Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a washing machine. The washing machine control apparatus includes a mechanical timer and a controller including a microcomputer. The mechanical timer has a plurality of cam switches for controlling the steps of washing, rinsing and dehydrating by the washing machine, and the cam switches are actuated so as to open and close a feed water valve and a drain valve and to instruct the control to drive a drive motor according to a selected operation pattern. The controller controls the drive motor and drives a washing tube through an agitating member and includes a memory for storing a plurality of motor operation patterns corresponding to the washing, rinsing and dehydrating steps, so that the drive motor is driven according to an operation pattern controlled by the mechanical timer and stored in the memory of the controller.

Abstract: In a full-automated washer, a cloth amount sensor detects a quantity of an object being washed which is thrown into a washing drum as a value inclusive of information regarding a degree of bulkiness of the object to be washed. A processing circuit included in the full-automated washer is responsive to a detection output signal from the cloth amount sensor to determine a water supply amount, a cleanser feed amount, a stirring time and a rinsing time. The cloth amount sensor is mounted to a stirring motor. Upon an OFF-state of the motor, the detection output signal is generated by measuring a voltage waveform induced by inertial motion which varies in accordance the degree of bulkiness of the object to be washed.

Abstract: In a method for operating a washing machine, the accumulated value representative of the number of washing works done in the washing machine is updated and stored in a nonvolatile memory each time such washing work is done. The accumulated value is compared with a predetermined value representative of a tolerance limit number of washing work of such washing machine. In case that the accumulated value is beyond the predetermined value, the washing machine is made inoperative. The user may be informed visually and/or acoustically of the inoperative condition of such washing machine.

Abstract: By using a relay of which contact is opened or closed in response to a signal from instruction and control unit, an electric power is supplied to a load unit through the contact of the relay. The relay is such that a power switch is turned on to excite a coil for closing the contact thereof. When a reserved operation is performed, the relay is turned off in response to the signal from the instruction and control unit at the time at which a reserved time and the contents of the reserved operation have been set. When the time to start the reserved operation comes, the relay is turned on again in response to the signal from the instruction and control unit to start a supply of electric power to the load unit. Power is not applied to the load unit during the waiting period until the reserved operation starts. Thus, the malfunction of the load unit due to the deterioration of the semiconductor switching elements is prevented, and a safer washing machine can be obtained.

Abstract: In a fully-automated washer, a cloth amount sensor detects a quantity of an object being washed as a value inclusive of information regarding a degree of bulkiness of the object to be washed. A processing circuit is responsive to a detection output signal from the cloth amount sensor to determine a water supply amount, a cleanser feed amount, a stirring or agitating time and a rinsing time. The cloth amount sensor is mounted to a stirring or agitating motor. Upon an OFF-state of the motor, the detection output signal is generated by measuring a voltage waveform induced by inertial motion which varies in accordance the degree of bulkiness of the object to be washed.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising (A) a thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of 0.degree. to 80.degree. C., (B) a compound having 2 or more hydroxyl groups in the molecule, (C) a thixotropic agent and (D) a solvent, and said coating composition having a viscosity of 3 to 50 poises at 25.degree. C. and a thixotropy of 2 or more can give a moistureproof insulating coating film with uniform and large thickness and very few bubbles by one-time treatment over packing circuit boards.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine capable of automatically carrying out a programmed sequence of a washing operation, a rinsing operation and/or a spinning or extracting operation, and a method for operating such a washing machine, in which a newly selected operation program is compared with an already selected operation program, and when the already selected operation program includes an operation included in the newly selected operation program, the operation in the already selected operation program corresponding to that in the newly selected operation program is only continuously carried out for improving the utility of the automatic washing machine.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine which automatically carries out the steps of washing, rinsing and dehydrating in accordance with a preselected program, comprises an indication means for indicating the occurrence of abnormal operation if it occurs in the steps of washing, rinsing and dehydrating, in such a manner that the indication mode differs from cause to cause of the occurrence of the abnormal operation.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine in which an initial filling time required for filling a tub with water to a predetermined level at the start of a washing process is measured and stored in a memory, whereby time required for rinsing process is automatically determined on the basis of the measured initial filling time. Means is provided for determining the rinsing time duration on the basis of a preset rinsing time stored in the memory in place of the measured filling time when the latter is abnormally short, thereby to assure an adequate rinsing action.