US 11,655,582 B2
Laundry appliance having an ultrasonic drying mechanism
Mark J. Christensen, Stevensville, MI (US); Donald Erickson, Stevensville, MI (US); Jordan M. Grider, Farmington Hills, MI (US); Alexander Halbleib, St. Joseph, MI (US); Christopher A. Hartnett, Benton Harbor, MI (US); Christopher A. Jones, St. Joseph, MI (US); K. David McAllister, Stevensville, MI (US); Rodney M. Welch, Eau Claire, MI (US); and Erica L. Roberts, St. Joseph, MI (US)
Assigned to Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (US)
Filed by WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, Benton Harbor, MI (US)
Filed on Nov. 9, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/522,283.
Application 17/522,283 is a continuation of application No. 16/885,599, filed on May 28, 2020, granted, now 11,203,834.
Application 16/885,599 is a continuation of application No. 16/059,671, filed on Aug. 9, 2018, granted, now 10,704,189.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/550,087, filed on Aug. 25, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2022/0064845 A1, Mar. 3, 2022
Int. Cl. D06F 58/04 (2006.01); D06F 25/00 (2006.01); D06F 37/06 (2006.01)
CPC D06F 58/04 (2013.01) [D06F 25/00 (2013.01); D06F 37/06 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A laundry drying system for a laundry appliance, the laundry drying system comprising:
a drum that is rotationally operable within a tub, the drum defining an interior chamber for processing laundry, wherein the interior chamber is part of an airflow path;
an ultrasonic transducer positioned proximate a lower portion of the tub, the ultrasonic transducer providing an ultrasonic resonance that is directed into the interior chamber of the drum, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is positioned within a gap defined between the drum and the tub; and
an air handling system having at least one fan, wherein the at least one fan moves water in a substantially gaseous form from the interior chamber and to an area outside of the drum via the airflow path, wherein the ultrasonic resonance is adapted to be directed into damp fabric being treated within the interior chamber, and wherein the ultrasonic resonance modifies water trapped within the damp fabric into the substantially gaseous form.