Microwave clothes drying system and method with improved arc detection
US5270509A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B6/666
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Microwave drying system and method in which arcing is detected by a sudden drop in electric field strength within the drying chamber. An electric signal corresponding to field strength is provided and, in one disclosed embodiment, is compared with a reference signal which varies with changes in field strength which occur more slowly than changes due to arcing. The two signals are compared, and an output signal is provided if the two signal differ by more than a predetermined amount. This permits the sudden drop which accompanies arcing to be distinguished from more gradual changes in the electric field which occur, for example, as moisture is evaporated from the clothing or other articles being dried.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.