Method and system for controlling a drying process

Abstract

A dry cleaning device includes a cleaning enclosure suitable for receiving clothing articles and a cleaning fluid, typically a solvent based cleaning fluid, and circuitry coupled to the dry cleaning device for sensing at least one operational parameter of the dry cleaning device and for calculating a retained cleaning fluid content in the articles disposed within the cleaning enclosure based on the at least one operational parameter. Alternatively, the circuitry may calculate the amount of cleaning fluid returned to the system during the cleaning process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 127,001, entitled “Apparatus and Method For Article Cleaning,” filed Apr. 16, 2002, which Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] The invention relates generally to article cleaning apparatuses and more specifically to a method and system for controlling a drying process in a dry cleaning apparatus. [0003] Solvent based article cleaning systems, better known as “dry cleaning” systems, typically include washing or rinsing systems and drying systems, for cleaning articles such as objects of clothing, drapes, upholstery or similar textiles. Before the articles may be reused after cleaning, they should be substantially devoid of the solvent based cleaning fluid. If the solvent is not substantially removed from the articles, the articles will feel oily to the touch and will require additio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that cleans clothes using a solvent-based cleaning fluid. The device has a sensor that detects certain parameters during the cleaning process, and it calculates how much cleaning fluid is left in the clothes based on those parameters. This helps to determine when the clothes are ready to be dried. The device also has a system for collecting and returning the cleaning fluid to the system during the cleaning process. Overall, this device makes the dry cleaning process more efficient and effective.

Problems solved by technology

If the solvent is not substantially removed from the articles, the articles will feel oily to the touch and will require additional cleaning prior to use.

In addition, if the solvent is not substantially recovered after the dry cleaning process is completed, the solvent will need to be replaced more frequently, driving up the cost per usage by the consumer and potentially requiring an overall increase in the periodicity of cartridge or solvent replacement and servicing.

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