US2564867A

US2564867A - Condition responsive control for clothes driers and the like

Info

Publication number: US2564867A
Application number: US688582A
Authority: US
Inventors: Weber Victor; Russell F Garner
Original assignee: Robertshaw Fulton Controls Co
Current assignee: Robertshaw Controls Co
Priority date: 1946-08-05
Filing date: 1946-08-05
Publication date: 1951-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 1968-08-21

Description

v. WEBER ETAL CONDITION RESPONSIVE CONTROL FOR CLOTHES DRIERS AND THE LIKE Aug. 21, 1951 Filed Aug. 5, 1946 8 v 2 I s K Rdp Y pw o v 4%, 1L wmmflm M 2 I 2 9: 1. 8 0 4 5 E 1 z- 0 g a 9, 5 .dw m m 1 1 M X3 3 Y I 2 5 I B Z 64 Z: 64 w 2 w ah r4 um zz wms m 9 5% w A 1 w I J n V D .l I T II I I Jo M I if! 7 9 2\\ #wfi H I. I, D T, WNW 2mm as; 1 r I 4 fi l i a a or 1H 0 I. J F. v I y patented Aug. 21 1951 CONDETION RESPONSIVE CONTROL FOR CLOTHES DRIER S ANDTHE LIKE Victorl/Veber, Greens'burg, and Russell F: Garner,

youngwoodylai,"assignors to Robei'tshaw 'Ful- --lton-Gontrols-Oompany, a corporation of'Dela- Application August 5, 1946, SrialNc. 388,582

.. i '16'Claiins.

This invention'relates tocontroldevices-and,

more particularly, to condition responsive con- 'trols for power-driven apparatus; *suchas clothes dryers;

Appliances of-this nature may include a motordrivenshell or drum inwhich-the clothesare placed for tumbling, and a-heater from which heated air may-be circulated by a fan or blower throughout the load-of clothing which is undergoing the drying ope-ration. ln-copendingapplieation by Weber and Kunzler, Serial No.

648,780, filed February 19,1946 now abandoned in favorof continuation application Serial No. 673532, filed December Z'Z, 1948, an. electrical heating device is disclosed-as the preferred form of heater.

burner. However, in either event, considerable latentheat remains in the load of clothing upon completion of the drying operation althoughthe heating element hasbeen cut-off. Hence, the

load cannot be removed from the appliance with safety until after a cooling-down period which should not be too prolonged. I

An object of this invention is to render the control of the clothes drying operation fully automatic after the starting operation is accomplished.

predetermined cooling-down period before the. drying operation is completed.

Another object of the invention is to further dry the load of clothing during the cooling-down period.

Another object of the invention is to eliminate.

the possibility of damage to the clothing should the appliance be left unattended for a'prolonged period after being started.

Another object of the invention is to require a manual resetting operation to again place the appliance in full operation-after an initial heating cycle.

Otherobjects and. advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawinaqy which is a schematic view of a clothes drying ap- "paratus embodying the invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawing,

--the usual drum or shell lil'is-shown as beingsubject tothe heat of a flame. of a main fuel burner;

In the present embodiment of the invention the preferred form of heat is a gas lflhav'ing-a pilot b'u'rneri-d in lighting proximity thereto. 'Ihe -s'hell IOis of the power-driven type and an electric motor i6 is shown associated therewith for-driving purposes. The 'motor [8 may; in addition, drive the usual fan orblower ll forcirculatingthe air through the load of clothing inthe shell H]. A bulb l8 and a portion of'a -capillary tubing 20 of aliquid type thermostat-are shownas-located within the shell [El where response 'totemperatures therein caused by the h'eat 'of the 'main burner l2 can be obtained. The'cap'illar-y tubing-2U is connected at the oppositee'nd toan actuating element 22 of the thermostat which is located within the housing 25 (if 'a switching mechanism designated generally-'ib'ythe reference numeral 2-5. 1 The-mainburner l2 -is-connected-to one end -'of a main fuel supply p'ipe -28, the opposite end of which is connected to a control device designated-generally by the reference numeral 30. --An2 i'"let=-32 for fuel --is provided at the opposite end of-"thecontrol-device 30 from the pipe 28. I

"The -in-let' 32 communicates with a tapered seat 34 for a tapered=plug member -36 a of a main fuel coo'k -31 having astem 38 projecting exteriorly from the control device 391. A port Git is formed transversely in the -plug member 36 for movein'ent into and out ofregistry at one end with "theinlet32-as the cock 31 is rotated between open and closed positions. At its-opposite end the-port 4t communicates with a passage "32 in the control-device- 3fl when the fuel cock 3'? is in open position. l he passage 42 communicates =Witlra chamber 44 formed-in the control device 352 adjacent the connection of the main fuel .pipe

28 therewith.

'lhe c-lharn-ber 44 is provided with an. apertured par-tition '56 having an annular valve seat 48 'formedthe'reon. A safety valve member 53 is reciprocal into andout of engagement with the 'seat 48 for opening-andclosing apassage 52 which connects the chamber 44 with the con- "nected end :of the main fuel-pipe 23 by Way of 'the a ertured partition 16. The valve member 556- is. provided with a-stem 56 slidably mounted ina projectioni'58onthewall of the control device 136 and is biased away-from the seat A3 by a coil -spring54 supportedon the stemand operable 'between'the valve member 50 and the projection 50 58.. 1

The pilot burner 14 is supplied with fuel from ,utheyinlet-qfizof the control device 3? by way of an aperture which is adapted to communi- "cate with an arcuate recess 62 formed in the lifirilarger endof-the tapered plug member 35 when ;the cock 13 iiSwlQtfltBd from fioif position. The

recess 82 also communicates at all times with a passage 64 in the control device 38, the opposite end of which communicates with a pilot valve chamber 88. A pilot valve member 68 controls the flow of fuel from the pilot chamber 86 to a connection I8 for the pilot burner I4. The pilot valve member as is biased away from its seat by a coil spring I2 operative between the pilot valve member 68 and the bottom wall of the pilot chamber 66.

The plug member 38 of the main fuel cook 31 is rotatable in its seat 34 by means of a handle I4 secured to the outer end of the stem 38 and having the usual indicia for the on, pilot and off positions (not shown) of the cook 31 displayed thereon. As is customary, fuel can be supplied to the pilot burner I4 in the pilot position of the main fuel cock by way of passage 68, recess 82 and passage 64 if pilot valve 68 is open, but at such time the port 48 is out of registry with the inlet 32 so that no fuel is supplied to the main burner I2. In the on position the port 48 is in registry with the inlet 32 and the passage 42 so that if valve 58 is open fuel is supplied to the main burner I2 simultaneously with the supply of fuel to the pilot burner I4 due to the arcuate recess 82 maintaining registry with the pilot passages 68 and 64. In the off position both the port 48 and the arcuate recess 62 are out of registry with their respective inlet passages 32 and 68 and the fuel supply to both the main burner I2 and the pilot burner I4 is prevented.

Thermoelectric safety means are associated with the pilot burner I4 and are responsive to the flame thereof for causing the safety valve 58 to move to closed position in the absence of such flame. This thermoelectric safety means comprises a thermocouple I6 located in proximity of the flame at the pilot burner I4 and having its leads connected to a winding I8 carried on a frame 88 of an electromagnet. An armature 82 is engageable with the pole faces of the magnet frame 88 when in attracted position and is spaced therefrom in released position. The electromagnet is provided with a housing 83 supported in the control device 38 between the cock 3? and the pilot valve 88. It will be understood that the current generated by the thermocouple I6 when heated by the flame of the pilot burner I4 is insuificient to attract the armature 82 into engagement with the pole faces of the magnet 88 but is sufficient to maintain such relation when the armature has been placed in attracted position.

Manually operable means are, therefore, provided for resetting the armature 82 from its released to its attracted position and comprise a stem 84 for the armature 82 projecting exteriorly from the control device 38 and having a spring 88 carried thereon and operative at one end against a collar on the stem 84. A pushbutton 88 is carried on a lever 98 which is supported upon a reset stem 92 reciprocable in axial alignment with the armature stem 84. The reset stem 92 is supported in a bracket 94 carried by the control device 38 and having a flanged end 96 secured to the control device 38 and forming a closure for the magnet housing 19 and an abutment for the opposite end of the spring 86. The armature 82 is thus biased to its released position and manual pressure applied to button 88 is required to place the armature in its attracted position. The reset stem 92 is provided with a collar 88 which forms an abutment for one end of a'coil spring I88 carried on the reset stem 92 and having its opposite end engaging a projection I82 formed on the bracket 94. The coil spring I88 serves to bias the reset stem 92 away from the stem 84 and such action is limited by engagement of the collar 98 with an end portion I84 of the bracket 94.

Interposed between the end of the armature stem 84 and the reset stem 92 is one free end of a bell-crank lever I86 having a projection I88 thereon located in the path of movement of the pilot valve stem 69. The opposite free end H8 of the lever I86 extends substantially normal to the projection I88 and toward the lever 88. The lever I86 is pivotally mounted on a bracket H2 depending from the housing 24 of the switch device 26.

In addition to the support provided by the stem 92 the lever 98 is also supported upon a stem H4 having an inner stem H8 located within the housing 24. Stem H4 extends substantially parallel with the stem 92 but is spaced therefrom with the lever 98 extending therebetween. A headed bushing H8 carried on one side of the housing 24 provides a bearing for slidable movement of the projecting end of the stem H4 and also provides an abutment for one end of a coil spring I28. The opposite end of the spring I28 engages a collar I22 secured to the projecting end of the stem H4 and the arrangement serves to bias the stem H4 outwardly of the housing 24. Such movement of the stem H4 is limited by a collar I24 which connects the stems H6 and H4 and engages with the head of the bushing H8.

An operating stem I26 extends from adjacent the inner stem H8 through the side of the housing 24 opposite the bushing H8. The stem I28 projects into the chamber 44 of the control device 38 and engages with one end of a lever I28 having its opposite end overlying the safety valve member 58. A coil spring I38 is operative between the overlying end of the lever I28 and a cover I3I for the chamber 44 secured to the control device 38. The spring I38 serves to overcome the bias of the spring 54 for maintaining the safety valve member 58 in engagement with the seat 48. The lever I28 is pivoted intermediate its ends on a bracket I32 projecting from the control device 38 into the chamber 44 and is operable clockwise for overcoming the bias of the spring I38 to permit the safety valve 58 to be opened.

The manual operating means comprising pushbutton 88 and lever 98 for causing the safety valve 58 to move to open position through the linkage described is prevented from performing this function at all times except when the plug member 36 of the main fuel cook 31 is in the pilot position. Suitable interlocking means between the lever 98 and the main fuel cock 31 are provided and take the form of an angular arm I34 depending from the lever 98 at the junction of the reset stem 92 and which overlies an annular flange I36 formed on the handle I4 and having a slot I38 in its outer edge. The angular arm I34 is normally held in abutting relation with the face of the flange I36 by the bias of the coil spring I28 which tends to urge the lever 98 away from the housing 24 and to rotate the angular arm I34 in a clockwise direction about the stem 92 as a fulcrum. In the pilot position of the main fuel cock 37, as indicated on the dial I4, the slot I38 is aligned with the arm I34 and pressure on the button 88 5 will serve to project the arm I34 into the slot I38 which is designed to receive it.

The housing 24 is connected to the control device 30 by a support H9 extending therebetween. The switching mechanism 26 includes a main switching means in the form of a switch lever I40 which is pivoted at one end on a bracket I42 carried internally of the housing24. As shown schematically in the drawing the switch lever I40 carries on its free end a contact element I44 which is biased into engagement with a relatively fixed contact element I46 by means of a coil spring I48 which is operative between the housing 24 and the switch lever I40 intermediate the pivoted and free ends thereof. The contact element I46 is carriedpn one side of a terminal bar I50 which projects through a block I52 of insulating material forming a closure for the open end of the housing 24.

The switch lever I453- is restrained against movement under bias of the spring 5 48 by a lever I54 which is pivoted intermediate its ends on the bracket I42 and has an angular end portion I56 engageable with the switch lever I40 intermediate the coil spring I48 and the contact I44. The opposite end of the lever I513 extends between and is engaged by the opposing ends of the stems IIS and I26 for transmitting motion of the stem lit to the stem I25. A coil spring E86} carried on the stem Iiit is operative between the wall of the housing 24 and the lever 554 to bias the latter so that the angular end I56 is normally in contact with the switch lever I40.

An aperture I 58 provided in the lever its is adapted for the reception of one end ItI of a latching element IE2 which is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends in the housing 2t and extends substantially parallel with the stem H6 which overlies it. A coil spring 364 is operative between the base of the housing 24 and the end of the latching element 52 on the side of the pivotal mounting therefor opposite the end Isl. The spring I554 serves to rotate the latching element I62 in a counter-clockwise direction so that when the parts are in the position shown in the vented by operation of a slidable pin I68 which may be held in engagement with the underside of the latching element I62 intermediate its pivotal mounting and the end It! by the arm H of the lever I86, The slidable pin I68 is biased away from the latching element H52 by a coil spring I10 operative between the housing 24 and a collar I'l2 formed on the pin I68 exterior of the housing. It is apparent, therefore, that the latching operation described can only be effected when the arm Hi: is moved to the broken. line position shown on the drawing, such movement occurring when the lever 236 is rotated clockwise to the broken line position shown on the drawing.

Auxiliary switching means is provided for cooperation with terminal bar I50. and takes the form of a switch lever Ilt positioned on the opposite side thereof to the switch lever I40, A contact '56 on the lever H4 is adapted to engage a contact I1 8 carried on the terminal bar I50.

The switch lever I14 is, however, adaptedfor snap "action into and out of contact engaging position. To this end, the conventional lever and spring device is employed comprising an operating lever I and an overcenter spring I82. The spring I82 has one end hooked around a suitably formed bearing portion on the switch lever I14 and its opposite end hooked around a similar bearing on the operating lever I80. The switch lever I74 has a pair of legs I84, only one of which is shown in the drawing, having the terminal end of each leg I84 formed with a knifeedge portion for cooperation with a knife-edge bearing I85 formed in a bracket I88 carried,internall-y of the housing 24 on one side'of the bracket M2. Likewise, the end of the operating lever 580 opposite the bearing for spring I82 is also formed with a knife-edge portion for cooperation with a knife-edge bearing I90 formed in a bracket I92 carried'internally of the housing 2t on the opposite side of the bracket I42.

The end of the operating lever I80 opposite the knife-edge bearing I98 extends beyond the stem H6 and is suitably apertured to provide clearance therefor. This depending end of the operating lever I89 extends adjacent an inclined portion I63 formed on the latching element IE2 and which it is adapted to engage upon sufficient movement of the lever I80 in a clockwise direction.

The operating lever I80 is adapted to be engaged by a stud portion I03 carried by the actuating element 22 of the temperature responsive device and will consequently be moved thereby upon expansive and contractive movement ofthe element'22. The stud I93 is also adjustable, together with the actuating element 22, with respect to the operating lever I80 by a manual adjusting means in the form of a dial I94 having the usual temperature indicia (not shown) thereon. As shown schematically in the drawing, thedial I94 is carried on a threaded stem I96 which engages the wall of the housing 24 and is suitably apertured to receive in slidable engagement therewith a connecting pin I98 carried by the actuating element 22. The arrangement is such that upon rotation of the dial I94 the actuating element 22 and stud I93 will move axially into and outof operative engagement with the operating lever I80 to set the temperature at which the switching means 25 will operate.

As shown schematically in the drawing, the electric motor I6 is controlled through the switching mechanism 26 by having one terminal thereof connected to one line wire 200 and the opposite terminal connected by wire 202 to the terminal bar I50, the other line wire 284 being connected by wire 205 to contact I44 and to contact I46 by wire 208.

I In order to prevent manual operation to open the safetyvalve 50 before the armature 82 is engaged with the magnet 30, suitable interlocking means are employed. This means takes the form of a slidable pin 2H! which projects through the base of the housing-24 substantially parallel with the other slidable pin I68. In this instance, the slidable pin 2-!0 projects into the path of movement of the collar I24 on the pin I I6 and is held in such position by engagement with the arm H0 of the lever I06.

The slidable pin 2I0 is, however, biased from such position by a coil spring 2I2 operative between the base of the housing 24 and a collar 2-I4 carried on the pin 240 exteriorly of the housing 24, Thus, when the arm H0: is in thebroken line position shown.

in the drawing, the bias of the spring 2I2 will serve to move the pin 2Ill out of the path of movement of the collar I24.

In this embodiment of the invention means are provided to prevent opening of the safety valve 59 and closing of the contacts I44, I46, to initiate operation of the motor I6 unless the dial I94 of the temperature responsive means is moved from off to a desired temperature setting. This means includes a cam element 2I6 carried by the dial I94 and having a shoulder 2I8 thereon. A bar 229 extends from the cam portion ZIG through the housing 24 into engagement with the switch lever I49. When the dial is in off position, the bar 229 is positioned against the shoulder 2 I9 as shown in the drawing. The bar 229 carries a wedge-shaped element 222 located intermediate the switch levers I40 and I14 and which is movable with the bar 220 transversely of these switch levers. Cooperating with the wedge-shaped element 222 is a slidable pin 224 which engages the element 222 at one end and extends substantially normal to the bar 220 through the base of the housing 24 to the exterior thereof. The exterior end of the in 224 engages one free end of a member 226 which is pivoted on the base of the housing 24 and has its opposite end engaging the underside of the collar I12 on the pin I88. Thus, upon transverse movement of the bar 229 relative to the switch levers I40 and I74, the wedge-shaped element 222 will move across the end of the slidable pin 224 causing axial movement thereof which serves to rotate the pivoted element 226 in a clockwise direction. The pivoted element 226 thus moves the pin I68 axially in the opposite direction to pin 224 and against the bias of the spring I'IU associated therewith,

In the operation of the device, the handle I4 is turned to the pilot position to align the slot I39 with the angular arm I34 of the lever 99. In this position of the main gas cook 31 the plug member 36 thereof will permit flow of fuel from the inlet 32, passage 69, arcuate recess 62 and passage 64 to the pilot valve chamber 68. The push-button 98 is then operated to project the angular arm I34 through the slot I38 and move the stem 92 against the bias of the spring I99 to the left, as viewed in the drawing. Such movement of the stem 92 is due to the clockwise movement of the lever 99 about the stem II4 as a fulcrum. It will be apparent that the engagement of the collar I24 on the stem IIB with the slidable pin 259 prevents any movement of the stem H6 at this time. Thus, the movement of the stem 92 causes the lever I06 carrying the arm Hi] to move in a clockwise direction to the broken line position shown in the drawing. In this position the pilot valve 68 is moved away from its seat under bias of the pilot valve spring '52 so that fuel may how by way of the connection I9 to the pilot burner I4. At the same time, the armature stem spring 86 is compressed by the clockwise movement of the lever I96 and the armature 82 is placed in attracted position relative to the pole faces of the magnet 80.

The pilot burner I4 is then lighted and the heat of the flame thereof will cause the thermocouple 16 to generate sufficient current to energize the coil I8 and retain the armature 82 in its attracted position. However, should the pilot burner fail to produce a flame or should the current generated in the thermocouple I6 for some other reason he insufficient for the purpose described, then the coil spring 86 being stronger than the spring 12, will cause the lever I96 to be returned to its full line position shown in the drawing, and the pilot valve 98 will consequently be closed. Hence, it is necessary to continue pressure on the push-button 88 at least until the current in the thermocouple I9 is sufficient to keep the armature 82 in the attracted position. The bias of the spring 2I2 causes the pin 2IIl to be moved out of the path of the collar I24 on stem IIS and the fulcrum point of the lever no longer exists at this point.

After the armature 82 is thus held in attracted relation with the pole faces of th magnet 88, the push-button 88 is further operated, but at this time the lever 90 rotates counter-clockwise about the stem 92 as a fulcrum due to this stem being prevented from further movement to the left as viewed in the drawing after the armature 82 is reset. Thus, the stem I16 moves to the left, as viewed in the drawing, and causes the lever I54 to move clockwise on its pivotal mounting and the pin I26 to move to the left causing the lever I28 to move clockwise. The bias of the spring I39 is thus overcome to permit the safety valve 59 to open under bias of the spring 54. However, although the lever IE4 is moved away from the switch lever I49 at this time, there can be no engagement between the contacts I44 and I46 due to the bar 220 associated with the dial 594 engaging the switch lever I46 and maintaining it in its normally open contact position. Moreover, there is no flow of fuel to the main burner I2 when the safety valve 59 is opened due to the main fuel cock 3! being still in the pilot position.

Upon release of manual pressure on the pushbutton 88 the lever I54 will return to its original position unless the dial I94 of the temperature responsive device is rotated from the off position to a selected temperature setting. When the dial I94 remains in the off position as shown in the drawing then the bar 229 is held in the position shown in the drawing and the wedgeshaped element 222 maintains the slidable pin 224 in position to retain the pivoted element 228 against the collar I12 of the pin I68 under bias of its spring I'II]. As the pin Isis is then engaged with the underside of the latching element I52, there can be no pivotal movement of the latching element to effect engagement between the stepped portion I69 thereof with the lever E54 regardless of the clockwise movement of the latter. This arrangement provides a convenient off position of the device from the temperature responsive device.

When the dial I94 is rotated to a selected temperature setting the cam element 2 I9 thereon will cause the bar 226 to move to the right as viewed in the drawing and release the slidable pin 224 for axial movement. Thus, under bia of the spring I'IIJ the slidable pin 568 will move axially away from the underside of the latching element I62 which rotates on its pivot to latching engagement with the lever I54. Moreover, the movement of the bar 229 to the right permits the switch lever I40 to be rotated clockwise by the spring I43 into position where the contacts I44, I46 are engaged. A circuit for the motor I8 is completed from line wire 2%, motor I6, wire 292, terminal bar I59, contacts I4", I44, wire 205 and line wire 204. However, although the motor I6 is now energized to drive the drum I G and the fan or blower I'I, there is as yet no fuel flow past the open safety valve 59. This is, of course, due to the main fuel cock being still in the pilot position. The handle? of themain fuel cock 3'! is now rotated to align the port '40- in the plug member 36 with the inlet 32' so-that fuel can flow by way of passage 42, chamber 44' and outlet 52 to the main burner I2 where it is ignited by the flame at the pilot burner I4. Thus, the control device for the drying apparatus is infull operation.

As the temperature at the bulb I8 increases and the actuating element 22 expands, thenthe operating lever I80 is rotated by'the stud I93 in a clockwise direction about the knife-edgebearing I90. The switch lever I14 will move with snap action into position to engage contacts H5, I18 after the movement of the operating lever I 80 has progressed sufficiently to produce overcenter operation of the spring I82. Either-substantially simultaneously with this action on thepart of the operating lever IIlIkor upon a, further rise in temperature causing additional clockwise movement of the lever I80, the depending end thereof will ride up the inclined surface I 63 ofthe latching element I62 and will release the stepped por tion' I56 from engagement with the lever I54. Thus, under bias of the springs I 60 and I3Elassociated with the lever I54 and the safety valve 50; respectively, the lever- I 54 is moved in a counterclockwise direction to'open the'contacts I44, I46: at approximately the same time that the safety valve-5i! is closed.

Fuel flow to the main burner I2 is now outoff but the motor IB continues to run since engagement. betweencontacts I16" and H8 of the auxiliary switching means still exists. The circuit for themotor I6- is established from line wire 2m}, motor l6, wire 202, terminal bar I50, contacts H8, F5 6, wire 2518* and linewire 204. When the temperature at thebulb Iadrops in amount corresponding to the differential of the thermostat, then the actuating element 22 contracts sufficiently tocause overcenter snap-action of the auxiliaryswitch means inthe opposite direction. The engagement between contacts Ht, H8.- is thereupon broken and the motor t6 ceases to run.

If' a new batch-of material to be dried is-placed in the applianceitwill only benecessary to-operate the push-button 88 and. themechanism returns to operating. position because the lever I54 will be rotated. clockwise by means of the pin H 6 and the latching element. I62 willlock it in the operating: position. Pin- I 26, in. turn, keepsthe safetyvalve 5min open position and fuel is again admitted to the main burner I2. In the'event that the appliance has to be stopped in the drying operation, it is only necessary to rotate the dial I94. to the. off position. In. this operation, the bar 220.. is. moved. to the left asviewed in the drawing. and; through the described arrangement of the wedge-shaped element 222, pin 224-, pivotedelement 2-26. andpin I68, the latching. element. will be released. and the lever I54 returnedto its original-position. Hence, engagement between the contacts I44. and, I 46. ceases and safety valve. 50; is. closed. as, previously described. It willbe observedthat duringthisoperation themainfuelcock-Bl remains in position with. the plug member. 36. having the port 4c in registry with. the. inlet 32; and the passage 42. At the time. that the. main. fuel cock 31v is in this position the pilot burner. I4 isreceiving fuel and remains lighted- Thus,, in order. to extinguish the pilot burner Mit isnecessary torotate the mainfuel cock 3'1. to the 01f position and, after the thermocouple IScools, the armature 8'2 willbe released from the pole faces ofthemag- 10 net'. The lever I06 is thus rotated counterclockwise and the pilot valve 68 becomes closed.

If, during the running operation of the control device, the flame of the pilot burner M should be extinguishedand the thermocouple 76 cease to generate current, then the lever its will be returned to itsoriginal full-line position as shown int-he drawing due to release of the armature 82 from attracted position relative to the pole faces of the magnet 88; Hence, the pin I58 will be moved axially by the arm I10 of the lever I06 and: will release the latching element I62 which holds the lever i513 in its tilted or operating position. Thevalve 5i-will close under bias of the spring I 30 and engagement between the contacts I44, I4-G-wi1l cease.

The system ofinterlocking herein disclosed renders the control device quite safe in use. It will be appreciated that the depending end I34 of the lever 90- can only be moved to the left when the handle 74 of the main fuel cock- 31 isin the pilot position. On the other hand, the opposite end of thislever 9!] can be moved to the left only after rotation of the lever Iilfi has caused the arm Ill] carried thereby to move out of the way of the pin 2m permitting axial movement thereof. Moreover, the switch lever I40 can rotate clockwiseto engage contact Mtwith contact I46 only after the bar 2% has been moved to'the right uponoperation of the dial I94 to a selected temperature setting. Hence, it is impossible to start the'control device in operation without having the temperature control dial I94 and the handle. of the fuel control device 31 in the proper positions;

The describedfeature of causing the motor to continue to run and drive the fan I1 and drum I0 after the heatingelement of the appliance is cutoff addsconsiderable-utility to the device. Thus, whenthe appliancefinally ceases to operate the clothes canthenbe removed without fear of burning. thehands. and, at the same time, an additional drying period has been obtained. After the. wet. clothes are put in the. appliance and the controls. set as. described, then the heating cycle and-.cooling down period will take place automatically and thereafter the appliance will shut itself down. The controlis thus fully automatic and. will operate safely with no attention on the part. ofthe operator once the controls have been properly. set.

It. will be understood that various changes may be. made in the details of construction and arrangement of. parts. and. that the control device may be utilized. for. useful purposes other than clothes-dryingcontrols. This and other modi-.

fications can be. made within thescope of the appended claims: without departing from the invention. definedtherein.

We. claim:

1.. A control device for drying apparatus having a. heating means and a heat distributing means, comprising means. movable from one position. to. another for controlling the supply of operative energy'to. the heating means, means movable from one. position to another for controllingthe supply. ofoperative energy to the heat distributing means,. means for actuating both saidcontrolling. means for the heating means and for theheat; distributing means toa position where operative energy is supplied thereto, auxiliary meansemovable between positionsfOr controllingthe supply of operative energy to the heatdistributingmeans, means operable in one direction for. causing return ofboth said controlcontrolling means ling means toward initial position for discontinuing the supply of operative energ to the heating means and to the heat distributing means and substantially simultaneously causing operation of said auxiliary means to a position for continuing the supply of operative energy to said heat distributing means only, and temperature responsive means for operating the last said means in said one direction at a predetermined temperature caused by the heating means and in another direction at a different predetermined temperature for terminating the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means.

2. A control device for drying apparatus having a heating means and a heat distributing means, comprising means movable from one position to another for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heating means, means movable from one position to another for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means, auxiliary means movable between positions for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means and being biased to a position for preventing the supply of operative energy thereto, means for actuating both said controlling means for the heating means and for the heat distributing means to a position where operative energy is supplied thereto, means operatively associated with said controlling and auxiliary means for the heat distributing means for latching both said controlling means in the last said position, means operable in one direction for releasing said latching means and causing return of both said controlling means to initial position for discontinuing the supply of operative energy to the heating means and to the heat distributing means and substantially simultaneously causing operation of said auxiliary means to a position for continuing the supply of operative energy to said heat distributing means only, and temperature responsive means for operating the last said means in said one direction at a predetermined temperature caused by the heating means and in another direction at a different predetermined temperature for terminating the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means.

3. A control device for drying apparatus having a heating means and a heat distributing means, comprising means movable from one position to another for controllin the supply of operative energy to the heating means, means movable from one position to another for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means, auxiliary means movable between positions for controlling the supply of operative energ to the heat distributing means and being biased to a position for preventing the supply of operative energy thereto, connecting means between said controlling means for the heating means and said controlling means for the heat distributing means for operating one from the other, means for actuating said controlling means for the heating means and thereby said controlling means for the heat distributing means to a position where operative energy is supplied to both the heating means and the heat distributing means, means operatively asociated with said controlling and auxiliary means for the heat distributing means for latching both said in the last said position, means operable in one direction for releasing said latching means and causing return of both said controlling means to initial position for discontinuing the supply of operative energy to the heating means and to the heat distributing means and substantially simultaneously causing operation of said auxiliary means to a position for continuingthe supply of operative energy to said heat distributin means only and tempera ture responsive means for operating the last said mean in said one direction at a predetermined temperature caused by the heating means and in another direction at a different predetermined temperature for terminating the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means.

4. A control device for drying apparatus having a heating means and a heat distributing means, comprising means movable from one position to another for controlling the suppl of operative energy to the heatin means. means movable from one position to another for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means, auxiliary means movable between positions for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means and being biased to a position for preventing the supply of operative energy thereto, means for actuating both said controlling means for the heating means and for the heat distributing means to a position where operative energy is supplied thereto, means operative in opposition to the last said means for restraining movement of said controlling means for the heat distributing means to the last said position, temperature adjusting means operable for releasing said restraining means for movement of said controlling means for the heat distributing means to the said last position, means operatively associated with said controlling and auxiliary means for the heat distributing means for latchin both said controlling means in said last position, means operable in one direction for releasing said latching means and causing return of both said controlling means to initial position for discontinuing the supply of operative energy to the heating means and to the heat distributing means and substantially simultaneously causing operation of said auxiliary means to a position for continuing the supply of operative energy to said heat distributing means only, and temperature responsive means, operatively associated with said adjustin means for operating the last said means in said one direction at a predetermined temperature caused by the heating means and in another direction at a difierent predetermined temperature for terminating the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means.

5. A control device for drying apparatus having a heating means and an electric motor, comprising switching means for controlling energization of the motor and the supply of operative energy to the heating means, auxiliary switching means for controlling energization of the motor, means operable in one direction for opening the first said switching means and substantially simultaneously closing said auxiliary switching means, and temperature responsive means for operating the last said means in said one direction at a predetermined temperature caused by the heating means and in another direction to open said auxiliary switching means in response to a temperature drop below said predetermined temperature.

6. A control device for dryin apparatus having a heating means and an electric motor, comprising switching means for controlling energization of the motor and the supply of operative energy to the heating means, auxiliary switching means for controlling energization' of the motor, manuall operable means for actuating the first said switching means to closed position while retaining said auxiliary switching means in open position, means operable in one direction for opening the first said switching means and substantially simultaneously closing saidauxiliary switching means, and temperature responsive means for operating the last said means in said one direction at a predetermined temperate caused by the heating means and in another direction to open said auxiliary switching means in response to a temperature drop below said predetermined temperature.

7;.A control device for drying apparatus havingx'aheating means and an-electric motor, com.- prising switching means for controlling energize,- tion ofrthe motor, means operable by said switching means for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heating means, means for actuating said switching means to closed posi tion for energizing said motor and causing supply of. operative energy to the heating means, means operable by said actuation of said switching means for latching said switching means in closed position, auxiliary switching means for controlling energization of said motor andbeing biased to open position, means opera b le. in one direction for releasing said latch to open the first said switching means andfor substantially simultaneously closing said auxiliary switching means, and temperature responsivemeans for operating the last said means insaid one direction at a predetermined temperature caused by the heating. means and in I another direction to cause opening of said. auxiliary. switching means under said bias in. response. to a temperature drop belowsaid predetermined temperature.

8. A control device for drying apparatus having. main and pilot fuel burners and electrical heat. distributing means, comprising in combination, a safety valve movable between open andclosed positions for controllingthe supply of fuel to at least the main burner, thermoelectric safety means responsive to a flame at the'pilot burner for causing said safety valve to move to closed position in the absence of said flame, manually operable means for resetting said thermoelectric safety means and causing said-safety valve to move to open position, switching means movable between open and closed positions for controlling.energization of the'heat distributing means, connecting means between said manually operable means and said switching means for actuating the latter toward closedposition, and means operatively associated with said switching means for preventing actuation of said switching means to closed position during the resetting operation but being released for said movement upon completion of said operation.

9. A control device for drying apparatus having main and pilot fuel burners and electric heat distributing means, comprising. in combination, a safety valve movable between open and closed positions for controlling the supply of fuel to atleast the main burner, thermoelectric safety means responsive to a flame at the pilotburner for causing said safety valve tomove to closed position in the absence of said flame, reciproca- I ble means operable for resetting said thermoelectricsafety means and causing saidsafety valve to move to open position, switching means movable between open and closed positions for controlling energization of the heat distributing means, connecting; means including a second reciprocable means spaced from the first reciprocable means and a manually operable lever extending therebetween-for actuating said switching means toward closed position, and interlocking means including a slidable element and a second lever operable between said first reciprocable means andisaid slidable element for holding the latter in the path of movement of said second reciprocable means-for preventing actuation of said switching means thereby to closed position during the resetting operation; said second lever being posi tioned by operation of said first reciprocable means during. the resetting operation for releasing said'slidable element upon completion of said operation.

10. A. control device for drying apparatus having. main and pilot fuel burners and an electrically operated heat distributing means, comprising in. combination, a main fuel cock having an open positionfor supplying fuel to both the-main and pilot burners and a pilot position for supplying fuel to the pilot burner only, a safety valve movable between open and closed positicnsfor. controlling the supply of fuel to at least the main. burner, thermoelectric safety means responsive to a flame at the pilot burner for causing said safety valve to move to closed position. in the absence of said-flame, manually operable means for resetting said thermoelectric safety means and causing said safety valve to move to open. position, means operatively associated with. said. main fuel cock for preventing the resetting operation. except when said cock is in. said pilot position, switching means. movable between open and closed positions for controlling energization of the heat distributing means, connecting means between said manually operable meansand said switching means for actuating. the latter toward. closed position, and interlocking meansoperative between. said connecting means andsaid manually operable means for preventing actuation of, said switching means to closed position during. the resetting operation but being released for said movement upon completition of saidoperation.

11. A. control device for drying apparatus having mainand pilot fuel burners and an electrically operated heat distributing means, comprising in combination, a safety valve movable between openand closed. positions for controlling the sup- Ply of. fuehto at least the main burner, thermoelectric safety means responsive to a flame at the pilot burner for causing. said safety valve to move to. closedposition in the absence of said flame, manually operable means for resetting said thermoelectric safety means and causing said safety valve. to move toopen position, switching meansmovable between open and closed positions for controlling energization of the heatdistributing means, connecting means between said manually operable means and said switching means for actuating the latter toward closed position, a thermostatresponsive to temperatures caused by operation of the main burner, means for adjustil'lg' said. thermostat between ofi position and selected temperature settings, and means operative between saidacljusting means and said switching means for holding the latter in open position until said thermostat is adjusted to a selected temperature setting.

12. A control device for drying apparatus haying main and. pilotfuel burner and an electrically operated. heat distributing means, comprising in combination, a safety valve movable between open and closed positions for controlling the supply of fuel to at least the main burner, thermoelectric safety means responsive to a flame at the pilot burner for causing said safety valve to move to closed position in the absence of said flame, manually operable means for resetting said thermoelectric safety means and causing said safety valve to move to open position, switching means movable between open and closed position for controlling energization of the heat distributing means, connecting means between said manually operable means and said switching means for actuating the latter toward closed position, auxiliary switching means movable between open and closed positions for controlling energization of the heat distributing means, a thermostat responsive to temperatures caused by operation of the main burner, and means for operating said safety valve and said first switching means from said thermostat to open and closed positions respectively in response to a predetermined temperature and substantially simultaneously operating said auxiliary switching means to closed position, said operating means being ineffective to maintain said auxiliary switching means closed upon a temperature drop below said predetermined temperature.

13. A control device for drying apparatus having main and pilot fuel burners and electrical heat distributing means, comprising in combination, valve means movable between open and closed positions for controlling the supply of fuel to at least the main burner, means responsive to a flame at the pilot burner for causing said valve to move to closed position in the absence of said flame, manually operable means for resetting said flame responsive means and causing said valve to move to open position, switching means movable between open and closed positions for controlling the energiaation of the heat distributing means, connecting means between said manually operable means and said switching means for actuating the latter toward closed position, and means operatively associated with said switching means for preventing movement of said valve means to open position and said switching means to closed position during the resetting operation but being released for said movement upon completion of said operation.

14. In a control device for flow controlling apparatus having a source of electrical energy associated therewith, the combination with an electromagnetic device including an armature member and a coil member connected to the source for energization thereby suificiently to hold said armature member in attracted position relative to said coil but insufliciently to cause movement of said armature member from a released position, a valve member biased to a closed position and operatively associated with said armature member, of resetting means operable for overcoming said bias and moving said valve member to open position and said armature member to attracted position, said resetting means including independently movable actuating members for said valve and armature members, a lever device operative between said actuating members for operating the same, a looking element adapted to project into the path of movement of said actuating member for said valve member, a. second lever device operative between said locking element and said actuating member for said armature member, means for biasing said armature member to said released position and said second lever device to a position where said locking element is in projected position, and means for operating the first said lever device for overcoming said biasing means during the operation of resetting said armature member to attracted position, the arrangement being such that the actuating member for said valve member is held b said locking element in an inoperative position to act as a fulcrum for said first lever device during resetting but is released by operation of said second lever device for actuation by a second operation of said first lever device if said armature remains in attracted position.

15. A control device for drying apparatus having a heating means and a heat distributing means, comprising means movable from one position to another for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heating means, means movable from one position to another for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means, manually operable means for actuating both said controlling means to a position of operative energy supply, means for latching both said controlling means in said supply position, auxiliar means movable from one position to another for controlling the supply of operative energy to the heat distributing means, a yieldable mounting for said auxiliary means having a bias to a position for preventing said energy supply, a latch release carried by said yieldable mounting but being ineffective on said latching means when said mounting is in said biased position, and means responsive to a predetermined temperature condition caused by the heating means for operating said latch release and substantially simultaneously overcoming said bias for discontinuing said energy supply to the heating means but continuing said supply to the heat distributing means by operation of said auxiliary means, said temperature responsive means being thereafter rendered ineifective upon the resulting temperature drop for overcoming said bias and causing discontinuance of said energy supply to the heat distributing means.

16. A control device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said ieldable mounting comprises a pair of levers having opposed knife-edge mountings and free ends connected by an overcenter spring for snap-action operation, said latch release being carried on the free end of one of said levers and said temperature responsive means being operatively engageable with the other said lever for eifecting said snap-action at said predetermined temperature.

VICTOR WEBER. RUSSELL F. GARNER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 22,068 Joesting Apr. 14, 1942 1,786,191 Caroll Dec. 23, 1930 1,813,732 Freeman July 7, 1931 1,924,925 Grant Aug. 27, 1933 2,160,592 King May 30, 1939 2,203,422 Strobridge June 4, 1940 2,304,897 Drum et al. Dec. 15, 1942 2,397,091 Davis Mar. 26, 1946 2,398,880 Broglie Apr. 13, 1946 2,414,220 Alfery Jan. 14, 1947