Of Starting Or Stopping Patents (Class 34/572)
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Publication number: 20100024244Abstract: A gas heater with specialized controls allows an operator to deploy a single device to heat and to dry when extracting moisture from a structure. The heater has a fan in a blow thru arrangement ahead of a burner. The burner uses either natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. The heater has air flow, fan motor, temperature, and ignition controls and sensors. The heater delivers high temperature air to the structure that hastens evaporation as the heated air absorbs great concentrations of water vapor. Then the moisture laden heated air exits the building as the heater draws in fresh air, ducts it into a structure, and pressurizes the structure. This moisture laden air then leaks from the building through select windows using the energy imparted from the fan and then exhausts the moisture to the atmosphere, drying the structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventor: Gary J. Potter
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Publication number: 20090313848Abstract: A household appliance for drying damp laundry that includes a heating device that generates warm air, a laundry drum for accommodating laundry, a motor for driving the laundry drum, a measuring device that measures a dampness value or a measured value of the laundry, a temperature measuring device that determines a temperature variable in response to a predetermined dampness value or a measured value of the laundry being reached, and a controller for controlling the heating device and the motor, for analyzing the dampness value or the measured value of the laundry, and for terminating drying based upon the temperature variable corresponding to a respective laundry type or a respective state of loading of the laundry drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbHInventors: Harald Moschütz, Ulrich Nehring
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Patent number: 7609491Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Philip S. Johnson, Marshall J. Huggins, Michael Peebles, John R. Holden
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Publication number: 20090255146Abstract: The invention relates to a method of supplying steam (38) to a fabrics storage compartment (6) of a treatment apparatus (2), in particular a dryer, a refreshment apparatus or a washing machine having drying function, comprising the steps of: flowing air through the storage compartment (6) until a predefined temperature and/or humidity has been effected; and supplying steam (38) at a predefined flow and/or temperature to the storage compartment (6). The invention also relates to a method of supplying steam (38) to a fabrics storage compartment (6) of a treatment apparatus (2), in particular a dryer, a refreshment apparatus or a washing machine having drying function, wherein the steam flow and/or the temperature of the steam (38) supplied into the storage compartment (6) is set in dependency of at least one process parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Hans-Joachim Klug, Thomas Loy
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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: 20090044420Abstract: A light directing hand dryer mainly includes a casing which has an air outlet and a light directing board exposed outside the casing. The casing houses an electric power unit, a sensor, a control switch and a blower. The blower has an airflow directing member corresponding to the air outlet, and at least one standby light and at least one operation light located on an outer side thereof. The standby light and operation light are located at one edge of the light direction board. The electric power unit provides required electric power to the hand dryer. The sensor can detect user's hands outside the casing so that the control switch can trigger the blower to operate and generate airflow, while the standby light and operation light generate light to be directed in the light directing board.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventor: Chi-Chin Hsu
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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: 20080263889Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2005Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihiro Fukaya, Syunichi Mori, Yasuyuki Itoigawa
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Patent number: 7412783Abstract: A laundry machine includes a cabinet and a laundry holding drum rotatably supported therewithin. The drum includes a wall and a drum hatch comprising a section of the wall. A motor is connected to rotate the drum. A controller is configured to operate the motor to drive the drum through a closing operation. The closing operation includes rotating the drum in a direction to bring the drum opening toward the drum hatch to re-close the opening with the drum hatch and to detect stopping of the drum rotation. The controller may provide user feedback that a closure disruption has occurred. The drum hatch is configured to close circumferentially, with a leading edge of the drum hatch approaching a leading edge of the remaining wall. The leading edges are shaped such that interposition of fabric between the leading edges during closure stops the drum hatch reaching a fully closed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Appliances LimitedInventors: Allen James Guinibert, Russell Joseph Jackson, Hugh Griffith Johnson, Bruce Reginald Frank McGregor, Daryl Leonard Hirst
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Publication number: 20080189978Abstract: Clothes drying and dewrinkling cabinet that comprises a closed and static enclosure (2) that defines an inner space (3) for housing clothes, an air flow generator (4) for circulating air through said inner space (3), heating means (5) for heating said air flow, and control means for controlling a drying and dewrinkling process acting on the air flow generator (4) and the heating means (41). The cabinet of the invention also comprises a sensor (7) that measures the temperature (T) and the humidity (H) of the air flow after said air flow has passed through the inner space (3), so that the control means perform the drying and dewrinkling process as a function of said temperature (T) and said humidity (H).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Aitor Aizpuru Borda, Mikel Markotegi Ijurko, Kepa Bengoa Armendariz
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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
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Publication number: 20080184585Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for detecting a belt-cutoff of a dryer. The apparatus comprises a drying drum accommodating a laundry therein; a motor applying a rotational force to the dry drum; a belt wound around the drying drum and a rotating shaft of the motor; and a belt cut detecting unit provided adjacent to the motor in order to sense the belt-cutoff, wherein the belt cut detecting unit is pressed as the motor is rotated by a turning moment when the belt is cut off.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hea Kyung YOO, Jun Seok Lee, Seog Ho Go
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Publication number: 20080148597Abstract: A clogging detecting apparatus for a dryer is provided that can check a clogging state of an air passage according to an off time of a drying operation. The clogging detecting apparatus may include a heater for heating the air of the air passage, a temperature control unit for turning on/off a power supply from a power unit to the heater according to a temperature of the air passage or a temperature of the heater, and a judgment unit for judging the clogging state of the air passage according to an on/off time of the temperature control unit. The clogging detecting apparatus may precisely judge the clogging state of the air passage according to a quantity of laundry dried in the dryer regardless of external factors such as a variation of an external common power.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Yang-hwan KIM, Kyung-hun KIM, Ja-in KOO, Ju-hyun KIM, Sun-cheol BAE, Ju-young MIN, Jin-seok HU
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Publication number: 20080120868Abstract: A method of reducing the risk of fire or containing fire in a laundry appliance and an appliance incorporating said method. The appliance includes a sensor means capable of sensing an abnormal fault condition indicative of an increased fire risk or a fire within the appliance drum. In response to sensing the abnormal fault condition, the appliance controller enters a fire containment cycle which rotates the drum at a tumbling speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2005Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: John Richard James Morrison, Seth Fischer, Lindsey Jack Roke
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Patent number: 7377052Abstract: A low temperature clothes dryer having a drying chamber provides removable horizontal screens supporting clothing items and a hanging bar for hanging clothes to be dried. A timing control allows setting the time of operation of the drying cabinet. An electric heater with thermostat is provided to initially raise and maintain the air temperature within the drying chamber to at least about 90 degrees F. The dehumidifier is then operated, providing for circulation through the ducts and drying cabinet by an internal fan. The dehumidifier has an evaporator through which warm, humid air is passed, thereby cooling the air and condensing water therefrom, the water being collected in a removable container or drained through a drain hose. The fan forces the cooled, dried air through a condenser which heats the dried air for recirculation through the drying chamber by means of ducts, thereby drying the clothing therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Robert E. Maruca
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Publication number: 20080052952Abstract: An invention is provided for a hand drying apparatus for drying and sanitizing hands is disclosed. The hand drying apparatus includes a housing having an air intake opening and a heating element situated within the housing capable of heating air drawn into the hand drying apparatus through the air intake opening. Also located within the housing is an air conduit that is in communication with the air intake opening. Further included is a blower that is capable of drawing an air stream into the air conduit through the air intake opening. An ozone gas generator is in communication with the air conduit that is capable of injecting ozone into the air stream to create an ozonated air stream. In this manner, the blower ejects a heated ozonated air stream out of the hand drying apparatus through the air conduit, whereby a user's hands are dried and sanitized.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: Aquentium, Inc.Inventor: William R. Nelson
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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: 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: 7191546Abstract: A low temperature clothes dryer having a drying chamber provides removable horizontal screens supporting clothing items and a hanging bar for hanging clothes to be dried. A timing control allows setting the time of operation of the drying cabinet. An electric heater with thermostat is provided to initially raise and maintain the air temperature within the drying chamber to at least about 90 degrees F. The dehumidifier is then operated, providing for circulation through the ducts and drying cabinet by an internal fan. The dehumidifier has an evaporator through which warm, humid air is passed, thereby cooling the air and condensing water therefrom, the water being collected in a removable container or drained through a drain hose. The fan forces the cooled, dried air through a condenser which heats the dried air for recirculation through the drying chamber by means of ducts, thereby drying the clothing therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Inventor: Robert E. Maruca
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Patent number: 7181865Abstract: A device for drying sludge originating in a waste water treatment plant is enclosed in a greenhouse having a floor for receiving a bed of sludge to be dried. The greenhouse employs solar energy. A spreader located in the greenhouse ensures the the sludge is spread over the floor and turned as it progresses along the drying device. Fans are positioned over the spreader to provide for the renewal of air present in said greenhouse. A controller controls start up and shut down of a drying cycle as well as automatic control of all motorized components in response to measurement of the temperature of the surface of the bed of sludge. The controller also takes into account the difference in temperature between the surface of the bed of sludge to be dried and the atmosphere present in the drying plant, equipment in the greenhouse only being started up when this temperature difference reaches a predetermined set point.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: DegremontInventors: Stiv Kolega, Ulrich Luboschik
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Patent number: 7159334Abstract: A web coating machine for coating a web of material having first and second faces and a web travel path, the web coating machine including a tension zone in a portion of the web travel path, a fixed port structure over which the web travels, and a web positioning device including at least one gas flow port in the port structure capable of generating a vacuum that brings the first face of the web of material into contact with a portion of the port structure immediately surrounding one of more of the gas flow ports and reduces, retards or arrests longitudinal travel of the web of material through the web coating machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Blake Kolb, Don W. Hendrickson, Gary L. Huelsman
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Patent number: 7082695Abstract: A power-saving drying machine control method used in a drying machine is disclosed to include the steps of (a) enabling the temperature (or relative humidity) control unit of a central control unit to start working and to detect the temperature (or relative humidity) at the exhaust port of the drying machine through a temperature (or relative humidity) sensor once per a predetermined time unit when the temperature (or relative humidity) sensor detected a predetermined temperature (or relative humidity) value, and (b) driving the central control unit to shut off the drying machine when at least two temperature (or relative humidity) differences of at least three proceeding temperature (or relative humidity) values obtained from the exhaust port of the drying machine through the temperature (or relative humidity) sensor are within the precision of the temperature (or relative humidity) sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventors: King-Leung Wong, Huann-Ming Chou, Tsung-Lieh Hsien, Jenn-Fa Lee
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Patent number: 6996921Abstract: A web positioning device includes one or more ports positioned in or adjacent at least one platen of a gap drying system, wherein upon generation of a vacuum force through each port, movement of a web of material conveyed through the gap drying system is arrested by drawing a first face of the web of material into contact with a portion of the web positioning device immediately surrounding each port. A method for controlling movement of a portion of a web of material using the web positioning device is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William Blake Kolb, Don W. Hendrickson, Gary L. Huelsman
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Patent number: 6996920Abstract: A control method and system for a belt-driven clothes dryer are disclosed. The control system includes a drum containing a load of wet clothes to be dried, a heater heating air flowing into the drum, a motor coupled to the drum by a power transmission system for rotating the drum, and a power supply supplying power to the motor and the heater during a dry operation of the dryer. The control system further includes a moisture sensor outputting a sensor signal during the dry operation, or a photo coupler outputting voltage pulses when the motor is in operation during the dry operation. Then, a microprocessor included in the control system detects a breakage of the power transmission system upon analyzing the sensor signal of the moisture sensor or the voltage pulses generated by the photo coupler. If the microprocessor detects such breakage, it interrupts the dry operation of the clothes dryer.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jong Chul Bang, Sang Ho Park, Tae In Park
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Patent number: 6688020Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus and method which can prevent accidents in advance so as to ensure safety against interruption of operations of the apparatus and leakage of processing substances. In a substrate processing method in which wafers W are processed are processed by feeding an ozone gas 5 to the wafers W loaded in a processing vessel 2 while an interior atmosphere in the processing vessel is being exhausted to be passed through an ozone killer 10, the ozone gas 5 is fed under the conditions that the processing vessel 2 is tightly closed, and the ozone killer in its normal state. When the processing is interrupted, an interior atmosphere in the processing vessel 2 is forcedly exhausted. When the gas leaks, the interior atmosphere and a peripheral atmosphere of the processing vessel 2 are forcedly exhausted while the feed of the ozone gas 5 is paused.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Takayuki Toshima, Tadashi Iino
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Patent number: 6637127Abstract: An air flow detecting system is provided for monitoring air flow in a dryer system. The dryer system has an exhaust passage through which air from a drying compartment flows. The air flow detecting system includes a detector for monitoring a rate at which air from the drying compartment travels through the exhaust passage, and a signal generator. The signal generator is responsive to the detector and generates an electrical signal for which at least one of phase, frequency, voltage, or current varies over a continuous range based on a measured flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Ivan Reede, Marc Villeneuve, David G. Allen
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Patent number: 6334267Abstract: An apparatus for confirming the initial conditions of a clothes dryer prior to the start of the drying cycle is provided. The clothes dryer comprises a drying chamber with air inlet and outlet ports. A blower powered by a first motor is arranged in the outlet port to draw air into the drying chamber through the inlet port. A burner for heating the air before it enters the drying chamber is arranged in the inlet port. Also arranged at the inlet port is a air proving device for measuring the air flow through the drying chamber. A second motor is provided for the drive system which creates the tumbling action in the drying chamber. The air flow proving device must be enabled before the second motor is started.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: American Dryer CorporationInventor: Dennis Slutsky
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Patent number: 6226892Abstract: A dryer module for drying filter supports in DNA preparation comprises a receiving member for receiving the filter support and at least one blower member, the blower member being arranged below the receiving member for receiving the filter support so that the filter support is blown on an dried from below. The dryer module also has a heating system for warming the air blown from below against the filter support, the heating system being arranged above the blower member, of which there is at least one. The dryer module is electronically controlled by a control means as a function of the measured temperature of the drying air. The dryer module can be used as a stand-along apparatus or in an automated environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Gesellschaft fuer Biotechnologische Forschung mbH (GBF)Inventors: Helmut Bloecker, Gerhard Kauer
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Patent number: 6154978Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the initial conditions of a clothes dryer prior to the start of the drying cycle is provided. The clothes dryer comprises a drying chamber with air inlet and outlet ports. A blower powered by a first motor is arranged in the outlet port to draw air into the drying chamber through the inlet port. A burner for heating the air before it enters the drying chamber is arranged in the inlet port. Also arranged at the inlet port is an air proving device for measuring the air flow through the drying chamber. A second motor is provided for the drive system which creates the tumbling action in the drying chamber. The air flow proving device must be enabled before the second motor is started.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: American Dryer CorporationInventor: Dennis Slutsky
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Patent number: 6050000Abstract: A hand dryer comprising: a housing containing a duct defining a pathway for air through the housing from an inlet to the housing to an outlet from the housing; the duct having a longitudinal axis extending a major length of the duct; the duct in the vicinity of the inlet defining a minor length of the duct with a secondary longitudinal axis the section of the duct along the secondary longitudinal axis having a cross section transverse the secondary axis in the form of a figure having a boundary with a maximum linear dimension no more than twice a minimum linear dimension; the duct in the vicinity of the outlet defining a slot lying substantially transverse the longitudinal axis; the slot having a width at least four times greater than its height; the duct in passing from the extended volume to the slot; changing in cross section from the section to the slot to provide a relatively smooth transition in shape for the pathway from the inlet to the outlet; and following a path lying around the longitudinal axis oType: GrantFiled: November 5, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Airdri LimitedInventor: John Vigurs Curzon
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Patent number: 6038786Abstract: A wall-mounted hand dryer provides a heated pulsating or modulating air stream to break down a boundary layer of moisture on a user's hands to reduce the drying time. The hand dryer accomplishes this by quickly generating a heated air stream at a maximum temperature that is tolerable to the user, increasing the air stream velocity and turbulence to blow off loose water droplets and break down the boundary layer disposed on the user's hands. The hand dryer includes a blower, heater, a modulator and/or a turbulator for blowing heated air through an air duct. The modulator and turbulator break up the laminar flow of the air stream to provide a modulating or pulsating turbulent flow of air to retard the formation of the boundary layer and dry the hands quickly. The hand dryer further includes an infrared heating source for heating the surface of a user's hands to replace the heat lost as a result of the evaporation of the water from the user's hands.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Excel Dryer Inc.Inventors: Sol Aisenberg, George Freedman, A. Ze'ev Hed, Richard Pavelle
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Patent number: 5852881Abstract: The inventive clothes dryer is provided with a system for preventing the overheating of the clothes in the drum caused by the abnormality in the V-belt, such as the break or derailment thereof. By the system, the power supply to the motor is halted temporarily while the motor is rotated at a predetermined speed, whereafter the motor keeps rotating due to its inertia. During the inertial rotation of a predetermined period of time, the number of rotations of the motor is counted. When the V-belt is in the normal state, the motor is loaded appropriately, so that the speed of the motor falls rapidly during the inertial rotation, and the number of rotations is accordingly small. When, on the other hand, the V-belt is in an abnormal state, the number of rotations is large. Therefore, the state of the V-belt is checked by comparing the number of rotations to a predetermined value, and when the number is smaller than the predetermined value, the drying operation is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kouichi Kuroda, Tatsuya Hirota, Kiyokazu Fujikawa, Youzou Kawamura, Tamotu Kawamura, Takashi Fukuda, Hisanori Hirose
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Patent number: 5836088Abstract: A device controlling electrical circuitry of a clothes drier has a base which snaps into a panel of the drier and supports electrical control elements mounted in a cavity and an operating lid which covers the cavity and effects operating changes in these elements with rearward protruding elements as it is moved along a linear path.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Inventors: Charles A. Barney, James M. Carroll, Jr.
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Patent number: 5651194Abstract: A dryer and a method for controlling a dryer for drying items in a rotating drum by supplying hot air therein. In the rotating drum, electrodes are provided in a position at which the items in the rotating drum enable to come into contact with the items. A degree of dryness of the items is detected in accordance with the current passing through the electrodes. When the detected degree of dryness reaches a predetermined level, an untangling operation is carried out. In the untangling operation, a rotation of the rotating drum is controlled in order to untangle a tangled or wrapped state of the items. The drying operation of the dryer is ended in accordance with the detected degree of dryness. The untangling operation can include a forward rotation of the drum followed by stopping the drum. It can also include rotating the drum in a forward direction, then rotating it in a reverse direction and then stopping the drum.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Kinya Hayashi
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Patent number: 5651193Abstract: A grain dryer for providing a controlled drying process through a housing. The housing has a path for grain to be dried such that the grain is dried as the grain moves along the path. The grain dryer also has a fan and heater assembly for supplying heated air to the path for drying grain in the path. The grain dryer can control the flow of grain along said path and has sensors disposed in predetermined positions so as to detect different fault conditions. The sensors generating corresponding fault signals in response to the detection of fault conditions. The grain dryer also has a controller operatively connected to the sensors, the controller is responsive to fault signals to initiate a predetermined shutdown procedure upon receipt of any one of the fault signals. A memory is operatively connected to the controller for electronically recording and identifying information concerning shutdown procedures initiated by the controller. The grain dryer controller controls the start-up of in a predetermined manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1994Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: The GSI Group, Inc.Inventors: Virgil O. Rhodes, Timothy P. McDonough, Cloyce Newton, Victor D. Goeckner, Gary Woodruff
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Patent number: 5615614Abstract: A thermography machine to be subject in use to periods of waiting for supplies of sheets to be processed is provided with a control system whereby at any time the conditions of a normal "run" mode of operation can be switched to or from operations in a "standby" mode, with retention of a high heating chamber temperature in readiness for processing sheets yet with important reductions of heat losses from the heating chamber, so reduced infusion of heat into the ambient workshop air, and decreases of power consumption and of wear and deterioration in the driving of the conveyors and several other components of the machine. Heating chamber temperature and wattage output of the heaters are controlled over a wide range of A.C. supply line voltages in both modes of operation by supplying current to the heaters from a thermocouple heat control coupled with a proportional voltage control.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Van Pelt Equipment CorporationInventor: Christopher K. Van Pelt
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Patent number: 5581907Abstract: An article to be dried is transferred and pressed and held between a wire endless conveyor and a flexible conveyor. The wire endless conveyor is placed between a nozzle, including a sucking-out nozzle and a blowing nozzle, and the cushion conveyor to press, hold and transfer the article to be dried. The nozzle dehydrates/dries the article to be dried. When an article to be dried is narrower than the width of the nozzle, the area where the article to be dried does not cover the sucking-out nozzle or the blowing nozzle is automatically shut by the flexible conveyor. The article to be dried is dehydrated/dried while it is pressed, held and transferred so that a high speed air jet stream and high speed negative pressure air stream do not flow out/in to outer air. While the article to be dried is transferred, pressed and held by the flexible conveyor, water adhering to it is formed into minute water drops by the high speed air jet stream and the high speed negative pressure air stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Seibu GikenInventors: Toshimi Kuma, Toshihiro Masuzaki
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Patent number: 5575085Abstract: An improvement to a coal processing system where hard materials found in the coal may cause jamming of either inflow or outflow rotary airlocks, each driven by a reversible motor. The instantaneous current used by the motor is continually monitored and compared to a predetermined value. If an overcurrent condition occurs, indicating a jamming of the airlock, a controller means starts a "soft" reverse rotation of the motor thereby clearing the jamming. Three patterns of the motor reversal are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Western Syncoal CompanyInventor: Clifton E. Groombridge
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Patent number: 5560124Abstract: A control device which may take the form of a plug adaptor is able to interrupt the power to a dryer when the load is dry. The only input is the pattern of the power consumption of the dryer, and this is used, together with a control algorithm, to provide the information needed for the control decision. The device, which provides a superior process for determining the cycle termination point, could also be incorporated directly into the dryers at the point of manufacture. In addition, the invention can correlate the moisture level and character of the laundry load with the pattern of power consumption of the clothes dryer. This correlation may be used to further optimize the performance of the drying cycle or to provide load-specific control and termination procedures.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1994Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Inventors: Douglas R. S. Hart, David M. Jones
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Patent number: 5555645Abstract: A domestic clothes dryer is operated in both a forward and a reverse direction. The dryer blower has a reduced air flow rate in the reverse direction. The reduced air flow in the reverse direction and the reverse tumbling increases the heat transferred to the articles being dried, thereby improving dryer performance.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1993Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.Inventor: Dan F. Joslin
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Patent number: 5497563Abstract: A clothes dryer including a control circuit for controlling the operation of the dryer and for preventing the dryer from operating unless the dryer lint screen is cleaned periodically. The control circuit disables the dryer either after every drying cycle, after a predetermined amount of time, or after the lint filter becomes clogged. The control circuit re-enables the dryer after the lint screen has been removed from the lint screen compartment and cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Charles D. JohnsonInventor: Alfred B. Mayfield
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Patent number: 5498394Abstract: A bioconditioning germicidal dryer for the hands and lower arms has two portals which allows the hands and forearms to be comfortably extended laterally into the chamber. The working chamber has a source of ultraviolet light with a spectral output weighted at a 253.7 nm. Air is introduced through one or more vents in a second heated chamber connected to said working chamber. Preheated air is then drawn past the ultraviolet light source, where it is germicidally cleansed, into the working chamber, and leaves the working chamber through the portals. Because of the combination of (a) ultraviolet light, (b) closed chamber environment, (c) warm air and (d) chamber geometry induced turbulent air flow patterns, the hands and arms are germicidally cleansed and gently dried without dehydration of the skin normally found in germicidal washing.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Molecucare, Inc.Inventor: Arthur L. Matschke
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Patent number: 5459944Abstract: A hand dryer in which a channel-like hand insertion unit 5 opening at the front face and side faces is formed in the front face of a case 6 which functions as an outer shell. Upper and lower blowout nozzles 32 and 33 are disposed in the upper and lower faces of the hand insertion unit 5. A high-pressure air flow generation device 7 supplies high-pressure air flow to the blowout nozzles 32 and 33. A high-speed wind generated in the hand insertion unit 5 blows water on hands to the inner portion of the hand insertion unit 5. The blown water is drained to the outside of the hand insertion unit 5, through drainage holes 18 which are disposed at lateral ends of the bottom face of the hand insertion unit 5. Thereby, the blown water from the hands can be smoothly drained without remaining in the hand insertion unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshio Tatsutani, Tetsuya Tanaka, Toshihiko Horii, Kazuhiko Hotta, Keiu Kawasaki, Keiichi Hasegawa, Yoshiyuki Umai, Masaaki Sendo
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Patent number: 5416400Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit for energizing a device in a domestic clothes dryer from a source of potential which if directly connected across the device would lead to premature failure of the device. In order to drop the potential applied to the device, the start winding of the drive motor is serially connected in the circuit containing the device to drop the potential applied to the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Inventor: Robert M. St. Louis
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Patent number: 5402586Abstract: A device for controlling a drying period of time in a washing machine which can control drying of laundry with an optimum period of time, comprises a non-conductive pipe arranged to drain water extracted from laundry well, a transmission voltage generating part, mounted inside of the non-conductive pipe, for generating a transmission voltage corresponding to the quantity of the draining water, a comparing part for comparing the transmission voltage with a predetermined reference voltage to generate a compared signal, and a microcomputer for controlling a motor for drying operation in response to the compared signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young H. Roh
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Patent number: 5351417Abstract: A hair dryer adapted for multifunctional use includes a housing which is mounted on a wall and a hand-held dryer connected to a power supply in the housing through an electrical cable. The power supply to the dryer is controlled by the degree of extension of the cable from the housing. The housing is adapted to receive a number of different modules which can be installed with security in the housing. A tumble dryer can be incorporated into the housing. The apparatus can be provided with a switching device which controls the supply of heated air from the dryer to selected heated air utilization devices such as the tumble dryer, a hand and nail dryer, a room heater and a defogger outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1992Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Secajo, Ltd.Inventor: Richard Rubin