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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved dryer (22) that is adapted to dry an object (?) and to an improved method of drying an object. The improved dryer (22) broadly includes: a conveyor (32) for translating an object (?) to be dried, the conveyor having an entrance end (33) and an exit end (34); an enclosure (35) surrounding the conveyor; a movable panel (36) arranged within the enclosure; an actuator (38) mounted on the enclosure and operatively arranged to selectively move the panel toward and away from the object; a first air knife (39) operatively arranged to discharge a first jet of air through the conveyor toward the object; and a second air knife (40) mounted on the movable panel and operatively arranged to discharge a second jet of air toward the object; whereby the actuator may be operated to move the panel into closer proximity with the object as the object moves along the conveyor from the entrance end to the exit end to dry the object.

Abstract: A system and method of moving a meniscus from a first surface to a second surface includes forming a meniscus between a head and a first surface. The meniscus can be moved from the first surface to an adjacent second surface, the adjacent second surface being parallel to the first surface. The system and method of moving the meniscus can also be used to move the meniscus along an edge of a substrate.

Abstract: A proximity member moves in a moving direction (?X) in a condition that an opposed surface of the proximity member is disposed in the vicinity of a substrate surface and that a liquid-tight layer is formed between the opposed surface and the substrate surface, and nitrogen gas is discharged toward an upstream-side interface of the liquid-tight layer from the upstream side (+X) to the proximity member in the moving direction. Thus discharged nitrogen gas is blown selectively and in concentration against an exposed interface portion, a rinsing liquid forming the exposed interface portion is blown away from the substrate surface and the liquid-tight layer, and a substrate surface region which corresponds to the exposed interface portion is dried.

Abstract: An umbrella and shoe drying device, for use removing moisture, dirt, and debris from shoes and umbrellas, having a mat portion, a blower housing, and an umbrella holder. The mat portion has a substantially flat top surface having a grating upon which shoes are placed. The blower housing is mounted upon the flat top surface of the mat portion, supports the umbrella holder, and contains a blower. The umbrella housing has a main bore for accommodating umbrellas. The blower is in communication with the main bore and grating, and generates suction that removes moisture, dirt, and debris from umbrellas in the main bore and from shoes positioned upon the grating.

Abstract: The dryer is disclosed. The dryer comprises a base seat, at least a netted-rack and a top cover, the top portion of the base seat being mounted with a cutting for fruit and vegetable or a netted-rack for placement of food, and the top portion of the netted-rack being disposed with the top cover, characterized in that a heater is mounted to the base seat and an upward fan, and the external side is a wind hood having a center air opening for suction of hot air and an air-screen at the side for discharging of hot air, the top and bottom of the netted-rack are supporting blocks which can be turned over 180 degree and can be stacked or placed alternately and the top cover at the uppermost layer of the netted-rack is provided with a supporting block so as to increase and decrease the distance between the supporting blocks.

Abstract: A hair drying device for supporting a person and drying hair of the person includes a chair being configured to receive a person in a seated position. The chair includes a seat portion and a pair of arm rests coupled to the seat portion. The chair includes a back portion pivotally coupled to the seat portion. The back portion supports a back of the person positioned on the seat portion. A drying assembly is coupled to the chair and in electrical communication with a power source. The drying assembly receives hair of the person when the person is reclining in the chair to dry the hair of the user. A control panel is in electrical communication with the drying assembly and the power source and coupled to the chair. The control panel controls the drying assembly when the control panel is actuated by the person.

Abstract: The ambient air clothes dryer is an automated device providing axial flow of unheated ambient air through the dryer drum. The dryer may include different drum drive systems, timer and/or humidity detector controls, and a configuration utilizing a separate, portable fan for temporary, removable installation with the dryer housing to provide airflow through the drum. The ambient air dryer greatly reduces energy requirements for drying laundry when compared to conventional heated air dryers, and is quite effective in warm and/or dry climates. The ambient air dryer is portable and may be used indoors or outdoors. The device may be configured to use twelve-volt power from a motor vehicle for use in camping. When used indoors, the device may be placed with a heat source (heat register, etc.) to draw warm air through the drum while humidifying the air as it passes through damp laundry in the drum.

Abstract: A conditioning system for a vehicle comprises an evaporator, positioned in an air conducting channel means, of an air conditioning unit, by means of which evaporator heat and/or moisture can be removed from the air to be introduced into a vehicle interior, a heating means being provided at the evaporator for at least local heating of the same.

Abstract: A drying system includes a drying cabinet having a plurality of horizontally heating plates, and a cleaning device which can be inserted into the interior of the cabinet. The cleaning device includes a carrier supported on the interior bottom of the drying cabinet and having a duct and a plurality of horizontal support arms with a cavity being fastened to the carrier, each cavity communicating with the duct. A support arm is arranged above each of the heating plates. Each of the support arms is outfitted with a spray arm which is rotatable horizontally around an axis A. Each spray arm has a quantity of nozzles. In addition, the carrier and the drying cabinet have means through which a cleaning agent can be supplied to the duct.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes at least one self-actuating valve assembly, incorporated within a wall of the enclosure, including at least one spring member, at least one pivot, attached to the at least one spring member, and at least two seal plugs, attached to the at least one spring member, wherein one of the at least two seal plugs actuates a gas purge and one of the at least two seal plugs actuates a gas fill. The enclosure also includes a retaining clip fastened to the at least one self-actuating valve assembly, wherein the retaining clip ensures that the at least two seal plugs do not unseat under dynamic environments.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a moisture absorbent hand-covering device that is in the form and shape of a glove for drying. In some embodiments, the drying glove of this invention has a first outer layer and a second inner layer. The outer layer comprises at least one layer of material with propensity to absorb at least one type of liquid. In some embodiments, the second inner layer comprises at least one layer of material with propensity to repel at least one type of liquid. The outer layer absorbs the liquid for the purpose of removing it. The inner layer resists passage of the liquid, and thus protects the hand of the user during operation. In some embodiments, the liquid absorbed is water, and the liquid repelled is water.

Abstract: A hanging device which handles the electric cord of the hairdryer while keeping that same hairdryer out of the way while leaving it within easy reach. In order to do so, the invention comprises a system of pulleys and counterweight which act upon an electrical cable joined with the electrical cord of the hairdryer, and of which overhangs above a hairdresser's workstation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray-drying device (1) having a vertical drying chamber (2), material-atomization means (4) and drying-gas feed (6) means. Filter elements (11) are present in order to filter the fine particles out of the flow of drying gas (7). The fine particles are periodically removed from the filter elements (11) and collected in fine-particle collection means (10) in such a manner that they remain separate from the main flow of spray-dried material. In this way, it is possible to successfully control the properties of the spray-dried (main) material without it being undesirably influenced by the fine particles.

Abstract: A dehumidifying hanger includes a hanger frame having perforations formed therein, and a dehumidifying perforated crossbar formed as a hollow tube or pipe and transversely hung under the hanger frame, having desiccant or dehydrating agent filled in the perforated crossbar for absorbing moisture carried or existing in the clothes for drying the clothes in situ in the hanger, without requiring any costly electric drying apparatus or equipment.

Abstract: A pollution abatement apparatus comprises an electrified filter bed preceded by a cyclonic mix chamber to remove wood fines and fly ash in a flue gas stream from a wood chip dryer heated by hot gas from an energy system that includes a wood waste combustor. The cyclonic mix chamber has dual inlets, one supplied with flue gas from the dryer and the other supplied with hot gas from the energy system.

Abstract: The washing system comprises an implement (60) which can be inserted in a drier (10) and which has a cleaning-liquid supply coupling (62), a distributor duct (64) which is supplied by the coupling (62), and a plurality of liquid-delivery ducts (66) which extend substantially transversely from the distributor duct (64) and carry respective spray heads (68) for the liquid at their ends.

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.

Abstract: A foot-drying device includes a body including first and second vertical sides, and an open front face sloping upward away from a front edge thereof. The body is hollow, forming a chamber that extends from a bottom surface to a top surface thereof, and has a rear panel hingedly coupled thereto. A foot pad is seated over the open front face and is provided with apertures for draining water therethrough. A mechanism is included for diverting the water outwardly from the chamber as the water drips down through the apertures of the foot pad. A mechanism is included for introducing heated air into the chamber such that the heated air is quickly engaged with the user foot. The heated air is evenly discharged from the apertures such that the water on the user foot is completely expelled away therefrom. The air heating mechanism is disposed above the water diverting mechanism.

Abstract: A cage drying—compacting apparatus for wastes, includes a cylindrical shape and at least a pair of pressure plates, the cylindrical body having heating longitudinal tubes, coursed by a thermal carrier fluid, provided along the generatrixes of the cylinder and spaced from each other to realize longitudinal slots for outlet of vapour but not for outlet of material, coupled by constraint hinge elements, positioned at a given distance between centres, and the pressure plates being placed opposed each other, operating as movable basis of the body and acting as pistons. Heat sources are, provided inside the apparatus, all along its length, the sources include at least a tube coursed by thermal carrier fluid, an inlet for the material to be treated, and elements for collecting the material.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a housing assembly, a light bulb socket and a forced air generation device. The housing assembly includes a light opening in a front wall thereof and an air delivery opening in a bottom wall thereof. The light bulb socket resides within the housing assembly and is attached to the housing assembly. A longitudinal centerline axis of the light bulb socket extends through the light bulb opening. The forced air generation device resides within the housing assembly and is attached to the housing assembly. The forced air generation device is configured for directing at least a portion of an air stream provided thereby through the air delivery opening.

Abstract: An article drying support apparatus includes a perimeter wall defining a housing and enclosing an interior space. The perimeter wall includes a backside having an elongated slit therein defining an opening extending into the interior space. The perimeter wall comprises an air permeable material. A coupler is attached to the perimeter wall and is configured to attach the perimeter wall to an inside surface of a dryer door. A wet item may be positioned within the interior space and held against the dryer door when a clothes dryer is being operated.

Abstract: A shower head processes a wafer with a plate having a plurality of nozzles positioned thereon, each of the nozzles assigned to one of a plurality of processing zones for the wafer; and a manifold assembly coupled to each of the nozzles to control one or more of the nozzles as a group in each processing zone.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for powdered or granular material comprising a hopper body with an electric heater in its center, housing therein a heat conducting fin formed with plural compartment walls radially projected therefrom and a carrier gas communication path provided in the conducting fin, which has an upper introduction port and a lower exhaust port, both connected with a penetrating up and down path provided in the center of the heat conducting fin. The apparatus is constructed such that carrier gas externally introduced is fed into the hopper body. According to the apparatus, powdered or granular material is uniformly heated and dried and heating source for carrier gas is not necessary, thereby achieving improvement in energy efficiency and energy saving.

Abstract: A footrest is provided comprising a base portion for placement on a supporting surface, a footplate connected to the base portion for receiving a foot of a user of the footrest, a heater connected to the base portion, an air intake system connected to the heater for drawing a first mass of air into the footrest, and an exhaust connected to the heater for expelling a second mass of air from the footrest. The heater receives the first mass of air, heats it, and expels it as a second mass of air. A warm air shield helps redirect the second mass of air expelled through the exhaust at the foot of the user placed on the footplate. The footplate may be made to pivot with respect to the base portion, or may be provided with a control knob so that a user may control the heater using her foot.

Abstract: The system for drying shopping carts dries a large number of wet shopping carts. The carts are loaded onto a conveyor belt. Side dryers located on either side of the conveyor belt initially dry the carts. The carts are passed under a freestanding arch having support columns situated on either side of the conveyor belt. The arch includes a number of overhead dryers. When the carts move under the arch, they are dried from above by the overhead dryers. Water dispelled from the shopping carts runs into a drainage system situated on the floor. Once the shopping carts are dried, the carts are unloaded from the conveyor belt and are removed from the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning, rinsing and drying a reticle used in semiconductor device manufacturing, tilts the reticle during the drying process to prevent water from the rinsing process from collecting and remaining on the reticle. The rectangularly shaped reticle is held in a carrier and the top and bottom edges of the reticle may form an angle of at least about 8° with the horizontal to maximize drying efficiency, when the carrier is placed on a horizontal surface or suspended from above.

Abstract: The body hair and feet drying chair is a seat comprising an upright base having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, and a hollow interior. A seat is disposed on top of the base. At least one air outlet is defined in the seat in communication with the base's hollow interior. At least one air channel is defined in the bottom portion of the base in communication with the base's hollow interior. A motorized fan contained within the hollow interior of the base draws air into the hollow interior through the air channels and expels air from the hollow interior through the air outlets. Air expelled from the air outlets dries genital and posterior areas of a user seated on the body hair and feet drying chair, while air drawn into the air channels dries the user's feet and toes when the user's feet and toes are positioned over the air channels.

Abstract: A backpack type hair dryer with a heated air bonnet includes a housing having a pair of shoulder straps positioned on a front surface for securing the housing to a wearer's back. A hot air blower assembly is mounted on the rear surface of the housing. A flexible hose is connected to the blower assembly and includes a wearable head bonnet at a distal end. Accordingly, a user can dry his or her hair while simultaneously wandering and performing other tasks.

Abstract: A system for processing biosolids from a sludge pond into fertilizer comprising: a portable dewatering system for removing liquid from sludge, the portable dewatering system having: a collection device for collecting sludge from the sludge pond; a centrifuge for removing liquids from the sludge collected by the collection device to create a biosolids composition; and a transfer device to transfer the biosolids composition from the centrifuge; a transport vehicle for receiving the biosolids composition from the transport device, the transport vehicle transporting the biosolids from the sludge pond to a fixed processing plant; and the fixed processing plant having: a mixer for mixing a stabilizing agent with the biosolids composition to create mixed biosolids; a heating and sterilising system to heat and sterilize the mixed biosolids and for extruding sterilized pellets; and a drying system for drying the pellets, wherein the pellets can be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A body drying apparatus includes a housing for dissipating heated air outwardly therefrom and is situated within a plenum having at least one rear wall abutted against an interior surface of the plenum. The housing further has a front wall including a vent formed therein and a top wall provided with an opening in fluid communication with the vent. The vent is provided with a grill for channeling the heated air. The present invention further includes a power unit and a plurality of flexible conduits for directing ambient air into the power unit and for directing the heated air out from the power unit. The power unit is electrically coupled to an external power supply source. A mechanism is included for remotely operating the power unit such that a user may toggle the apparatus between on and off modes.

Abstract: A hair dryer stand for a handheld hair dryer includes a base and a holder pivotally mounted on the base. The base has a top face, two parallel ears protruding from the top face and two fastening assemblies. The holder has two curved sides and a space. The curved sides are formed together to form the space between the curved sides so the holder is able to clamp a hair dryer. The curved sides also have pivot pins with threaded holes, which are mounted respectively in the ears on the base and held in place by the fastener assemblies. The angle of a hair dryer mounted in the holder can be adjusted relative to the base to accommodate a specific person so that the person is able to use the hair dryer without holding it.

Abstract: A horizontally extending hose cleaning and drying apparatus includes a plurality of rack sections connected at ends thereof to create an elongated rack having a slope. Each rack section includes an upper plate having apertures or mesh material to allow water to fall therethrough. Legs are detachably connected to each rack section, the shortest legs being attached to a rack section at one end of the rack and the longest legs being attached to a rack section at the opposite end of the rack to create the slope. Preferably, the rack is of a length of at least 50 feet to accommodate fire hoses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying floors and carpets using a fan for generating a pressurized air stream within a vertical cylindrical shroud that is spaced two to five inches away from the floor on a set of legs such that an opening is formed between the shroud and the floor. The air stream is directed along the cylindrical shroud vertically toward the floor. At least a peripheral portion of the air stream is exhausted from the shroud in a substantially laminar flow at an angle that is inclined from the vertical and is exhausted radially into ambient air as a substantially laminar air stream.

Abstract: A lint trap having an enclosure with an interior surface, an open end, with an inlet spaced from an outlet on the interior surface. A cover is removably mountable to the open end of the enclosure with a filter secured to the cover, where side edges of the filter slidably engage with the interior surface between the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a portable hair dryer which has a handle and a nozzle, the assembly comprising a cradle having upper and lower portions to respectively support the nozzle and handle, a mounting arrangement for securing the assembly to a substrate such as a wall or table, and a connecting assembly which permits movement of the cradle in different directions. The assembly permits hands-free use of a portable hand-held hair dryer.

Abstract: A drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member which has an upper portion for holding an item of apparel, and a platform coupled to the body portion. The platform can be moved into a first, generally horizontal position over the drying member and can be moved into a second, non-horizontal position not over the drying member such that a user has access to the upper portion of the drying member. The drying apparatus can include an air freshener.

Abstract: A shower dryer system includes a dryer tower with nozzles for directing heated air into a shower enclosure interior. A programmed controller controls the rate of air flow and the temperature of air flow to and through the air nozzles.

Abstract: Devices and methods of drying hair are provided. The devices and methods of the present invention employ a material or a combination of materials capable of emitting far infrared radiation and negative ions during hair drying.

Abstract: A forced air dryer designed to dry an infant's bottom during the diaper changing process comprises a housing having an end piece designed to reduce skin abrasion, skin heating, and air flow blockage. In one embodiment, the device is powered by a rechargeable electric battery. In another embodiment, the invention is associated with a diaper changing table.

Abstract: A shoe drier has a housing from which paired tubes (10) project as holding elements for the shoes, boots, or the like which are to be dried. In the housing (1) there is a fan (15) which forces air into the tubes (10), the tubes are chosen to be serpentine and project with their free ends out of the housing. The air which has been forced into the tubes emerges from the tubes (10) through openings (20). In order to heat the air (19) emerging from the openings (20), there are heat conductors (30) in the tubes (10).

Abstract: A small, portable fan having a spring-biased clamp at the base thereof. The clamp is adapted to mount to almost any surface on a conventional golf cart. The fan is provided with power cords having alligator clips at the ends thereof. The power cords can readily be connected to the battery of the golf cart, which battery is normally positioned under the seat of the cart. The fan can be mounted to and dismounted from the golf cart with ease.

Abstract: A pavement dryer has a pick-up assembly operating with a gas processing system. The pick-up assembly has an assembly frame mounted on wheels and connected to the gas processing system, and a nozzle that is maintained in close proximity to a paved surface. The gas processing system has a system frame mounted on wheels, a compressor, and a collection chamber. The compressor draws air from the nozzle through the collection chamber. Water entrained in the air flow is removed from the paved surface and settles in the collection chamber. The water may be separated by gas centrifuges. The nozzle has a nozzle lip positioned to provide a controlled gap with the paved surface. The size of the gap can preferably be adjusted, preferably by a movable damper. The nozzle has a trailing edge seal that forcibly engages the paved surface, and preferably also has end seals.

Abstract: A combination dryer and atomized medicinal liquid apparatus and shoe or boot drying attachment, wherein the apparatus accommodates the placement of a shoe and/or boot drying attachment on an upper surface thereon. The attachment rests upon the upper surface of the dryer and atomized medicinal apparatus covering the air discharge outlets and channeling the generated air through two vertically disposed tubes. The tubes have a fixed end adjacent the attachment and a free end with an opening for transmitting or transferring the air to a shoe or boot placed thereon. A support ring circumscribes the tubes and supports a shoe(s) or boot(s) placed thereon, thereby promoting efficient drying and/or treatment of the shoe or boot by the apparatus and attachment combination.

Abstract: Body Drier with a plurality of cylindrical housings, each housing retaining a heating coil, a fan blade, an electric fan motor, a fan bracket and a fan grill. Each cylindrical fan housing assembly is attached to the one above it by means of standard electrical connectors. The cylindrical housings each have a cut out portion to allow warm air to flow out from the fan. Each cut out portion is covered by a grill. The cylindrical housings each have a standard bayonet type attachment so that the housings can be attached one on top of the other creating a tower. The tower secured in an upright position by a base plate. A single power cord exits from the base plate so that the attached plug can be inserted into a standard wall socket. The body drier includes a standard oscillating mechanism that causes the tower to oscillate.

Abstract: A method for comletely drying polished nails without any smudging or nicking. The method utilizes first warm air and then very cold air followed by a brief return to warm air. The warm air of the initial step uses air at a temperature of approximately eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit for approximately four minutes. The very cold air has a temperature of approximately thirty-five degrees and is blown for approximately two minutes. The last step utilizes the initial heating temperature of eighty-five degrees Farenheit but for only fifteen seconds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completely drying polished nails without any smudging or nicking The method utilizes first warm air and then very cold air preferably followed by a brief return to warm air. The apparatus for performing the method includes a temperature controller for setting the temperature and timers for controlling the duration of each heating and cooling period. By means of an air heater and a cooler connected to a temperature controller, heats and cools the air which is forced upon the nails by a motor and fan.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a vessel having a first end an a second end. A first cap is releasably mounted on the first end. A second cap is releasably mounted on the second end. The vessel is configured to prevent crushing and promote ventilating thereof. The first cap and/or second cap may have an aperture for ventilating the vessel. A fan is fixed relative to, for ventilating, the vessel. The fan is mounted on an end cap. The fan energizable with a battery. A switch is provided for selectably supplying energy to the fan. If a fan is provided, a barrier is disposed in the vessel configured to protect an object in the vessel from the fan. The barrier should have an aperture for ventilating the vessel. The invention may include a handle connected thereto, for carrying, the vessel.

Abstract: A drying cabinet is used to dry a person's body after bathing or showering. The drying cabinet includes a plurality of adjustable air-dispensing nozzles on two sides and on the rear wall of the cabinet. The nozzles are fluidically connected to each other and to a source of hot dry air by manifolds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completely drying polished nails without any smudging or nicking. The method utilizes first warm air and then very cold air preferably followed by a brief return to warm air. The apparatus for performing the method includes a temperature controller for setting the temperature and timers for controlling the duration of each heating and cooling period. By means of an air heater and a cooler connected to a temperature controller, heats and cools the air which is forced upon the nails by a motor and fan.