Electric Heater Patents (Class 34/553)
-
Patent number: 11021837Abstract: A tumble dryer has a drum for laundry, a drive motor for the drum, an air supply to the drum and an air discharge from the drum, a fan, including a fan drive, for generating an air stream to the drum through the air supply and away from the drum through the air discharge, and also heating means for heating the air stream. The temperature of and the moisture in the air which is discharged from the drum are detected. The profile of said temperature and moisture is compared with prespecification curves, which are stored in a memory, for the profile of said temperature and moisture by means of calculation means depending on the drying phase of the laundry. The operating point of the prespecification curve at which the drying program is located is determined in this way. The control arrangement influences the further drying program, on the basis of the operating point, by way of adjusting the temperature and/or the intensity of the air stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbHInventors: Mathias Bellm, Rebecca Grill, Uwe Schaumann, Kay Schmidt
-
Patent number: 10953249Abstract: The present invention relates to a blocking device (4) for a damper drive, wherein the blocking device (4) can be transferred by activation from an inoperative state into an alternative activated state. The blocking device (4) comprises a movably mounted blocking element (41) which, in a blocking position, blocks an output member (13) in a safety position. The blocking device (4) further comprises a drive element (42) which, when the blocking device (4) is activated, moves the blocking element (41) into the blocking position. The blocking device further comprises an activating element (43) which, when a blocking temperature has been exceeded, activates the blocking device (4) by an irreversible change in shape. Also disclosed are a damper drive with a blocking device, a fire protection device and a method for operating a fire protection device.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: BELIMO HOLDING AGInventors: Beat Weber, Peter Dreher, Atilla Beker
-
Patent number: 10849400Abstract: The invention relates to hair dryers. Various techniques for improving air flow in hair dryers are described, including a hair dryer providing laminar flow air. In another variant a hair dryer has a two air flow channels: one a hot air channel the other a cool air channel, with the cool air channel circumscribing the hot air channel. The nozzle end of the hair dryer is arranged such that the cool air channel extends forward of the hot air channel outlet. This allows a hair dryer to be placed close to, or on, a person's hair/head without and risk of burning the person's head. A hair dryer with external power supply is also described which reduces the weight of the housing held by a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Jemella LimitedInventors: Robert Alexander Weatherly, Matthew James Brady, Jonathan James Larkin, Timothy David Moore, Steve Sayers
-
Patent number: 10072375Abstract: The power P of the heater of a dryer is regulated in order to heat up the air used to dry washed articles placed in the drying chamber to a temperature close to a set point temperature TSET. The output signal of the regulator of the heater is used to estimate the moisture content of the fabrics and to terminate the drying cycle when a predefined moisture level is reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Davide Colombo, Daniele Martinello
-
Publication number: 20140109436Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus having a heat pump may include a drum, and a heat pump that cools air received from the drum and then heats the cooled air. A heater may heat air transmitted from the heat pump to the drum. A sensing device may sense a state of a heating medium, such as temperature or pressure, and a controller may control the heater based on the sensed state of the heating medium. Speed drying may be performed, energy efficiency may be increased, and durability of the heat pump may be enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventors: Hyunwoo NOH, Yongju Lee, Hyuksoo Lee
-
Publication number: 20140090267Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a dryer of a printing system. The system comprises a controller and a sensor. The controller is operable to determine a speed of a web of print media traveling through a dryer, and to apply power to a heating element of the dryer based on a power profile that models a non-linear relationship between power applied to the heating element and speed of the web. The controller is further able to determine a type of media for the web, and to select the power profile based on the type of media.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventors: Casey E. Walker, Scott R. Johnson, Stuart J. Boland, William Edward Manchester, David M. Price
-
Publication number: 20140080249Abstract: A heat treatment of a precursor that reacts with temperature, and that comprises in particular the steps of: preheating or cooling a heat-transfer gas to a controlled temperature, and injecting the preheated or cooled gas over the precursor. Advantageously, besides the temperature of the heat-transfer gas, the following are also controlled: the flow rate of the gas at the injection over the precursor, and also a distance between the precursor and an outlet for injection of the gas over the precursor, in order to finely control the temperature of the precursor receiving the injected gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE-CNRS-, ELECTRICITE DE FRANCEInventors: Grégory Savidand, Daniel Lincot
-
Publication number: 20140021191Abstract: A system and method directed to a countertop oven comprising a powerhead or power unit, a dome, and a base, which may include a stainless steel pan, and/or a plastic base, adaptable to receive a dehydrating adapter, base, and/or one or more dehydrator trays. According to exemplary embodiment, the powerhead may include a sensor to detect when the powerhead has been inserted in the dehydrator adapter, according to an exemplary embodiment. The power unit may be detachably connectable to the dehydrating enclosure and a cooking enclosure dome. The power unit and the cooking enclosure may collectively combine into a multi-stage counter-top electric oven. The power unit and the dehydrating enclosure may also collectively combine into a dehydrator. The dehydrating enclosure may include a plurality of stackable dehydrating trays through which dehydrating air is circulated from the power unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: HEARTHWARE, INC.Inventors: Jung S. Moon, Eung Yub Cha, Byung G. Choi, Mikale K. Kwon, Eunjung Huh
-
Publication number: 20140013719Abstract: A curing oven includes a set of pivoting, rotating trays within a curing chamber. The trays are attached to a mechanism that rotates the trays through a curing cycle, and the speed and timing of the rotation may be set by an operator, as desired. In a preferred embodiment, the oven includes a plurality of heating elements, a commercial dehumidifier, a recirculating fan and system, temperature and humidity sensors, and a series of pivoting trays attached to a motorized rotational assembly. The oven is controlled by a various controllers, which may be programmed to set the temperature, humidity levels, rotation speed and cycle time, and other aspects of oven operation. A loading and unloading chamber is effectively sealed off from the curing chamber within the oven, preventing or reducing a transfer of air between the curing chamber and the ambient air outside of the oven.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Roger Blaine TRIVETTE
-
Patent number: 8555522Abstract: A method for operating a laundry treating appliance, such as a clothes dryer, having a treating chamber, an air system for supplying and exiting air from the treating chamber, a heating element for heating the air to the treating chamber, and a controller determining an inlet temperature used as a control input for a cycle of operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Ryan R. Bellinger, James P. Carow, Michele A. Paustian, David M. Williams
-
Publication number: 20130209638Abstract: A fluidized bed coffee roaster provides a two stage quenching cycle for rapidly cooling roasted coffee beans to ambient temperature. In a first stage of the quenching cycle unheated air is passed through the roasted beans while they are still in the roasting chamber of the fluidized bed roaster. In a second stage of the quenching cycle which is carried out outside of the roasting chamber, in a fluidized bed quenching station, unheated air is flowed through, and fluidizes, the roasted coffee beans cooling the to ambient temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Gourmet Coffee Roasters Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Sewell, James N. Suddath
-
Publication number: 20130047638Abstract: An appliance heat pump dryer is provided that has an accelerated refrigerant cycle for providing heat to the articles being dried. The heat source, such as an electrical heating element, provides heat to the evaporator so that the appliance can reach steady state operating conditions more rapidly and thereby reduce the overall cycle operating time. Options can be provided for the user to select whether the drying cycle will be accelerated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Nicholas Okruch, JR., David Gardner Beers
-
Publication number: 20120285038Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly drying porous materials. A sealable chamber is connected to a cold trap which is connected to a vacuum pump. A sample is placed inside the sealable chamber. The vacuum pump is turned on and air is evacuated through the cold trap to the vacuum pump. An infrared lamp may be used to heat the chamber and sample therein directly or heated air may be allowed to enter the sealable chamber. Air may be drawn directly from the sealable chamber to the vacuum pump bypassing the cold trap. Various parameters may be used to determine if the drying process is complete, including the degree of vacuum achieved in the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Tianqing He, Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James, Peter D. Muse
-
Publication number: 20120151790Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a drying or heating apparatus that is capable of independently controlling the temperature of the product being heated (e.g., to achieve a desired temperature profile) and the wavelength of the radiation (e.g., to maximize the heat transfer rate). To such ends, a drying apparatus can be provided with one or more heat sources that are movable relative to the product being heated in order to increase or decrease the gap or spacing between the heat source and the product. By adjusting the gap between the product and the heat source, it is possible to control the source temperature in such a manner that produces the desired product temperature and wavelength of radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Mark Savarese
-
Publication number: 20120144693Abstract: A heat pump type clothes dryer compensates for pressure loss caused by a radiator to increase the flow rate of air passing around the radiator, and suppressing introduction of ambient air through gaps formed in air flow lines to avoid degradation in drying capacity, while avoiding an increase in the power consumption or noise of a fan. The clothes dryer includes a drum to accommodate clothes, an air suction or intake line to suck air into the drum, an air exhaust line to exhaust air from the drum, a heat pump circuit including a compressor, a radiator, a pressure reducer, and a heat absorber, where the heat absorber is provided in the air exhaust line, and the radiator is provided in the air suction or intake line, a first blowing mechanism provided in the air exhaust line, and a second blowing mechanism provided in the air suction or intake line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Eiji WAKIZAKA
-
Publication number: 20120096739Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided, the dryer comprising a drum, an intermediate air channel, a lint compartment, a lint collector, an outlet pipe, a moisture trap and pump, a heating element, and a fan, these several components being coupled together and defining a closed loop wherein air flows through the loop in response to operation of the fan. Upon operation of the dryer, the fan begins to force air through the closed loop and the heating element heats the air to within a predetermined temperature range at which point the heating element turns off and the dryer operates to dry the clothes by recycling the heated air through the closed loop over and over again until the clothes within the dryer are dry. Should the air temperature within the loop fall below the predetermined range, the heating element can intermittently activate to heat the air back to within the range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventor: Johnnie Clark
-
Publication number: 20120055501Abstract: A hair treatment device and a corresponding method for treating hair are disclosed. The hair treatment device is suitable for heating hair and has a heating element that is heated to a starting temperature and whose temperature is regulated by a temperature control. The hair treatment device has a sensor that measures data from which a parameter based on the condition of the hair can be generated, wherein the parameter influences the temperature control.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Juergen SENG, Olaf SOERENSEN, Christoph SCHMITZ, Francis PINTO, Markus SCHUESSLER
-
Publication number: 20120017465Abstract: A method of operating a heat pump clothes dryer operating on a mechanical refrigeration cycle is disclosed. The method includes partitioning all energy available in the heat pump clothes dryer into a first amount of energy and a second amount of energy; using the first amount of energy to attain a standard parameter performance for the heat pump clothes dryer; and using the second amount of energy to accelerate a dry cycle of the heat pump clothes dryer, wherein using the second amount of energy to accelerate a dry cycle of the heat pump clothes dryer comprises using the second amount of energy to energize an auxiliary heater during a start transient phase of the dry cycle to decrease the start transient phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: David G. Beers, Brent Alden Junge, Nicholas Okruch, JR., Amelia Lear Hensley
-
Patent number: 8093536Abstract: Provided is a drying system capable of determining if the number of on/off switching unitings of a heating mechanism exceeds a preset number over a preset duration, and reducing the amount of heat that the heating mechanism radiates, in order to extend the service life of the heating mechanism and a switching uniting mechanismType: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Doo Kim
-
Publication number: 20120000088Abstract: A clothes dryer may rely on a hybrid heat source for drying clothes. In some embodiments, the clothes dryer may rely on a combination of electrical energy to power the clothes dryer and hydronic heat to dry clothes. The hydronic heat may, for example, use hot water from an outdoor wood boiler circulated into a hydronic coil. Air passing over the hydronic coil may be warmed and delivered to the clothes dryer. The hybrid heat clothes dryer may reduce energy consumption from about 27 amperes to about 3 amperes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventor: Kurt T. Schaben
-
Publication number: 20110302802Abstract: A clothes dryer operates on at least one of first and second sources of power or fuel. The clothes dryer has a housing with a drum that receives associated laundry and a blower assembly for selectively circulating air in the drum to dry the laundry. The dryer is configured for connection with an associated first source of fuel/power for a first heater (e.g., electric) and additionally configured for connection with a different type, associated second source of fuel/power for a second heater (e.g., combustible fuel). Typically, the clothes dryer is adapted for both an electrical connection and a combustible fuel connection. A controller receives a signal or data from an external source indicative of price and usage operation of a particular power source. The controller can then provide an output that prompts the consumer for selection of different modes of operation using the first heater, second heater, or a combination of both.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Joshua S. Wiseman, Michael F. Finch, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Chad Helms, Peter Pepe
-
Patent number: 8051579Abstract: A dryer for hair shaving devices includes a casing having a drying space for removably receiving a blade portion of a hair shaving device, and a heater and a fan for drying the blade portion received in the drying space. Also, a control unit is provided for controlling output power of the heater and the fan to perform operation modes, the operation modes include a drying operation mode in which the heater and the fan are driven simultaneously and a sterilizing operation mode in which the heater alone is driven with the fan kept stopped.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasunori Ueda, Minoru Kashiwabara, Yasuo Ibuki
-
Patent number: 8028438Abstract: A moisture control system generally comprising a collector element is configured to be incorporated into a structure to control moisture condensation on the interior and exterior of the structure. The collector element encourages condensation on its surface. The control system includes a channel in fluid communication with the collector element to direct the condensed liquid away from the control element.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Aqualizer, LLCInventor: William Scott Pedtke
-
Patent number: 7992320Abstract: A clogging detecting method for a dryer, which can accurately determine a clogging degree of an air passage, even when there is an operation deviation of a temperature control member, is disclosed. The clogging detecting method includes determining operating characteristics of a temperature control member turning on/off in accordance with a temperature of an air passage, determining a clogging degree of the air passage in accordance with a clogging reference corresponding to the determined operating characteristics, and displaying the determined clogging degree of the air passage.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Chang Hun Oh, Seon Il Heo, Yang Hwan Kim, Yeon Sik Choi, Seog Ho Ko, Ju Han Yoon
-
Patent number: 7971371Abstract: A clothes dryer has a degree of dryness control system that is responsive to moisture level of clothing articles tumbling in a drum and a target moisture value to control the drying cycle of the clothes dryer. The clothes dryer has a load size parameter producing module and an air flow detection parameter module. These modules generate one of two parameter conditions used by the processor to modify or select an appropriate moisture target value. The load size producing parameter module generates one of a small load input parameter and a large load input parameter. The air flow detection module produces one of a first and second air flow parameter to be utilized by the degree of dryness processor. As a result, the processor selects one of four target moisture values from these conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Mabe Canada Inc.Inventor: SĂ©bastien Beaulac
-
Patent number: 7947929Abstract: A control apparatus for a dryer is provided. The control apparatus provides a connection for a detecting circuit adapted to determine a clogging degree of the dryer. The control apparatus includes a power supply circuit including a heating coil arranged in a heater case, a temperature control member mounted to the heater case, the temperature control member being configured to receive power and supply the received power to the heating coil, a microcomputer that controls an operation of the dryer, and a connecting line that connects the power supply circuit to the microcomputer. The microcomputer can detect a state of the power supply circuit through the connecting line.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Chang Hun Oh, Seon Il Heo, Yang Hwan Kim, Yeong Sik Choi, Seog Ho Ko, Ju Han Yoon
-
Patent number: 7866059Abstract: The present disclosure suggests a dryer and method of controlling the same. Disclosed is a dryer, comprising: a heater for heating the air which is to be directed to a dry drum; a motor for rotating the dry drum; a power supply unit for supplying electric current to the heater and the motor; a heater relay for selectively applying electric current to the heater; a motor relay for selectively applying electric current to the motor; a safety relay for selectively applying electric current from the power supply unit to the respective relay; and a control unit for cutting off electric current by turning off the safety relay when an abnormal stop occurs, after the control unit determines whether the abnormal stop occurs during a drying operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hea Kyung Yoo, Seog Ho Go
-
Publication number: 20100126036Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (01) for dewatering and drying a mixture made of plastic granulate and water, having at least one mixture intake (02), through which the mixture is supplied to the device (01), having at least one water outlet (08), through which the precipitated water is removed from the device (01), having at least one granulate outlet (13), through which the dried granulate is removed from the device (01), the device (01) having a dewatering line (06), along which the mixture is dewatered, and the device (01) having a drying line (12), along which the dewatered granulate is dried.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: AUTOMATIK PLASTICS MAHCINERY GMBHInventors: Andreas Doll, Reinhardt-Karsten MĂ¼erb
-
Publication number: 20100116294Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray drying system provided with a gas filtering system, which system is intended for use in the pharmaceutical industry for aseptic production of sterile pharmaceutical products or in other industries e.g. production of food, where an intake of sterile air for the drying process is necessary. The spray drying system for providing a particulate material comprises a spray drying chamber (3), after treatment equipment (4, 5) placed downstream of the spray drying chamber and a process gas heater (2) placed upstream in relation to the spray drying chamber (3), wherein an inlet filter (1) capable of removing microorganisms at a temperature below 140° C., is placed upstream of the process gas heater (2) and that the process gas heater (2) is a non-flaking heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: GEA PROCESS ENGINEERING INC.Inventors: Robert Howard Turok, Soren Sten Rasmussen
-
Publication number: 20090293304Abstract: A sensing multi-stage control system for hand dryers aims to be installed in a lavatory and energized by electric power to generate heat and airflow to dry human hands to improve shortcomings of conventional hand dryers that cannot control airflow amount and temperature level. The hand dryer according to the invention includes a heater, a fan motor and a detection unit. The detection unit has at least two sets of sensors located at an air outlet of the hand dryer and is electrically connected to a control circuit which starts, stops and controls the heater and fan motor at a desired temperature level and rotation speed to form the sensing multi-stage control system. The control circuit, incorporating with the sensors and a comparison and logic processor to process signals, can provide multi-stage control of the temperature level of the heater and rotation speed of the fan motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Che-Hua YANG
-
Publication number: 20090260256Abstract: A clothes dryer providing clothes care has a main controller operable with an outlet temperature sensor for receiving the outlet temperature values. The controller is operable with a heater to controllably raise the outlet temperature of air flowing out of a dryer drum above an outlet clothes care target temperature value whereupon the controller operates the heater to raise the outlet temperature to an overshoot temperature value. The clothes care temperature value is determined by a heat setting selected by a user. The overshoot temperature value is sufficiently high to reduce drying time but sufficiently low as to prevent damage to damp clothing. Once the outlet temperature rises to the clothes care temperature, the controller reduces power to the heater, bringing the outlet temperature back down to the clothes care temperature. The controller de-energizing the heater for a cooldown cycle upon detection of a dry load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: MABE CANADA INC.Inventor: Sebastien Beaulac
-
Publication number: 20090139110Abstract: A control apparatus for a dryer, which can provide a connection for a detecting circuit adapted to determine a clogging degree of the dryer, is disclosed. The control apparatus includes a power supply circuit comprising a heating coil arranged in a heater case, and a temperature control member mounted to the heater case, the temperature control member receiving power, and supplying the received power to the heating coil, a microcomputer for controlling an operation of the dryer, and a connecting line for connecting the power supply circuit to the microcomputer. Through the connecting line, the microcomputer can detect a state of the power supply circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Chang Hun OH, Seon II HEO, Yang Hwan KIM, Yeong Sik CHOI, Seog Ho KO, Jun Han YOON
-
Publication number: 20090077828Abstract: An electric switching circuit with a first current path for operating an electric motor and with a second current path for operating a first heater. The electric motor drives a fan during which an air flow created by the fan is heated by the first heater. A switch for opening or closing the second current path in response to an actual operating state of the electric motor is, in the second current path, connected in series to the first heater. The switch is designed as a bimetallic switch and a second heater is assigned thereto that is arranged and designed for detecting the actual operating state of the electric motor and for controlling the bimetallic switch by changing its ambient temperature in response to the detected operating state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2006Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbHInventors: Thomas Nawrot, Bert Peters, Guido Sattler
-
Patent number: 7425688Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a hot air stream flowing in a flow passage of a tumble dryer. The heating assembly is configured for installation in the flow passage and comprises at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensor. The heating element is arranged such that the hot air stream can flow around it in a passing direction (D). The at least one temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the hot air stream and is arranged such that it projects into a core area of the hot air stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: DBK David + Baader GmbHInventors: Andreas Loesch, Ralf Frohn, Jerome Grunewald, Jens Koehne
-
Publication number: 20080184588Abstract: A coin-operated dryer includes a tumbler and heating means for providing heated air to the tumbler. One or more sensors are coupled to the dryer and to a controller, which is configured to receive information from the sensor(s). The controller uses the information received from the at least one sensor to control the heating means. Thus, the heating means can be turned off or reduced prior to expiration of a paid for drying time, thereby mitigating energy waste.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2006Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Soren Juul Somod, Gary Brown
-
Publication number: 20080184586Abstract: The present disclosure suggests a dryer and method of controlling the same. Disclosed is a dryer, comprising: a heater for heating the air which is to be directed to a dry drum; a motor for rotating the dry drum; a power supply unit for supplying electric current to the heater and the motor; a heater relay for selectively applying electric current to the heater; a motor relay for selectively applying electric current to the motor; a safety relay for selectively applying electric current from the power supply unit to the respective relay; and a control unit for cutting off electric current by turning off the safety relay when an abnormal stop occurs, after the control unit determines whether the abnormal stop occurs during a drying operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hea Kyung Yoo, Seong Ho Go
-
Patent number: 7231727Abstract: The present invention relates to a moisture removal apparatus and method for accurately detecting moisture generation in an early stage and quickly removing it so as to prevent steam or frost from being formed on glass surfaces of vehicles and industrial devices, and other surfaces. The apparatus comprises a surface resistance detector (50) including two detection terminals attached on an insulation surface with a predetermined gap therebetween, and showing different resistances according to an amount of moisture on the insulation surface; a static electricity preventer (60) preventing static electricity generation to the signal sensed by the surface resistance detector (50); a moisture sensor (70) determining moisture states through variations of the current that flows according to resistances of the surface resistance detector (50), and outputting a corresponding signal; and a driver (80) being operable to the signal output by the moisture sensor (70) and removing moisture generated on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: ISGK Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-Chual Kang, Dong-Hyun Kang, Sang-Bock Cho
-
Patent number: 7017280Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a dryer including both a variable heat source and a variable speed blower includes varying only one of the variable heat source and the variable speed blower, while maintaining the other one in a fixed state.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeremy Michael Green, Douglas Allen Riddle
-
Patent number: 6988375Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring a plurality of appliances, wherein each appliance is connected to an electrical circuit having a first wire and a second wire. The device includes a plurality of cores, each of the plurality of cores being constructed to be able to surround one of the first wires of each circuit and having a secondary winding at which an electrical signal is generated in response to a current polarity change in the first wire. A multiplexer is connected to the secondary winding of each of the plurality of cores. A processor is connected to the multiplexer to monitor the phase relationship between an AC voltage an AC current of each appliance connected to one of the plurality of circuits and to determine information relating to the function of the appliance based on the phase relationship. The device may be located at the circuit breaker box of an establishment.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Larry T. Bashark
-
Patent number: 6983552Abstract: A laundry drier and control method thereof are provided, by which a new reference voltage is set to perform a next drying procedure if, upon a determination of a completion of a current drying procedure, there is a difference between a voltage representing a sensed level of water content (moisture) present in laundry and a sensed-moisture value at the end of the drying procedure, thereby compensating for the presence of contamination on and around the electrodes of a moisture sensor. The laundry drier includes a heater for performing a drying procedure; a moisture sensor for sensing a level of moisture in laundry during the drying procedure and outputting a voltage signal; a memory for storing a reference voltage value and a voltage value according to the sensed moisture level; and a microcomputer for controlling the heater based on the voltage signal output of the moisture sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Ho Park
-
Patent number: 6964117Abstract: An apparatus for drying a travelling wet fibrous web is provided which comprises a rotating air-permeable drum. The drum is at least partially surrounded by a hood which has an interior space for receiving a flow of air and directing the flow of air through a permeable inner wall towards the outer surface of the drum. At least a portion of the hood is divided into individual sections in a cross-machine direction. Apparatus is provided for supplying a flow of drying air at a first temperature to the hood, and for supplying profiling air at a selected different temperature different from the first temperature to at least one of the individual sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Metso Paper USA, Inc.Inventor: Laurent R. Parent
-
Patent number: 6792692Abstract: A hair dryer includes an air outlet portion, a holding portion, a start switch, an airflow rate control switch, an airflow rate indication portion, an input power control switch, and an input power indication portion. Thus, when the user presses the start switch, the hair dryer will start to perform with its previous setting in memory for the airflow rate and its power input. And when the user presses the airflow rate control switch or the input power control switch, the system enters the manual control mode, and is forced into the safety mode immediately, so that the user can adjust the input power and the airflow rate according to the preset safety values, thereby achieving the safe requirement.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Manica-Thai Corp., LtdInventors: Noriaki Takizawa, Feng-Chih Liao
-
Patent number: 6751888Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: William Henry Lueckenbach
-
Patent number: 6671977Abstract: A lint collector and safety system for the clothes dryer. The lint collector removes lint. 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Boemar Inc.Inventor: Bart Donald Beaumont
-
Publication number: 20030150129Abstract: The present invention relates to a moisture removal apparatus and method for accurately detecting moisture generation in an early stage and quickly removing it so as to prevent steam or frost from being formed on glass surfaces of vehicles and industrial devices, and other surfaces. The apparatus comprises a surface resistance detector (50) including two detection terminals attached on an insulation surface with a predetermined gap therebetween, and showing different resistances according to an amount of moisture on the insulation surface; a static electricity preventer (60) preventing static electricity generation to the signal sensed by the surface resistance detector (50); a moisture sensor (70) determining moisture states through variations of the current that flows according to resistances of the surface resistance detector (50), and outputting a corresponding signal; and a driver (80) being operable to the signal output by the moisture sensor (70) and removing moisture generated on the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Dong-Chual Kang, Dong-Hyun Kang, Sang-Bock Cho
-
Patent number: 6098311Abstract: An air heating and control system, which in one application controls the diameter of a calender roll in the paper making process, includes a row of heater packs proximate to the various zones of the calender roll. Each heater pack has a plurality of electrical heating coils which are at least partially connected in parallel so that failure of one coil does not interrupt power to the remaining coils. Air flowing through the heating coils is heated to a desired temperature and impinges upon the calender roll to expand it as desired. A control system senses a defective coil, which effectively reduces current in a heater pack, and increases the voltage imposed upon that heater pack to again produce the desired power level or heating effect. Thus failure of a heating coil is immediately compensated for.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Impact Systems, Inc.Inventor: Lee L. Henry
-
Patent number: 5788803Abstract: A corrugated paperboard manufacturing apparatus includes one or more preheaters upstream from the double-facer for preheating the component sheets for the corrugated paperboard. A preheater preferably includes an electrically powered heater positioned adjacent a second surface portion of a preheater body for heating the preheater body so that heat is transferred to the component sheet contacting a first surface portion of the body. The first surface portion of the preheater body contacts the component sheet as the component sheet is advanced along the path of travel. The electrically powered heater is positioned adjacent the second surface portion of the preheater body for radiantly heating the preheater body. The temperature of the component sheet delivered to the double-facer from the preheater can be readily controlled to ensure high quality corrugated paperboard. In one embodiment, the preheater body may be provided by a rotating roll.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Interfic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Sissons, David Alan Thomas
-
Patent number: 5782012Abstract: In a wrinkle release arrangement for a dryer, a heater heats articles to be wrinkle released, and a timer times the heating of the articles. The timer establishes a wrinkle out cycle. A temperature sensor senses a temperature related to a temperature of the articles. A control circuit substantially alternately energizes the heater and the timer in response to the temperature sensor in order to provide automatic wrinkle release responsive to load.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Raytheon Applicances Inc.Inventors: Arlynn H. Sanders, Khader I. Meshinesh
-
Patent number: 5673497Abstract: A clothes dryer temperature control system or circuit is provided with a thermally biased thermostat adjacent to the air outlet of the drying drum. Further, a thermally biased control thermostat is provided adjacent the air inlet of the dryer drum. The two thermostats are controlled through a multiple contact switch controller which allows the dryer to operate in a high heat, medium heat, low heat, and damp dry heating cycles. Additionally, in a gas dryer embodiment a trimmer thermostat is located in circuit with the thermally biased resistor of the thermally biased air inlet thermostat so as to decrease the response time of this thermostat on its first cycle to prevent damage to clothing during initial operation of a gas dryer.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Inventor: Robert St. Louis
-
Patent number: 5619614Abstract: An electronic control system, particularly adaptable to coin-operated laundry appliances, which enables owners of such machines to customize machine operation. Laundry parameters are stored in random access memory, and timing functions are performed in control logic. Thus, the owner may simply update the information on a computer and download the parameters to individual laundry machines. A portable receiver/transmitter may be utilized to transfer information to the laundry machine controller by way of an infrared communications link. Also disclosed is a reconfigurable fuzzy logic control which is general purpose, having a functionality that may be easily altered in accordance with the type of machine. The structure of the fuzzy logic controller is identical for all applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Payne, Steven A. Rice, William W. Wead