With Scrub Surfaces Patents (Class 68/233)
  • Patent number: 11401706
    Abstract: An example sink having a stepped sink basin is provided. The sink includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The sink also includes a stepped sink basin that includes a raised portion and a lower basin portion. The raised portion of the basin provides a front ledge extending from the front wall toward the rear wall, and extending between the first and second side walls below a top plane of the sink. The lower portion of the basin extends from a bottom of the rear wall toward the front wall, the lower basin defining a drain. The sink still further includes a surface connecting the front ledge to the lower basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Chong, Daniel Worst
  • Patent number: 11332876
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior and having a top wall defining an access opening. A cover is provided that is movable relative to the cabinet between an open position and a closed position to selectively close the access opening. A tub is located within the interior and includes and open top aligned with the access opening. A rotatable basket is located within the tub and has a loading opening aligned with the open top and the access opening. A top wall extends between the cabinet and the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Scott E. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 11285505
    Abstract: A waterfall sink has a series of contours as elevationally spaced apart upper steps separated by vertically extending walls extending from an upper surface of to a bottom surface to form a partial sink bowl. The bottom surface directs fluid from the partial sink bowl off a side edge to then downwardly proceed to a drain below the bottom surface. Many embodiments have a channel extending into a side surface along the side which receives the fluid from the partial bowl. Some embodiments have side steps which coordinate with the upper steps to form a continuous partial perimeter. Water from a faucet directed into the partial bowl proceeds above the bottom surface and over the side edge downwardly like a waterfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: MTI Baths, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Adams
  • Patent number: 10851486
    Abstract: A washing machine include a main body in which an inlet is formed in a front portion thereof; a tub provided inside the main body; a washing tub rotatably provided inside the tub; and a sink provided on the main body and having a water tank formed to be recessed to store water, wherein the water tank includes a soaking part in which laundry is soaked and a scrubbing part on which laundry is scrubbed and hand-washed, the function of soaking the laundry in water and the function of hand-washing are provided and the washing effect is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In Cheol Jang, Amitoj Singh, Hyun Sik Lee, Jeoung Kyo Jeoung, Kang Doo Kim, Doo Young Rou, Seung Youp Lee, Ha Yong Jang
  • Patent number: 10774461
    Abstract: Provided is a laundry treatment apparatus which may sequentially perform pre-washing, main washing, drying, and ironing in one place. The laundry treatment apparatus includes: a pre-washer with an accommodation space which accommodates the laundry and has a sink bowl having an open top portion; a main washer which is provided beside the pre-washer; a dryer which is provided beside the main washer; an ironing part which is provided beside the dryer, and has a flat top surface to iron the laundry; a first upper panel which is provided on a top portion of the main washer and the dryer and has a flat top surface; a second upper panel which forms the top surface of the ironing part; and a lid which is provided on a top portion of the pre-washer to open and close the accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyewon Kim, Jeaseok Seong, Junghwan Lee, Kyungah Lee
  • Patent number: 10544538
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior and having a top wall defining an access opening. A cover is provided that is movable relative to the cabinet between an open position and a closed position to selectively close the access opening. A tub is located within the interior and includes and open top aligned with the access opening. A rotatable basket is located within the tub and has a loading opening aligned with the open top and the access opening. A top wall extends between the cabinet and the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Scott E. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 10450687
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine capable of improving the efficiency of washing and product quality by improving a pivoting structure of a door assembly having a door and an auxiliary washing unit forming an auxiliary washing space. Also, the door and the auxiliary washing unit may be coupled by a locking part so that a user can open and close the door assembly conveniently when manual washing is not needed. When manual washing is needed, the user may release a locked state of the locking part to move the door and the auxiliary washing unit separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Hyung Kim, Yong Kwon Won, Jun Ho Kim, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Sung Yong Eun, Goan Su Jung, Young Sun Shin, Mitsuhiro Shigeri, Hyun Mook Kim
  • Patent number: 10287722
    Abstract: Provided is a washing machine including an auxiliary washing unit configured with an auxiliary washing space formed separately from a main washing space formed in a rotating tub, and a discharging assembly by which the auxiliary washing space and the main washing space are selectively in communication with each other. Through such a structure, auxiliary washing may be independently performed, and washing efficiency may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Ho Kim, Chang Yeong Kim, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Goan Su Jung, Min Hyung Kim, Yong Kwon Won
  • Patent number: 10167588
    Abstract: Provided is a washing machine including a main body having an opening and a door assembly disposed at the opening, wherein the door assembly includes a door that opens and closes the opening and an auxiliary washing unit having an auxiliary washing space in which hand-washing can be performed, and provided to pivot about one side of the door in an inside of the door. Through this configuration, separated washing spaces can be provided and separate hand-washing can be performed. Also, pressure of washing water supplied into the washing machine can be regulated so that water supply efficiency can be improved and a flow rate of the washing water can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Hyung Kim, Hyun Mook Kim, Yong Kwon Won, Masato Suzuki, Mitsuhiro Shigeri, Young Sun Shin, Goan Su Jung, Amitoj Singh, Gyu Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9255389
    Abstract: Food preparation sinks are disclosed which have an integral raised work area that is rinsed by an automatic system. Food waste or the like present in that area can be washed into a sump above a drain, and the weight of the waste and water in the sump is enough to automatically drive them through a baffle to a food waste disposer, without requiring the baffle to be manually opened. An automatic controller system coordinates water flow and food waste disposer operation, and the water supply can be linked to the sink below the sink rim to save counter top space. In some forms multiple rinsing nozzles are provided which pulse in altering fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Steven R. Aykens, Shawn J. Booth, Thomas J. Bostedt, Jonathan P. Loeck
  • Patent number: 9010987
    Abstract: A method of mixing together liquids or liquid/solid combinations, and mixing apparatus/universal combine utilizing a vertical spinning container or vessel having a rib, or a cross rib in its bottom wall. The container is spun about a vertical axis with no wobbling component to the motion. Meshed elements are used for high shear mixing. Start/stop routines, and variable acceleration/speed values are used, to facilitate complete mixing. Use of ‘impeller’ blade stirrers is completely eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Yury Sherman, Michael Sherman, Ilya Alexandrov, Ramkumur Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20150027173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drum baffle and a washing machine having the same. The drum baffle includes a sheath and a bottom plate. The sheath and the bottom plate form a cavity having a hollow structure. The drum baffle is made by injection molding using one or more polymer adsorption materials, which may be used as a washing medium. The cavity of the drum baffle is internally filled with solid particles. The drum baffle includes a plurality of holes defined for communicating with the cavity of the drum baffle and an inner space of the inner drum of the washing machine to allow washing water to flow through. The drum baffle assists laundry to be rolled inside the inner drum, where the drum baffle and the solid particles inside adsorb and absorb soil in the laundry so as to achieve better washing results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Fengling Wu, Chunfeng Lao, Zhengbao He, Zhiqiang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140096571
    Abstract: A washing machine including a washing tub to allow enhancement in washing efficiency. A washing tub of the washing machine includes a pattern having a protrusion portion to generate friction force between laundry and the washing tub and to thereby increase washing efficiency. The pattern has a concave-convex structure and performs action similar to a lifter, washing efficiency may be enhanced using tumbling generated by the pattern. A plurality of drain holes are arranged in a certain pattern in the washing tub to prevent a dehydration bottleneck phenomenon in which dehydration is concentrated at a particular drain hole and to increase a dehydration rate. The pattern is provided such that protrusion portions and recessed portions continue on the surface of the washing tub to enhance stiffness of the washing tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Cheol JANG, Ji Sung Kim, Eun Suk Bang, Nam Ki Sul, In Ju Lee, Seong Su Jeong, Bong Wha Kwak, Doo Pil Kim, Ki Sun Park, Jong Sung Park, Ji Hoon Choi
  • Publication number: 20140096570
    Abstract: A washing machine including a drum capable of improving washing efficiency is provided. The washing machine includes a body, a tub provided at an inside the body to store wash water, a drum rotatably provided at an inner side of the tub to accommodate laundry, a driving apparatus to rotate the drum, protrusions that are formed of polygons having polygonal shapes and protruding inward from the drum, and a through-hole provided between adjacent protrusions to drain water. A protrusion having polygons generates frictional force between laundry and the drum, thereby increasing the washing power. The through-holes are uniformly located around the protrusion, thereby preventing a spin dry water bottleneck phenomenon that occurs when water from a spin dry is concentrated on a certain through-hole, and thus enhancing the spin dry efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Cheol JANG, Ji Sung KIM, Eun Suk BANG, Nam Ki Sul, In Ju LEE, Seong Su JEONG, Bong Wha KWAK, Dool Pil KIM, Ki Sun PARK, Jong Sung PARK, Ji Hoon CHOI
  • Publication number: 20130233029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry device including: i) a flexible waterproof housing for housing a textile item, water and cleaning material; ii) an opening in the housing for inserting or removing the textile item; and iii) a seal for sealing the opening; wherein an inner surface of the housing includes a frictional washing surface against which the textile item is rubbed to effect cleaning by gripping or pressing on an outer surface of the housing to press and rub the textile item against the frictional washing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: INNOVIGOR8 PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ashley Martin Newland, Jean-Paul Pearce
  • Patent number: 8281622
    Abstract: A drum washing machine and a washing method of the drum washing machine wash clothes to be dry-cleaned, without water, using microfiber. The drum washing machine includes a tub; a drum rotatably provided in the tub; and a cleaning member contacting laundry in the drum to perform the dry-cleaning of the laundry. The drum washing machine washes clothes to be dry-cleaned, without water, using a cleaning member made of microfiber, thereby minimizing the deformation or shrinkage of the clothes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Yeon Pyo
  • Patent number: 6158257
    Abstract: A horizontal axis clothes washing machine. A rotatable clothes basket has a generally longitudinally extending and generally horizontally oriented axis of rotation and has two longitudinally spaced-apart ends. The clothes basket is rotatably attached to a generally surrounding tub which is suspended from a generally surrounding cabinet. Each of a pair of balance rings has a circumferential interior cavity, is attached to the clothes basket near a corresponding one of the ends, and has a generally longitudinally extending axis generally coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation. Tubes connect the cavity of one of the balance rings with the cavity of the other of the balance rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kiernan Francis Ryan, Rok Sribar
  • Patent number: 6151930
    Abstract: A controllable medium device for resisting movement (rotary, linear, or sliding) between two relatively moveable members includes a first member and a second member coupled for relative movement having a working space between them, and a controllable medium retaining structure, for example, an absorbent matrix, to hold a controllable medium only in the working space. A field generating coil is mounted to one of the first and second members to generate a field acting on the first and second members and the controllable medium in the working space. The rheology change in the medium produced by the field results in resistance to relative movement of the first and second members. A device according to the invention may be used in apparatus, such as washing machines, exercise equipment, air supported tables, and a range of other apparatuses that would benefit from controlled damping or braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: J. David Carlson
  • Patent number: 6122942
    Abstract: A washing machine having a dual damping structure can effectively prevent undesirable vibration of an outer tub by lowering the center of gravity of outer tub depending on a quantity of washing objects to stabilize the outer tub. A first damping part having a cap and a first spring is installed on the other end of a supporting rod, and dampens longitudinal vibration of the supporting rod. A second damping part having a slider and a second spring is integrally formed on a lower periphery of the outer tub. Also, there is provided a connecting means connecting the first damping part with the second damping part so as to transmit the vibration of the second damping part into the first damping part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Jun Jung
  • Patent number: 6122843
    Abstract: Drum washer-drier includes a drum rotating about a horizontal rotary axis, a water tank including drum, and outer tank resiliently supporting water tank. A plurality of suspending rods are suspended from an upper inner surface of outer tank, and water tank is resiliently supported by providing compression springs between spring receiving portions at lower ends of suspending rods and support receiving portions of water tank. Further, a damper generating a sliding resistance as the spring is expanded/compressed is provided at the lower end portion of suspending rod. At the time of dehydration, drum is rotated for a prescribed time period at a rotation speed higher than critical rotation speed of a fluid balancer but lower than a resonance rotation speed caused by resilient support, and thereafter high speed rotation starts. A structure for protecting the fluid balancer formed of synthetic resin during drying is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeo Noguchi, Masaru Ando
  • Patent number: 6029480
    Abstract: A washing machine in which the washing assembly (3) is anchored to the stationary structure (1) by means of anchoring devices (2), each one of which includes at least two elastic elements (10, 20) arranged in series and enclosed in a rigid housing (50). Firmly secured to first end portions (11, 21) of the elastic elements (10, 20) there are rigid elements (14, 24) that extend inside the respective elastic elements (10, 20) and have their free end portions in the shape of hooks (15, 25) defining the anchoring points of the device (2). The free end portions (15, 25) protrude from apertures (33, 43) provided in mutually opposed bottom portions (32, 42) of the housing (50) against which are capable of abutting the second end portions (12, 22) of the same elastic elements (10, 20). As a result, the latter are subject to a variable extent of compression during the washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Electrolux Zanussi S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Colombera
  • Patent number: 6018967
    Abstract: A noise reducing clip device includes a clip body and a fulcrum-defining element. The clip body receives a washing machine wash tub wall and a fastener to secure the tub wall to the clip body and attach the clip body and tub wall therewith to a support leg disposed adjacent to the tub wall. The fulcrum-defining element is formed on and protrudes outwardly from the clip body for spacing the clip body from the support leg and providing only contact of the support leg with the fulcrum-defining element about which contact the support leg may undergo twisting and rocking motion induced by operation of a washing machine motor without imparting such motion to the tub wall via the clip body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Arvin Hedeen, Ziqiang Hu, Walter John Smith
  • Patent number: 6009730
    Abstract: A damper assembly for a washing machine includes a snubber bar, a damper cap, a snubber base, and a snubber base spring. The snubber bar has an upper portion supported at a corner of a washing machine body. The damper cap supports a lower portion of the snubber bar. The snubber base is held at a lower end of the snubber bar and is elastically inserted inside the damper cap by a damping spring. The snubber base spring is inserted in an inside circumference of the snubber base to expand the snubber base such that an outside circumference of the snubber base makes close contact with the inside circumference of the damper cap. Furthermore, at least a cut-away portion is formed in a circumferential surface of the snubber base for uniform distribution of an elastic force of the snubber base spring, thus improving contact between the snubber base and the inside circumference of the damper cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: L G Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jae-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 6006553
    Abstract: A clothes washing machine has a motor which includes a stator, and a rotor disposed around the stator. The rotor includes a disk-shaped plate having radial blades disposed on an upper surface thereof. The blades are situated beneath the stator and generate a flow of turbulent cooling air along the stator in response to rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Soo Lee, Hwan-Young Choi
  • Patent number: 5974610
    Abstract: A counterbalance weight is provided for a laundry washing machine tub. The weight includes a weighted body securable to the tub with a foam impact-absorbing member mounted on the body in a position below the tub so as to absorb impact forces on the tub. The body of the counterbalance weight includes a pair of open slots adapted to receive bolts extending from the tub so as to slidably mount the counterbalance weight onto the tub. In an alternative embodiment, impact-absorbing members are provided on the bottom of a hung strut tub to absorb impact to the tub and to maintain the vibration-absorbing function of the strut springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Troy A. Johnson, Greg K. Harmelink, Stephen D. Ostdiek
  • Patent number: 5953939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothes wash system by means of the method of recirculating pumping of water, which is adapted to a squeeze dry system, that consists in eliminating by the centrifugation method, the excess of water impregnated in the just washed laundry making the drum that contains said laundry, to rotate freely over a virtual axis that passes by the mass center of the assembly, to avoid vibrations and allowing a higher rotation velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventors: Gilberto Manuel Guerrero-Parra, Salvador Virgilio Guerrero-Parra
  • Patent number: 5946947
    Abstract: A clothes washing machine has an external casing, a tub suspended in the external casing, and a spin basket rotatably installed in the tub and accommodating laundry. A damper includes a first member installed at the lower end of the tub which can wobble together with the tub, and a second member for attenuating vibration transferred to the tub by a mutual action with respect to the first member. Nonlinear and irregular vibration transferred to the tub during a rotational movement of the spin basket can be effectively attenuated, to reduce noise of the washing machine and perform a more stable washing cycle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon Yeop Lee, Sung Jae Shin, Jae Cheon Lee, Yong Byeong Jeon
  • Patent number: 5937676
    Abstract: A suspension system of a washing member is comprised of two rods each connected with an upper main suspensor and a lower main suspensor and a secondary suspensor disposed at adjacent ends between the individual rods. The secondary suspensor is comprised of a creased hollow cylindrical rubber casing and a sponge encompassing the rubber member. The suspension system reduces vibration of a water basket to a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Un-Su Jeon
  • Patent number: 5934107
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a water tub, a spin basket mounted inside the water tub, a pulsator mounted in the spin basket, a reversible motor mounted under the water tub for driving the pulsator and spin basket, and a damping device for damping external impacts applied to the motor. The damping device is mounted to an underside of the motor and is received in a recess formed in an upper end of a cushioning member disposed beneath the machine during shipment to stabilize the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Soo Lee, Hwan-Young Choi
  • Patent number: 5893281
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel E. Teich
  • Patent number: 5887455
    Abstract: A washing machine includes an external cabinet, an outer tub installed inside the external cabinet, a spin basket rotatably installed inside the outer tub and a plurality of suspension units for suspending the outer tub with respect to the external cabinet. Each of the suspension units comprises: a suspension bar for connecting the outer tub to the external cabinet; a main damper combined with one end of the suspension bar; and an auxiliary damper combined with the one end of the suspension bar, adjacent to said main damper. Accordingly, vibrations and noises of the outer tub can be reduced effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do Weon Kim, Jong Moon Park, Sung Jae Shin
  • Patent number: 5884891
    Abstract: An easy to assemble upper ball joint assembly for a wash tub suspension system is described. In accordance with one embodiment, the upper ball joint assembly includes a socket configured to be located within a keyed opening in the suspension system upper frame, and a ball joint configured to be secured to a suspension rod extending from the suspension system lower frame through the opening in the upper frame. The socket includes a seating surface which, in one embodiment, is substantially spherical shaped and concave. A slot extends from the socket opening to a periphery of the socket. The slot is configured so that the suspension rod can be moved through the slot and located within the socket opening. By orienting the socket so that the slot extends radially outward from a center axis of the wash tub, the suspension rod is allowed more movement relative to the socket since the rod can also move within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry Lee Hawkins, Stephen Bernard Froelicher
  • Patent number: 5850748
    Abstract: A front loading clothes washing machine includes a spin basket rotatably driven about a horizontal axis. Axially spaced front and rear sides of the spin basket are formed by panels. Disposed on each of the front and rear panels is a dynamic balancing mechanism comprised of an annular chamber arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation. The chamber contains a liquid and a plurality of balls freely movable within the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cin Yong Kim, Do Weon Kim, Jin Soo Kim, Sam Yong Jang, Geum Chan Lee
  • Patent number: 5784904
    Abstract: A washing machine with a compound pulsator has a bottom sub-pulsator mounted on the bottom of the washing tub which is revolvable on the revolving shaft, a top sub-pulsator mounted on an upper part of the revolving shaft which is revolvable on the revolving shaft, an intermediate sub-pulsator mounted coaxially with the revolving shaft between the bottom sub-pulsator and the top sub-pulsator which is revolvable on the revolving shaft. The compound pulsator has a revolution controlling part in which the bottom sub-pulsator and the top sub-pulsator are revolved by a predetermined degree simultaneously with revolution of the revolving shaft, and then the intermediate sub-pulsator is engaged with the bottom sub-pulsator and the top sub-pulsator to be revolved therewith. Thereby, the sub-pulsators are alternately revolved in same direction and different directions, so that laundry articles can be prevented from tangling and thus efficiency of washing is largely improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kab Jin Youn
  • Patent number: 5782110
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Do Weon Kim
  • Patent number: 5713221
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a splash tub located within the cabinet, and a support system resiliently supporting the splash tub relative to the cabinet. A spin tub is located within the splash tub and a drive system spins the spin tub about an axis of rotation during a spin cycle. A sensor detects an out-of-balance condition during the spin cycle characterized by oscillations of the splash tub. The sensor includes a target attached to the cabinet having a reflecting surface, a light source attached to the splash tub and positioned to direct infra red light toward the reflecting surface, and a light receiver attached to the splash tub and positioned to receive infra red light reflected from the reflecting surface. The reflecting surface has a pattern of varying reflectivity so that the light receiver receives a different quantity of infra red light when the splash tub moves relative to the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean F. Myers, William Hughett
  • Patent number: 5685038
    Abstract: An acceleration sensitive switch for use in detecting an out-of-balance condition on a residential washing machine, or the like, uses a pendulum activated switch wherein the pendulum is biased against an energy absorbing stop by a predetermined threshold force corresponding to the desired switching acceleration. The geometry of the spring and pendulum are such that the restoring force decreases as the pendulum moves to activate the switch providing positive switching action and permitting simple calibration of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Smith, Kenyon A. Hapke, Spencer C. Schantz
  • Patent number: 5657649
    Abstract: A full-automatic washing machine which can effectively prevent an undesirable vibration is disclosed. The washing machine has a vibration damping assembly having a base plate formed integrally with a outer tub, a bended plate extended transversely above an end of the base plate, a bucket disposed below the base plate and formed integrally with the body of the washing machine, a first spring disposed between the end of the base plate and the bended plate, and a second spring elastically support the base plate. The washing machine disperses the vibration to the lower portion of the body of the washing machine so that the washing machine can stably carry out the washing and dehydration operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee Tae Lim
  • Patent number: 5651277
    Abstract: An automatic washer includes an elongated shaft mounted to a motor for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A fabric basket is rotatably mounted to the shaft and an agitator is attached to the shaft above the fabric basket. A clutch is positioned between the agitator and the fabric basket and is movable from a disengaged position wherein the agitator rotates independently of the basket to an engaged position wherein the agitator rotates in unison with the basket. The clutch is movable from its engaged position to its disengaged position in response to the rise of washing fluid within the washing basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Curtis G. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5613380
    Abstract: A suspension mounts a tub to a housing in a clothes washer. The suspension includes a coil spring having first and second loops at opposite ends thereof, and an integral rod joined thereto. A one-piece snubber has a resilient middle portion and opposite first and second lugs disposed inside the coil spring, with the first lug being aligned with the first loop, and the second lug being aligned with the second loop. The snubber middle portion includes a sidewall defining a cavity which changes in volume in response to excursions between the first and second lugs. The rod has a proximal end for joining one end of the spring to the washer housing, with the other end of the spring being joinable to the tub so that the snubber and spring cooperate together to provide a variable spring and damper suspension supporting the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sudhir D. Savkar
  • Patent number: 5606879
    Abstract: An automatic washing machine suspension system includes a plurality of suspension units. Each unit includes a rod suspended from a stationary support ring. A hollow cylinder, with a cylindrical side wall and a transverse base, is connected to the moving system and is mounted around the distal end of the rod. A piston mounted on the rod within the cylinder side wall includes a circumferentially continuous skirt extending axially of the side wall. A retainer spring mounted on the rod within the skirt includes a series cantilever beam fingers biasing the piston skirt into engagement with the cylinder side wall. A washer is mounted on the rod within the fingers. A coil spring is mounted around the rod and extends between the base of the cylinder and the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen B. Froelicher, Frank H. Richterkessing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5582040
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Aman U. Khan
  • Patent number: 5570598
    Abstract: A portable washing machine designed to fit onto conventional sized pots that can be found in any kitchen. The portable washing machine has a motor attached to an agitator which can be detachable from the motor and hand operated rollers for removing excess water from clothes and a smooth, uneven surface for scrubbing clothes at the bottom of which is a drain hole which allows excess water to return to the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Lonnie M. Haven
  • Patent number: 5561990
    Abstract: A system for sensing spin speed and an out-of-balance condition in a washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a washer basket and an agitator that spin about a predetermined spin axis during a spin cycle. The OOB condition can be characterized by excursions, during the spin cycle, of a tub which encloses the washer basket. The tub excursions can be in a direction generally perpendicular to the spin axis of the washer basket, for example. The system includes a magnetic source, such as a permanent magnet, positioned in the agitator for producing a predetermined magnetic field. A magnetic sensor is positioned to be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic source for supplying an output signal that varies as the agitator rotates relative to the magnetic sensor. A signal processor is coupled to the magnetic sensor for receiving the output signal supplied by the magnetic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Kenneth B. Welles, II
  • Patent number: 5528913
    Abstract: A plurality of snubbers for a washing machine dampens and isolates unbalanced load excursions by using the positive displacement pumping action of air being forced through an orifice in each snubber. One end of each snubber is attached to the washing machine housing and the other end attached to the tub or mounting platform and has a resilient middle portion sidewall defining a cavity that changes in volume to minimize the effects basket excursions caused by unbalanced loads. The snubber sidewall defines an orifice providing a passageway for egress and ingress of air during the change in volume. The orifice meters air so that the resiliency of the snubber is greater for low frequency excursions than for high frequency excursions to thereby function as a damper for low frequency excursions and as a gas spring for high frequency excursions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sudhir D. Savkar
  • Patent number: 5520029
    Abstract: A suspension spring assembly for a washing machine employs a coil spring in compression. The suspension spring system uses a snubber mounted inside the coil spring to help dampen and isolate unbalanced load excursions by using the positive displacement pumping action of air being forced through an orifice in the snubber. A second snubber may be employed with the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sudhir D. Savkar
  • Patent number: 5513504
    Abstract: A rotatable subassembly for a horizontal axis clothes washing machine, such subassembly having a rotatable clothes basket and a pair of balance rings. The clothes basket has a generally longitudinally extending and generally horizontally oriented axis of rotation and has two longitudinally spaced-apart ends. Each balance ring has a circumferential interior cavity, is attached to the clothes basket near a corresponding one of the ends of the clothes basket, and has a generally longitudinally extending axis generally coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation. The cavities of the balance rings are in fluid communication with the clothes basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rok Sribar, Kiernan F. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5491859
    Abstract: A drive system for producing agitation and spin in an automatic washing machine incorporates a transmission assembly including a plurality of interengaged transmission elements located within a transmission housing. During agitation, the transmission housing is braked and the transmission elements convert input rotary drive from a motor to oscillator drive of an output shaft. During spin, a cam member carried by one of the transmission elements automatically shifts a stop element into engagement with the transmission housing. This maintains the transmission elements in a predetermined orientation, prevents relative rotation between each of the transmission elements and the transmission housing and causes the entire transmission assembly to rotate in unison which results in rotation of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Curtis G. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5490400
    Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes an outer tank, a plurality of vertical suspenders hung by their upper ends adjacent respective corners of the tank, and a water container disposed within the tank and supported at lower ends of the suspenders. The upper ends of the suspenders are secured to a cover member which is attached to an upper end of the tank. The upper end of each suspender projects through a rib-reinforced hole formed in the cover and is secured to the cover by a cap-pin fastener device. A unit constituted by the cover, suspenders, and water container can be tested prior to being installed in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young G. Kim, Woon G. Hur, Byeong S. Ye
  • Patent number: 5375437
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Dausch, Walter Whipple, III, Vivek V. Badami, Dwight W. Jacobus, Thomas R. Payne