Flushing water control for a food waste disposer based on visual detection of food waste
US8579217B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE03C1/2665
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Visual detection of food waste is used to control flow of flushing water to a food waste disposer. When the disposer is turned on, flushing water is also turned on at a low flow rate. The flushing water is directed into the food waste disposer. A visual detection sensor, which is coupled to a controller, is oriented to detect food waste entering the food waste disposer. Upon detection of the presence of food waste, the controller changes the rate of flow of the flushing water from the low flow rate to a high flow rate. The controller maintains the flow rate of the flushing water at the high flow rate for as long as food waste is detected as entering the food waste disposer and for a period after food waste is no longer detected to allow the food waste to be comminuted and flushed from the food waste disposer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.