Patent Publication Number: US-2022220659-A1

Title: Ventilation solution for closed-loop dryer systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/130,626 filed Dec. 22, 2020, entitled VENTILATION SOLUTION FOR CLOSED-LOOP DRYER SYSTEMS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DEVICE 
     The device is in the field of laundry appliances, and more specifically, a ventilation system for a closed-loop drying device that provides for ventilation within the rotating drum when the appliance is deactivated. Closed loop systems typically include an airflow path that does not provide for a flow of air when the appliance is deactivated. When the appliance is turned off and the door to the appliance is closed, carbon dioxide and other noxious gasses can accumulate within the drum when an individual or creature is in the drum of the deactivated appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a drying appliance includes a cabinet. A drum processes articles of laundry. The drum is positioned for rotational operation within the cabinet. A blower directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes the drum. The drum and the blower are activated in an operating state and deactivated in an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second operable vents define an open position after the drum and the blower define the idle state. The first and second operable vents define a closed position after the drum and the blower define the operating state. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a ventilation system for a drying appliance includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculating airflow path in an operating state. The recirculating airflow path includes a processing chamber. Deactivation of the blower defines an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front portion of the recirculating airflow path. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear portion of the recirculating airflow path. The first and second operable vents define a closed position during the operating state that is indicative of the recirculating airflow path being a closed-loop system. The first and second operable vents define an open position during the idle state that forms a venting airflow of ambient air through the processing chamber and between the first and second operable vents. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a drying appliance includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes a drum. A heater selectively heats the process air, wherein at least one of the blower, the drum and the heater are activated in an operating state and wherein all of the blower, the drum and the heater are deactivated in an idle state. A first temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a front of a cabinet. A second temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second temperature-operable vents define an open position after the blower, the drum and the heater define the idle state. The first and second temperature-operable vents define a closed position after at least the blower and the heater define the operating state. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aspect of a drying appliance that incorporates an aspect of a ventilation system; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the laundry appliance of  FIG. 1  with the outer cabinet removed and showing the location of a first operable vent; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the appliance of  FIG. 2  and showing an exemplary location of a second operable vent; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a thermally-operated vent in an open position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the thermally-operated vent of  FIG. 4  shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of a wax motor for use within the ventilation system of the appliance; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the wax motor shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view of the wax motor of  FIG. 7  and shown in an open position; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a pressure-operated operable vent shown in an open position; and 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating recordings of exemplary oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within an aspect of the ventilation system described herein. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a ventilation system for a closed-loop drying appliance that provides for fresh-air ventilation when the appliance is deactivated. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a ventilation system incorporated within a laundry appliance  12 . The ventilation system  10  is utilized within closed-loop laundry appliances to provide for a ventilating airflow  14  of fresh or ambient air  16  through a rotating drum  18  when the laundry appliance  12  is deactivated. According to various aspects of the device, the laundry appliance  12 , typically in the form of a laundry appliance, includes a drum  18  that processes articles of laundry. The drum  18  is positioned for rotational operation within an outer cabinet  20 . A blower  22  directs process air  26  through a recirculating airflow path  24  that includes the drum  18 . This recirculating airflow path  24  is typically in the form of a closed-loop system that recirculates process air  26  through the drum  18 . The drum  18  and the blower  22  are activated in an operating state  28  and deactivated in an idle state  30 . A first operable vent  32  is positioned proximate a front  34  of the cabinet  20 . A second operable vent  36  is positioned proximate a rear  38  of the cabinet  20 . The first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  each define an open position  40  after the drum  18  and blower  22  define the idle state  30 . The first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  each operate to define a closed position  42  after the drum  18  and the blower  22  define the operating state  28 . In the open position  40  of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36 , the ventilation system  10  experiences a venting airflow of ambient air  16  through the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  and the drum  18 . In this manner, the recirculating airflow path  24 , using the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36 , is opened when the appliance  12  is deactivated to provide for the venting airflow of ambient air  16  through the drum  18 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first operable vent  32  is positioned within a vent aperture  44  defined within a wall  50  of an airflow path  24  proximate the drum  18  of the appliance  12 . The first operable vent  32  can be positioned along a dedicated channel of the airflow path  24  of within a structural panel  52  that supports or surrounds a portion of the drum  18 . The first operable vent  32  is positioned to allow process air  26  within the drum  18  to escape, and also to allow ambient air  16  to enter into the drum  18 . The second operable vent  32 ,  36  is positioned within an air scroll panel  54  that conceals the blower  22  within the cabinet  20  and also defines a portion of the recirculating airflow path  24  therein. The airflow path  24  operates to direct process air  26  from the blower  22  within the air scroll panel  54  and moves the process air  26  into the drum  18 . The process air  26  moves through the drum  18  and circulates within the drum  18 . The process air  26  then moves through a return portion  56  of the airflow path  24  back to the blower  22 . Certain filters, heaters  100 , heat exchangers, and other mechanical devices are incorporated within the airflow path  24  for treating and conditioning the process air  26  that is utilized during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     The first operable vent  32  can be positioned proximate the drum  18  and within a structural panel  52  for the appliance  12 . In this manner, the first operable vent  32  allows for air within the drum  18  to passively move through the first operable vent  32  when the appliance  12  is deactivated. Similarly, the second operable vent  36  within the air scroll panel  54  operates to the open position  40  to allow for ambient air  16  to enter within the airflow path  24  and move through the drum  18 . It should be understood that each of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  each provide for inward and outward flow of ambient air  16  such that the venting airflow of ambient air  16  can occur in an inward direction  70  and an outward direction  72  through each of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-8 , the first operable vent  32  can include a wax motor  80 , sometimes referred to as a wax actuator, that is operable to move the vent member  82  between the open position  40  and the closed position  42 . The wax motor  80  can operate by thermally acting on a wax member  84 . This wax member  84  can expand and contract based upon the temperature of an element  86  within the wax motor  80 . This element  86  can be an electrically resistive heating element  86  that, when activated, heats the wax member  84  and causes the wax to expand. This expansion of the wax member  84  causes movement of an actuator  88  within the wax motor  80 . The actuator  88 , in turn, biases the vent member  82  between the open and closed positions  40 ,  42 . 
     In the case of the ventilation system  10  described herein, when the appliance  12  is activated, the wax motor  80  can be activated such that the actuator  88  moves to the closed position  42  so that the process air  26  is contained within the recirculating airflow path  24 . When the appliance  12  is deactivated, an electrical signal delivered to the wax motor  80  for heating the element  86  and the wax member  84  can be stopped such that the element  86  cools and the wax member  84  contracts. This contraction of the wax member  84  causes the actuator  88  to move to a rest position, resulting in an opening of the vent member  82 . As discussed above, this opening of the first operable vent  32  allows for the ventilating airflow  14  of ambient air  16  through the drum  18  and the recirculating airflow path  24 . According to various aspects of the device, it is contemplated that operation of the wax motor  80  can be reversed such that the electrical signal is provided when the appliance  12  is deactivated, so that the wax is heated and the vent is opened when the appliance  12  is deactivated. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-8 , the recirculating airflow path  24  includes a heater  100  that modifies an air temperature  102  of the process air  26  within the recirculating airflow path  24 . The second operable vent  36  includes a bi-metal disk  104  that operates between the open and closed positions  40 ,  42  based upon the air temperature  102  of the process air  26 . The bi-metal disk  104  moves to the closed position  42  when a material temperature  106  of the bi-metal disk  104  reaches a threshold temperature. The bi-metal disk  104  moves to the open position  40  when the material temperature  106  of the bi-metal disk  104  is below this threshold temperature. The bi-metal disk  104  operates using two different metals that have different thermal properties. A first layer  108  of the bi-metal disk  104  deflects at a first temperature, and a second layer  110  of the bi-metal disk  104  operates at a second temperature, that is different from the first temperature. It is also contemplated that the first and second layers  108 ,  110  may deflect different amounts in response to thermal variations in the material temperature  106 . Expansion of a first layer  108  relative to the second layer  110  causes the bi-metal disk  104  to deflect between the open and closed positions  40 ,  42 . The air temperature  102  of the process air  26  moving past the bi-metal disk  104  causes the material temperature  106  to change within the bi-metal disk  104 . These changes in the material temperature  106  of the bi-metal disk  104  result in deflection of the bi-metal disk  104  between the open and closed positions  40 ,  42 . 
     As discussed above, in the closed position  42 , the bi-metal disk  104  is typically heated at least to the threshold temperature, such that the bi-metal disk  104  deflects to the closed position  42 . The closed position  42  of the bi-metal disk  104  encloses the recirculating airflow path  24 . When the temperature of the bi-metal disk  104  falls below the threshold temperature, after the appliance  12  is deactivated, the bi-metal disk  104  deflects to the open position  40  and thereby opens the recirculating airflow path  24  to allow for the venting airflow of ambient air  16  to move through the drum  18  and through the recirculating airflow path  24 . Through the configuration of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36 , the closed position  42  defines a closed loop of the recirculating airflow path  24  through the drum  18 . When the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  are moved to the respective open position  40 , the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  define an open loop venting airflow path  24  through the drum  18  and through the recirculating airflow path  24 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the positioning of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  provides movement of the venting airflow path  24  through the drum  18 . The first operable vent  32  is positioned at front  34  of the appliance  12  and the second operable vent  36  is positioned at a rear  38  of the appliance  12 . Additionally, the first operable vent  32  is positioned at top section  120  within an elevated position relative to the drum  18  and the second operable vent  36  is located in a lower section  122  of the appliance  12 , typically below the level of the drum  18  and near a bottom of the air scroll panel  54 . The differing elevations of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  provides for a movement of heated process air  26  and cooler ambient air  16  through the drum  18  and through the open configuration of the recirculating airflow path  24  when the appliance  12  is deactivated. Warmer air, tending to rise, may tend toward the first operable vent  32 . Conversely, cooled air, which tends to fall, may tend towards the second operable vent  36 . Similarly, lighter components of gasses within the drum  18 , such as carbon dioxide, may tend to escape through the first operable vent  32 . The escaping carbon dioxide will typically be replaced by ambient air  16  that may enter through the second operable vent  36  positioned within the air scroll panel  54 . These configurations and positions of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  tends to cause movement of ambient air  16  from outside of the appliance  12 , through the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  and through the drum  18  as well as the remainder of the recirculating airflow path  24 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  can operate between the open and closed positions  40 ,  42  after the appliance  12  operates between the operating state  28  and the idle state  30 . Once the appliance  12  enters the idle state  30 , the air temperature  102  of the process air  26  within the recirculating airflow path  24  will be generally stagnant. It will take a period of time for the material temperature  106  of the bi-metal disk  104  to reach the threshold temperature and deflect to the open position  40 . This delay can be used to ensure that the recirculating airflow path  24  remains closed during brief stoppages of the operating systems of the appliance  12  during a particular laundry cycle. Conversely, the wax motor  80 , which is electrically operated, may have a very definite and predetermined actuating sequence with respect to the appliance  12  entering the idle state  30 . By way of example, and not limitation, the wax motor  80  may move to the open position  40  when the laundry cycle is completed, with little to no delay. The wax motor  80  may also operate to the open position  40  after a predetermined time period has lapsed. The operating configuration of the various mechanisms for the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  may vary depending on the design of the appliance  12  and the needs for allowing the ventilating airflow  14  of ambient air  16  to move through the drum  18 . 
     According to the various aspects of the device, as discussed herein, each of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  can each include a temperature-operated member that operates based upon some temperature fluctuation that occurs within or around the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36 . In the case of the bi-metal disk  104 , the temperature fluctuations occur in the air temperature  102  of the process air  26  surrounding the bi-metal disk  104 . The material temperature  106  of the bi-metal disk  104 , in turn, fluctuates to operate between the open and closed positions  40 ,  42 . In the case of the wax motor  80 , the temperature fluctuations are electrically operated through the heating the element  86  and the wax member  84 . These temperature fluctuations operate the vent member  82  of the wax motor  80  between the open and closed positions  40 ,  42 . In these instances, the temperature-operated members of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  operate to the open position  40  upon reaching an opening temperature range. Conversely, the temperature-operated members of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  operate to the closed position  42  upon reaching a closing temperature range. Typically, the closing temperature range includes temperatures that are below the opening temperature range; although, the opposite may be the case in certain aspects of the device. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-8 , the ventilation system  10  for the drying appliance  12  includes the blower  22  that directs process air  26  through the recirculating airflow path  24  in an operating state  28 . The recirculating airflow path  24  includes a processing chamber, typically a rotating drum  18 . Deactivation of the blower  22  can define an idle state  30  of the ventilation system  10 . The first operable vent  32  is positioned proximate a front portion of the recirculating airflow path  24  and the second operable vent  36  is positioned proximate a rear portion of the recirculating airflow path  24 . The first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  define a closed position  42  during the operating state  28  that is indicative of the recirculating airflow path  24  being a closed-loop system. Conversely, the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  define an open position  40  during the idle state  30 . This opening of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  forms a venting airflow of ambient air  16  through the processing chamber and between the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36 . As discussed above, the first operable vent  32  is positioned within a top section  120  of the recirculating airflow path  24  and the second operable vent  32 ,  36  is positioned within a lower section  122  of the recirculating airflow path  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , it is contemplated that one of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  can include a pressure-sensitive operable vent  130 . The pressure-sensitive operable vent  130  can include a flap  132  that is positioned at a vent aperture  44  of the recirculating airflow path  24 . When the blower  22  is activated, the pressure  134  of the process air  26  moving through the recirculating airflow path  24  biases the pressure-sensitive operable vent  130  to the closed position  42  and covering the vent aperture  44 . When the blower  22  is deactivated, the pressure  134  of the process air  26  through the recirculating airflow path  24  decreases. This decrease in pressure  134  within the recirculating airflow path  24  allows the pressure-sensitive operable vent  130  to return to a resting state that is indicative of an open position  40  of the pressure-sensitive operable vent  130 . Accordingly, when the blower  22  is deactivated, the pressure-sensitive operable vent  130  is moved to the open position  40  to allow for the movement of the venting airflow of ambient air  16  through the drum  18  and the recirculating airflow path  24 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-8 , the drying appliance  12  includes the blower  22  that directs process air  26  through the recirculating airflow path  24  that includes the drum  18 . The heater  100  selectively heats the process air  26 . At least one of the blower  22 , the drum  18  and the heater  100  are activated in an operating state  28 . Conversely, each of the blower  22 , the drum  18  and the heater  100  are deactivated in the idle state  30 . A first temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a front  34  of the cabinet  20 . A second temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a rear  38  of the vent. The first and second temperature-operable vents define open positions  40  after the blower  22 , the drum  18  and the heater  100  define the idle state  30 . The first and second temperature-operable vents define a closed position  42  after at least the blower  22  and the heater  100  define the activated state. As discussed above, the first and second temperature-operable vents are indicative of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  described herein. The first operable vent  32  typically includes a wax motor  80  having a resistive heating element  86 . In this manner, the first operable vent  32  is an electrically-actuated vent. This electrical current  150  is used to heat a heating element  86  within the wax motor  80  that expands the wax member  84  to operate an actuator  88  within the wax motor  80 . This actuator  88  can move the first operable vent  32  either to the open position  40  or to the closed position  42 , depending upon the configuration of the appliance  12  and the design of the wax motor  80  within the recirculating airflow path  24 . The second operable vent  36  can include a bi-metal disk  104  that deflects based upon the material temperature  106  of the bi-metal disk  104 . This material temperature  106  of the bi-metal disk  104  is typically dictated by the air temperature  102  of the process air  26  moving through the recirculating airflow path  24 , in particular, the air temperature  102  of the process air  26  moving past the bi-metal disk  104 . As discussed above, the bi-metal disk  104  includes first and second layers  108 ,  110  that are attached together to form the bi-metal disk  104 . The thermal properties of these first and second layers  110  are dissimilar such that a first layer  108  expands at a different temperature or at a different rate than the second layer  110 , thereby causing the bi-metal disk  104  to deflect in response to changes in the material temperature  106  within the first and second layers  108 ,  110  of the bi-metal disk  104 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-8 , the exact configuration of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  can vary depending upon the configuration of the appliance  12 . Typically, the first operable vent  32  will be in the form of a wax motor  80  and the second operable vent  36  will be in the form of the bi-metal disk  104  or the pressure-sensitive operable vent  130 . It is contemplated that other operable vent configurations can be used to operate the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  between the open and closed positions  40 ,  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an exemplary diagram is included illustrating various exemplary testing data using the configurations of the ventilating system, as described herein. In each of these configurations, the wax motor  80  was used for the first operable vent  32  and the bi-metal disk  104  was used for the second operable vent  36 . In each of these cases, the carbon dioxide content within the drum  18  was maintained below 3% and the oxygen content within the drum  18  was maintained above 17% at all times. The operation of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  to the open position  40  when the appliance  12  is deactivated allowed for the ventilating airflow  14  of ambient air  16  through the drum  18  and the recirculating airflow path  24 . Accordingly, the environment within the drum  18 , when the appliance  12  is deactivated, provided for a safe level of noxious gasses, as well as a safe level of oxygen within the drum  18 . These features provide for a breathable environment when the appliance  12  is deactivated. 
     The ventilation system  10  described herein can be useful in various laundry appliances  12 . Such appliances  12  can include, but are not limited to, drying appliances, combination drying appliances, refreshing drying appliances, and other similar appliances that include a flow of recirculating air through a closed-loop airflow path  24 . In addition, the size of the first and second operable vents  32 ,  36  can vary depending upon the size of the drum  18  and the configuration of the recirculating airflow path  24  within the appliance  12 . 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a drying appliance includes a cabinet. A drum processes articles of laundry. The drum is positioned for rotational operation within the cabinet. A blower directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes the drum. The drum and the blower are activated in an operating state and deactivated in an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front of the cabinet. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second operable vents define an open position after the drum and the blower define the idle state. The first and second operable vents define a closed position after the drum and the blower define the operating state. 
     According to another aspect, the open position of the first and second operable vents defines a venting airflow of ambient air through the drum. 
     According to yet another aspect, the first operable vent is positioned within a wall of the recirculating airflow path proximate the drum. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second operable vent is positioned within an air scroll panel that conceals the blower within the cabinet. 
     According to another aspect, the first operable vent includes a wax motor that is operable to move a vent member between the open position and the closed position. 
     According to yet another aspect, the recirculating airflow path includes a heater that modifies an air temperature of the process air and the second operable vent includes a bi-metal disk that operates between the open and closed positions based upon the air temperature of the process air. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bi-metal disk moves to the closed position when a temperature of the bi-metal disk reaches a threshold temperature. The bi-metal disk moves to the open position when the temperature of the bi-metal disk is below the threshold temperature. 
     According to another aspect, the closed position of the first and second operable vents defines a closed loop of the recirculating airflow path through the drum. The open position of the first and second operable vents defines an open loop venting airflow path through the drum. 
     According to yet another aspect, a ventilation system for a drying appliance includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculating airflow path in an operating state. The recirculating airflow path includes a processing chamber. Deactivation of the blower defines an idle state. A first operable vent is positioned proximate a front portion of the recirculating airflow path. A second operable vent is positioned proximate a rear portion of the recirculating airflow path. The first and second operable vents define a closed position during the operating state that is indicative of the recirculating airflow path being a closed-loop system. The first and second operable vents define an open position during the idle state that forms a venting airflow of ambient air through the processing chamber and between the first and second operable vents. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first operable vent is positioned within a top section of the recirculating airflow path and the second operable vent is positioned within a lower section of the recirculating airflow path. 
     According to another aspect, the first operable vent includes an electrically-actuated vent. 
     According to yet another aspect, the electrically-actuated vent is a wax motor having a resistive heating element. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second operable vent includes a temperature-operated member that operates to an open position upon reaching an opening temperature range and wherein the temperature-operated member operates to a closed position upon reaching a closing temperature range. The closing temperature range includes temperatures that are below the opening temperature range. 
     According to another aspect, the temperature-operated member operates between the open and closed positions based upon an air temperature of the process air within the airflow path. 
     According to yet another aspect, the recirculating airflow path includes a heater. The heater modifies an air temperature of the process air and wherein the temperature-operated member operates between the open and closed positions based upon the air temperature of the process air within the airflow path. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature-operable member includes a bi-metal disk. 
     According to another aspect, a drying appliance includes a blower that directs process air through a recirculating airflow path that includes a drum. A heater selectively heats the process air, wherein at least one of the blower, the drum and the heater are activated in an operating state and wherein all of the blower, the drum and the heater are deactivated in an idle state. A first temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a front of a cabinet. A second temperature-operable vent is positioned proximate a rear of the cabinet. The first and second temperature-operable vents define an open position after the blower, the drum and the heater define the idle state. The first and second temperature-operable vents define a closed position after at least the blower and the heater define the operating state. 
     According to yet another aspect, the first temperature-operable vent is a wax motor having a resistive heating element. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second temperature-operable vent is a bi-metal disk. 
     According to another aspect, the bi-metal disk operates between the open and closed positions based upon an air temperature of the process air. The wax motor operates between the open and closed positions based upon an electrical current delivered to the wax motor. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.