Combined Liquid And Gas Or Vapor Patents (Class 8/149.1)
  • Patent number: 11686039
    Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus comprises: a frame; a hanger body configured to move with respect to the frame and provided to hang clothes or clothes hangers; a vibrating body configured to move with respect to the frame; a first eccentric portion that is supported by the vibrating body and rotates around a predetermined first rotational axis in such a way that the weight is off-center; a second eccentric portion that is supported by the vibrating body and rotates around a predetermined second rotational axis, which is the same as or parallel to the first rotational axis, in such a way that the weight is off-center; and a hanger driving unit that connects the vibrating body and the hanger body and transmits the vibration of the vibrating body to the hanger body, wherein the first eccentric portion and the second eccentric portion are configured to rotate at the same angular speed but in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyungha Kang, Jaehyung Kim, Semin Jang, Joosik Jung
  • Patent number: 11492749
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating cloths by spraying with a chemical dispersion including a liquid, the method including: inserting the cloths in a drum that is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, the drum including paddles, where for each of at least two of the paddles the paddle's longitudinal axis forms an angle ? of between 5 degrees and 85 degrees with the geometrical orthogonal projection of the paddle's longitudinal axis on a geometrical plane which is normal to the drum's longitudinal axis; with a dispersion supply system providing the chemical dispersion to spraying elements; with rotation elements rotating the drum about its longitudinal axis and reversing the rotational direction at least once, and with spraying elements spraying the drum's interior with the dispersion, the spraying elements being attached a to movable door of a chamber enclosing the drum. The apparatus is adapted for executing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: JEANOLOGIA, S. L.
    Inventors: Ricardo Mira Paya, Vicente Albert Revert
  • Patent number: 11339519
    Abstract: A washing machine and a steam washing method. In order to enable the washing machine to meet a user's demand for refined washing and to achieve the object of reducing washing machine costs and energy consumption, the steam washing method includes: receiving an initial washing program of the washing machine; determining whether a steam washing instruction is received; and if not, performing a corresponding initial washing operation according to the initial washing program, and if so, configuring at least one steam washing program based on the initial washing program, where the washing machine can perform the corresponding steam washing operation according to the steam washing program. The method heats a minimum amount of water each time to generate steam, and determines whether a second heating is performed to generate steam based on the washing effect, so massive heating is avoided if much steam is unnecessary, thus maximizing energy savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: QINGDAO HATER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yongqiang Jiang, Zhilong Zhao, Xiaojie Pi, Xuewu Hou
  • Patent number: 11078449
    Abstract: A method of treatment of one or more articles may comprise locating a stain on an article based on a tag on the article; placing the stain on a nose of a spotting board; positioning a steam gun at least two or more inches away from the stain; simultaneously activating a steam supply and a vacuum supply of the spotting board; moving the steam gun in a defined motion relative to the stain for at least 30 seconds; simultaneously activating the vacuum supply and an air supply of the spotting board; moving the steam gun in the defined motion relative to the stain until the article is at least partially dry; and inspecting the stain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: CaaStle, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jerome Jackson, Andrew Demaray, Phillip Hoffman, Ericka Ponte
  • Patent number: 10731291
    Abstract: Methods are directed to the use of a supercritical fluid for performing a dyeing of a material such that dye from a first material is used to dye a second material. A supercritical fluid is passed through a first material in a pressurized vessel. The supercritical fluid transports the dye from the first material to at least a second material causing a dye profile of the second material to change as a result of dye from the first material perfusing the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Matt W. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10344414
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separation, recycling and self-cleaning system of a supercritical fluid dyeing machine. The system includes a supercritical fluid medium reservoir, one or more parallel dyeing units, a high-pressure pump, a primary separator, a secondary separator and a membrane separator sequentially connected. A dyeing medium and residual dye in dyeing units can be efficiently separated and recycled simultaneously, and when the separation and recycling is finished, each dyeing unit can be directly opened so that the dyeing units and products can be cleaned after dyeing, thereby improving the production and processing efficiency of supercritical fluid waterless dyeing and achieving simple operations, complete separation, stability and reliability and a blowback self-cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: NANTONG TEXTILE & SILK INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jiajie Long
  • Patent number: 10294598
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-pipe quantitative medium filling system of a supercritical fluid waterless dyeing machine. The system comprises a supercritical fluid medium reservoir, a stop valve, and a medium filter sequentially connected by a high-pressure main pipe, and at least two filling branches independent of each other and connected to the medium filter. Each filling branch includes a booster pump, a supercritical fluid high-pressure mass flowmeter, a ball valve, and a dyeing unit sequentially connected along a medium forward direction by a high-pressure branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: NANTONG TEXTILE & SILK INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jiajie Long
  • Patent number: 10179970
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for dyeing greige goods to produce a random dye pattern, compositions and articles produced therefrom. In a further aspect, the invention relates to methods of methods for dyeing greige goods to produce a random dye pattern using a dyeing machine. In still a further aspect, the invention relates to methods of producing unique dye patterns for greige goods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Mike Byrd, Reesie Duncan, Jason Fazi
  • Patent number: 9863081
    Abstract: A system for steaming clothes is disclosed. A steamer is connected through a hose to a steamer bag or a steaming component having a plurality of connecting tubes, where the steaming component having the plurality of connecting tubes, where the plurality of connecting tubes connects to a plurality of detachable ventilating tubes, where the plurality of the detachable ventilating tubes have a plurality of holes to expel steam. The steaming component with the plurality of connecting tubes are configured to hold an article of clothing that fits around the steaming component and the plurality of connecting tubes, where the steaming component is configured to receive the steam from the steamer to expel the steam through the plurality of holes to the steamer bag to entirely steam an entire portion of the article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Abdul Sean Carter
  • Patent number: 9822474
    Abstract: A washing machine that performs a washing course by heating wash water and a control method thereof are provided. The method includes supplying wash water up to a wash water level for generation of steam such that a portion of laundry received in an inner tub is saturated by the wash water. The wash water level may be above a bottom surface of the inner tub and below a wash water level for main washing. The method then includes heating the wash water to a first set temperature and driving a washing heater to generate steam from the wash water, and supplying the generated steam to the inner tub, and then supplying the wash water up to the wash water level for main washing, and driving the washing heater again to heat the wash water to a second set temperature, the second set temperature being lower than the first set temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Youngkee Oh, Kyounglan Kim, Ingeun Ahn
  • Patent number: 9802358
    Abstract: Curable prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and between prepreg plies in a prepreg layup prior to and/or during consolidation and curing. Each curable prepreg is a resin-impregnated, woven fabric that has been subjected to a treatment to create an array of openings in at least one major surface. Furthermore, the location of the openings is specific to the weave pattern of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Cytec Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Roman, Stephen J. Howard, Jack D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 9752270
    Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the same, which are capable of easily refreshing laundry, are disclosed. The washing machine includes an outer tub to contain wash water, an inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub, a hanger unit, which is disposed over the inner tub and on which laundry is hung, a steam generator disposed at the outer tub to heat the wash water so as to generate steam, and a drive unit rotating the inner tub to rotate the hanger unit and introduces the steam generated from the steam generator into the inner tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Aekyung Chae, Sangwoo Lee, Youngho Kim
  • Patent number: 9290879
    Abstract: A washing machine and a controlling method are provided for maintaining an optimal temperature for efficient generation of foam to perform foam washing in washing laundry. The controlling method for the washing machine includes supplying washing water with detergent required to generate foam, generating foam using detergent water which is a mixture of the washing water and the detergent, transmitting heat to the generated foam by heating the detergent water, and washing laundry using the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bo Ram Lee, Hyun Sook Kim, Sang Yeon Pyo, Eun Suk Bang
  • Patent number: 9284678
    Abstract: A method for applying a processing composition to laundry in a laundry treatment appliance with a rotatably mounted drum is provided. The method includes setting a predefined residual moisture content in the laundry by adding water and by rotating the drum. The method further includes applying a processing composition to the laundry in liquid form or in the form of fine droplets. The processing composition is sprayed onto the laundry by an introduction apparatus while the drum is moved at a speed at which the laundry lies against the drum or at a faster speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hanau, Hartmut Schaub, Ingo Schulze
  • Patent number: 8984692
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry and configured to perform one or more cycles of operation and method for actively dehumidifying the treating chamber of a laundry treating appliance to retard or eliminate the adverse effects of moisture-laden laundry remaining in the treating chamber or moisture remaining in the treating chamber or other areas of the laundry treating appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Barbara A. Balinski, Karl D. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8695139
    Abstract: A washing machine, including a bubble generator, which is capable of removing a wash residue left in a drum and a water tub through the operation of the bubble generator, and a control method thereof. In the washing machine, the bubble generator is operated simultaneously with the start of drainage to create a swift current in drainage water, thereby dissolving detergent waste left in the drum and the water tub and shaking a wash residue (nap, foreign matter, etc.) such that the wash residue is discharged together with the drainage water, to surely remove the wash residue from the drum and the water tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mi Hyun Sa
  • Patent number: 8539694
    Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet comprising an accommodating space formed therein to accommodate clothes, an air supply device configured to supply air or heated air to the accommodating space, a duct configured to guide the air or the heated air supplied by the air supply device toward the accommodating space, the duct comprising a communication part configured to draw external air into the accommodating space and a circulation fan configured to flow air along the duct, wherein the communication part is located in a rear portion of the circulation fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Wook Moon, Sog Kie Hong, Dong Won Kim, Seung Gyu Ryu, Hye Yong Park, Chang Gyu Choi, Dae Yun Park, Jong Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 8486225
    Abstract: An inventive method includes the steps of: loading a fiber product in an appropriate form into a treatment vessel; wetting the fiber product; forcibly circulating an ozone-containing liquid in contact with the wetted fiber product to thereby bleach the fiber product; and forcibly circulating an ozone decomposing chemical agent liquid in contact with the ozone-treated fiber product to decompose ozone. This method ensures efficient bleaching of the fiber product with the ozone. Further, the method is advantageous in that the resulting bleached fiber product is less liable to be yellowed over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Shigenori Aono, Koichi Abe, Keigo Takeda
  • Patent number: 8460396
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, and/or device adapted for washing and drying a product via a continuous forward flow of product and a reverse flow of aqueous content. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an auger, a rotating paddle wheel, a spiral drum, a cylindrical drum, and/or a ram press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Eastern Bioplastics, LLC
    Inventors: Cecil E. Meyerhoeffer, Jr., Aaron L. Showalter
  • Patent number: 8347437
    Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The control method includes supplying water into a tub, washing an object to be washed via rotation of a drum, rinsing the washed object, and dehydrating the washed object to remove moisture from the object. In the water supply step, steam is ejected simultaneously with the supply of water, to regulate the interior temperature of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Pyoung Hwan Kim, Soo Young Oh
  • Patent number: 8327484
    Abstract: A tunnel finisher in which the articles of clothing (14) are impinged on with steam pulses in a discontinuous fashion. This lowers the steam requirement. It is additionally provided that other points of the article of clothing (14) are continuously impinged on with steam, as a result of which no damage to the articles of clothing (14) occurs during the steam impingement. It is finally provided that transport hangers (15), on which the articles of clothing (14) hang while being transported through the tunnel finisher, are rotated in opposite directions, as a result of which halves of adjacent articles of clothing (14) alternately assume relatively large and relatively small spacings relative to one another. In this way, the articles of clothing (14) can be impinged on effectively and with steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Wolf, Engelbert Heinz
  • Patent number: 8321982
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Youn Dong Lee
  • Patent number: 8316494
    Abstract: A washing machine in which the poor heat-resistant laundry is sufficiently wet so that a plurality of water curtain layers are formed at the laundry, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam. According to the present invention, cold water is supplied simultaneously with injection of the steam so that the real temperature of the steam contacting the surfaces of the laundry is lowered, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung Yull Yang, Hyung Gyoon Kim, Sang Yeon Pyo, Seon Woo Park, Hye Soon Yang, Seong Min Oak, Seung Ju Choi, Jae-Ryong Park, Hyun Sook Kim
  • Patent number: 8239989
    Abstract: A method for removing odor of laundry in a washing machine comprises inputting laundry into an inner tub, supplying steam to the laundry, and rotating the inner tub. Odor of the laundry is rapidly and easily removed without performing a cleaning process using water, and the fabrication cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myong-Hun Im, Soo-Young Oh, Jae-Won Chang, Kyung-Chul Woo, Kyeong-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8209805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seog Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 8192507
    Abstract: Coloring compositions including, for example, a supercritical fluid comprising a noble gas in a supercritical state and a colorant within the supercritical fluid are disclosed. For example, the noble gas may be at least one of helium, argon, krypton, neon, xenon and radon. Methods of producing such compositions and methods of coloring an article with such composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: William B. Carlson, Gregory D. Phelan, Philip A. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8182551
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, and/or device adapted for washing and drying a product via a continuous forward flow of product and a reverse flow of aqueous content. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an auger, a rotating paddle wheel, a perforated spiral drum, a perforated cylindrical drum, and/or a hydraulic ram press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Eastern Bioplastics, LLC
    Inventors: Cecil Meyerhoeffer, Jr., Aaron Showalter
  • Patent number: 8181298
    Abstract: A novel washing method that is capable of smoothly washing laundry with low washing water consumption and low power consumption is disclosed. The control method is applied to a washing machine having a steam generation unit. The control method comprising a step of discharging water out of the steam generation unit when a rinsing operation of the washing machine is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, In Geun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8181297
    Abstract: A washing machine that performs a washing operation using eat high-temperature steam and a washing method of the same are disclosed. The washing method includes (a) driving a washing heater (40) mounted in a tub (56) to increase the interior temperature of the tub (56), and (b) driving a steam heater (74) mounted in a steam generation unit (70), such that high-temperature steam is generated and the high-temperature steam is supplied into the tub (56), to increase the interior temperature of the tub (56). A washing operation including the (a) step and the (b) step, which are combined either in the order of the (a) step->the (b) step->the (a) step or in the order of the (b) step->the (a) step->the (b) step, is carried out such that the interior temperature of the tub (56) is increased to a target temperature level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Youn Dong Lee
  • Patent number: 8168004
    Abstract: A washing machine that is capable of providing a stable washing mode even when a washing-related device is abnormal during a washing operation is disclosed. When a steam generation unit, which generates high-temperature steam into a drum, is abnormal, the operation of the steam generation unit is interrupted, and an operation for driving a washing heater mounted in a tub is performed, or an operation for driving a drying unit, which supplies high-temperature dry hot air into the drum, is performed. A steam substituting algorithm is provided when the steam generation unit is abnormal during the operation using the high-temperature steam. Consequently, the interruption of the washing operation due to the abnormal steam injection function is prevented, and therefore, the reliability of the product is improved while the inconvenience of use is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Phal Jin Lee, Dong Won Kang, Kwang Cheol Park
  • Patent number: 8156590
    Abstract: A controlling method of a laundry machine is disclosed. The controlling method includes supplying wash water into a tub up to a predetermined water level, and controlling On/Off of a steam heater and a tub heater until a temperature inside the tub or a drum reaches a predetermined temperature at the predetermined water level. By using both the tub heater and steam heater in conjunction with a controlling of a water supply valve in order to acquire the predetermined water level and predetermined tub temperature, the controlling method is advantageous to improve energy efficiency of the laundry machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Youn Dong Lee
  • Patent number: 8122547
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a main body defining an outer appearance, a tub supported in the main body, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a steam generating unit supplying steam into the drum, and a circulation pump returning washing water exhausted from a first side of the tub to a second side of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seok Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 8020232
    Abstract: A system for controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine during operation thereof. The system comprising a washing machine having an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity of a water. An ozone generator is connected to the washing machine and the ozone generator produces and supplies the produced ozone to the washing machine for ozonating the water. At least one sensor is provided for sensing a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine during operation thereof, and the at least sensor being coupled to the ozone generator for interrupting production of ozone when a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a safe level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Daniels Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph G. Daniels, David A. Spofford
  • Patent number: 8011049
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a time period display at the steam spray type washing machine with a steam generator for washing laundry by using a high temperature steam, in which a preliminary set time required for display in the steam spray cycle is determined, not only with reference to a set temperature, but also with reference to a laundry amount, to minimize an error between the time displayed and an actual time. According to this, since a difference between the preliminary set time displayed in the steam spray cycle and the actual time reached to the set temperature is small, there will be no error which is liable to make the user misunderstood that the washing machine is out of order, According to this, reliability of the product, and convenience of the user is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Phal Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 7997006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a control method thereof. The control method includes supplying steam, generated by a steam generator, into a drum, and supplying hot air into the drum to dry clothes wetted by the steam. According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively removing wrinkles on clothes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Woo Son, Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son, Heung Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 7934278
    Abstract: Disclosed are a washing method of a washing machine capable of preventing a phenomenon that remaining detergent is collected into a space where a heater is positioned or a specific space during a washing operation of laundry, capable of minimizing a generation of washing water unnecessarily supplied to the washing machine, and capable of fast heating corresponding laundry before a washing operation for an efficient washing operation, and an apparatus thereof. To this end, the method comprises the steps of: generating steam by heating washing water supplied into a washing machine; injecting the generated steam into laundry inside of a drum of the washing machine; and rotating the drum after injecting the steam into the laundry and thereby washing the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo-Young Oh, Kyung-Chul Woo, Jin-Woong Kim, Si-Moon Jeon
  • Patent number: 7934279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of a laundry machine. The control method includes inputting a command to drive the steam laundry dryer, and determining whether water is supplied to a steam generator of the steam laundry dryer. According to the control method of the steam laundry dryer, it is possible to effectively remove wrinkles from clothes and to prevent the breakage of the steam laundry dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Woo Son
  • Patent number: 7908766
    Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided. In the dryer, air flowing into a drying container is provided with heat from heat pump. The clothes dryer comprises a cabinet, a drying container rotationally mounted in the cabinet, a motor providing the container with rotational force, a first air path connected to a side of the container, a second air path connected to another side of the container and to the outside of the cabinet, and a first heat exchanging member and a second heat exchanging member in the first air path. A damper may be additionally included in the second air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Phyo Ahn, Seung-Myun Baek, Jung-Wook Moon, Dae-Woong Kim, Byeong-Jo Ryoo
  • Patent number: 7904980
    Abstract: A washing machine in which the poor heat-resistant laundry is sufficiently wet so that a plurality of water curtain layers are formed at the laundry, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam. According to the present invention, cold water is supplied simultaneously with injection of the steam so that the real temperature of the steam contacting the surfaces of the laundry is lowered, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung Yull Yang, Hyung Gyoon Kim, Sang Yeon Pyo, Seon-Woo Park, Hye Soon Yang, Seong Min Oak, Seung Ju Choi, Jae-Ryong Park, Hyun Sook Kim
  • Patent number: 7845197
    Abstract: A high efficiency triple pass tunnel finisher includes an articulated spraying function for allowing steam to effectively penetrate a garment. The tunnel finisher can be used for the laundering of shirts, pants, and jackets. The tunnel finisher includes hot air chambers and a steam chamber that can include two rows of steam injectors located at a 45° angle in relation to the walls of the module. The steam chamber has a lower pressure than the hot air chambers, creating an air pressure differential. The hot air chambers are positively pressurized, preventing the relatively cooler air of the steam chamber from entering the chamber. The pressurization prevents heat loss, allowing the finisher to be more efficient, while increasing the temperature at which the garments exit the steam chamber. This leads to faster drying times, less garment wrinkling, and reduced dwell time for a garment with a high quality appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Leonard Automatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Neal Frushtick
  • Patent number: 7845037
    Abstract: A triple pass tunnel finisher for finishing fabric. The finisher includes a side module, a front module, and a rear module. The side module includes an entrance for receiving a fabric piece to be conveyed through the apparatus, and a steam injection chamber downstream of the entrance for treating the fabric piece with steam. The front module communicates with the side module to receive the fabric piece conveyed therefrom, and includes first and second hot air chambers, and an exit downstream of the second hot air chamber. The rear module communicates with the front module to receive the fabric piece therefrom, and includes a heating apparatus for heating the fabric piece, and a U-shaped intermediate hot air chamber downstream from the first hot air chamber and upstream from the second hot air chamber for receiving the fabric piece from the first hot air chamber and for delivering the fabric piece to the second hot air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Leonard Automatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Neal Frushtick
  • Publication number: 20090241267
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control method of a washing machine that performs washing using bubbles. The control method may generate a large number of bubbles using a small amount of water to reduce water consumption and transmit detergent water to laundry placed in the washing machine effectively and rapidly using high-concentration detergent on the surfaces of the bubbles, thereby reducing time and energy consumption and improving washing efficiency. The bubbles may act as a cushion to reduce friction between laundry articles, thereby preventing expensive laundry (such as wool or silk) from being damaged due to the friction between the laundry articles and between the laundry and water and preventing damage to and deformation of general laundry when washing the laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Sook KIM, Seong Min OAK, Bo Ram LEE, Eun Suk BANG
  • Patent number: 7591859
    Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water, a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber, a weight sensor outputting a signal responsive to the weight of the steam generator, and a controller coupled to the weight sensor and configured to control a flow of water through the supply conduit based on the signal from the weight sensor. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the weight sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nyik Siong Wong, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Dengming Peng
  • Publication number: 20090172892
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of a washing machine having a tub (21) for holding washing water, a drum (31) rotatably mounted in the tub (21), and a stem generator (51) for generating and supplying steam to the tub (21), for washing laundry with steam, and a washing machine thereof. The method includes a washing water supply step (S 10) for supplying washing water to the tub (21), a steam supply step (S80) for supplying the steam to the tub (21), and a main washing step (S110) for washing the laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo Young Oh, Kyung Chul Woo, Na Eun Kim
  • Publication number: 20090151084
    Abstract: A washing machine that performs a washing operation using eat high-temperature steam and a washing method of the same are disclosed. The washing method includes (a) driving a washing heater (40) mounted in a tub (56) to increase the interior temperature of the tub (56), and (b) driving a steam heater (74) mounted in a steam generation unit (70), such that high-temperature steam is generated and the high-temperature steam is supplied into the tub (56), to increase the interior temperature of the tub (56). A washing operation including the (a) step and the (b) step, which are combined either in the order of the (a) step->the (b) step->the (a) step or in the order of the (b) step->the (a) step->the (b) step, is carried out such that the interior temperature of the tub (56) is increased to a target temperature level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Youn Dong Lee
  • Publication number: 20090139278
    Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The control method includes supplying water into a tub, washing an object to be washed via rotation of a drum, rinsing the washed object, and dehydrating the washed object to remove moisture from the object. In the water supply step, steam is ejected simultaneously with the supply of water, to regulate the interior temperature of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Pyoung Hwan Kim, Soo Young Oh
  • Publication number: 20090089938
    Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine and a washing machine, in which the energy efficiency of a washing machine can be optimized without incurring additional costs are provided. The method includes heating wash water contained in a washing tub; and supplying steam into the washing tub, wherein a time frame during which the heating the wash water is performed at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the supplying steam is performed. The washing machine includes a cabinet; a washing tub disposed in the cabinet; a wash water heating unit; and a steam supply unit, wherein a time frame during which the wash water heating unit heats the wash water in the washing tub at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the steam supply unit supplies steam into the washing tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20090077755
    Abstract: A novel washing method of a washing machine that is capable of performing a washing operation of laundry with reduced washing water consumption and low power consumption and, in addition, sterilizing the laundry is disclosed. The washing method includes supplying washing water containing detergent into a tub to perform a high-concentration washing process, and, before or after the high-concentration washing process, supplying steam into a drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Phal Jin Lee, Youn Dong Lee, In Geun Ahn
  • Patent number: 7493782
    Abstract: A washing machine having a washing volume and a mixing chamber below the washing volume and fluid communication therewith by means of a drain outlet at the underside of the washing volume. The mixing chamber receives water from the mixing volume through the drain outlet. At least one sparger is disposed within the mixing chamber for connection to an ozone source to introduce ozone into the water within the mixing chamber. The sparger is configured to introduce at least some ozone into the water within the mixing chamber in a downward direction away from the washing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: JLA Limited, Daniels Equipment Company
    Inventor: Ralph Daniels
  • Publication number: 20090038084
    Abstract: A washing machine that is capable of providing a stable washing mode even when a washing-related device is abnormal during a washing operation is disclosed. When a steam generation unit, which generates high-temperature steam into a drum, is abnormal, the operation of the steam generation unit is interrupted, and an operation for driving a washing heater mounted in a tub is performed, or an operation for driving a drying unit, which supplies high-temperature dry hot air into the drum, is performed. A steam substituting algorithm is provided when the steam generation unit is abnormal during the operation using the high-temperature steam. Consequently, the interruption of the washing operation due to the abnormal steam injection function is prevented, and therefore, the reliability of the product is improved while the inconvenience of use is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELCTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Phal Jin LEE, Dong Won KANG, Kwang Cheol PARK