With Material Conditioner Dispenser Patents (Class 34/597)
  • Patent number: 11898301
    Abstract: A dryer appliance may include a cabinet, a drum, an additive dispensing assembly, and a controller. The drum may be rotatably mounted within the cabinet. The drum may define a drying chamber for the receipt of clothes for drying. The additive dispensing assembly may be positioned within the cabinet and configured to selectively provide an additive to the drying chamber. The controller may be in operable communication with the additive dispensing assembly. The controller may be configured to initiate a drying operation. The drying operation may include initiating a dry cycle, detecting a static event during the dry cycle, and directing a supplemental dispensing action of a dryer additive in response to the detected static event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Reeves, Sean Simpson
  • Patent number: 11025176
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an optical communication system. The optical communication system can comprise a self-powered sensor and an optical array. The self-powered sensor can be configured to receive a mechanical input and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the mechanical input. The optical array can be configured to receive the electrical signal and generate an optical output. The optical output can correspond to the mechanical input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Wenbo Ding, Zhong Lin Wang, Changsheng Wu, Yunlong Zi
  • Patent number: 10294604
    Abstract: A dryer appliance and additive dispensing assembly is generally provided herein. The additive dispensing assembly may be positioned within the cabinet and configured to provide an additive mist to the drum. The additive dispensing assembly may include a supply conduit, an additive dispenser, and a siphon channel. The supply conduit may extend between a fluid supply and the drum. The additive dispenser may store and dispense a dryer additive. The siphon channel may extend from the additive dispenser to the supply conduit downstream from the fluid supply. An initial flow of fluid directed through the supply conduit may create a siphon that draws the dryer additive into the supply conduit to mix with the flow of fluid and create an additive flow that is dispensed into the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander B. Leibman
  • Patent number: 10214850
    Abstract: An intelligent electronic system for removing wrinkles from a textile clothes load, including an electronic integrated circuit of the microcontroller type placed preferably integrally on the mainboard of the dryer machine located on the control panel, an user interface located preferably on the control panel allowing communications between the user and the dryer machine, and a water-injection means located at the drum's air inlet. A process for removing wrinkles on textile clothes is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: MABE, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Raul Santillan Galvan
  • Patent number: 9765462
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine, including a cabinet having a vertical cross section with a quadrangular shape; a tub having one surface that faces one or more upper corners of the cabinet, and is adjacent to the cabinet; and a rotatable drum in the tub, and configured to hold or accommodate laundry, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Jong Won Park
  • Patent number: 9752772
    Abstract: Provided are a steam spraying apparatus and a clothing drying machine including the same. The steam spraying apparatus include a flow passage forming unit, a steam generating heater, and a nozzle. The flow passage forming unit has a flow passage for guiding water introduced through an inlet to an outlet. The steam generating heater applies heat to water flowing along the flow passage. A nozzle sprays steam generated by the heating of the steam generating heater at a certain pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sungho Song, Sungmin Ye, Hyukjin Ahn, Minji Kim
  • Patent number: 9139947
    Abstract: Provided is a washing and drying machine (1), including: a dewatering tub (30); a blower path (71) leading to the dewatering tub (30); another blower path (81) leading to an outside of the washing and drying machine; an ion generator (75) for generating ions having sterilizing and deodorizing actions, the ion generator (75) being arranged on the blower path (71); blower means (70) for blowing the ions generated from the ion generator (75); blower-path switching means (76) for switching the blower path leading to the dewatering tub (30) and the another blower path leading to the outside of the washing and drying machine to each other; and control means (51) for activating the ion generator (75), the blower means (70), and the blower-path switching means (76) in a predetermined mode based on an operation condition of the washing and drying machine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiko Hayashi, Hideyuki Ryohke, Yasuhiro Kuge, Hitoshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8819959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle arrangement (6) adapted to supply at least one fluid-phase additive into a storing compartment (4) of a textiles treatment apparatus (2), in particular an exhaust air and/or condenser dryer, a refreshment apparatus or a washing machine having drying function. The nozzle arrangement comprises at least one nozzle (8), each being adapted to feed an additive; and at least one trapping device (10) adapted to trap and/or to remove liquid and/or particles leaving the at least one nozzle (8) or forming at or close to said nozzle. Further, the invention relates to an additive supply arrangement (6, 18, 20, 22, 12) adapted to supply at least one additive, comprising at least one nozzle (8), each being adapted to feed an additive; at least one additive supply source (12); and at least one fluid channel (18, 20) connecting the at least one additive supply source (12) to the at least one nozzle (8); wherein at least one fluid channel comprises at least one capillary element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Klug, Luigi Arreghini, Johannes Sierl, Thomas Loy
  • Patent number: 8756828
    Abstract: An appliance having a dispensing system and a detection system for detecting failure modes related to the dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Dalton, Fredrick E. Chernetski, Karl D. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8707743
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine using steam. The laundry machine includes a drum for holding laundry, a steam generator for generating steam, a water supply unit for supplying water to the steam generator, an additive supply unit for supplying additive to the steam generator, and a supply line for supplying the steam and the additive to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Dong Yoon Kim, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son
  • Patent number: 8695232
    Abstract: A laundry machine, more particularly, a dryer is disclosed. A dryer includes a cabinet, a drum in which a drying object is held, a steam generation device to supply steam to the drum, a water supply device to supply water to the steam generation device in order to generate steam, an additive holding part in which an additive is held, and an additive supply device to supply the additive held in the additive holding part to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chul Jin Choi, Sang Hun Bae, Yang Hwan Kim, Tae Hee Lee, Min Ji Kim, Ku Young Son
  • Patent number: 8650772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry machine includes a drum rotatable in a cabinet; a hot air heater to supply hot air to the drum by heating air; a steam generator to supply steam to the drum; a sensor to sense a laundry amount inside the drum; and a controller to control an amount of steam supplied to the drum based on sensing results of the sensor. In another aspect of the present invention, a controlling method of a laundry machine includes sensing a laundry amount inside a drum and drying the laundry by supplying hot air to the drum. In the drying of the laundry by supplying hot air to the drum, an amount of hot air is adjusted based on the laundry amount sensed in the sensing of the laundry amount inside the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Woo Son, Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son, Heung Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 8595955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry dryer. The laundry dryer has a drum rotatably provided to a cabinet, a hot air heater heating air to supply hot air to the drum, a steam generator selectively supplying steam to the drum, and a water supply source provided to one side of the cabinet. And, the water supply source has an accommodating part for storing water supplied to the steam generator and a water supply means for supplying the water within the accommodating part to the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son
  • Patent number: 8578626
    Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a drying chamber, a process air channel having a supply air opening for drawing in process air, an exhaust air opening for expelling process air, an exhaust air channel through which process air is conducted to the exhaust air opening, and a nebulizer that distributes condensate in process air. The dryer further includes a fan in the process air channel for driving process air through the drying chamber, and a heat exchanger that extracts heat from process air flowing out from the drying chamber, supplies heat to process air flowing into the drying chamber, and separates the condensate from the process air for the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Steffens
  • Patent number: 8365434
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a dryer comprising dispensing a treating chemistry from a dispensing system into a treating chamber of the dryer based on an output from the environmental drying sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Carow, Ryan R. Bellinger, Francesco Jatta
  • Patent number: 8187387
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dryer and a method of controlling a cleaning operation thereof that are capable of supplying moisture into a drying chamber of the dryer to wet contaminants in the drying chamber and blowing air to the wetted contaminants to remove the contaminants. The method includes supplying moisture into a drying chamber to wet contaminants in the drying chamber and removing the contaminants wetted by the moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tai Eun Kim, Jeong Han Kim, Byoung Yull Yang
  • Patent number: 8166667
    Abstract: Clothes drying furniture, comprising a furniture assembly defining a housing. The furniture assembly has a first top wall, a first bottom wall, first and second lateral walls, an intermediate wall, a rear exterior wall, and a door. The first and second lateral walls each have longitudinal tracks mounted thereon. A clothes drying assembly comprises a second top wall, a second bottom wall, third and fourth lateral walls, and a rear wall. The third and fourth lateral walls each have longitudinal rails mounted thereon. The longitudinal rails are journally mounted onto the longitudinal tracks. An electrical assembly comprises a heating element. The heating element is positioned in between the intermediate wall and the rear exterior wall. The electrical assembly further comprises power means. The first and second lateral walls each comprise a latching member to keep the clothes drying assembly housed within the furniture assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Lora
  • Patent number: 8091253
    Abstract: A fabric article treating device having a dispenser adapted for location inside of a fabric article drying appliance and a removable reservoir. The dispenser and reservoir are adapted for fluid communication with one another. The reservoir is configured to contain a benefit composition and to minimize leakage of the benefit composition during installation and removal of the removable reservoir. Corresponding male and female fitments establish fluid communication between the dispenser and the reservoir. The male fitment is adapted to pivot to aid in engaging the female fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Melissa Dee Clark, Christopher Lawrence Smith, Paul Amaat Raymond Gerard France, Laura Lynn Heilman, Paul Van den Hoonaard, Geoffrey Luther Oberhaus
  • Publication number: 20110277343
    Abstract: A dispensing vessel for introducing moisture into a clothes drying environment includes a sponge-like core configured to at least temporarily retain a moistening substance therein, a generally oblong-shaped cover substantially surrounding the core and retaining the core in a compressed condition, and a moistening substance retained within the core. The cover includes a fill opening defined therethrough, the fill opening providing access to an interior of the cover from an exterior of the cover, a plurality of protuberances spaced generally evenly from one another, each protuberance having a generally conical shape, and one or more dispensing openings, each dispensing opening disposed at a distal end of a protuberance of the plurality of protuberances, and each dispensing opening providing access to an exterior of the cover from an interior of the cover. Furthermore, each of the dispensing openings is not positioned generally opposite the fill opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: William HOWE, Richard Payne
  • Patent number: 7946057
    Abstract: A support structure for a clothes dryer comprising modular units for receiving functional parts and an air duct components. The modular units are incorporated into the support structure. The inventive support structure for stabilizing the clothes dryer comprises a front part in the form of a combined body provided with an end shield, a front wall, a base module on the bottom side comprising a base body and a process air lid, a rear module comprising the rear wall, a heating device and a cover. The joining surfaces between the modular units are located on a vertical plane. Connections are constructed in such a way that they are devoid of sealing elements which are currently used for joining surfaces. With respect to known embodiments, the inventive clothes dryer structural design is producible with a low material consumption and, in general, can be produced in a more rational manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Dittmer, Holger Löffler
  • Patent number: 7930838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry dryer that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry dryer includes a drum in which laundry is held; a hot air heater that heats air to supply hot air to the drum; a steam generator that generates steam to supply the steam to the drum; and a water tank to hold water to supply to the steam generator, the water tank in flow communication with a water supply hole through which water is supplied into the water tank with the water tank kept in flow communication with the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son
  • Patent number: 7921578
    Abstract: A nebulizer assembly for use in a fabrics revitalizing system having a fabric treatment chamber comprises a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid; an air flow channel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a mist generator configured to generate a mist in the fluid reservoir; and a fan in fluid communication with the air flow channel to draw air through the air flow channel and transport the mist to the interior of the fabric treatment chamber. The nebulizer assembly can include a transitional assembly that communicates the nebulizer assembly with the fabric treatment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karl D. McAllister, Alexander V. Minkin
  • Patent number: 7895771
    Abstract: A clothes dryer has a thermal insulation pad placed in a confined space in the dryer cabinet between the blower fan housing and the dryer cabinet side wall closest to the blower fan housing. The thermal insulation pad is press fit into the space so as to take up much of the volume of the confined space preventing the accumulation of dust or lint over time in the confined space while also preventing the flow of oxygen to the confined space. Accordingly, the thermal insulation pad reduces the risk of a fire starting in the confined area of the dryer cabinet between the blower wheel housing and the adjacent side wall of the cabinet. A thermal insulation pad also acts as sound insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mabe Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Silvia Ionelia Prajescu, Pasquale Antonio Renzo
  • Publication number: 20100083532
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle arrangement (6) adapted to supply at least one fluid-phase additive into a storing compartment (4) of a textiles treatment apparatus (2), in particular an exhaust air and/or condenser dryer, a refreshment apparatus or a washing machine having drying function. The nozzle arrangement comprises at least one nozzle (8), each being adapted to feed an additive; and at least one trapping device (10) adapted to trap and/or to remove liquid and/or particles leaving the at least one nozzle (8) or forming at or close to said nozzle. Further, the invention relates to an additive supply arrangement (6, 18, 20, 22, 12) adapted to supply at least one additive, comprising at least one nozzle (8), each being adapted to feed an additive; at least one additive supply source (12); and at least one fluid channel (18, 20) connecting the at least one additive supply source (12) to the at least one nozzle (8); wherein at least one fluid channel comprises at least one capillary element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Klug, Luigi Arreghini, Johannes Sierl, Thomas Loy
  • Patent number: 7681328
    Abstract: A system for uniformly delivering treatment compositions to fabrics in a fabric article drying appliance. The system also provides for efficient delivery of treatment compositions to fabrics in a fabric article drying appliance. A method is also provided for the uniform and efficient delivery of treatment compositions to fabrics in fabric article drying appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean Larry DuVal, Laura Lynn Heilman, Kofi Ofosu-Asante, Mary Jane Combs, Antony Thanh Nguyen, Eugene Joseph Pancheri, Janine Morgens Strang, Janet Sue Littig
  • Publication number: 20100050464
    Abstract: A clothes dryer has a drying drum with an airflow inlet and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower rotated by a fan motor flows air into, through, and out the drum. A refresh or touch-up de-wrinkle course is selected via a signal input on a control panel. Steam is supplied to the drum by a steam generating device, and heated air from a heater is supplied via the inlet. A controller operates the steam device and heater, in response to the course being selected, to supply to the drum a plurality of steam pulses of at least one first predetermined time and a heated air pulse after each steam pulse. Heated air pulses between steam pulses are intermediate pulses of at least one second predetermined time to reduce condensation in the dryer and the final pulse of heated air is of a duration to dry articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: MABE CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Nicolas Krzelowski, Mathieu Lamy
  • Publication number: 20100024245
    Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in that the transfer means comprises compressed foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: The Sun Products Corporation
    Inventors: Karl BURGESS, David Jones, Claire Louise Robins
  • Publication number: 20090282694
    Abstract: A method of treating wet or dry fabrics in a dryer having a drum capable of tumbling, a liquid delivery system, an air inlet, an air current provider, an air outlet having a lint screen and optionally a venting system, the method comprising the steps of: a) placing the fabrics into the drum; b) delivering a treatment solution into the drum to deposit onto the fabrics either when the drum is stationary or when the drum is tumbling and either in the absence or presence of an air current; and c) optionally tumbling and/or passing a current of air though the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Euan John Magennis, Graeme Duncan Cruickshank
  • Patent number: 7610693
    Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer device to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in that the transfer device comprises compressed foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: The Sun Products Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Burgess, David Jones, Claire Louise Robins
  • Patent number: 7356945
    Abstract: An operation method for a combination dryer is disclosed. The present invention relates to a combination dryer, and more particularly, to an operation method for a combination dryer which enables air in a drying drum and a cabinet for drying the laundry to circulate continuously and enables condensed water generated in the circulation process to perform a refreshing cycle by using the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soung Bong Choi, Deug Hee Lee, Byung Hwan Anh, Hung Myong Cho
  • Patent number: 7320184
    Abstract: Systems and methods useful for treating a fabric article with a composition comprising polyol-based fabric care materials and a dispersing medium. The dispersing medium is a liquid at room temperature and has a flash point of greater than about 65° C. Specifically, the composition may be dispensed to treat fabric articles in an appliance during the fabric article drying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Shulin Larry Zhang, Trace Wendell de Guzman Trajano, Kofi Ofosu-Asante, Joseph Dean Heatherly, Freddy Arthur Barnabas, Jamie Marie Childers, Cynthia Maria Bedell, Dean Larry DuVal, Joia Kirin Spooner-Wyman
  • Patent number: 7093772
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Brian A. Chute
  • Patent number: 7065903
    Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles, the device comprising a support member attachable to a reservoir for storing fabric treatment composition, the support member including attachment means for attachment of the device to the tumble dryer interior, preferably the door, wherein the device, preferably the support member, includes one or more flexible portions which contact the dryer interior and allow positional adjustment of the device relative to the tumble dryer interior, during attachment by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Jones, Philip Andrew Tarrant
  • Patent number: 7055761
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) includes a product (31, 131, 431, 531) operatively connected to a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) releasably attaches to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer to releasabty operatively connect the product (31, 131, 431, 531) thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch, Jamie W. Lerbs
  • Patent number: 7047666
    Abstract: A clothes dryer includes at least one clothes drum for receiving textiles and at least one ultrasound atomizer disposed in the dryer for generating an aerosol from a liquid. The invention further relates to a method for introducing an aerosol into the clothes drum of the clothes dryer. A liquid is conducted from a reservoir to an ultrasound atomizer disposed in the clothes dryer, atomized there, and conducted into the clothes drum. The invention relates to further applications for an ultrasound atomizer, such as a washing machine, dishwasher, and/or motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: BSH und Siemeus Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Iris Hahn, Ruth Männer, Gabriele Preu, Carsten Schuh
  • Patent number: 6954995
    Abstract: A washer-dryer has a tub, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, and warm air feeding means for feeding warm air to dry laundry put in the drum. The washer-dryer further has an ion generating device that generates ions for sterilizing the laundry. The ion generating device feeds the ions to the drum and the tub. This makes it possible to realize a washer-dryer that can kill germs attached to clothes or floating in circulated air and thereby keep clothes clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Kitamura, Masahiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6922913
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drying chamber, a door assembly, a blower assembly and an air passage for directing an airflow to the drying chamber. A media holder is removably positioned in the air passage to suspend a volatilizable media in the path of the airflow. The media holder includes a main body having rear wall formed from a latticework frame, an interior for receiving the volatilizable material, and a door member. The door member is also formed from a latticework frame. With this arrangement, both the rear wall and door member include a plurality of openings to allow an airflow to carry a fragrance or other substance from the volatilizable material through the air passage to treat clothes placed in the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa J. Hood, Troy A. Johnson, Joseph M. Keeler, Paul E. Maass, Jeffrey D. Rupe, Dean L. Schaffran, Stephen D. Schober, Curtis J. Tremel
  • Patent number: 6899281
    Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) includes a product (31, 131, 431, 531) operatively connected to a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) releasably attaches to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer to releasably operatively connect the product (31, 131, 431, 531) thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Griese, Steven E. Lentsch, Brian A. Chute
  • Publication number: 20040221476
    Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles, the device comprising a support member attachable to a reservoir for storing fabric treatment composition, the support member including attachment means for attachment of the device to the tumble dryer interior, preferably the door, wherein the device, preferably the support member, includes one or more flexible portions which contact the dryer interior and allow positional adjustment of the device relative to the tumble dryer interior, during attachment by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Home and Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Jones, Philip Andrew Tarrant
  • Publication number: 20040216326
    Abstract: A washer-dryer has a tub, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, and warm air feeding means for feeding warm air to dry laundry put in the drum. The washer-dryer further has an ion generating device that generates ions for sterilizing the laundry. The ion generating device feeds the ions to the drum and the tub. This makes it possible to realize a washer-dryer that can kill germs attached to clothes or floating in circulated air and thereby keep clothes clean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Susumu Kitamura, Masahiro Satou
  • Patent number: 6792695
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in that the transfer means comprises at least an inner flow control member and an outer flow control member arranged in series, wherein the flow control characteristic of the inner flow control member is greater than that of the outer flow control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, divison of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan John Fry, Uwe Hagemann, Steven Hayes Hayes, Colin Watt Kerr
  • Publication number: 20040143994
    Abstract: A fabric article treating apparatus for dispensing a benefit composition through a nozzle that directs the benefit composition as droplets or particles into the chamber of the fabric article drying appliance. The droplets or particles provide benefits to the fabric articles within the drying appliance. The treating apparatus includes one or more safety features, and/or it includes beneficial control concepts that enhance the effects of the benefit composition being dispensed through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bradford Scott Baron, Mary Jane Combs, Dean Larry DuVal, Keith David Fanta, Paul Amaat Raymond Gerard France, Christian Gerhard Friedrich Gerlach, Laura Lynn Heilman, Eugene Joseph Pancheri, Paul Joseph Russo, Christopher Lawrence Smith, Pedro Vincent Vandecappelle
  • Publication number: 20040123489
    Abstract: A fabric article treating device for use with a fabric article drying appliance. The fabric article treating device dispenses a benefit composition into a chamber so as to provide benefits to fabric articles contained within the fabric article drying appliance. The fabric article treating device comprises a thermal protection means for extending the operating life of one or more components of the device which are thermally sensitive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eugene Joseph Pancheri, Janine Morgens Strang, Andrew Julian Wnuk, Christopher Lawrence Smith, Brian Joseph Roselle, Dean Larry DuVal
  • Publication number: 20040123490
    Abstract: A fabric article treating device for use with a fabric article drying appliance. The fabric article treating device dispenses a benefit composition into a chamber so as to provide benefits to fabric articles contained within the fabric article drying appliance. The treating device includes a means of heating the benefit composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eugene Joseph Pancheri, Janine Morgens Strang, Andrew Julian Wnuk, Brian Joseph Roselle, Christopher Lawrence Smith, Dean Larry DuVal
  • Publication number: 20040118014
    Abstract: A device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in that the transfer means comprises compressed foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Burgess, David Jones, Claire Louise Robins
  • Publication number: 20040064970
    Abstract: A device 1 for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles, the device comprising a support member 2 and a reservoir 6 for storing fabric treatment composition attachable to said support member 2, the support member including one or more suction cups for attachment of the support member 2 to the tumble dryer interior, and preferably the door, wherein the suction cup/s 8 have one or more respective suction cup actuators 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Bestfoods North America, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Hagemann, Raymond Honey, David Jones, Colin Watt Kerr, Jonathan Edward Tew
  • Publication number: 20030213145
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for treatment fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition, means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; means for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door preferably a hook and sucker; and optionally means for indicating to a user when the fabric treatment composition is used up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Hagemann, Steven Hayes, Raymond Honey, Colin Watt Kerr
  • Publication number: 20030200674
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising: a reservoir for storing a fabric treatment composition and transfer means to expose fabric treatment composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier and/or to directly contact fabrics in the dryer, thereby transferring a portion of the fabric treatment composition into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; characterised in that the transfer means comprises at least an inner flow control member and an outer flow control member arranged in series, wherein the flow control characteristic of the inner flow control member is greater than that of the outer flow control member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan John Fry, Uwe Hagemann, Steven Hayes Hayes, Colin Watt Kerr
  • Publication number: 20030196348
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for freshening fabrics in a tumble dryer during multiple tumble drying cycles. The device comprises: a reservoir for storing a fabric freshening composition, means to expose fabric freshening composition from the reservoir to airflow generated inside the tumble drier thereby transferring a portion of the fabric freshening component into contact the fabric freshening composition and transfer a portion thereof into contact with fabrics in the tumble dryer during a tumble drying cycle; means for attaching the device to the inside of the tumble dryer door; and optionally means for indicating to a user when the fabric freshening composition is used up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Hagemann, Steven Hayes, Raymond Honey, Colin Watt Kerr
  • Publication number: 20030188450
    Abstract: A fabric softening system comprises a liquid fabric softening composition which is carried in liquid form within a substrate, which is introduced into a rotary clothes dryer with laundered, wet clothing where the softening composition is released into the fabric of the articles of clothing to impart both softening and anti-static properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Ogden & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Ogden, Robert O. Stiens, Thomas J. Stiens, Richard J. Stiens