With Support Patents (Class 392/382)
  • Patent number: 11828049
    Abstract: A sink includes a basin which includes a base wall and lateral walls adjoining the base wall. The basin includes a receiving area which is delimited by the base wall and the lateral walls. An insert plate separate from the basin is inserted into the receiving area, and moved by a lifting device relative to the basin. A residual media discharge device discharges residual media from a top of the insert plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Wölfler, Benjamin Reu, Ingo Abels
  • Patent number: 11020543
    Abstract: A decubitus ulcer healing airflow device includes a motorized airflow intake fan disposed within a housing body devised to be attached to a bed rail A tubular airflow outlet is attached to a rear side of the housing body. An air filter slideably engages an access slot and is disposed between a protective grill and an airflow intake fan. At least one strap has a central elastomeric central section engageable onto the bed rail and a pair of u-shaped outer ends. Each strap engages a respective one of a pair of strap support holders disposed on each or one of a top and bottom side of the housing body. A slotted compartment, within the airflow outlet, contains a fragrance or a vaporized medicine to assist in healing the ulcers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Edward Piesik
  • Publication number: 20150125798
    Abstract: A heat gun adapter is an apparatus that allows the use of a heat gun in order to ignite the fuel pellets within the combustion chamber of a pellet burner, specifically manually-ignited gravity-fed pellet burner. The heat gun adapter features a base plate that is placed over the combustion chamber access port after the combustion chamber end plate is removed. A nozzle port is present in order to allow a heat gun to be inserted through the base plate. The heat gun is guided through an annular guide that is positioned concentrically with the nozzle port. The annular guide additionally serves to hold the heat gun in place without user assistance after the heat gun is inserted. The heat gun adapter is held in place between a first track and a second track on the combustion chamber by a lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Michael S. Swanick
  • Patent number: 8942550
    Abstract: A kit for supporting and multi-directionally aiming a heat source. The kit includes a heat air gun, a tripod, and an extension arm. The tripod and/or the extension arm support(s) the heat air gun so as to allow the heat air gun to be supported while having multi-directional aiming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Milton Carter
  • Publication number: 20140376894
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant feeding warming system useful to repeatedly and precisely warm breastmilk or formula for use in the NICU. The system in one form comprises a bedside unit that is attachable to an IV pole. The system may also comprise a centralized warming station with multiple chambers, wherein one chamber heats a bottle or syringe, and the remaining chambers are used for storage and/or refrigeration. The system will use a non-liquid heating system to heat feedings. A disposable liner may be used inside the chamber. The system may also contain heating algorithms that are based on a user inputting milk parameters such as volume and initial temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan Bauer, Amanda Miller, Jill M. Hunt, Joseph Wach
  • Patent number: 8772681
    Abstract: A blower urges an airflow, at a rate according to a user-controlled flow rate command, through an electric heater and the electrical heater heats the airflow at a heater power based on a user-input temperature command, the user-input flow rate command, and a measured mass flow rate of the airflow. The heater power is calculated based on the heat energy required to heat air to the given reference temperature, at a flow rate corresponding to the measured mass flow rate. Optionally, the temperature of the air entering the electric heater is measured, and the heater power is calculated based on the heat energy required to heat air from the measured temperature to the given reference temperature, at a flow rate corresponding to the measured mass flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Electronic Instrumentation and Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe T. May
  • 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: 8712226
    Abstract: A method of flooring installation includes positioning a welding tip having a v-shaped plastic welding rod therein adjacent to a v-shaped joint formed between plastic flooring and plastic trim and heating the flooring, trim, and welding rod to flow the welding rod into the v-shaped joint to form a plastic weld bead and seal the joint. A welding tip and a welding rod are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Oscoda Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Lee, Darren Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130341316
    Abstract: A free standing air blower for providing directed ventilation includes an air duct, a blower, a heating element, a deflector and a base unit. The deflector is disposed on an end of the air duct and has an angle of deflection configured to deflect air from the air duct to an area laterally adjacent to the drier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Gonzalo Perez, Don Salerno
  • Publication number: 20130279889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for prebaking an alignment film by using a temperature-controllable pin to support a substrate and a method thereof. The device includes heater that prebakes a substrate from an underside of the substrate, a plurality of temperature-controllable pins for upward supporting the substrate, and a temperature control system. The temperature-controllable pins are coupled to the temperature control system and each of the temperature-controllable pins is independently controlled of temperature thereof by the temperature control system so as to uniformly heat a site of the substrate that is supported by the temperature-controllable pin and a periphery of the supported site. The device for prebaking alignment film by using temperature-controllable pin to support substrate and a method thereof according to the present invention alleviate non-uniform heating of a surface of glass substrate and thus alleviate pin mura.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co. LTD.
    Inventors: Meina Zhu, Jianjun Zhao, Hsiangyin Shih
  • Patent number: 8437627
    Abstract: The inventive warmer apparatus comprises a holding unit, enclosed on four sides, but open at the top to allow restaurants and kitchen operators easy access to food held in it. Food in the apparatus is exposed to radiant heat generated by a heated bottom surface and to hot convection air. Part of the convection air is used to create an air curtain to improve heat loss characteristics and protect from the environment. The apparatus uses a combination of radiant heat, convection air and a warm air curtain to keep food products hot and crisp. The air curtain provides additional food protection. The warmer apparatus conditions food to attain a noncooking biologically safe temperature and to retain its freshly cooked texture and internal moisture for at least twenty minutes. This allows restaurants to serve such food items longer to its customers, allowing more efficient batch cooking and significantly reducing food waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Meister Cook, LLC
    Inventor: Erik Magner
  • Patent number: 8175445
    Abstract: A non-contact cutter for a polymer corner protector disposed on a load includes an air manifold having an inlet and an outlet and defining an air passage and a heating element disposed at least in part in the air passage. A compressed gas is communicated to the manifold and into the air passage for intimate contact with the heating element to heat the gas. The heated gas is discharged through the outlet to contact and soften the polymer corner protector at a desired location to separate the corner protector at the desired location. A system and method for non-contact cutting are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Arland L. Morrison, Richard K. Balling, Richard G. Newman, Michael W. Potempa
  • Patent number: 8096062
    Abstract: A towel drying system includes a housing that has a bottom wall, a top wall, a back wall, a front wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The front wall has a primary air inlet extending therethrough and a primary air outlet extending therethrough. A blower is mounted in the housing and pulls air into the housing through primary air inlet and directs it outwardly through the primary air outlet. A towel support member is positioned in the housing. The front wall has at least one access door to access an interior of the housing and the towel support member. One or more towels may be placed on the towel support member. A dwelling return duct is fluidly coupled to the primary air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Mark L. Bellen
  • Patent number: 8081873
    Abstract: A hands-free hair dryer mounting apparatus adapted for holding a hair dryer in an oscillating universal hair dryer holder assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wall mountable housing that is removably affixed to a wall mounting plate adapted for secure attachment to a wall or other supporting surface. A universal hair dryer holder, adapted for receiving and holding any type, size, or style of handheld hair dryer, projects outward from the housing. The hair dryer holder is connected to an oscillating arm via a horizontal pivot connection that allows for manual angular adjustment and affixation of the hair dryer about a generally horizontal pivot axis. The oscillating arm extends into the base and is connected to an electric motor by mechanical linkage such that angularly adjustable side-to-side oscillation is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: JRD International Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Dannenberg, William J. Weiss, Carl J. Regan, Jr., Manuel Duarte, Hendrik A. Theron, Stephen J. King
  • Patent number: 8027573
    Abstract: An integrated lamp and heater assembly comprises in one embodiment a table lamp and heater intended to be positioned on a table, such as an end table, coffee table, nightstand, or the like and in another embodiment a free-standing floor lamp and heater. The integrated lamp and heater assembly is intended to be positioned proximate to a chair, a bed or other area that is desirous of being illuminated and being provided with a supplemental flow of heated air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: James Anthony Byrne
  • Patent number: 7982163
    Abstract: A heat gun has a body with a support mechanism mounted on the handle. The support mechanism includes at least one arm moveably mounted on the handle and which is capable of moving between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The at least one arm, when it is in its extended position, is capable of co-operating with the body to form a platform upon which the heat gun can rest on a work surface while the nozzle is placed remotely from the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok Wah Chung, Han Jun Deng
  • Patent number: 7941937
    Abstract: A laundry drier control method reads a temperature variation rate per unit time, to enable drying according to the amount and type of an object being dried. The method includes steps of initiating a drying procedure; measuring a temperature variation rate per unit time over the drying procedure; calculating an overall drying time based on the measured temperature variation rate per unit time; and performing the drying procedure for the calculated overall drying time. The drying time determining step is repeated if a substantial increase in the temperature variation rate is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Gi Hyeong Do
  • Patent number: 7814677
    Abstract: A dryer extension assembly connects with a hand-held dryer for dispensing heated air beyond an exhaust outlet of the dryer. The extension assembly is constructed from one or more interconnectable tube sections, an adapter section, and a stand section. Each tube section has a plurality of apertures defined through the outer wall and the inner wall for outletting heated air directed through the tube section. The number of interconnectable tube sections essentially enables the user to select an overall length of the extension assembly. The adapter section couples the dryer to a first or top tube section and the stand section receives the last or bottom tube section. The stand section enables the user to stand the extension assembly in a vertical position such that the hand-held dryer is held aloft by the extension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Howard W. Brewer, James P. Carlstrom
  • Publication number: 20100040353
    Abstract: A non-contact cutter for a polymer corner protector disposed on a load includes an air manifold having an inlet and an outlet and defining an air passage and a heating element disposed at least in part in the air passage. A compressed gas is communicated to the manifold and into the air passage for intimate contact with the heating element to heat the gas. The heated gas is discharged through the outlet to contact and soften the polymer corner protector at a desired location to separate the corner protector at the desired location. A system and method for non-contact cutting are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Arland L. Morrison, Richard K. Balling, Richard G. Newman, Michael W. Potempa
  • Publication number: 20090208193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant feeding warming system useful to repeatedly and precisely warm breastmilk or formula for use in the NICU. The system in one form comprises a bedside unit that is attachable to an IV pole. The system may also comprise a centralized warming station with multiple chambers, wherein one chamber heats a bottle or syringe, and the remaining chambers are used for storage and/or refrigeration. The system will use a non-liquid heating system to heat feedings. A disposable liner may be used inside the chamber. The system may also contain heating algorithms that are based on a user inputting milk parameters such as volume and initial temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Ryan Bauer, Amanda Miller, Jill M. Solberg
  • Publication number: 20090022485
    Abstract: Disclosed is a apparatus which functions as a personal body-drying device for an individual whose skin is wet immediately after a bath or shower. The device is essentially a rug attached atop a platform, with the said rug exposed at its bottom surface to at least one plenum chamber, or to a network of ducting. Both the rug and the network of ducting are constructed with regularly-spaced, co-located openings through which heated air is propelled. In the optimum mode of operation, each plenum chamber contains an electric heating element over which passes air driven by fans which are attached, at their air outlets, to the respective plenum chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Wallace Charles Madden
  • Patent number: 7158716
    Abstract: A portable pedestal electric heater apparatus for providing a heated exhaust air stream at an elevation above a support surface comprises a tower electric heater and a support riser for supporting the tower electric heater at an elevation above a support surface. The tower electric heater comprises an elongate housing and at least one interior space within the elongate housing. At least one inlet opening in the elongate housing allows inlet air to enter the at least one interior space. An air blower assembly is disposed within the at least one interior space for receiving the inlet air. An air outlet opening in the housing allows the exhaust air stream to exit the at least one interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Lasko Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Shapiro, William E. Lasko, Paul W. Orr
  • Patent number: 7086176
    Abstract: A hair dryer hot air generator retainer allowing compact design, production cost reduction, and see-through attractive appearance containing a built-in hot air generator in homogenous voltage drop design; including a barrel in two separate halves and an H shape frame; multiple vitreous hot air generation devices sandwiched by two retaining members adapted with relative electrodes also for conduction; all ends of conductors connected to a DC motor concealed inside the frame for hot air generation devices to achieve homogenous voltage drop for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Hsin-Yun Lin
  • Patent number: 6959145
    Abstract: An apparatus melts snow off a person's footwear without the need for the wearer to take off the footwear. In particular, the apparatus is for melting ice and snow off the footwear, for example shoes, boots or sneakers, of the wearer by a directed and accurately disseminated heat flow. The heat flow is directed in a manner which facilitates the removal, deposition and collection of melting snow and ice from shoes of a wearer at a desired location, e.g., in a threshold or landing, adjacent an entry/exit door of a residence or commercial building before such snow and ice and any contaminant therein can be tracked into the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Victor F. Narvaez
  • Patent number: 6928235
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Shirley Pollack
  • Patent number: 6873791
    Abstract: A retaining device of a heat blower comprises two sliding grooves and two wings. Each of two sides at a rear end of a casing of the heat blower is formed with one of the two sliding grooves. Each of an upper and a lower ends of each wing has an elastic hook, respectively. By pressing the elastic hooks. The wings are embedded into respective sliding groove, and the wings are slidable with respect to the sliding groove. The wings can be pushed to move outwards to predetermined positions so as to increase the coverage and stability of the heat blower. The wings can be pushed inward along the sliding grooves for operation as being held by a user or for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Chuan-Hsin Cheng
  • Patent number: 6871013
    Abstract: A portable, handheld seam welding gun for filling in seams between sheets of linoleum flooring is provided with a unique heat nozzle. The heat nozzle of the invention couples the heating barrel of a conventional floor seam welding gun to a conventional hollow welding tip by receiving the heating air inlet tube of the tip within the confines of a downstream socket formed in the body of the heat nozzle. A larger, upstream socket formed in the body of the heat nozzle fits onto the heating barrel of the handheld, portable welding gun. A plurality of preheating jets are formed on the underside of the body of the heat nozzle to preheat the region of the channel immediately to the rear of the welding tip just before molten sealant flows into that portion of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Leo Martinez
  • Patent number: 6839982
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Alford Odell Hoover
  • Patent number: 6842581
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Neil Schafer
  • Publication number: 20040213559
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Neil Schafer
  • Publication number: 20040076409
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for warming infant feedings includes a housing having a feeding heating chamber disposed therein, a plurality of feeding receptacles disposed within the feeding heating chamber, a false feeding disposed within one of the feeding receptacles, and a surface heat sensor probe coupled to the false feeding. The surface heat sensor probe is operable to detect a temperature of the false feeding. The system further includes a heating unit operable to, in conjunction with the surface heat sensor probe, maintain the temperature of the false feeding at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Randall Wade Taylor
  • Patent number: 6705023
    Abstract: A combination dryer and atomized medicinal liquid apparatus for feet is provided having a housing with two slightly recessed footprints shaped concavities formed wihtin the top. A plurality of air discharge outlets discharge a pressurized stream of warm air in conjunction with an atomized stream of antifungal or other medicinal liquid upward onto the sole area of the user's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Alford Odell Hoover
  • Patent number: 6653605
    Abstract: A system for controlling the heating and temperature monitoring of infant incubators and infant warmers is provided with an incubator or infant warmer space, a heater for heating the space as well as a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. An input device for input of one or more control setting works in conjunction with a control device connected to the heater and to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The control device forms a control temperature from an input first skin temperature target control setting for a first patient and an input of a second skin temperature target control setting for a second patient and further patients if present and controls the heater based on a difference between the control temperature and an actual temperature value based on a first actual temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor and a second actual temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Harald Alexander Kneuer
  • Patent number: 6457254
    Abstract: A supporting column part supports a housing in which an apparatus for producing hot air and a further apparatus for producing steam are located. A jib is pivotally mounted to the housing. A hot air pipe extends from the apparatus for producing hot air through the jib to a treatment head part. A dispensing head is mounted for rotation on the hot air pipe. This dispensing head is connected at one side to dispensing hoses adapted to be coupled to hair curlers. Diffusor-like arranged exit holes are located at the opposite side. A steam pipe extends from the apparatus for producing steam obliquely into the hot air pipe so that an ejector is formed. The jib part has a through shaped receiving container portion and a cover lid portion pivotally mounted to the receiving container portion. In order to store the dispensing hoses the coverlid portion is rotated upwards and the dispensing hoses are placed into the receiving container portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Jurgene E. Sahm
  • Publication number: 20020006275
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Shirley Pollack
  • Publication number: 20020003953
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for delivering hot air comprises a protection structure (2) to be fastened to a wall (4) and a delivery unit (9) set to generate a continuous air flow. The delivery unit (9) is in engagement with the protection structure (2) through a ball joint (12, 13) so that it is movable between a rest position and an infinite number of operating positions. Associated with the ball joint (12, 13) is an electric switch which is switched over to a closed condition when the delivery unit (9) reaches one of its operating positions thereby starting said delivery unit (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Bertani Carlo
  • Publication number: 20010027967
    Abstract: A soldering apparatus is provided with a holding section for mounting and holding a board to which reflow solder is previously applied and in which a mounted part is mounted on the reflow solder, a moving section for automatically moving a holding part between a heating position and a board mounted position, a first heater for heating a face having no mounted part of the board at a temperature lower than a solder melting point and a second heater for heating a connection range of the board and the mounted part at a temperature higher than the solder melting point. The soldering apparatus also has a timer for setting a heating time of the first heater and the second heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Noguchi
  • Patent number: 5940980
    Abstract: A hands-free hair dryer is described which includes (a) a hair dryer body including heating element and fan, (b) an elongated bendable tubing connected at one end to the hair dryer body, and preferably (c) a spring clamp secured to the other end of the tubing. The tubing is capable of being bent to any desired position or angle where it remains until it is re-positioned. The spring clamp can be attached to any desired surface or support such as a counter, door, towel rack, cupboard, etc. The device allows very convenient hands-free use of the dryer for a variety of purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventors: Anessa E. Lee, Linda M. Lee
  • Patent number: 5930454
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an apparatus for thawing frozen food includes food case mounted on the lower side of a partition for partitioning cooling compartments from each other, and a heater and a blowing device installed in the partition. The operating time of the heater and the blowing fan is counted in a timer. A user accommodates frozen food in the food case and sets a time for thawing by the timer. Then the frozen food is thawed by the operation of the heater and the blowing device. Thus, the frozen food can be thawed conveniently and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Min Cho
  • Patent number: 5901270
    Abstract: An apparatus for trimming sharp edges from a non-round workpiece having a contour includes a member for trimming the workpiece by impinging a stream of heated gaseous medium on the workpiece; a member for holding the workpiece, the member for holding being rotatably mounted relative to the member for trimming relative to the member for holding; and a cam for guiding the member for trimming, the cam cooperating the member for holding with the member for trimming so that the member for trimming follows the contour of the workpiece when the member for holding is rotated relative to the member for trimming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: The Plastic Forming Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Willoughby Marshall Quin
  • Patent number: 5879516
    Abstract: Improved kugelrohr or apparatus for distilling or separating liquids. It includes a rugged, reliable air oven and drive unit with numerous safety features. One or more external guards eliminate burn hazard and risk of accidental contact. A thermal isolation support isolates the oven from its rest surface. A grounded heating element eliminates shock hazards. The oven is fitted with a grommet or bushing to support a flask connected to one or more additional flasks in a series. The outlet of the last flask in the series is connected to a drive tube via a flexible coupling. The drive tube is connected to a rotary bearing assembly mounted on a drive unit. The oven and the flasks may include impellers for circulating air to enhance heating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: David H. Kasman
  • Patent number: 5729908
    Abstract: An apparatus for the enhanced drying of shoes and boots is provided, having a main housing cylinder having a first end cap secured to a main housing, with a fan motor and screen directing forced air into a heated grid of the main housing cylinder, with the main housing cylinder including directing conduits, with the directing conduits arranged for receiving L-shaped tubes for insertion within boots, and wherein the organization is arranged for disassembly for securing the L-shaped conduits within the main housing during transport and storage of the organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Dean Braden
  • Patent number: 5675700
    Abstract: A complete in situ PCR system for amplification of nucleic acids contained in a prepared cell or tissue sample. The containment system for the PCR sample comprises a glass microscope slide, a specimen sample containing the target nucleic acid sequence mounted on the slide, a flexible plastic cover over the sample, and a retaining assembly fastened to the slide and to the cover to retain and seal a reaction mixture against the sample during thermal cycling.The retaining assembly includes a rigid ring on a rim portion of the cover, a cross beam having spaced parallel rails joined by opposite flat ends, and a pair of clips which are pressed over the ends and opposite sides of the slide to fasten the cross beam and cover to the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer Corporation
    Inventors: John G. Atwood, Lawrence A. Haff
  • Patent number: 5642462
    Abstract: A rack assembly for drying and warming fabric articles which includes an elongated tube having an interior chamber housing an electrical dryer for warming the air and directing the air through the tube and over a plurality of elongated slots formed in the elongated tube to expel the air onto the fabric article. The slots may increase in length preceding away from the dryer and cooperate with a divider wall angling down preceding away from the dryer to reduce the transverse cross-section of the interior chamber to provide a uniform forced air flow from the elongated tube onto the fabric article. The elongated tube may further comprise a plurality ribs on its exterior for spacing the fabric article from the elongated slots. The rack assembly may be mounted to an existing towel rack bar by having openings at each end and a removable cover to extend to bar of the existing rack through the assembly and out the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Lyons Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. Huff
  • Patent number: 5606640
    Abstract: An apparatus for warming a towel or other article includes a cabinet having an open top and closed by hinged lid and a hollow rack is mounted within the cabinet. A towel to be warmed is draped over the rack. A portion of heated air is introduced through a conduit into one end of the rack and is discharged outwardly from the rack through a plurality of outlets into contact with the inner surface of the draped towel, while a second portion of heated air is directed upwardly by a baffle to the upper end of the cabinet and then downwardly along the outer surface of the towel. In the preferred form of the invention, air is supplied to the rack by a standard hair dryer, the outlet of which is connected to an end of the rack by a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Willard J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5604993
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for drying the inside surfaces of gloves. The glove drying devices include a perforated hollow drying form in the shape of a hand. A tube is mounted to the inside of the drying form in order to improve the air flow into the interior of the form. A heating means is provided for mounting inside the tube in order to heat the air which flows into the drying form and to enhance the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Irmgard G. Auckerman
  • Patent number: 5467423
    Abstract: An electrically powered bathroom fixture for use in conjunction with a mirror having a straight side. An electrical housing is mounted adjacent to the mirror to pivotally support a telescopic housing. The telescopic housing includes a hot air outlet extending parallel to the straight side of the mirror. The hot air outlet is adjustable to approximately the length of the straight side of the mirror. An end cap, mounted adjacent to the mirror, pivotally supports the opposite end of the telescopic housing. Electrical power is provided to the electrical housing for powering a receptacle with ground fault protection and an electrical hot air source. The electrical hot air source forces hot air through the length adjustable hot air outlet against the mirror. The telescopic housing is rotated between the electrical housing and the end cap to adjust the angle of the hot air outlet and the forced hot air with respect to the side of the mirror to selectively defog the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Henryk P. Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 5416886
    Abstract: A portable chain drying apparatus for drying or warming snow chains after they are used so that all the moisture is dried off from the snow chains and they will not rust. The portable chain drying apparatus includes a drying assembly which has a motor element, a heater element and a blower element. The snow chains are placed within the container and wrapped around in a coil fashion so that the heating and air drying elements are placed within the center of the container. The portable chain drying apparatus is powered by a 12-volt car battery and its power cord is designed to be adapted to a cigarette lighter of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Paul C. Zahler
  • Patent number: 5404419
    Abstract: A cordless versatile dryer consists of an operating unit for blowing heated air carried within a housing for mounting onto a wall and having an optional radio housed therein. A manually adjusted L-shaped nozzle is rotatively affixed to the housing to direct the blown heated air in various directs to dry hands, face and hair. A battery pack is removably affixed to the housing and is electrically plugged into the operating unit. An optional eject button will release the battery pack and disengage it from the operating unit. A scale is attached to a track for measuring the height of persons standing under the housing, which travels on the scale, when the housing is placed in contact with the person's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Amos Artis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5394505
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for causing fracture of a brittle material such as a glass. The invention employs at least two fluid streams directed against the surface of the material to be cut. One stream is a heated fluid such as air whereas a second flow of colder fluid such as ambient temperature air is also directed against the surface to be fractured at a displaced location. The combined effect of heating and rapid cooling causes thermal stress and fracture to occur in the material to be cut. The manner of applying the fluid according to this invention produces a highly controllable propagating fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Aeromover Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Srinivas R. Bidare