Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the rotational speed of a washing machine tub to minimize washing machine vibration. The washing machine uses an accelerometer to sense machine vibration. A computer software program monitors, records, and compares machine vibrations over a range of rotational speeds to determine a rotational speed which minimizes machine vibration.

Abstract: A mounting device for use with a washing machine to mount a cantilevered piezoelectric film accelerometer to a circuit board. The invention includes a housing structure having a cavity formed therein, with the accelerometer extending inwardly into the cavity from a first wall of the housing structure. The invention also includes a means for flattening the cantilevered piezoelectric film proximate the first wall of the housing structure.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking an access door of an appliance includes a spring biased catch member preferably attached to the door and a latching housing insert fixed to a cabinet shell of the appliance. Upon closing the door, the catch member is caused to ride up a ramped retaining element mounted in a latching cavity, while simultaneously pivoting a first locking element between release and set positions. When the door is fully closed, the catch member drops behind the retaining element to releasably hold the door closed. When it is desired to maintain the door in a securely locked position, a linear actuator is activated to shift a second locking element into engagement with the first locking element. Preferably, the first and second locking elements are engaged through a ratchet connection which enables continued rotation of the first locking element to only further lock the catch member in the latching cavity.

Abstract: The door vent of the present invention includes an elongated tube mounted in a lower wall of the door of a horizontal axis washing machine, providing fluid communication between the interior chamber of the door and the interior of the tub, when the door is in a closed position. The tube projects upwardly within the door to form a standpipe, to prevent water from entering and becoming trapped within the door. A fine mesh screen is mounted in the vent to prevent suds from entering the door. A fan may be mounted to a compartment on the detergent receptacle on the washing machine housing, to draw air through the fluid dispensing system and out into the housing of the washing machine.

Abstract: A sealing device is provided to bridge a gap defined between open frontal portions of inner and outer tubs of a horizontal axis washing machine in order to prevent foreign objects from getting into the outer tub from the inner tub through the gap and potentially clogging a pumping system of the machine. In the preferred form of the invention, the sealing device includes a first seal portion fixedly secured to a lower, inner wall portion of a cover attached to the outer tub and a flexible, second seal portion which extends toward and preferably slidably contacts a balance ring provided about the open frontal portion of the inner tub. In accordance with one embodiment, the sealing device is constituted by a brush member, with the second seal portion being defined by bristles of the brush member. In another embodiment, the sealing device is constituted by a plastic film having one longitudinal side secured to the outer tub cover and another longitudinal side in sliding contact with the balance ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the rotational speed of a washing machine tub to minimize washing machine vibration. The washing machine uses an accelerometer to sense machine vibration. A computer software program monitors, records, and compares machine vibrations over a range of rotational speeds to determine a rotational speed which minimizes machine vibration.

Abstract: A tuned vibration absorber mounted to the enclosure of a machine. The vibration absorber is suspended to absorb the vibration created by the dynamic system of the machine. The vibration absorber includes a mass and a plurality of springs used to suspend the mass in a desired location.

Abstract: An improved laundry appliance is provided having a security system to control access to the clothes in the appliance. The security system includes a lock on the appliance for locking the appliance door in the closed position, and a control panel to actuate and deactuate the lock. The control panel includes a money payment receiver, such as a coin slot or a credit and debit card reader. The control panel also includes a security system such as a key, key card, or PIN access code, to prevent unauthorized deactuation of the lock.

Abstract: An improved clothes washing machine is provided with a one-piece pulley and fluid balance ring. The fluid ring is integrally formed with the pulley and is cantilevered from the pulley. The fluid ring is thus in an offset vertical plane relative to the belt track of the pulley so as to prevent interference with the pulley belt. The fluid ring includes a plurality of concentric annular fluid chambers each of which are partially filled with fluid to provide a counterbalance to an unbalanced load of clothes in the washing machine. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid ring is integrally formed with the pulley and spaced radially inwardly from the pulley belt track.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a washing machine, is provided with a cabinet connected to the base in such a manner so as to maintain flexibility of the base thereby accommodating uneven floors. The cabinet is rigidly secured to the base at three points spaced approximately 120.degree. apart. Additional slip-fit securement is provided between the cabinet and base so as to prevent vibration of the cabinet against the base.

Abstract: A dual capacity washing machine includes an outer tub having an open end. A first wash basket having a first capacity is mounted within the outer tub, and can be interchanged with a second wash basket having a second capacity. A first tub cover is detachably mounted over the open end of the outer tub and includes a transition surface into and out of the first wash basket. A second tub cover can be interchanged with the first tub cover and includes a transition surface extending toward the second wash basket. The combination of the first wash basket and the first tub cover provide a first wash capacity and the combination of the second wash basket and second tub cover provide a second washing capacity.