Abstract: The technical disclosure relates to a mechanical device that compresses waste in a garbage can. The embodiments descried in the technical disclosure provide the benefit of compacting waste without having to touch the waste, and also using trash bags more efficiently. The technical disclosure describes a shaft extending through a lid and connected to a star-shaped polygon that pushes down on waste. The star-shaped polygon provides improved performance. Additional embodiments are further described herein.

Abstract: A controller is associated with the detergent dispenser of a washing machine, such as a clothes washing machine or a combined clothes washing and drying machine. The controller selectively controls the addition of various detergents and rinsing aids into the machine's tub. The corresponding control position is signalled by a plurality of micro-switches (17, 18, 19, 20) that are actuated by a rotating compartment selector (15) of the dispenser. The selector selectively establishes communication between the cold or hot water supply and each one of the compartments of said dispenser. The micro-switches (17, 18, 19, 20) can be switched on or off, along with a corresponding operational component part (42, 43, 44, 45) of the machine, by the rotating compartment selector means (15).

Abstract: A liquid detergent dispensing apparatus is for use in a washing machine and includes an oscillator which generates a pulse signal having a frequency corresponding to a quantity of liquid detergent to be added to the wash tank of the washing machine. A metering pump, which is for dispensing a constant delivery quantity of detergent from a reservoir, is selectively driven for a period of time corresponding to the frequency of the pulse signal generated by the oscillator. Further, the metering pump is selectively driven in response to an operating state of an actuator of a multicompartment detergent container and in response to an operating state of a heating element of the washing machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic laundry washer of the type having a laundering tub in which a drum is rotated by an electric motor at a low speed during a laundering phase, and at a high speed during at least one certrifuging period. For ensuring a complete discharge of foam and lye in the course of a centrifuging period, a pressure switch is adapted to interrupt the rotation of the drum during the centrifuging period and to disconnect the power supply to the program control unit in response to the level within the laundering tub exceeding a predetermined value.