Convertible Patents (Class 68/4)
  • Patent number: 11739468
    Abstract: A drawer of a clothes treating machine includes a drawer frame that extends in a lengthwise direction and is configured to be inserted into and drawn out form a housing of the clothes treating machine, and a storage container that is configured to be inserted into the drawer frame and to accommodate a clothes treatment agent therein. The storage container includes a check valve that protrudes from a first side of the storage container and is configured to selectively allow the clothes treatment agent to be discharged from the storage container. The drawer frame includes a rear end portion configured to accommodate at least a portion of the check valve therein, and a partition member disposed at the rear end portion and configured to restrict movement of the check valve in an up and down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sungwoon Jung, Hunjun Jang
  • Patent number: 11603619
    Abstract: A detachable or removable wash basket having a wash compartment for the receipt of articles for washing separately from a larger wash drum of the appliance. The wash basket is received upon an agitator of the washing appliance and includes a valve for draining wash fluid from the wash compartment. A lid can provide a sloped surface for delivery of water into the wash compartment and may be partially covered by a water retaining plate to prevent the flow of fluid from the wash compartment during a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarang Patre, Ansuraj Seenivasan, Susheel Kumar Panda, Kalyana Mallavarapu, Aparna Vajja
  • Patent number: 11578451
    Abstract: A washing appliance with an agitator post configured for removable positioning in a receptacle. An actuator is used to selectively control the position of a shaft to as to provide for releasably locking the agitator post into position. A detent is positioned at the receptacle and can be configured for removable receipt of the downward end of the shaft when the bottom end of the agitator post is positioned in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jebasingh Sreevidhas, Ajay Kumar Kommagalla
  • Patent number: 11560667
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed, including a cabinet, a tub configured to store water, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, a drawer configured to be withdrawable from the cabinet, a housing including a housing body configured to accommodate the drawer and a cover configured to form an upper surface of the housing body, a storage portion including a storage body configured to store liquid detergent and a discharger disposed on the storage body, a supply pump including a connection pipe formed through the housing body, a supply pipe configured to connect the connection pipe and the tub body, and a conveyor portion configured to covey detergent to the supply pipe, a first pump fastener configured to fix an area located above the connection pipe to the cover, and a second pump fastener configured to fix an area located under the connection pipe to the housing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sungwoon Jung, Hunjun Jang
  • Patent number: 11549253
    Abstract: Multiple apparatuses for flushing portable commodes into a conventional toilet bowl, including a push button fully automated unit that operates by a rechargeable battery. The portable commode is comprised of a waste receiving container and associated housing structure which is adapted to be seated on top of a conventional toilet. The waste container is rotated around 150 degrees and water from the interior of the toilet bowl is forcefully discharge when flushing the portable commode's waste container with electro-mechanical power to guarantee excellent cleaning. Sanitation is adapted to ensure hygienic security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Dean Guyton
    Inventor: Dean Guyton
  • Patent number: 11535970
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance may include a tub, a basket, an impeller base, an extended post, and a connector bar. The basket may be rotatably positioned within the tub. The impeller base may include a mounting face disposed radially inward from one or more impeller fins. The mounting face may include a mounting bracket defining one or more attachment slots. The extended post may be removably attached to the impeller base and include a base body, an auger fin, and a mating face. The base body may define an interior cavity. The auger fin may extend radially from the base body. The mating face may include a mating collar defining one or more attachment rails corresponding to the one or more attachment slots. The connector bar may be selectively received within the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Veera Venkata Anil Bhaskar Prasad Seereddy, Venkata Chakradhar Rangu, Neelapala Gopinath Yadav, Kalyana Mallavarapu, Srikanth Gopireddy
  • Patent number: 11505888
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus includes a tub for holding wash water, a drum rotatably supported in the tub and including a shaft disposed perpendicular with the ground, and a sub-drum detachably mounted to an inner circumferential surface of the drum. The sub-drum is configured to wash laundry independently from the drum. A discharging area of the sub-drum includes an inlet hole configured to draw wash water into the sub-drum, an outlet hole formed in a lateral wall of the sub-drum and configured to discharge the wash water outside the sub-drum, and a filter unit disposed under the discharging area and configured to filter wash water drawn into the sub-drum by rotation of the sub-drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Keunjoo Kim, Jaeyong Jeong, Aekyung Chae
  • Patent number: 11473230
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a laundry treating appliance can include a first basket defining a first treating chamber and a second basket defining a second treating chamber. A liquid supply system can selectively supply water to the first basket, second basket, or both of the first and second baskets. A user interface can be configured to receive input from a user. A controller can operably couple with the liquid supply system and the user interface. The controller can receive an input at the user interface to a configuration type for the laundry treating appliance and can indicate treatment variable available to the user reflective of the configuration type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Danilo Antonio Bergamo, Rogerio C. Junior, Mauro R. Ushizima
  • Patent number: 11453969
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance or agitation element may include an impeller base and an extended post. The impeller base may include an impeller platform and a mounting face. The mounting face may define a recessed cup. The extended post may be removably attached to the impeller base to rotate therewith. The extended post may define an interior cavity. The extended post may include a mating collar and a connector bar. The mating collar may have a mating face disposed in selective engagement with the mounting face at the recessed cup. The connector bar may include an attachment piston slidably received within the interior cavity radially inward from the mating collar to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The attachment piston may be in selective engagement with an inner surface of the mating collar at the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: James Augustine Ford
  • Patent number: 11319654
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance, as provided herein, may include a cabinet, a tub, a wash basket, a ventilation line, and an antimicrobial body. The cabinet may include a front panel defining an opening. The tub may be positioned within the cabinet. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The wash basket may define a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The ventilation line may be in fluid communication with the tub. The ventilation line may define an air path from a ventilation inlet within the cabinet. The air path may extend to a ventilation outlet in fluid communication with an ambient environment outside of the cabinet. The antimicrobial body may be positioned along the ventilation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Neil Malone, Kenneth G. Rudolph
  • Patent number: 11261552
    Abstract: Provided is a washing machine that includes a body which includes an opening, an auxiliary washing unit which forms a washing space with an open top when being mounted on the body, a water supply apparatus which supplies warm water to the washing space, and a control unit which controls distribution of cold water and hot water of the water supply apparatus to supply the warm water to the washing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Hoo Kim, Dong-Il Back, Min-Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 11111618
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance that has a first clothes mover and a removable basket assembly coupled to the first clothes mover. The removable basket assembly has a second wash basket and a second clothes mover. A first blocker is positioned between the second wash basket and the second clothes mover for stabilizing the second clothes mover relative to the second wash basket. A second blocker is positioned between the first clothes mover and the second wash basket for stabilizing the removable basket assembly relative to the first clothes mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel F. Gonzaga, Fernando R. Martins
  • Patent number: 11060229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cloth-treating apparatus comprising: a cabinet which forms an exterior; a tub, provided inside the cabinet, for accommodating wash water; a drum which is rotatably provided inside the tub; and an auxiliary vessel which is detachably provided inside the drum and in which washing of laundry is conducted separately from the drum, wherein the auxiliary vessel comprises a discharge part for discharging, to the upper portion, wash water accommodated in the auxiliary vessel by means of centrifugal force due to rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Keunjoo Kim, Kyosoon Chae, Jaeyong Jeong
  • Patent number: 11053630
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance equipped with a venting system is provided. The venting system includes features for venting or expelling relatively humid air from a subwasher of the washing machine appliance, e.g., at the completion of a wash cycle. In one example aspect, a door of the washing machine appliance defines a plurality of vent apertures that allow for fresh air from an ambient environment to flow into an interior volume of the subwasher. The vent apertures extend through the door and fluidly connect the ambient environment with the interior volume. The relatively low humidity fresh air that flows into the interior chamber mixes with the relatively humid air within the interior volume. The mixed air is expelled from the washing machine appliance via a venting conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Erick Flores Islas, Aaron Daniel Abbott
  • Patent number: 11021830
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus that includes: a tub; a main drum rotatably disposed within the tub; a driver configured to drive the main drum; and an auxiliary drum disposed in the main drum configured to be attached to or be detached from the main drum. The method comprises a positioning operation for allowing a predetermined portion of the auxiliary drum to be positioned at a target position via a rotation of the auxiliary drum, wherein the positioning operation is configured such that when the predetermined portion reaches a braking-initiation position set such that the predetermined portion is positioned at the target position, a braking of the auxiliary drum is initiated, wherein the braking-initiation position is set to vary based on a magnitude of a load applied to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Oshin Kwon, Keunjoo Kim, Jaeyong Jeong
  • Patent number: 10774453
    Abstract: A washing machine may include a static wash tub, a rotatable vertical axis wash basket in the static wash tub, and a drive motor for rotating the wash basket. A closure may direct wash liquid from the wash basket to a catch basin. A flange may be attached to the closure so that an unattached edge ends within the catch basin. The unattached edge may end below the surface of a first volume of wash liquid to minimize migration of wash liquid and/or vapor from the washing machine. The unattached edge may end above the surface of a second volume of wash liquid less than the first volume to minimize agitation of wash liquid in the catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Erickson, Brenner M. Sharp
  • Patent number: 10718079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling system for fitting and attaching of a removable internal basket for a washing machine. The washing machine comprises a removable washing compartment configured to be mounted in the washing machine. The washing machine includes at least one convex protrusion or at least one concave groove across a portion of an inner side surface, and the removable washing compartment includes the other of at least one convex protrusion or at least one concave groove across a portion of an outer side surface. The balancing device includes a smooth surface portion across a portion of the inner side wall and the removable washing compartment includes a complimentary smooth surface portion across a portion of an outer side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventors: Bruno T. Ramasco, Guilherme Henrique Manzi
  • Patent number: 10704184
    Abstract: A washing machine comprising a cabinet that defines an interior with an access opening. A tank located within the interior. A first rotatable basket is located within the tank and defines a first washing compartment. A tower is rotatable about a rotational axis and is at least partially located within the first rotatable basket. A second rotatable basket defines a second washing compartment and is at least partially located within the first washing compartment and is mounted to the rotatable tower. A motor is drivingly coupled to the rotatable tower. A centrifugal dispensing assembly is coupled to the second rotatable basket. The centrifugal dispensing assembly comprises a first container that defines a first reservoir. A first centrifugal chamber is fluidly coupled to the first reservoir and is located centrifugally downstream of the first reservoir. A second centrifugal chamber is centrifugally downstream of the first centrifugal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Bruno T. Ramasco, Guilherme Henrique Manzi, Marcelo Araujo Dos Santos
  • Patent number: 10676857
    Abstract: A laundry appliance including a chassis with a cabinet enclosing an interior of the appliance. A tub is provided within the appliance defining a liquid chamber. A drum is provided in the liquid chamber defining a treating chamber for treating articles according to a cycle of operation. The treating chamber can be enclosed by a door, selectively openable by a user to access the treating chamber. The door can be selectively opened in three different ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy Heater
  • Patent number: 10557228
    Abstract: An appliance that includes an additive delivery assembly is provided. The additive delivery assembly includes features that deliver a controlled amount of additive to a chamber of an appliance. Methods for delivering an additive to a chamber of an appliance are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander B. Leibman
  • Patent number: 10260265
    Abstract: A laundry appliance including a chassis with a cabinet enclosing an interior of the appliance. A tub is provided within the appliance defining a liquid chamber. A drum is provided in the liquid chamber defining a treating chamber for treating articles according to a cycle of operation. The treating chamber can be enclosed by a door, selectively openable by a user to access the treating chamber. The door can be selectively opened in three different ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy Heater
  • Patent number: 9538899
    Abstract: The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a washing tub (2) wherein items to be washed are placed, a receptacle (3) located at the lower portion of the washing tub (2), a microfilter (5) located in the middle of the receptacle (3), which allows the passing of the water but which holds the residues carried by the water, a circulation pump (4) which returns the water accumulated in the receptacle (3) to the washing tub (2), a suction hose (7) one end of which opens to the circulation pump (4), the other to the receptacle (3), a suction hole (9) to which the end of the suction hose (7) which opens into the receptacle (3) is mounted, and a supply hose (6) one end of which is connected to the mains and the other end of which opens to the receptacle (3). Fresh water from supply hose (6) is directed to the outer surface of the microfilter (5) in order to wash deposits from the internal filter surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Ismail Kokbiyik, Orhan Atabey
  • Patent number: 9271626
    Abstract: A method for treating a consumer article wherein a treating chemistry is activated or deactivated by the introduction of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Dalton, Karl D. McAllister, Robert J. Rolek, Sathish Andrea Sundaram
  • Patent number: 9228282
    Abstract: 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 and a water level sensor. The water level sensor controls the volume of water that enters the tub and the heater generates steam from such volume of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Alaknanda Acharya, Michael Wuttikorn Ekbundit
  • Patent number: 8596097
    Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a cabinet, a drum provided inside of the cabinet so as to accommodate laundry, a front panel provided with an opening for inputting laundry into the drum, an outer panel assembled to a front side of the cabinet and having the front panel fixed thereto, and a supplementary panel being fixed to the outer panel and being provided along an outer periphery of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myung Shik Kim, Ho Il Jeon, Jong Hee Han
  • Publication number: 20120247157
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus which can make clothes drying, deodoring, crumple removal and sterilization easily. The present invention has advantages of providing a laundry treating apparatus which can make easy maintain and repair of the steam generator which is to supply steam to the clothes and the air supply unit which is to supply air to the clothes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hye Yong Park, Kwang Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8220470
    Abstract: The Furniture Pad Folding Machine is a dry cleaning machine that is multi-faceted; it can clean and disinfect furniture pads and the machine has the ability to fold furniture pads. The machine is portable and can function on the moving truck and at the warehouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jessie Lee Hicks
  • Publication number: 20120024015
    Abstract: A hand-held convertible iron is provided that includes a housing, a soleplate disposed on the housing for pressing a garment, the soleplate having a first portion and a second portion, a heating means having a first element and a second element, the first element being disposed adjacent to the first portion of the soleplate and the second element being disposed adjacent to the second portion, wherein the second portion of the soleplate is removably attached to the housing. A quick-disconnect electrical connection provides electrical power to the second element of the heating means when the second portion of the soleplate is attached to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: John Harrington, Daniel Sumser
  • Publication number: 20100000264
    Abstract: A method for converting a non-bulk dispensing system into a bulk dispensing system in a household cleaning appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOEL ADAM LUCKMAN, MICHAEL S. HENDRICKSON
  • Publication number: 20100000022
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a dispensing system as a non-bulk dispensing system or a bulk dispensing system in a household cleaning appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: MICHAEL S. HENDRICKSON, JOEL ADAM LUCKMAN, COLLEEN M. DOYLE
  • Publication number: 20090308109
    Abstract: A modular system for drums of laundry care devices including at least one of washing machines and driers, the modular system including at least two similarly configured base bodies for securing to a respective drum, wherein the at least two similarly configured base bodies are configured for mounted receipt of at least two different functional parts, with the at least two different functional parts being interchangeable on a respective one of the at least two different base bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Geyer, Uwe Ratfisch, Wilfried Wildung
  • Publication number: 20090260403
    Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises at least one laundry appliance with a closed top and a worksurface that extends over the closed top of the at least one laundry appliance and comprises a functional insert provided on the worksurface. The modular laundry system can further comprise a second laundry appliance with a closed top, and the work surface can extend over both laundry appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: James William Kendall, Lorraine J. Achterberg, Ameresh Babu Viswanathan
  • Publication number: 20090139037
    Abstract: Disclosed hereinafter is a laundry device. More particularly, a washing machine comprises a steam generation unit installed therein to generate and supply steam to an outside of the washing machine or to a laundry-receiving device to remove wrinkles on laundry by using the steam supplied from the steam generation unit, and a method for controlling operation thereof. A method for controlling the washing machine is also disclosed. The washing machine comprises a steam generation unit to generate steam, and an steam outside-supplying pipe connected with the steam generation unit to supply the steam to an outside of the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Seong Hai Jeong, Soung Bong Choi, Byung Hwan Ahn, Hyeok Deok Kim, Deug Hee Lee, Hung Myong Cho
  • Patent number: 7401479
    Abstract: An accessory basket for a washing machine includes a substantially cylindrical basket member having a bottom end with a centrally disposed aperture thereon. A plurality of slots radially extend from the aperture allowing the basket to be placed over a washing machine agitator. The top end of the basket is open allowing accessory articles such a shoes to be placed within the basket. A lid a placed over the top end of the basket to secure the accessory items therein. Accordingly, operation of the washing machine will result in the articles being shifted about within the basket thereby minimizing noise and damage to the washing machine or article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Maryann Angela Fields
  • Publication number: 20080078209
    Abstract: A deodorization apparatus and a washing machine having the same are provided. The washing machine having the deodorization apparatus includes a tub including a ventilator, and a deodorization apparatus disposed outside the tub, having one side that communicates with the tub, and removing an laundry odor by injecting air into the tub. Therefore, the laundry odor can be quickly removed, and water and power consumption and damage to the laundry, which are caused by a washing operation using the water for deodorization of the laundry, can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kyeong Hwan Kim, Myong-Hun Im, Kyung-Chul Woo
  • Publication number: 20080078210
    Abstract: A washing machine with an odor removal function includes a cabinet, a tub received in the cabinet and including an intake port and an exhaust port so as to receive and discharge air, and a washing tub rotatably provided in the tub. Here, ambient air flows into the tub through the intake port by a suction force generated when the washing tub rotates and air inside the washing tub flows to the outside, such that odor of laundry is removed. Therefore, a washing machine with an odor removal function capable of easily and quickly removing laundry odor is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kyeong Hwan Kim, Soo Young Oh, Myong-Hun Im, Kyung-Chul Woo
  • Publication number: 20030172687
    Abstract: Tank for dyeing textile materials, comprising a storage body (1) with a mouth (10) for introducing the materials into said body (1) and, respectively for the removal thereof, and a lid (2) engaged with the body (1) by means of a corresponding hinge (21), characterized in that it comprises opening and respectively closing means with an actuator (4) acting on said lid (2) by means of an arm (3) being connected, on one side, with the body (1) via a hinge (31) having its axis parallel to that of the hinge (21) which links the lid (2) to the body (1) and, on the other, with the lid (2) via a lever (33) which is hinged, on one side, to the arm (3) and, on the other, to the lid (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Moreno Bartalucci, Mario Scatizzi, Mauro Anguillesi
  • Patent number: 6302123
    Abstract: A parts washing system comprises a wash liquid holding tank having a return opening, a rinse liquid holding tank also having a return opening, a wash chamber with drain port situated above both the wash liquid holding tank and the rinse liquid holding tank, a parts carrier movable from a loading position outside the wash chamber to a position inside the wash chamber, a nozzle adapted to direct liquid from one of the holding tanks into the wash chamber, at least one pump for transferring wash liquid and rinse liquid from the wash liquid holding tank and the rinse liquid holding tank to the spray nozzle, and a substantially L-shaped liquid diverter. The L-shaped liquid diverter is rotatably mounted at the drain port of the wash chamber for rotation in a substantially vertical plane. The L-shaped liquid diverter has an outlet end for dispensing liquid from the wash chamber to one of the wash liquid holding tank and the rinse liquid holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: CAE Ransohoff Inc.
    Inventor: Karle M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5931026
    Abstract: A dyeing machine including a machine base defining a cylindrical receiving chamber and a cloth passage, a jet nozzle disposed in a horizontal position, an overflow nozzle disposed in a vertical position above the elevation of the jet nozzle, a first cloth guide roller disposed in front of the jet nozzle and adapted for guiding a piece of cloth from the cloth passage over the jet nozzle into the cylindrical receiving chamber for dyeing, a second cloth guide roller suspended above the overflow nozzle and adapted for guiding a piece of cloth from the cloth passage over the overflow nozzle into the cylindrical receiving chamber for dyeing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Chi-Lung Chang
  • Patent number: 5862684
    Abstract: A clothes washer includes a wash tub in which an agitator is mounted. The agitator includes a blade member which oscillates clockwise and counterclockwise about a vertical axis, a reciprocable member which oscillates with the blade member while reciprocating up-and-down, and a shoe cleaning device mounted on the reciprocable member for oscillation and vertical reciprocation therewith. The shoe cleaning device includes a circular plate carrying a plurality of brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joo Heum Park
  • Patent number: 5749248
    Abstract: A washing machine for washing extremely dirty clothes or shoes is disclosed. The washing machine has a housing, an outer tub for receiving the washing liquid, a spin tub disposed in the outer tub, a motor for generating a driving force, a pulsator for generating a swirl-shaped liquid flow in the spin tub, and a detachable washing bucket for receiving the extremely dirty articles so as to wash the articles therein. The washing bucket has a cylindrical body formed at its inner wall with a washing brush. A washing bucket cover is hinged to the upper portion of the body. A plurality of guide pins are formed at the underside of the body and extend downwards therefrom so as to be inserted into the pulsator. The washing bucket is securely fixed to the pulsator by means of a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Bum Kim
  • Patent number: 5711171
    Abstract: A washing machine, having a frame (11) that supports the main functional components of the washing machine, such as a tub (12) including a rotatable drum (13) for the laundry, motor drive means (14) for rotation of the drum (12), a base plate (21) supporting the frame (11) and an outer machine housing (22) fixed to the base plate (21). The base plate (21) and the frame (11), respectively, are of a design such that the two parts can be connected to one another either fixedly, for forming of a machine adapted to be fixedly supported, or in a resilient manner, for forming a free-swinging machine in which, in principle, the frame (11) can move freely relative to the base plate (21) and the outer housing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Goran Uhlin
  • Patent number: 5546771
    Abstract: A conversion kit for converting a clothes washer to a dishwasher by removing the agitator and installing a dish holding basket and a plurality of horizontal dividers with fingers to support dishware. A plurality of vertical dividers are inserted between the individual dishware pieces to prevent damage thereto. A hot air drier structure is mounted in the washer to dry the dishes when the clothes washer is used as a dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: George D. Bonar
  • Patent number: 5497637
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and related dye compositions for dyeing textiles which operates at atmospheric pressure, is open to the atmosphere, and does not require the steaming of the textile to set or fix the dye to the textile; specifically, a dye application structure for applying the dye to the textile having a variable threading configuration allowing a variable dwell time, a variable volume configuration allowing a variable dye bath volume, and a circulation configuration allowing the dye solution to be preheated prior to being introduced to the dye bath and maintained at a constant temperature during dyeing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Ful-Dye, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Franklin Fuller, Franklin G. Fuller
  • Patent number: 5442937
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a tilt angle of a tub in a convertible washing machine which converts between drum type washing and pulsator type washing. The convertible washing machine includes a tub shaft which rotates the tub, and a tilt angle motor for changing a tilt angle of the tub to effect conversion of the convertible washing machine between drum type washing and pulsator type washing. The apparatus includes a structure which rotates with the tub and includes at least first and second projections. At least first and second reference structures are fixed to the convertible washing machine such that the first and second reference structures are stationary when the tub rotates. The first reference structure detects when one of the first and second projections is at a first predetermined position, and the second reference structure detects when one of the first and second projections is at a second predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ho C. Kwon
  • Patent number: 5377508
    Abstract: A dual capacity washing machine includes an outer tub having an open end. A first wash basket having a first capacity is mounted within the outer tub, and can be interchanged with a second wash basket having a second capacity. A first tub cover is detachably mounted over the open end of the outer tub and includes a transition surface into and out of the first wash basket. A second tub cover can be interchanged with the first tub cover and includes a transition surface extending toward the second wash basket. The combination of the first wash basket and the first tub cover provide a first wash capacity and the combination of the second wash basket and second tub cover provide a second washing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Hair, Evan R. Vande Haar
  • Patent number: 5335516
    Abstract: A cylindrical dyeing bath is provided having a head portion disposed above and connected to one end of the cylindrical dyeing bath, the head portion incorporating a driven roller. A three-way valve is connected to the opposing end of the cylindrical dyeing bath. A first circulating tube is disposed above the cylindrical dyeing bath, and connected between the head portion and the three-way valve. A second circulating tube is disposed under the cylindrical dyeing bath, and connected between the head portion and the three-way valve. Cloth is selectively passed through the first or second circulating tube by respective positioning of the three-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Chen C. Hsiang
  • Patent number: 5253493
    Abstract: A combination of a washing machine and a sink has a basin-shaped lid member connected to the opening portion formed above the rotary basket, by means of a link mechanism. The link mechanism is composed of, for example, an arm, a first shaft connecting one end of the arm to the lid member, and a second shaft connecting the other end of the arm to a groove provided at the opening portion and being slidable in the groove. Therefore, the lid member can be turned over without coming into contact with the rotary basket or the clothes therein, in order to use the lid member as a sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Shigeo Ohashi
  • Patent number: 4903508
    Abstract: A clothes washing machine is convertible to a clothes drying or a combined clothes washing and drying machine and includes a washing tub made of plastic material and a rotating inner drum housed in the tub and capable of being driven at the various revolving speeds required for both washing and drying cycles. The tub is provided with an upper opening which can be closed by exchangeable or interchangeable closing elements including, when the machine is being used as a dryer, an arched closing element provided with a number of electrical heating elements and an upper port capable of being connected with an exhaust manifold of the machine via a hot air circulating conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Industrie Zanussi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Piero Durazzani, Giuseppe Carniel
  • Patent number: 4860399
    Abstract: Applying non-treating liquid to a traveling textile fabric substrate during temporary change-over discontinuance of treating liquor application in a textile treating and drying range with the non-treating liquid being applied in an amount sufficient to approximate the amount of treating liquor applied during normal operation of the range so as to allow the dryer to continue operating at substantially normal operating temperatures without damage to the fabric substrate. A non-treating liquid applicator is shifted between an inoperative position out of the path of the textile fabric substrate into an operative position in engagement with the substrate. The applicator includes a roller for arcuate engagement with the substrate and to which liquid is applied by spray and is uniformly distributed by a squeeze roll acting on a cover on the roller of material capable of retaining and transferring liquid onto the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: A. Monforts GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Kurt van Wersch, Klaus Voigt