Abstract: An adjustable agitation system for an automatic washing machine includes a lost motion fluid drive connection between the input drive member and the agitator so that agitator oscillates through a lesser arc than the input drive member. The fluid drive is formed by pockets in the agitator skirt and corresponding paddles on the drive member skirt. The spacing of the drive member and agitator is varied to vary the differential between the drive member oscillation arc length and the agitator oscillation arc length. A connection member engages the input drive member and is selectively engageable with the agitator to connect the input drive member and agitator for conjoint oscillation.

Abstract: A front serviceable appliance includes an outer removable cabinet having side walls, a front wall and an upper wall on which is mounted a control console. The cabinet is mounted on a support structure on which are mounted the internal components of the appliance. The support structure includes a base frame and a rear panel which supports components of the appliance. The rear panel is attached at its lower end to the base frame with its upper end extending upwardly beyond the upper wall of the cabinet. The cabinet is held in position relative to the rear panel and the base frame by the control console interacting with the upper end of the rear panel and the upper wall of the cabinet. The control console includes end walls which are secured to the upper wall of the cabinet. A pair of locking members arranged on the upper end of the rear panel adjacent each end wall are secured to the end walls to thereby removably retain the cabinet relative to the rear panel and base frame.

Abstract: A water softening system utilizing a reusable, self-contained water softener device for an agitator type clothes washer. The water softener device includes a quantity of cation exchange resin contained in a chamber. The water softener device is placed in the clothes washer in association with the agitator and water is percolated upwardly through the resin by a pump to thereby effect hardness reduction by the removal of calcium and/or magnesium ions from the water. After the softening operation, the water softener is removed from the washer and detergent and soiled fabrics are placed therein. The resin may then be regenerated by treatment of the device with a salt solution.

Abstract: A water softening system utilizing a reusable, self-contained water softener device for an agitator type clothes washer. The water softener device includes a quantity of cation exchange resin contained in a chamber. The water softener device is placed in the clothes washer in association with the agitator and water is percolated upwardly through the resin by a pump to thereby effect hardness reduction by the removal of calcium and/or magnesium ions from the water. After the softening operation, the water softener is removed from the washer and detergent and soiled fabrics are placed therein. The resin may then be regenerated by treatment of the device with a salt solution.