Abstract: Laundering systems that incorporate visual display units into hatch doors are disclosed. In one embodiment, the laundering system (10) includes a cabinet unit (12) for housing laundering elements; an outer door assembly (42), which includes a handle element (48) and control and/or monitoring elements (60), an inner door assembly (44), which includes a display unit (90); and an electrical system (140) for the display unit. This combination of elements substantially prevents exposure of the display unit (90) to laundering-specific operating conditions, such as high temperature and elevated humidity conditions. Such laundering systems include washers, dryers, and combination washer/dryer systems.

Abstract: The method of drying of the present invention includes providing a dryer with a payment receiving means providing a heat source in thermal communication with the dryer. Clothes are then inserted into the dryer and a means of payment to the payment receiving means of the dryer is provided. A drying cycle is then initiated to operate the dryer. Moisture is sensed in the clothes ax the dryer is being operated. The dryer is turned off when the moisture in the clothes exceeds a predetermined amount representing a dry load. Payment is received from the means of payment while the dryer is in operation. Payment is stopped from the means of payment when the dryer has ceased operation. As a result, the user has paid only for the time for the dryer to provide a dry load of laundry.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of drying clothing. The method of drying clothing involves providing a dryer, preferably a coin-operated clothes dryer. The dryer contains a heat source in thermal communication with the dryer. Next, a user inserts clothes into the dryer and initiates a drying cycle to reduce the overall moisture within the clothes. To initiate a drying cycle, the user purchases a predetermined period of time that is at least one block of time. The dryer is turned on and the heat source is then operated at a first drying temperature, preferably 160.degree. F., while a sensor detects the level of moisture within the clothes. Once the level of moisture within the clothes is below a predetermined level, the heat source is lowered to a second operating temperature, preferably 100.degree. F. This method of reducing heat conserves energy to operate the dryer and helps avoid over-drying of clothes.

Abstract: The combination washer/dryer and method for operating a combination washer/dryer. The washer/dryer has a containment drum which receives wash water, and includes a perforated clothes drum which rotates within the containment drum. A heat plenum is provided in heat transfer relationship with the containment drum, and a source of heat coupled to the heat plenum supplies heat for water in the containment drum. During a drying cycle, hot air from the heat source supplied from the fire box to the containment drum for heating wash water during a washing cycle, and for supplying hot air during a drying cycle. A drying air plenum is connected to receive drying air from the source of heat, delivering the drying air to the top of the containment drum, where it enters the rotating basket. An exhaust plenum discharges hot air laden with moisture from the containment drum through a lint filter.

Abstract: A heating box for an electric heating element is disposed in a clothes dryer. A substantially rectangular enclosure is opened at a first end and closed at a second end and internally supports one or more heating elements. A surface of the enclosure includes a plurality of holes which allow the heating element along its length to remain in contact with ambient air. The first end is connected to the heating duct of the dryer, and air enters through the plurality of holes and is heated. The air is drawn through the open end of the heating box due to a negative pressure applied to the dryer chamber into the dryer. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the size of the holes changes along the length of the enclosure.

Abstract: The combination washer/dryer and method for operating a combination washer/dryer. The washer/dryer has a containment drum which receives wash water, and includes a perforated clothes drum which rotates within the containment drum. A heat plenum is provided in heat transfer relationship with the containment drum, and a source of heat coupled to the heat plenum supplies heat for water in the containment drum. During a drying cycle, hot air from the heat source supplied from the fire box to the containment drum for heating wash water during a washing cycle, and for supplying hot air during a drying cycle. A drying air plenum is connected to receive drying air from the source of heat, delivering the drying air to the top of the containment drum, where it enters the rotating basket. An exhaust plenum discharges hot air laden with moisture from the containment drum through a lint filter.

Abstract: A clothes dryer having a fire protection system. The clothes dryer chamber has an inlet which receives drying air and an exhaust for removing moisture laden air. The temperature within the drying chamber is monitored, and a determination is made from the dryer electronic controller whether or not a fire exists in the tumbler. The fire detection conditions are based on determining whether a certain temperature rise exists within the tumbler when the drying air ceases. The fire suppression system when activated will inject a fire suppressing substance into the tumbler for suppressing the fire.