Whirlpool Corporation
METHOD OF DRYING ARTICLES

Abstract:

A method for drying laundry with a radio frequency (RF) generator connected to an applicator and a rotatable cylindrical drum having a pair of non-anode baffles and a third baffle comprising an anode element positioned between the pair of non-anode baffles and a first cathode element disposed between the third baffle and one of the pair of non-anode baffles and a second cathode disposed between the third baffle and the other of the pair of non-anode baffles. The method comprises rotationally positioning the drum such that laundry is positioned between the anode element within the third baffle and the pair of non-anode baffles, energizing the RF applicator for a time period to generate a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field) within the radio frequency spectrum between the anode element and the at least one of the first and second cathode elements such that liquid in laundry residing within the e-field will be dielectrically heated to effect a drying of the laundry during the time period, rotating the drum to redistribute laundry, and repeating the positioning the drum and energizing the RF applicator.