Gas Or Vapor Pressure Is Superatmospheric Patents (Class 34/413)
  • Patent number: 11040371
    Abstract: A method for producing a panel including a core and a decorative surface layer is disclosed. The method includes the step of applying a dry powder layer on the core. The method includes the step of applying steam on a dry powder layer on the core. Thereafter heat and pressure are applied to the powder layer in order to bond the powder together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: VALINGE INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Jan Jacobsson
  • Patent number: 9745690
    Abstract: A method for controlling an exhaust type clothes dryer may include measuring humidity of air passing through an interior of the drum to sense a degree of dryness of a target item, and discharging air that has passed through the drum or recirculating at least a portion of air that has passed through the drum to the drum by comparing a degree of dryness of the target item with a predetermined reference value. In the recirculating of air, an amount of recirculated air may be increased according to an increase in the degree of dryness of the target item by adjusting a degree of opening of a recirculation channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sunki Lee, Daeyun Park, Byeongjo Ryoo
  • Patent number: 9441323
    Abstract: A controlling method of a laundry machine including a tub and a drum, the controlling method includes steps of: sensing selection of a tub drying step and performing the tub drying step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Bok Son, Myoung Suk You, Sung Min Ye, Tae Hee Lee, Deug Hee Lee, Ae Kyung Chae, Yoon Seob Eom
  • Patent number: 8943706
    Abstract: A method for drying a material using an acoustic wave drying including an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Rodney Ray Bucks, Andrew Ciaschi, Michael Alan Marcus, Kam Chuen Ng
  • Patent number: 8919009
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a clothes dryer having a drying chamber and an air flow system including a variable speed blower for forcing air through the drying chamber comprises the step of assessing a value related to the water removal rate and the step of adjusting the speed of the blower depending on the assessed value, the value being preferably based on a ratio between the water condensing rate and the power of a heater used to heat up the air flow upstream the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Davide Colombo, Daniele Martinello, Matteo Santinato, Fabrizio Padula, Antonio Visioli
  • Patent number: 8904668
    Abstract: A method for removing a moistening liquid from a moistened medium includes bringing at least one surface of the moistened medium into contact with a heating liquid. The heating liquid is warmed to a temperature greater than a moistening-liquid boiling point. Heat is transferred from the warmed heating liquid to the moistening liquid, thereby vaporizing the moistening liquid and removing it from the moistened medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Alan Richard Priebe, Donald Saul Rimai, Christopher J. White
  • Patent number: 8844158
    Abstract: The invention relates to a felt material comprising at least one felt layer and an absorbing layer, to a method for producing the felt material, and to the use of the felt material in textiles, shoes, technical application or medical applications. The felt material according to the invention has the advantages of conventional felt materials regarding the warming and damping properties and is permeable to air in the dry state. Due to the special design, however, it is waterproof in the wet state and thus it is suitable for sealing many materials. The felt material according to the invention binds more humidity or binds water in a different way than common felt materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: IQTEX Patentverwaltung UG
    Inventor: Michael Christian Dehn
  • Patent number: 8832965
    Abstract: One of the controlling methods disclosed relates to control of a laundry machine including a tub and a drum, the method includes the steps of: sensing selection of a tub drying step and performing the tub drying step. The other controlling method of a laundry machine comprises the steps of: selecting a tub drying step; sensing door operation of the laundry machine; and performing the tub drying step based on the result of the door operation. Further, a laundry machine is disclosed that comprises a tub drying step selecting part configured to dry a tub (2); and a control part configured to control the tub (2) dried in case the tub drying step selecting part is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Bok Son, Myoung Suk You, Sung Min Ye, Tae Hee Lee, Deug Hee Lee, Ae Kyung Chae, Yoon Seob Eom
  • Patent number: 8806775
    Abstract: A method for operating a clothes treating apparatus having a dry function capable of reducing abrasion and crease of a dry object and improving a dry efficiency is provided. The method for operating a clothes treating apparatus having a dry function for drying the clothes by supplying hot air into the interior of a tub includes: supplying hot air into the interior of the tub while forwardly and reversely rotating the tub; detecting the moisture content of the clothes put into the interior of the tub; lowering the temperature of hot air and supplying the same when the detected moisture content is less than a first predetermined level; and supplying the hot air having a lower temperature to complete drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minji Kim, Hyojin Ko, Yongcheol Jin, Sanghun Bae
  • Patent number: 8793900
    Abstract: Granular material is dehumidified by: a) arranging a dehumidification plant having at least one hopper for containing the granular material, having a feed mouth and an output mouth, and at least one dry air generator fluidically connected to a dry air distributor inside the hopper; b) loading granular material into the hopper through the feed mouth; c) measuring the degree of initial humidity of the granular material entering the hopper; d) calculating on the basis of the values of initial humidity measured, the dehumidifying capacity of the dry air flow through the hopper needed to achieve predefined residual humidity values in the granular material leaving the hopper, the residence time of the granular material inside the hopper being fixed; e) generating a dry air flow through said hopper having a dehumidifying capacity calculated in the calculating step d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Moretto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renato Moretto
  • Patent number: 8778036
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Skye Energy Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 8683713
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dryer and a drying method of the same. The dryer includes a condensing unit to change water vapor evaporated from a drying object into condensate water by cooling, a condensate water storage container in which the condensate water is stored, a water level sensing device to detect a level of the stored condensate water, and a microcomputer to calculate a change rate of condensation or of the condensate water level based on the detected water level and to determine a value of dryness of the drying object. The dryer effectively performs a drying operation based on the accurately detected value of dryness of the drying object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Ha, Jeong Su Han, Jun hoe Choi, Sang Yeon Pyo, Tae Gyoon Noh
  • Patent number: 8677650
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney Watterodt, Sang joon Park, David Rego, Anthony S. Andreacchi, Yung-Ming Chen, Arnoldo M. Currlin, Antonio Garcia, Jason Van Sciver, Bryan D. Glenn, Matthew J. Gillick, John E. Papp
  • Patent number: 8671586
    Abstract: A method for using an apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that outers the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: SynCoal Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Harry E. Bonner, Roger B. Malmquist, Ray W. Sheldon
  • Publication number: 20140068962
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are described herein. A vacuum multi-chamber deposition tool can include a degas chamber with both a heating mechanism and a variable frequency microwave source. A method for degassing a substrate can include positioning a substrate comprising a polymer or an epoxy within a processing chamber maintained between a degas temperature and a glass transition temperature, exposing the substrate to variable frequency microwave radiation, exposing the substrate to a plasma comprising an inert gas, removing oxygen containing compounds from the chamber, raising the pressure of inert gas in the chamber, and maintaining the pressure of inert gas while cooling the substrate to a temperature lower than the degas temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, Inc.
    Inventors: GLEN T. MORI, Yueh Sheng Ow
  • Patent number: 8661705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a polymer material filled with longer fibers, wherein the fibers, which typically have a residual moisture content of approximately 5 to 8% and a minimum length of more than 2 mm, and the carrier material are mixed and heated in a reactor or cutter-compacter, constantly moving them and optionally comminuting the carrier material, and constantly maintaining the pourability and/or lumpiness. According to the invention, the conditions, and particularly the temperature, in the reactor are adjusted so as to dry the fibers to the lowest residual moisture possible, at which the fibers are just barely sufficiently flexible so as not to break during processing in the reactor, or during an optionally following compression step, for example extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen Gesellschaft m.b.H
    Inventors: Manfred Hackl, Klaus Feichtinger, Gerhard Wendelin, Walter Reisinger
  • Publication number: 20130326903
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dehydrating a water-containing medium, said medium being a pressurized gas having a pressure of at least 0.5 MPa, said process comprising:—contacting the water-containing medium with a dry ionic liquid choline salt to dehydrate the water-containing medium; and—separating a dehydrated medium from the hydrated ionic liquid choline salt. Ionic liquid choline salts offer the advantage that they can be regenerated very easily as they are surprisingly heat-stable. Furthermore, these liquid choline salts offer the advantage that they are non-toxic and largely inert. Thus, these ionic liquid choline salts can suitably be used to dehydrate water-containing media that are subsequently employed in the production of foodstuffs, beverages, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical preparations etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: FEYECON B.V.
    Inventors: Gerard Willem Hofland, Tjerk Jan de Vries, Maarten Stolk
  • Patent number: 8595953
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus includes a drum configured to accommodate therein an object to be dried, an air suction device configured to form a flow path of air introduced into the drum, an air exhaustion device configured to form a flow path of air exhausted from the drum, a condenser disposed to heat air sucked into the drum through the air suction device, an evaporator disposed to cool air exhausted from the drum the air exhaustion device, and a compressor and an expander configured to constitute a heat pump together with the condenser and the evaporator. The method includes a temperature detection step of detecting a temperature change of air passing through the condenser or the air suction device, and a determination step of determining that refrigerant leakage has occurred when a temperature decrease amount measured in the temperature detection step is more than a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyuksoo Lee, Sungho Song, Sungmin Ye, Seonghwan Kim, Byeongjo Ryoo
  • Patent number: 8578625
    Abstract: A process for removing water and solutes from the lumens of green wood, while leaving the cell walls throughout the wood uniformly fully swollen, comprises subjecting the green wood to supercritical carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited
    Inventors: Robert Arthur Franich, Sheryl Suzanne Gallagher, Hendricus Wilhelmus Kroese
  • Patent number: 8555520
    Abstract: A covered sample plate with wells holding samples to be dried. The cover has through holes that communicate with only a portion of each well. The covered plate is inserted into a cradle of an assembly of cradles that is rotated. The cradle assembly fits into a tub and when rotated the cradles present a sold wall that functions as a centrifugal fan that drives air out through an opening in the tub. The air is dried of solvent and re-circulated back through the through holes in the cover to the sample wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Harvard Bioscience, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert J. Hedberg
  • Patent number: 8533972
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Patent number: 8528226
    Abstract: A vented dryer having a drum to dry damp laundry by warm process air; a first process air duct upstream of the drum; a heater to heat the process air in the first process air duct; a supply air duct leading into the first process air duct; an exhaust air duct; a second process air duct downstream of the drum and transitioning into the exhaust air duct; a blower; a first temperature sensor in the first process air duct; and a heat-buildup generator to generate a heat buildup at the first temperature sensor if a counter-flowing air current occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Kai-Uwe Bache, Philipp Steusloff, Andy Wischer
  • Patent number: 8528224
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a substrate include supplying steam in a chamber, arranging a substrate with a deposited layer that includes silicon in the chamber, and directing UV light onto the deposited layer in the presence of the steam for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially convert the deposited layer. Systems and methods for densifying a deposited layer of a substrate include supplying ammonia in a chamber, arranging the substrate that includes the deposited layer in the chamber, and directing UV light onto the deposited layer in the presence of the ammonia for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially densify the deposited layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhadri N. Varadarajan, Bart Van Schravendijk
  • Patent number: 8499471
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for drying a biosolid or sludge, such as wastewater sludge. The system and method include a fluidized bed dryer in which the sludge is dried. The fluidized bed includes bed media. In particular examples, the bed media is different than the sludge. The system and method can include additional features, such treating the sludge using a thermochemical process in a thermochemical reactor, such as a gasifier, to produce a fuel. The fuel is then combusted to produce energy and heat. The heat is recycled to the drier to help dry sludge. In particular examples, sludge input to the dryer is not first treated using a high-pressure dewatering technique. In some embodiments, the system and method include an anaerobic digester coupled to a combustion unit coupled to the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventors: Charles J. Coronella, Victor R. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 8465596
    Abstract: Disclosed is a supercritical processing apparatus and a supercritical processing method for suppressing the pattern collapse or the injection of material constituting a processing liquid into a substrate. A processing chamber receives a substrate subjected to a processing with supercritical fluid, and a liquid supply unit supplies a processing liquid including a fluorine compound to the processing chamber. A liquid discharge unit discharges the supercritical fluid from the processing chamber, a pyrolysis ingredient removing unit removes an ingredient facilitating the pyrolysis of a liquid from the processing chamber or from the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit, and a to heating unit heats the processing liquid including a fluorine compound of hydrofluoro ether or hydrofluoro carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Toshima, Mitsuaki Iwashita, Kazuyuki Mitsuoka, Hidekazu Okamoto, Hideo Namatsu
  • Patent number: 8365435
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pellerin Milnor Corporation
    Inventors: Russell H. Poy, Santhi Antarikananda
  • Publication number: 20130000484
    Abstract: A method of separating a first gas component from a feed gas mixture comprising the first gas component and a second gas component using a SAPO-34 molecular sieve membrane. Periodically removing unwanted components that are absorbed on the membrane may be accomplished by passing a regeneration gas stream through the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Jason Williams
  • Publication number: 20120304485
    Abstract: A substrate processing method and apparatus which can remove an anti-drying liquid, which has entered a three-dimensional pattern with recessed portions formed in a substrate, in a relatively short time. The substrate processing method includes the steps of: carrying a substrate, having a three-dimensional pattern formed in a surface, into a processing container, said pattern being covered with an anti-drying liquid that has entered the recessed portions of the pattern; heating the substrate and supplying a pressurizing gas or a fluid in a high-pressure state into the processing container, thereby forming a high-pressure atmosphere in the processing container before the anti-drying liquid vaporizes to such an extent as to cause pattern collapse and bringing the anti-drying liquid into a high-pressure state while keeping the liquid in the recessed portions of the pattern; and thereafter discharging a fluid in a high-pressure state or a gaseous state from the processing container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: Tokyo Electron Limited, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hidekazu Hayashi, Yohei Sato, Hisashi Okuchi, Hiroshi Tomita, Kazuyuki Mitsuoka, Mitsuaki Iwashita, Takehiko Orii, Gen You, Hiroki Ohno, Takayuki Toshima
  • Patent number: 8296968
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly and effectively drying ground surfaces are disclosed and claimed. The invention has particular utility in the drying of a race track surface. The invention consists of a means for blowing air upon the surface, a means for heating the air and a means for moving the apparatus with respect to the surface to provide flexibility and control in the degree of drying/heating performed. The apparatus and method may be applied to a variety of surfaces including earthen (dirt) surfaces, concrete and asphalt. One of the objectives of the device is to enable the drying of a track surface such that the surface will not be damaged by overheating which can otherwise occur with other track drying devices applied to an asphalt surface in particular. The design of the invention makes specific use of enhanced turbulent air flow at the surface in order to improve performance over a purely laminar air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Charles Hensley
  • Patent number: 8276291
    Abstract: A method of drying a surface of a substrate is provided. The method includes supporting a substrate; rotating the substrate about a rotational center point; applying a liquid to the substrate via a liquid dispenser; applying a drying fluid to the substrate via a drying fluid dispenser; moving the drying fluid dispenser and the liquid dispenser in a direction toward an edge region of the substrate, the drying fluid being applied closer to the rotational center point than the fluid; upon the liquid being applied to the edge region of the substrate, discontinuing application of the liquid while continuing the manipulation of the drying fluid dispenser; and upon the drying fluid being applied to the edge region of the substrate, continuing to apply the drying fluid for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Zhi (Lewis) Liu, Ismail Kashkoush, Hanjoo Lee
  • Patent number: 8272411
    Abstract: A lyophilization device configured for use in a lyophilization process has a body defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be lyophilized, and a stopper creating a liquid-tight seal between the chamber and ambient atmosphere to form a sealed, empty sterile chamber. The stopper is adapted so that the chamber may be sterile filled with the substance through the stopper. A fluid passageway is formed through the stopper, through which the chamber is evacuated. The substance is lyophilized, the fluid passageway is closed, and the lyophilized substance is hermetically sealed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 8266821
    Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Wyssmont Company Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Weisselberg, Joseph Bevacqua, Robert Borre
  • Patent number: 8256139
    Abstract: A method of reducing the risk of fire or containing fire in a laundry appliance and an appliance incorporating said method. The appliance includes a sensor means capable of sensing an abnormal fault condition indicative of an increased fire risk or a fire within the appliance drum. In response to sensing the abnormal fault condition, the appliance controller enters a fire containment cycle which rotates the drum at a tumbling speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited
    Inventors: John Richard James Morrison, Seth Fischer, Lindsey Jack Roke
  • Patent number: 8256137
    Abstract: A home laundry drier (1) having a revolving drum (5) for housing the laundry to be dried, a hot-air generator (7) for circulating a stream of hot air inside the drum (5), and a steam generator (17) for feeding steam into the drum (5); the steam generator (17) having an electric boiler (18) designed to receive a given quantity of water and immediately convert it into a stream of low-pressure steam to be fed into the drum (5), a demineralized-water reservoir (20) located over and communicating with the electric boiler (18), and a lint filter (23) located upstream from the water reservoir (20); the water reservoir (20) receiving distilled water from the water canister (12) of the heat exchanger (10) of the hot-air generator (7) via a water drain circuit (13); and the laundry drier (1) also having a liquid level sensor (26) for determining when the water in the water reservoir (20) is below a given minimum level, and a central control unit (24) for determining whether the water reservoir (20) is in a given low-wa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Flavio Noviello, Gennaro Napolitano, Mirko Cenedese, Roberto Ragogna
  • Patent number: 8240063
    Abstract: Fluid is removed from the cleaning element of such as a sponge mop or string mop by inflating a bladder or like expansible member which is positioned in an enclosure adjacent the cleaning element, causing the expansible member to expand into contact with the cleaning element, thereby compressing the cleaning element for squeezing fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: David Brian Grimes
  • Patent number: 8225527
    Abstract: Described are an apparatus and a method for cooling a web. The apparatus includes an inner cylinder having a void therein and configured for coupling to a gas source. The apparatus also includes an outer cylinder having an inner surface, an outer surface to support a web and apertures between the inner and outer surfaces. The outer cylinder rotates about the inner cylinder so that gas provided to the void of the inner cylinder flows through the apertures that are adjacent to the void and passes to the outer surface of the outer cylinder to increase the heat transfer between the web and the outer cylinder. The volume of gas introduced into the vacuum deposition chamber during a process run is thereby limited. Advantageously, the apparatus enables higher deposition rates and increased productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Aventa Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Piero Sferlazzo, Donald N. Polner, Darren M. Simonelli
  • Patent number: 8187655
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dehydrating pieces of intact plant or animal tissue, said pieces containing at least 30 wt. % of water, the method comprising (i) contacting the pieces of intact tissue with a pressurized gas to reduce the water content of the pieces by at least 50%, said pressurized gas having a pressure of at least 0.5×Pc and a temperature of at least Tc?60° C., Pc representing the critical pressure of the gas and Tc representing the critical temperature of the gas, and (ii) separating the pressurized gas from the dehydrated pieces, wherein at least 80 wt. %, preferably at least 90 wt. % of the matter removed by the gas from the pieces of intact plant or animal tissue is water. The invention also provides a method of dehydrating a material containing at least 30 wt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Feyecon Development & Implementation B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus G. M. Agterof, Rajni Bhatia, Gerard W. Hofland
  • Patent number: 8181356
    Abstract: A substrate processing method is arranged to perform a heat process on a substrate with a coating film formed thereon to bake and cure the coating film. At first, the substrate, with the coating film formed thereon, is held at a preparatory temperature lower than a lower limit of temperature for baking and curing the coating film, to adjust distribution of a predetermined component in the coating film. Then, the substrate, with distribution of the predetermined component thus adjusted, is subjected to a heat process at a temperature not lower than the lower limit of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takahisa Otsuka, Tsuyoshi Shibata
  • Patent number: 8146265
    Abstract: A display device of a dryer, which can achieve the reliability of a function to display a clogging degree in the dryer, is disclosed. The display device includes a display unit for displaying a clogging degree of an air passage through at least one level indicator, and a controller for controlling the display unit when power is supplied, such that the level indicator flickers for a predetermined time, and then displays the clogging degree of the air passage. The display for the clogging degree of the air passage is executed, following the display of a normal operation state of the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Hun Oh, Seon Il Heo, Yang Hwan Kim, Yeong Sik Choi, Seog Ho Ko, Ju Han Yoon
  • Patent number: 8141270
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining flow rate of air or other gas through a conduit independently of conduit cross sectional area include providing apparatus for and measuring temperature of the air or other gas at a first position along the conduit; providing apparatus for and heating the air or other gas in the conduit of the location downstream from the first position by application of a known power level to the air or other gas in the conduit; providing apparatus for and measuring air or other gas temperature at a second position downstream of the heating position along the conduit; providing apparatus for and subtracting air or other gas temperature at the second position from air or other gas temperature at the first position to obtain a temperature difference and thereafter providing apparatus for and dividing power applied to heat the air or other gas by the product of the temperature difference and the specific heat of the air or other gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Maguire Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Gera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8136264
    Abstract: An automatic dry control method is disclosed, enabling exact drying by stabilizing a detection value of a temperature sensor and performing an additional drying according to a first dryness achieving point at an automatic drying washer and a drum type dryer that determines dryness by using the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sun Cheol Bae, Dae Woong Kim, Chang Woo Son
  • Patent number: 8132629
    Abstract: A sprinkler system and a method for mitigating scaling, microbiological influenced corrosion and oxidative corrosion are disclosed. The system includes a piping network in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water and an air pump. The network is vented to the ambient. The air pump moves initially dry ambient air through the system, either by maintaining a negative or a positive air pressure within the network. The dry air absorbs residual water within the network and exhausts it to the ambient. Rate of air flow through the system is controlled by restrictor elements such as orifices, throttle valves or venturies within the piping network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William J. Reilly, Kevin J. Blease
  • Patent number: 8117764
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Great River Energy
    Inventors: Mark A Ness, Matthew P Coughlin, John M Wheeldon, Adam M Johnson
  • Patent number: 8112902
    Abstract: A spin or tumble dryer having an air outlet with a moisture sensor is connected to a controller. The moisture sensor determines and stored the measured absolute atmospheric humidity values in the air outlet during operation. Specific characteristic values of the detected moisture can be determined, such as at a point in time and the duration to reach a maximum value or an absolute atmospheric humidity at a specific instant, which can be compared with the values stored in the controller. From this, it is possible to determine the laundry load quantity that is located in the spin dryer, and as a result a program sequence for drying the load can be optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Muenzner, Kay Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8096064
    Abstract: A method for drying lumber in a short time with less use of energy. The method of drying lumber includes: enclosing lumber in a batch container having a pressure release valve; filling fluid into the batch container under pressure; maintaining a temperature and a pressure at or above a critical point of the fluid for a certain period of time; and then opening the pressure release valve of the batch container to reduce the internal pressure to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute
    Inventors: Masahiro Matsunaga, Koichi Setoyama, Yutaka Kataoka, Hiroaki Matsui, Hiroshi Matsunaga, Takeshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8091252
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a gas valve of a dryer which controls the amount of gas supplied into a gas combustor. The method includes detecting the temperature of hot air supplied into a drum, detecting the temperature of the hot air discharged outside the drum, and controlling a gas valve of a gas combustor according to the temperature of the hot air supplied into the drum and the temperature of the hot air discharged outside the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Chang Hoo Kim
  • Patent number: 8087182
    Abstract: A method for operating a condenser tumble dryer is provided and includes a drying chamber for containing objects to be dried, a process air circuit having a heating element, a fan for conducting heated process air over the objects, a heat pump circuit having an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser, and sensors for determining the humidity in the objects to be dried. According to the method, the humidity is determined and the process air is heated by the condenser until the humidity ranges between about 0% and about 12%. In the event that the humidity drops below the predetermined value, the heating element is activated and operated for at least five minutes so that the air temperature in the drying chamber reaches at least 70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Steffens
  • Patent number: 8079158
    Abstract: A process for feeding a slurry of thermoplastic synthetic polymer particles such as polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers and copolymers in combination with a liquid such as water at a liquid temperature greater than the normal boiling point of the liquid, under a pressure greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid at the liquid temperature, into a separation zone such as a centrifugal dryer, and within the separation zone: a. separating the liquid from the particles, and b. drying the particles; while under a high pressure equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid. There is also provided a process for decoupling the dried particles from the separation zone to an atmosphere having a pressure less than the vapor pressure of the liquid while maintaining the vapor pressure of the particles prior to decoupling equal to or above the vapor pressure of the liquid at the liquid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Ekart, Andrew S. Hudson, Raymond Isaac, Luciano Dalmacio Samitier
  • Patent number: 8065815
    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 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: RDP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W Christy, Robert Van Bramer, Michael Quici
  • Patent number: 8056257
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber, and a cleaning-liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid containing hydrofluoro ether onto a substrate to be processed placed in the chamber. In the chamber, there is further disposed a gas supply unit that supplies into the chamber a gas for preventing moisture from being adhered to a substrate to be processed, when a cleaning liquid containing hydrofluoro ether is supplied onto the substrate to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroki Ohno, Kenji Sekiguchi