US4600491A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Workpiece drying apparatus
Assignee: NEW CENTURY SYSTEMS Ltd
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Filing: 1984-05-17
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Granted: 1986-07-15
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Expires: 2004-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A container comprising a bottom and walls extending therefrom forming a volume having an opening opposite from said bottom; and means for enclosing the volume, the enclosing means including means for supporting and suspending a workpiece within the enclosed volume apart from the walls and the bottom and means for circulating the heated air within said enclosed volume including an axial or radial flow fan.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas N. Urquhart
- 👤 Gordon T. Urquhart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:46
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25D; C25D13/00; C25D13/22; F; F26; F26B; F26B25/00; F26B25/06; F26B3/00; F26B3/28; F26B3/283; F26B2210/00; F26B2210/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus comprising: a container comprising a bottom and walls extending therefrom forming a volume into which a workpiece to be dried is received, including an opening opposite from said bottom; and means for enclosing said volume and operative to prevent communication therethrough, the enclosing means including means for supporting and for suspending a workpiece within said volume apart from said walls and said bottom and circulating means, supported by said enclosing means, for circulating heated air within said volume.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
An apparatus comprising: a container comprising a bottom and walls extending therefrom forming a volume into which a workpiece to be dried is received, including an opening opposite from said bottom; and means for enclosing said volume and operative to prevent communication therethrough, the enclosing means including means for supporting and for suspending a workpiece within said volume apart from said walls and said bottom and circulating means, supported by said enclosing means, for circulating heated air within said volume.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said enclosing means includes means for engaging the end of the walls proximate said opening and for seating thereon and for forming in cooperation with said container an enclosed volume.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said walls are hollow and wherein said apparatus further includes blower means for urging heated air through said hollow walls, for heating the walls to a level sufficient for said walls to radiate heat onto said workpiece.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 further including means for activating said blower means after said enclosing means has seated upon said container.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the outer portions of said walls and bottom of said container are insulated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for supporting and suspending a workpiece further includes means for rotating the workpiece relative to the heated air.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said circulating means is supported by and movable with said enclosing means and includes means for directing air flow against the workpiece.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said means for supporting and suspending a workpiece further includes means for rotating the workpiece relative to said air flow.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 8 further including means for activating said circulating means while said enclosing means is positioned upon said container as well as when said enclosing means is positioned above said container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said container includes means for wetting said workpiece.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said means for wetting includes fluid into which said workpiece is lowered and rotated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said circulating means is activated after said workpiece has been removed from said fluid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said means for wetting includes means for spraying fluid on said workpiece.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said circulating means includes at least one fan carried by said supporting means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said fan is an axial or radial flow fan.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for raising and lowering said enclosing means relative to said container.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-07-14 | 1990-01-13 | 1990-07-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-07-14 | 1994-01-13 | 1994-07-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-07-14 | 1998-01-13 | 1998-07-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |