Automatic shut-off food waste disposer system
View Patent ↗The invention involves an automatic shut-off waste disposer that may be activated with a control module, which utilizes a programmable automatic shut-off routine. This enables a user to turn on the garbage disposer and walk away without having to turn the disposer off. In exemplary embodiments, activation of the disposer includes actuation of a solenoid valve for injecting a stream of water flow into the dispenser chamber in order to facilitate a proper water flow while the disposer is actively disposing of food waste. In some exemplary embodiments, activation of the disposer may be achieved via a user-activated pneumatic actuator, which may be installed in proximity to the sink to which the disposer is coupled. In some exemplary embodiments, the disposer implements a sensor for automatically shutting of a motor of the disposer upon a predetermined event.
1. A food waste disposer system, comprising:
a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator configured to indicate a status of the food waste disposer;
a solenoid valve for selectively directing a water flow from a water supply to a disposer chamber of a food waste disposer;
a sensor coupled to a motor of the food waste disposer, the sensor configured to detect a revolutions per minute (RPM) or torque load value of the motor; and
a control circuitry for supplying power to the food waste disposer and the solenoid valve, the control circuitry configured to:
activate the food waste disposer responsive to a user input;
open the solenoid valve to direct the water flow from the water supply to the disposer chamber of the food waste disposer;
receive the RPM or torque load value from the sensor;
adjust the LED indicator in response to the RPM or torque load value detected by the sensor to indicate the status of the food waste disposer; and
automatically shut off the food waste disposer and close the solenoid valve when the sensor detects a programmable RPM or torque load value.
2. The food waste disposer system of claim 1 , wherein automatically shutting off the food waste disposer and closing the solenoid valve occur simultaneously.
3. The food waste disposer system of claim 1 , wherein shutting off the food waste disposer and closing the solenoid valve occur within a programmable delay.
4. The food waste disposer system of claim 1 , further comprising an enclosure for housing the solenoid valve, the enclosure including one or more mounting structures.
5. The food waste disposer system of claim 1 , wherein adjusting the LED indicator in response to the RPM or torque load value comprises changing the color of the LED indicator.
6. The food waste disposer system of claim 1 , further comprising a pneumatic actuator in fluid communication with the control circuitry configured to receive the user input.
7. The food waste disposer system of claim 1 , further comprising a communications module configured to transmit the user input to the control circuitry.
8. The food waste disposer system of claim 7 , wherein the communications module communicates with the control circuitry through Bluetooth™ technology or Wi-Fi™ technology.
9. A food waste disposer system, comprising:
a display configured to indicate a status of the food waste disposer;
a pneumatic actuator configured to direct air through a tube, wherein the pneumatic actuator is located adjacent to a sink;
a solenoid valve for selectively directing a water flow from a water supply to a disposer chamber of a food waste disposer;
a sensor coupled to a motor of the food waste disposer, the sensor configured to detect a revolutions per minute (RPM) or torque load value of the motor; and
a control circuitry in communication with the pneumatic actuator for supplying power to the food waste disposer and the solenoid valve, the control circuitry configured to:
activate the food waste disposer responsive to a user actuating the pneumatic actuator;
open the solenoid valve to direct the water flow from the water supply to the disposer chamber of the food waste disposer;
receive the RPM or torque load value from the sensor;
adjust the display in response to the RPM or torque load value detected by the sensor to indicate the status of the food waste disposer; and
automatically shut off the food waste disposer and close the solenoid valve when the sensor detects a programmable RPM or torque load value.
10. The food waste disposer system of claim 9 , wherein automatically shutting off the food waste disposer and closing the solenoid valve occur simultaneously.
11. The food waste disposer system of claim 9 , wherein shutting off the food waste disposer and closing the solenoid valve occur within a programmable delay.
12. The food waste disposer system of claim 9 , wherein adjusting the display in response to the RPM or torque load value comprises changing the color of the display.