Automatic hair dryer

Abstract

An automatic hair dryer that automatically operates when held or touched by a hand. The air volume and degree of heat also may be automatically adjusted using humidity and temperature sensors, thereby simplifying operation and control for the user. The hair dryer automatically shuts off after use, thereby promoting energy conservation and safety.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An improved automatic hair dryer, comprising:
 a hair dryer body with a handle, and with a nozzle operable to discharge air; and   a sensor located on the handle configured to detect when a user is holding the hair dryer;   wherein the hair dryer will not discharge air if the sensor on the handle does not detect a user holding the hair dryer.   
     
     
         2 . The hair dryer of  claim 1 , further comprising a power switch with an on position and an off position, wherein the hair dryer will not discharge air if the sensor on the handle does not detect a user holding the hair dryer, or if the power switch is in the off position. 
     
     
         3 . The hair dryer of  claim 2 , further comprising a speed switch operable to adjust the velocity of the discharged air. 
     
     
         4 . The hair dryer of  claim 2 , further comprising a temperature control operable to adjust the temperature of the discharged air. 
     
     
         5 . The hair dryer of  claim 1 , further comprising a humidity sensor configured to detect humidity in the area of the nozzle. 
     
     
         6 . The hair dryer of  claim 5 , wherein the humidity sensor is located in or near the nozzle. 
     
     
         7 . The hair dryer of  claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor configured to detect ambient temperature. 
     
     
         8 . The hair dryer of  claim 1 , further comprising a humidity sensor configured to detect humidity in the area of the nozzle, and a temperature sensor configured to detect ambient temperature. 
     
     
         9 . The hair dryer of  claim 8 , wherein the hair dryer will adjust the velocity, temperature, or both velocity and temperature of the discharged air based on the sensor readings from the humidity sensor, temperature sensor, or both. 
     
     
         10 . The hair dryer of  claim 8 , wherein the hair dryer will cease discharging air when the humidity sensor reading is below a pre-determined threshold. 
     
     
         11 . The hair dryer of  claim 9 , wherein the adjustment is controlled by a controller located in the body.