With Drum Or Receptacle Enclosing Housing Patents (Class 34/595)
  • Patent number: 6928752
    Abstract: A combination tumble and cabinet dryer appliance includes a housing with a tumble dryer and a cabinet dryer therein. The tumble dryer and cabinet dryer are operable independently of one another. Separate sources of hot air are provided to each of the tumble and cabinet dryers. The cabinet dryer extends over and along one side of the tumble dryer. A portion of the cabinet dryer extends substantially along the height of the housing so as to receive long hanging clothes, such as a dress. Removable shelves are provided in the cabinet dryer for drying sweaters and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Troy A. Johnson, Lee R. Birch, Michael C. Roberts, Kevin W. Shipley, Julie M. Bundy, Frank S. Nekic, Stephen D. Schober, Curtis J. Tremel
  • Patent number: 6922913
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drying chamber, a door assembly, a blower assembly and an air passage for directing an airflow to the drying chamber. A media holder is removably positioned in the air passage to suspend a volatilizable media in the path of the airflow. The media holder includes a main body having rear wall formed from a latticework frame, an interior for receiving the volatilizable material, and a door member. The door member is also formed from a latticework frame. With this arrangement, both the rear wall and door member include a plurality of openings to allow an airflow to carry a fragrance or other substance from the volatilizable material through the air passage to treat clothes placed in the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa J. Hood, Troy A. Johnson, Joseph M. Keeler, Paul E. Maass, Jeffrey D. Rupe, Dean L. Schaffran, Stephen D. Schober, Curtis J. Tremel
  • Patent number: 6915593
    Abstract: A drying rack can be fixed in the drum of a tumble dryer to dispose items to be dried in a static manner. The items can be, for example, woolens or shoes that should not be rotated with the moving drum during the drying process. To prevent the items to be dried from coming into contact with the rotating drum, the drying rack includes an external casing, which seals the rack off from the periphery of the drum. An internal rack, in particular, including several levels, can be located inside the external casing. The items to be dried can be distributed on the levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Ash Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Barbara Grüble, Olaf Hoffmann, Harald Moschütz, Hans-Werner Stahn, Günter Steffens
  • Patent number: 6892476
    Abstract: A clothes dryer has a rear panel and an exhaust vent passing through the rear panel. The exhaust vent is adapted to be connected with a flexible venting hose. The spacer is pivotally mounted to the rear panel of the clothes dryer for movement between an upright shipping position extending adjacent the dryer rear panel and a lowered position extending out and away from the dryer rear panel for maintaining a predetermined distance between the rear panel of the dryer and a room wall adjacent to which the clothes dryer is adapted to be positioned. The spacer has a cover member which is adapted to at least partially cover the exhaust vent when the spacer is in the upright position to prevent connection of a flexible venting hose to the dryer exhaust vent. The spacer of the present invention insures that a predetermine distance is maintained between the rear panel of the dryer and a room wall adjacent to which the dryer is positioned so as to prevent kinking of the flexible heating hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Camco Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Forget, Michael Piplakis
  • Patent number: 6877248
    Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided which incorporates ultraviolet light sources to aid in the sterilization of the clothing as it is dried. A series of ultraviolet emitters, envisioned to be germicidal lamps, are located around the perimeter of the drying drum inside of the dryer. As the clothes dryer operates, these lamps are energized, and their light passed thru clear panels into the drying drum where they can aid in the killing of germs, bacteria and the like. Such a feature is envisioned as being particularly useful in hospitals, centers where biological studies are performed, or for those who are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Gregory N. Cross, Tamela S. Cross
  • Publication number: 20040194339
    Abstract: A combination tumble and cabinet dryer appliance includes a housing with a tumble dryer and a cabinet dryer therein. The tumble dryer and cabinet dryer are operable independently of one another. Separate sources of hot air are provided to each of the tumble and cabinet dryers. The cabinet dryer extends over and along one side of the tumble dryer. A portion of the cabinet dryer extends substantially along the height of the housing so as to receive long hanging clothes, such as a dress. Removable shelves are provided in the cabinet dryer for drying sweaters and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Maytag Corp.
    Inventors: Troy A. Johnson, Lee R. Birch, Michael C. Roberts, Kevin W. Shipley, Julie M. Bundy, Frank S. Nekic, Stephen D. Schober, Curtis J. Tremel
  • Patent number: 6792695
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in that the transfer means comprises at least an inner flow control member and an outer flow control member arranged in series, wherein the flow control characteristic of the inner flow control member is greater than that of the outer flow control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, divison of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan John Fry, Uwe Hagemann, Steven Hayes Hayes, Colin Watt Kerr
  • Patent number: 6779279
    Abstract: A dryer having a filter sensing system that warns a user that a filter requires servicing is provided. The dryer includes a drum that retains laundry. Hot air is drawn through the drum (for drying) and out an exhaust casing having a filter for removing lint and other particles. The temperature difference of the air in front of the filter (on the drum side) and behind the filter is determined using temperature sensors. When that temperature difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, a control unit causes a notice unit to produce a warning signal that informs a user that filter service is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soon-Jo Lee, Hae Deog Jeong
  • Publication number: 20040159006
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Brian A. Chute
  • Publication number: 20040159008
    Abstract: A restriction sensor system for identifying the existence of blockages in exhaust conduits of clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may include a pressure sensing device having a body configured to be coupled to an exhaust conduit of a clothes dryer. The pressure sensing device may be capable of determining changes in air pressure in the exhaust conduit. Once the air pressure present in the exhaust conduit exceeds a threshold air pressure, the pressure sensing device may send a signal to an indicator to generate an alarm, which may be a visual alarm or audible alarm, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Richard John Harpenau
  • Patent number: 6769196
    Abstract: A condenser of a condensing-type clothes dryer includes a plurality of condensing ducts provided in a middle portion of a circulation duct, the condensing ducts condensing air being circulated there-through after being discharged from a drum; and a plurality of cooling fins provided to be in contact with an outer surface of the condensing ducts, wherein an interval or a pitch of the cooling fins is different partially according to a flow rate of air blown from a cooling fan for a heat-exchange with air flowing through the condensing duct. At this time, the pitch or interval of the cooling fins is narrow at a portion where air blown from the cooling fan flows fast, and the pitch or internal of the cooling fins is wide at a portion where air blown from the cooling fan flows slowly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Hwan Park, Choon Myun Chung, Mu Yong Choi, Dae Yun Park, Kyung Seop Hong
  • Publication number: 20040134093
    Abstract: An igniter having an igniter element, a bushing, adhesive and sealant is provided. The igniter element has a polarizing key for generating heat at a high temperature. The bushing is inserted on an outside of one end of the igniter element. The adhesive is placed in a bushing cavity for bonding the bushing with the igniter element. The sealant covers both the bushing and the adhesive placed in the cavity of the bushing thereby joining the bushing and adhesive and improving joining structures of components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: In Hee Han
  • Publication number: 20040134094
    Abstract: A clothes dryer includes at least one clothes drum for receiving textiles and at least one ultrasound atomizer disposed in the dryer for generating an aerosol from a liquid. The invention further relates to a method for introducing an aerosol into the clothes drum of the clothes dryer. A liquid is conducted from a reservoir to an ultrasound atomizer disposed in the clothes dryer, atomized there, and conducted into the clothes drum. The invention relates to further applications for an ultrasound atomizer, such as a washing machine, dishwasher, and/or motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Iris Hahn, Ruth Manner, Gabriele Preu, Carsten Schuh
  • Publication number: 20040134092
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drying machine. The drying machine comprises supporting members mounted on a base, and motor fixing brackets each including an insert part, through which a motor is inserted, and first and second supporting legs extending downwardly from the opposite ends of the insert part, the first and second supporting legs being engaged with the supporting members, whereby any vibration of the motor is prevented and attachment/detachment of the motor is easy and convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kyung Seop Hong, Young Hwan Park, Mu Yong Choi, Dae Yun Park
  • Publication number: 20040123487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothes dryer, in which a fitting structure of a guide funnel to an inlet duct of a gas combustion device is improved for preventing the guide funnel from being fluid in the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: In Hee Han
  • Publication number: 20040123488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothes dryer, in which a base structure is improved for increasing an air flow rate introduced into the gas combustion device for improving a combustion efficiency and a cooling characteristics of components as well as reducing production of hazardous gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: In Hee Han
  • Publication number: 20040123486
    Abstract: An over-voltage control device for a clothes dryer including an electrical heater coupled to an alternating current power supply is provided. The device includes a switch device adapted to connect and disconnect the power supply from the heater, and a micro-controller coupled to the switch device. The switch device is responsive to said micro-controller, and the micro-controller is configured to operate said switch to maintain an effective heater voltage below a predetermined threshold to avoid tripping of a circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Zubair Hameed, Scott Wayne Lange
  • Publication number: 20040118012
    Abstract: A drying rack can be fixed in the drum of a tumble dryer to dispose items to be dried in a static manner. The items can be, for example, woolens or shoes that should not be rotated with the moving drum during the drying process. To prevent the items to be dried from coming into contact with the rotating drum, the drying rack includes an external casing, which seals the rack off from the periphery of the drum. An internal rack, in particular, including several levels, can be located inside the external casing. The items to be dried can be distributed on the levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Barbara Gruble, Olaf Hoffmann, Harald Moschutz, Hans-Werner Stahn, Gunter Steffens
  • Publication number: 20040118011
    Abstract: A drying rack for the stationary drying of articles to be dried, which can be installed in the drum of a clothes dryer. The articles can be knitwear or shoes that must not be moved when dried even when the drum turns. For articles, especially, wool articles, to dry faster, the drying rack has at least two spaced-apart surfaces disposed one on top of the other on which the articles to be dried can be spread, thereby substantially enlarging the surface of the articles to be dried. As such, the drying air current can better remove the moisture and larger individual wool articles can be dried in the clothes dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Harald Moschutz, Hans-Werner Stahn, Gunter Steffens
  • Publication number: 20040118008
    Abstract: A drying machine according to the present invention includes an interface unit connected to a separate washing machine with a data communication line for receiving load information from the washing machine, a rotatable drum containing a load of wet clothes which are previously washed by the washing machine, and an air supply system coupled to the drum for supplying dry air into the drum. The machine further includes a heater coupled to the air supply system for heating the dry air, and a dryer controller generating a control signal to the heater in accordance with a set of operation values which are determined based on the load information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Hae Deog Jeong, In Haeng Cho, Jae Suk Yang
  • Publication number: 20040118010
    Abstract: A clothes dryer comprises a main chamber (C1) for receiving clothes to be dried, an evacuating pump (P1) coupled between the main chamber (C1) and a secondary chamber (C2) provided with an evacuating pump (P2): the first pump (P1) is of a large flow-rate compared with the second pump (P2). Superheated cool steam may be injected into the main chamber (C1), serving both to heat and dry the wet clothes: the superheated cool steam may be generated in a water-containing vessel (30) in which a heat exchanger tube (12), coupled between the two chambers (C1, C2), is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Michael Shardlow
  • Publication number: 20040118013
    Abstract: A flexible container in the form of a bag is described for use in a non-immersion dry cleaning process. Bag walls that are appropriately stiff and slick are preferred (preferred Kawabata Evaluation System stiffness and surface friction values are given), as are bag designs that are inherently three-dimensional and self-supporting. A preferred embodiment is a tetrahedral bag having a slick polymeric coating on the interior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Randolph S. Kohlman, Allan W. Smith, Thomas E. Godfrey, Charles E. Willbanks, Allen M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6751888
    Abstract: A control system for a clothes dryer including a temperature sensor and a thermostat for regulating at least one dryer heating element is provided. The control system includes a microcomputer programmed to compensate for a conflict between the thermostat temperature regulation and the temperature sensor temperature regulation during dryer operation at a selected operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William Henry Lueckenbach
  • Publication number: 20040103556
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dryer having an improved arrangement of heating coils. The present invention includes a cabinet, a drum, a motor, and a heater assembly including a heater case having an air passage inside, a plate partitioning the air passage into an upper passage and a lower passage, and first and second coil arrays independently provided to the air passage to alternately cross the plate between the upper and lower passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Chul Bang
  • Publication number: 20040098878
    Abstract: A clothes dryer and a cooling passage structure for cooling a condenser thereof is disclosed, which includes front and rear inhalation holes provided at a cabinet of the clothes dryer; and a guide duct provided to connect a condenser to a cooling fan, for forming a flow passage of an external air flown through the front and rear inhalation holes. At this time, the guide duct is provided such that an outlet side of the condenser exhausting the external air is connected to an inlet side of the cooling, fan inhaling the external air after passing through the condenser. The outlet side of the condenser exhausting the external air after passing through the condenser is opposite to the inlet side of the cooling fan inhaling the external air. Also, if the cooling fan is composed of a sirocco fan, which is provided such that the external air passing through the cooling fan is discharged to the rear side of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Young Hwan Park, Choon Myun Chung, Mu Yong Choi, Dae Yun Park, Kyung Seop Hong
  • Publication number: 20040098879
    Abstract: A laundry drier and control method thereof are provided, by which a cooling procedure is completed by sensing when an internal temperature drops below a predetermined temperature. The laundry drier includes a temperature sensor for sensing an internal temperature of the laundry drier and outputting a sensed temperature signal indicative of the internal temperature; and a microcomputer for controlling drivers for driving a heater, motor and exhaust fan according to the sensed temperature signal from the temperature sensor. The method of controlling a laundry drier includes steps of performing a cooling procedure; sensing an internal temperature of the laundry drier during the cooling procedure performing step; comparing the sensed internal temperature with a predetermined temperature value; and stopping the cooling procedure performing step if the sensed temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Gi Hyeong Do
  • Publication number: 20040078994
    Abstract: A dryer, in particular a dryer (1) to dry linen and the like, with a drying drum (2), drive means (4) to rotate the drying drum (2), means (5) to create an air flow (6), in particular a hot air flow (6), and air conduction means (7) to lead the air flow (6) through the drying drum (2), characterized in that the air conduction means (7) have been thus conceived that the air flow (6) is mainly forced to enter the drying drum (2) from an inlet, before being discharged via an outlet, whereby the air thereby is also forced to enter the drying drum (2) via one or more air passage openings (19-26) which are located at the cylindrical casing part (20) of the drying drum (2) and/or at one axial end (22) of the drying drum (2), but near the outer circumference thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: IPSO-LSG
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Vandoorne-Feys
  • Publication number: 20040074105
    Abstract: A dryer vent designed to prevent bird and rodent ingress through the vent and further to prevent lint build-up includes a flap which has an edge portion recessed within the main body of the vent preventing birds and rodents from grasping the flap and opening it. Further, the dryer vent includes a rotating member such as a paddlewheel or a fan blade which rotates in response to air flowing through the vent thereby frightening birds and rodents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Bluegrass Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Vagedes
  • Publication number: 20040068889
    Abstract: A clothes dryer and a method for controlling its operation are disclosed, in which the clothes dryer includes a second motor being separately driven from a drum or a circulation fan to control a cooling fan for cooling a condenser. As for the second motor, a variable speed motor is used and amount of heating of a heater of the clothes dryer is variable. In the method for controlling an operation of a clothes dryer, the cooling fan is operated when a predetermined period of time passes after the cooling fan being stopped during an initial operation, or the cooling fan is operated at a regular speed when a temperature of air circulating reaches a predetermined degree after the cooling fan being operated at a low speed during the initial operation of the clothes dryer. Also, the speed of the cooling fan is varied according to amount of heating of the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Young-Hwan Park, Choon Myun Chung, Mu Yong Choi, Dae Yun Park, Kyung Seop Hong
  • Publication number: 20040064970
    Abstract: A device 1 for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles, the device comprising a support member 2 and a reservoir 6 for storing fabric treatment composition attachable to said support member 2, the support member including one or more suction cups for attachment of the support member 2 to the tumble dryer interior, and preferably the door, wherein the suction cup/s 8 have one or more respective suction cup actuators 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Bestfoods North America, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Hagemann, Raymond Honey, David Jones, Colin Watt Kerr, Jonathan Edward Tew
  • Patent number: 6715216
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Cissell Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Naom Salameh, Stanley T. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20040060196
    Abstract: A control system for a clothes dryer including a temperature sensor and a thermostat for regulating at least one dryer heating element is provided. The control system includes a microcomputer programmed to compensate for a conflict between the thermostat temperature regulation and the temperature sensor temperature regulation during dryer operation at a selected operating temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: General Electic Company
    Inventor: William Henry Lueckenbach
  • Publication number: 20040060197
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a dryness degree in an exhaust type clothes dryer and a control method using the same, includes an electrode sensor for sensing a clothes drying state based on the humidity of the clothes in the drum, and a thermistor for sensing the temperature of the air discharged after drying the clothes. By comparing the clothes drying state and discharged air temperature, the operation of the dryer is controlled, so that the drying of clothes can be accurately performed, thus to improve efficiency and performance of an exhaust type clothes dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Hae-Deog Jeong, Soon-Jo Lee
  • Publication number: 20040045187
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying articles either free of applied heat or with a significantly reduced heating requirement. The apparatus includes a drying gas source is operative to dehumidify a moisture-laden gas, such as ambient air, flowing in the flow path to provide a drying gas to a drying chamber of a receptacle holding the articles. The drying gas removes moisture, or other cleansing liquid, from articles held in the chamber. The drying gas and moisture entrained in the drying gas are exhausted from the receptacle. The apparatus may optionally be equipped to provide a cleansing liquid, such as water, to the receptacle for mixing with the articles before the drying gas is supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Curry, Troy Inslee Vanderhoof, Brian Douglas Cross
  • Patent number: 6698107
    Abstract: In a drum for a clothes drier having a plurality of baffles projected from the inner circumference of the drum, lifting and moving clothes, a drum for a clothes drier comprises a cylindrical body housing clothes and rotating and a plurality of baffles projected from the inner circumference of the cylindrical body in a length direction of the cylindrical body and lifting the clothes, wherein at least one baffle is installed at each disposal domain and is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the length direction of the cylindrical body when the inner circumference of the cylindrical body is divided into a plurality of disposal domains in the length direction of the cylindrical body. Accordingly, because the clothes housed in the drum can be regularly dispersed, contact of the clothes and heating air can be performed well, accordingly clothes drying efficiency can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Bae Song, Sang Wook Hong, Sang Heon Yoon, Hwan Joo Myung
  • Patent number: 6694638
    Abstract: A vent check strip for checking a dryer or a vent pipe connected to a dryer. The vent check strip has a temperature sensitive area that changes its color at a threshold temperature within a working temperature range of the dryer when the dryer functions normally. The vent check strip can be placed inside the dryer or the vent pipe so that after the dryer is turned on to perform its normal drying function for a period of time until the dryer reaches the working temperature range, the vent check strip can be retrieved for examination. If the vent check strip does not change its color, then it indicates that the dryer is malfunction or the vent pipe is clogged, kinked, broken or otherwise damaged and needs to be serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Oleg Krioukov, Zoya Krioukova
  • Publication number: 20040010937
    Abstract: In the dry clearing machine, a common refrigerator is used for both the solvent cooler and the drying cooler, and the coolant compressed and liquefied in the refrigerator is supplied either one of the heat exchanger of the solvent cooler or that of the drying cooler, depending on the state of a switch. In the heat exchanger selected by the switch, the coolant is supplied and the solvent or the air is cooled when the coolant evaporates. That is, only the cooler selected by the switch works, but the other cooler not selected by the switch does not work. While the laundry is washed, normally, it is not necessary to supply air to the outer tub through the air path, and the drying cooler need not be operated. Thus, in the process of washing, the solvent is adequately cooled because an enough amount of coolant is supplied to the solvent cooler, and the temperature rise of the solvent is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicants: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Techno Clean Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Naganawa, Masafumi Nishino, Keiji Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20040010936
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dryer for easy discharge of heated air form an inside thereof. For this, the dryer of the present invention includes a drum (32) for receiving laundry and rotating in any one direction, heating means (33) for producing heated air to be supplied to the drum for drying the laundry, an air discharge assembly for discharging air from the drum (32) to outside of the dryer, and a cabinet (30) being configured to contain the drum (32), the heating means (33), and the air discharge assembly therein, the cabinet including an opening (50) for discharging air circulated around the heating means (33) or the air discharge assembly by rotation of the drum (32), thereby discharging air that is heated secondarily by the heating means (33) and the air discharge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: In Hee Han
  • Patent number: 6678969
    Abstract: A clothes dryer is disclosed, in which the clothes dryer comprising a first and second connecting ducts communicating with a drum, respectively, a first flow passage control device to communicate a heating duct with the first connecting duct or with the second connecting duct, and a second flow passage control device to communicate an exhaust duct with the first connecting duct or with the second connecting duct. When the first flow passage control device is operated to communicate the heating duct with the first connecting duct, the second flow passage control device is operated to communicate the exhaust duct with the second connecting duct. When the first flow passage control device is operated to communicate the heating duct with the second connecting duct, the second flow passage control device is operated to communicate the exhaust duct with the first connecting duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Wook Hong
  • Patent number: 6665953
    Abstract: Method for controlling a washing and drying machine, for improving drying performance, and saving energy, the method having a drying cycle for supplying heated air into an inner tub to dry laundry in the inner tub, wherein the drying cycle includes a plurality of drying steps each having the steps of rotating a pulsator for a preset time period, and rotating the inner tub for a preset time period in regular and reverse directions, for enhancing flow of the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Chul Woo, In Chul Jeong, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Choon Myun Chung, Mu Yong Choi
  • Publication number: 20030230005
    Abstract: A control system for a clothes dryer has an inlet thermister located in the air flow system prior to the dryer drum to monitor the inlet temperature. This inlet temperature signal is provided to a microprocessor which samples this temperature over time and when this temperature exceeds a predetermined rate of increase with respect to time, the microprocessor generates an air flow restriction or blockage signal representing an air flow restriction or blockage in the dryer vent ducting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Camco Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques Michel Lapierre
  • Patent number: 6655047
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew C Miller, II
  • Patent number: 6647643
    Abstract: A clothes dryer, for drying washed clothes, including a drum supported in a case rotatably, for drying clothes inserted to the inside of the case, a driving means installed in the case, for rotating the drum, a suction duct connected to a side of the drum, for supplying heated air to the inside of the drum, an exhaust duct connected to the other side of the drum, for exhausting air which dried the clothes in the drum, a first blowing means installed in the suction duct or the exhaust duct, for flowing air to the inside of the drum and exhausting the air at the same time and a suction increasing means installed in the case, for blowing air into an inlet of the suction duct can improve clothes drying performance and reduce time for drying clothes by increasing the amount of air supplied into the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Bae Song, Sang Wook Hong, Sang Heon Yoon, Hwan Joo Myung
  • Publication number: 20030196348
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for freshening fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric freshening composition, means to expose fabric freshening composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier thereby transferring a portion of the fabric freshening component into contact the fabric freshening composition and transfer a portion thereof into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; means for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door; and optionally means for indicating to a user when the fabric freshening composition is used up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Hagemann, Steven Hayes, Raymond Honey, Colin Watt Kerr
  • Publication number: 20030192197
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, John E. Thomas, Brian A. Chute, Kathryn A. Netschke, Stephan M. Hubig, Terry J. Klos, Jamie W. Lerbs, Trevor J. Wilhelmson, Scott T. Russell
  • Publication number: 20030188450
    Abstract: A fabric softening system comprises a liquid fabric softening composition which is carried in liquid form within a substrate, which is introduced into a rotary clothes dryer with laundered, wet clothing where the softening composition is released into the fabric of the articles of clothing to impart both softening and anti-static properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Ogden & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Ogden, Robert O. Stiens, Thomas J. Stiens, Richard J. Stiens
  • Patent number: 6609310
    Abstract: The method for safety control of the drying cycle in hydrocarbon-solvent dry-cleaning machines, comprising, in the first step of the drying cycle, when the temperature of the mixture of hot air and solvent at the outlet of the drying drum reaches values which are higher than a preset safety value passing, the drying air, before being returned to the drum, through an additional separator-heat exchanger having a high thermal capacity. The apparatus is constituted in particular by the additional separator-heat exchanger connected through at least one valve driven by a detection to the drying circuit of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Donini International S.p.A.
    Inventor: Salvatore Carnovale
  • Patent number: 6609311
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for treatment fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition, means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; means for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door preferably a hook and sucker; and optionally means for indicating to a user when the fabric treatment composition is used up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Hagemann, Steven Hayes, Raymond Honey, Colin Watt Kerr
  • Publication number: 20030150130
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: AMERICAN DRYER CORP.
    Inventors: Michael W. Confoey, Dennis Slutsky
  • Publication number: 20030136022
    Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry dryer, comprising a drum rotatively installed inside a case, a heater heating an air flowing inside the drum, a rear plate coupled so as to cover a rear portion of the drum and having an inlet hole open long from upper to lower sides across upper and lower areas centering around a horizontal line of the rear plate, and an inlet duct covering the inlet hole and simultaneously having a plurality of duct holes formed at a portion covering the inlet hole so as to guide an the air heated by the heater to flow inside the drum. The present invention enables the common use of the rear plate for the electrical and gas type laundry dryers so as to assemble the rear plate using the same assembly line. Therefore, the present invention enables to reduce a product cost as well as improve the productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Hwan-Joo Myung, Sang-Heon Yoon, Sung-Bae Song, Sang-Wook Hong