Sensor platform for use in machines for washing articles
US5446531A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F2105/58
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A plurality of fluid condition sensors are combined together to provide a sensor cluster that senses turbidity, temperature, conductivity and the movement of a ferromagnetic object. The plurality of sensors are attached to a substrate and encapsulated, by an overmolding process, with a light transmissive and fluid impermeable material. The sensor cluster can be disposed at numerous different locations within a body of fluid and does not require a conduit to direct the fluid to a particular location proximate the sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a circuit is provided which monitors the signal strength of first and second light sensitive components to determine turbidity and, in addition, those signal strengths are also used to advantageously determine the most efficient magnitude of current necessary to drive a light source, such as a light emitting diode. By controlling the current to a light emitting diode as a function of the strength of light signal received by first and second light sensitive components, the turbidity sensor can be operated at a more efficient and effect level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.