate, a dryer module, and a device for blowing or sucking air through or from the module. The skate includes a boot and a blade. The dryer module defines a slot therein adapted to receiving and retaining the blade therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Liliana A. Dean
  • Patent number: 8955236
    Abstract: A device for removing liquid from a part of a vehicle, the liquid removal device including an intake (11) for receiving matter containing gaseous component and non-gaseous components, a separator (14) for separating the gaseous and non gaseous components of matter entering the inlet (11), and an outlet (9, 10) for directing a gaseous component of the matter leaving the separator (14) towards the part of the vehicle from which liquid is to be removed, so as to remove liquid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory Keyes
  • Patent number: 8938888
    Abstract: A hair drying system has a chair with a chair platform, a back rest, a first arm, and a second arm. A microprocessor with a data storage component is connected to an internet source. A massaging system with a plurality of vibrating components and a plurality of heating components is located in both the chair platform and the back rest. A hair dryer with a hair dryer mount is located on the back rest posterior surface. A monitor with a monitor positioning arm is pivotally located on a chair platform second edge. A tray is located on a tray positioning arm which is pivotally located on the monitor positioning arm. A remote control unit is removable and located in a recess located in a first arm armrest top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin E. Brown
  • Publication number: 20150013179
    Abstract: A dryer dries particles, wherein the dryer comprises two circular decks mounted substantially horizontally and rotating in opposite directions relative to one another about a same vertical axis, Z, the surface of said decks being perforated and permeable to air, steam and water, a means for blowing hot gas in a flow substantially parallel to the axis Z, passing through the second deck before passing through the first deck, means for distributing said particles to be dried on the first and second decks and means for recovering the particles after a rotation of each deck, and a means for transferring the particles collected from the first deck by the recovery means to a second distribution means suitable for distributing said particles along a radius of the second deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Léon CROSSET
  • Patent number: 8931134
    Abstract: A rotating bathroom floor mat device is disclosed, comprising a series of carpeted, rotatable assemblies, a heating means and a gear and pulley mechanism. The device provides a wide, rectangular enclosure that allows a user to step directly onto its flat, upper surface, which is comprised of a series of adjoining, rotatable surfaces. Control buttons along one side of the upper service are operable via depression of a user's foot, which in turn activates a heating means and fan convection means to rapidly dry a user's feet and remove moisture from the carpeted assemblies. The assemblies are triangular sections that allow three distinct working surfaces. Once a first user has dried his or her feet, the assemblies are rotated to reveal a fresh, dry surface for a second user. The heating and convection means dries the previously used, moist carpet while in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Curtis Jefferson, Kimberly Jefferson
  • Patent number: 8919007
    Abstract: The invention provides a monitoring device (32) for a dryer (10) includes a means for sensing a physical parameter, such as temperature or strain, at a sensing locus within the dryer (10), for example at a vial (20). The sensing means comprises an optical sensing fiber (38) having at least one fiber Bragg grating (54). Moreover, the invention provides a dryer, in particular a freeze dryer (10), which is equipped with such monitoring device (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Wolfgang Friess, Manfred Resch, Michael Wiggenhorn
  • Patent number: 8904670
    Abstract: A laundry machine, particularly, a dryer using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine such as a washing machine, a dryer, a drying and washing machine is an apparatus which washes or dries articles such as clothes. The dryer includes a drum adapted to accommodate articles to be dried, a control panel adapted to provide an interface with a user, and a controller, wherein the control panel includes a course selection part which allows a user to select a specific course as an operation course during a steam course, which includes a steam process for supplying steam into a drum, such that the dried articles have a moisture content equal to or larger than 6%, and the controller controls an operation of the dryer to perform the selected operation course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Woo Son, Sang Hun Bae, Seon Il Heo, Yeon Sik Choi, Sang Jin Kim, Ju Han Yoon
  • Patent number: 8898929
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying gloves is provided, including a main member, at least one light source, and at least one air source. The main member includes an outer surface configured for receiving a glove, and a plurality of apertures disposed along the outer surface. The light source emits a UV-C light, and the air source blows air. The UV-C light from the light source and air from the air source can at least partially pass through the outer surface. The apertures are in communication with at least the air source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Stewart
  • Patent number: 8899627
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mobile machine, such as hydronic surface heater designed to be transported to a potentially remote worksite and operated for an extended period of time. The machine has a fueled component, such as a burner, fueled by a fuel supply system having at least two fuel tanks that are operably connected to one another by a connection line having an electronically controlled valve therein. The valve is coupled to the machine's electrical system, such as being coupled to the output of the machine's main breaker, so as to be opened whenever the machine is operating but to be otherwise closed. The fuel supply system thus has, in effect, a single tank when the machine is running and multiple separated tanks when the machine is not running. Fuel spill risks therefore are mitigated without having to sacrifice operating time and without significantly complicating the machine's fuel supply systems or its controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Wacker Neuson Production Americas LLC
    Inventors: Paul Krause, Jason Fu, John Lane, Todd Lutz
  • Patent number: 8898928
    Abstract: An apparatus for delamination drying a substrate is provided. A chamber for receiving a substrate is provided. A chuck supports and clamps the substrate within the chamber. A temperature controller controls the temperature of the substrate and is able to cool the substrate. A vacuum pump is in fluid connection with the chamber. A tilting mechanism is able to tilt the chuck at least 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen M. Sirard, Diane Hymes, Alan M. Schoepp, Ratchana Limary
  • Patent number: 8881424
    Abstract: A drying installation (1) and method for drying of products (3). More in particular, the invention relates to a drying installation (1) and a method for drying sludge or mud, as e.g. the drying of wastewater and industrial sludge possibly contaminated with toxic or corrosive components. The dryer installation (1) comprises infrared emitters (5) which are protected and/or insulated from the evaporation products (7) exiting the drying product (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Solaronics S.A.
    Inventors: Patrick Lenoir, Jerome Bellou
  • Patent number: 8875412
    Abstract: A dryer burner apparatus includes a gas supply line that is fluidly coupled to a gas supply. A burner tube is fluidly coupled the gas supply line and has a top side and a bottom side. The burner tube has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and the apertures are positioned in the bottom side. An air mixer is positioned below the burner tube. The air mixer has a plurality of air openings extending therethrough. A blower directs air upwardly to the burner tube so that the air can be heated by the burner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Allan Anderson
  • Patent number: 8869422
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for a Marangoni vapor knife assembly. The assembly includes a base having a channel extending longitudinally through the base and a plurality of passages extending laterally from the channel toward an outer face of the base; a top plate adapted to be removeably coupled to the base with an outer face flush with the outer face of the base; and a shim adapted to be disposed between the base and the top plate and further adapted to form a plurality of spray orifices in the assembly. Numerous additional features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Velazquez, Allen L. D'Ambra, Jim K. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8869425
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for processing waste material is provided which comprises a heat proof chamber (102), a hot gas inlet (106, 112) for heating the interior of the heat proof chamber (102), and a rotatable drum (118) for containing waste to be processed. The drum (118) has gaps (120) therein, is located within the heat proof chamber (102), and separated therefrom around its edge by a gap. The apparatus (100) is also provided with a drive (126, 128) for rotating the drum (118) at a speed such that, in use, waste material that is heat softened is centrifugally separated from the remainder of the waste and passes through the gaps (120) in the drum (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Chinook End-Stage Recycling Limited
    Inventors: Ophneil Henry Perry, Rifat Al Chalabi
  • Patent number: 8863401
    Abstract: A household laundry dryer has at least one filter container which includes a chamber with an inlet for condensate water to be cleaned. The chamber has a first outlet, a second outlet and a filter element which is arranged between the inlet and the first outlet and which divides the chamber into an inlet-side first chamber part and a second chamber part. The filter container can be configured in such a way that the inlet is arranged below the filter element and the filter element is arranged below the first outlet, and the second outlet opens into the first chamber part. Particles deposited on the filter element by water being pushed through the inlet into the chamber are detachable from the filter element by water flowing back into the chamber, when no water is being pushed through the inlet, and removable through the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Grunert, Frank Kohlrusch, Andreas Ziemann
  • Patent number: 8850712
    Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus and method to dry and cure paint is disclosed. The method provides a substantially particle free environment that shortens drying time, reduces cost and improves surface finish. The apparatus includes an enclosed drying tunnel that is maintained at a reduced pressure relative to ambient conditions. Heat lamps with the drying tunnel aid in curing and provide the desired particle free environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Brian Laviolette, Jessica Lynn Laviolette
  • Patent number: 8850713
    Abstract: A hand drying device includes: a drying chamber; a nozzle; a supply unit; a hand detection sensor; a control unit; and an illuminating unit. The drying chamber includes: an opening; a first inner wall surface; and a second inner wall surface facing the first inner wall surface. A hand is inserted from the opening into a space between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface. The nozzle is arranged on the first inner wall surface and is configured to blow an air stream toward the second inner wall surface. A center axis of the nozzle and an optical axis of the illuminating unit intersect with each other at a proper position in the drying chamber where a hand is supposed to be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Nakamura, Takaki Kobayashi, Tsukasa Sakane
  • Patent number: 8850715
    Abstract: What is described is a process and an installation for drying articles, in particular painted vehicle bodies, in which the articles are moved through a drying zone in which they are hardened in an inert-gas atmosphere. Inert gas is taken from the drying zone constantly or intermittently and is first of all conducted along a first face which is at a first temperature at which higher-boiling contaminants condense out. The condensate that forms in the process is discharged. After that, the inert gas which has been pre-cleaned in this way is conducted along at least one second face which is at a lower temperature than the first face. Lower-boiling contaminants are precipitated at this point. These condensates, too, are then discharged. This process and installation work more favorably, energy-wise, and with higher cleaning efficiency than known processes and installations of a similar type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Eisenmann AG
    Inventors: Werner Swoboda, Andreas Keller
  • Publication number: 20140283404
    Abstract: The feeding system for an injection molding machine includes a drying barrel, a suction pipe, and a pressing cover. The injection molding machine includes a feeding pipe. The drying barrel is configured for receiving material used in the injection molding machine. The suction pipe is connected between the feeding pipe and the drying barrel. The material is configured to be introduced into the feeding pipe through the suction pipe. The pressing cover is slidably received in the drying barrel and configured for pressing the material to squeeze out air existing in the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LI-YING WANG HE
  • Publication number: 20140273290
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for solvent annealing a layered substrate including a layer of a block copolymer are provided. The method includes (a) introducing an annealing gas into a processing chamber; (b) maintaining the annealing gas in the processing chamber for a first time period; (c) removing the annealing gas from the processing chamber; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) a plurality of times in order induce the block copolymer to undergo cyclic self-assembly. The apparatus includes a processing chamber comprising a process space; a substrate support in the process space; an annealing gas supply and a purge gas supply, both in fluid communication with the process space; a heating element positioned within the processing chamber; an exhaust port in the processing chamber; and a sequencing device programmed to control the annealing gas supply, the heating element, the isolation valve of the exhaust port, and the purge gas supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Mark H. Somervell
  • Patent number: 8832964
    Abstract: A system, method and configuration for recovering turpentine during the manufacturing of wood chips, wood pellets or other substances that may include turpentine. In general, a turpentine recovery system is used to capture turpentine from exhaust of a dryer as wood chips are being dried. Advantageously, application of the various techniques disclosed herein can result in the recovery of turpentine that can then be sold to generate revenue and, may contribute to a reduction in the capital and operation costs for emission controls for the dryer exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Robert J. Foxen
  • Publication number: 20140250715
    Abstract: A dryer and towel dispenser combination and method of operating the same. The combination includes a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel through a first area, a sensor having a sensing area for sensing an object that penetrates the sensing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: DIKRAN BABIKIAN
  • Patent number: 8826558
    Abstract: A media drying system removes a moistening liquid from a moistened medium having first and second surfaces. A liquid reservoir contains a heating liquid heated above a moistening-liquid boiling point. A rotatable liquid-blocking member has a liquid-blocking layer with an inner surface and an outer surface. A media-transport system transports the medium entrained around the liquid-blocking member so that the first surface of the moistened medium is brought into contact with the outer surface of the liquid-blocking layer. An entrained portion of the moistened medium passes through the liquid reservoir and is submerged in the warmed heating liquid. The heating liquid contacts the inner surface of the liquid-blocking layer so that heat is transferred through the liquid-blocking layer from the warmed heating liquid to the moistening liquid, or heat is transferred from the warmed heating liquid to the second surface of the moistened medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Alan Richard Priebe, Donald Saul Rimai, Christopher J. White