Abstract: An automatic washing machine of the vertical axis type is provided with an annular channel in the bottom of the tub to collect debris and sediment particles and with an annular baffle to prevent the collected particles from being deposited in the washed articles during the direct-into-spin portion of the wash cycle.

Abstract: A power switch module for use in controlled-sequence devices such as a domestic laundry appliance has switches arranged in a pattern about a central portion of the module selectively closeable to connect circuitry associated with each switch to a source of electric potential. Each switch has an associated actuator movable to open and close the switch, and each actuator is operated by a hammer having a striking surface for depressing an actuator to open a switch and a camming surface for raising an actuator to close a switch. The hammer is mounted for rotation on a shaft and is axially movable by a solenoid. A disc encoder on the shaft derives hammer-position information which is transmitted to a microprocessor which controls sequential operation of the device and energizes the solenoid to open or close a switch at appropriate times during operation.

Abstract: Mounting apparatus for installing a food waste disposer in a sink in a bottom opening thereof wherein the disposer is moved downwardly through the opening and is clamped to the sink about the edge of the opening. A water inlet connector is mounted to the disposer subjacent the sink and a waste discharge conduit is mounted to the disposer below the water inlet connection. An improved clamp ring and locking ring structure are provided for effecting the clamping of the disposer to the sink opening edge. The water inlet connector is installed by movement downwardly through the upper end of the disposer and subsequently urging it outwardly through a horizontal opening of the disposer. The water discharge conduit includes a tubular element secured to the disposer by a strap clamp encircling the disposer.

Abstract: A food waste disposal apparatus having an improved effluent recirculating structure for facilitating dislodging of waste material which may become lodged in the comminuting portion of the disposer. The recirculating structure includes a tubular wall member having a plurality of openings to the grinding chamber above the cutter-impeller structure. The tubular wall member is spaced inwardly of the housing to define therebetween an annular flow space for conducting a portion of the effluent delivered from the cutter-impeller outwardly to and inwardly through the wall member openings to provide the desired waste dislodging recirculation of the effluent.

Abstract: An improved brush assembly for use in an electrical device having a wall spaced from a current-carrying element. The brush assembly includes a holder having a first portion and an opposite second portion with a through channel opening at its opposite end through the holder portions. A terminal is mounted to the brush holder to have a turned end thereof received in the channel. Tangs are formed integrally with the terminal end for locking the terminal to the brush holder. The locking action is preselected to resist displacement of the terminal from the brush holder notwithstanding application of biasing spring force against the terminal by the spring provided for urging the brush into electrical contact with the current-carrying element of the device.