Abstract: A linear motor is utilized to open and close large doors such as conventional segmented overhead garage doors or large single piece slidable doors. In the linear actuator, the stator, including a two-phase winding mounted thereon, is mounted for operation in a substantially stationary position. A straight elongate channel member is utilized as an armature for the motor, and with overhead garage doors is connected at one end to a door member. With horizontal sliding doors, the armature is mounted along the top edge of the door in spaced relation therewith, except at the opposed ends thereof where it is secured to the door. Energization of the linear motor moves the elongate armature to open or close the door as desired. A fail-safe brake mechanism may be incorporated in the linear motor to lock the armature in position and therefore lock the door when the motor is not energized.

Abstract: A linear induction motor includes one ferromagnetic member thereof which is movably resiliently mounted in the motor frame so as to move toward the stator in the motor whenever current is applied thereto. A portion of the armature in the motor extends between the resiliently movable member and the motor frame. When the motor is energized the armature is free to move between the ferromagnetic member and stator. When the motor is de-energized, the resiliently movable member is biased toward the motor frame and sandwiches the armature between the member and the frame so as to prevent the movement thereof. Reactivating the motor then attracts the movable member toward the stator and frees the armature.

Abstract: An electric induction motor having at least two phases and including opposed slotted stator bodies or pole pieces with each slot receiving a radially extending leg or like portion of at least one coil winding, and with the stator being preferably of an annular, segmented configurationand the rotor being a low inertia, non-magnetic, radially slotted, electrically conductive disc axially spaced from the face of the stator bodies. The motor is particularly adapted for direct drive of rapidly reversible driven members, such as washing machine agitators or the like, and is characterized by high starting torque and a relatively direct proportional relation between the applied voltage and available output torques. In use, the motor operates at varying speeds and torque as it reverses direction and accelerates to a given rotational velocity, drawing substantially constant power during use.

Abstract: An improved washing machine of simplified construction including means for stabilizing same during the fluid extraction or spin portion of its operation cycle. When a spin basket therein rotates at high speed the stabilization means counteracts the imbalance in the basket caused by clothes placed therein. The means for stabilizing the washing machine includes in combination: a fluid retaining jacket surrounding the spin basket and in fluid communication therewith for obtaining fluid extracted therefrom and retaining a portion therein by centrifugal force; and a plurality of flexible casing mounting support bars generally vertically positioned in spatial relation inside the washing machine casing adjacent its external corners. Each of the bars is rigidly mounted at its top end to the casing inwardly adjacent the top thereof and extends substantially freely downwardly through the casing.