Liquid Level Patents (Class 68/12.05)
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Patent number: 11492742Abstract: Disclosed are a washer for adjusting an amount of detergent and a method of driving the same, which controls an automatic detergent dispenser to decide the amount of detergent on an amount of contamination of laundry by using artificial intelligence or machine learning, and to input the determined amount of detergent to washing water.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung Chul Cha, Bon Kwon Koo, Hyun Ji Park, Sang Hyun Lee
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Patent number: 10947658Abstract: A washing machine appliance and a method of selectively draining a sump of the washing machine appliance at the start of an operating cycle is provided. The method includes determining that the drain pump assembly has drained wash fluid from the sump, e.g., by checking to see whether an empty sump flag has been set in the controller. In addition, the method includes determining that a water supply valve has not been opened since the wash fluid was drained from the sump and that a sump pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure, e.g., indicating that water is in sump that was not intentionally added by the water supply valve. The drain pump assembly is then operated to perform a drain cycle at the beginning of a subsequent operating cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Ryan James Scheckelhoff, Aaron Lee Welch
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Patent number: 10697109Abstract: A washing machine includes: a washing tub in which clothes are stored; and a water supply mechanism for supplying water into the washing tub through a water supply path, the water being supplied from a water supply source. The water supply mechanism includes a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply path, a water filling case for filling water into the washing tub, and a fine bubble generation device provided between the water supply valve and the water filling case and for generating fine bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services CorporationInventors: Yoshinori Usui, Satoshi Nagai, Hiroshi Nishimura, Katsunori Matsushita
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Patent number: 10526743Abstract: Pressure sensor for measuring the level of a liquid in an appliance such as a washing machine, a dishwasher or the like, including a casing having a cavity, a deformable membrane having an outer edge fixed to the casing so as to divide the cavity of the casing in a first chamber and in a second chamber, and in wherein the membrane is susceptible to deformation as a function of the pressure difference in said chambers, and a detector device located in the first chamber and adapted to provide an electrical signal indicative of the deformation of the membrane, wherein the housing incorporates an air trap including a cup surrounding said second chamber, a tubular portion intended to be connected directly to a tank adapted to contain a liquid, and a barrier forming a siphon between said tubular portion and said second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Igor Kranjc
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Patent number: 10422064Abstract: A washing apparatus and control method where the washing apparatus comprises a door configured to open and close the entrance; a tub inside a main body; a diaphragm configured to connect the entrance with the opening; and a drum rotatably provided inside the tub. The washing apparatus includes a door washing nozzle to inject water for a first time in a first section and then to inject the water for a second time in a second section when a washing mode of the diaphragm is entered. The washing mode of the diaphragm including the first section in which the drum in a stopped state is accelerated to arrive at a first target rotation speed less than a second target rotation speed and the second section in which the drum at the first target rotation speed is accelerated to arrive at the second target rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Su Jin Seong, Hyun Sook Kim, Woo Kyung Jung, Ja Yeon Seo, Seung-Mok Lee, Yu Ri Lee, Jong Ho Lee, Yong Mi Jung
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Patent number: 10273623Abstract: A laundry washing machine and method may use a distance sensor to determine dry and wet distance values associated with a load disposed in a wash tub, and dynamically configure a wash cycle based upon the determined values. In some instances, the distance sensor may also be used to detect an excessive fluid level, excessive foaming, or a floating item in the wash tub.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Midea Group Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher G. Hoppe, Phillip C Hombroek
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Patent number: 10066333Abstract: A washing machine having a ball balancer to reduce vibration generated during dehydrating process and a vibration controlling method thereof are disclosed. In a washing machine having a ball balancer, a dehydrating process starts while residual water having a preset water level remains in the tub without draining water completely when entering the dehydrating process, and the quantity of residual water is set differently according to eccentricity so that excessive vibrations of a tub may be reduced using the weight of the residual water while passing through a resonant point. Speed of a motor is maintained at a preset speed lower than the resonant point for a preset time to release balls in the ball balancer so that excessive vibrations of the tub generated by concentrated balls and unbalanced laundry may be surely reduced. After passing through the resonant point, the residual water is drained to reduce drain noise and to prevent delay of dehydrating time.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung Jong Kim, Yee Lee Wong, Jeong Hoon Kang
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Patent number: 10060068Abstract: A washing machine which detects vibrations of the washing tub or chamber. The machine (M) includes a support structure (S), inside which there is suspended a washing chamber or tub (T) wherein there is rotatably mounted a basket (B) for clothes and the like, and a pressure transducing device (1), which includes a support casing (2, 3) connected to the washing chamber or tub (T), and connected to a pipe or hose (P) which extends inside this chamber or tub (T), and with which there are associated an electronic circuit (17) predisposed for processing signals generated by the transducer (1) to provide an indication of the level of the washing bath (WB) in the chamber or tub (T). An electronic accelerometer (30) secured to the support casing (2, 3) of the pressure transducing device (1) and associated with said electronic circuit means (17), generates electrical signals indicative of the amplitude of the vibrations of the washing chamber or tub (T).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.P.A.Inventors: Giorgio Carrer, Ugo Gaino, Massimo Davi
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Patent number: 9732457Abstract: Provided are a washing method and washing machine. In the washing method, an eco-rinsing process where a drum rotates in a state where at least a portion of laundry is pressed against the inner wall of the drum and wash water is sprayed into the drum is performed. A spinning process where the spraying of the wash water is stopped and the wash water is removed from the laundry by accelerating the drum is performed. Here, at least a portion of the laundry remains pressed against the wall of the drum in the eco-rinsing process and the spinning process.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Changoh Kim, Jaehyun Kim, Jaewon Chang, Jongmin Lee, Sangheon Lee, Youngho Kim
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Patent number: 9689103Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a washer that will not start the wash sequence until each door is securely fastened shut. In exemplary embodiment, the washer may include at least one door having a locking mechanism that has at least one locking pin. The locking pin may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the door is shut, the locking pin may be received in a locking pin slot that is disposed in the body of the washer. The locking mechanism may also include a locking bracket that may be engaged with a locking hasp only when the locking pin is in the locked position. The washer may also include a sensor in communication with the controller. The controller only permits the operation of the washer when the sensor detects the locking bracket is engaged with the locking hasp.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: G.A. BRAUN, INC.Inventors: Mark W. Zimmerman, Matthew D. Fenn, Ryan J. Blair, Diedrich D. Willers
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Patent number: 9181647Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance includes a housing having an interior, and a door which is connected to the housing to provide access to a treatment region in the interior of the housing. A ventilation valve controls ventilation of the treatment region of the housing. A door closure is provided to close the door and has an actuator which is connected to the ventilation valve. The door closure is actively connected to the ventilation valve in such a manner that the actuator opens the ventilation valve when the door is released and closes the ventilation valve when the door is closed, so that the ventilation valve is closed when the door is closed during operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: BSH HAUSGERÄTE GMBHInventors: Hans Eglmeier, Andreas Hanau, Hartmut Schaub
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Patent number: 9127398Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine includes comparing a command value of a motor with a predetermined limit value, during spin-drying, to determine whether the motor is overloaded, and controlling driving of the motor in response to the determination. It may be possible to determine a water filling state, an excessive bubble state, or a drainage error state, which may be caused during a spin-drying operation, and to take a proper measure. That is, in the drainage error state, a user is informed of the drainage error. In the water filling state, the spin-drying is normally completed by re-performing the spin-drying operation. In the excessive bubble state, a rinsing or spin-drying operation is added to remove the bubbles. When the bubbles are not removed by the added rinsing or spin-drying operation, the excessive bubble message is displayed to inform a consumer of the excessive bubble state.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jung Won Choi, Sung Mo Lee, Jae Young Choi
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Publication number: 20150113740Abstract: A washing machine that can determine a weight of laundry in consideration of the result of determination on whether the laundry is dry cloth or wet cloth, and a control method of the washing machine. Before washing starts, a drum rotates to measure a changed amount in water level, and it is determined whether laundry is dry cloth or wet cloth based on the changed amount in water level. If it is determined that the laundry is wet cloth, a weight of the laundry is accurately detected by using wet cloth weight criteria or by adding a weight according to the changed amount in water level, which leads to reducing water consumption, a washing time, and energy consumption while preventing laundry from being damaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Jae Poong LEE
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Patent number: 9016677Abstract: A loading container (10) for a washing machine (60) comprises a containing body (12) to support and position objects to be washed inside the washing machine (60) or washing devices (20, 22) containing the objects to be washed. The container (10) also comprises a base body (14), located below the containing body (12), and a rotation unit (45) to connect rotatably the base body (14) and the containing body (12) so as to allow a selective reciprocal angular positioning of the containing body (12) and the base body (14).Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Steelco SpAInventor: Ottorino Casonato
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Publication number: 20150052688Abstract: A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The method includes directing a volume of liquid into a chamber of a basket, spinning the basket within a tub, and establishing a load type of articles within the chamber of the basket. The established load type is confirmed or controverted based at least in part on a height of liquid on a wall of the tub while the basket is spinning within the tub.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roberto Obregon, Anthony William Simpson
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Patent number: 8959688Abstract: A washing machine that controls water supply modes of washing and rinsing operations and a control method thereof. For the washing operation, the wetting of the laundry is improved through the supply of water in unidirectional rotation in which the water is supplied while a washing tub and a pulsator are simultaneously rotated in one direction. For the rinsing operation, laundry is quickly separated from the washing tub, such that the laundry is sufficiently mixed with the water, through the supply of water in unidirectional rotation and the supply of water in alternating-direction rotation in which the water is supplied while only the pulsator is rotated in alternating directions, thereby achieving rinsing utilizing water supply time, and, in addition, turnover of the laundry is smoothly achieved such that washing residues present on the laundry are effectively removed from the laundry, thereby improving rinsing efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tae Hui Im, Jung Ran Jung
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Publication number: 20150033806Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine (1) comprising a casing (10), a rotatable laundry container (7) suitable for receiving the laundry to be treated and one or more peripheral units (F1, H1, T1, SW1, SW2, S1, 11, Ml, M2, P1) which enable the treatment to be carried out. The laundry treating machine (1) comprises a control unit (20; 120; 220) comprising a printed circuit board (21; 121; 221) with electric and/or electronic devices (22) mounted thereon. The control unit (20; 120; 220) comprises a control and communication section (31) for communicating with a user interface (11), a motor driving section (32; 132) for setting and varying the speed of at least a motor and/or a high power loads section (28) comprising switching devices suitable for controlling at least one heater device (H1, R1, R2) and a power section (24) for supplying power to at least one of said sections (28, 31, 32; 132).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.Inventors: Walter Cerrato, Mirko Cenedese, Marco Lorenzi
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Patent number: 8839647Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a vertical axis washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a top portion with a lid and side portions extending downwardly from the top portion. A tub is positioned within the cabinet with a basket rotatably supported within the tub. The washing machine also includes a heater, a water level sensor, and a fan. The water level sensor controls the volume of water that enters the tub such that the fan is not submerged in such volume of water and the heater generates steam from such volume of water. The fan rotates and circulates air inside the tub so that the steam is distributed throughout the tub.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Michael Wuttikorn Ekbundit
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Publication number: 20140123400Abstract: A method for managing the load of washing liquid in a laundry washing machine (100) is provided. The laundry washing machine has a washing tub (110), in which washing liquid may be loaded, and a rotatable drum (115), rotatably accommodated in the washing tub (110), for containing the laundry to be washed. The method includes performing a sequence of partial loads of washing liquid into the washing tub (110). Each partial load provides for loading a corresponding liquid amount in the washing tub (110). For at least one of the partial loads in the sequence, the method provides for loading into the washing tub (110) a predetermined amount of washing liquid which depends on at least one indicative parameter related to one or more of the previous partial loads in the sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.Inventors: Mirko Gasparini, Marco Carboni, Andrea Buosi
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Patent number: 8701449Abstract: Disclosed herein are a water level/vibration sensing apparatus and a washing machine having the same. The water level/vibration sensing apparatus includes a housing provided with a pressure chamber communicating with an air inlet, a diaphragm unit moving forward and backward according to the variation of a pressure in the pressure chamber, a core and a coil forming a frequency varied according to the forward and backward movement of the diaphragm unit, and a collision member striking the diaphragm unit according to the movement of the housing. Therefore, the water level/vibration sensing apparatus simultaneously senses the washing water level and the vibration of the washing machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong Il Back, Weon Jin Song
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Publication number: 20140096327Abstract: Disclosed are a laundry treatment machine and a method of operating the same. The method of operating the laundry treatment machine includes performing a primary sensing of an amount of laundry within the tub, supplying water to a first water level within the tub, sensing the level of water within the tub, performing a secondary sensing of the amount of laundry within the tub, and judging whether the laundry includes dry laundry or wet laundry using the primarily sensed amount of laundry, the secondarily sensed amount of laundry, and the sensed water level value. This method ensures efficient implementation of sensing of amount of laundry.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Minkyeong LEE, Hoonbong LEE, Hamin SONG
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Publication number: 20140096567Abstract: The device (1) comprises: a casing (2-4) in which there is clamped a diaphragm (5) which, together with a portion of the casing (2-4), defines at least one chamber (6, 7) having a variable volume; a winding (14); an interaction member (13), adapted to magnetically interact with the winding (14) as a consequence of a displacement of the diaphragm (5), in such a way that the inductance of the winding (14) varies as a function of the relative position of the interaction member (13) with respect to the winding (14), and a processing unit (17) coupled to the winding (14), in order to supply electric signals having a parameter which is variable as a function of the inductance of the winding (14) and thus as a function of the relative position of the interaction member (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.p.A.Inventors: Paolo Da Pont, Paolo Ravedati, Massimo Davi, Giorgio Carrer, Nicola Grieco, Francesco Palmisano, Giuseppe Tarantino
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Patent number: 8621894Abstract: A washing machine including a rotational drum into which laundry is input, a water tub to perform a washing operation using bubbles, a water supply device to supply water, a detergent liquid supply device to supply detergent liquid, an air supply device to supply air required for the generation of the bubbles, and a controller to control the water supply device and the detergent liquid supply device to supply the water and the detergent liquid into a space between the rotational drum and the tub, to control the air supply device to generate the bubbles by supplying air to detergent water as a mixture of the water and the detergent liquid, to supply the bubbles into the laundry, and to perform the washing operation using the bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong Min Oak, Hyun Sook Kim, Sung Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 8595875Abstract: A laundry treatment machine and a washing method therefor are provided. The laundry treatment machine may discharge fluid by driving a drainage device, while rotating a drum during a time period between a plurality of rinsing operations. The rotation speed of the drum may be controlled to be lower than a reference speed, which is the rotation speed of the drum when laundry is not uniformly distributed in the drum, and thus, eccentricity of the laundry is high.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Myong Hum Im, Byung Keol Choi, Woo Young Kim, Kyung Chul Woo, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Han Gil Park, Soo Young Oh
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Patent number: 8578741Abstract: A washing machine having a cabinet, a pressure sensor located in the cabinet, and an air trap having at least one baffle to substantially block water at the air trap. The air trap may have an inlet in communication with a sump of the washing machine and an outlet in communication with a hose coupled to the pressure sensor. The at least one baffle may be partially traversing the air trap to substantially block water from entering the outlet when the cabinet is in a horizontal orientation.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Massimiliano Gillo, Thomas Scharly, Margret Thumm-Jorge
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Patent number: 8557048Abstract: A method for controlling a filling process of a water-bearing household appliance. The method includes opening a locking arrangement to fill the water-bearing household appliance with water, wherein the locking arrangement is controlled by the water-bearing household appliance; monitoring a fill sensor that detects the water flowing into the water-bearing household appliance; activating a pump to convey the water that flowed into the water-bearing household appliance as a result of the absence of at least one signal from the fill sensor; and analyzing a performance characteristic of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Bernd Hesterberg, Karlheinz Rehm, Michael Rosenbauer
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Patent number: 8510887Abstract: A drum-type washing machine that includes a program controller, a drum rotatably mounted in a detergent solution tub, a detergent solution discharge system disposed at a base of the detergent solution tub having a detergent solution drain pump, a sensor for determining a foam level and/or a negative time gradient of a liquid/air mixture contained in the detergent solution tub, a drive motor for the drum that adjusts a rotation of the drum to eliminate foam in the drum-type washing machine, and a water supply system that adds a small volume of water continuously or discontinuously if foam is detected by the sensor during the run-up to spin speed of the drum with the detergent solution drain pump switched on continuously or discontinuously.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Torsten Hasse, Ingo Schulze
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Patent number: 8505139Abstract: A washer fill system and method supply a suitable minimum amount of water necessary to wash a particular load of laundry based on readings taken from a pressure sensor that measures liquid pressure in the wash tub. Pressure sensor readings are taken intermittently during the fill process to determine when a sufficient amount of free water for washing the load of clothes has accumulated in the tub. This includes pressure readings taken while pulsing the washer motor to spin the wash basket. Other pressure readings may be taken during a pause in filling to measure the water run-off from the wetted clothes above the free water line, and the release of air bubbles from a load portion below the water line. Determining the sufficiency of the amount of wash liquid in the wash tub involves implementation of an algorithm with coefficients determined through regression analyzes, and may include other factors.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Vicente Marconcin Vanhazebrouck, Marcos Paulo Soares Bittencourt, Marcelo Piekarski, David Irwin Ellingson, Jon Roepke
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Patent number: 8490439Abstract: In a laundry washer, relatively short bursts of operation of a recirculation pump are coordinated with corresponding brief intervals of tub rotation during the initial fill periods. The aim is to thoroughly wet the clothes early in each wash/rinse phase to thus improve the wash/rinse effectiveness, while also avoiding excessive suds formation. Following the initial fill periods and during regular wash/rinse agitations, the recirculation system may also be employed to “recharge” the laundry load with detergent that has settled in the bottom of the tub. In a further aspect of the invention, some or all of the conventional intermediate spin extractions are omitted. In this manner, more water is carried over in the clothes from one wash/rinse cycle to the next. An intermediate spin of reduced speed (RPM) and duration as compared to typical normal intermediate spins may be employed between the wash phase and first rinse.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Chris H. Hill, Jason D. Miller
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Patent number: 8468857Abstract: A method for determining the laundry load size according to one embodiment of the invention in an automatic clothes washer comprising supplying water to a reference water level to define a first amount of water, supplying water from the reference water level to a second water level above the reference water level and sufficient to submerge the laundry load to define a second amount of water, and determining a load size for the laundry load based on the second amount of water such that errors associated with the first amount of water are not considered in the load size determination based on the second amount of water.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jenn-Yeu Nieh, Bennett James Cook, James Andrew Oskins
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Publication number: 20130152310Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a horizontal axis laundry treating appliance to correct for an error in sensing an amount of supplied liquid caused by a determined change in the attitude of an associated wash tub.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventor: DONALD E. ERICKSON
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Publication number: 20130125315Abstract: A method and apparatus according to one embodiment for determining laundry load size in an automatic clothes washer includes supplying water to predetermined water levels higher than a saturate water level and determining the amount of water supplied to reach each predetermined water level from a prior water level, and determining a load size based on the determined amount of water supplied between the current predetermined water level and the prior water level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2013Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventor: Whirlpool Corporation
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Publication number: 20130081431Abstract: In a laundry washer, relatively short bursts of operation of a recirculation pump are coordinated with corresponding brief intervals of tub rotation during the initial fill periods. The aim is to thoroughly wet the clothes early in each wash/rinse phase to thus improve the wash/rinse effectiveness, while also avoiding excessive suds formation. Following the initial fill periods and during regular wash/rinse agitations, the recirculation system may also be employed to “recharge” the laundry load with detergent that has settled in the bottom of the tub. In a further aspect of the invention, some or all of the conventional intermediate spin extractions are omitted. In this manner, more water is carried over in the clothes from one wash/rinse cycle to the next. An intermediate spin of reduced speed (RPM) and duration as compared to typical normal intermediate spins may be employed between the wash phase and first rinse.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Chris H. HILL, Jason D. MILLER
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Publication number: 20120311794Abstract: An appliance for washing objects is configured to dispense a first fluid, or hot wash fluid, into a wash zone to at least a first level. The appliance is further configured to dispense a second fluid into the wash zone, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid form a fluid mixture that reaches a fill level and has a mixture temperature that is less than the temperature of the first fluid. In one embodiment, the first level is less than the fill level and the appliance, in response to the first level being reached, implements a secondary operation that facilitates cleaning of objects that are positioned in the wash zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Stephen Edward Hettinger, Mark Anthony Didat, David Scott Dunn
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Publication number: 20120279262Abstract: A method for determining the laundry load size according to one embodiment of the invention in an automatic clothes washer comprising supplying water to a reference water level to define a first amount of water, supplying water from the reference water level to a second water level above the reference water level and sufficient to submerge the laundry load to define a second amount of water, and determining a load size for the laundry load based on the second amount of water such that errors associated with the first amount of water are not considered in the load size determination based on the second amount of water.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: JENN-YEU NIEH, BENNETT JAMES COOK, JAMES ANDREW OSKINS
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Patent number: 8291731Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine has an improved structure adapted to generate steam in order to improve washing effect and enable sterilization of laundry using the steam. The washing machine comprises a tub to contain water, a heater installed in the tub, and a controller to control the heater to heat the water contained in the tub and to generate steam.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seong Hai Jeong, Hung Myong Cho
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Patent number: 8220292Abstract: A method for determining the water storage capacity of textiles, wherein the rinsing phase has at least one rinsing sequence which follows a drying sequence. The method is characterized in that a first water absorption is measured during the wetting phase and a second water absorption is measured during at least one of the rinsing sequences, in that the two water absorption measurements are compared with one another and the water storage capacity of the textiles is defined using the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Gundula Czyzewski, Ingo Schulze
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Patent number: 8209805Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a washing method of a washing machine, in which an out of order of a water level sensor in a steam generator which generates steam is detected exactly, for safe protection of the steam generator and laundry, and effective performance of the washing. To achieve the object of the present invention, the washing method includes the steps of ($ sensing a water level sensor being out of order during steam washing, and (B) turning off the? steam generator if it is sensed that the water level sensor is out of order.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Seog Kyu Park
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Patent number: 8206512Abstract: A detergent module for dispensing detergent during a wash-cycle is presented in which a sensor senses and indicates or a user via control input indicates whether the detergent in the module is a solid-type detergent or a liquid-type detergent, and the detergent-type indication is used by a dishwashing machine or a laundry washing machine to select a washing algorithm tailored to exploit the cleaning efficiency of the detergent.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Mark Douglas Wattley, Mark A. Banta, James Christopher Roberts
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Publication number: 20120144873Abstract: A water-level/vibration detection apparatus includes a diaphragm adapted to be moved by air pressure applied through an air hose and a core slidably placed on a support shaft of the diaphragm while being elastically supported by an elastic member. The water-level/vibration detection apparatus detects the level of water and vibration via movement of the core into a coil which constitutes a resonance circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong Il BACK, Song Yik Lee
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Publication number: 20120125095Abstract: A washing machine to detect suds using an acceleration sensor and a method to detect suds thereof are disclosed. By driving a motor and rotating a drum at a predetermined target RPM during a washing cycle and measuring displacement data of the drum changed according to the rotation of the drum, it is possible to accurately detect excess suds in the drum and to increase suds detecting accuracy.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Hyun Park, Kyo Soon Choi
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Publication number: 20120090098Abstract: A method for determining an over-sudsing condition during a wash cycle of operation in a laundry treating appliance containing a foamable liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: SYLVAN J. AMOS, YINGQIN YUAN
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Patent number: 8152932Abstract: A method for removing scum in a tub of an electronically controlled drum washing machine. The method includes alternately rotating a drum following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum, pumping a liquid out of the drum for between 30 seconds to 15 minutes following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum, regulating a level of water following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum by: introducing a quantity of water into the drum which is sufficient to cover all water channels, and rinsing over a short period of time t2. The method further including pumping liquid out of the drum while the drum is moved at a low rotational speed following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventor: Meike Hempel
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Patent number: 8061163Abstract: The washing apparatus has a frame body to be filled with a cleaning liquid. The frame body is rotated within a casing by a drive motor. The frame body has an inner periphery having a wavy patterned surface. An inner diameter D of the frame body is set to more than or equal to 600 mm and less than or equal to 850 mm. The frame body is rotated so that a peripheral speed of the inner periphery is more than or equal to 28 m/min and less than or equal to 57 m/min. A height h of the wave form is set to more than or equal to 2.0% and less than or equal to 9.0% of the inner diameter D, and a pitch p of the wave form is set to more than or equal to 2.0% and less than or equal to 9.0% of a peripheral length L of an imaginary circle having a diameter of the inner diameter D.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Happy Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8056171Abstract: A control system for a laundry machine provides a system and method to automatically monitor the results of the drain or pump operation during normal operation of machine cycles, during unattended idle states as well as through specific diagnostic tests. By automatically monitoring the results of the drain or pump operation, the machine controller can warn the owner or servicer of the equipment that a machine requires service attention.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Alliance Laundry Systems LLCInventors: Michael J. Zambrowicz, Jeffrey R. Hochtritt, Adam L. Kocha
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Patent number: 7984628Abstract: When an operation for washing is completed and door is unlocked, water level in a water tank is monitored only for a prescribed time period. When there is no water leakage, monitoring is stopped after the prescribed time period and the power is turned off. When there is a water leakage, water level in the water tank increases. When it is detected that a first water level is reached, the door is locked to prevent opening. After a prescribed time period, the power is turned off while the door is kept locked. If the door cannot be locked, the door lock error is notified and the water collected in the water tank is drained.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Nishio, Kazuhiko Taniguchi
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Patent number: 7950256Abstract: A washing appliance, particularly a laundry washer or a dishwasher, comprises a tank (2) for loading washing liquor and items to be washed and control means adapted to carry out a predetermined washing program. It further comprises an inclined drain surface (2a) for collecting a portion of the washing liquor and means (6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for assessing properties of such liquid on the basis of the drainage behavior thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Dieter Grimm, Robert Huettner
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Patent number: 7946139Abstract: A water level control for a washing machine provides an integrated unit that may replace standard mechanical water level controls with a microprocessor-based circuit that may provide for more sophisticated water management in a standard washing machine using a non-microprocessor cycle timer.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: David C. Gill, Eric K. Larson, Juan J. Barrena, Mark A. Romo
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Patent number: 7930787Abstract: In a washing machine comprising a tub, an agitator, and a pressure sensor, a size of a fabric load may be determined and/or an operational water level may be set based on an amount of water supplied to reach a first level in the tub and on variation in an output from the pressure sensor during agitation of the water and fabric load with the water at a second level in the tub.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Kathleen M. La Belle, Jenn-Yeu Nieh, Laura C. Oskins, Bennett J. Cook
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Patent number: 7930786Abstract: In a washing machine comprising a tub, an agitator, and a pressure sensor, a size of a fabric load may be determined and/or an operational water level may be set based on a time of supplying water to reach a timing water level in the tub and on variation in an output from the pressure sensor during agitation of the water and fabric load with the water at a agitation water level in the tub.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Kathleen M. La Belle, Jenn-Yeu Nieh, Laura C. Oskins, Bennett J. Cook