Abstract: A dryer appliance that includes a fire extinguishing system is provided. In one aspect, the dryer appliance includes a drum rotatably mounted within a cabinet. The drum defines a chamber for receipt of articles for drying. The dryer appliance includes a water inlet valve in fluid communication with a steam nozzle operable to deliver water into the chamber to form mist or steam. The dryer appliance also includes an extinguisher nozzle in fluid communication with the chamber of the drum and with the water inlet valve. Upon detection of a fire, water is provided to the extinguisher nozzle and the extinguisher nozzle directs a stream of water into the chamber to extinguish the detected fire.

Abstract: A firefighting monitor system includes a monitor, a controller selectively generating signals to the monitor for controlling the monitor, and a computer. The computer is configured to receive input from a user relative to the monitor or the controller. The computer generates an output based on the input, and the output is transmitted to the controller for controlling the monitor or the controller in accordance with the output.

Abstract: A fire protection system for a clothes dryer comprising a temperature sensitive device (1) for detecting a parameter related to temperature in the clothes dryer. The temperature sensitive device (1) is placed in an inner space (2) of the clothes dryer and is arranged connected to a fire extinguishing agent releasing device (3), wherein said temperature sensitive device (1) is capable of providing a pressure impulse or a mechanical impulse, when a predetermined value of the parameter is met. Said mechanical or pressure impulse ensures release of a fire extinguishing agent, by said fire extinguishing agent releasing device, or ensures cut off of release of said fire extinguishing agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a fire in a household dryer and responding thereto.

Abstract: A method for detecting a volatile, flammable substance during drying of moist textiles in a dryer with a drum for receiving includes irradiating the textiles or their environment with infrared radiation, receiving infrared radiation from the textiles or their environment in a wavelength range of 600 to 4000 cm-1, and evaluating the received infrared radiation.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a test button for testing the fire suppression system of the dryer. The test button is connected to the temperature sensor of the fire suppression system such that when the test button is actuated it presents a signal, such as by shorting the two leads of the temperature sensor together, to simulate the condition of the temperature sensor sensing a high temperature. This triggers the control circuit of the fire suppression system to turn on a water valve to activate the sprinkler system. The fire suppression system is then reset by actuating a reset button.

Abstract: A filter assembly for collecting lint in use with a dryer having an interior compartment. The filter assembly includes a control unit, an input air pathway in communication with the interior compartment, an exhaust, and a micro-filter. The input air pathway carries air and lint from the interior compartment through the micro-filter into the exhaust. The filter assembly includes a first and second air flow sensor in the interior compartment for determining the change of air flow between the input air pathway and exhaust. The control unit is in communication with the first and second air flow sensors and an alarm. The control unit triggers the alarm when the air flow sensors detect a restricted pattern of air flow, thereby signaling a build-up of lint in the filter.

Abstract: A safety system is for the clothes dryer. The safety system determines whether the flow of exhaust air is above a pre-set level, and causes an interruption of electrical power to the clothes dryer if there is not. The invention provides for more efficient drying of clothes and reduces risk of fires. The system may also include an interruption of electrical power for other malfunctions of clothes dryer. A non-restricting cover plate is adapted for use with a clothes dryer having a removable lint screen and an exhaust pipe. The cover plate allows air and lint into the exhaust pipe and prevent clothes from entering the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A clothes dryer having a fire protection system. The clothes dryer chamber has an inlet which receives drying air and an exhaust for removing moisture laden air. The temperature within the drying chamber is monitored, and a determination is made from the dryer electronic controller whether or not a fire exists in the tumbler. The fire detection conditions are based on determining whether a certain temperature rise exists within the tumbler when the drying air ceases. The fire suppression system when activated will inject a fire suppressing substance into the tumbler for suppressing the fire.

Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided with a fire detection and suppression system which releases a fire suppressing substance into the dryer chamber upon detection of a fire condition. The fire detection and suppression system includes, a controller, at least one temperature detector which is in communication with the controller and sends a signal to the controller when a temperature set point has been reached and/or exceeded, a source of fire suppressing substance (preferably water) which is delivered to the chamber over a pathway; and a valve in the pathway controlled by the controller. The controller opens the valve when a fire condition is detected, and closes the valve after a time sufficient to introduce a predetermined volume of the fire suppressing substance has passed.

Abstract: A fire arrester for use with a clothes dryer includes a fire detector at the dryer vent to detect fires starting in the dryer and provides an electrical power disconnect means to break the flow of electrical power being supplied to operate the dryer. Optionally, the signal is applied to release an extinguishing agent or fire suppressant into the interior of the dryer just prior to shutting off the dryer blower. The output signal from the fire detector can also be used to provide various alarms, including local visual and/or alarms, as well as a remote alarm, which can be accomplished by sending a signal to a remote monitoring facility such as a home intrusion service or to a local fire department. Optionally, the activation of any of the alarm signals, and/or the activation of any of the features or functions of the fire arrester can be accomplished by using wireless communications.

Abstract: A clothes dryer having a fire protection system. The clothes dryer chamber has an inlet which receives drying air and an exhaust for removing moisture laden air. The temperature within the drying chamber is monitored, and a determination is made from the dryer electronic controller whether or not a fire exists in the tumbler. The fire detection conditions are based on determining whether a certain temperature rise exists within the tumbler when the drying air ceases. The fire suppression system when activated will inject a fire suppressing substance into the tumbler for suppressing the fire.

Abstract: A clothes dryer having a fire protection system. The clothes dryer chamber has an inlet which receives drying air and an exhaust for removing moisture laden air. The temperature within the drying chamber is monitored, and a determination is made from the dryer electronic controller whether or not a fire exists in the tumbler. The fire detection conditions are based on determining whether a certain temperature rise exists within the tumbler when the drying air ceases. The fire suppression system when activated will inject a fire suppressing substance into the tumbler for suppressing the fire.

Abstract: A wafer drying apparatus incorporated in a semiconductor wafer cleaning system includes a bath for storing IPA. A heater for generating an IPA vapor is arranged on the bath. The bath is surrounded by a housing. The housing has opening portions at three positions. The opening portions are opened/closed by shutters. A sensor for detecting a fire and a nozzle for discharging CO.sub.2 gas into the bath are arranged around the bath. A plurality of wafers are held by a chuck of a convey robot and are conveyed from the outside of the housing into the housing via the opening portions. When a fire is detected by the sensor, the chuck immediately retreats from the housing, and the shutters are closed. Signals for closing the shutters are transmitted to shutter drive sources again 10 seconds after the fire is detected, and discharging of CO.sub.2 gas is started 20 seconds after the fire is detected.

Abstract: Microwave clothes dryer and method in which water is introduced into the chamber in response to detection of an impending fire to immediately increase the moisture content of the clothes throughout the chamber to a level which will not sustain combustion.

Abstract: A self controlled, fluidized bed coffee roaster which provides a stream of heated air to a bed of coffee beans, monitors the temperature of the air that has passed through the bean; and when the air temperatures reaches a predetermined set point, a controller terminates the heating, deactivates the heater and injects water into the air stream at a point upstream of the beans to cool the system and quench the roasting process.