Combined Patents (Class 34/90)
  • Patent number: 7802376
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate material has a process chamber for receiving and treating the material. A bottom is composed of a plurality of overlapping guide plates which are placed one above the other and between which annular slots for process air to pass through are formed. An annular-gap nozzle is arranged centrally in the bottom, the orifice of this annular-gap nozzle being designed in such a way that a planar spray pancake which runs approximately parallel to the bottom plane can be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert Hüttlin
  • Patent number: 7803248
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and system for generating electricity using a drive for the electrical generator that is powered by an engine that uses high pressure hot gases produced by combustion of a fuel and an oxygen bearing gas, using at least a portion of the electricity generated to power manufacturing plant equipment and using the waste hot exhaust gases from the heat engine, such as a gas turbine, with or without a heat exchanger, in an oven in which the mat is carried through continuously on a belt, drum or with other conventional means to dry the wet fibrous mats. Optionally the fibrous mats can contain a binder and the hot waste gases can be optionally used to cure a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Daniel Pinkham, Jr., Gerard Joseph Demott, Gary Groner
  • Patent number: 7802377
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drying cylinder which is used to dry a paper, cardboard, tissue or other web of fibrous material in a machine for the production and/or for the transformation thereof. The drying cylinder includes a support body and an external cover layer which is heated by a hot fluid. The thermal flow passing through the external cover layer is increased such that at least one cavity is provided between the support body and the external cover layer through which the fluid flows. The external cover layer is predominately so thin that the ratio formed by the thermal conductivity of the material and the thickness of the external cover layer is greater than a threshold value of 3.2 kW/m2K for steel, 30 kW/m2K for aluminum, 18 kW/m2K for bronze alloys, 3.4 kW/m2K for copper and 6.1 kW/m2K for magnesium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Kloibhofer, Christoph Haase, Thomas Gruber-Nadlinger, Herbert Boden, Erich Rollenitz, Manfred Gloser
  • Publication number: 20100223801
    Abstract: A lawnmower comprising a grass cutting unit (4,5). A grass collector (6) is positioned to receive grass from the grass cutting unit. The collector has an outlet (9) with a coupling for attachment to an external grass receiver and a mechanism (10) for removing grass from the collector through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: David Honey
  • Patent number: 7784750
    Abstract: A hair dryer stand for setting 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 at least one base, at least one sidewall having a top and a bottom where the bottom is attached to the base, at least one vent, and an opening wherein the opening profile is defined by the top of the sidewall and can receive the intake side of a blow-dryer that is turned on. In use, the blow-dryer is supported in the opening and suspended above the countertop. Air is allowed to flow into the intake side of the blow-dryer, over the heating coils inside blow-dryer and prevents the blow-dryer from overheating. Also, the exhaust side of the blow-dryer is directed upward, away from the countertop so the countertop or material on countertop will not burn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Lori Burk
  • Patent number: 7774953
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to dry the hands of individuals. The system may include a pedestal, an air pedal and powder pedal hinged to the pedestal, a chamber having a dome connected to a shroud to define a chamber interior. The chamber interior may be divided into a first divided area, a second divided, and an overhead area that connects the first divided area to the second divided area. Each dived area may include a perforated tube to deliver pressurized air and powder into the chamber interior. An air compressor may be connected directly to the perforated tubes and connected to a powder chamber. In addition to pressurized air being delivered to the chamber interior, powder optionally may be delivered to the chamber interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Napoli I. Duran
  • Patent number: 7770305
    Abstract: A portable collapsible clothes dryer kit including two clothing article dryer units for engaging and spreading different articles of clothing, one of the units being supported by spaced, elongated flexible elements and the other of the units being supported by a coat hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Leonard Krauss
  • Patent number: 7765813
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for cooling and de-steaming hot calcined stucco used in the production of gypsum boards or bagged plaster. The apparatus is a fluid bed stucco cooler and comprises a cooler housing having a plenum having a stucco inlet and stucco outlet. The stucco cooler includes a rotating disk in the plenum. The rotating disk includes nozzle for spraying fluid, and is attached to a rotable shaft extending from the side of the cooler also includes a fluidization pad and agitator to help to mix the air and the stucco powder to insure fluidization, prevent channeling, and prevent the stucco powder from building up on the various components. The air also forces steam from the hot calcined stucco out through an air outlet located at the top of the stucco cooler, thereby de-steaming the stucco. The stucco flows through the plenum and passes over the cooling coils, thereby cooling the stucco as it reaches the stucco outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Bolind, Christopher R. Nelson, Bruce L. Petersen, Michael J. Porter
  • Patent number: 7762006
    Abstract: A device and corresponding methods for drying medical equipment involving a dryer for drying the medical equipment; and a supply orb having a body and a cavity within the body for holding, ventilating, and storing the medical equipment, the at least one supply orb being mechanically coupled to the dryer for operation and being mechanically decoupled from the dryer during non-operation. The supply orb having a ventilation feature and a configuration conducive to creating a combined irrotational and rotational gas flow therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: SiestaMed, Technologies
    Inventor: David Kasso
  • Patent number: 7758828
    Abstract: Problems associated with deposition of contaminants from air streams in transport ducts in the wood products industry and other sources of such contaminants are at least minimized by close coupling a cyclone separator/scrubber to the source of the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Turbosonic Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Spink, Robert A. Allan
  • Patent number: 7748137
    Abstract: A method of drying comprises placing a moist material inside a substantially enclosed solar greenhouse. The greenhouse comprises at least one light transmission roof and/or wall panel that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, but resistant to convective and conductive heat transfer. The interior temperature and humidity of the greenhouse are maintained within their pre-determined ranges while the interior moisture of the greenhouse is effectively reduced to allow a controlled drying of the material. A solar greenhouse for the drying process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Yin Wang
  • Publication number: 20100162589
    Abstract: A method of drying waste in a continuous process comprising feeding waste into a waste receiving means, continually moving said waste from said waste receiving means to a waste discharge means. The waste is heated and aerated as it is moved from said receiving means to said discharge means. Said feed wet waste is substantially dry when it is at said waste discharge means. A continuous waste drying system comprising: accepting and feeding means for wet waste; continuous-flow conveying system for the waste; aerating and drying means for the waste; heating means of the drying air and the waste, and sensing and control system for optimum drying operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Gedalyahu Manor
  • Patent number: 7713411
    Abstract: A filter-dryer apparatus employing a single container for both filtering and drying operations including a container holding a material to be filtered and dried, adapted to connect to a filter system and to connect to a fluid bed dryer system, and a process for separating particulates from liquids by the operations of filtration and drying, which includes the steps of providing a single container for both filtering and drying operations; introducing a mixture of particles and liquid to said container; connecting the container to a filter system and filtering the particulates from the liquid; detaching the container from the filter system; connecting the container to a fluid bed drying system and removing the liquid from the particulates to result in dry particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Chemical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Patrick Banister, Robert R. Garner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100077633
    Abstract: A drum rotatably disposed within a cabinet, a door coupled to a front of the cabinet, a front supporter to support a side of the drum, and a fragrance storage and supply assembly disposed on the front supporter and comprising a receiving part that is rotatably installed within the cabinet. A cabinet defining an outer appearance of the laundry dryer, a drum rotatably installed in the cabinet, a door to open and close a laundry passage formed by an opening in the cabinet that is configured for passage of laundry into and out of the drum, a fragrance storage and supply assembly comprising a receiving assembly to receive liquid fragrance, a storage chamber, remote from the receiving part, to store the liquid fragrance, a mount fixed to the cabinet, a hinge, rotatably joining the mount and the receiving part, wherein the receiving part rotates about the hinge from a space within an interior of the laundry dryer to a space exterior to the laundry dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Sang-Hun Bae, Min-Ji Kim, Ye-Ji Um, Myung-Shik Kim, Young-Soo Ha
  • Patent number: 7676953
    Abstract: A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Magill
  • Patent number: 7669348
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system is provided for treating sewage sludge by heating the same in a container to drive off pathogens and/or pasteurize the sewage sludge while the material is tumbled in the container and with moisture gases being evaporated therefrom and drawn off from the container. After treatment the treated sludge is discharged from the container. There is provided at least one weight-responsive member on which the container is mounted, and a control is provided connected to the one or more weight-responsive member whereby the solids content of the treated material can be determined by measuring the difference in weight of material in the container, before and after moisture is drawn off from the material and prior to its discharge from the drum. The control is preferably effected by means of a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: RDP Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Christy, Robert Van Bramer, Michael Quici
  • Patent number: 7658015
    Abstract: A clothes drying device for using a vacuum to dry clothes includes a housing being positioned on a support surface. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending between the bottom wall and the top wall to define an interior space of the housing. A drum assembly is mounted in the interior space of the housing. The drum assembly receives clothes to be dried. A hole in the perimeter wall of the housing is in communication with the drum assembly to allow the clothes to be placed in the drum assembly. A vacuum pump is mounted in the interior space of the housing. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with drum assembly to create a vacuum in the drum assembly to draw moisture out of the clothes in the drum assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher M. Gardell
  • Patent number: 7654010
    Abstract: A substrate processing method for a substrate processing system comprising at least a substrate processing apparatus that subjects a substrate to processing, and a substrate transferring apparatus having a transferring device that transfers the substrate, which enables the yield to be increased without bringing about a decrease in the throughput. The substrate processing method comprises a jetting step of jetting a high-temperature gas onto at least one of the transferring device and the substrate transferred by the transferring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Moriya, Kazuya Nagaseki
  • Patent number: 7644511
    Abstract: A heating and blowing apparatus includes a main body housing having an inlet port and a discharge port. An air flow path extends from the inlet pod to the discharge port. A rotatingly driven fan and a heating unit are arranged on the air flow path. A bypass flow path branches off from the air flow path and leads to an ion emission port. An ion generator including a discharge electrode and an opposing electrode is arranged in the bypass flow path Further, the apparatus includes a cover arranged at the ion emission port and having an opening through which ions pass. One or more protrusions are provided on a rear surface of the cover. The protrusions make contact with the opposing electrode such that the cover is grounded through the opposing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Ishikawa, Hideki Tanaka, Kenji Kamada, Kazumi Okawa, Fumio Mihara
  • Publication number: 20090320317
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating clothes and a method for controlling the same, which are capable of controlling or preventing formation of creases on clothes, are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a drum (20), a steam generator (200) to supply steam to the drum (20), a water container (300) to store water to be supplied to the steam generator (200), the water container (300) detachable, a sensor (500) to sense whether the water container (300) is detached or attached, a water supplier (400) to supply the water stored in the water container (300) to the steam generator (200), and a controller to control an operation of the water supplier (400) based on a sensing result of the sensor (500).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Jung Wook Moon, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son
  • Patent number: 7637029
    Abstract: A vapor drying apparatus comprises a processing chamber 1a adapted to contain semiconductor wafers W; a supply nozzle 2 adapted to supply IPA vapor or N2 gas into the processing chamber 1a; a two-fluid nozzle 3 connected to both of an IPA supply source 8 and an N2 gas supply source 5 and adapted to produce a mixed fluid of IPA and N2 gas; a vapor generating apparatus 10 adapted to produce IPA vapor by heating the mixed fluid produced by the two-fluid nozzle 3; an N2 gas supply line 23 connected to the upstream side of the two-fluid nozzle 3; and a mixed fluid supply line 22 connected to the downstream side of the two-fluid nozzle 3. An open-and-close valve V2 is provided on a branch line 25 connecting the N2 gas supply line 23 and the mixed fluid supply line 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yuji Kamikawa, Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Nobutaka Kuroda, Mikio Nakashima, Osamu Tsuda
  • Patent number: 7637031
    Abstract: An evaporator core drying system in which air that is blown by a blower is concentrated into a narrow cross-sectional air stream of high speed purge air which passes progressively across the area of the evaporator core, per an appropriate blow algorithm, so as to effectively and efficiently dry the evaporator core. Preferably, the configurable barrier is composed of at least one roller door located between the blower and the evaporator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Munther M. Salim, Lawrence P. Ziehr
  • Publication number: 20090313845
    Abstract: A portable air-blowing device comprising a collapsible bulb structure that draws in air through a filter that is removably connected to the bulb and, upon manipulation by squeezing the bulb, expels the filtered air inside the bulb out through a nozzle that can be selectively directed upon a surface or object that the user desires to be cleared of dust. Inlet and outlet valves are part of the bulb structure, regulating the flow of air such that air flows in only one direction, in through the inlet and filter, and out through the outlet and nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Francis H. Koh, Franklin C. Koh
  • Patent number: 7624514
    Abstract: In a drying system using a compression refrigeration system, a condenser is divided into a regulating condenser and a heating condenser. The regulating condenser is capable of regulating the amount of exhaust heat discharged to outside the system. The heating condenser produces moist air by feeding heat to an aqueous object to be dried placed in a processing vessel to evaporate the moisture in the object. Heat of condensation of steam is recovered by an evaporator as heat of a refrigerant, and the recovered heat is discharged in the heating condenser to use it for the vaporization of the moisture in the object, and excess heat is discharged by the regulating condenser to outside the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Green Seiju Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihisa Konabe, Isao Kurobe
  • Publication number: 20090282695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating textiles in a dryer, in particular in an exhaust air and/or a condenser dryer or in a washing machine having a drying unit, wherein the method comprises at least one program sequence of supplying (S) at least one additive into a drum of the dryer, and within the at least one additive supplying sequence (S) changing the drum rotation direction and/or changing the air flow rate and/or air flow or fan rotation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Uta Kreutzfeldt, Thomas Loy, Johannes Sierl, Hans Joachim Klug, Dieter Schmidt, Hansjorg Lampe
  • Patent number: 7617617
    Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of manure to novel fertilizer and/or soil builder products useful as input for organic farming operations. 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. The dryer vessel receives the manure for contact with the turbine exhaust gases to convert the manure to a dry material, which is passed to the processing unit where it is formed into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final dry fertilizer product. The method comprises drying, heating and converting the manure to form novel self binding fertilizer and soil builder type products for organic farming and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian N. Gorbell, Christianne Carin, legal representative, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud
  • Patent number: 7614160
    Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a main body box case 1 that has a hand inserting portion 3 formed in a concave shape at an upper portion; a high-pressure airflow generator 2 that generates high-pressure airflows and is included in the main body box case; and a front side air nozzle 6a and a back side air nozzle 6b that eject the high-pressure airflows generated by the high-pressure airflow generator 2 into the hand inserting portion 3 and face each other. The front side air nozzle 6a and the back side air nozzle 6b are formed by a plurality of slit-shaped ejecting holes 7 arranged in a line, respectively, and both or any one of lengths and arranging intervals of the slit-shaped ejecting holes 7 is different between a front side and a back side. A hand drying apparatus that can prevent noise and realize high drying performance and excellent usability without employing a complicated construction is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Kameishi, Takaki Kobayashi, Jun Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090272006
    Abstract: The scent removing device has a housing that forms an interior compartment. The compartment is separated into a first and second portion by a shelf that is disposed within the compartment and connected to the interior of the housing. The shelf has at least one channel and a plurality of openings to permit air to flow between the first and second portions. An air tube extends from the first portion, through the shelf to the second portion. A fan motor is in communication with the air tube to blow air through the air tube and into the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Zimmerman Jamie
  • Publication number: 20090249641
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for drying and gasifying substances using the calorific value contained in the substances, and it more specifically relates to apparatus and methods for processing wet, pasty, sticky substances, such as municipal wastewater treatment sewage sludge, into a workable, powdered product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: WasteDry, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Graham, Tony A. Kuipers, T. Terry Tousey, Joseph C. Snodgrass, David E. Prouty
  • Patent number: 7596883
    Abstract: In a hand drying apparatus, a first air opening and a second air opening are arranged on opposing surfaces. The first air opening is displaced towards an interior of the hollow portion, for inserting wet hand, with respect to the second air opening such that axes of air jets output from the first air opening and the second air opening do not collide. Moreover, a surface that receives the air jet from an air opening on opposing surface is inclined toward the interior of the hollow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Kameishi
  • Patent number: 7596882
    Abstract: A treater oven for drying a prepreg includes: a pipe conduit configured such that the prepreg is able to pass therethrough; a the first structure connected to one side of the pipe conduit and supplying heated air to the pipe conduit; and the second structure connected to the other side of the pipe conduit and discharging the heated air from the pipe conduit. The first structure includes: an air supply portion connected to a heat exchanger and supplying the heated air; an air distribution discharge portion discharging the heated air supplied from the air supply portion through a pair of discharging outlets in both sides of the prepreg; and at least one perforated plate symmetrically disposed in air passageways of the air distribution discharge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ye-Hoon Im, In-Seon Kim, Sang-Phil Han
  • Publication number: 20090183382
    Abstract: A hair styling device includes a hand unit having an air inlet, an outlet, and a blower between the inlet and outlet. The device further includes a storage case having a water reservoir and being configured to receive the hand unit. Tubing connects the water reservoir to the hand unit. A pump is included that selectively connects the water reservoir to the hand unit liquid inlet. A heater is situated between the water reservoir and the hand unit outlet to vaporize the contents of the water reservoir. The hair styling device includes controls in communication with the pump and blower, for actuating the pump and blower, respectively. The device may be used to selectively deliver hot hair, steam, or mist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Kenny Chuong
  • Publication number: 20090183746
    Abstract: An appliance 1 according to the present invention comprises a bottom tray 2, a middle housing 3, a transparent lid 4, a lid release button 5 for removing the lid from the housing 3, at least one finger hole 6 for receiving a user's finger, and a glittering switch 7 for activating an automatic glitter application sequence. A glittering tray 9 is housed inside of the middle housing 3 and has a plurality of separate chambers or can have a single chamber. A finger hole 10 corresponding to each chamber is provided and the tray 9 can be manipulated to line up the hole 10 with the finger hole 6. Glitter fragments are loaded into the one or more chambers 32 and, as described below, will be blown about and dispersed so that some settle on and adhere to freshly painted nails before they dry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: BRENDA P.K. YUE
  • Publication number: 20090178296
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for drying articles are disclosed. The apparatus includes a closed housing with at least one chamber equipped with air nozzles. The apparatus has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the articles to be dried. An inner routing of air flow inside the housing generates a defined removal of air to the at least one air outlet opening. The inner routing of air flow is designed such that a flow of air is directed past the inlet opening and/or the outlet opening for the articles to be dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Duenzinger, Tobias Eichhammer, Rudolf Fiegler
  • Publication number: 20090161357
    Abstract: A lightbox and dryer apparatus combined in a single enclosure and having a plurality of types of illumination sources to view paint samples and a forced convection air drying mechanism having at least one air blower selectively providing forced convection air for drying custom mixed paint samples. In one alternative, a radiant heat source may be used with the unheated forced convection air to dry the sample. In another alternative a heating element is selectively operable to heat the forced convection air directed at the sample to be dried. The types of illumination sources may include fluorescent, incandescent and synthetic sunlight. The apparatus may also include a roller or supporting clip to retain the sample in a dryer section at the outlet of the dryer. Optionally a drying surface may be provided in the dryer section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Carlson, Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 7532810
    Abstract: A portable heater incorporates a housing, heating element, outlet for heat generated by the heating element, and diagnostic testing capabilities that test for defective or abnormal conditions of various safety features and report their status. The features include an object sensing or cover detect function, which operates to disconnect the heater from the primary power source in the event an object is detected that may obstruct the heater outlet, a tilt sensor, which detects whether the heater has been tilted, a fuse, and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) breaker. The diagnostic testing function preferably receives power directly from the primary source of power to enable the status of the tests to be displayed whenever the heater is plugged in. Light emitting diodes preferably provide backlighting to icons representing the various features to indicate their status to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaideep Jayaram, Paul Powers, Robert Sherwood, Carlos Alberto Natividad
  • Patent number: 7526876
    Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a housing, a tubular arm, a telescoping arm and a fan. The tubular arm is attached to the housing at a portion between proximal and distal ends. Also, the tubular arm is able to rotate tangential to the housing. The tubular arm includes a proximal end and a distal end and is attached to the housing at a portion between the proximal and distal ends. The telescoping arm is attached to the tubular arm and able to slide between an open and closed position. The telescoping arm includes an aperture that is open in the open position and covered in the closed position. The fan encased within the housing and arranged to direct airflow through the tubular arm and out the aperture when the telescoping arm is in the open position. The air flow is restricted when the telescoping arm is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Seirus Innovative Accessories, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Carey, Robert W. Murphy, Joseph H. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20090106998
    Abstract: A hair dryer and vacuum device includes a housing having a nozzle, a handle, and a body portion situated between the handle and nozzle, the nozzle including a first channel extending from the body portion to an outlet port and a second channel extending from the body portion to an inlet port. A heating coil is mounted in the body portion for heating air and a dryer fan is positioned adjacent the heating coil that is configured to blow the heated air through the outlet port when energized. A vacuum fan is mounted in the second channel and configured to draw air into the second channel through the inlet port when energized. The device includes a collection chamber situated between the vacuum fan and the body portion and in communication with the second channel such that fallen hair is collected therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Pauline Brown-Carter
  • Patent number: 7509755
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying and massaging feet, comprising a plate (2) whereon the feet are set, defining a plurality of holes (3) through which air escapes towards the feet, at a pressure of at least 0.5 bar, such as to produce not only the drying but also a massaging effect on the feet. The holes (3) are distributed at greater concentration in the regions where the toes and the front part of the feet bear. The plate (2) comprises a plurality of interchangeable templates (8) to adapt the apparatus to different foot sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Michele Avanzini
  • Publication number: 20090034946
    Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a casing and a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object to be dried. A fan is located in the casing so as to be capable of creating an airflow, and a motor is provided in the casing for driving the fan. Ducting is provided for carrying the airflow from the fan to at least one opening arranged to emit the airflow into the cavity (12). The ducting includes at least one air duct having a wall in which perforations are provided, and a layer of sound-absorbing material is located on the external surface of the wall so as to cover the perforations. The invention is particularly suitable for use in hand dryers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Zacary Caine, Kevin John Simmonds, Timothy Alexander French
  • Patent number: 7481006
    Abstract: A system dries water droplets within a person's outer and inner ear. The presence of the droplets is typically caused by swimming, showering, bathing, and other activities associated with water sports such as diving, water polo and the like. A hair dryer blows warm air at a distance into a handheld drying apparatus. One or more diffusion chambers containing a plurality of apertures deliver warm air from the hair dryer into the outer ear. An integral central tubular element forming part of the diffusion chamber delivers warm air from the hair dryer into the inner canal. The diffusion chamber has a handle to help position the central tubular element within the inner ear canal. The distance between the hair dryer and the handheld drying apparatus may be varied to select a comfortable warmth level and warm air velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen Donovan
  • Publication number: 20090000141
    Abstract: A hair dryer. The hair dryer includes a housing having a nozzle portion terminating at a drying end. The housing defines a cavity. The hair dryer further includes at least one light source coupled to the housing and positioned to direct light towards a work area proximate the drying end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: ANDIS COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Gross, Yiu Kwong Wan, Thomas C. Maddocks
  • Patent number: 7469489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method relating to the operation of a burner and/or cooler (3), wherein gases are caused to flow through an inner pipe (7), out into an outer pipe (5) which surrounds the inner pipe (7), and back through that part of the volume of the outer pipe (5) not accommodated by the volume of the inner pipe (7). The invention is characterised by placing an inner bottom plates (8) in the outer pipe (5) in spaced relationship with the closed bottom (9) of said outer pipe (5), whereby the gases flowing through the inner pipe (7) and out into the outer pipe (5) are caused to turn back and pass between the outer pipe (5) and the inner pipe (7), thereby creating a gas pocket (12) between the bottom (9) of said outer pipe (5) and the bottom plate (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Thomas Lewin
  • Patent number: 7471883
    Abstract: An electric heater and a fan are enclosed within a cylindrical case for blowing warmed air from one end of the case. The case is supported at a distal end by a flexible strut enabling selective positioning of the case for directing the warmed air in a preferred direction. The flexible strut is rotationally engaged in a base. The base supports the flexible strut and the case in a selectable orientation. A lamp is fixed to the underside of the case in a position for directing illumination downwardly; the lamp positioned such that a forward end of the case provides shadowing of the light from a baby's eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Jess Micah Seutter, Christal G. Seutter
  • Publication number: 20080295354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehumidification plant for a granular material, comprising at least one hopper (2) having at least one loading mouth (3a) and one discharge mouth (3) for granular material, at least one upper feeding mouth in the at least one hopper (2) and at least one lower delivery mouth of a gaseous medium therefrom, humidity absorbent means (51, 52) designed to absorb the humidity conveyed by the gaseous medium; at least two towers (29, 36) arranged to contain the absorbent means (51, 52); supplying means designed to feed the gaseous medium to the at least one hopper (2) and the at least two towers (29, 36); at least one electronic control unit (46); detection means arranged to detect process variables of the plant and electrically connected with the at least one electronic control unit (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: MORETTO SPA
    Inventor: Renato Moretto
  • Publication number: 20080282576
    Abstract: A dryer for hair shaving devices includes a casing having a drying space for removably receiving a blade portion of a hair shaving device, and a heater and a fan for drying the blade portion received in the drying space. Also, a control unit is provided for controlling output power of the heater and the fan to perform operation modes, the operation modes include a drying operation mode in which the heater and the fan are driven simultaneously and a sterilizing operation mode in which the heater alone is driven with the fan kept stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori UEDA, Minoru KASHIWABARA, Yasuo IBUKI
  • Publication number: 20080282571
    Abstract: A drying system for a hair removing device is capable of effectively drying the cutter head. The drying system includes a casing having a dry chamber configured to detachably receive a cutter head of the hair removing device, a heater for heating the cutter head; and a blower for generating a forced air flow and drying the cutter head. The casing is formed with an air flow channel configured to direct the forced air flow towards the cutter head. A tray is provided to define the bottom of the dry chamber and bear the cutter head. The tray is formed with a draft port through which the flow channel communicates into the dry chamber so that the forced air flow can be directed straight to the cutter head for effectively cooling or drying the cutter head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Yasunori Ueda, Kazuya Shigeta, Yasuo Ibuki
  • Patent number: 7441345
    Abstract: A laundering aid having a core member, such as an elastomeric ball member, that includes a covering comprising an abrasive or brush-like material adapted for engaging and lifting matter, such animal hair, adherent to the surface of fabric articles when the laundering aid is placed into contact with clothing and other fabric articles within an operating tumble-type clothes dryer. The covering may further include a second material comprising a material that substantially lacks characteristics for lifting matter from other fabric, the first material being disposed adjacent to or over the first material to form a series of discrete sections having different properties that facilitate the dislodgement and or removal of the hair or other fine matter. The exemplary elastomeric ball member may be inflated for shape retention, while allowing for expansion when heated during the drying cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Ken Taylor
  • Patent number: 7437833
    Abstract: A hand dryer is disclosed having little unpleasant blowback from the hand insertion opening portion of the hand drying chamber and little splattering of water droplets around the device, and offering superior drying performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: ToTo Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Sato, Yoshihiro Yonezawa, Hideyasu Kai
  • Patent number: 7437834
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 10 including a vapor generating unit 371 which generates a mixed gas consisting of an organic solvent vapor and an inert gas by bubbling the inert gas in the organic solvent; support means for supporting a plurality of substrates to be vertically arranged in parallel at equal pitches; a processing vessel 15 which accommodates multiple substrates supported by the support means; a lid 30 for covering the upper opening of the processing vessel; jet nozzles 33 provided in the lid 30; and first piping 3712, 342, 3421, and 3422 which causes the vapor generating unit and the jet nozzles to communicate with each other. In the substrate processing apparatus 10, the first piping and the jet nozzles are respectively equipped with heaters, and the heaters are controlled by means of dry gas containing organic solvent mists of submicron size being emitted from the jet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: S.E.S. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Nakatsukasa, Kazuhisa Ogasawara, Yoshiaki Sakaihara, Yoshihiro Haruki, Munenori Kawate