Drying and gas or vapor contact with solids – Process – With nondrying treating of material
Reexamination Certificate
2006-11-14
2006-11-14
Gravini, S. (Department: 3749)
Drying and gas or vapor contact with solids
Process
With nondrying treating of material
Reexamination Certificate
active
07134221
ABSTRACT:
A method of detecting lint in a clothes dryer is disclosed. Light is directed through a surface within the clothes dryer, the light being emitted by a light source. The light is received at a photocell if the light is reflected off the surface when lint covers the surface. An indication is provided that lint is present within the clothes dryer if light is received at the photocell. Furthermore, a voltage level detector is positioned within the lint detector and determined if a threshold amount of light is received. In another aspect, if the threshold amount of light is received a warning light, an audio speaker, or an electrical output can be activated. Likewise, the clothes dryer can be automatically shut down. In another aspect, the photocell is a phototransistor. In another aspect, the photocell is a photoresistor.
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Scholl Richard
Stein Richard
Summer Mark
Whitehead David
Gravini S.
Greenberg & Traurig, LLP
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