Abstract: A dynamic balancer device for mounting to and balancing a rotatable drum in a laundry treating appliance comprises an enclosed non-metal annular housing having a radial circumferential wall, an annular metal race within the non-metal annular housing disposed against the radial circumferential wall, and a mass disposed in the annular race and movable therein.

Abstract: Provided is a control method for a laundry treating apparatus comprising: a drum in which laundry is stored; at least three balancers fixed to the drum and provided to be spaced from each other at the same angle with respect to the rotational center of the drum; front spaces provided in each balancer and positioned at the front of the drum; and rear spaces provided in each balancer and positioned at the rear of the drum, wherein the control method for the laundry treating apparatus comprises: a rear control step of supplying a liquid to at least one of the rear spaces so as to increase the weight of a quadrant (first target quadrant) positioned in the direction opposite to a quadrant, of a circumferential surface of the drum, to which a force causing unbalance is directed; and a front control step of supplying a liquid to at least one of the front spaces so as to increase the weight of a quadrant (second target quadrant) positioned in the direction opposite to the quadrant, of the circumferential surface of t

Abstract: A washing apparatus comprising a tub provided inside a cabinet; a drum provided inside the tub so as to be rotatable; a balancer housing installed on the front or rear side of the drum; and a balancing unit that includes a body, a drive motor, and a drive gear, the balancing unit movable in the balancer housing to reduce the eccentricity of the drum, wherein gear teeth are formed along an inner circumferential surface of the balancer housing, and the balancing unit is disposed in the balancer housing such that the drive gear is exposed to the outside of the body of the balancing unit to engage with the gear teeth.

Abstract: A laundry dryer (2) includes a rotatable drum (6); a drying air fan for blowing air into the drum (6); and an electric motor (10) configured for rotating the drum (6) and/or the drying air fan. A shaft (30) of the electric motor (10) extends towards the drying air fan and/or a drum transmission system. A seat (80) which is at least partially concavely formed is positioned at least partially below the motor shaft (30). A draining device (82) is provided which is configured to allow liquid entering the seat (80) to be drained off.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an introduction/discharge opening, a drawer configured so as to be discharged from the cabinet through the introduction/discharge opening, a through-hole formed in an upper surface of the drawer, a tub that is located inside the drawer and that defines a space that is configured to receive water, an introduction aperture formed in an upper surface of the tub, the introduction aperture being located under the through-hole, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub for receiving laundry supplied to the introduction aperture, a door that is configured to open and close the introduction aperture, the door being coupled to one of the drawer or the tub, and a door sensing unit that is configured to determine whether the door is opened during a state in which the drawer is inserted into the cabinet.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance comprising a chassis defining an interior with at fixed tub disposed in the interior, the tub defining a liquid chamber. An exoskeleton is disposed within the liquid chamber and houses a drum defining a treating chamber for treating laundry. A suspension comprising one or more suspension component mounts the exoskeleton to that chassis through an opening in the tub. The interior is sealed from the liquid chamber by a plurality of seals at the openings and suspension components extending through the openings, preventing liquid from spilling into the interior from the liquid chamber.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet; a tub which is disposed in the cabinet and in which washing water is stored; a rotating tub that is disposed in the tub and accommodates laundry; a spray unit configured to spray washing water into the rotating tub; and a fixing unit to which at least a portion of the spray unit is coupled and which includes a mounting structure provided at at least a portion of a circumferential direction of the fixing unit so as to fix the spray unit. The mounting structure in which a spray unit can be fixed by a fixing unit provides that movement of the spray unit can be prevented when a washing machine operates and the spray unit can be assembled in a desired position of the washing machine.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance configured to treat laundry according to a treating cycle of operation includes a chassis that defines an interior and a tub statically mounted to the chassis, and at least one suspension opening in a side of the tub. An exoskeleton is located within the liquid chamber and has a front support, a rear support, and stringers extending between and connecting the front and rear supports. An electric motor is mounted to the rear support and has a rotating output shaft. A drum is connected to the output shaft and is rotatbly mounted to the exoskeleton. A suspension system is located within the interior and has at least one suspension component extending from the interior and into the liquid chamber through the suspension opening and is operably coupled to the exoskeleton. The suspension system provides suspension directly to the exoskeleton to indirectly provide suspension for the drum and electric motor.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance configured to treat laundry according to a treating cycle of operation includes a chassis defining an interior and a tub located within the interior and statically mounted to the chassis, with the tub defining a liquid chamber, and having at least one suspension opening in a side of the tub. A rotatable drum is located within the liquid chamber and rotatable about a horizontal axis. An electric motor having an output shaft is operably coupled to the rotatable drum, wherein rotation of the output shaft effects a rotation of the drum. An exoskeleton is located within the liquid chamber and physically supports the rotatable drum and electric motor.

Abstract: A washing machine having a balancer housing capable of transmitting electric power from an external power source to a balancing module. The washing machine includes a rotary drum, and a balancer to counterbalance an unbalanced load generated in the rotary drum. The balancer includes a balancer housing mounted to the rotary drum, and a balancing module having a moving unit to move inside the balancer housing. The balancer housing includes an electrode provided at an inner surface of the balancer housing in a circumferential direction thereof in order to transmit electric power to the moving unit of the balancing module, an electric wire electrically connected to the electrode in order to apply electric power from an external power source to the electrode, and a connector provided at an outer surface of the balancer housing in order to electrically connect the electric wire and the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates a washing machine and a method for controlling the same. The method for controlling a washing machine, having at least one spinning course, the spinning course includes a general spinning step for driving a motor which rotates a drum rotatably mounted in a tub to rotate the drum at a speed higher than a predetermined speed for extracting water, and a foreign matter removal step for supplying water to the tub for removing foreign matters from a space between the tub and the drum, whereby permitting to maintain the washing machine clean.

Abstract: A unitary balance ring for a washing machine appliance includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs positioned within a tubular body of the unitary balance ring. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs has a bottom edge that is positioned at a bottom surface of the interior volume, and each rib of the second plurality of ribs has a bottom edge that is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the interior volume.

Abstract: A bubble generating device and a washing machine equipped with the bubble generating device. The washing machine includes a water tub into which water is introduced, a bubble generating device to generate bubbles and supply the bubbles into the water tub, a pump to suck water from the water tub and supply the water into the bubble generating device, and a connecting pipe having an end connected to the bubble generating device and the other end connected to the water tub. The other end of the connecting pipe is located above a water level in the water tub. The bubble generating device selectively performs a bubble generating process in which bubbles are generated and supplied into the water tub, or a water circulating process in which water from the water tub circulates through the connecting pipe and flows back to the water tub.

Abstract: In a method for setting a spin speed of a drum of a household laundry care appliance, which is installed on a base, a gradient of an actual speed of the drum is detected during a spin operation and a determination is made as to whether the speed gradient is rising or falling. Vibrations caused by the household appliance during a spin operation as a function of the base in respect of frequency and/or amplitude are detected and compared with reference values. The spin speed is then changed as a function of the determined speed gradient if parameter values characterizing the vibrations deviate from the reference values.

Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes an annular recess formed in the front cover such that the annular recess is located immediately adjacent to a wall of the drum body; and a ball balancer including an annular-shaped racer having a closed internal space in which a plurality of balls and viscous oil are accommodated. The annular-shaped racer includes first and second injection molded members joined to each other to form the closed internal space. The ball balancer is supported by the annular recess formed in the front cover of the drum, and the ball balancer is configured to be attachable to the drum with the viscous oil and the plurality of balls already in the ball balancer.

Abstract: Method for controlling the centrifugation process of a washing machine, wherein during a first, a second and a third laundry distribution phases (D1, D2, D3), performing a number of unbalance value measurements (M1-M7) and comprising an unbalance value of the drum of the washing machine with predetermined unbalance values. If the current unbalance values are within predetermined intervals, the washing machine performs a spin phase (S1, S2, Smax). If the values are not within the predetermined intervals, the washing machine performs a laundry redistribution phase (R1, R2), after which a further laundry distribution phase (D1, D3) may take place.

Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having ball balancers, which adjust a relation between a gap, between the inner wall of a racer of each of the ball balancers and balls, and viscous oil, so as to reduce the vibration and noise of the washing machine. Each of the ball balancers of the washing machine includes balls and viscous oil accommodated in a racer, and the viscosity of the viscous oil is varied in proportion to a gap between the racer and the balls. When the viscosity of the viscous oil is 1˜100 cSt, the gap is set to 0.5˜1.0 mm, when the viscosity of the viscous oil is 100˜380 cSt, the gap is set to 1.0˜2.0 mm, and when the viscosity of the viscous oil is 380˜1,000 cSt, the gap is set to 2.0˜3.0 mm. Thereby, the relation between the gap and the viscous oil is optimized, and the ball balancers effectively exhibit a balancing function and thus minimize the vibration and noise of the washing machine.

Abstract: An automatic balancing device for counterbalancing an out-of-balance mass includes a plurality of counterbalancing masses, each of which is movable in a circular path about the axis so as to generate a balancing force. The balancing forces combine to produce a resultant balancing force which varies between minimum and maximum values. At a first speed of rotation of the body about the axis, the movement of at least one of the counterbalancing masses is restrained so that a substantially constant, non-zero resultant balancing force is produced, the resultant balancing force being freely movable about the axis. At a second speed of rotation of the body about the axis, the counterbalancing masses are free to adopt a position in which the out-of-balance mass is counterbalanced. The device allows at least partial counterbalancing of the out-of-balance mass at speeds below the critical speed of the system in which it is used.

Abstract: A washing machine having a ball balancer coupled to the drum to compensate for a dynamic imbalance during rotation of the drum, the ball balancer including a ring-shaped racer having a closed internal space in which a plurality of balls and viscous oil are accommodated, the ring-shaped racer including a first injection molded member and a second injection molded member joined to each other to form the closed internal space, the first injection molded member including a first side wall, a second side wall and a connecting wall between the first side wall and the second side wall, the first injection molded member having an open side opposite to the connecting wall, and the second injection molded member is adapted to cover the open side of the first injection molded member.

Abstract: A method for operating a shale shaker to separate solids from a solids laden fluid, the shale shaker comprising a basket for holding at least one screen and a vibratory mechanism for vibrating the basket to an acceleration value, the method comprising the steps of monitoring the magnitude of the load of solids laden fluid in the basket and adjusting the acceleration value induced in the basket according to the magnitude of the load, wherein the acceleration is stepped down to a low acceleration value below a low load threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for skimming the top surface of a pool of fluid with a constant flow rate regardless of level changes of the fluid. A storage tank and a suction port are positioned at opposite ends of a conduit that connects the tank and the port. The conduit pivots about a pivot point such that the storage tank elevation follows the fluid level, which allows the suction port to be positioned at the surface of the fluid. In various embodiments, the pivot for the conduit is attached to a pump resting on the bottom of the tank, is formed by a pair of floats, is a pivot mechanism attached to a wall penetration of a tank, or is a flexible hose that allows the conduit to move.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spindle motor comprising: an integral turntable including: a table on which a rotating body to be installed, and an inner side wall and an outer side wall formed to be recessed upwards at a portion therebetween on a lower surface of the table so that a predetermined hollow is formed, a surface of thereof being formed slant; a ball cover for covering a ball inserted into the hollow and the hollow; a rotation shaft an upper portion of which is inserted into a center of the integral turntable; a bearing supporting a lower portion of the rotation shaft; a coil formed on an outside of the rotation shaft; and a magnet formed on an outside of the coil.

Abstract: A centrifugal separating apparatus having a vessel with a chamber assembly disposed therein that is rotated by a rotatable main shaft driven by a motor at a predetermined speed for separating water and oil from a stream of fluid. The rotatable chamber assembly defines an upper chamber for receiving the stream of fluid from an inlet tube and a lower chamber for collecting water separated from the stream of fluid. The upper chamber is in fluid flow communication with a plurality of U-tube assemblies with each assembly having a pair of upper oil separation tubes and a single lower water separation tube that extends outwardly in a radial direction from the chamber assembly at the near end of each U-tube assembly.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: (i) a dialysate pump; (ii) a patient line having a connector configured to be attached to a peritoneal patient part; (iii) an extracorporeal circuit; (iv) a blood pump in fluid communication with the extracorporeal circuit; (v) a blood filter in fluid communication with the extracorporeal circuit; and (vi) a control unit configured and arranged to selectively perform a therapy which (a) the blood pump is deactivated and the dialysate pump is caused to pump dialysate through the patient line or (b) the blood pump is activated to pump blood to the blood filter and the dialysate pump is caused to pump dialysate to the filter/extracorporeal circuit and/or remove fluid from the filter.

Abstract: It has been discovered that a mechanical flotation system (10) having only two cells (18, 20) can be nearly as efficient as one having more cells, yet provide an apparatus with a considerably smaller footprint, significantly reduced capital and operating costs, as well as be resistant to floating oil recovery platform wave effects. The dual-cell mechanical flotation system (10) has, in sequential order, an inlet chamber (16) and two gasification chambers or cells (18, 20), each with at least one gas ingestion and mixing mechanism (32), and a discharge chamber (24). A common primary skim collection channel (40) atop the partition (44) dividing the gasification chambers (18, 20) efficiently channels away the bulk of the floating collected matter.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system based on a plurality of simultaneous and discrete control actions that place mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system so as to achieve balance is disclosed. A balance control algorithm may be utilized to provide a desired control action regarding an amount of mass to be placed, the extent each discrete action contributes, and the location of placement on the rotating system. The control action is broken down into subsets of discrete actuator steps whose whole will accomplish the desired control action. The composition of the actuator step subsets is based on particular ratios and limits and evolve based on the portion of the action already accomplished. A plurality of control actuators is simultaneously activated to deploy the discrete control actuator actions that place mass at predetermined locations within the rotating system.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus has a gantry that is rotatable around a rotational axis and a detector permanently disposed relative to the gantry, for determining an unbalanced mass of the gantry and a calculating unit for calculating the location or locations at the gantry at which a weight or at which weights should be arranged for compensating the unbalanced mass.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system or rotating device, such that sensor measurements and responses to control actions can be compiled utilizing one or more sensors associated with the rotating system is disclosed. The rotating system or rotating device may be represented utilizing sensor measurements and responses to control actions through an associated control model, such that the control model and the sensor measurements are determinative of future control actions. The rotating system may be perturbed utilizing a control action while improving a balance condition associated with the rotating system. Sensor data may be measured from one or more sensors associated with the rotating system. One or more responses thereof may be determined based on the control action. The sensor data may be manipulated in order to remove measurements and responses thereof that do not well represent the rotating system.

Abstract: Vibration absorbers are provided which utilize a torsional spring and a dynamic mass to control vibrations that occur within the structure to which they are attached. Additionally, pipeline systems are provided which utilize such vibration absorbers including a mass and a torsional spring to control the vibrations that occur within the pipeline system. In various embodiments of the present invention, the torsional spring is one or more elastomer elements coupled between the dynamic mass and a support frame to produce a spring force responsive to pivotal rotation of the dynamic mass relative to the support frame. In various embodiments, one or more elastomer elements arranged in series or in parallel may be used as the torsional spring to provide a desired vibratory dampening characteristic for applications, such as pipelines. Use of such torsional springs may provide a more simplified design with less mechanical joints which may be less susceptible to failure in harsh environments.

Abstract: A fluid balancing ring includes a plurality of partitions forming a circular array of sub-chambers around its circumference. A valve is associated with each of the partitions and is movable in response to the centrifugal force of the rotating balance ring from a closed position preventing fluid communication through the partitions to an open position permitting fluid communication through the partitions. A spring urges the valve to its closed position.

Abstract: The process for making an automatic balancing unit outbalance an unbalance condition in a rotating system, particularly a clothes washing machine with an outer casing an a suspended oscillating washing assembly comprising a wash tub, a cylindrically-shaped perforated drum housed in said tub and capable of rotating in the interior thereof about the axis of the cylinder during washing and spin-extraction, a motor capable of rotatably driving said drum at various speeds and provided with accessory means that are firmly associated with said tub, said drum being connected to said automatic balancing unit formed by at least one annular hollow body, forming a sealed closed-loop configuration and being mounted integrally with said cylindrical drum with their axis coinciding with the rotational axis of said perforated drum, and a plurality of moving masses capable of freely moving in a liquid filled in said hollow body, and which process incorporates that before at least a spin-extraction phase, the drum is driven to

Abstract: An automatic balancing device for rotary units or systems. The automatic balancing device includes an annular housing, and an annular outer race track disposed in the annular housing. The outer race track is concentric with and attachable to the rotary system so as to rotate with the rotary system. A number of roller bodies are disposed in the annular housing and are freely movable along the race track for dynamic and/or static contact therewith during rotation of the rotary unit or system. The outer racetrack is provided in a separate ring of a large diameter having a torus-shaped groove forming the race track and having a curved concave profile facing the center of the separate ring.

Abstract: A household-type washing machine or similar appliance in which the washing assembly (3) is anchored to the stationary structure (1) by one or more anchoring devices (2). Each anchoring device includes at least two elastic elements (10, 20) arranged in series. Firmly secured to each elastic element is a rigid element (15, 25) whose free end portion (15) protrudes beyond the other elastic element (20). The elastic elements (10, 20) work in this manner as compression elastic means and the elastic constant of the anchoring devices (2) readily and automatically adapts to the different conditions that happen to prevail during a washing cycle.

Abstract: A tethering system is provided for a washing machine having a hung strut suspension. The tethering system includes a pair of pulleys or cams pivotally mounted in the cabinet. A pair of subframe straps are secured between the cams and the subframe of the hung assembly. An anti-rotation strap extends partially around the tub with opposite ends secured to the cams. When the tub of the machine is filled with water, the hung assembly moves downwardly due to the weight of the water, thereby rotating the cams which tighten the anti-rotation strap into frictional engagement with the tub. Thus rotation and oscillation of the tub is prevented during the agitation and low speed spin cycles of the machine.

Abstract: A dewatering apparatus of an automatic washing machine includes: an unbalance sensor mounted on a controller mounted into a top cover for sensing unbalance of a washing tub during a dewatering cycle; a magnet mounted on the washing machine door and a hall sensor mounted on the controller opposite to the magnet when the door is closed, for sensing whether the door is opened during the dewatering cycle. The unbalance sensor includes a casing in which a roller freely rolls, wherein a displacement (during unbalance of the washing tub) of the roller from a neutral position, is detected by, for example, a photo switch, press switch, or electrical switch, whereby a state of unbalance can be identified.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing a load in an upright washing machine. A liquid ballast system is used that includes liquid filling channels with liquid filling slots that fill individual self-contained cells spaced equally around the top rim of the spin drum. The cells are open at the top and filled with liquid, water, by the pre-existing water supply nozzle of the washing machine. In the bottom of each cell is a dump valve to release water from the cell when activated. A stationary ring attached to the frame of the washing machine activates the dump valve. In a mechanical embodiment, a mechanical arm makes contact with the stationary ring when the suspended core of the washing machine leans off center in response to an unbalanced load. In an electrical embodiment, a solenoid valve is activated when a contact point makes electrical contact with a track in the stationary ring as the suspended core of the washing machine leans off center in response to an unbalanced load.

Abstract: In an arrangement for balancing of a main mass (14) having an imbalance and rotating about an axis (18) balancing masses (23; 24) are used which are relatively freely movable with respect to the main mass (14) and disposed in at least one closed path (22) symmetrically positioned around said axis (18). The main mass (14) is adapted to be rotated at speeds both below and above the critical speed and the path (22) is connected with the main mass (14) so as to rotate in synchronism therewith. Locking means (34, 36; 42, 43) are provided for locking the balancing masses (23/ 24) relative to the path (22) at rotating speeds below the critical speed and for releasing the balancing masses (23; 24) for movement relative to the path (22) at rotating speeds above the critical speed.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a spin basket rotatable about a vertical axis and having a dynamic balancer mounted thereon. The balancer includes coaxial annular passageways arranged horizontally next to one another. Each passageway contains oil and a group of freely movable balls. The heights of the passageways increase in a radially outward direction, and the sizes and weights of the groups of balls increase in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a plurality of injection nozzles for linearly injecting a washing liquid toward laundry in a drum which is rotatable about a horizontal shaft. The drum type washing machine includes decision unit for deciding an amplitude of vibration which is detected based on vibration detected at a predetermined low rotation speed and a controller for controlling a drive unit that applies a driving force of forward/reverse rotation to a drum to correct localization of laundry in the drum. A drum type dryer includes a refrigerating cycle provided to an air-circulating line between a discharge port and a hot air supply port of a drum, and performs air-conditioning of outer air. A drum type washing machine includes a controller for controlling a drive unit to rotate a drum once or the plural number of times at a high speed to dehydrate laundry heated by hot air in an initial period of drying.

Abstract: A drum-type clothes washing machine includes an outer tub, and an inner tub rotatable relative to the outer tub about a horizontal axis of rotation. The inner tub is tapered, with a larger diameter disposed at one end thereof. A balancer having an inner chamber is disposed on the inner tub at the smaller diameter end. A liquid-absorbing member, such as a sponge, is disposed within the chamber and extends annularly about the axis of rotation. A liquid is contained in the chamber and is disposed at a lower end thereof when the inner tub is at rest. The balancer and sponge rotate together with the inner tub such that a lower portion of the sponge, which is immersed in the liquid, passes through the liquid to cause the liquid to be uniformly distributed throughout the sponge. At low speed rotation (washing mode) the sponge is saturated with liquid to function as a counterbalancing weight. At high speed rotation (spin-drying mode), liquid can exit the sponge under the action of centrifugal force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low-pressure chromatography column 1 having a diameter of more than 30 cm, and essentially consisting of a vertical cylinder 13 having a base plate 12, a lower sintered disk 3 arranged above the base plate 12, an upper sintered disk 16 fastened to the underside of a lid designed as a mobile plunger 4, and having at least three controllable elements 5 for raising or lowering the plunger 4, which are connected to the plunger 4, equipped with sensors 6 electrically connected to a control unit 10 for determining the vertical position and horizontal placement of the plunger 4. With the aid of an optical observation device (e.g., endoscope), the plunger/gel material can be adjusted exactly over the entire positioning range of the plunger. The advantages of the invention include simple and rapid production of the packing and purer products than could be obtained without such packing.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus for counterbalancing an unbalanced load in a rotating or spinning drum such as a clothes basket in a washing machine. The balancing apparatus includes a drive plate fixed to the drive shaft of the spinning drum. Balancing tanks disposed at spaced intervals around the drum are connected to a fluid supply, such, as a self contained fluid tank, through passages controlled by valves mounted to the drum or supply tank. When the rotating drum tilts relative to the drive shaft as a result of unsymmetrical centrifugal forces produced by the unbalanced load, the valve or valves controlling flow into the balance tanks opposite the unbalanced load are moved into engagement with valve selector slides mounted on the drive plate to open the passages and allow water from the fluid tank into the balance tanks to balance the drum.

Abstract: A system for balancing a rotatable member is provided by measuring forces and motion via accelerations at various locations of the system. The forces and moments are balanced through the use of matrix manipulation to determine appropriate counterbalance forces located at two axial positions of the rotatable member. As such, the system accounts for possible accelerations of a machine, such as a washing machine, which could not otherwise be accomplished if the motion of the machine was not measured. The system is therefore operable in conjunction with machines that are not rigidly attached to immovable objects, such as concrete floors. The algorithm permits the counterbalance forces to be calculated even though a washing machine is located on a moveable floor structure combined with carpet padding and carpets between the washing machine and a rigid support structure.

Abstract: A counterbalancing apparatus for dynamically balancing an out of balance rotating member. A first series of weights having identical size and weight are mounted to freely move within a first groove or race when the apparatus is rotating after being mounted to a shaft or other rotatable member. A second series of weights having identical size and weight are similarly mounted to freely move within a second groove or race located inside of the first groove. The first series of weights is different in size and weight from the second series of weights.

Abstract: An out-of-balance condition detecting system with a lid actuated switching assembly for interrupting operation of a washing machine upon detection of an out-of-balance (OOB) condition or upon a lid of the washing machine being open. The system includes pneumatic generating units for generating a predetermined fluidic pressure in response to excursions of a tub of the washing machine during a spin cycle; an actuator which is fluidly coupled to such generating units for providing an actuating position corresponding to the OOB condition; and a switching assembly which includes a switch responsive to the actuator in its actuating position to interrupt the OOB condition. The switch is further responsive to the lid to deenergize the motor upon the lid being in an open position. The switch which can be either mechanically or magnetically actuated may be designed such that once the OOB condition has been detected, a user is required to open the lid in order to reset operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting and interrupting an out-of-balance (OOB) condition in a washing machine. The system includes pneumatic generating units for generating a predetermined fluidic pressure in response to excursions of a tub of the washing machine during a spin cycle; an actuator which is fluidly coupled to such generating units for providing an actuating position corresponding to the OOB condition; and a switch responsive to the actuator in its actuating position to deenergize a motor which spins the basket for holding the articles to be cleansed and thereby interrupt the OOB condition.

Abstract: A dynamic balancer for a laundry apparatus having a rotatable drum for receiving a clothes load. The rotatable drum has a horizontal geometric axis and is rotatably supported to rotate about its horizontal geometric axis. The rotatable drum includes a generally cylindrical outer wall defining the horizontal geometric axis, a first disk and a second disk. The first disk is provided for forming a first end wall of the drum and includes a balancing means including a plurality of concentric annular chambers. The second disk is provided for forming a second end wall of the drum, opposite the first end wall, and also includes a balancing means including a plurality of concentric annular chambers. The annular concentric chambers are partially filled with fluid for balancing the rotatable drum. In operation, the rotatable drum is subject to an out-of-balance mass as a result of uneven distribution of the clothes load within the drum.

Abstract: An improved disc dryer for aggregate material which operates by rotating and impacting a tilted pan which holds the material being dried. Increased capacity is attained by transverse stabilizers on the impactor assembly, adjustable pressure air shock mounts for variable amplitude control of the impactor assembly, sets of dual support wheels upon which the pan rotates a reinforced support tract on the underside of the pan, and an adjustable feed box for supplying material to the pan at varying locations.