Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
An improved air dryer comprising: a heat exchanger having an air inlet and outlet with an air passage therebetween, said air passage is of finite length and has one dimension in the range of 0.020 to 0.070 inches; a heat sink having an ambient air entrance and exit with communications therebetween; a fan means associated with said heat sink for pulling air into said entrance, forcing air through said entrance and out said exit; a thermoelectric module means attached to and sandwiched between said heat exchanger and heat sink for thermocommunication therewith; a direct current voltage supply means; and switching means for periodically and simultaneously reversing the current to said thermoelectric module and directing the air from said outlet between a first and second exit path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
An improved air dryer comprising: a heat exchanger having an air inlet and outlet with an air passage therebetween, said air passage is of finite length and has one dimension in the range of 0.020 to 0.070 inches; a heat sink having an ambient air entrance and exit with communications therebetween; a fan means associated with said heat sink for pulling air into said entrance, forcing air through said entrance and out said exit; a thermoelectric module means attached to and sandwiched between said heat exchanger and heat sink for thermocommunication therewith; a direct current voltage supply means; and switching means for periodically and simultaneously reversing the current to said thermoelectric module and directing the air from said outlet between a first and second exit path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said heat exchanger includes internal fins alternately connected to opposing surfaces therein in a perpendicular relationship forming said air path therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein said one dimension of said passage is in the range of 0.030 to 0.050 inches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as defined in claims 1 or 2 wherein said one dimension is approximately 0.030 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said switching means comprises a current-reversing switch which reverses said current between a first direction to a second direction and actuates a valve means which switches said air from said outlet between a first exit path and a second exit path.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein a platform means is interposed between said heat exchanger and said thermoelectric module.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of dehumidifying air, comprising the steps of: (a) flowing air through a heat exchanger having a passage defined by a plurality of adjacent flat plate surfaces; (b) directing the air from said heat exchanger to a first flow path for use; (c) cooling the surface temperature of said plates to a temperature below the freezing temperature of moisture carried by said air whereby the moisture from the air condenses and freezes on the surface of said plates; (d) elevating the surface temperature of said plates and directing the air from the first flow path to a second flow path simultaneously, whereby the ice collected on said plates melts and exits said second flow path; and (e) repeating steps b-d above periodically.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of dehumidifying air, comprising the steps of: (a) flowing air through a heat exchanger having a passage defined by a plurality of adjacent flat plate surfaces; (b) directing the air from said heat exchanger to a first flow path for use; (c) cooling the surface temperature of said plates to a temperature below the freezing temperature of moisture carried by said air whereby the moisture from the air condenses and freezes on the surface of said plates; (d) elevating the surface temperature of said plates and directing the air from the first flow path to a second flow path simultaneously, whereby the ice collected on said plates melts and exits said second flow path; and (e) repeating steps b-d above periodically.