Spin cycle methodology and article drying apparatus

Abstract

A method for drying articles is provided comprising, providing a wash basket within a wash drum inside a washing machine and an air stream which follows an air flow path through the wash basket and through the machine. Then engaging a heater located along the air flow path, engaging a cooling unit located along the air flow path, and spinning the wash basket with the heating unit and cooling units engaged. Also provided is an apparatus for drying articles comprising, an air stream which follows an air flow path through a washing machine comprising a wash basket, a heating unit located along the air stream, a cooling unit located along the air stream, and a supplemental heater located along the air stream.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for drying articles comprising; 
 providing a wash basket within a wash drum inside a washing machine;    providing an air stream which follows an air flow path through the wash basket and through the machine;    engaging a heating unit located along the air flow path;    engaging a cooling unit located along the air flow path; and    spinning the wash basket with the heating unit and cooling unit engaged.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heating unit and cooling unit comprise a vapor compression system and are in fluid communication through a compressible working fluid.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising allowing any excess wash fluid that is spun off the articles to drain out of the wash drum.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wash basket is spun to achieve a centrifugal force of 150 g to 300 g.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a blower located along the air flow path and engaging the blower before spinning the wash drum.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a supplemental heater located along the air flow path and engaging the supplemental heater before spinning the wash drum.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling unit comprises a compressor fluidly connected to cooling coils wherein the compressor compresses a working fluid that passes through the cooling coils and absorbs heat from the air passing the coils.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising; 
 providing a blower along the air flow path;    engaging the blower to circulate air through the washing machine along the air flow path;    tumbling the wash drum with the heating unit, cooling unit, and blower engaged wherein air passes through the cooling unit reducing the moisture content, passes through the heating unit where the air is heated, and passes through the wash basket where the sir absorbs wash fluid from the articles thereby reducing the moisture content of the articles.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein wash fluid absorbed by the air stream from the articles is condensed within the cooling unit to provide an air stream with reduced moisture and a wash fluid stream which can be recycled or disposed.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising a supplemental heater located along the air flow path wherein the supplemental heater provides additional heat to the air stream before it enters the wash basket.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein heat is provided to the supplemental heater by transferring the heat given off by the compressor to the supplemental heater.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein heat is provided to the supplemental heater through a resistive element associated with the supplemental heater.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein wash fluid laden air exits the washing machine after leaving the wash basket and fresh ambient air entering the machine is conditioned by the heating and cooling units and enters the wash basket.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the air is recirculated throughout the machine in a closed loop system.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for drying articles comprising; 
 an air stream which follows an air flow path through a washing machine comprising:    a wash basket;    a heating unit located along the air stream;    a cooling unit located along the air stream; and,    a supplemental heater located along the air stream.    
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the heating unit and cooling unit comprise a vapor compression system and are in fluid communication through a compressible working fluid.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a blower.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the cooling unit and the supplemental heater have a thermal transfer medium there between.