Milestones

R&D project initiated to develop a hand dryer that can
dry hands in three seconds.

Drying time depends on both air speed and air volume; R&D team discovers that a minimum speed of 60 meters/second is required to blow water from hands. After considering different ways to blow water droplets from fingertips, team arrives at a solution: directing jet blasts of air at both palms and backs of hands simultaneously.

Experiments conducted with jet blasts of up to several hundred meters per second result in fast drying, but process is noisy and painful (subjects are concerned about possible skin lacerations).

First prototype High-speed Hand Dryer completed.

Optimum air speed and volume calculated for ensuring acceptable drying speed, noise, and user comfort. Research is conducted into nozzle shape, angle and position to solve the problem of "shaking of hands" when inserting hands into a strong airstream.

When requesting colleagues to test a prototype, they refuse to insert their hands into the dryer, saying the shape of the "basin" is frightening. Basin then redesigned to make it more open.

First High-speed Hand Dryer, the JT-16A, goes on sale under
the name "Jet Towel"

Optimum nozzle pattern found after conducting tests with more than 50 different prototypes. New basin shape devised to prevent floor and main dryer unit from becoming wet.

Because its primary development objective had been a shorter drying time, the JT-16A gains a reputation for being noisy; consequently, it is only installed in locations where noise is not a problem, such as amusement arcades. Designers join sales staff, visiting prospects and demonstrating how to use the unit.

JT-16B launched.

Nozzle design is further enhanced, power consumption reduced, and operating noise level greatly improved to 65dB. In response to market feedback (hands feel cold), a model is developed that draws heat from the built-in motor to warm the air.

JT-16C launched

In addition to improving operating noise (reducing unpleasant high-frequency sounds), the dryer is given a slimmer profile, responding to the needs of restaurants, hospitals, etc. Design improvements are made to the waste water outlet to prevent dirt blockages.

Thermal-storage heater stand launched

Further product improvement.

JT-16C3 launched

JT-116C4/C4K & JT-216CS4/CS4K launched

Production of 200V slim-type model starts.

Model with antimicrobial treatment launched.

Jet Towel launched on overseas markets, starting
with Taiwan

The rest of the world begins to discover the High-speed Hand Dryer.

JT-SB116D launched

After heated debate between the product designers and structural engineers, final decision is made to adopt a monoform design that will suit architectural interiors.

Angular nozzle is devised to help prevent air blowing back in the user´s face.

Start of overseas sales in Asia, Europe, North America, etc. on a full commercial basis.

JT-SB116EH, JT-SB216ESH, JT-SB116GN & JT-SB216GSN
launched

Three-second drying time is achieved using hyper-nozzles. Also, operating noise reduced to 59dB.

New basin design adopted to facilitate cleaning.

New model is launched with thermal-storage heater unit equipped as standard.

Refined styling of GN & GSN models wins Good Design award: well-defined contours blend with curves that make the dryer easy to use.

JT-SB216JSH, JT-SB216KSN

The streamlined design that provides an optimum balance between airflow rate and air volume enhance efficiency and drying hands speed. Also operating noise reduced to 58dB.

New design adopted the Child-conscious Design and Spacious Hand-drying Zone. In addition to highly popular White, a variety of new colors are now available. — Select the unit that best matched your sanitary needs.