A drying apparatus is disclosed that includes at least a first absorbent layer and a waterproof layer attached to the first absorbent layer to form a drying body. At least three elongated handles can extend from radially from the drying body. Wet items such as food can be placed on the drying body and the elongated handles can be brought together to wrap the drying apparatus around the items. The elongated handles can be grasped by a user's hand and the drying apparatus can be swirled or slung by the elongated handles to force water and moisture from the items and into the absorbent layer of the drying apparatus to dry the items.

A drying apparatus is disclosed that includes at least a first absorbent layer and a waterproof layer attached to the first absorbent layer to form a drying body. At least three elongated handles can extend from radially from the drying body. Wet items such as food can be placed on the drying body and the elongated handles can be brought together to wrap the drying apparatus around the items. The elongated handles can be grasped by a user's hand and the drying apparatus can be swirled or slung by the elongated handles to force water and moisture from the items and into the absorbent layer of the drying apparatus to dry the items.

A grain dying system for a grain bin that includes a heating unit arranged in a proximity of the grain bin and ducting connected at one end to the heating unit and another end to a grain drying adaptor. The grain drying adaptor is connected at one end to the ducting and at another end to a fain unit of an aeration system for the grain bin. The fan unit is attached to the grain drying adaptor. The grain drying adaptor is configured to introduce a blend of heated air from the heating unit and ambient air from outside the grain drying adaptor into the aeration system of the grain bin.

An apparatus for connecting a heater to a grain bin aeration fan features a multi-piece adapter device having a connection adapter with inlets for receiving flexible ducts from a heater. The connection adapter can be used on its own to directly interface with a grain bin aeration fan of a first size, or can be used in combination with a cooperative sizing adapter to adjust an effective outlet size of the adapter to better fit a grain bin aeration fan of a different second size. An ambient air intake in the connection adapter entrains ambient air into the heated air stream.

An apparatus for connecting a heater to a grain bin aeration fan features a multi-piece adapter device having a connection adapter with inlets for receiving flexible ducts from a heater. The connection adapter can be used on its own to directly interface with a grain bin aeration fan of a first size, or can be used in combination with a cooperative sizing adapter to adjust an effective outlet size of the adapter to better fit a grain bin aeration fan of a different second size. An ambient air intake in the connection adapter entrains ambient air into the heated air stream.

The present invention provides a device (100,200) to improve the drying performance of a tumble dryer, comprising a substantially curved and three-dimensional body portion (102,202) and a heat reflective layer (104,204) disposed on an outwardly facing surface of the body portion. A method of manufacturing a device to improve the drying performance of a textile drying apparatus is also provided.

The present invention provides a device (100,200) to improve the drying performance of a tumble dryer, comprising a substantially curved and three-dimensional body portion (102,202) and a heat reflective layer (104,204) disposed on an outwardly facing surface of the body portion. A method of manufacturing a device to improve the drying performance of a textile drying apparatus is also provided.

A washing and drying unit configured to perform at least one of washing, drying, and sterilizing, or any combination thereof includes at least one sensor configured to determine a dimension and/or shape of the object, a washing and/or sterilizing apparatus and a drying and/or sterilizing apparatus configured to direct at least one apparatus or spray of a washing and/or sterilizing or a drying and/or sterilizing fluid to the object, at least one robot arm connected to at least one of the apparatuses, and a controller operable to orient and move the at least one robot arm. A separate sterilization apparatus may be included and the sterilization may include using electrified water or water that has been exposed to ultraviolet light. The controller orients the at least one robot arm based on the dimension and/or shape determined by the at least one sensor.

A dryer appliance and a method of detecting a moisture content of clothes in the dryer appliance are provided. The dryer appliance includes a top bearing positioned proximate a front of a rotating drum and temperature and humidity sensors positioned behind the top bearing for measuring a chamber temperature and humidity as well as a temperature sensor for measuring the exhaust temperature. A controller implements a method of detecting the moisture content of clothes within the drum by obtaining the chamber and exhaust temperatures and the chamber humidity, estimating the moisture content using these values, and adjusting at least one operating parameter of the dryer appliance in response to the estimated moisture content of the clothes.

A drying apparatus promotes drying of a wet item while protecting a surrounding environment from moisture escaping the wet item as it dries. The apparatus includes a waterproof casing comprising one or more waterproof materials and constructed (a) to receive a wet item and (b) prevent the moisture in the wet item from contacting items in the surrounding environment. The waterproof casing also includes a drain structure at one end having an opening through which moisture from the wet item escapes the drying apparatus and one or more rigid structures extending from within the waterproof casing through the opening to create a pathway for the escaping moisture. The drying apparatus also has an intake vent positioned to draw air into the drying apparatus and direct the air over the wet item within the apparatus and through the opening in the drain structure.