Of Starting Or Stopping Patents (Class 34/572)
  • Patent number: 9683324
    Abstract: A fans-motor assembly for condenser laundry dryer machine, of unusually low cost and overall dimensions, comprising: a drive shaft which can be associated in a rotating manner with a frame of a laundry dryer machine and designed to be connected by means of a transmission belt to a rotating drum thereof; a fan for the hot air and a fan for the cold air integral in rotation with said drive shaft and designed to convey respectively a flow of hot air and a flow of cold air along separate paths of said laundry dryer machine; a synchronous permanent magnet electric motor comprising an internal stator traversed by said drive shaft and an external rotor integral during rotation with said drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Askoll Holding S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Patent number: 9580860
    Abstract: A method for controlling a clothes dryer based on a characteristic of the load determined by temperatures provided by an infrared sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan R. Bellinger, Fredrick E. Chernetski, Christopher J. Woerdehoff
  • Patent number: 9334603
    Abstract: A clothing dryer and control method thereof is provided. A conventional dryness sensor may be used, without installation of a separate component, to detect breakage of a belt. Upon detection of belt breakage, the motor is stopped together with report of abnormality of the to reduce cost. A conventional temperature sensor may be used to maintain a proper surface temperature of a door of the clothing dryer, without installation of a separate component. Thereby, harm to a user due to rise in the surface temperature of the door may be prevented, and degradation of drying quality may be prevented. Furthermore, the pipe temperature of a compressor may be used to detect incorrect or broken wiring of the compressor. When incorrect or broken wiring of the compressor is detected, the compress is stopped together with report of to protect the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seong Min Oak, Do Haeng Kim, Ju Dai Kim
  • Patent number: 9163351
    Abstract: A laundry treatment device is provided. The laundry treatment device includes a dual filter structure which may prevent heat transfer efficiency of a heat pump module from becoming poor due to introduction of lint to an inlet duct. The laundry treatment device may include a cabinet, which may form an exterior of the laundry treatment device, a tub mounted in the cabinet configured to accommodate washing water therein, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub configured to receive laundry therein, a heat pump module mounted under the tub that supplies hot air to the drum and having an inlet duct that receives air from the drum and an outlet duct that discharges the heated air, and a filter module mounted to be accessible through a lower side of a front of the cabinet that filters air received therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Na Eun Kim, Dong Won Kim, Hea Kyung Yoo
  • Patent number: 8959794
    Abstract: A control system for dryers in which the rotation speed of the motors are changed through frequent on/off connections to the electric power line. In accordance with the invention this task is solved by interrupting the electric power driving the electric motor for short periods in such a way that the motor does not come to a complete standstill or remains at a constant speed below the maximum speed. The motor power interruption or application is based upon readings of sensors reading dryer parameters other than the actual speed of the motor being controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Roderich W. Graeff
  • Publication number: 20150047219
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a laundry treating apparatus. The method may include controlling the drum to accelerate the drum to rotate at a first speed, applying a brake to stop the drum, accelerating the drum to a second speed, sensing a current being applied to the motor while the drum is accelerated to the second speed, and determining a laundry amount based on the sensed current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Hoonbong LEE, Hansu JUNG, Suncheol BAE
  • Patent number: 8955232
    Abstract: While a dryer is running, continuously automatically monitor operation of a dryer venting system, and continuously automatically determining if the dryer venting system is operating improperly, and if it is determined that the dryer venting system is operating improperly then automatically disabling the dryer. If the dryer starts running then automatically turning on a booster fan. Operation of booster fan is monitored by sensing the current drawn. Monitoring operation of the venting system through a first controller and automatically disabling the dryer through a second controller. Automatically turn off the booster fan if the dryer is not running. Automatically adjust operating parameters of the dryer venting system in an attempt to operate the venting system properly, and disabling the dryer if the venting system continues to operate improperly after adjustment. Check to determine if the dryer is drawing current to indicate the dryer is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cube Investments Limited
    Inventor: J. Vern Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20140298676
    Abstract: A clothing dryer and control method thereof is provided. A conventional dryness sensor may be used, without installation of a separate component, to detect breakage of a belt. Upon detection of belt breakage, the motor is stopped together with report of abnormality of the to reduce cost. A conventional temperature sensor may be used to maintain a proper surface temperature of a door of the clothing dryer, without installation of a separate component. Thereby, harm to a user due to rise in the surface temperature of the door may be prevented, and degradation of drying quality may be prevented. Furthermore, the pipe temperature of a compressor may be used to detect incorrect or broken wiring of the compressor. When incorrect or broken wiring of the compressor is detected, the compress is stopped together with report of to protect the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Min OAK, Do Haeng KIM, Ju Dai KIM
  • Publication number: 20140259735
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for automatically dispensing air, for example, for hand drying, through either a dedicated air only spout (side mount embodiment) or through a multi-use spout configured for dispensing water, soap and/or air. The air drying module, which is typically positioned below a counter, can be modified according to the system needs to operate with hot and/or cold air and to optionally include a filter and/or fragrance dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Xela Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Muderlak, Kenneth J. Muderlak
  • Publication number: 20140250715
    Abstract: A dryer and towel dispenser combination and method of operating the same. The combination includes a towel dispenser for dispensing a towel through a first area, a sensor having a sensing area for sensing an object that penetrates the sensing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BOBRICK WASHROOM EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: DIKRAN BABIKIAN
  • Publication number: 20140230269
    Abstract: A lavatory system includes a hand dryer with at least a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor to detect an object for drying. A controller is communicatively linked to the first and second proximity sensors. The controller activates a drying operation after a first delay period if the first proximity sensor first detects the object for drying and activates a drying operation after a second delay period if the second proximity sensor first detects the object for drying. A filter flow sensor may also be provided to ensure proper filtering of the dryer's air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Btadley IP, LLC
    Inventors: Graeme S. Bayley, Mark A. Figurski
  • Patent number: 8782922
    Abstract: A dryer monitoring system receives dryer information from one or more sensors concerning operation of one or more dryers, such as clothes dryers. For example, the dryer monitoring system may receive temperature, humidity, and/or dryer on/off information concerning the dryers. The dryer monitoring system may analyze the dryer information and generate reports communicating the dryer information, identify possible maintenance issues with the dryers, identify ambient environmental conditions that may lead to inefficient drying, identify possible operator errors, and/or diagnose other dryer conditions that may be determined based on the dryer information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. May, Julio R. Panama, Nicholas D. Parent, Mihnea A. Popa, Bruce W. Weber
  • Publication number: 20140157621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus including a drum for holding laundry, a connection duct for exhausting air from an inside of the drum, an exhaust duct provided parallel to a length direction of the drum connected to the connection duct, a filter assembly with a filter unit provided to the exhaust duct for filtering the air and a brush for removing foreign matter from the filter unit, a brush drive unit for making the brush to reciprocate a section of the filter unit, and a position sensing unit for sensing a position of the brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeongyun KIM, Sangik LEE
  • Publication number: 20140157622
    Abstract: A hand dryer has a housing and at least one exit opening communicating with an interior of the housing. At least one blower motor is arranged in the interior of the housing and conveys an air stream through the at least one exit opening to the exterior of the hand dryer. A supply device with at least one discharge opening is provided, wherein the supply device is configured to supply a disinfectant to the air stream through the at least one discharge opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Alexey Gorovoy
  • Publication number: 20140150283
    Abstract: A conveyor dryer for curing ink on a substrate is provided. The dryer comprises a dryer body, a housing functionally coupled to the dryer body, the housing and dryer body defining a heat zone, a heating element functionally disposed within the heat zone and configured to provide thermal energy, an infeed extension functionally coupled to the dryer body, such that the infeed extension extends substantially horizontally from the dryer body, a conveyor belt functionally coupled to the infeed extension, the conveyor belt being configured to transition from the infeed extension into the heat zone, and a sensor functionally coupled to the infeed extension and configured to sense the substrate on the conveyor belt, wherein under the condition that the substrate is placed on the conveyor belt, the sensor senses the substrate and results in the dryer transitioning from a standby state to an operational state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: BERGMANN PRECISION, INC.
    Inventor: John Bergmann
  • Publication number: 20140150288
    Abstract: A system includes a multi-feeder assembly. The multi-feeder assembly includes a first solids feeder, a liquid removal section, and a second solids feeder. The first solids feeder is configured to receive a solids flow from an upstream system. The liquid removal section is configured to reduce an amount of liquid in the solids flow. The second solids feeder is configured to receive the solids flow in series with the first solids feeder and output the solids flow to a downstream system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Frederick Leininger, John Saunders Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8739430
    Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a main box body in which a hand insertion portion is provided for allowing insertion/pulling out of hands and a water pan is provided for collecting water drops blown away from hands. In the main box body, a drain tank is disposed for accumulating water that is collected in the water pan. The drain tank is attached to the main box body in a detachable manner. A first lock mechanism is disposed for restricting removal of the drain tank. Moreover, an operating unit is disposed for switching the operating state of the apparatus and is covered with an openable-closable operating unit cap. A third lock mechanism is disposed for restricting opening and closing of the operating unit cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukaya, Takaki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140115916
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a drying operation of a rotatable-drum laundry dryer (1) having a rotatable drum (3) for loading laundry (5) and at least an electrode sensor (22) for sensing dryness of the laundry (5). The method includes the step of detecting the presence/absence of moist laundry (5) inside the rotatable drum (3) by the electrode sensor (22). If a presence of moist laundry inside the rotatable drum (3) is detected, a drying cycle is started. The dryness of the laundry (5) is sensed during the drying cycle and a cycle time (TD) at which the sensed dryness reaches a preset dryness threshold is measured. If the cycle time (TD) is lower than a preset dryness threshold time (Sm), the drying cycle is continued for a first additional time (D1), and the drying cycle is stopped at the end of the first additional time (D1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Fabio Altinier, Fabio Pasut, Michele Bisaro, Roberto Ragogna
  • Patent number: 8707580
    Abstract: A dryer having an improved automatic dryness detection circuit is provided. Wet clothing in the dryer bin contacts a sensor and causes a pulse to be sent to a microcontroller if the resistance of the clothes is low enough. The microcontroller disregards pulses which are shorter than a threshold time and counts pulses which are longer than a threshold time. The microcontroller issues a termination signal if the rate of pulses is lower than a threshold rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 8555522
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan R. Bellinger, James P. Carow, Michele A. Paustian, David M. Williams
  • Patent number: 8549771
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for detecting a root moisture content of clothing in a clothes dryer. The dryer has two conducting bars situated in the dryer bin. A pulse generator circuit is coupled to the conducting bars. A microcontroller is coupled to an output of the pulse generator circuit. The pulse generator circuit generates a pulse when wet clothing contacts the conducting bars in the dryer bin. The microcontroller receives the pulses and counts the pulses that are longer than a threshold length. The microcontroller issues a termination signal based on the number of counted pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20130192081
    Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a drum. A moisture sensing system detects an average moisture content of launderable items as they are dried within the drum and provides a moisture signal to an electronic controller. A user interface presenting a setpoint selection element such that when a moisture setpoint is selected by a machine operator during a drying cycle, an operational state of the dryer machine is controlled by the electronic controller based on the moisture setpoint and the moisture signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Zambrowicz, Stephen L. Harris, Robert Socha
  • Publication number: 20130091723
    Abstract: A control system for dryers in which the rotation speed of the motors are changed through frequent on/off connections to the electric power line. In accordance with the invention this task is solved by interrupting the electric power driving the electric motor for short periods in such a way that the motor does not come to a complete standstill or remains at a constant speed below the maximum speed. The motor power interruption or application is based upon readings of sensors reading dryer parameters other than the actual speed of the motor being controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Roderich W. Graeff
  • Patent number: 8387272
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a clogging detecting system for a dryer which can display a clogging degree or state of an air passage to the user through a remote controlling device. The clogging detecting system for the dryer includes the dryer for judging the clogging degree of the air passage, and sending the clogging degree to a remote controlling device, and the remote controlling device for receiving the clogging degree from the dryer, and displaying the clogging degree through a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yang-hwan Kim, Kyung-hun Kim, Ja-in Koo, Ju-hyun Kim, Sun-cheol Bae, Ju-young Min, Jin-seok Hu
  • Publication number: 20130047459
    Abstract: A method for determining status of a drying cycle comprises receiving, at a first time, a first signal from a bladder pressure sensor configured to be responsive to changes in a weight of a container of the dryer, the container retaining materials to be dried. At a second time, the controller receives a second signal from the bladder pressure sensor. A change in the bladder pressure signals is calculated based on difference between the second signal and the first signal, and the change in the bladder pressure signals is interpreted as a change in the weight of the container. Based on the change in the weight of the container and the length of time, a rate of change in the weight of the container is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David John Geer, Jason John Detsch, Bradley McKay Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120285035
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a clothes dryer by determining a load size estimation based on at least one of a temperature variation of the laundry load and a delay time wherein the delay time is a time it takes for the temperature variation to satisfy a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: RYAN R. BELLINGER
  • Patent number: 8266823
    Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities loaded with high level waste (“HLW”) is devised. The invention utilizes a non-intrusive procedure that is based on monitoring the dew point temperature of a non-reactive gas that is circulated through the cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a system for drying a cavity loaded with HLW comprising: a canister forming the cavity, the cavity having an inlet and an outlet; and a source of non-reactive gas. The system further flows the non-reactive gas from the source of non-reactive gas through the cavity; and repetitively measures the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Krishna Singh
  • Publication number: 20120210598
    Abstract: The already energy saving ambient air dryer is improved in methods of manufacture, performance, increased safety devices, and storage options which include in part: construction in pieces of different manufacture for assembly to lower cost, added inhibitors to extend life and durability, extrusions on the drum functioning as scoops to cause additional ambient air to be passed through the clothes, light and reflector system so moving drum may be visible at night or in partial light, non-defeating GFCI system, specific designed energy efficient motor, programmed functions such as stopping the drum in “access” or “park” position and sounding alarm for pre-determined operational issues, remote control as well as control box on dryer frame, a system for capturing lint and particulates, motion/heat detectors which eliminate need for safety guard surrounding moving drum, sound emitters to keep animals away, security codes for operation, and collapsible drum and frame for compact storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Allen Mundt Hastings, Karla Kay Hastings
  • Patent number: 8234796
    Abstract: A method of controlling a tumble laundry drier (1), the method including the steps of: starting a drying/ironing cycle and feeding drying air into the drum (5) from a drum input to a drum output; continuously measuring the electrical resistance/conductivity between two electrodes (25) located on the inside of the door; estimating the weight of the laundry inside the drum (5); measuring a temperature of the drying air at the drum output; stopping the drying/ironing cycle, if the weight of the laundry is above a weight threshold, when the electrical resistance/conductivity between the two electrodes (25) is above/below a resistance/conductivity threshold; and stopping the drying/ironing cycle, if the weight of the laundry is below a weight threshold, when the electrical resistance/conductivity between the two electrodes (25) is above/below a resistance/conductivity threshold and also when the temperature of the drying air at the drum output is above a temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dreossi, Maurizio Ugel
  • Publication number: 20120124859
    Abstract: A dryer monitoring system receives dryer information from one or more sensors concerning operation of one or more dryers, such as clothes dryers. For example, the dryer monitoring system may receive temperature, humidity, and/or dryer on/off information concerning the dryers. The dryer monitoring system may analyze the dryer information and generate reports communicating the dryer information, identify possible maintenance issues with the dryers, identify ambient environmental conditions that may lead to inefficient drying, identify possible operator errors, and/or diagnose other dryer conditions that may be determined based on the dryer information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. May, Julio R. Panama, Nicholas D. Parent, Mihnea A. Popa, Bruce W. Weber
  • Publication number: 20110203131
    Abstract: This invention is applicable to new and old clothes dryers, even clothes dryers that have a moisture sensor built-in because this invention measures the humidity. The invention, Retrofit Moisture and Humidity Sensor and Automatic Shutoff device for Clothes Dryers, relates to an apparatus and methods for reducing energy consumption for gas and electric domestic or industrial clothes dryers by placing or retrofitting a moisture/humidity sensing apparatus inside or unto the drum of a clothes dryer. The Sensor is able to remotely/wirelessly communicate to a Receiver device. The clothes dryer is directly plugged into the Receiver. The Receiver device serves the purpose of shutting the power to the clothes dryer when the items in the clothes dryer are dry as indicated by the Sensor. The moisture/humidity detecting sensor has various levels of dryness to choose from. Although moisture detecting dryers are readily available, these types of dryers are not in the price range of most consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Malcolm Clare Charles Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7992320
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Hun Oh, Seon Il Heo, Yang Hwan Kim, Yeon Sik Choi, Seog Ho Ko, Ju Han Yoon
  • Patent number: 7975401
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mabe Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Sébastien Beaulac
  • Patent number: 7971368
    Abstract: In a hand drying apparatus, an infrared light absorber absorbs infrared light, when a hand is not present, emitted from an infrared light emitter provided on an inner surface of a drying space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukaya, Syunichi Mori, Yasuyuki Itoigawa
  • Publication number: 20110146102
    Abstract: A method for estimating the temperature of a laundry load in a treating chamber of a laundry dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ENRICO BELLINETTO, DAVIDE COLOMBO, PAOLO CROSTA, FEDERICO VISCONTI
  • Patent number: 7958650
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus (1) for drying food-stuffs, comprising at least a centrifugation basket (5) for drying said product by its rotation, the lateral surface of said basket (5) being holed; a pin (13) rotating coupled with said at least a centrifugation basket (5); and a motor (12), mechanically coupled with said rotation pin (13); said apparatus (1) being characterised in that said motor (12) is a synchronous three-phase electric motor (12) and in that it comprises means (16) for controlling rotation of said motor (12) for adjusting the torque output by said motor (12) with respect to its rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Turatti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Turatti
  • Patent number: 7954255
    Abstract: A drying apparatus with a vaporized-solvent-recovery function including: a concentration-at-the-end-of-drying data memorizing device to memorize a concentration of a vaporized solvent at the end of a drying operation of an object to be dried in a processing path; a vaporized solvent; an end-of-drying judging device to judge an end of drying of the object by comparing the concentration measured by the vaporized-solvent-concentration measuring device with the concentration memorized by the concentration-at-the-end-of-drying data memorizing device; and a drying-operation controlling device to control the drying operation of the object in a processing bath and to end the drying operation in response to a judgement by the end-of-drying judging device that the concentration measured by the vaporized-solvent-concentration measuring device is equal to the concentration memorized in then concentration-at-the-end-of-drying data memorizing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Kohei Sawa
  • Patent number: 7900371
    Abstract: The personal dryer apparatus provides a full personal enclosure. The apparatus can be positioned as chosen, whether next to a shower or bath or apart from. One door of the apparatus may be selectively removed if complete shower-to-apparatus joining is desired, as the apparatus provides opposite entry and exit. The cap design and interior air delivery and air exit designs provide optimal air flow into, through, and out of the apparatus. The spaced apart nozzles provide multi-levels of air delivery. The apparatus provides temperature controlled heated air. The selectively positioned nozzle openings and fan control provide selectively delivered air flow amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: B. Wade Bullard
  • Patent number: 7900374
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sun Cheol Bae, Dae Woong Kim, Chang Woo Son
  • Patent number: 7891115
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick C. Nichols, Isaac Weddington, Charles P. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7866059
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hea Kyung Yoo, Seog Ho Go
  • Publication number: 20100236092
    Abstract: A drive circuit for a high-frequency agitation source includes a signal generator generating a train of low voltage square-wave pulses at a drive frequency, a booster including a boost inductor generating a back EMF and configured to produce a high-voltage pulse train in response to the low-voltage square-wave pulse train and a filter producing a drive signal having a pre-determined harmonic of the drive frequency, the drive signal being used to drive the high-frequency agitation source. The drive circuit is particularly suitable for use with piezoelectric crystals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Stephen James Causier
  • Publication number: 20100212182
    Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities loaded with high level waste (“HLW”) is devised. The invention utilizes a non-intrusive procedure that is based on monitoring the dew point temperature of a non-reactive gas that is circulated through the cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a system for drying a cavity loaded with HLW comprising: a canister forming the cavity, the cavity having an inlet and an outlet; a source of non-reactive gas; means for flowing the non-reactive gas from the source of non-reactive gas through the cavity; and means for repetitively measuring the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Krishna Singh
  • Publication number: 20100205827
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foot drying apparatus comprising: a platform; a plurality of air blowers positioned at one end of the platform; flexible arms, where the flexible arms support the air blowers and extend from one end of the platform; and a power supply. The flexible arms include a conduit for the flow of forced air. The plurality of air blowers may direct either hot or room temperature air onto the platform to flow onto someone's feet that are positioned on the platform. The flexible arms enable a user to adjust the direction of the forced airflow as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: CURTIS ARNOLD
  • Publication number: 20100192405
    Abstract: A dryer fire protection system has a control circuit for controlling power supplied from a source, via a power cord comprising a neutral line and at least one entry live line, to a load connected with the neutral line and at least one load live line. The control circuit has a relay comprising an electromagnet and a normally open switch. The energized electromagnet closes the switch to allow power to flow between the entry live line and corresponding load live line. An electromagnet control circuit connected between the entry line and neutral line has a plurality of normally closed thermostats in series and mounted within the cabinet external of a drum and ducting associated therewith. Power normally flows through the electromagnetic circuit to energize the electromagnet. Excessive cabinet heat opens at least one thermostat to interrupt power to the electromagnet circuit to de-energize the electromagnet to open the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Mircea Rosca
  • Patent number: 7765715
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Doo Kim
  • Publication number: 20100174668
    Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the clothes dryer in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes dryer in the energy savings mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: MICHAEL F. FINCH, John K. Besore, Jeff Donald Drake, Darin Franks, Chad Michael Helms, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson, Joshua S. Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20100126038
    Abstract: A method of controlling a tumble laundry drier (1), the method including the steps of: starting a drying/ironing cycle and feeding drying air into the drum (5) from a drum input to a drum output; continuously measuring the electrical resistance/conductivity between two electrodes (25) located on the inside of the door; estimating the weight of the laundry inside the drum (5); measuring a temperature of the drying air at the drum output; stopping the drying/ironing cycle, if the weight of the laundry is above a weight threshold, when the electrical resistance/conductivity between the two electrodes (25) is above/below a resistance/conductivity threshold; and stopping the drying/ironing cycle, if the weight of the laundry is below a weight threshold, when the electrical resistance/conductivity between the two electrodes (25) is above/below a resistance/conductivity threshold and also when the temperature of the drying air at the drum output is above a temperature threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dreossi, Maurizio Ugel
  • Publication number: 20100064546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dryer and a controlling method of a dryer, which can sense whether there is a malfunction or can precisely sense a drying rate of laundry. A dryer comprising a drum that laundry is stored in and a heater that supplies hot air to the drum, the dryer includes a sensing circuit that outputs a pulse signal based on contact with the laundry; and a micom that controls the dryer, wherein the micom determines a drying rate of the laundry or whether there is a malfunction in the dryer based on the pulse signal outputted from the sensing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Young Jin Doh, Jae Seok Kim, Seog Ho Go
  • Publication number: 20100031529
    Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a motor adapted to be mounted on a frame of the dryer for driving a dryer belt to rotate a drum of the dryer. The motor includes a rotor adapted to rotate the belt, at least one winding energizable to cause rotation of the rotor, and a first switch operable to control energization of the winding. A second switch has a sensor for sensing belt breakage. The second switch is mounted on the first switch and is electrically connected to the winding so that when the belt is no longer sensed, the second switch stops operation of the winding and thereby stops rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicants: Emerson Electric Co., BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Philip S. Johnson, Marshall J. Huggins, Michael Peebles, John R. Holden