Humidity-modulated dual-setpoint temperature controller
AssigneeTher-O-Disc, Incorporated
InventorsPrasad S. Khadkikar, James A. Tennant, Philip B. Eder, Bernd D. Zimmermann
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Abstract
A humidity-modulated dual-setpoint temperature controller is disclosed in which the two setpoints of the temperature controller are adjusted as a function of measured humidity. Parameters other than humidity could also be used to adjust the dual setpoints of the temperature controller. The controller is particularly useful in controlling the heater element of a clothes dryer in order to improve the energy efficiency of the dryer.
Claims17
A humidity-modulated dual-setpoint temperature controller for use with a clothes dryer, wherein the controller is coupled to the heater element of the dryer, comprising:
- a humidity detector;
- and
- a dual-setpoint temperature controller coupled to the detector, wherein the dual-setpoints of the temperature controller are modulated based on the humidity detected by the detector such that both of the dual-setpoints decrease as the humidity detected by the detector decreases.
A humidity-modulated dual-setpoint temperature controller for use with a clothes dryer, comprising:
- a capacitive humidity sensor;
- a dual-setpoint temperature controller coupled to the capacitive humidity sensor;
- and
- a switch, coupled to dual-setpoint temperature controller, for applying power to the heating element of the clothes dryer,
- wherein the humidity measured by the capacitive sensor adjusts the dual setpoints of the temperature controller so as to switch the heater at lower temperatures at a lower measured humidity.
A sensor-modulated temperature controller comprising:
- sensor means having an individual sensing mechanism for detecting a physical parameter;
- means for initializing the temperature controller to switch an attached load at two temperature setpoints;
- and
- means for modulating the temperature setpoints based upon the detected physical parameter from the individual sensing mechanism.
A multi-parameter controller, comprising:
- a first parameter detector;
- a second parameter detector;
- a dual-setpoint second parameter controller coupled to the second parameter detector that generates a control signal at two distinct second parameter setpoints;
- and
- adjustment circuitry coupled to the first parameter detector and the dual-setpoint second parameter controller for adjusting the two distinct second parameter setpoints based on a measured first parameter value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.