System and method for capturing thread from an entraining air flow
AssigneeABM International, Inc.
InventorNeal A. Schwarzberger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for capturing thread from an entraining air flow is provided, wherein the entraining airflow is selectively created in response to a location of the user relative to the device. The entraining airflow is sufficient to entrain an anticipated length of the thread, wherein the entraining airflow then passes through a grill. The grill shape, the airflow rate and the airflow velocity are selected to retain the entrained thread on the grill. The airflow is then terminated without requiring user intervention. Upon retention of a number of threads on the grill, the grill is separated from the housing and the retained threads are simultaneously disposed of in a desired container.
Claims17
1-8. (canceled)
A method of retaining a length of thread, the method comprising:
- (a) initiating an airflow through a converging throat into a housing in response to locating a portion of a user within a given distance from a grill adjacent to the throat, at least a portion of the airflow passing through the grill;
- (b) at least partially entraining the length of thread in the airflow through the grill to engage the length of thread on the grill;
- and
- (c) terminating airflow through the converging throat.
A method of providing for retaining a length of thread, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet at least partially defined by a throat having a converging section;
- (b) providing a grill removably connected relative to the housing, the grill located proximal to the throat;
- (c) providing a DC motor within the housing;
- (d) providing a fan connected to the motor and disposed within the housing, the fan selected to create an airflow through the housing from the inlet to the outlet;
- and
- (e) providing a proximity sensor initiating rotation of the fan in response to a portion of the user being located within a substantially predetermined distance from the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.