Abstract: A clothes dryer has a system for regulating the inlet air temperature. The system includes a first sensor located in an inlet of the dryer and including a thermistor and a thermostat, a heat source located in a heater box adjacent the first sensor, and a second sensor located in an exhaust of the dryer. The thermistor measures the inlet air temperature of the dryer and cooperates with the controller to prevent the thermostat from reaching its trip temperature and turning off the heat source. Thus, damage due to excessive air temperatures in the dryer is prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the drying cycle of a dryer by utilizing fuzzy logic control. Control is accomplished by first monitoring the moisture level of a clothes load in the dryer. From the monitored moisture information, variables such as the elapsed time from the start of the drying cycle to a point when no significant moisture is detected for a specified time period and the number of times higher moisture registrations occur during another specified time period are determined. Based on the determined variables, fuzzy logic is used to determine characteristics particular to the clothes load being dried, such as size of the load. Using the determined characteristics in conjunction with user settings more accurate control of the time of drying heat application, reduced drying heat application and cool down time can be accomplished.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the drying cycle of a dryer by utilizing fuzzy logic control. Control is accomplished by first monitoring the moisture level of a clothes load in the dryer. From the monitored moisture information, variables such as the elapsed time from the start of the drying cycle to a point when no significant moisture is detected for a specified time period and the number of times higher moisture registrations occur during another specified time period are determined. Based on the determined variables, fuzzy logic is used to determine characteristics particular to the clothes load being dried, such as size of the load. Using the determined characteristics in conjunction with user settings more accurate control of the time of drying heat application, reduced drying heat application and cool down time can be accomplished.

Abstract: A hybrid control for a clothes dryer which combines an electromechanical timer and a microprocessor. The electromechanical timer has a plurality of switches connected to a plurality of input ports of the microprocessor. The timer switches are driven by a plurality of cams such that the plurality of switches open and close in response to the cams at predetermined angular positions of the timer. In this manner, the switches provide control input to the electronic circuit for initiating the dry cycle and further provide control input to the electronic circuit during the dry cycle such that the electromechanical timer and the electronic circuit operate together to control the dryer operation. In addition, a sensor supplies a signal to the microprocessor corresponding to the moisture level of the clothes within the drum.

Abstract: An ice maker for use in a domestic refrigerator makes clear ice bodies. The ice maker comprises a support arranged to have an ice body formed thereon. The support is refrigerated to a below-freezing temperature and a container adapted to hold a body of water is moved to move liquid water contained therein uniformly about the support suitable to cause a clear substantially symmetrical ice body to build up outwardly on the refrigerated support.

Abstract: A high efficiency current limit circuit comprises a current sensor, a control unit responsive to the current sensor for providing a control signal to a solid-state series pass element which limits load current. A thermal safety circuit provides overtemperature circuit protection. Together, the current limit circuit and thermal safety circuit provide continuous short circuit protection (of indefinite time duration) with automatic recovery upon removal of the short.