Dryer having structure for enhanced drying and method of use
AssigneeProtégé Enterprises
InventorsCharles Robert Dewald, III, Thomas L. Cristello
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dryer and a drying apparatus attachable to a dryer are disclosed. A wheel having desiccant material is located in line and in close proximity with a heating element. The wheel includes a first portion positioned in an inlet air path and a second portion positioned in an outlet air path. The desiccant material removes water molecules from air within the inlet air path, and lowers the vapor pressure of the incoming air. In the outlet air path, heated air flows through the second portion to transfer energy to the desiccant material. The wheel rotates to change the desiccant material within the portions.
Claims18
A dryer, comprising:
- an inlet air path;
- a heating element to heat an intake air stream separate from the inlet air path;
- a wheel positioned to receive air from the inlet air path and heated air in the intake air stream, wherein the wheel includes desiccant material;
- and
- an outlet air path to combine the heated air in the intake air stream with an outlet air stream.
A dryer comprising:
- a desiccant wheel regeneration system that dries a desiccant material within a desiccant wheel including an air intake to allow an intake air stream to flow through a heating element to generate heated air that dries the desiccant material and then combines with air expelled from the dryer.
A method for drying an article, the method comprising:
- creating an intake air stream separate from an inlet air path;
- heating air within the intake air stream;
- flowing the heated air through a wheel including desiccant material;
- and
- removing at least one water molecule from air within the inlet air path with the desiccant material.
A dryer comprising:
- an intake located on a side of the dryer to allow intake air to enter the dryer and heated with a heating element;
- and
- a fan positioned with the intake to draw the intake air into the dryer.
A method for regenerating a desiccant wheel in a dryer, the method comprising:
- creating an intake air stream through an intake;
- heating the intake air stream;
- flowing the intake air stream through a portion of desiccant material;
- and
- combining the intake air stream with an outlet air path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.