Abstract: An automatic lint screen cleaner in an automatic dryer is provided with a foreign objects sump which provides a means for removing foreign objects from the area of the lint screen cleaner while preventing lint build up in the sump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying clothes wherein a clothes dryer is operated at a low level of energy input for a major portion of a drying cycle, followed by a high energy input for a short period near the end of the drying cycle. A single heater provides both levels of energy input, and has associated control means to operate the heater at the different input levels. For example, an electric heater element is controlled by cam actuated switches to operate at two levels of voltage input or a gas burner is provided with two solenoid actuated valves which are also controlled by cam actuated switches to operate the burner at two different levels of fuel input.