U.S. patent application number 11/171100 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for fabric article treating device and system.
Invention is credited to Paul Amaat Raymond Gerard France, Geoffrey Luther Oberhaus, Christopher Lawrence Smith.
Application Number | 20070000068 11/171100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37199243 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070000068 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gerard France; Paul Amaat Raymond ;
et al. |
January 4, 2007 |
Fabric article treating device and system
Abstract
A fabric article treating device for dispensing benefit
composition to a fabric article treating appliance. The device
includes a housing which contains a reservoir, an energy harvesting
system, an energy storing device, a fluid handling system and a
control unit. The reservoir contains a benefit composition. The
control unit is adapted to control dispensing of benefit
composition from the device utilizing the fluid handling system.
The energy harvesting system is adapted to convert mechanical or
thermal energy into electrical energy.
Inventors: |
Gerard France; Paul Amaat
Raymond; (West Chester, OH) ; Smith; Christopher
Lawrence; (Liberty Township, OH) ; Oberhaus; Geoffrey
Luther; (Mason, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Procter & Gamble Company;IP Division Central Docketing
WHBC - FC Box 161
6110 Center Hill Avenue
Cincinnati
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
37199243 |
Appl. No.: |
11/171100 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/158 ; 68/17R;
68/207; 68/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 34/22 20200201;
D06F 58/30 20200201; D06F 58/203 20130101; D06F 2103/34 20200201;
D06F 2103/32 20200201; D06F 34/18 20200201; D06F 33/57 20200201;
D06F 39/024 20130101; D06F 58/44 20200201; D06F 2105/38 20200201;
D06F 33/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
008/158 ;
068/017.00R; 068/207; 068/213 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02; D06F 37/00 20060101 D06F037/00 |
Claims
1. A fabric article treating device comprising: a housing with at
least one reservoir configured to contain benefit composition; an
energy harvesting system, wherein the energy harvesting system is
adapted to convert mechanical or thermal energy into electrical
energy; an energy storing device, wherein the energy storing device
is adapted to store electrical energy from the energy harvesting
system; a fluid handling system, wherein the fluid handling system
is adapted to transport benefit composition from the reservoir to
fabric in a fabric article drying appliance; and a control unit,
wherein the control unit is adapted to control dispensing of
benefit composition from the device.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting system
comprises an electro-active polymer in electrical communication
with the energy storing device, wherein the electro-active polymer
is adapted to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the energy storing device
comprises a capacitor.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the energy storing device
comprises a high temperature battery.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting system
comprises a thermoelectric generator in electrical communication
with the energy storing device, wherein the thermoelectric
generator is adapted to convert thermal energy into electrical
energy.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid handling system
comprises a pump and a nozzle, wherein the pump is adapted to
discharge benefit composition to fabric through the nozzle; and
wherein the pump is in electrical communication with the energy
storing device and the control unit.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid handling system
comprises a valve and transfer medium, wherein the valve is in
electrical communication with the energy storing device and the
control unit; and wherein the valve is adapted to dispense benefit
composition to fabric through the transfer medium without utilizing
a pump.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is adapted to
contain from about 20 to about 500 milliliters of benefit
composition.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting system
comprises a piezo device in electrical communication with the
energy storing device, wherein the piezo device is adapted to
convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and store the
electrical energy in the energy storing device.
10. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors
in electrical communication with the control unit, wherein the
sensors are adapted to provide information relating to at least one
condition in the appliance to the control unit, and wherein the
information is utilized at least in part to control dispensing of
benefit composition from the device
11. The device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the sensors
comprises a temperature sensor.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the sensors
comprises a humidity sensor.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a second
reservoir configured to contain additional benefit composition.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured
to send a signal to the fluid handling system to dispense benefit
composition at a predetermined condition.
15. A fabric article treating device comprising: a housing with at
least one reservoir configured to contain benefit composition; a
high temperature energy storing device comprising a capacitor; a
fluid handling system, wherein the fluid handling system is adapted
to transport benefit composition from the reservoir to fabric in a
fabric article drying appliance; and a control unit, wherein the
control unit is adapted to control dispensing of benefit
composition from the device.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the fluid handling system
comprises a pump and a nozzle, wherein the pump is adapted to
discharge benefit composition to fabric through the nozzle; and
wherein the pump is in electrical communication with the capacitor
and the control unit.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein the fluid handling system
comprises a valve and transfer medium, wherein the valve is in
electrical communication with the capacitor and the control unit;
and wherein the valve is adapted to dispense benefit composition to
fabric through the transfer medium without utilizing a pump.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a sealable
opening adapted to allow a user to fill the reservoir with a
benefit composition.
19. The device of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises a
sealable opening adapted to allow a user to fill the reservoir with
a benefit composition.
20. The device of claim 15, further comprising a docking station,
wherein the docking station is adapted to hold the housing and to
recharge the high temperature energy storing device.
21. The device of claim 2, wherein the energy harvesting system
further comprises an accentuation device, wherein the accentuation
device is configured to increase the mechanical energy applied.
22. A method for treating a fabric article comprising delivering a
benefit composition from the fabric article treating device of
claim 1, the method comprising: drying the fabric article in a
fabric article drying appliance; during the drying of the fabric
article in the fabric article drying appliance, delivering a
benefit composition from the fabric article treating device to the
fabric article; and during the drying of the fabric article in the
fabric article drying appliance, harvesting electrical energy from
mechanical or thermal energy and storing the electrical energy in
the energy storing device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a fabric article treating
device for use with a fabric article drying appliance, and more
specifically to a unique fabric article treating device for
dispensing a benefit composition employing a self-contained housing
and reservoir.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Fabric article treating methods and/or apparatus have been
evolving over the past twenty years. An ongoing need exists to
develop a fabric article treating method and/or apparatus,
especially an in-home fabric article treating method and/or
apparatus, that improves/enhances the deposition of fabric article
actives or benefit agents on the fabric articles being treated as
compared to the currently existing deposition methods and/or
apparatus. To date, various dosing devices have been utilized to
distribute a benefit agent onto fabric articles. One example of
such a device, is a fabric softener ball, wherein the ball contains
a reservoir holding a certain amount of the benefit agent to be
dispensed onto the fabric articles while in a fabric article drying
appliance. These devices typically have no interior sensors or
electronics to decide when to dispense the fabric article treating
composition Moreover, due to the particularly high heat environment
present in a fabric article drying appliance, devices that employ
batteries to help power interior sensor or electronics have
drawbacks, since the high heat environment of a dryer typically
drains the batteries quickly of their charge and can even lead to
destruction of the batteries in the device. As such, it would be
advantageous to provide a fabric article treating device which can
be inserted into a fabric article drying appliance, wherein the
fabric article treating device is adapted to dispense the benefit
compositions to the fabric article in the fabric article drying
appliance at optimum times.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to fabric article treating
devices and fabric article treating systems. More particularly, the
invention is directed to fabric article treating devices which are
capable of operating in a high temperature environment, such as a
fabric article drying appliance, and contain the ability to
dispense the benefit compositions at the optimum time to the fabric
articles in the fabric article drying appliance.
[0004] One embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article
treating device. The device comprises: a housing with at least one
reservoir configured to contain benefit composition; an energy
harvesting system, wherein the energy harvesting system is adapted
to convert mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy; an
energy storing device, wherein the energy storing device is adapted
to store electrical energy from the energy harvesting system; a
fluid handling system, wherein the fluid handling system is adapted
to transport benefit composition from the reservoir to fabric in a
fabric article drying appliance; and a control unit, wherein the
control unit is adapted to control dispensing of benefit
composition from the device.
[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention is a fabric
article treating device. The device comprises: a housing with at
least one reservoir configured to contain benefit composition; an
energy storing device comprising a capacitor; a fluid handling
system, wherein the fluid handling system is adapted to transport
benefit composition from the reservoir to fabric in a fabric
article drying appliance; and a control unit, wherein the control
unit is adapted to control dispensing of benefit composition from
the device.
[0006] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is method
for treating a fabric article comprising delivering a benefit
composition from the fabric article treating device of claim 1. The
method comprises drying the fabric article in a fabric article
drying appliance. During the drying of the fabric article, a
benefit composition is delivered from the fabric article treating
device to the fabric article. In addition, during the drying of the
fabric article, electrical energy is harvested from mechanical or
thermal energy and stored in the energy storing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
that the same will be better understood from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a third embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined
by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and
the invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of
the detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar
elements throughout the views.
Definitions
[0014] All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are on a
weight basis unless otherwise indicated. Except as otherwise noted,
all amounts including quantities, percentages, portions, and
proportions, are understood to be modified by the word "about", and
amounts are not intended to indicate significant digits. Except as
otherwise noted, the articles "a", "an", and "the" mean "one or
more".
[0015] As used herein, "comprising" means that other steps and
other ingredients which do not affect the end result can be added.
This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting
essentially of". The compositions and methods/processes of the
present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially
of the essential elements and limitations of the invention
described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional
ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described
herein.
[0016] The phrase "fabric article treating system" as used herein
means a fabric article treating device which may be discrete in
relation to the fabric article drying appliance and/or a portion of
it may be integrated into the fabric article drying appliance.
[0017] "Fabric article" or "fabric" as used herein means any
article that is customarily cleaned in a conventional laundry
process or in a dry cleaning process. The term encompasses articles
of fabric including, but not limited to, clothing, linen, drapery,
clothing accessories, leather, floor coverings, sheets, towels,
rags, canvas, polymer structures, and the like. The term also
encompasses other items made in whole or in part of fabric
material, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpons, shoes, and
the like.
[0018] As used herein, the term "benefit composition" refers to a
composition used to deliver a benefit to a fabric or article.
Non-limiting examples of materials and mixtures thereof which can
comprise the benefit composition include: water, softening agents,
crispening agents, perfume, water/stain repellents, refreshing
agents, antistatic agents, antimicrobic agents, durable press
agents, wrinkle resistance agents, odor resistance agents, abrasion
resistance agents, solvents and combinations thereof. The benefit
composition may comprise a liquid, a powder, a suspension, or a gas
product, and/or a combination of such. In one embodiment, the
benefit composition includes a preservative. Various preservatives
which help maintain one or more properties of the benefit
composition are generally known in the art and are suitable for use
herein. One exemplary preservative is Dantoguard Plus.TM.
(dimethylol-5,5-dimethlyhydantoin) commercially available from
Lonza (Fairfield, N.J., USA).
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fabric article treating
device 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
fabric article treating device 5 comprises a housing 15, wherein
the housing comprises at least one reservoir 20 for containing a
benefit composition, an energy harvesting system 70, wherein the
energy harvesting system 70 is adapted to convert mechanical or
thermal energy into electrical energy; and an energy storing device
25, wherein the energy storing device 25 is adapted to store
electrical energy from the energy harvesting system 70. The device
5 further comprises a fluid handling system 50, wherein the fluid
handling system is adapted to transport the benefit composition
from the reservoir 20 to the laundry in the appliance. The device
also comprises a control unit 30, wherein the control unit is
adapted to control dispensing of benefit composition from the
device. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the controller
determines the optimum conditions at which to dispense benefit
composition from the device. In another embodiment, the controller
further activates the fluid handling system to begin dispensing the
benefit composition.
[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises
one or more sensors 40 in electrical communication with the control
unit 30. One exemplary sensor comprises a temperature sensor, which
is adapted to determine the temperature of the air within the
fabric article drying appliance. Another exemplary sensor comprises
a humidity sensor, which is adapted to detect the humidity in the
air in the fabric article drying appliance.
[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the energy harvesting system 70
comprises an electro-active polymer in electrical communication
with the energy storing device 25, wherein the electro-active
polymer is adapted to convert mechanical energy into electrical
energy. United States Patent Application Publication US2004/0008853
discloses various electro-active polymer devices which can be
utilized in the present invention. The transformation between
electrical and mechanical energy for the energy harvesting system
is based on one or more active areas of the electro-active polymer.
Electro-active polymers are capable of converting mechanical energy
into electrical energy and vice versa. In some cases, an
electro-active polymer may change electrical properties (for
example, capacitance and resistance) with changing mechanical
strain. Materials suitable for uses in electro-active polymers in
the energy harvesting system of the present invention may include
any substantially insulating polymer or rubber (or combinations
thereof) that deforms in response to a electrostatic force or whose
deformation results in a change in electrical field. Exemplary
electro-active polymers include those disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication US2004/0008853. Other exemplary materials
suitable for use as electro-active polymers include silicone
elastomers, acrylic elastomers such as VHB4910 acrylic elastomer as
produced by 3M Corp. of St. Paul, Minn., polyurethanes,
thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers comprising PVDF,
pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers, polymers comprising
silicone and acrylic moieties, and the like. Polymers comprising
silicone and acrylic moieties may include copolymers comprising
silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising a silicone
elastomer and an acrylic elastomer, for example.
[0022] Materials used as an electro-active polymer may be selected
based on one or more material properties such as high electrical
breakdown strains, a low modulus of elasticity (for large or small
deformations), a high dielectric constant, etc.
[0023] As electro-active polymers of the present invention may
deflect at high strains, electrodes attached to the polymer should
also deflect without compromising mechanical or electrical
performance. The electrodes are attached to the polymer to receive
electrical energy from the polymer and transport the electrical
energy to the energy harvesting system. Generally, electrodes
suitable for use with the present invention may be of any shape or
material provided that they are able to supply a suitable voltage
to, or receive a suitable voltage from, an electro-active polymer.
The voltage may be either constant or varying over time. In one
embodiment, the electrodes adhere to the surface of a polymer.
Electrodes adhering to the polymer in one exemplary embodiment are
compliant and conform to the changing shape of the polymer.
Correspondingly, the present invention may include compliant
electrodes that conform to the shape of an electro-active polymer
to which they are attached. One skilled in the art will appreciate
that certain electrode materials may work particularly well with
certain polymers, and may not work well for others.
[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the energy harvesting system 70
further comprises an accentuation device. The accentuation device
is adapted to enhance the amount of mechanical energy that is
applied to the electro-active polymer. As one skilled in the art
will appreciate, various devices can be utilized to enhance the
amount of mechanical energy that is applied to the electro-active
polymer. For example, the accentuation device may comprise one or
more stainless-steel balls which are adapted to move about in the
housing and to enhance the amount of mechanical energy that is
applied to the electro-active polymer. In one exemplary embodiment,
the fabric article treating device is placed in the fabric article
drying appliance with fabric articles to be dried. During the
drying cycle, the fabric article treating device may be tumbled
throughout the fabric article appliance device. While not being
limited to a theory, it is believed that the tumbling action will
cause the electro-active polymer in the fabric article treating
device to have a mechanical force imparted to it and as such
generate electrical energy. In one embodiment, the fabric article
treating device comprise one or more accentuation devices in
addition to the electro-active polymer. In one exemplary
embodiment, the accentuation device increases the mechanical force
applied to the electro-active polymer. Other exemplary accentuation
devices include, but are not limited to, mini-hammers, beads,
pellets, balls, and the like.
[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, the energy harvesting
system comprises a thermoelectric generator in electrical
communication with the energy storing device. The thermoelectric
generator is adapted to convert thermal energy into electrical
energy. Typically, a thermoelectric generator converts heat
directly into electricity with no moving parts. As heat moves from
the hot air through the thermoelectric module, it causes electrical
current to flow. Low power thermoelectric generators work based on
the thermoelectric principal and convert thermal energy directly
into electrical energy. They can be utilized wherever a temperature
difference can be established, and provide a self-sufficient energy
source. One exemplary thermoelectric generator utilizes thin film
technology. Exemplary thermoelectric generators which may be
utilized in the present invention are available from Thin Film
Thermoelectric Generator Systems GmbH, of Hale, Germany. The ratio
of heat flow to current for a particular material is known as the
Peltier coefficient. Its value is closely related to another
intrinsic property, the Seebeck coefficient. Thomson (Lord Calvin)
established a relationship between the Seebeck and Peltier
coefficients and predicted the third thermoelectric effect, the
Thomson Effect. This effect relates to the heating or cooling in a
single homogeneous conductor when a current passes along it in the
presence of a temperature gradient. These three effects are
connected to each other by a simple relationship S=H/T.
[0026] When a thermal gradient, T, is applied to a solid, it will
be accompanied by an electric field, V, in the opposite direction;
this is known as the Seebeck effect. The ratio V/T is defined as
the Seebeck coefficient (S), and it is expressed in volts per
degree Kelvin, or more often microvolts per degree Kelvin .mu.V/K.
The metals best suited for thermoelectric applications have maximum
Seebeck coefficients of about 10 .mu.V/K or less, giving generating
efficiencies of 1% which are uneconomical as a source of electric
power, but enough to be used for temperature sensing, as
thermocouples. Metal thermocouples, which generate tens of
microvolts per degree temperature difference, are very familiar
temperature controlling sensors in domestic refrigerators and
central heating systems. Over the past few years, there has been
renewed interest in the field of thermoelectrics accompanied by the
development of synthetic semiconductors that possess Seebeck
coefficients of hundreds of microvolts and provide a useful amount
of electrical power.
[0027] A thermoelectric generator is a heat engine which utilizes
the electrons in the thermoelements as the working fluid rather
than a gas or vapor. A thermogenerator (TEG) consists of a p-type
and n-type piece of thermoelectric material which generates
electric current upon exposure to a temperature difference. These
pieces are arranged electrically in series and thermally in
parallel. By means of combining a p-type and n-type semiconductor,
voltage and therefore electrical power are generated. Because the
thermopower, S, has the opposite sign for p-type and n-type
materials, contributions from both pieces are added to nearly
double the generator voltage as that of a single element. For an
efficient energy conversion, high electrical and low thermal
conductivity, s and k, respectively are desired, in addition to a
high thermopower. Exemplary thermogenerators include low power
thermogenerators commercially available from Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
of San Diego, Calif. under the model name HZ-2 Thermoelectric
Module.
[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, the energy storage device 25
comprises a capacitor. A capacitor has two terminals and it is
adapted to store electrons. Inside the capacitor, the terminals are
connected to two metal plates separated by a dielectric. The
dielectric can be air, paper, plastic or other material that does
not conduct electricity and keeps the plates from touching each
other. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the plate on the
capacitor that attaches to the negative terminal of the energy
harvesting system accepts electrons that are generated by the
energy harvesting system 70, alternatively, the plate on the
capacitor that attaches to the positive terminal of the energy
harvesting system 70 loses electrons.
[0029] In another exemplary embodiment, the energy storing device
25 comprises a high temperature battery. As one skilled in the art
will appreciate, a high temperature battery has been constructed to
be able to adapt to extended temperature ranges and harsh operating
conditions.
[0030] High temperature batteries may comprise lithium. Exemplary
high temperature batteries include Model Nos. BR1225A, BR1632A,
BR2330A, and BR2477A from Panasonic Corporation of North America
(Elgin, Ill.). These exemplary high temperature batteries have a
wide operation temperature range from -40.degree. C. to
approximately 125.degree. C.
[0031] In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
fluid handling system 50 comprises a pump 50 and a nozzle 60,
wherein the pump 50 is adapted to discharge the benefit composition
to the laundry through the nozzle 60 and wherein the pump 50 is in
electrical communication with the energy storing device 25 and the
control unit. Dispensing of the benefit composition can be achieved
using any suitable spraying device such as a hydraulic nozzle,
sonic nebulizer, pressure swirl atomizers, high pressure fog
nozzles or the like to deliver target particle size. Non-limiting
examples of suitable nozzles include nozzles commercially available
from Spray Systems, Inc. of Pomona, Calif. under the Model Nos.
850, 1050, 1250, 1450, and 1650. Another suitable example of the
nozzle is a pressure swirl atomizing nozzle made by Seaquist
Perfect Dispensing, of Cary, Ill. under Model No. DU-3813.
[0032] In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the
fluid handling system 50 comprises a valve 90 and transfer medium
80, wherein the valve is in electrical communication with the
energy storing device 25 and the control unit 30, and wherein the
valve 90 is adapted to dispense the benefit composition to the
laundry through the transfer medium 80 without utilizing a pump.
The transfer medium 80, in one exemplary embodiment comprises one
or more porous members which allow the benefit composition to
permeate out away from the transfer medium to the fabric articles
in the laundry device. Exemplary transfer mediums comprise a
semi-permeable membrane, a wicking layer or a soft foam structure.
As one skilled in the art will appreciate, any type of transfer
medium may be utilized which allows the benefit composition to pass
through the transfer medium to be dispensed to the fabric articles
in the fabric article drying device. In another exemplary
embodiment, the energy harvesting system 70 comprises a piezo
device which is in electrical communication with the energy storing
device. The piezo device is adapted to convert mechanical energy
into electrical energy and store the electrical energy in the
energy storing device. One exemplary piezo device is commercially
available from PAR Technologies, LLC, located in Hampton, Va.
[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises
one or more sensors 40 in electrical communication with the control
unit 30. In this embodiment, the sensors 40 are adapted to provide
information relating to conditions in the appliance to the control
unit 30 to help aid the control unit 30 to determine when the
optimum conditions exist to dispense the benefit composition to the
fabric articles in the fabric article drying appliance.
Non-limiting examples of sensors include a motion sensor, a
humidity sensor, and/or a temperature sensor. For example, a
humidity sensor in communication with the control unit may be used
to control the amount of composition being dispensed from the
device and also may be utilized to determine the proper
environmental conditions during an operational cycle in which the
dispensing event should take place. In one exemplary embodiment,
the humidity sensor may also be used to maintain a specific
humidity by controlling the dispensing of the benefit composition
such that optimum de-wrinkling and/or other benefits are achieved.
Many different types of humidity sensors could be used in
conjunction with the present invention, including variable
conductivity sensors. One such sensor is manufactured by Honeywell,
of Freeport, Ill. under the Model No. HIH-3610-001, although any of
the HIH-3610 series may be used. Another exemplary sensor that may
be utilized in the present invention is a temperature sensor. One
exemplary temperature sensor outputs an analog or digital signal
along the electrical conductor that leads back to the control unit.
The control unit may comprise instructions that determine when the
optimum time is to dispense the benefit composition to the fabric
articles in the drying appliance.
[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, the housing 15 comprises a
second reservoir for containing an additional benefit composition.
In this embodiment, the additional benefit composition may have the
same or different composition from the first benefit composition.
For example, in one embodiment, the additional benefit composition
may contain aroma finishing agents, such as fragrances and other
actives that are applied late in the operational drying cycle,
whereas the other benefit composition may comprise softening or
crispening agents which are applied earlier in the operational
drying cycle.
[0035] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the fabric article
treating device 105 comprises a housing 15 which is adapted to
contain a reservoir 20, an energy storing device 25 a logic control
system 30, one or more sensors 40 and a fluid handling system 50
(pump). The reservoir 20 is adapted to contain a benefit
composition. The fluid handling system 50 is adapted to transport
the benefit composition from the reservoir to fabric articles in
the fabric article drying appliance. The control unit is adapted to
determine an optimum time in which to dispense the benefit
composition to the laundry through the fluid handling system. In
this embodiment, the energy storing device may comprise a
rechargeable energy device, or a non-rechargeable energy device.
Exemplary energy storing devices comprise high temperature
batteries and capacitors. In the rechargeable embodiment, the
device 105 may further comprise a charging terminal 108. The
charging terminal is in electrical communication with the energy
storing device and is adapted to receive electrical current from an
outside source of the device 105 and transfer that electrical
energy to the energy storing device 25. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that any means known to charge the energy storing device
may be utilized. For example, a power cord may plug into the
charging terminal 108 of the device 105. In another exemplary
embodiment, the charging terminal 108 may comprise inductive
charging technology and the energy storing device may be charged
inductively without a direct physical connection between the
charging terminals and an external power source. One exemplary
embodiment is depicted in FIG. 4, in where the device 105 can be
placed in an inductive charging base 115 which is adapted to charge
the energy storing device 105 without a direct physical connection
between the charging terminal and the charging base. This
embodiment minimizes the potential for electrical shock or other
hazardous issues regarding electricity since the device may be
utilized in close proximity to water.
[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 15
comprises a sealable opening 10, wherein the opening 10 is adapted
to allow the user to fill the reservoir 20 with a benefit
composition. In another alternative embodiment, the reservoir 20 is
removable from the device 105. In this embodiment, the reservoir
may be refilled, or the user can just insert new reservoirs
containing benefit compositions into the device 105.
[0037] In one alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 4, the
device 5 further comprises a docking station 115, wherein the
docking station 115 is adapted to hold at least a portion of the
housing and to recharge the energy storage device 25. In addition,
the docking station 115 may be adapted to refill the reservoir 20
when depleted of the benefit composition.
[0038] As noted above, the device 5 may comprise a logic control
unit 30. In one embodiment, the controller may be a
microcontroller. A suitable microcontroller is manufactured by
MicroChip, of Chandler, Ariz. under the Part No. PICI 6LS876-04/P.
However, other microcontrollers made by different manufacturers
could also easily be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the
microcontroller includes on-board random access memory (RAM), and
on-board read only memory (ROM), which comprises electrically
programmable nonvolatile memory elements, as well as on-board input
and output lines for analog and digital signals. The controller may
also be used with a crystal clock oscillator, although an RC
circuit could be used instead of a clock circuit, if desired. The
clock circuit provides timing of the clock as necessary to operate
the controller. In one embodiment, the controller comprises a port
that can be interfaced to an optional programming interface using a
communication link, such as an RS-232 communication link. This port
allows the user to alter the program information of the controller,
such as dispensing options, etc.
[0039] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller
can be any type of microprocessor or microcontroller circuit
commercially available, either with or without on-board RAM, ROM or
digital and analog input/output (I/O). Moreover, a sequential
processor may be used to control the fabric article treating device
5, or alternatively, a parallel processor architecture or logic
state machine architecture could be used. Furthermore, the
controller 30 may be integrated into an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC) containing many other logic elements that
could be used for various functions, as desired, such functions
being optional dependent upon the model of the fabric article
treating devices that will be sold to a consumer. To change model
features, the manufacturer need only program the ASIC or the
on-board RAM of the controller according to the special parameters
of that particular model, while using the same hardware for each of
the units. It will also be understood that discreet digital logic
could be used instead of any type of microprocessor or
microcontroller unit, or analog control circuitry could be used
along with voltage comparators and analog timers, to control the
timing events and to make decisions based on input levels in the
various sensors that are provided with the fabric article treating
device.
[0040] It will be understood that the present invention can be
readily used in other types of fabric article drying appliances,
and is not limited solely to clothes "dryers". In the context of
this patent document, the terms "dryer" or "drying apparatus" or
"fabric article drying appliance" include apparatuses that may or
may not perform a true drying function, but may involve treating
fabric without attempting to literally dry the fabric itself. As
noted above, the term "dryer" or "drying apparatus" or "fabric
article drying appliance" may include a "dry cleaning" process or
apparatus, which may or may not literally involve the step of
drying. The term "fabric article drying appliance" as used herein,
also refers to any fabric treating apparatus that utilizes moving
air directly upon one or more fabric articles, a non-limiting
example of which includes a clothes dryer and modifications
thereof. Such apparatuses include both domestic and commercial
drying units used in dwellings, laundromats, hotels, and/or
industrial settings. In addition, it should be noted that some
drying appliances include a drying chamber (or "drum") that does
not literally move or rotate while the drying appliance is applied
to the drying cycle. Some such dryers use moving air that passes
through the drying chamber, and the chamber does not move while the
drying cycle occurs. Such an example dryer has a door or other type
of access cover that allows a person to insert the clothing to be
dried into the chamber. In many cases, the person hangs the clothes
on some type of upper rod within the drying chamber. Once that has
been done, the door or access cover is closed, and the dryer can
begin its drying function. Dispensing of a benefit composition can
take place within such a unit, however, care should be taken to
ensure that the benefit composition becomes well dispensed within
the drying chamber, so that certain fabric items do not receive a
very large concentration of the benefit composition while other
fabric articles receive very little of the benefit composition.
[0041] All documents cited in the detailed description of the
invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
a citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
[0042] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and broad scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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