Patent · US Expired

Device for detecting deposits on surfaces, in particular, in washing machines and/or dishwashers

US6924499B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by

8References

28Claims

0Family size

Assignee

BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH · DE

Inventors

Hans Poisel · Leinburg, DE
Josef Weber · Neufahrn, DE
Rudiger Eiermann · Staufen, DE

Key dates

Filing date	Aug 3, 2001
Grant date	Aug 2, 2005
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Dec 31, 2021

Classification

Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
CPC primaryA47L15/0057
WIPO fieldFurniture, games
WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A device and a method for detecting deposits on surfaces includes a body having a surface on which deposits occur and influence reflection properties of the surface to electromagnetic radiation. A transmitter transmits electromagnetic radiation to the body and a detector detects the presence of the deposits at the surface. The detector measures electromagnetic radiation received from the transmitter after reflection at the surface. Preferably, the device and method are used in a liquid-conveying machine, particularly, a washing machine and/or a dishwasher. Particularly, light is introduced into the light-guiding body to detect the presence of the deposits. The light is internally reflected by the surface and is guided to a sensor. If deposits occur on the surface, the deposits affect the light-reflecting properties of the surface, and the affect is detected by the sensor.

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