Temperature compensation method for a turbidity sensor used in an appliance for washing articles

• US 5,477,576 A
• Filed: 02/10/1995
• Issued: 12/26/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Berkcan, Ertugrul
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson, Frankie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/386,383
• Time in Patent Office: 319 Days
• Field of Search: 68/12.01, 68/12.02, 68/12.03, 68/12.04, 8/158, 8/159
• US Class Current: 8/158
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4297 Arrangements for detecting or measuring the condition of the washing water, e.g. turbidity
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2103/16 Washing liquid temperature
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2103/20 Washing liquid condition, e.g. turbidity
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/22 Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity

Abstract

A temperature compensation method for a turbidity sensor in an appliance for washing articles is provided. The method includes the steps of: measuring temperature and turbidity of a liquid, such as water, for washing the articles, calculating a turbidity value corresponding to a predetermined reference temperature; and adjusting the measured turbidity of the liquid with respect to the calculated turbidity value so as to provide a temperature compensated turbidity measurement. The method can further include the step of measuring temperature and turbidity of substantially particle-free liquid. This allows for calculating a normalized turbidity value which is substantially free or independent from temperature variation effects.

Claims

1. A temperature compensation method for a turbidity sensor used in an appliance for washing articles, said method comprising:

measuring temperature and turbidity of a liquid for washing said articles;

calculating a turbidity value corresponding to a predetermined reference temperature; and

adjusting the measured turbidity of the liquid with respect to the calculated turbidity value to provide a temperature compensated turbidity measurement.

2. The temperature compensation method of claim 1 further comprising the step of measuring temperature and turbidity of substantially particle-free liquid.

3. The temperature compensation method of claim 2 further comprising the step of adjusting the measured turbidity of substantially particle-free liquid relative to the calculated turbidity value.

4. The temperature compensation method of claim 3 further comprising the step of calculating a normalized turbidity value which is substantially free of temperature variation effects.

5. The temperature compensation method of claim 4 wherein the step of calculating the normalized turbidity value comprises a ratio of the temperature compensated turbidity measurement and the adjusted measured turbidity of substantially particle-free liquid.