Level Or Temperature Responsive Patents (Class 68/12.21)
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Patent number: 11248326Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a sump for collecting wash fluid and a water supply valve for supplying the wash fluid during a fill cycle. A controller is configured for detecting when a pressure sensor of a water level detection system is partially blocked and implementing an incremental fill process. Specifically, the controller is configured for determining a remaining fill volume for the wash fluid to reach the target fill volume, opening the supply valve to provide a fraction of the remaining fill volume into the sump and then closing the supply valve, determining that a sump pressure measured by the water level detection system has stabilized, and repeating these steps until a stopping criterion occurs, such as when a fill cycle limit or a target volume is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Ryan James Scheckelhoff, Ryan Ellis Leonard
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Patent number: 11155954Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a sump for collecting wash fluid, a water supply valve for supplying wash fluid during a fill cycle, and a drain pump assembly for draining that wash fluid during a drain cycle. A controller is configured for monitoring the sump pressure using a water level detection system, detecting a fill sensing failure such as a slow pressure rise after the fill cycle, detecting a drain sensing failure such as a slow pressure drop during the drain cycle, and determining that the water level detection system is malfunctioning if the fill sensing failure and the drain sensing failure are detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Ryan James Scheckelhoff, Ryan Ellis Leonard
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Patent number: 10962663Abstract: A foreign object detecting system includes an apparatus of detecting foreign objects in a laundry machine and a server. The server includes an artificial intelligence model learner configured to generate a foreign object classifying engine trained with the collected noise data through an artificial neural network. the server transmits the trained foreign object classifying engine trained through the artificial intelligence model learner to the foreign object classifying apparatus, the foreign object type classifier classifies the type of foreign objects through the trained foreign object classifying engine transmitted from the server, and the communicator of the apparatus of detecting foreign objects in a laundry machine transmits information about the type of foreign objects to a foreign object appliance.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Jeong Yo Ha
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Patent number: 10570544Abstract: A washing machine appliance for performing timed wash cycles is provided. The washing machine appliance receives a total cycle time for a timed wash cycle. A fill time of a fill cycle portion of the timed wash cycle is determined. Then, one or more cycle times of the remaining one or more cycle portions of the timed wash cycle are adjusted based at least in part on the total cycle time and the fill time such that the timed wash cycle is completed by the total cycle time.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventor: James Quentin Pollett
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Patent number: 9192281Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing tub (2) wherein the items to be washed are placed, a receptacle (3)disposed at the lower portion of the washing tub (2), wherein the water in the washing tub (2) is collected during the washing process, a pump (4) which returns the water accumulated in the receptacle (3)to the washing tub (2), a storage tank (5) wherein the water used in any one washing step of the washing cycle is stored for using in the next washing step or in the next washing cycle, an additional pump (6) providing the water collected in the receptacle (3)to be pumped into the storage tank (5), an additional conduit (7), one end connected to the receptacle (3), the other end to the additional pump (6), at least one inlet port (8) disposed on the receptacle (3), whereto the additional conduit (7) opens and a microfilter (9); disposed at the center of the receptacle (3), that holds the dirt carried with the water passing from the receptacle (3)to the water circulation conType: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Arcelik Anonim SirketiInventors: Nasir Efe Aras, Orhan Atabey
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Patent number: 9109318Abstract: A blower is provided having a fan element that is directly connected to a drive shaft. The drive shaft is attached to a wash drum and is rotated by a washer motor. When the washer motor rotates the drive shaft, the fan element also rotates and can move air through the washing machine appliance without the use of an additional blower motor. Alternatively, the fan element of the blower is directly connected to a motor shaft extending from the motor, such that when the motor shaft is rotated, the blower can move air through the washing machine appliance without the use of an additional blower motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ashutosh Kulkarni, Gautam Subbarao, Chang Hyun Lee
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Patent number: 8943857Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by changing the duty cycling profile of the heater and/or mechanical action of the basket in the energy savings mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Michael F. Finch, Steven Keith Root, Daniel S. Frazer, Chad Michael Helms
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Patent number: 8863559Abstract: A method for washing laundry in a program-controlled domestic laundry-care appliance including the steps of heating washing liquid present in the tub and heating the washing liquid to a specific washing temperature set as a function of determined parameter values that are specific to the laundry being washed and/or the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbHInventors: Gundula Czyzewski, Ingo Schulze, Stephan Sommer, Cornelia Witt
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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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Patent number: 8778089Abstract: In the dishwasher and the control method therefor of the present invention, the turbidity of washing water is measured and, if it is decided that the level of dirtiness of the tableware is low, then the time over which a heater operates during the washing routine is reduced and, instead, the time over which the heater operates during the rinsing routine is increased. This is advantageous in that it can improve the performance of the drying which is carried out after the rinsing routine. Further, if it is decided that the level of dirtiness of the tableware is high, then the time over which the heater operates during the washing routine is increased and the time over which the heater operates during the rinsing routine is reduced. This is advantageous in that the washing performance can be improved while the overall heater operating time can be maintained.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Nung Seo Park, Gyeong Ho Moon
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Publication number: 20140053344Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles provides a washer extractor having a reservoir for holding fabric articles and a washing liquid. A washing liquid is pumped from the reservoir to the washer extractor interior. The ratio of pounds (or kilograms) of washing liquid to pounds (or kilograms) of fabric articles is about 4 to 1, plus absorbed water. Fluid is pulse flowed to the textile articles at a volume of between about 0.5 to 2 gallons (2 to 8 liters) per pound (kg) of fabric articles for a selected time interval. Washing chemicals are added to the washer extractor. Water is transmitted to the washer extractor at the rate of 0.35 to 0.6 gallons (1.33 to 2.3 liters) of water per pound (kg) of fabric articles within a selected time interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATIONInventor: Russell H. POY
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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: 8615833Abstract: A washing machine provided with recirculation with controlled flow. It further presents a method to control the level of the washing liquid, associated to the said machine, providing economy of resources such as water and cleaning products, guaranteeing an effective washing of clothes and similar articles, still associated with a decreases foam formation and lower nose emissions during the process, thus improving the operation of the equipment. The washing machine is provided with a washing tub (2), a basket (3), a two-way pump (7), level sensor (5), pool (6), recirculation hose (9), drainage hose (8) and control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Do Brazil S.A.Inventors: Cirilo Alex Cavalli, Johninson Imhoff, Marcelo Piekarski
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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: 8567351Abstract: A steam generator and a laundry machine equipped with the same are disclosed, the steam generator according to the present invention includes a case (100) for storing water for generating steam therein; an inlet (111) provided within the case (100) for drawing water there trough; an outlet (112) provided within the case (100) for discharging steam there trough; and a water-inlet-proof-partition-wall (800) for preventing the water drawn through the inlet (111) from being discharged through the outlet (112). An object of the present invention devised to solve the problem is to provide a steam generator which can prevent water from being discharged through an outlet (112) and supplied into a drum.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Hung Myong Cho
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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: 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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Patent number: 8366012Abstract: An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Eric K. Larson, David C. Gill, Juan J. Barrena, Mark A. Romo
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Patent number: 8321982Abstract: A method of operating a washing machine, by which a steam generator is disclosed, laundry and the washing machine itself can be safely protected in a manner that an error occurrence of the washing machine is accurately detected and by which a following cycle such as a washing cycle, a drying cycle and the like can be effectively performed despite the failure of the washing machine. The present invention includes a step (a) of supplying water to a steam generator, a step (b) of supplying steam into a drum by generating heat from a heater of the steam generator, and a step (c) of detecting abnormality of the washing machine while the step (a) or (b) is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Youn Dong Lee
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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: 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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Publication number: 20110185511Abstract: A washing-drying system and a water supply controlling method, the system comprising: a first main body configured to perform washing; a second main body installed at one side of the fist main body and configured to perform drying; water supply lines formed both in the first and second main bodies; and a water supply controlling unit configured to control an open or closed state or a connected or disconnected state of the water supply lines, wherein warm water and cold water respectively supplied from warm water source and cold water source both existing outside the system flow through the second main body to thusly be supplied into the first main body, whereby wastewater having high temperature generated after drying or dehumidifying laundry can be used for warm water washing, so as to save water required for the warm washing, and also to reduce energy consumed to generate warm water.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2008Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Byeong-Jo Ryoo, Seung-Phyo Ahn, Sung-Ho Song, Yang-Hwan Kim, Dong-Hyun Kim, Yang-Ho Kim, Yoon-Seob Eom, Jae-Hyuk Wee, Jeong-Yun Kim, Sang-Ik Lee
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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
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Patent number: 7904982Abstract: A washing machine having a steam generator, which prevents the accumulation of scale in the steam generator due to the long-term use thereof, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a water supply valve for supplying water to the inside of the steam generator therethrough so as to cool the steam generator when the operating time of the steam generator exceeds a predetermined time, and a controller for controlling the operation of a heater for heating the water supplied through the water supply valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jee Hun Park, Hyung Gyoon Kim, Sang Yeon Pyo, Jae Ryong Park, Sung Hoon Kim, Eun Suk Bang
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Patent number: 7886982Abstract: An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Illimois Tool Works, Inc.Inventors: Eric K. Larson, David C. Gill, Juan J. Barrena, Mark A. Romo
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Patent number: 7861344Abstract: A washing machine which prevents wrinkling of laundry in washing, rinsing, and dehydrating operations, and a method for controlling the same. The method includes determining whether a wrinkle preventing course is selected, performing a washing operation by supplying washing water to a water level designated according to an amount of the laundry disposed in the washing machine, when it is determined that the wrinkle preventing course is selected, and measuring a time of the washing operation, and additionally supplying the washing water at a designated time before the washing of the laundry is completed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung Ran Jung, Kyung Chan Woo
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Patent number: 7841217Abstract: A washing machine wherein a cold water valve is opened during a hot fill operation is described. In one embodiment, the washing machine comprises a cabinet, a tub and basket mounted within the cabinet, and an agitation element mounted within the basket. The machine also includes a cold water valve for controlling flow of cold water to the tub, and a hot water valve for controlling flow of hot water to the tub. A control coupled to the cold water valve controls opening and closing of the cold water valve during the hot fill operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William H. Lueckenbach, Fred Dennis Kedjierski, Ronald Miles Johnson, Erick Paul Graven
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Patent number: 7832236Abstract: A foam sensor of a drum washing machine is constructed such that a pair of temperature electrode terminals and a foam electrode terminal are supplied with electricity by a single connector, and thus is able to sense an electrical connection by a signal change of the temperature electrode terminals, in a case where electrical connection of the foam electrode terminal is cut off, thereby preventing a false sensing of foam generation caused by electrical short-circuiting of the foam electrode terminal. Furthermore, the foam electrode terminal is provided integral with the connector, and the temperature sensor portion has a thermistor for sensing a temperature of washing water and temperature electrode terminals inserted into the connector, the thermistor and the temperature electrode terminals being connected by a cord, which makes installation easier.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sog Kie Hong, Soo Young Oh, Kyung Seop Hong
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Patent number: 7823421Abstract: The washing apparatus has a frame body 18 to be filled with a cleaning liquid. The frame body 18 is rotated within a casing by a drive motor 23. The frame body 18 has an inner periphery having a wavy patterned surface. An inner diameter D of the frame body 18 is set to more than or equal to 600 mm and less than or equal to 850 mm. The frame body 18 is rotated so that a peripheral speed of the inner periphery 39 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: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Happy Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Hashimoto
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Publication number: 20100263410Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine that performs washing using bubbles. The washing machine may include an air bubble unit to generate air bubbles in detergent water using external air naturally introduced thereinto by pressure difference caused when the detergent water passes therethrough, a water tub having an introduction port to allow the detergent water containing the air bubbles to be introduced thereinto, and a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, the washing tub having a plurality of through-holes having a size less than the introduction port such that the air bubbles rise to a surface of the detergent water contained in the water tub.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seong Min Oak, Tae Jin Park, Hyun Sook Kim
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Patent number: 7810361Abstract: A washing apparatus includes an outer casing being disposed to contain liquid for washing, a cylindrical basket-like washing tub, a rotating mechanism, a sensor, a controller, and a plurality of slits. The cylindrical basket-like washing tub is disposed in the outer casing and disposed to contain clothing. The plurality of protruding portions are disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical basket-like washing tub. The plurality of protruding portions protrude in a radial direction and extend along an axial direction. The rotating mechanism is disposed to rotate the cylindrical basket-like washing tub. The sensor is disposed to detect the level of the liquid in the outer casing. The controller is disposed to start rotating the cylindrical basket-like washing tub when the cylindrical basket-like washing tub is confirmed to be full of the liquid. The plurality of slits penetrate through the cylindrical basket-like washing tub.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Happy Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7631522Abstract: The washing machine comprises a support structure in which is suspended a washing chamber in which a laundry drum is mounted to be rotatable, and in which a detector is provided, capable of providing electrical signals indicating the level of the washing liquid in the chamber. The detector comprises an inductive transducer including a coil and an associated core, the relative position of which is variable according to the level of the washing liquid such that the inductance of the coil varies accordingly. The inductive transducer is coupled to the laundry drum in such a way that the inductance of the coil is variable also according to the weight of the load contained in the drum.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Elbi International S.p.A.Inventors: Sabrina Bindocci, Angelo Muneretto, Giorgio Carrer, Paolo Senor, Marco Bogetto, Paolo Da Pont, Giosué Capizzi
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Patent number: 7614106Abstract: A washing machine and control method thereof are disclosed, by which water waste is reduced and by which an error or malfunction of the washing machine is detected and by which the detected error or malfunction of the washing machine is notified to a user. The present invention includes the steps of measuring an initial temperature of water supplied within a steam generator for providing steam to a drum, heating the water within the steam generator for a set time, measuring a temperature of the heated water within the steam generator, calculating a difference between the heated water temperature and the initial water temperature, and deciding a presence or non-presence of abnormality of the steam generator based on the calculated temperature difference.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Soo Young Oh, Si Moon Jeon, Kyung Chul Woo
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Patent number: 7610778Abstract: A washing machine includes a tub disposed inside a cabinet, for storing water; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, for washing laundry; and a steam generating apparatus disposed at the cabinet, for generating steam supplied to the inside of the drum, by using high-frequency induction heating. Accordingly, by generating steam using high-frequency induction heating, a structure of the steam generating apparatus can be simplified, and performance of generating steam can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Soo Young Oh, Kyung Chul Woo, Jin Woong Kim, Si Moon Jeon
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Patent number: 7520145Abstract: A washing machine combined with a dryer is provided. In the washing machine combined with a dryer, a tub is provided, a dryer duct is installed outside of the tub to introduce a surrounding air into the tub, a heater is installed in the dryer duct to apply heat to the surrounding air, a temperature sensor is installed in the dryer duct to measure temperature inside the tub or temperature inside the dryer duct, and a dryer fan is installed in the dryer duct to draw in the surrounding air.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Sog Kie Hong, Young Hwan Park
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Patent number: 7475574Abstract: A washing machine comprises a tank for loading washing fluid and items to be washed and a control adapted to carry out a predetermined washing program. The washing machine comprises a first electrode electrically insulated from the washing fluid and a sensor connected to the first electrode for detecting a value of a sensor formed by the first electrode and by the washing fluid acting as a second electrode, the value being fed to the control in order to control and/or adjust the washing program.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Dieter Grimm, Robert Huettner
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Publication number: 20090007603Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, such as washing machines or dryers, for washing or drying laundry. The steam generator (50) for a laundry machine includes a housing (80) formed to provide a space for holding water, a heater (55) for heating the water to generate steam, a water level sensor (60) for sensing a water level of the water held in the housing, and a stability maintaining member (70) for maintaining a stable state of the water at a portion to be sensed by the water level sensor (60).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2006Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Cho Ki Chul
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Patent number: 7428829Abstract: A circuit is provided. The circuit includes a processor programmed to prevent overfilling of a cabinet with a fluid and a backup circuit having fixed logic. The backup circuit is electrically coupled to the processor to redundantly prevent overfilling the cabinet with the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: William Henry Lueckenbach
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Patent number: 7418754Abstract: A system for controlling a door of a drum type washing machine is provided. This system allows the door to be opened only if there is no water in the washing tub, or if the water level in the tub is very low, so as to prevent water in the tub from cascading out of the washing machine when the door is opened. A water level in the washing tub is sensed, and the sensed water level is compared to a reference water level. The door is locked or unlocked based on the comparison of the sensed water level and the reference water level.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Gon Kim, Yu Beom Kang, Sang Man Je
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Publication number: 20080190149Abstract: A steam generator of a drum washing machine is disclosed which includes a pressure sensor for controlling an internal pressure of the steam generator, so as to prevent an excessive steam-pressure or water-pressure inside the steam generator, the steam generator comprising a housing which holds water therein; a heater than generates steam by heating the water held in the housing; and a pressure sensor that sense an internal pressure of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Ki Chul Cho
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Publication number: 20080172804Abstract: 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. During the fill period, water is initially sprayed over the load to evenly wet the clothes. As the clothes become saturated, excess free water collects at the bottom and begins to fill the 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: 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: 7380303Abstract: A method for controlling the program of a washing machine comprises the recording of the amount of water supplied to the tub of the washing machine, the assessment of the amount of free water present in the tub (T), the evaluation of the amount of water absorbed by the load by subtracting the amount of free water from the amount of water supplied to the tub (T), the estimate of the specific absorption of the load based on the water absorbed and on free water, and the calculation of a load equivalent based on the specific absorption and on the amount of water absorbed by the load, such load equivalent being related to the load in the machine and being used for controlling the program thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Enrico Bellinetto, Raffaele Paganini, Rocco Petrigliano
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Patent number: 7363780Abstract: Washing machine having means for detecting floating laundry, such as a pillow, over a preset height, and method for controlling the same, which enables performance of washing without spray of water or causing damage to the laundry even if the laundry floats, the washing machine including an outer case, a water storage tub inside of the outer case, a washing tub rotatably mounted inside of the water storage tub, a driving motor for rotating the washing tub, and floating laundry detecting means for detecting a case when a height of laundry held in the washing tub is higher than a preset position.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Deug Hee Lee, Seung Bong Choi
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Patent number: 7350380Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine enabling to prevent foam from leaking. The present invention includes a housing, a tub installed in the housing to store water, the tub having at least one opening and at least one pipe connected to the at least one opening, a drum rotatably installed in the tub to hold a laundry therein for washing, and a valve assembly installed at the opening to selectively cut off the at least one pipe to prevent foam produced in the drum and the tub from leaking outside via the opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jong Seok Kim, Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Yeon Su Jung, Jung Hoon Kang, Myung Sik Park, Young Hoon Ha
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Patent number: 7340792Abstract: A sensor for determining the level of the liquid in the lye container for removing foam in the lye container of a drum washing machine with a lye discharge system arranged on the floor of the lye container with a lye pump during a program step, which is provided for dehydrating the lye container. Its sensor signal P is recorded during operation of the lye pump. According to the present invention the sequence p/t of the sensor signal contains a component ?p/?t, whereof the presence indicates the presence of foam in the measuring region. Further, in the presence of the component a foam treatment measure suiting the type of component is introduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Haugeraete GmbHInventors: Gundula Czyzewski, Ingo Schulze
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Publication number: 20080034809Abstract: A washing machine and a water level control method thereof that can supply an appropriate amount of water based on the amount of laundry using a conventional water level sensor even when the washing machine has a holeless rotary drum. The water level control method includes supplying water between the water tub and the rotary drum, introducing the supplied water into the rotary drum, discharging the introduced water out of the rotary drum, and detecting the water level of the water remaining in the water tub, and comparing the detected water level with a predetermined water level and, when the detected water level is below the predetermined water level, resupplying water between the water tub and the rotary drum until the detected water level reaches the predetermined water level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eun Suk Bang, Sang Yeon Pyo, Jae Ryong Park, Sung Hoon Kim, Jee Hun Park