Method for drying articles

摘要

A method for drying an article with a radio frequency (RF) applicator having anode elements and cathode elements includes capacitively coupling the anode elements, capacitively coupling the cathode elements, capacitively coupling an anode element to a cathode element, and energizing the RF applicator to generate an RF field between anode and cathode elements wherein liquid residing within the field will be dielectrically heated.

主权项

1. A laundry drying applicator to dry an article, comprising:
a support element in the form of a rotatable drum; an anode element adjacent to the support element and having a first base from which extends a first plurality of teeth; and a first plurality of tabs on at least some of the first plurality of teeth; a cathode element operably supported by the support element and having a second base from which extends a second plurality of teeth; and a second plurality of tabs on at least some of the second plurality of teeth; wherein the first and second plurality of teeth are interdigitally arranged; the anode element capacitively coupled with the cathode element; and a radio frequency (RF) generator coupled with the anode element and the cathode element and operable to energize the anode element and the cathode element; wherein upon energization of the anode element and the cathode element by the RF generator, the capacitive coupling of the anode element and the cathode element generates a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field) in the radio frequency spectrum, operable to dielectrically heat liquid within an article on the support element, and wherein the support element is disposed above the anode element and the cathode element.