Of Time Period Patents (Class 34/562)
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Patent number: 12259151Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automation control unit (ACU) for converting an automation control signal to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to control the output of a HVACR device such as a variable speed (VS) motor in an HVAC system is disclosed. The invention limits the motor output between a high and low limit, keeping the connected HVACR device operating within a safe range for the HVAC equipment. The invention simplifies commissioning of HVACR devices, constrains the equipment to operate within its designed operating range, optimizes energy efficiency of the HVAC equipment and minimizes disturbance in the controlled environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2022Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: Evolution Controls Inc.Inventors: David Lee Haessig, Ronald Sai Kit Yip, Roger Hort
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Patent number: 11808519Abstract: A drying system includes: drying furnaces connected in series; an air supply system including an air supply pipe, the air supply system being configured to supply dry air into the furnaces, and an air exhaust system including an air exhaust pipe, the air exhaust system being configured to exhaust wet air in the furnaces, wherein the air supply system and the air exhaust system are being alternately connected between the drying furnaces; a first flow rate regulation valve provided to the air supply system; and a second flow rate regulation valve provided to the air exhaust system.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATIONInventors: Tomohiro Sekiguchi, Koji Iwata, Shino Katayama, Koki Sugiyama, Yuta Sakata
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Patent number: 11737596Abstract: A coffee-based beverage preparation system is disclosed that receives a brewed coffee frozen ice block and, in certain embodiments, prepares a brewed coffee beverage at a desired temperature without the requirement to add water from a water reservoir. In one embodiment, the coffee-based beverage preparation system includes a preparation chamber for receiving a degassed frozen brewed coffee beverage and a plurality of heating elements configured to apply heat to the preparation chamber to melt the degassed frozen brewed coffee beverage. The coffee-based beverage preparation system also includes an outlet port comprising in fluidic communication with the preparation chamber and an electronically controlled valve secured to the outlet port that is configured release the fluid content of the preparation chamber into a receiving vessel, such as when the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Inventor: Charles D. MacPherson
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Patent number: 11644213Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes secondary control circuitry configured to communicatively couple to primary control circuitry of the HVAC system that is configured to operate the HVAC system in a variable operating mode. The secondary control circuitry is configured to cause operation of the HVAC system in a calibration mode to determine a calibrated target temperature and transmit the calibrated target temperature to the primary control circuitry to enable operation of the HVAC system in the variable operating mode via the primary control circuitry based on the calibrated target temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventors: Andrew Michael Boyd, Theresa Thy Nguyen Gillette, D Gamage Methmini Umayangana Maheshwari Sumanasekara, Mason Sloan Dewald
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Patent number: 11335340Abstract: Provided is a home appliance that performs a washing or drying operation based on a start command input through artificial intelligence and voice recognition a method for controlling such a home appliance. According to the present disclosure, the home appliance and the method for controlling such a home appliance include a sensor that senses a state of a door installed in a washing unit and a controller that executes an operation command based on a change of a state of the door sensed by the sensor. At this time, when the door is changed from an open state to a close state after the power of the home appliance is turned on, the controller controls the operation of the washing unit based on the operation command extracted from the voice signal of the user. Thus, the present disclosure may enable performing an command to start an operation input based on voice recognition.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Hyosang Shin, Sungjun Yun, Yongwoon Jang, Byung Woo Jun
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Patent number: 11149961Abstract: Embodiments are described for a portable range hood system. The portable range hood system can include a replaceable filter and is not connected to a duct. Alternatively, the portable range hood system can be coupled to a duct. The range hood system includes a support frame structure with wheels to make the system portable and capable of being moved to any desired spot. The range hood system includes an exhaust fan and range hood, as well as a filter container housing a filter to filter out any steam, heat, odors, and smoke, including cigarette smoke. The portable range hood system can include a lighting system and plantar box for planting plants, herbs, flowers, or anything that can grow. The portable range hood system can be moved to any location in one's home or business to filter out contaminants and cleanse the surrounding air.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Inventor: Tommy K. Woo
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Patent number: 10543449Abstract: An air dryer includes a supporting base, a drying agent container, and an outer cover. The supporting base includes an inlet for receiving compressed air to be subject to a drying process and an outlet for delivering the processed compressed air that has undergone the drying process. The drying agent container is a container supported on the supporting base, contains a drying agent in the interior, and enables the drying process to be performed by passing the compressed air from the inlet through the drying agent. The outer cover surrounds the outer side of the drying agent container on the supporting base and defines a chamber for storing the compressed air between itself and the drying agent container. The supporting base includes first and second mounting surfaces, which are oriented in different directions, and a plurality of inlets, which are oriented in different directions and receive the compressed air.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: NABTESCO AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATIONInventors: Ichiro Minato, Takuya Sugio, Hiroyuki Murakami, Hiroki Hasebe
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Patent number: 9918583Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine CorporationInventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
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Patent number: 9907426Abstract: Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Seattle Espresso Machine CorporationInventors: Jason Camille Prefontaine, Devin Walker
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Patent number: 9864382Abstract: An air dryer having a heater element associated with its valves to prevent freezing at cold temperatures. The air dryer includes a temperature sensor and an electronic controller that reads the temperature sensor during normal operations and selectively opens and closes certain of the valves when the temperature falls below a predetermined threshold to enter a safe mode that avoids freezing of the valves during operation. If an exhaust valve is open when safe mode is entered, the corresponding inlet valve is closed, both of the exhaust valves are closed, and the other inlet valve if opened. If an exhaust valve is not open, both inlet valves are opened and both exhaust valves are closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLCInventor: Eric C. Wright
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Patent number: 9587347Abstract: A dryer exhaust duct power ventilator which is free of any dedicated internal air flow contacting devices for sensing air pressure or measuring fan RPMs and free of any hall effect sensor, but instead utilizes the auxiliary winding of a PSC motor on a centrifugal duct fan to measure the rotation of the motor and fan and thereby determine the pressure in the duct. A clip-on current sensor is located in the dryer power connection compartment and is used to detect operation of the dryer.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Suncourt, Inc.Inventor: David J Forman
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Patent number: 9475476Abstract: A system for variably controlling the purge cycle of a locomotive air supply system air dryer pre-filtration state. A sensor in the air inlet of the air dryer provides temperature information to a controller, which calculates an appropriate purge cycle time based on the saturation partial pressure of water vapor at the actual temperature of the air entering the air dryer and the operates the drain valve according to the particular purse cycle time.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLCInventor: Eric C. Wright
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Patent number: 9085845Abstract: An apparatus to detect opening and closing of a door in a washing machine by detecting a resistance value varying according to a lever position of a door lock switch. In the apparatus to detect opening and closing of a door in a washing machine, since a resistance meter is added to the inside of a component with the contact being eliminated therefrom, it may be possible to simplify an inner structure of the component and to reduce material costs. In addition, opening and closing of a door is accurately detected as a resistance value of the resistance meter varies by rotation of a gear instead of surface contact between contacts, and thus it may be possible to prevent a detection error in the event of contact short circuits due to moisture and to enhance component reliability.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Young Choi, Weon Jin Song, Myung Soon Kang
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Publication number: 20150113827Abstract: The present invention relates to a wardrobe for storage and drying of sports equipment and/or clothes. This wardrobe has an opening, an air circulation fan and an exhaust vent at the bottom, an intake vent at the top, and suspending means for suspending articles such as sports equipment or clothes. Turning on the fan activates active drying of the articles. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of storing and drying articles comprising suspending the articles in a wardrobe, the interior of said wardrobe comprising an air circulation fan and an exhaust vent at the bottom; an intake vent at the top; and suspending means for suspending the articles. The articles that are difficult or take more time to dry can be placed closest to the fan. The wardrobe can have a rigid or flexible interior cavity and the flexible wardrobe can be capable of hanging on a rod and additionally can be packed in a bag with or without a kit with support poles and feet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Richard Goulet
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Publication number: 20140366398Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a fluffing state of laundry based on a determined temperature indicative of the surface of the laundry.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: FARHAD ASHRAFZADEH, JAMES P. CAROW, LAYNE E. HEILMAN, SHREECHARAN KANCHANAVALLY
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Patent number: 8904670Abstract: A laundry machine, particularly, a dryer using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine such as a washing machine, a dryer, a drying and washing machine is an apparatus which washes or dries articles such as clothes. The dryer includes a drum adapted to accommodate articles to be dried, a control panel adapted to provide an interface with a user, and a controller, wherein the control panel includes a course selection part which allows a user to select a specific course as an operation course during a steam course, which includes a steam process for supplying steam into a drum, such that the dried articles have a moisture content equal to or larger than 6%, and the controller controls an operation of the dryer to perform the selected operation course.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Chang Woo Son, Sang Hun Bae, Seon Il Heo, Yeon Sik Choi, Sang Jin Kim, Ju Han Yoon
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Patent number: 8800164Abstract: In a washing machine, a power management apparatus and a method of controlling the same, washing operation and drying operation commands are input by a user, power rate information for each time period is received from an EMS, a drying operation execution time is confirmed, and power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are determined based on the power rate information for each time period. Then, the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are compared with the standard power rates to determine whether the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are higher than the standard power rates, and an algorithm of a final spinning mode in the washing operation is adjusted if the power rates corresponding to the drying operation execution time are higher than the standard power rates.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyun Sook Kim, Eun Suk Bang
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Patent number: 8756826Abstract: A coalescing dryer passes air downwardly through items to be dried in a container. The air can be diverted to change direction following passage of the air through the items to be dried. The moving air causes liquid on the surface of items to be dried to coalesce and travel downwardly and from the items being dried. A vacuum dryer applies a vacuum to the container of items to be dried when placed in a vacuum chamber after pre-drying by the coalescing dryer so as to evaporate liquid in the items to be dried that has not been removed by the coalescing dryer.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: MEI, LLCInventor: David S. Gibbel
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Patent number: 8725454Abstract: A method to compensate drying time in an electric or gas dryer machine, which comprises the steps of: read the operator parameters (dryness level, cycle type, heat level); begin a timer to measure time between beginning and Trtv; determine the load weight and the type of restrictions of the dryer; determine the dryness target voltage and the minimum drying time by means of a table of predetermined values based on the previous data; store the values in a memory; determine that the detected voltage be equal to the target voltage; calculate the additional time as a function of the heat factor and of the data previously determined; compare (Tminimum-Trtv) versus additional time and use the greater; and, add the additional time to the Trtv as compensation time.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Mabe, S.A. DE C.V.Inventors: Ionelia Silvia Prajescu, Sebastièn Beaulac
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Publication number: 20130145642Abstract: A clothing dryer capable of effectively drying a small amount of substance, and a control method thereof by changing an algorithm of a sensor-dry course, which is configured to control an operation rate, a degree of drying or a temperature of drying, to be adapted to the small load of substance in a case where the substance to be dried has a small load when compared to the entire volume of the clothing dryer, so that the drying efficiency is enhanced regardless of the load of the substance, and a separate option button is provided for a sensor-dry course, so that a small load of substance is dried adaptively to the material characteristic of the substance for a respective dry course, thereby enhancing the drying efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20120159807Abstract: The present document describes a container for storing and drying garments or sport equipment, the container comprising an external envelope comprising a resistant material; and a ventilation structure through which air can be blown for drying the garments or sports equipment, the ventilation structure supporting the external envelope, the ventilation structure comprising hanging elements for hanging the garments or sports equipment thereon, the ventilation structure capable of adopting a retracted position and an extended position in which the ventilation structure occupies more space than in the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Jean François Vézina, Pierrot Lebel
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Publication number: 20120151792Abstract: A dryer and a control method of the same are disclosed. Specifically, the present invention relates to a dryer which can reduce energy consumption and a drying time for user convenience. The dryer includes a control part configured to control the amount of coolant supplied to the condensation duct to be differentiated based on a moisture containing percentage of air drawn into the condensation duct from a drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Dong Gyu Jang, In Ho Cho
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Publication number: 20120117815Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe an apparatus and method to control the conversion of carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a process having a control system that enables the system to produce a fuel of uniform quality, even with a change in biomass supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Mark Wechsler, James Braig R.
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Publication number: 20120096740Abstract: Apparatus for purging containers for the storage of sensitive materials is described. It includes means to connect a source of compressed purge gas to a purge gas inlet (2) on a container (1), including a pneumatically operated valve (6) adapted to allow purge gas to pass from the source to the inlet and a timing device (9) associated with the valve (6) and adapted to turn off the gas flow after a given time, and including means to vary the time between commencement and cessation of gas flow. The timing device is preferably one which operates on a pneumatic or clockwork basis, enabling the apparatus to operate without any electrical power supply, driven by the purge gas pressure alone. This enables the construction of a simple reliable unit, at a cost even enabling the unit to be incorporated into the container itself if desired. The use of a pneumatically operated valve enables portable apparatus to be designed with low power use if it includes e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: ROYLAN DEVELOPMENTS LIMITEDInventor: Stuart Naylor
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Publication number: 20120084995Abstract: A system for controlling a clothes dryer whereby the user selects a desired time of drying and the heat used to dry the clothes is adjusted during the operational time such that the clothes are not dried unnecessarily quickly. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the clothes dryer using this invention is improved compared to the prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: PETER SAMUEL VOGEL
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Patent number: 8112899Abstract: A wall-mounted, hot air body blow drying apparatus comprising a plurality of round nozzles located along a front surface of the apparatus is herein disclosed. Said nozzles are adjustable and capable of directing jets of warm air over a person's body. A flow of heated air is provided by a resistance heater, an electric blower, and a plurality of distributing ductwork. The apparatus may be hard-wired thereto a standard household power circuit or by using a standard power cord. The apparatus is variably controlled by a temperature and fan speed controlling system and a timer. To use, a person would stand in front of the dryer apparatus and slowly turn around, allowing the multiple heated forced air streams to dry their body in a similar fashion as a forced warm air hand dryer.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventor: Russell L. Duckworth
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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
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Publication number: 20110265343Abstract: Disclosed herein are a clothes dryer and a control method thereof in which a drying time is adjusted according to wool content during a drying cycle of a wool course. Wool content of woolen textiles is judged by sensing a dryness of the woolen textiles during a drying cycle of a wool course, and a drying time is adjusted according to the wool content, thereby minimizing contraction or deformation of the woolen textiles while satisfying the range of a target dryness set by wool mark standards. Further, only a high-capacity heater is driven during the drying cycle of the wool course, thereby allowing an internal temperature of a rotary drum to keep the optimum temperature without contraction or deformation of the woolen textiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hee Jung CHOI, Geun Kang, Do Haeng Kim
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Publication number: 20110173838Abstract: A condensation dryer is provided which has a heat pump in which a coolant circulates; a compressor; a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the coolant; and a controller. The controller has a first comparator to compare the temperature of the coolant with an upper limiting temperature of the coolant; a switch to switch the compressor off if the temperature of the coolant is greater than or equal to the upper limiting temperature and to switch the compressor on after each compressor disconnection. A counter ascertains the number of occurrences at which the compressor is switched off. The counter is incremented by 1 each time the compressor is switched off. A second comparator compares the number of occurrences with a prespecified limiting number and evaluates the difference between the number of occurrences and the prespecified limiting number with respect to the presence of an impermissible operating state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBHInventors: Thomas Nawrot, Ulrich Nehring
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Publication number: 20110171083Abstract: This is a push-button-timer activated pneumatic device for removing water moisture from hands. Integrated ahead of the flow of air discharged from the hand dryer is a pressure regulator and lubricator that shall contain a sanitizing solution that is delivered in a parts-per-million ratio out through the diffused nozzle. This system can have all of the components is one unit, or can be installed with a central regulator/lubricator-sanitizer and an array of satellite hand dryers. This system is obtains pressurized air from a central compressor and is ideal for use in locations that typically use compressed air, such as manufacturing facilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: Julian Paul Swistak
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Patent number: 7926201Abstract: A clogging detecting apparatus for a dryer is provided that checks and displays a clogging degree of an air passage. The clogging detecting apparatus includes a judgment device for judging the clogging degree of the air passage, a storing device for storing the clogging degree of the air passage, and a display for displaying the clogging degree to the user. The clogging detecting apparatus provides information on the clogging degree, so that the user precisely checks the state of the air passage.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Ju-hyun Kim, Kyung-hun Kim, Sun-cheol Bae, Jin-seok Hu, Yang-hwan Kim, Ju-young Min, Ja-in Koo
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Patent number: 7900374Abstract: An automatic drying apparatus and a method of controlling the same is disclosed, enabling exact drying by using a humidity sensor (37) provided at a location having a stabilized output characteristic for automatic drying, the automatic drying apparatus including a heating apparatus (31) for heating air supplied into a drum into which a drying object is introduced, a fan (32) for forcibly drawing air into the drum; and a humidity sensor (37) provided between the fan (32) and the heating apparatus (37) such that a sensing surface is positioned to be parallel to a flowing direction of air passed through the fan (32), for outputting a sensing voltage value for determining dryness of the drying object.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sun Cheol Bae, Dae Woong Kim, Chang Woo Son
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Publication number: 20110047814Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: ERIC K. WATSON, Derek Lee Watkins, John K. Besore, Subhash Viswanathan Kollengode, Yogesh Kumar Allimalli, Sarah Lynn Kirchoff, Kyle Eden, David Scott Dunn, David D. Warmuth
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Patent number: 7891115Abstract: A material drying apparatus for removing moisture from material positioned in an envelope interior. The apparatus comprises an inlet structure, an air removal assembly to remove air from the interior, and a moisture removal assembly for removing moisture from gases from the interior. The assembly comprises a first moisture removal structure, a second moisture removal structure, and a heat pump for transferring heat in a selected direction between the first and second moisture removal structures. The heat pump alternately heats a heat exchanger of one moisture removal structure and cooling a heat exchanger of the other moisture removal structures. The apparatus comprises a control apparatus for controlling operation of the first and second moisture removal assemblies and the heat pump. The control apparatus is configured to sense a condition of the apparatus and reverse operation of the heat pump upon detecting that the condition has passed a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventors: Patrick C. Nichols, Isaac Weddington, Charles P. Nichols
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Patent number: 7765715Abstract: A drying apparatus and a controlling method thereof are provided. During an initial phase of drying operation according to a selected drying cycle, a point of terminating the drying operation is calculated based on a moisture level sensed by a moisture sensor and a moisture output quantity stored in the storage. Drying is performed up to the calculated point of drying operation termination.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Doo Kim
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Patent number: 7594343Abstract: A method of drying clothes in a clothes dryer comprising a clothes chamber for receiving clothes, an air supply system for directing air through the clothes chamber, and a heater for heating the air supplied by the air supply system. The method comprises cycling the heater between an ON state by energizing the heater until a heater trip condition is met and an OFF state by deenergizing the heater until a heater reset condition is met, determining a heater off time by determining the time between the heater trip condition and the heater reset condition, and determining a drying time based on the heater off time.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Christopher John Woerdehoff, Andrew Charles Reck, David John Kmet, James Frederick Swanson
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Publication number: 20090094854Abstract: Clothes drying machine comprising a drum holding the clothes to be dried, a first fan adapted to blow a first flow of drying air through said drum, and possibly a condenser adapted to condense the moisture out of the drying air exiting said drum. The machine is provided with a drying programme that includes a step involving an increase in the temperature of the air introduced in said drum, in which said temperature is increased to a value of at least 130° C. and held there for a pre-set period of time, and said temperature increase step is provided in the initial portion of the drying programme, when the moisture content of the clothes is not less than 20%.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Silvano Cimetta, Flavio Noviello
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Publication number: 20090077827Abstract: The present invention provides a dryer and a method for controlling the same, which prevents foreign matters from entering into a heater and can remove the foreign matters from the heater. The dryer includes a drum for holding a drying object, a heater for heating air to provide hot air to the drum, a duct for forming a flow passage for introducing the hot air heated at the heater to the drum, a fan for controlling an air flow in the duct, and a microcomputer for controlling operation of the fan and the heater for removing foreign matters accumulated on the heater. The method for controlling a dryer having a heater and a fan includes the steps of a foreign matter removing step for removing foreign matters from the heater by driving the fan in a state the heater is not operated, and a drying course step for performing a drying course by driving the heater after the foreign matter removing step.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Young Jin Doh
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Patent number: 7475495Abstract: The current invention relates to a clothes dryer having a dryness sensing device and method of use comprising at least two electrically conductive sensor bars placed closely together but not touching one another so that articles in the dryer can contact two of the sensor bars at the same time. At least one sensor bar is electrically connected to an electrical current source and at least one sensor bar is electrically connected to an electrical ground. A microcontroller is electrically connected between the electrical current source and the electrical ground so as to be capable of measuring the voltage across the sensor bars when the sensor bars are contacted by the articles being dried. The microcontroller is configured so as to determine the dryness of the articles by calculating the electrical resistance of the articles by using the value of the voltage across the sensor bars and the value of the current through the sensor bars.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Howell H. Chiles, Timothy E. White
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Publication number: 20080313922Abstract: A controlling method of a clothes dryer for detecting an amount of laundry and a clothes dryer with the same are disclosed. A controlling method includes drying laundry by supplying hot air to a drum, determining an amount of laundry based on a drying time, and supplying fine droplets of water and/or steam to the drum according to the determined amount of laundry.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Chang Woo Son, Ju Han Yoon
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Publication number: 20080282576Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Yasunori UEDA, Minoru KASHIWABARA, Yasuo IBUKI
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Patent number: 7448145Abstract: A dryer and a dryer control method using a sensing unit and a timer to vary drying operations depending on the state of drying laundry are disclosed. The method for controlling an automatic dryer having a drying part including a heater, a fan, and a drum includes the steps of operating the drying part while monitoring an internal temperature and an internal humidity of the drum, continuously operating the heater, the fan, and the drum until the internal temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and operating the fan intermittently when the internal temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. The method further includes operating the heater intermittently when the internal humidity reaches a predetermined humidity, discontinuing heater operation upon lapse of a first predetermined time, discontinuing fan operation upon lapse of a second predetermined time, and discontinuing drum operation upon lapse of a third predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Doo Kim
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Publication number: 20080256826Abstract: Air circulating apparatus for providing ventilation within a drying cabinet or locker having, the air circulating apparatus having an intake air flow fan and a circular-shaped air ducting system for producing cyclonic air flow within the drying cabinet or locker for enhancing the drying and deodorizing of clothing and sporting equipment not easily laundered for use in an equipment drying cabinet or locker, closet or the like. The air circulating apparatus having a small sized intake air fan, a charcoal filter element activated by the air flow, a timing circuit permitting the fan to be set for a selected period of time, a circular-shaped air ducting system having a series of angled baffles for directing air flow upwardly in a cyclonic flow pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Thomas P. Zarembinski
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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
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Patent number: 7353624Abstract: A clothing drying machine, which terminates drying operation when a dryness level of the drying machine reaches a target level desired by a user, and a method for sensing the dryness level using the same. The method includes counting the frequency of a case, in which voltage sensed by an electrode sensor, in which the voltage varies according to moisture content of clothing, is more than a predetermined reference voltage; and terminating drying operation when the frequency counted by the counting unit for a predetermined reference time is in the range of one of predetermined dryness levels.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young Suk Chung, Su Young Byun
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Patent number: 7347008Abstract: A system includes a device for setting a material, such as ink, deposited on a textile or graphic. A programmable logic controller includes a power intensity selector and an application module and is operably connected to the device. The application module is capable of generating a power intensity output signal in response to the power intensity selector. The power intensity output signal is transmitted to the device for a predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: M&R Printing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Joel K. Zupancic, Tomasz P. Kocjan
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Patent number: 7313874Abstract: A dryer is disclosed. The dryer includes dryer includes a door opening sensing unit sensing an opening of a door, a heater heating air provided in a drum, and a microcomputer determining an error in the heater based on an internal temperature condition of the drum, which changes in accordance with a driving time of the heater, and setting a new driving time of the heater, when the door is open before the driving time of the heater being counted reaches a predetermined driving time.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Tae In Park
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Patent number: 7310893Abstract: A household appliance functions according to multiple operating cycles, wherein each operating cycle comprises at least one step characterized by a parameter having a factory-set default value. A user can access a controller of the household appliance through a user interface to simultaneously set new default values for a parameter common to at least two of the multiple operating cycles.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Christopher John Woerdehoff, Joshua Paul Carroll, Andrew Charles Reck, David John Kmet
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Patent number: 7194823Abstract: A clothes drying apparatus includes a heat pump mechanism, an air path for guiding drying air into a drying drum accommodating therein clothes, a blower for supplying drying air to the air path, and a controller for controlling a driving of a compressor, wherein the controller operates the blower and the compressor during a drying operation; stops the compressor in case the drying operation is suspended; and operates, in case the drying operation is resumed, the compressor after a certain time period has elapsed since the compressor had stopped. In case employing the heat pump mechanism having the compressor as a heat source, it is possible to reduce a load on the compressor and allow temperature of warm air to rapidly return by using the heat pump mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeharu Nakamoto, Hidetaka Yabuuchi, Hajime Nojima, Masayuki Tanaka
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Patent number: 7171763Abstract: A dryer and a dryer control method using a sensing unit and a timer to vary drying operations depending on the state of drying laundry are disclosed. The method for controlling an automatic dryer having a drying part including a heater, a fan, and a drum includes the steps of operating the drying part while monitoring an internal temperature and an internal humidity of the drum, continuously operating the heater, the fan, and the drum until the internal temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and operating the fan intermittently when the internal temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. The method further includes operating the heater intermittently when the internal humidity reaches a predetermined humidity, discontinuing heater operation upon lapse of a first predetermined time, discontinuing fan operation upon lapse of a second predetermined time, and discontinuing drum operation upon lapse of a third predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Doo Kim