Including Steam Patents (Class 8/149.3)
  • Patent number: 11946193
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet; a laundry receiving space defined in the cabinet and configured for receiving laundry therein; an insertion opening defined in a front face of the cabinet and in fluid communication with the laundry receiving space; a door rotatably fixed to the cabinet to open and close the insertion opening; a supply unit configured to supply at least one of air or water vapor to the laundry receiving space; a support assembly provided in the laundry receiving space and configured to support the laundry; and a conveying part configured to move the support assembly toward the insertion opening when the door opens the insertion opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Donghwan Lee, Myungshik Kim, Jeaseok Seong, Sungkyong Han, Junyi Heo
  • Patent number: 11131048
    Abstract: A method for controlling a laundry washing machine. The method includes: performing a tub loading process comprising operating supply valve(s) to provide a first volume of water through a detergent supply system and into a tub to fill the tub with wash liquid; performing a washing process comprising rotating a drum to agitate laundry in the presence of the wash liquid; performing a static rinsing process comprising operating a pump to remove any free volume of wash liquid from the tub without rotating the drum; and performing one or more rinsing processes comprising: operating the supply valve(s) to provide a volume of clean rinse water to the tub, operating the pump to remove the rinse water from the drum, and operating the motor to spin the drum at high speed to extract rinse water from the laundry, while continuing to operate the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison White, Martino Bondi, Yihong Li, Elisa Stabon, Alberto Lucchetta
  • Patent number: 10883200
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermally-stabilizing a carbon material precursor having a heating apparatus which thermally-stabilizes a carbon material precursor, a thermometer for measuring a temperature in the heating apparatus, a water vapor concentration meter for measuring a concentration of water vapor in the heating apparatus, and a batch type thermal-stabilization apparatus for feedback-controlling the temperature in the heating apparatus by using the concentration of water vapor as an index such that generation of water vapor in a thermal-stabilization reaction of the carbon material precursor is completed and generation of water vapor in a partial oxidation reaction of the carbon material precursor is suppressed in a temperature range between a temperature range where the generation of water vapor is accelerated in the thermal-stabilization reaction and a temperature range where the generation of water vapor is accelerated in the partial oxidation reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nomura, Takuya Morishita
  • Patent number: 10227722
    Abstract: A laundry machine having a refreshing operation and a control method of the same are disclosed. The disclosed method comprises a steam water supply operation of supplying wash water to a tub up to a water level for generation of steam while preventing the wash water to pass through a drum, when the refreshing course is selected, a steaming operation of heating the wash water by driving a washing heater, thereby generating steam, and a refreshing operation of refreshing the laundry by alternately executing, after the steaming operation, a tumbling driving operation to tumble the laundry within the drum through rotation of the drum and a spin driving operation to rotate the laundry within the drum in close contact with an inner surface of the drum, in accordance with high-speed rotation of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Heunggi Kim, Jaemun Kim, Chanwoo Jung, Kilryong Lee
  • Patent number: 9809920
    Abstract: A fabric treatment apparatus including a steam spray device for heating water to generate steam and for spraying the generated steam into a space in which fabric is received and a water supply valve for adjusting flow of water supplied to the steam spray device to generate steam. A control method of the fabric treatment apparatus including controlling the water supply valve to be repeatedly opened and closed according to a first pattern and controlling the water supply valve to be repeatedly opened and closed according to a second pattern, the second pattern supplying a larger amount of water than in the first pattern for the same time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyukjin Ahn, Sungmin Ye, Minji Kim
  • Patent number: 9506182
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus includes a laundry keeping unit including at least one tray with a plurality of through holes formed thereon. A steam generator is detachably installed in the laundry keeping unit and configured to jet steam to the at least one tray. When the laundry is partially contaminated, steam may be concentratively jetted to the contaminated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Daeyun Park, Sungmin Kim, Jongseok Kim
  • Patent number: 9334601
    Abstract: A method of controlling steam supply in a laundry machine. The control method includes heating a predetermined space within a duct in communication with a tub and/or drum of the laundry machine to a higher temperature than a temperature of the other space within the duct, directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam, supplying air flow towards the heated predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the tub, and judging the amount of water supplied during the supply of water based on a temperature increase rate within the duct for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Youngjin Doh, Hong Namgoong, Jihong Lee, Hyunchul Choi, Kyuhwan Lee, Taewan Kim
  • Patent number: 9328449
    Abstract: A method of controlling steam supply in a laundry machine. The control method includes heating a predetermined space within a duct in communication with a tub and/or drum of the laundry machine to a higher temperature than a temperature of the other space within the duct, directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam, and supplying air flow toward the heated predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Youngjin Doh, Hong Namgoong, Jihong Lee, Hyunchul Choi, Kyuhwan Lee, Taewan Kim
  • Patent number: 9290883
    Abstract: Embodiments may relate to a washing apparatus, more specifically, to a washing apparatus having a steam generator and a controlling method of the same and embodiments may relate to a home appliance including a steam generator. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a controlling method of a washing machine configured to perform a steam washing course having a steam cycle and a refresh course having a steam cycle, wherein water supply to a steam generator for performing the steam cycle initially and an initial steam generator control pattern for applying the power to a heater of the steam generator are controlled different in the steam washing course and the refresh course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Myunghun Im, Changoh Kim, Rayoung Park, Bosung Seo, Sooyoung Oh
  • Patent number: 9194076
    Abstract: Method for controlling a dryer having a steam generator for generating high temperature steam with heat generation of a steam heater, including a hot air supply step for supplying dried hot air to a drum for drying clothes, and a moisture supply step for supplying moisture to the drum for removing static electricity from the clothes dried in the hot air supply step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    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: 9133574
    Abstract: There is disclosed a washing machine including a spouting module with a variable spouting direction. The washing machine includes a cabinet forming an external appearance, an accommodating module arranged in the cabinet and including an accommodating case in which a space for accommodating laundry is formed, spouting units formed in a horizontal direction and arranged in the accommodating case to spout water, and a driving unit for having the spouting units perform reciprocating rotational motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Young Suk Kim, Sang Wook Hong
  • Patent number: 9121124
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a vertical axis washing machine appliance with features for applying steam to articles disposed therein. The washing machine appliance can be configured for filling a sump of the appliance with fluid and activating a pump in order to drain the sump of fluid. After the pump is activated, the washing machine appliance can be configured for submerging a heater in the appliance's sump with fluid and also starting the heater in order to heat the fluid in the sump and generate steam. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Blake Philip Bomar, Michelle Diana Gross, Brett Farris
  • Patent number: 9115459
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a pump, such as a drain pump, with an automatic shutoff, and a method for controlling the shut off of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Hirak Chanda, Michael L. Jackmeyer, James A. Oskins, Jon D. Strait
  • Patent number: 9057152
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hye Yong Park, Kwang Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 9003587
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine having a touch up function and a method for touching up thereof. The drum type washing machine having the touch up function is provided with a touch up button for removing wrinkles on laundry left in the drum type washing machine and a method for touching up. Accordingly, it is not required for a user to additionally execute rinsing and dehydrating processes, or ironing so as to remove wrinkles on the laundry, thus it is convenient. And, since it is not required to additionally execute the rinsing and dehydrating processes, it is capable of preventing unwanted consumption of water and electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Deug-Hee Lee, Pyoung-Hwan Kim, Eun-Jin Park, Hyung-Yong Kim, Seong-Hae Jeong
  • 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: 8950031
    Abstract: A garment hung in a vertical orientation has at least one entire side of the garment exposed to steam from a steaming device including a planar steam panel having a steam emitting side with a surface area including restricted orifices distributed substantially uniformly over the steam emitting side. Jets of steam shoot under pressure from the surface area of the steam panel, this surface area being essentially the same as or greater than the area of the one entire side of the garment being treated. The hanging garment is placed next to the steam panel with the steam emitting side positioned to direct the steam jets from the orifices towards the garment so that essentially the one entire side of the garment is treated simultaneously as steam impinges against the entire area of this one side of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Vincent I. Jaramillo
  • Patent number: 8915102
    Abstract: A clothes-treating apparatus is disclosed. According to the present invention, the clothes-treating apparatus includes a steam spraying unit capable of preventing water condensed from steam from flowing into an accommodating space containing clothes and it has an improved steam spraying unit to enhance work efficiency when a worker assembles parts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Wook Moon, Dae Yun Park, Sog Kie Hong, Jong Seok Kim, Seung Gyu Ryu, Kwang Hee Lee, Hye Yong Park, Chang Gyu Choi
  • Patent number: 8800083
    Abstract: A commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is configured to use steam instead of dry-cleaning chemicals or water as a primary cleaning agent for garments rotating in a drum of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. In one embodiment of the invention, a steam injector at least partially exposed to an inner surface of the drum is configured to provide a MCU-controlled fresh steam injection into the drum during a cleaning cycle of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. The fresh steam into the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is from an outtake of a standalone boiler system which is typically used for a variety of fabric treatment machines in a commercial laundry operation. A debris and clean steam/air separation chamber periodically or continuously separates and/or filters debris, chemicals, and/or other undesirable elements from the drum and evacuates clean or cleaned-up air and moistures to au air-out duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Green Solution, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Kimm, Kenneth D. Lee
  • Patent number: 8713813
    Abstract: The industrial tumble dryer comprises a casing (1) enclosing a drum (2) to contain the clothes to be dried by means of drying air introduced into it, a low-pressure chamber (3) to extract drying air from the drum (2) and a filtering device (4) interposed in the low-pressure chamber (3). The filtering device (4) comprises a filtering element (5), means to detach fuzz from said filtering element (5) and a build-up enclosure (6) to collect the detached fuzz. In the casing (1) there is an opening (7) communicated with the build-up enclosure (6) and configured to receive a suction nozzle (8a) of an external suction device (8) to remove the fluff from the build-up enclosure (6) through suction without the need to remove the filtering element (5) or to access it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: GIRBAU, S.A.
    Inventor: Ramon Sans Rovira
  • Patent number: 8671488
    Abstract: A steam control device and method of a washing machine are disclosed. The steam control method includes determining whether an instruction of course washing with steam is input; opening a water supply valve to supply water into a steam generator if the instruction of course washing is input; detecting a temperature of water supplied to the steam generator using a temperature sensor; and checking a water supply time corresponding to the detected water supply temperature and supplying water to the steam generator for the water supply time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Ju Dong Lee
  • Patent number: 8667707
    Abstract: A device (1) for refreshing garments comprises means (5) for supporting a garment and means (3) for generating an air flow at the location where a garment is present when it is put in place on the supporting means (5). The supporting means (5) comprise two parts (6, 7) which are both suitable to be used for supporting a garment, and which are displaceably arranged with respect to each other. In this way, an enhanced functionality of the device (1) may be achieved in comparison with a device having supporting means which comprise only a single part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Milind Date, Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8615895
    Abstract: A device and method for cleaning a lint filter in a clothes dryer. The clothes dryer includes an air channel connected to a drum to supply air into the drum and to guide air discharged from the drum, a dehumidification unit disposed in the air channel to condense moisture contained in the air discharged from the drum, a waterspout to collect condensed water created by the dehumidification unit, a filter to filter lint from the air discharged from the drum, a cleaning nozzle to spray water to the filter to remove the lint from the filter, a recovery water tank to receive water from the waterspout, and a cleaning water tank connected to the recovery water tank to receive water from the recovery water tank and to supply the water to the cleaning nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Bong Shin, Jin Wook Yoon, Sin Ae Kim, Byeong Cheol Yoon, Seok Mo Chang
  • Patent number: 8607392
    Abstract: Disclosed are processes for fixing additives in textiles that comprise applying at least one additive to the textile and substantially simultaneously directing steam onto the faces of the textile. Also disclosed are the products of the disclosed processes. Also disclosed are apparatuses for fixing additives in textiles comprising means for applying at least one additive to the textile and means for substantially simultaneously directing steam onto the faces of the textile. Also disclosed are rotating steam head assemblies for use in connection with the disclosed processes and apparatuses. 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: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Jones, Jr., Chad Anderson
  • Patent number: 8578626
    Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a drying chamber, a process air channel having a supply air opening for drawing in process air, an exhaust air opening for expelling process air, an exhaust air channel through which process air is conducted to the exhaust air opening, and a nebulizer that distributes condensate in process air. The dryer further includes a fan in the process air channel for driving process air through the drying chamber, and a heat exchanger that extracts heat from process air flowing out from the drying chamber, supplies heat to process air flowing into the drying chamber, and separates the condensate from the process air for the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Steffens
  • Patent number: 8573009
    Abstract: A steam-augmented washing machine includes a casing, a tub disposed within the casing, and a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. A steam generator is disposed within the casing and is in communication with the tub to introduce steam into the wash basket. A plurality of fluid vanes are circumferentially spaced around the side wall adjacent the top end of the wash basket. The fluid vanes have a radial aspect so as to extend radially from side wall, wherein upon rotation of the wash basket within the tub, the fluid vanes generate a circulating vertically oriented steam flow path through the wash basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Wuttikorn Ekbundit, David Scott Dunn, Alexander Boris Leibman, Jerrod Aaron Kappler
  • Patent number: 8566989
    Abstract: A clothing treating apparatus and a method of controlling such an apparatus are provided. The clothing treating apparatus may make use of a draining function which may be automatically or manually performed after determining whether or not water received in a detachable water supply tank may be re-used or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hea Kyung Yoo, Dae Yun Park, Jong Seok Kim, Dong Won Kim, Sog Kie Hong
  • 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: 8424141
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to cloth treating machines and methods for operating a cloth treating machine. The controls can supply an appropriate amount of water initially and subsequently based on one or more selected courses or modes of operating the cloth treating machine. For example, the cloth treating machine can supply an appropriate amount of water to a steam generator initially based on a selected course. The steam generator can use the water to generate steam to sanitize and de-wrinkle clothes placed inside a cabinet of the cloth treating machine. During operation, a sensor can sense the level of the water inside the steam generator. An appropriate amount of water can then be re-supplied subsequently based on the selected course or sensed water level, repeatedly. The operation of the cloth treating machine can improve efficiency by reducing the time taken to supply water and generate steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hea Kyung Yoo, Sog Kie Hong, Dong Won Kim, Jong Seok Kim, Dae Yun Park
  • Patent number: 8393183
    Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance capable of indicating when a fabric load is sanitized, implementing a sanitizing by modifying a predetermined operation cycle, or implementing a sanitizing cycle after the completion of a predetermined operation cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Benne, Claudia Michel, Carolyn Y. Groppel, Matthew Travis Doll, Casey J. Tubman
  • Patent number: 8356423
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a drying chamber, a process air loop and a heat pump. The heat pump includes a heat transfer loop containing a heat transfer fluid, an evaporator heat exchanger, a liquefier heat exchanger, a compressor, and a nozzle. The heat transfer fluid has a critical temperature above 60° C., a nominal heat of vaporization at boiling point of at least 220 kJ/kg, a GWP index of less than 150 and a lower flammability level of at least 0.1 kg/m3. Preferably, the household appliance is a dryer for drying wet laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Haugeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Jose Miguel Corberan Salvador, Jose Gonzalvez Macia, Roberto San Martin Sancho
  • Patent number: 8353114
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement in turn including an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected. A drum is provided to receive clothes to be dried. An auxiliary heater is included, as is a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over the condenser and the heater, and through the drum. A sensor is located to sense high side temperature and/or high side pressure of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the auxiliary heater, and is operative to: activate the auxiliary heater during a startup transient of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement; monitor the high side temperature and/or high side pressure, during the startup transient; and de-activate the auxiliary heater in response to the high side temperature and/or high side pressure reaching a first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David G. Beers, Brent Alden Junge, Nicholas Okruch, Jr., Amelia Lear Hensley
  • 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: 8312642
    Abstract: A laundry machine having a steam generator is disclosed. A heater is controlled, such that steam generation coincides with a predetermined time period, whereby the steam supply time is enabled to be controlled with relative accuracy. If an error occurs when water is being supplied to the steam generator, then an error message is displayed such that a user may be informed of the error. If a predetermined time period has elapsed, then a pump is stopped to prevent an excessive amount of water from being supplied to the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Chang Woo Son, Ju Han Yoon
  • Patent number: 8296888
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a cloth treating apparatus, such as a laundry treating machine, and methods of control and operation which sanitize the machine. The laundry treating machine can include an accommodating space which supplies air and moisture in order to remove unpleasant odors, wrinkles, or dampness from the laundry. The laundry treating machine may further include a circulation duct to circulate, dehumidify, or heat air inside the accommodating space. Operation of the laundry treating machine can use steam-sanitizing to remove odors, moisture, bacteria from the accommodating space and circulation duct. Steam-sanitizing can be performed based on a user's selection or the occurrence of a condition, such as unloading of laundry from the accommodating space after treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hea Kyung Yoo, Sog Kie Hong, Dong Won Kim, Jong Seok Kim, Dae Yun Park
  • Patent number: 8291536
    Abstract: A laundry machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a laundry machine includes steps of receiving a selected course selected by a user; and supplying the predetermined small amount of steam (a steam supply amount) into a drum in case that the selected course is a refresh course. Also, a laundry machine includes a course select part for a user selecting a course thereon; and a controller for controlling to supply the predetermined amount of steam (steam supply amount) in case that the selected course is a refresh course. An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine of which washing efficiency is improved and wash water and energy are economized. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine which can remove wrinkles of laundry more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Park Kwang Cheol
  • Patent number: 8276293
    Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a rotatable drum and an air delivery system. The air delivery system can include a reversible blower that provides air at a first flow rate when operated in a first direction and provides air at a second lower flow rate when operated in an opposite second direction. The drum can be a reversibly rotatable drum that is rotatable in a first and an opposite second direction, and the dryer can include a drive motor that both rotates the drum and operates the blower. Drum and blower reversal may be controlled to optimize drying efficiency and also reduce stress on the drive system. A moisture delivery system can provide moisture (e.g., water mist or steam) into the drum while air is being provided at the lower second flow rate, and during drum rotation (tumbling).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Ricklefs, Brian Douglas Ripley, Brian James Kierzek, Ian Tomas Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8276230
    Abstract: Method for operating a laundry device including a sterilizing step for supplying steam to an inside of a drum having laundry introduced thereto for progressing sterilizing and/or soaking of the laundry, a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to an inside of the drum having the laundry introduced thereto according to an amount of the laundry, a washing step for rotating the drum for a preset time period to perform washing, a rinsing step for performing rinsing at least once upon finish of washing, and a spinning step for performing a final spinning cycle upon finish of the rinsing, which are to be progressed in succession, whereby consuming small amount of washing water, and power in soaking the laundry, and enabling sterilizing of the laundry having washing thereof finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Young Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8272090
    Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine, in which wrinkles are removed from laundry using steam. The method includes supplying steam of a high temperature to a drum containing laundry; and supplying air to the drum. The method facilitates the refreshing of the laundry, such as clothes, thus allowing a user to wear the clothes just after the refreshing of the clothes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Kwang Cheol Park
  • Patent number: 8261389
    Abstract: A control method of the same are disclosed. A control method of a laundry treating machine comprising an accommodating space receiving laundry therein, the control method includes selecting one of at least two sanitary courses to sanitize objects, and supplying steam to the objects, with controlling a temperature of the accommodating space and a steam supplying time to maintain a temperature of the object to be at a predetermined sanitary standard temperature or higher for a predetermined sanitary standard time according to the selected course. According to the control method of the present invention, steam may be supplied appropriately according to the load amount of the laundry treating machine such that damage of laundry fabric may be prevented, sanitizing, or sterilizing the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hea Kyung Yoo, Sog Kie Hong, Dong Won Kim, Jong Seok Kim, Dae Yun Park
  • 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: 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: 8151392
    Abstract: A method for additionally conducting the hot air for finishing the articles of clothing (14) along the articles of clothing (14) in counterflow to the transporting direction (13). This leads to more effective finishing of the articles of clothing (14) with greater energy efficiency, and therefore the tunnel finisher according to the invention consumes less energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Littmann, Engelbert Heinz, Jürgen Wolf
  • 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