Abstract: A water temperature sensing and control apparatus for automatic washers having a thermistor mounted within a projection that extends into a water inlet stream in a water inlet housing. A thermally semiconductive potting material encases the thermistor to provide a delayed response of the sensor to changes in water inlet temperature. A control circuit connected to the thermistor includes a pair of comparators for controlling hot and cold water inlet valves in response to the sensed temperature to achieve one of a plurality of selectable wash bath temperatures.

Abstract: A fabric treating apparatus, such as a domestic clothes dryer, is provided with a digital control circuit and a sensor system which cooperate to terminate a fabric treatment operation when the fabric reaches a desired condition. A digital counter receives and accumulates timing pulses. A sensing circuit repetitively charges a capacitor which is allowed to discharge through a sensor in contact with the wet fabric load. If the fabric in contact with the sensor is wet, the capacitor will quickly discharge. As the fabric dries the capacitor will discharge more slowly. After the capacitor has been allowed to discharge for a preselected period, the charge on the capacitor is read and if low, the counter is reset. As the fabric load approaches the desired dryness condition, the remaining charge on the capacitor will increase until it reaches a level which prevents the counter from being reset.

Abstract: A fabric treating apparatus, such as a domestic clothes dryer, is provided with a microcomputer controlled circuit and a sensor system which cooperates to terminate a fabric treatment operation when the fabric reaches the desired condition. A conductivity sensor senses the moisture content of the fabric within the drying zone. A sensing circuit electrically connected to the sensor generates a voltage level proportional to the moisture condition sensed. The microcomputer reads the voltage level at spaced intervals in time and generates a valid wet signal whenever a given consecutive number of readings indicate a wet condition of the fabric within the drying zone. A counter within the microcomputer counts pulses from a source of timing signals and is repeatedly terminated and restarted whenever a valid wet signal is generated. The fabric drying operation is terminated upon the accumulation of a preselected count in the counter such that the termination coincides with an optimum dryness condition.

Abstract: A control circuit for a drier wherein a buzzer is provided for signalling termination of the normal drying cycle or operation of the drier in an anti-wrinkle cycle. When utilized to signal the end of a normal cycle, the buzzer provides a short time duration signal and when utilized to indicate the operation of the drier in the anti-wrinkle cycle, the buzzer provides a longer duration signal at periodic intervals during the cycle. Control of the buzzer is by a single cycle switch connected in cooperation with a timed switch for controlling operation of the drier drive motor, and a centrifugal switch also provided for controlling operation of the drier drive motor. The cycle switch may be a double throw switch and may have an associated pulser mechanism for effecting the desired intermittent operation of the buzzer for indicating the anti-wrinkle cycle.

Abstract: A receptacle such as a dishwasher tub having an improved control for effecting filling of the tub to a preselected full level and protecting the apparatus against undesirable overfill in the event the normal flow control malfunctions. The flow control includes a control valve having two valve elements for cooperatively preventing such undesirable overfill. One of the valve elements may be controlled by an electrically operated solenoid, and the other valve element may be controlled by mechanical control structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically controlled valve element is controlled by a timer, and the mechanically controlled valve element is controlled by a float. A heater is provided for heating liquid in the tub and an improved control is provided for controlling the heater so as to prevent energization thereof whenever the sensed liquid volume in the tub is below a preselected minimum.

Abstract: An improved latch structure for releasably locking a door to a cabinet including switch structure for permitting operation of electrical apparatus associated therewith to be operated only when the door is in the latched closed position. The switch is hidden within the door behind the latch bolt so as to be operated substantially only by the strike which has a preselected configuration to effect the latching and switch operating operations. The bolt may be operated manually to release the door from the latched condition, and in the illustrated embodiment, an improved pivotally mounted operator is provided for effecting the desired unlatching movement of the bolt.