Compact integrated forced air drying system
AssigneeFlexAir, Inc.
InventorMark R. Atkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fully integrated drying or heating system utilizes forced air and electrical heaters. A solid cartridge heater is enclosed within a compact air plenum with a circuitous air path arranged within the plenum in heat transfer communication with the heater. The plenums are shaped and configured to be used in banks of plural plenums, with the operating controls and all the components of the air distribution system and air heating system fully integrated into a modular package.
Claims22
A forced hot air drying unit, comprising:
- an elongated housing with an air inlet and an internal cavity, said air inlet open into said internal cavity to allow pressurized air to enter said internal cavity, a plurality of air outlets arranged spaced apart along a length of said internal cavity to allow air to pass from said internal cavity to the exterior of said housing;
- and
- a heater mounted within said internal cavity of said housing.
A forced hot air drying unit for drying inks, paints or other coatings, comprising:
- a means for receiving pressurized air;
- a means for receiving electrical power;
- a plurality of drying units that each receive, heat, and disperse said pressurized air;
- a means for controlling the flow of said pressurized air passing through said drying units, said controlling means includes an airflow regulator;
- and
- a means for controlling the temperature of the air passing through said drying units, said means includes a modulating power electronic temperature controller, wherein said drying units, said means for controlling the flow, and said means for controlling the temperature are located in a single enclosure.
An air distribution system for a forced hot air drying unit, comprising:
- an enclosure;
- at least one housing, said housing having an air inlet to allow pressurized air to enter said housing, an internal cavity, and an outlet to allow air to pass from said internal cavity to the exterior of said housing;
- a heater mounted within said internal cavity of each said housing;
- at least one control for influencing the amount of forced air drying;
- and
- wherein said at least one housing and said control are contained within said enclosure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.