Abstract: Electronic laundry machine controller apparatus for automatically synthesizing, in response to single operator program selections, complete laundry cycles or programs from laundry machine control instructions stored, independent of operator selection or control, within an electronically read memory. A read only memory is preprogrammed to store laundry machine control instructions and program synthesis instructions for compiling a large number of different laundry programs, each having laundering steps or operations preconfigured to satisfy the peculiar laundering requirements of a large number of different commercial and institutional users. Program variation select means presettable by the manufacturer or upon installation of the controller enables preselection for execution from the large number of possible laundry cycles, only those laundry machine cycles which best satisfy the user's specific laundering needs.

Abstract: A microprocessor control system for monitoring and controlling a plurality of different parameters or features of a large number of like-kind entities, each characterized by such parameters or features. The control system is particularly suitable for automatically controlling on an indiviudal room basis, parameters within hotels/motels such as: counting the number of outgoing calls, paging guests having messages and controlling room message waiting indicators, placing wake-up calls to guest rooms at predesired wake-up times, and tracking in real-time the housekeeping and occupancy status of each hotel/motel room. Incidentally to the room status feature, telephone sets within unoccupied rooms or within rooms being cleaned are automatically disabled from registering outgoing calls, but may be used for registering emergency calls. All control functions are performed by a microprocessor under hardwire program or firmware command.

Abstract: An improved nozzle apparatus rapidly convertible, while operating, between spray and foam forming modes of operation. An elongate rigid generally cylindrical first conduit member receives surfactant bearing solution at an inlet port thereof and directs the solution under pressure to a spray forming nozzle connected at an outlet port of the first conduit. A second elongate conduit member coaxially slidably overlies the first conduit member and is movable relative thereto between extended and retracted positions. When in its retracted position, the second conduit member exposes the spray-forming nozzle, which is then enabled to direct a spray pattern of the solution longitudinally outward from the apparatus. When in its extended position, the second conduit member encompasses the spray-forming nozzle, and aspirates the spray therefrom with air to form foam which is ejected longitudinally outward from the second conduit member.

Abstract: A non-hazardous dispenser apparatus for converting powdered detergent, including those containing active chlorine, into a concentrated detergent solution for use by a washing machine. A curved screen member retainably supports a mass of powdered detergent thereabove within a generally cylindrical container configured for mounting to the side wall of a washing machine adjacent the detergent solution carrying reservoir thereof. A single spray-forming nozzle is mounted within the container and below the curved screen for directing a uniform spray of water at substantially the entire downwardly facing concave surface of the screen member. Only that detergent carried immediately above the screen member is wetted by the spray and passes in solution through the screen, after which it is collected and directed by a collecting portion of the container, into the washing machine reservoir.

Abstract: Improved dispensing apparatus for dispensing machines of the type having at least one dispensing tray containing a dispensing unit which dispenses articles from the machine by the use of a helical dispensing coil. Improved mounting apparatus is provided for supporting both the forward and back end portions of the dispensing coil. A cross-bracket member having a portion extending across the diameter of the coil, is mounted to the back portion of the coil. A cross-bracket holding device, connected for rotation by appropriate motor means, releasably accepts the cross-bracket for mounting the back portion of the coil in elevated position above the shelf surface of the dispensing tray. The cross-bracket holding device is configured to matingly accept differently sized cross-bracket members, to enable rapid interchangeability of differently sized dispensing coils in the machine.

Abstract: An improved energy saving control apparatus particularly designed for providing energy saving control of individual room heating and cooling units in direct response to the active occupancy status of the room. Switching means selectively interrupt energization of the load element of a room heating/cooling unit in response to an interrupt control signal. An electronic energy saving control circuit responds to changes in the ambient air room temperature and overrides the heating/cooling unit thermostat to selectively generate the interrupt control signal for maintaining the ambient air room temperature within a broad predetermined and pre-settable energy saving temperature range whenever the room is not actively occupied. Occupancy status detector means, including a uniquely detectable and detachable member typically carried by the room occupant and cooperative detector means within the room provides a real time indication of the active occupancy status of the room.