Kiln automatic power level switching and display mechanism
US4897526A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF27M2001/1508
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A kiln firing cycle controller is disclosed which automatically cycles a hobbyist kiln through its low, medium, and high power level phases. The exemplary embodiment includes a control panel having a firing cycle initiating control knob. Manipulation of the control knob appropriately supplies power to the kiln's heating elements and energizes a motor. The control knob is mounted on a shaft which is rotated by the energized motor. Also disposed on this shaft are a plurality of cams which rotates and act in concert to interconnect a set of contacts which appropriately connect the heating elements to a power supply to thereby control the kiln's power level settings. The rotation of the cams also controls the timely energization of control panel low, medium, and high power level indicators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.