GB2384295A

GB2384295A - A fabric dryer

Info

Publication number: GB2384295A
Application number: GB0228962A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Tak Ming Tsui
Original assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2001-12-12
Filing date: 2002-12-11
Publication date: 2003-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-11
Also published as: GB0129740D0; GB0228962D0; GB0604326D0; GB2384295B; CN1253622C; TW550116B; CN1758003A; GB2421997A; GB2421997B; HK1054076A1; CN1425820A

Abstract

A sheet of fabric 12 is fed through a dryer 1 between a lower and upper net conveyer 20, 22 in direction 'D'. Positioned above and below the fabric 12 are tapered nozzles 2, 4 which are supplied with heated air from a common source that has been split evenly by a dividing vane 30 to feed the respective nozzles 2, 4. Nozzles 2, 4 have one or more fins 10 provided by an elongate strip (34, fig 3) having square or rectangular wave like profile forming channels 36 through which the air passes. The fins 10 are spaced along an air outlet 8 and are angled to deflect the air onto the fabric in direction 'C'. The upper net conveyer 22 may have a tension control arrangement 24 comprising a rod 26 extending across the full width of the upper conveyer 22 and is operable by rod 26. Nozzles 2 maybe offset from nozzles 4 (fig 2B) and causes the fabric 12 to travel in a wave like path to reduce tension in the fabric 12.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO PROCESSING FABRIC The present invention relates to processing fabric, in particular, although not exclusively to processing textile fabric.

Conventional textile fabric (cloth) drying techniques generally involve supporting a fabric sheet on a net conveyor and then passing the sheet between an upper and a lower series of nozzles, which nozzles emit warm air that causes evaporation of liquid in the fabric sheet. However, the air flow from the lower nozzles tends to raise a local section of the fabric sheet and frequently this local section of fabric becomes caught between adjacent nozzles of the upper series. Although the fabric has become caught at this point, further fabric continues to feed into the drying machine and a blockage can occur.

Furthermore, in a conventional drying process the air emitted from each nozzle is not generally linearly distributed across the full width of the nozzle. Therefore, the fabric sheet moves from side to side (generally perpendicular to the direction of travel), resulting in tangling of the sheet and uneven drying.

In addition, conventional drying techniques often display uneven drying effects because the presence of the net conveyor between the lower nozzles and the fabric sheet reduces the impact of the air emitted from the lower nozzles compared with the air emitted from the upper nozzles.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved method of and apparatus for processing fabric.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an air nozzle for a fabric drying machine, comprising a housing having an outlet opening and a fin extending across the outlet opening, which fin has a fluted structure and is arranged to direct air flowing through the outlet opening in use.

Suitably, the housing is an elongate structure with a substantially quadrilateral cross section. The outlet opening is suitably provided in a junction between adjacent walls of the housing. Preferably, the outlet opening extends along the full length of the junction.

Suitably, the fin is arranged inclined relative to at least one of the adjacent walls of the nozzle between which the outlet opening is provided. The fin is suitably

inclined relative to the rear wall, when the nozzle is arranged for use. Suitably, the fin is arranged at an angle relative to the normal direction of air flow out of the nozzles, had the fin not been present.

The fin is suitably arranged at an angle of inclination suitable to direct the air in the required direction. When in use in a drying machine, the fin is advantageously arranged to direct the air substantially in the direction of travel of a fabric sheet through the machine. The angle of inclination of the fin relative to the adjacent wall of the nozzle is suitably at least 10 , preferably at least 12 and more preferably at least 16 . The angle of inclination of the fin relative to the adjacent wall of the nozzle is suitably less than 300, preferably less than 25 and more preferably less than 20 . A preferred angle of inclination of the fin is about 180.

The nozzle may comprise a plurality of fins. The fin or fins may extend across part only of the outlet opening. Preferably, the fin or fins extend across substantially the full length of the outlet opening.

The fin may be provided by any means suitable for deflecting the direction of air flow exiting the nozzle when in use. For example, the fin may be provided by a flange extending from a wall of the housing providing an edge of the outlet opening.

The flange may be provided by an extension of a wall of the nozzle. Alternatively, the flange may comprise a separate element mounted on the nozzle.

Suitably, the fin extends across the full width of the outlet opening.

The fin is suitably attached to one of the walls providing a longitudinal edge of the outlet opening. The fin may be attached to both walls of the walls providing a longitudinal edge of the outlet opening.

The fin may comprise an elongate strip. Suitably, the elongate strip extends across the full length of the outlet opening. The fluted elongate strip may be supported on a flange. The fluted elongate strip may have flutes of any suitable cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the flutes have a rectangular or square, cross-sectional shape.

When in use in a drying machine, the presence of the fin in the air outlet of the nozzle guides the air flow out of the nozzle in the direction of travel of a fabric sheet through the machine and thereby urges the fabric sheet to remain in contact with a conveyor supporting the fabric sheet and thereby encouraging the fabric sheet to travel

through the machine at substantially the same speed as the conveyor. The occurrence of blockages in the drying machine are therefore reduced.

According to a second aspect the present invention provides a drying machine comprising a series of first air nozzles and a series of second air nozzles wherein the first series of nozzles is arranged relative to the second series of nozzles such as to effect a wave-like movement of a sheet material along a non-linear path in the direction of travel of the sheet material as it passes between the series of first air nozzles and the series of second air nozzles when in use.

Suitably, the first air nozzles are spaced from one another. Suitably, the second air nozzles are spaced from one another. Suitably, the series of first air nozzles are spaced apart from and arranged opposite the series of second air nozzles. Suitably, the first and second air nozzles are arranged with the air outlets of the first nozzles facing the air outlets of the second nozzles.

Preferably, the series of first nozzles are arranged so as not to be directly aligned with the series of second nozzles. In other words, the first nozzles are offset relative to the second nozzles.

In a preferred embodiment, the series of first nozzles are offset relative to the series of second nozzles by a distance substantially equal to half the width of a nozzle.

When in use, this arrangement of the first and second series of nozzles in the drying machine causes a fabric sheet passing though the machine and between the series of first nozzles and the series of second nozzles to travel in a wave-like path through the machine. The wave-like movement of the fabric sheet during the drying process advantageously reduces tension in the fabric.

Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent first or second nozzles provides vents through which evaporated liquid can be exhausted during the drying process.

The drying machine described above may further comprise a first net conveyor extending across the series of second nozzles and adjacent the air outlets of the second nozzles, for supporting a fabric sheet during passage thereof through the drying machine, and a web extending across the series of first nozzles and adjacent to the air outlets of the first nozzles.

The web may be provided by any suitable material. The web is suitably arranged to substantially prevent the fabric sheet from entering a space between adjacent first nozzles. The web may be provided by a second net conveyor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention provides a drying machine comprising a first series of nozzles and a second series of nozzles, the first series and the second series being arranged opposite and spaced apart from one another, air outlets of the first nozzles facing air outlets of the second nozzles, a first net conveyor extending across the second series of nozzles and adjacent the air outlet of the second nozzles for supporting a sheet material during passage thereof through the drying machine, a web extending across the first series of nozzles and adjacent to the air outlets of the first nozzles, and tension control for adjusting the tension in the web.

Any suitable tension control may be used. The tension control suitably operates to move a section of the web towards or away from the first net conveyor and thereby adjust the tension in the web. Suitably, the tension control comprises a rod that extends across the full width of the web, which rod can be moved towards and away from the first net conveyor. The tension control may comprise actuation means to effect movement of the rod. The actuation means may comprise an arm extending from a control means to the rod, wherein movement of the arm effects movement of the rod.

The nozzle according to the present invention may comprise a housing having an air inlet wherein the housing is tapered from the air inlet towards the housing wall opposite the air inlet.

Suitably, the air inlet is provided in an end wall of the housing. The air inlet may extend over the full extent of the end wall of the housing.

Suitably, the housing comprises a first pair of opposing walls that are substantially parallel to one another. Suitably, the housing comprises a second pair of opposing walls that are convergent. Each of the first pair of walls are suitably substantially perpendicular to one of the second pair of walls but not perpendicular to the other of the second pair of walls. Suitably, the housing comprises a third pair of walls providing end walls that are substantially parallel to one another. Suitably, the height of a first of the third pair of walls is greater than the height of a second of the third pair of walls.

The height of the first wall of the third pair of walls is suitably greater than 200mm, preferably greater than 300mm and is advantageously about 360mm. The height of the second wall of the third pair of walls is suitably less than 350mm, preferably less than 250mm, more preferably less than 200mm and is advantageously about 190mm.

The height difference between the first and second walls of the third pair of walls is suitably greater than 2%, preferably greater than 10%, more preferably greater than 25% and most preferably greater than 40%.

The height difference between the first and second walls of the third pair of walls is suitably less than 75%, preferably less than 60% and more preferably less than 50%.

In use of the nozzle in a drying machine, the first pair of walls suitably provide the front and rear faces of the nozzle, the second pair of opposing walls suitably provide the top and bottom faces of the nozzle and the third pair of walls provide the end walls of the nozzle.

Since the end walls are of different heights the nozzle has a convergent taper from the side provided by the first of the third pair of walls towards the side provided by the second of the third pair of walls.

Suitably the top and bottom walls are convergent from the rear towards the front of the nozzle.

The tapered profile of the nozzle slows the incoming air flow at the air inlet and thereby facilitates a more even distribution of air across the full width of the air outlet.

Suitably, the air outlet extends substantially perpendicular to the air inlet.

Suitably the air outlet extends across the full width of the nozzle. Suitably, the air outlet is located along the join between a rear wall and an adjacent wall of the nozzle, when the nozzle is arranged for use.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a drying machine comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle, each nozzle having an air inlet and an air outlet, a common air source, arranged to supply air to the air inlet of both the first nozzle and the second nozzle and a guide means to separate the air flow between the air inlet of the first nozzle and the air inlet of the second nozzle, wherein the guide

means comprises a body extending between the air inlet of the first nozzle and the air inlet of the second nozzle into the incoming air flow.

Suitably, the body has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a curved flange extending from one face thereof.

Suitably, the curved flange of the body extends from the face of the body that is distal the air inlets of the first and second nozzles. Suitably, the curved flange tapers to a point. The point of the flange suitably extends into the incoming air flow.

Suitably, the radius of curvature of the curved flange of the guide vane is at least 200mm, preferably at least 250mm and is most preferably about 300mm.

Suitably, the guide means extends across substantially the full width of the air inlet.

Suitably, the extent of the guide means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the air inlet of the first and second nozzles is at least 200mm, preferably at least 300mm and more preferably about 360mm from the air inlet of each nozzle. The distance that the guide means extends from the air inlet of the first and second nozzle into the air flow affects the air distribution ratio between the first and second nozzles.

The curved profile of the body increases the proportion of laminar air flow entering the first and second nozzles. Furthermore, the flange divides the incoming air flow more evenly between the first and second nozzles.

Suitably, the guide means is located inside the drying machine and outside the nozzle inlet.

Suitably, the first nozzle is arranged downstream of the second nozzle. The guide means may further comprise a guiding vane located on the upstream side of the air inlet of the second nozzle. Suitably, the guiding vane has a generally rectangular profile with a curved face distal and parallel to the air inlet.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a guide means for a drying machine comprising a body operable to divide an airflow between a first air inlet and a second air inlet, the body having a generally rectangular cross-section with a curved flange extending from a face thereof.

Suitably, the curved flange tapers to a point.

Suitably, the common air source is located at a level below the first and the second nozzle.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a guiding vane for a drying machine, having a generally rectangular profile with a curved face arranged in use distal and substantially parallel to an air inlet of an air nozzle.

Any feature of any aspect of the present invention maybe combined with any feature of any other aspect of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure I is a schematic cross-sectional view from one end of a drying apparatus; Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation along line I-I of figure 1, and Figure 2B is a schematic side elevation showing the nozzles of figure 2A in more detail, and Figure 3 is an isometric view of a nozzle of the apparatus of figure 1, with section B shown in enlarged view.

The drying apparatus 1 of figures 1 and 2 comprises a first series of nozzles 2 and a second series of nozzles 4. In use, the first nozzles 2 preferably provide upper nozzles and the second nozzles 4 provide lower nozzles.

In the embodiment as illustrated, each first 2 and second 4 nozzle has substantially the same shape and dimensions. Each nozzle comprises an air inlet 6 and an air outlet 8. As can be seen from figure 1, the air outlet 8 extends across substantially the full width of the nozzle 2,4. Fins 10 spaced along the length of the air outlet 8 are used to direct the airflow emitted from the nozzle 2,4, indicated by Arrows C. As can be seen most easily from figure 2, the fins 10 are arranged to direct the air flow in the direction of travel of a fabric sheet 12 passing through the machine, which direction of travel is indicated by Arrow D.

Figure 3 illustrates the arrangement of the fins 10 in the air outlet 8 in more detail. Figure 3 shows that, in this embodiment, the fins 10 are provided by an elongate strip 34 having a generally rectangular (in this case substantially square) wave-like profile forming channels 36 through which the air passes. The elongate

strip 34 is arranged at an angle suitable to direct the air in the required direction. In this case, the elongate strip 34 is arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the channels 36 are angled at 18 to the adjoining rear face 38 of the nozzle.

As illustrated in figure 1, each nozzle 2,4 is tapered from the air inlet 6 to the distal end 14 of the nozzle 2,4.

The tapering is caused by a difference in height of the end walls of the nozzles 2,4. The end wall in which the air inlet 6 is located has a height of 360mm, whereas the opposing end wall has a height of 190mm.

The distance of the air outlet 8 from an opposite side 16 of the nozzle 2,4 gradually decreases from the air inlet 6 to the distal end 14.

Furthermore, the face 18 of the nozzle in which the air outlet 8 is located is arranged at an angle greater than 45 and less than 1800 relative to an adjacent face of the nozzle 2,4.

As can be seen most clearly from figure 2, the series of first nozzles 2 are arranged to be offset from the series of second nozzles 4.

In this embodiment, the first nozzles 2 are offset relative to the second nozzles 4 by a distance equal to about half the width of a nozzle 2,4. This can be seen more clearly from figure 2B, wherein the distances Xl and X2 are substantially equal to one another, and in this embodiment are suitably equal to about 140mm.

In each series of nozzles 2,4, adjacent nozzles 2,4 are spaced apart to provide a gap between adjacent nozzles 2,4.

The drying apparatus 1 further comprises a first net conveyor 20, which first net conveyor 20 extends across the series of second nozzles 4 and is located adjacent the air outlets 10 of the second nozzles 4. The apparatus 1 further comprises a second net conveyor 22, which second net conveyor 22 extends across the series of first nozzles 2 and is located adjacent the air outlets 10 of the first nozzles 2.

Figure 2 also illustrates that the drying apparatus 1 comprises a tension control arrangement 24, which in this embodiment comprises a rod 26 that extends across substantially the full width of the second net conveyor 22, and an arm 28 operable to move the rod 26 transversely in order to alter the tension of the second net conveyor 22.

Figure 1 shows the arrangement of the air feed to air inlet 6 of the nozzles 2,4.

In the embodiment illustrated, a common air source (not shown) is used to supply air to both the first nozzles 2 and the second nozzles 4. The flow of air from the air source to the air inlets 6 is represented by Arrows A. As can be seen from figure 1, the incoming air divides between the first 2 and second 4 nozzles. The drying apparatus 1 comprises an air divider 30 situated between the first nozzles 2 and the second nozzles 4 to separate the air between the first 2 and second 4 nozzles.

The air divider 30 has a substantially rectangular profile with a curved flange 38 extending from the face of the divider 30 distal the air inlets 6. The air divider 30 extends across the full width of the air inlet 6. The angle of curvature R of the curved flange is 300mm. The flange 38 tapers to a point at the end distal the main body of the air divider 30. The air divider 30 is arranged in the apparatus 1 such that the point tip of the curved flange 38 faces into the incoming air flow. The curved profile of the air divider 30 increases the proportion of laminar air flow into the nozzles 2,4.

The air divider 30 extends a distance X substantially perpendicular to the air inlets 6. In this embodiment the distance X is 360mm.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a guiding vane 32, situated below the air inlet 6 of the second nozzles 4. The guiding vane has a generally rectangular profile with a curved profile at the face distal and parallel to the air inlet 6.

In use of the apparatus of figures 1-3, a fabric sheet 12 is supported on the first net conveyor 20. Rotation of the conveyor 20 causes the fabric sheet 12 to be fed through the apparatus 1. Air is fed to the first 2 and second 4 nozzles from the air source (not shown), which air is generally at an elevated temperature. The air is divided by the air divider 30 and thereby distributed substantially evenly between the first nozzles 2 and the second nozzles 4.

The tapered, curved flange 38 of the air divider 38 allows for a smoother airflow into the air inlets 6. Furthermore, the guiding vane 32 also serves to smooth the air flow into the air inlet 6 of the second nozzles 4 by minimising formation of vortices at the inlet 6.

The tapered profile of the nozzles 2,4 facilitates a more even distribution of air across the full width of the nozzle 2,4 and therefore reduces transverse movement of

the fabric sheet 12 (as indicated by Arrow E in figure 1) during passage through the drying apparatus 1.

The angled fins 10 direct the air flow from the nozzles 2,4 in the direction of travel of the fabric sheet 12 through the machine 1, thereby directing the fabric towards the first net conveyor 20 and encouraging the fabric sheet to move through the machine 1 at substantially the same speed as the first net conveyor 20.

The offset arrangement of the series of first nozzles 2 and the series of second nozzles 4 causes the fabric sheet to travel in a wave-like path through the machine I (as illustrated in figure 2). This wave-like movement of the fabric sheet during the drying process advantageously reduces tension in the fabric.

The blowing of air, particularly air at an elevated temperature, onto the fabric causes liquid to evaporate therefrom. The spacing between adjacent first nozzles and between adjacent second nozzles 4 provides vents through which evaporated liquid can escape to an exhaust (not shown).

The second net conveyor 22 provides a means of controlling the crest of the wave-like movement of the fabric 12 as it passes through the machine 1. The second net conveyor 22 restrains the fabric sheet 12 and prevents it from entering the gaps between adjacent first nozzles 2. The arm 26 of the tension control means 24 is used to move the rod 24 towards or away from the first net conveyor 20 and thereby alter the tension of the second net conveyor 22.

The second net conveyor 22 has the added advantage of providing the fabric sheet 12 with a similar amount of air (heat flux) from the first nozzles 2 and the second nozzles 4, since the air exiting the outlets 8 of both the first and second nozzles 2,4 must pass through a net conveyor 20, 22. Therefore, more even drying of the fabric sheet 12 results.

Although the above description refers to use of air for drying the fabric sheet, it will be obvious to a skilled person that any alternative suitable gas or mixture of gases may be used instead or as well as air.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An air nozzle for a fabric drying machine, comprising a housing having an outlet opening and a fin extending across the outlet opening, which fin has a fluted structure and is arranged to direct air flowing through the outlet opening in use.
2. An air nozzle according to Claim 1, wherein the housing is an elongate structure with a substantially quadrilateral cross section.
3. An air nozzle according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the outlet opening is provided in a junction between adjacent walls of the housing.
4. An air nozzle according to Claim 3, wherein the outlet opening extends along the full length of the junction.
5. An air nozzle according to Claim 2,3 or 4 wherein the fin is inclined relative to at least one of the adjacent walls of the nozzle between which the outlet opening is provided.
6. An air nozzle according to Claim 5, wherein, in use in a fabric drying machine, the nozzle is provided with the fin arranged at an angle of inclination suitable to direct the air substantially in the direction of travel of a fabric sheet passing through the fabric drying machine.
7. An air nozzle according to Claim 5, wherein the angle of inclination of the fin relative to the wall of the nozzle is at least 10 .
8. An air nozzle according to Claim 5 or 7, wherein the angle of inclination of the fin relative to the wall of the nozzle is less than 30 .

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9. An air nozzle according to Claims 5,7 or 8, wherein the angle of inclination of the fin relative to the wall of the nozzle is about 18 .
10. An air nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fin or fins extends across part only of the outlet opening.
11. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the fin extends across substantially the full length of the air outlet.
12. An air nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of fins.
13. An air nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fin comprises a flange extending from a wall of the housing providing an edge of the outlet opening.
14. An air nozzle according to Claim 13, wherein the flange extends across the full width of the outlet opening from one edge of the opening to the opposite edge thereof.
15. An air nozzle according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein the flange is a separate element mounted on the nozzle.
16. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the flange is attached to one wall providing an edge of the outlet opening.
17. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 11 to 14, wherein the flange is attached both of the adjacent walls providing between which the outlet opening extends.
18. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the flange comprises an elongate strip.

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19. An air nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flutes have a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape.
20. A drying machine comprising a first series of air nozzles and a series of second air nozzles, wherein the first series of nozzles is arranged relative to the second series of nozzles such as to effect a wave-like movement of a sheet material along a non-linear path in the direction of travel of the sheet material as it passes between the series of first air nozzles and the series of second air nozzles when in use.
21. A drying machine according to Claim 20, wherein the first air nozzles are spaced from one another.
22. A drying machine according to Claim 20 or 21, wherein the second air nozzles are spaced from one another.
23. A drying machine according to Claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the series of first air nozzles is spaced apart from and arranged opposite the series of second air nozzles.
24. A drying machine according to any one of Claims 20 to 23, wherein first air nozzles and the second air nozzles are arranged with an air outlet of the first nozzles facing an air outlets of the second nozzles.
25. A drying machine according to any one of Claims 20-24, wherein the series of first nozzles are offset relative to the series of second nozzles.
26. A drying machine according to Claim 25, wherein the series of first nozzles are offset relative to the series of second nozzles by a distance substantially equal to half the width of a nozzle.

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27. A drying machine according to any one of Claims 20 to 26, wherein, in use, evaporated liquid can be vented between adjacent first or adjacent second air nozzles.
28. A drying machine according to any one of Claims 20 to 27, comprising a first net conveyor extending across the series of second nozzles and adjacent the air outlets of the second nozzles, for supporting a fabric sheet during passage thereof through the drying machine, and a web extending across the series of first nozzles and adjacent to the air outlets of the first nozzles.
29. A drying machine according to Claim 28, wherein the web is arranged to prevent the sheet material from entering a space between adjacent first air nozzles, when in use.
30. A drying machine according to Claim 28 or 29, wherein the web comprises a second net conveyor.
31. A drying machine comprising a first series of nozzles and a second series of nozzles, the first series and the second series being arranged opposite and spaced apart from one another, air outlets of the first nozzles facing air outlets of the second nozzles, a first net conveyor extending across the second series of nozzles and adjacent the air outlet of the second nozzles for supporting a sheet material during passage thereof through the drying machine, a web extending across the first series of nozzles and adjacent to the air outlets of the first nozzles.
32. A drying machine according to Claim 31, wherein the tension control is operable to move a section of the web towards or away from the first net conveyor.
33. A drying machine according to Claim 31 or 32, wherein the tension control comprises a rod that extends across the web.

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34. A drying machine according to Claim 33, wherein the rod extends across substantially the full width of the web.
35. A drying machine according to any one of Claims 33 to 34, wherein the tension control comprises actuation means.
36. A drying machine according to Claim 35, wherein the actuation means comprises an arm extending from a control means to the rod, wherein movement of the arm effects movement of the rod.
37. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, wherein the housing comprises an air inlet and the housing is tapered from the air inlet towards a housing wall opposite the air inlet.
38. An air nozzle according to Claim 37, wherein the air inlet is in an end wall of the housing.
39. An air nozzle according to Claim 38, wherein the air inlet extends over the full extent of an end wall of the housing.
40. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 2 to 19 or 37 to 39 wherein the housing comprises a first pair of opposing side walls that are substantially parallel to one another.
41. An air nozzle according to Claim 40, wherein the housing comprises a second pair of side walls that are convergent.
42. An air nozzle according to Claims 40 and 41, wherein each of the first pair of walls is substantially perpendicular to a first of the second pair of walls.

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43. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 37 to 42, wherein the housing comprises a third pair of walls providing end walls thereof, the third pair of walls being substantially parallel to one another, the height of a first of the third pair of walls being greater than the height of a second of the third pair of walls.
44. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 37 to 43, wherein the outlet opening extends substantially perpendicular to the air inlet.
45. An air nozzle according to any one of Claims 3 to 19 or 37 to 44, wherein the outlet opening is located along the join between the rear wall and an adjacent wall of the nozzle when the nozzle is arranged in use.
46. A drying machine comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle, each nozzle having an air inlet and an air outlet, a common air source, arranged to supply air to the air inlet of both the first nozzle and the second nozzle and a guide means to separate the air flow between the air inlet of the first nozzle and the air inlet of the second nozzle, wherein the guide means comprises a body extending between the air inlet of the first nozzle and the air inlet of the second nozzle into the incoming air flow.
47. A drying machine according to Claim 46, wherein the body has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape with a curved flange extending from one face thereof.
48. A drying machine according to Claim 47, wherein the curved flange of the body extends from the face of the body that is distal the air inlets of the first and second air nozzles.
49. A drying machine according to Claim 47 or 48, wherein the curved flange tapers to a point.

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50. A drying machine according to Claim 49, wherein the point of the flange extends into the incoming air flow, when the drying machine is in use.
51. A drying machine according to any one of Claims 46 to 50, wherein the air inlet of the first nozzle is arranged downstream of the air inlet of the second nozzle.
52. A drying machine according to any one of Claims 46 to 51, wherein the common air source is located at a level below the first and the second nozzles.
53. A drying machine according to any one of Claims 46 to 52, wherein the guide means is located inside the drying machine and outside the nozzle inlet.
54. A drying machine according to Claim 51, comprising a guiding vane located upstream of the air inlet of the second nozzle.
55. A drying machine according to Claim 54 wherein the guiding vane has a generally rectangular profile with a convex curved face distal and substantially parallel to the air inlet of the second nozzle.
56. A guide means for a drying machine comprising a body operable to divide an airflow between a first air inlet and a second air inlet, the body having a generally rectangular cross-section with a curved flange extending from a face thereof.
57. A guide means according to Claim 56 wherein the curved flange tapers to a point.
58. A guiding vane for a drying machine, having a generally rectangular profile with a convex curved face, arranged in use with the curved face distal and substantially parallel to an air inlet of an air nozzle.

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59. An air nozzle substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
60. A drying machine substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
61. A guide means substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
62. A guiding vane substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.