NIKE, Inc.
Energy efficient infrared oven with air circulation

Abstract:

An oven may facilitate heating, curing, and/or drying processes for manufactured items, such as shoe parts, using multiple groups of infrared sources. Efficiencies of the oven are achieved through a deliberate airflow characteristic, which is accomplished with a configuration of apertures extending through a circulation plate. A higher concentration of apertures is formed in the circulation plate near a center zone relative to zones near an entrance and exit to the oven. Further, the shape of the apertures in the circulation plate aid in improved airflow within the oven.