Patent · US Expired

Low voltage sensor for dryer

US4385452A · kind A · utility

63Cited by
7References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 3, 1981
Grant dateMay 31, 1983
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 3, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
  • CPC primaryD06F2105/62
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A fabric treating apparatus, such as a domestic clothes dryer, is provided with a microcomputer controlled circuit and a sensor system which cooperates to terminate a fabric treatment operation when the fabric reaches the desired condition. A conductivity sensor senses the moisture content of the fabric within the drying zone. A sensing circuit electrically connected to the sensor generates a voltage level proportional to the moisture condition sensed. The microcomputer reads the voltage level at spaced intervals in time and generates a valid wet signal whenever a given consecutive number of readings indicate a wet condition of the fabric within the drying zone. A counter within the microcomputer counts pulses from a source of timing signals and is repeatedly terminated and restarted whenever a valid wet signal is generated. The fabric drying operation is terminated upon the accumulation of a preselected count in the counter such that the termination coincides with an optimum dryness condition.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.