Combined Patents (Class 34/90)
  • Patent number: 8813383
    Abstract: A watermark-free hand dryer includes a main body, an annular air discharge portion and a water absorbing portion. The main body generates high pressure airflow. The annular air discharge portion is connected to the main body and includes at least one extending section extended from the main body and a connecting section connected to the extending section. The extending section and connecting section surround to form an annular hand drying passage to receive user's hands. The annular air discharge portion further has at least one nozzle on an air discharge surface communicating with the annular air discharge portion. The nozzle forms an air discharge angle against the air discharge surface to output the high pressure airflow towards an air discharge side. The water absorbing portion is located on the main body and relative to the air discharge side to receive the high pressure airflow output from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hokwang Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shen-Chen Liu, Cing-Fong Jheng
  • Patent number: 8806773
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for folding an airbag (1) for placement in an airbag module for a motor vehicle. The method involves folding the airbag (1), exposing the airbag (1) to moisture, compressing the airbag (1), and simultaneously extracting the moisture. Moisture in liquid or vapor form can be introduced before or after folding the airbag. Further disclosed is a device for folding the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Raimund Nebel, Oliver Adolph, Jürgen Mackensen
  • Publication number: 20140223759
    Abstract: A drier station for a carwash having an air duct that moves up and down a stand. As a vehicle passes through the drier station, proximity sensors detect the position of the vehicle and the air duct moves up and down the stand to follow the contours of the vehicle. The air duct is rotatable along a plane generally orthogonal to an axis of the stand to allow the air duct to rotate away from the vehicle if the air duct contacts the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Harry Konstantino Gougoulas
  • Patent number: 8793891
    Abstract: A novel collapsible aeration system is retrofitted into a grain bin with a discharge opening in the bottom. This grain bin may have a sloped or conical hopper or a flat bottom. The aeration system is formed from a set of connected (e.g. hinged) duct sections that define a round or multi-sided duct having a minimum of three sides or faces. The sides may be flat, curved or corrugated. The collapsible aeration system is folded (collapsed), inserted into the bin via a hole, and then unfolded inside the bin. An air duct is connected to the aeration system to enable the aeration system to dry the grain in the grain bin. This technology enables existing grain bins to be retrofitted with a dryer in an easy and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AG Growth International, Inc.
    Inventor: Imre Varro
  • Publication number: 20140173926
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for removing oxide includes placing a sensor chip assembly having an oxide layer formed on a portion thereof within an enclosed and controlled environment. The portion of the sensor chip assembly is exposed to a reactive gas and a UV light to result in a substantial removal of the oxide layer formed on the portion of the sensor chip assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Andreas Hampp, Sean F. Harris, Talieh H. Sadighi, Bengi F. Hanyaloglu
  • Patent number: 8739432
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying sports pads or apparel is provided. The drying apparatus may include a first member and a second member. The first member may be aligned substantially perpendicular to the second member and slid into the second member to form the drying apparatus. The drying apparatus may be inserted into the sports pads or a portion of the apparel to permit air to flow throughout the innards of the sports pads or apparel, thereby facilitating the drying of the sports pads or apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen N. Rydinsky
  • Patent number: 8732975
    Abstract: A work surface device for a domestic household appliance and a household appliance having a work surface. The work surface device includes a housing having a cavity accessible by an opening formed in a sidewall of the housing, and a pivotally-deployable work surface supported by the housing at a pivot point, wherein the pivotally-deployable work surface is movable about the pivot point from a stored position within the cavity to a deployed position outside of the housing, and wherein the pivotally-deployable work surface has a planar upper support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Rhodes, Oliver Schöne
  • Patent number: 8726539
    Abstract: A gas heater with specialized controls allows an operator to deploy a single device to heat and to dry when extracting moisture from a structure. The heater has a fan in a blow thru arrangement ahead of a burner. The burner uses either natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. The heater has air flow, fan motor, temperature, and ignition controls and sensors. The heater delivers high temperature air to the structure that hastens evaporation as the heated air absorbs great concentrations of water vapor. Then the moisture laden heated air exits the building as the heater draws in fresh air, ducts it into a structure, and pressurizes the structure. This moisture laden air then leaks from the building through select windows using the energy imparted from the fan and then exhausts the moisture to the atmosphere, drying the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cambridge Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Potter, Marc Braun, Jeffrey A. Kieffer
  • Patent number: 8713814
    Abstract: A shower drying system 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: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Josh Martin
  • Patent number: 8707576
    Abstract: A tableware sterilizing and drying apparatus of the present invention includes a rotatable base plate, several frames, and a fixation wheel. The frames have rotatable members, which are revolved by rotation of the base plate, and rotated by engagement or contaction of the fixation wheel. Thus, the rotatable member is provided for tableware to be placed thereon. The tableware is then brought drying and sterilizing with flipping motion. Surface of the tableware can be fully dried and sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Yang Yih Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 8683743
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a grain germinating system comprising a temperature controlling device, an incubation device, a drying device and a monitoring device. The temperature controlling device comprises a heat pump module, an air conditioning module and a piping module. The heat pump module can output a high or low temperature heat exchanging liquid. The temperature of a culture medium of a grain is adjusted by the incubation device. The incubated grain is dried by the drying device. The air conditioning module is for a plant building. The piping module is connected with the heat pump module, and is provided for the high or low temperature heat exchanging liquid to flow. The incubation device and the drying device are heated by the high temperature heat exchanging liquid. The drying device is cooled by the low temperature heat exchanging liquid provided for the air condition of the plant building to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Taipei Medical University
    Inventors: Chun-Mao Lin, Fu-Der Mai, Chien-Lung Hung, Chwen-Ming Shih
  • Patent number: 8667702
    Abstract: A domestic appliance includes an open air duct and a flow cross-section adjuster in the air duct for adjusting a flow cross-section of the air duct. The flow cross-section adjuster includes rotatably mounted blades for noise dampening purpose. The air duct and the flow cross-section adjuster are in a cooling air inflow region relative to a heat exchanger or a compressor of the domestic appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Ediger, Thomas Nawrot, Werner Nühse
  • Patent number: 8661819
    Abstract: A system reclaiming contaminated water includes a heat exchanger that receives the contaminated water and converts at least a portion of the contaminated water into steam and collects at least a portion of the contaminants within the heat exchanger. A thermal transfer fluid is heated by a solar concentrator during daytime and by a biofuel combustion device during nighttime. The heated fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger to heat the contaminated water. A steam engine is coupled to a generator, the steam engine receives the steam from the heat exchanger to drive the generator to provide power for the system. Steam exhausted from the steam engine is supplied to supplemental heat loads. The collected contaminants are directed to an evaporation device to remove residual liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Morningside Venture Investments Limited
    Inventor: Frank Schubert
  • Patent number: 8650772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry machine includes a drum rotatable in a cabinet; a hot air heater to supply hot air to the drum by heating air; a steam generator to supply steam to the drum; a sensor to sense a laundry amount inside the drum; and a controller to control an amount of steam supplied to the drum based on sensing results of the sensor. In another aspect of the present invention, a controlling method of a laundry machine includes sensing a laundry amount inside a drum and drying the laundry by supplying hot air to the drum. In the drying of the laundry by supplying hot air to the drum, an amount of hot air is adjusted based on the laundry amount sensed in the sensing of the laundry amount inside the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Woo Son, Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son, Heung Jae Kim
  • Publication number: 20140033556
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and a method for operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum defining a chamber for receiving laundry. The operation of the laundry treating appliance may be based on the mechanical energy due to the falling action of the laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: FARHAD ASHRAFZADEH, RYAN R. BELLINGER, DUANE M. KOBOS, RICHARD A. SUNSHINE
  • Patent number: 8621762
    Abstract: A multiple garment drying apparatus for drying garments that includes a hot air source and blower assembly attached to a garment hanging assembly that includes two upward extending hot air transfer tubes that connect to two hot air ports on the blower assembly. Attached to the ends of the two tubes is a hollow, transverse brace with two upward extending end brackets attached to its opposite ends. Attached to the two end brackets is an upper shoulder component used to support a jacket placed thereon. The upper shoulder component includes a plurality of air vents that enable air delivered below the upper shoulder component to travel upward and through the upper shoulder component. During operation, air from the hot air source and blower assembly is delivered to the two transfer tubes. The air from the two transfer tubes is then transmitted to the transverse brace and through the upper shoulder component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Joel Beckett
  • Publication number: 20130340272
    Abstract: A fixture arranged in combination with a sink. The fixture is fitted next to the basin of the sink and incorporates a part which projects over the basin of the sink, this projecting part carrying a water nozzle which is connected to a water supply. The arrangement further incorporates a hand dryer of the type which uses an air-knife mechanically to wipe the water from a user's hand, this air knife being discharged through a discharge outlet on the fixture, which apertures are connected to an air supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Benjamin COURTNEY, Patrick Joseph William Moloney, Christopher Lesniowski
  • Patent number: 8607470
    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: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Trade Box, LLC
    Inventors: David Richmond, Howard Richmond, Michael Ragosta, Bruno Meglio, Claudio Marino, Henry Yu, Jefferson McCrory
  • Patent number: 8595950
    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: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Patent number: 8590174
    Abstract: An exemplary system for removing soil from seed comprises an auger portion, a centrifuge portion and/or a dryer portion. The auger portion comprises an inclined enclosure and an auger positioned within the enclosure and is configured to mix seed with a liquid, remove soil from the seed, and separate washed seed from the liquid and the removed soil. The centrifuge portion comprises at least one centrifuge having an outer drum and a rotatable inner basket positioned within the outer drum. The inner basket comprises a side wall having a plurality of apertures. The inner basket is configured to receive washed seed from the auger portion within the inner basket and to centrifugally separate additional liquid from the washed seed, the separated liquid passing through the plurality of apertures into the outer drum. The dryer portion further reduces moisture content of the seed using heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rose Agri-Seed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill L. Rose, Agostino Gaude, Thomas R. Miles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8585397
    Abstract: A hot air generator comprising a handle (12), an elongated nozzle (14), flame generating means (6), a venturi (4), a gas conduit (162) intended to bring a combustible gas into the elongated nozzle (14) and at the flame generating means (6), an air conduit (164) intended for bringing compressed air into the elongated nozzle (14) and downstream from the venturi; characterized in that the generator further comprises a servocontrolled pressure regulator (2) controlling a gas pressure (Pd.g) in the gas conduit (162) depending on an air pressure (Pd.a) in the air conduit (164).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Guilbert Express
    Inventors: Yves Guillou, Christophe Le Drappier
  • Patent number: 8572864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for handling carcasses of slaughtered animals during suspended transport after evisceration and before weighing in an abattoir by means of an air stream, in which a horizontally directed stream of conditioned air is made to flow around the carcasses at speeds of 1.5 to 6 m/s with a suction effect. Suspension conveyors are set up in a separate room in a meandering arrangement along parallel tracks transversely to the horizontally aligned extraction openings and inlet openings for air, and the inlet openings and extraction openings are connected through an air-conditioning plant, arranged outside the room, for dehumidifying and cooling the air extracted from the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Promethon AG
    Inventor: Heidrun Gräfe
  • Publication number: 20130255097
    Abstract: A clothes treatment appliance includes a process air condenser and a cleaner for the process air condenser. The cleaner is adapted to direct a cleaning medium to the condenser from a direction other than from above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Bömmels, Bernd Gemünden, Jürgen Heß, Vladimir Proseanic, Svetlana Visnepolschi
  • Patent number: 8533971
    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 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Publication number: 20130232808
    Abstract: A watermark-free hand dryer includes a main body, an annular air discharge portion and a water absorbing portion. The main body generates high pressure airflow. The annular air discharge portion is connected to the main body and includes at least one extending section extended from the main body and a connecting section connected to the extending section. The extending section and connecting section surround to form an annular hand drying passage to receive user's hands. The annular air discharge portion further has at least one nozzle on an air discharge surface communicating with the annular air discharge portion. The nozzle forms an air discharge angle against the air discharge surface to output the high pressure airflow towards an air discharge side. The water absorbing portion is located on the main body and relative to the air discharge side to receive the high pressure airflow output from the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Shen-Chen LIU, Cing-Fong Jheng
  • Patent number: 8517318
    Abstract: A hair dryer stand useful for storing a blow dryer when not in use and especially for holding an operating blow-dryer on a countertop without burning the countertop or material on the countertop. The hair dryer stand is attractive and improves safety. The stand comprises a continuous substrate defining in sequence a top ledge, a nozzle support curve, an exhaust resting area, a handle support curve, a device support curve and a bottom ledge, wherein the substrate further defines a channel extending from a first apex adjacent the exhaust resting area to a second apex; said channel having a narrower width area adjacent said first apex and a wider width area adjacent the second apex. The channel is positioned to allow air to flow into the intake side of the blow-dryer, over the heating coils inside blow-dryer and thus to prevent the blow-dryer from overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Lori H Burk
  • Patent number: 8510968
    Abstract: A paint drying booth includes a plurality of walls, a ceiling, and an access door for egress and ingress. A turbine generates heated compressed air which is delivered to the interior of the booth via a duct system. The duct is in fluid communication with an air knife having a slit which delivers a stream or sheet of air into the interior of the booth. More than one air knife can be provided, and the orientation of the plurality of air knives are coordinated to provide a flow of heated turbulent air within the booth to accelerate the drying of painted items within the booth. The turbine comprises a multi-stage compressor including a plurality of rotors and stators for compressing air passing therethrough. Optionally a pneumatic spray gun can be provided for painting the items within the booth as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Michael H. Bunnell
  • Publication number: 20130199052
    Abstract: An agricultural product treatment system. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a truncated conical section which has a small diameter at one end in fluid communication with a conduit array conveying particulate matter from the DT. An open large diameter end of the structure is axially coextensive and coaxial with an expanded diameter conduit portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: George E. Anderson
  • 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: 8490291
    Abstract: A hand drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving a user's hands, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, and a plurality of openings communication with the fan and arranged to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The cavity has an entrance delimited by a front edge and a rear edge in which the openings are located. The shape of the front and rear edges is such that, when in use the user's hands are introduced to the cavity, the distance between the user's hands and the nearest opening is substantially uniform. Alternatively, one of the edges is substantially straight and the other of the said edges is curved so that the distance between the edges varies along the length of the cavity entrance. These arrangements enhance the drying efficiency of the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: John Churchill, James Dyson, Peter David Gammack
  • Patent number: 8484860
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clothes treating apparatus, which treats clothes into a more wearable condition. A clothes treating apparatus includes a cabinet; an accommodating space defined in the cabinet to accommodate clothes, and maintained in a stationary state; an air supplying device generating dry air and supplying the dry air into the accommodating space such that the dry air is circulated in the accommodating space, wherein the air supplying device includes an inlet provided at a bottom of the accommodating space such that the air in the accommodating space flows into the air supplying device through the inlet; and a filter assembly installed in the inlet, and filtering the air passing through the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Wook Moon, Dae Yun Park, Sog Kie Hong, Jong Seok Kim, Seung Gyu Ryu, Hye Yong Park, Chang Gyu Choi, Dong Won Kim
  • Patent number: 8468714
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the simultaneous storage and drying of sewage sludge, comprising the following steps: a) mechanically dewatering the sewage sludge down to a dry substance concentration of 10 to 35 percent; b) applying the dewatered sewage sludge to a floor of a greenhouse-type drying hall in which a transparent building envelope forms the roof over the floor; c) drying the sewage sludge using solar radiation that radiates into the drying hall; d) mechanically dewatering additional sewage sludge down to a dry substance concentration of 10 to 35 percent; e) introducing the dewatered additional sewage sludge into the drying hall and mixing the additional sewage sludge with the sewage sludge already in the drying hall; f) drying said mixture using solar radiation that radiates into the drying hall; and g) evacuating the mixture from the drying hall or repeating steps d) to f), wherein in step e), the additional sewage sludge is mixed with the mixture in the drying hall rather than with the s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: TSP GmbH
    Inventors: Tilo Conrad, Steffen Ritterbusch, Markus Bux
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8429831
    Abstract: A coating device for coating a medical device with a drug-eluting material uses an in-process drying station between coats to improve a drug release profile. The drying station includes a heat nozzle configured for applying a uniform drying gas. A coating process using the dryer includes a closed-loop control for the gas between drying steps and an improved nozzle for producing more consistent spray patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Gillick, John E. Papp, Kevin Seiki, Hung T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8407911
    Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Christianne Carin, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud, Christianne Carin
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8407915
    Abstract: Tray assemblies and methods for manufacturing ceramic articles are provided. In one embodiment, a tray assembly includes a tray body having a supporting surface operable to support a ceramic article for passage through a microwave drying apparatus during a microwave drying process and a microwave coupling cover associated with the tray body. The microwave coupling cover envelopes at least a portion of the ceramic article during the microwave drying process. The microwave coupling cover has a dielectric property such that a greater percentage of microwave energy is coupled into the ceramic article with the microwave coupling cover present during the microwave drying process than with the microwave coupling cover not present. Methods may include rotating the ceramic article when the ceramic article is about 40%-60 dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob George, James Anthony Feldman, Nadezhda P Paramonova, Michael Dean Seymour
  • Patent number: 8402672
    Abstract: A method of controlling a spray dryer apparatus having a spray dryer chamber (1), an air inlet (2), an inlet air control system (11) including a fan (13) and an air heater (14), a feed inlet (3), and an exhaust air outlet (4), comprising determining a content (Y) of moisture of inlet air, determining an inlet air temperature set value (Tinlet) in dependence of the inlet air moisture content (Y), determining an inlet air temperature measured value of inlet air between the air heater (14) and the spray dryer chamber (1), and regulating the inlet air temperature in dependence of the inlet air temperature set value and the inlet air temperature measured value, and determining an outlet air temperature of the exhaust air and regulating an inlet air flow rate in dependence of the outlet air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: GEA Process Engineering A/S
    Inventor: Peter Schultz Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20130055583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a polymer material filled with longer fibers, wherein the fibers, which typically have a residual moisture content of approximately 5 to 8% and a minimum length of more than 2 mm, and the carrier material are mixed and heated in a reactor or cutter-compacter, constantly moving them and optionally comminuting the carrier material, and constantly maintaining the pourability and/or lumpiness. According to the invention, the conditions, and particularly the temperature, in the reactor are adjusted so as to dry the fibers to the lowest residual moisture possible, at which the fibers are just barely sufficiently flexible so as not to break during processing in the reactor, or during an optionally following compression step, for example extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen Geselischaft m.b.H. Friedorf,
    Inventors: Manfred Hackl, Klaus Feichtinger, Gerhard Wendelin, Walter Reisinger
  • Patent number: 8387270
    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: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Patent number: 8375598
    Abstract: An enclosure for storing of moisture sensitive devices (MSD's). The enclosure includes a plurality of compartments, each continuously purged with dry air supplied by a commercially available de-humidifier. MSD's housed in said compartments are thus protected from absorbing moisture which could cause cracking of the devices after being mounted on printed circuit boards and subjected to the high temperatures associated with wave solder and solder reflow processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Bahman Khoshnood
  • Patent number: 8371037
    Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8365433
    Abstract: A technique by which various types of organic waste can be easily treated so as to obtain a reusable material. An apparatus is provided which comprises a vessel (20) for introducing organic waste (18) therein, the vessel being equipped with: stirring means (82), (92), and (98) for stirring the organic waste (18); steam supply means (62), (64), and (66) which supply high-temperature high-pressure steam to the vessel (20); evacuation means (77), (78), and (80) which evacuate the vessel (20); and heating means (24), (68), (64), and (66) which heat the organic waste (18) present in the vessel (20). The apparatus has such constitution, in which the organic waste (18) in the vessel (20) is decomposed by hydrolysis and pyrolysis and vacuum dried using those means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kunitomo Kankyo Plant Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Ogura
  • Patent number: 8359768
    Abstract: An air inlet and outlet passage module for desiccation is formed in a hollow structure including a frame and two boards. The frame has a frame channel formed between frame sides and a duct cap on an outer side. The duct cap has an opening communicating with the frame channel and is coupled with an air duct to connect a plurality of air inlet and outlet passage modules in series. The duct cap not being coupled is sealed through a lid. The two boards are located at two corresponding sides of the frame and have a plurality of air vents formed thereon to facilitate air ventilation. Each air vent is formed at a diameter smaller than that of a grain to prevent crops from dropping into the module. The invention can be assembled and disassembled, and coupled in series or parallel easily to enhance drying efficiency and reduce energy waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Tsan-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 8359767
    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: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Publication number: 20130019490
    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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Lenoir, Jerome Bellou
  • Patent number: 8356421
    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 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Publication number: 20130008048
    Abstract: A device for controlling the dehydration operation during a freeze-drying treatment comprises a freeze-drying chamber (1) connected to a vacuum line, and a gas analyzer, for analyzing the gases contained in the chamber. The gas analyzer comprises a gas ionization system (8) comprising a plasma source (13) in contact with the gases, which plasma source is combined with a generator (15) capable of generating a plasma from said gases, and a system for analyzing the ionized gases, comprising a radiation sensor (17) located close to the plasma generation zone and connected to an apparatus (18) for analyzing the change in the radiative spectrum emitted by the plasma. According to the invention, the device includes a means (16) for repeatedly turning the plasma source (13) on and off. The device may further include an optical port (25) placed between the gas ionization system (8) and the freeze-drying chamber (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Adixen Vacuum Products
    Inventors: Ketan Patel, Didier Pierrejean, Cyrille Nomine, Aurélie Chapron
  • Patent number: 8347522
    Abstract: A drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, a motor arranged to drive the fan. At least one opening communicates with the fan and is arranged in the casing so as to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The motor and fan arrangement generate an airflow across the cavity, wherein, in use, the pressure of the airflow emitted through the opening is at least 8 kPa. The motor has a rotor which, in use, may rotate at a speed of at least 80,000 rpm. The high velocity, high pressure airflow provided by the apparatus is capable of drying an object efficiently and quickly and is suitable for use in a hand dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Peter David Gammack
  • Patent number: 8347519
    Abstract: A drainer basket assembling structure of a stepping wringer bucket includes a bucket body, having a containing space concavely formed at the bottom of a front side, a shaft base formed at the top of the containing space; a base, having two support stands installed in the containing space; a driving mechanism installed between the two support stands for producing a driving force; a transmission shaft installed in the containing space and whose bottom is driven by the driving mechanism; and a drainer basket driven by the transmission shaft. An upper end of the transmission shaft is protruded out from the shaft base, and a protruding end is provided for sheathing the coupling base of the drainer basket and form a sheathing and linking structure with the protruding end of the transmission shaft, such that the drainer basket can be assembled from the top of the bucket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Tuo Shen International Corporation
    Inventor: Yung-Hua Chen