Lint detector methods and apparatuses
US7337553B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F58/22
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses of for detecting lint are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light is directed to a plate. The light can be being emitted by a light source. A reflectometer is calibrated to a specific thermal emissivity of the plate. The thermal emission resulting from the light directed to the plate is received at the reflectometer. Lint is permitted to deposit on the plate. A change in thermal emission is detected if lint deposits on the plate. The change in thermal emission can be detected by the reflectometer. An indication that lint is present within the clothes dryer is provided if a change in thermal emission is detected by the reflectometer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.