Patent Publication Number: US-2023146075-A1

Title: Foreign particulate removal assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/278,161, filed on Nov. 11, 2021, entitled “FOREIGN PARTICULATE REMOVAL ASSEMBLY,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a laundry appliance, and more specifically, to a foreign particulate removal assembly for a laundry appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a foreign particulate removal assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drum that is disposed within the cabinet and has a processing space defined therein, a moisture sensor in communication with the processing space, a fluid housing that is disposed within the cabinet proximate the drum, and a fluid emitting feature that is operably coupled to the fluid housing and positioned proximate the drum. The fluid emitting feature selectively delivers a particulate separating fluid from the fluid housing and onto the processing space of the drum. The fluid emitting feature is in communication with the moisture sensor and the fluid emitting feature activates when the moisture sensor senses a threshold level of moisture within the processing space. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foreign particulate removal assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drum that is disposed within the cabinet and has a processing space defined therein, a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the processing space, a moisture sensor in communication with the processing space, a fluid housing that is disposed within the cabinet proximate the drum, a fluid emitting feature that is operably coupled to the fluid housing and positioned proximate the drum, and a controller that is communicatively coupled with the fluid emitting feature and the moisture sensor. The controller is configured to activate the fluid emitting feature when the moisture sensor detects a threshold level of moisture within the processing space. The fluid emitting feature selectively delivers a particulate separating fluid from the fluid housing and onto the processing space of the drum. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foreign particulate removal assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drum that is disposed within the cabinet and has a processing space defined therein, a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the processing space, a moisture sensor in communication with the processing space, a fluid housing that is disposed within the cabinet proximate the drum, and a fluid emitting feature that is operably coupled to the fluid housing and positioned proximate the drum. The fluid emitting feature selectively delivers a particulate separating fluid from the fluid housing and onto the processing space of the drum. The particulate separating fluid is delivered at a start of a pet hair cycle and intermittently delivers additional amounts of the particulate separating fluid during performance of the pet hair cycle. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a laundry appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a side cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance with a foreign particulate removal assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of a drum and a blower of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is an enlarged partial front perspective view of a drum with fluid emitting features of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic block diagram of a controller of a laundry appliance of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a foreign particulate removal assembly for laundry appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG.  1   . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , reference numeral  10  generally designates a foreign particulate removal assembly for a laundry appliance  12  that includes a cabinet  14  and a drum  16  disposed within the cabinet  14 . The drum  16  includes a moisture sensor  18 , such as a humidity sensor, conductivity sensor or other similar sensing device. A fluid housing  20  is disposed within the cabinet  14  proximate the drum  16 . A fluid  22 , which can be in the form of a particulate separating fluid, is disposed within the fluid housing  20 . A fluid emitting feature  24  is operably coupled to the fluid housing  20  proximate the drum  16 . The fluid emitting feature  24  is configured to selectively dispense the fluid  22  into the drum  16 . A controller  26  is communicatively coupled with the fluid emitting feature  24  and is configured to activate the fluid emitting feature  24  when the moisture sensor  18  detects a predetermined wetness, such as a threshold level of moisture within the processing space and within the articles  28 , such as clothing items, disposed within the drum  16 . In certain aspects of the device, the threshold level of moisture is typically indicative of a predetermined ratio of wash fluid  30  present within articles  28  being processed within the processing space. This ratio can be measured through measurements taken by the moisture sensor. The wash fluid  30  is typically the water and/or cleaning chemistry that is present within the articles  28  after completion of a wash cycle that may have taken place in the same appliance or within a separate washing appliance. The wash fluid  30  can be in the form of water alone or in combination with detergent, oxi or bleach, fabric softener and other cleaning chemistry. Over the course of a washing laundry cycle, the wash fluid  30  can accumulate particulate and soil that is gathered from the laundry. When the articles  28  are processed as part of a drying cycle, and in particular, the pet hair cycle  134 , the capture of particulate within the articles  28  can be achieved, in part, through the use of the fluid  22 , as described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the laundry appliance  12  is illustrated as a frontload laundry appliance, such that the laundry appliance  12  may be a washer, dryer, combination washer/dryer, refreshing device, and other similar appliance for treating articles  28  of laundry. It is also contemplated that the laundry appliance  12  can include various mechanisms for washing, drying, or otherwise processing various non-laundry articles. In the case of a laundry appliance, the appliance can be in the form of a vented-type appliance or a recirculating-type appliance that may include one or more heat-exchange mechanisms. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the cabinet  14  of the laundry appliance  12  includes a front portion  38  that includes a user interface  40  and defines an opening  42 . A door  44  is coupled to the front portion  38  of the cabinet  14  and is configured to provide selective access to the drum  16  via the opening  42 . The cabinet  14  also includes a machine compartment  46  that may be at least partially defined by the front portion  38  of the cabinet  14 . Various mechanical equipment  48  are typically be disposed within the machine compartment  46  including, but not limited to, a blower  50  configured to circulate process air  52  through a rear wall  62  of the drum  16  and into the drum  16  and a heater  54  or other heat exchange mechanism configured to heat and/or cool the process air  52 , as described herein. It is also contemplated that the fluid housing  20  can be disposed within the machine compartment  46  proximate to the drum  16 . Additionally or alternatively, the fluid housing  20  may be disposed in alternate locations within the cabinet  14  while being proximate to the drum  16 . 
     The fluid housing  20  can be used to deliver the fluid  22  to the fluid emitting feature  24  using the force of gravity. In such an aspect of the device, the fluid housing  20  can be positioned above the fluid emitting feature  24  and certain operable valves can be manipulated to release the fluid for producing a gravity-fed flow of the fluid  22  from the fluid housing  20  the to the fluid emitting feature  24 . It is also contemplated that the fluid  22  can be delivered from the fluid housing  20  to the fluid emitting feature  24  using a dedicated fluid pump or other pressure/suction producing mechanism. In such an aspect of the device, the fluid housing  20  can be positioned at various positions within the cabinet that may be above, below or level with the fluid emitting feature  24 . In certain aspects of the device, it is contemplated that the fluid housing  20  can be positioned proximate a chemistry dispensing system such that it is possible to locate consumables and receptacles for receiving the consumables in a single general area of the appliance. 
     The fluid housing  20  can be configured as a receptacle to contain the fluid  22  within the cabinet  14 . The fluid housing  20  is operably coupled to the fluid emitting feature  24  via a hose  56 , a pipe or other conduit. The fluid housing  20  is configured to store the fluid  22  for dispersion by the fluid emitting feature  24 . In operation, the fluid housing  20  supplies the fluid  22  to the fluid emitting feature  24  via the hose  56 . The hose  56  can include a continuous section or may include a first extension  58  and a second extension  60 , described further herein, that couple to the fluid emitting feature  24 . It is generally contemplated that the hose  56  and the fluid emitting feature  24  may be coupled to a fixed portion of the drum  16 , such as the rear wall  62 . For example, the fluid emitting feature  24  may be coupled to a rear wall  62  of the laundry appliance  12  through which the process air  52  may pass. It is also contemplated that when the laundry appliance  12  can be a combination washer and dryer. In such an aspect of the device, the hose  56  may be coupled to a fixed tub of the laundry appliance  12 . 
     In certain aspects of the device, the fluid emitting feature  24  may rotate or at least partially rotate along with the drum  16  about the rotational axis. Additionally or alternatively, the hose  56  may be selectively coupled and uncoupled from the fluid emitting feature  24  during operation of the laundry appliance  12 . The drum  16  is configured to rotate within the cabinet  14  during various laundry cycles of the laundry appliance  12 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the drum  16  has a sidewall  70  that defines a processing space  72  and may include lifters  74  coupled to the sidewall  70  of the drum  16 . The lifters  74  lift and otherwise assist in articulating the articles  28  within the drum  16 . It is generally contemplated that the fluid emitting feature  24  may be at least partially disposed within the drum  16  proximate at least one of the lifters  74 . The fluid emitting feature  24  may extend through the sidewall  70  proximate one of the lifters  74 . It is also contemplated that each lifter  74  may have a fluid emitting feature  24  positioned proximate the lifter  74 . It is further contemplated that the fluid emitting feature  24  may be disposed within and extend from the lifters  74 . The fluid emitting features  24  are directed toward a center  76  of the drum  16  to evenly distribute the fluid on the articles  28 , as described herein. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the blower  50  of the laundry appliance  12  can be a fan, an air-handling unit, and/or another air-moving device that can move the process air  52  through the processing space  72 . It is generally contemplated that the process air  52  from the blower  50  ultimately follows an airflow path  64  that extends through and within the processing space  72 . The heater  54  typically cooperates with the blower  50  to heat or otherwise condition the process air  52  in the airflow path  64 . For example, the heater  54  can include various air-conditioning mechanisms including one or more heat exchangers, electrical heaters, heat pump mechanisms, and other similar mechanisms that serve to heat and/or, in certain applications, cool the process air within the processing space  72 . 
     It is generally contemplated that the heater  54  is part of the foreign particulate removal assembly  10 , which is configured to remove foreign particulates  92  from the articles  28  within the laundry appliance  12 . The foreign particulate removal assembly  10  also includes the fluid housing  20  and the fluid emitting feature  24 . The foreign particulate removal assembly  10  can also include a filter housing  94  proximate the drum  16  and the opening  42 . It is also contemplated that the filter housing  94  can be positioned in various locations in the laundry appliance  12 , so long as the filter housing  94  is at least partially disposed within the airflow path  64  that delivers the process air  52 . The filter housing  94  may be integrally formed within the cabinet  14  and may include slots through which the process air  52  may pass. An air filter  98  can be disposed within the filter housing  94  and is configured to collect the foreign particulates  92  from the process air  52  and can subsequently collect the foreign particulates  92  on the air filter  98 . It is contemplated that the air filter  98  can be in the form of a removable mesh filter that is positioned within the airflow path  64 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  2 - 5   , the fluid emitting feature  24  includes a body  110  and a nozzle  112  coupled to the body  110 . The fluid emitting feature  24  can also include a fluid supply conduit  114  configured to deliver the fluid  22  into the body  110 . The fluid supply conduit  114  can be coupled to and/or otherwise formed with the hose  56 , mentioned herein. It is generally contemplated that the fluid emitting feature  24  can be positioned in various locations that are proximate the drum  16 , as described herein. The fluid emitting feature  24  dispenses the fluid  22  into the processing space  72  and onto the articles  28 . For example, the fluid emitting feature  24  may be coupled to the drum  16  and/or the door  44  of the laundry appliance  12 . The fluid emitting feature  24  can direct the fluid  22  into the processing space  72  to ultimately be dispensed on the articles  28 . It is also contemplated that the laundry appliance  12  can include a plurality of fluid emitting features  24 . 
     According to the various aspects of the device, the fluid emitting feature  24  can operate to dispense the fluid  22  into the drum  16  during a rotational operation of the drum  16  about a rotational axis of the drum  16 . This operation of the drum can be a clockwise rotation, counterclockwise rotation, a stationary state, and combinations thereof. In this manner the operation of the drum can be in the form of a predetermined pattern of operation that is used during the pet hair cycle  134 . 
     It is further contemplated that the fluid emitting feature  24  can include a plurality of fluid supply conduits  114 . For example, each fluid supply conduit  114  can supply the same fluid  22  and/or a different fluid  22 . Additionally or alternatively, the fluid emitting feature  24  can include the plurality of nozzles  112  coupled to at least one body  110 . It is generally contemplated that the fluid supply conduits  114  can be coupled to the hose  56  to translate the fluid  22  from the fluid housing  20  through the nozzles  112 . The hose  56  may be integrally formed with each of the fluid supply conduits  114  and/or may include a plurality of hoses  56  separately coupled to each fluid supply conduit  114 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS.  2 - 5   , the fluid  22  dispensed by the fluid emitting feature  24  may include, but is not limited to, an anti-static spray, a mixture or solution of water and vinegar, an air mixture, an fluid-air solution, and/or a mixture of various combinations and permutations of these components, as well as other static-mitigating substances. For example, the fluid  22  supplied may be in the form of an anti-static spray via the fluid supply conduit  114 , and the fluid emitting feature  24  can utilize the nozzle  112  to disperse the anti-static spray  22  into the processing space  72 , such as a fog, vapor, aerosol, or other fine mist. It is also contemplated that the fluid  22  can be a pressurized fluid, such as a pressurized air mixture. It is generally contemplated that the user may input the direction in which the fluid emitting features  24  may be directed. This direction can be dictated through modifying the rotational operation of the drum  16  between a static non-rotating state, a clockwise rotation, and a counterclockwise rotation. Additionally, where a plurality of nozzles  112  of the fluid emitting features  24  are present, certain nozzles can be operated and other nozzles  112  can be left idle. Over the course of the pet hair cycle  134 , the operation of the drum  16  and the operation of the nozzles  112  can change to provide a wide range of rotational patterns of the drum  16  and spray patterns of the fluid emitting feature  24 . For example, the user may input via the user interface  40  ( FIG.  1   ) of the laundry appliance  12  a desired direction. Additionally or alternatively, the laundry appliance  12  may be configured to adjust the direction of the fluid emitting features  24  and the rotational operation of the drum  16  throughout the cycle. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  2 - 5   , the laundry appliance  12  includes the controller  26  that can adjust the direction and operation of the fluid emitting features  24  and the drum  16 . The controller  26  includes a memory  122  that can be configured with routines  124 . The controller  26  may also be configured with a processor  126  and other control circuitry. The processor  126  is configured to execute the routines  124  stored in the memory  122  based on the data and/or communications received by the controller  26 . 
     The other control circuitry of the controller  26  may include communication circuitry  128  for bidirectional communication. For example, the controller  26  may be communicatively coupled with a wireless communication interface  130 , described herein, via the communication circuitry  128 . While the memory  122  can be included within the controller  26 , cloud storage, or other remotely accessible memory interfaces can also be used instead of or in combination with the memory  122 . 
     The wireless communication interface  130  may be implemented via one or more direct or indirect nonhierarchical communication protocols, including but not limited to, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® low energy (BLE), Thread, Ultra-Wideband, Z-wave, ZigBee, etc. Additionally, the communication interface  130  may correspond to a centralized or hierarchal communication interface  130  where one or more of the devices communicate via a wireless router (e.g., a communication routing controller). Accordingly, the communication interface  130  may be implemented by a variety of communication protocols, including, but not limited to, global system for mobile communication (GSM), general packet radio services, code division multiple access, enhanced data GSM environment, fourth-generation (4G) wireless, fifth-generation (5G) wireless, Wi-Fi, world interoperability for wired microwave access (WiMAX), local area network, Ethernet, etc. By flexibly implementing the communication interface  130 , the various devices and servers may be in communication with one another directly via the wireless communication interface  130  or a cellular data connection. 
     The controller  26  disclosed herein may include various types of control circuitry, digital or analog, and may include a processor, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other circuitry configured to perform the various inputs or outputs, control, analysis, or other functions described herein. The memory described herein may be implemented in a variety of volatile and nonvolatile memory formats. Routines may include operating instructions to enable the various methods described herein. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the routines  124  configured in the memory  122  of the controller  26  include various laundry cycles  132 . The laundry cycles  132  can include various cycles that include, but are not limited to, a pet hair cycle  134  or other similar particulate removal cycle. The laundry cycles  132  may also include night cycles, quiet cycles, and/or other laundry cycles contemplated for use in a laundry appliance  12 . It is contemplated that the laundry cycles  132  are generally configured as various drying cycles of the laundry appliance  12  configured to ultimately dry the articles  28 . The pet hair cycle  134  is configured to loosen and remove the foreign particulates  92  from the articles  28 . The foreign particulates  92  can include, but are not limited to, pet hair disposed on the articles  28 . 
     It is generally contemplated that the pet hair cycle  134  may be configured to activate the fluid emitting feature  24  before, during, and/or after the laundry cycle  132  of the laundry appliance  12 . For example, the fluid  22  may be dispensed in bursts throughout the pet hair cycle  134 . Typically, the fluid emitting feature  24  is activated at the beginning of the laundry cycle  132  so that the fluid  22  can readily saturate the articles  28  and the foreign particulate  92 , such as pet hair. The fluid  22  can be used to diminish the electrostatic characteristics of the foreign particulate  92  and lessen the adhesive properties of the foreign particulate  92 . In this manner, the controller  26  may activate the fluid emitting feature  24  at a start of the pet hair cycle  134 . Subsequently, over the course of the pet hair cycle  134  bursts of fluid  22  can be a series of pulsating bursts of fluid  22  that are configured to detach the foreign particulates  92  from the articles  28 . The foreign particulates  92  may enter the airflow path  64  once removed from the articles  28  and subsequently be collected on the air filter  98 . Additionally or alternatively, the bursts of fluid  22  can be dispensed intermittently and/or continuously and can be dispensed automatically before, during, and/or after one of the laundry cycles  132 . In some configurations, a user can refill the fluid housing  20  with additional fluid  22  upon dissipation and/or depletion of the stored fluid  22 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the fluid  22  is configured to dampen and/or maintain a dampness of the articles  28  while the air path  64  otherwise assists in separation and removal of the foreign particulates  92  from the articles  28  and the drum  16 . It is generally contemplated that the foreign particulates  92  dry at a faster rate as compared to the articles  28 , and the airflow path  64  may lift the foreign particulates  92  from the articles  28 . The drum  16  may include the moisture sensor  18  that is configured to detect a wetness of the articles  28  within the processing space  72 . The moisture sensor  18  is communicatively coupled to the controller  26  to transmit the detected wetness of the articles  28 . 
     The controller  26  may utilize the detected wetness to control the distribution of the fluid  22  into the processing space  72  via the fluid emitting feature  24 . The memory  122  of the controller  26  may be configured with a predetermined wetness of the articles  28 . The predetermined wetness can correspond to a point in the pet hair cycle  134  in which the articles  28  are drying, but still damp, and the foreign particulate  92  can be substantially dry to be separated therefrom. The controller  26  can activate the fluid emitting feature  24  to dampen the articles  28  while the foreign particulates  92  are loosened via the airflow path  64 . It is generally contemplated that the controller  26  is configured to selectively and intermittently activate the fluid emitting feature  24  throughout the pet hair cycle  134 . The controller  26  may specifically activate the fluid emitting feature  24  selectively and intermittently in response to the detected wetness of the articles  28 . 
     The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a foreign particulate removal assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drum that is disposed within the cabinet and has a processing space defined therein, a moisture sensor in communication with the processing space, a fluid housing that is disposed within the cabinet proximate the drum, and a fluid emitting feature that is operably coupled to the fluid housing and positioned proximate the drum. The fluid emitting feature selectively delivers a particulate separating fluid from the fluid housing and onto the processing space of the drum. The fluid emitting feature is in communication with the moisture sensor and the fluid emitting feature activates when the moisture sensor senses a threshold level of moisture within the processing space. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is communicatively coupled with the fluid emitting feature and the moisture sensor. The controller is configured to activate the fluid emitting feature when the moisture sensor detects the threshold level of moisture within the processing space. 
     According to another aspect, the threshold level of moisture is indicative of a predetermined ratio of wash fluid present within articles being processed within the processing space. 
     According to another aspect, the controller includes a memory that is configured with routines, wherein the routines include a pet hair cycle. 
     According to another aspect, the controller is configured to activate the fluid emitting feature at a start of the pet hair cycle. 
     According to another aspect, the controller is configured to intermittently activate the fluid emitting feature throughout the pet hair cycle. 
     According to another aspect, the moisture sensor is at least one of a humidity sensor and a conductivity sensor. 
     According to another aspect, the particulate separating fluid includes at least one of an anti-static spray, a water-vinegar solution and a fluid-air solution. 
     According to another aspect, a particulate separating fluid is dispenses as one of a mist and a vapor into the processing space. 
     According to another aspect, a particulate separating fluid is dispenses during a rotational operation of the drum about a rotational axis to define a particulate removal cycle. 
     According to another aspect, the particulate removal cycle includes rotating the drum about the rotational axis in a predetermined pattern. 
     According to another aspect, the predetermined pattern includes at least one of a clockwise rotation, a counterclockwise rotation, and a stationary state. 
     According to another aspect, the foreign particulate removal assembly further includes a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the processing space. The blower activates after the fluid emitting feature completes a particulate removal cycle, and the process air moves separated particulate from articles and delivers the separated particulate into an air filter that is positioned within the airflow path. 
     According to another aspect, the air filter is a removable mesh filter that is disposed proximate the drum. 
     According to another aspect, a fluid supply conduit extends between the fluid housing and the fluid emitting feature. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foreign particulate removal assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drum that is disposed within the cabinet and has a processing space defined therein, a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the processing space, a moisture sensor in communication with the processing space, a fluid housing that is disposed within the cabinet proximate the drum, a fluid emitting feature that is operably coupled to the fluid housing and positioned proximate the drum, and a controller that is communicatively coupled with the fluid emitting feature and the moisture sensor. The controller is configured to activate the fluid emitting feature when the moisture sensor detects a threshold level of moisture within the processing space. The fluid emitting feature selectively delivers a particulate separating fluid from the fluid housing and onto the processing space of the drum. 
     According to another aspect, the blower activates after the fluid emitting feature completes a particulate removal cycle. The process air moves separated particulate from articles and delivers the separated particulate into an air filter that is positioned within the airflow path. 
     According to another aspect, the controller includes a memory that is configured with routines, and the routines include a pet hair cycle. The controller is configured to activate the fluid emitting feature at a start of the pet hair cycle. 
     According to another aspect, the controller is configured to intermittently activate the fluid emitting feature through the pet hair cycle. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foreign particulate removal assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cabinet, a drum that is disposed within the cabinet and has a processing space defined therein, a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the processing space, a moisture sensor in communication with the processing space, a fluid housing that is disposed within the cabinet proximate the drum, and a fluid emitting feature that is operably coupled to the fluid housing and positioned proximate the drum. The fluid emitting feature selectively delivers a particulate separating fluid from the fluid housing and onto the processing space of the drum. The particulate separating fluid is delivered at a start of a pet hair cycle and intermittently delivers additional amounts of the particulate separating fluid during performance of the pet hair cycle. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.