Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water, a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber, a weight sensor outputting a signal responsive to the weight of the steam generator, and a controller coupled to the weight sensor and configured to control a flow of water through the supply conduit based on the signal from the weight sensor. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the weight sensor.

Abstract: A method of rinsing fabric in a washer having a wash chamber rotatable about a horizontal axis comprises the step of adding water to the wash chamber and spraying the rinse water by recirculating it onto the fabric while spinning the wash chamber at a speed to effect a centrifugal force on the fabric such that the fabric will not tumble within the wash chamber as it spins. The method further comprises at least a last rinsing step in which the rotating speed of the wash chamber is such that the fabric tumbles within the wash chamber and in that the rinsing water is not recirculated and sprayed onto the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and fabric items during a wash process, and a method for setting the liquid level in the automatic washer based on the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and the fabric items.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the bunching of fabric items during a wash process.

Abstract: An automatic clothes washer comprises a wash tub in which is disposed a wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving fabric articles, and an article mover located within the wash chamber and driven by a motor to impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles upon contact. A method for controlling the operation of the automatic clothes washer comprises determining the work imparted to the fabric articles by the article mover, and controlling an operating cycle of the automatic washer based on the determined work.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the degree of tangling of fabric items during a wash process based on at least one of the motor speed or motor current.

Abstract: A method for treating a biofilm in an appliance comprising a structure defining a cleaning chamber, wherein the biofilm resides on the structure, comprises treating the structure with heat. The heat may sanitize the structure, kill microorganisms in the biofilm, and loosen the biofilm from the structure. Optionally, the biofilm may be rinsed from the structure following or during the treatment with heat.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water, a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber, a weight sensor outputting a signal responsive to the weight of the steam generator, and a controller coupled to the weight sensor and configured to control a flow of water through the supply conduit based on the signal from the weight sensor. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the weight sensor.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing a washing machine, including the removal of a bio film from the wash chamber of a clothes washer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the temperature of the fabric in a fabric treating apparatus.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises at least one of a tub and drum defining a fabric treatment chamber, a steam generator having a steam generation chamber and configured to supply steam to the fabric treatment chamber, and a conduit fluidly coupling a water supply to the steam generation chamber. The fabric treatment appliance can also include a flow controller and/or a flow meter fluidly coupled to the conduit to facilitate controlling the supply of water to the steam generation chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the flow controller and/or the flow meter.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water; a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance, such as a washing machine, comprises at least one of a tub and drum configured to hold a fabric load. A method of operating the fabric treatment appliance comprises heating the fabric load and, after heating the fabric load, sanitizing the fabric load by heating the fabric load with steam.

Abstract: A fabric treating appliance utilizing steam for treating the fabric and having a steam generator with a conduit for directing the steam

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance having a steam generator for generating steam to be used in the treatment of the fabric. An anti-siphoning device is provided to prevent the siphoning of treatment fluids through the steam generator.

Abstract: A fabric treating appliance using steam to treat the fabrics and having an exhaust system for removing the steam from the appliance.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises a pre-wash step; a heating step comprising introducing steam into at least one of the tub and the drum; and a washing step. The pre-wash step comprises recirculating liquid between the tub and the drum; rotating the drum at a first spin speed to distribute the clothing within the drum; and rotating the drum at a second spin speed greater than the first spin speed to draw the liquid through the fabric load.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a housing with an inner surface defining a chamber and having a surface treatment that inhibits adherence of scale to the inner surface. In another embodiment, the fabric treatment appliance can include a water supply line configured to supply water from a household water supply to the steam generator and a filter fluidly coupled to the water supply line and configured to filter water supplied to the steam generator to thereby inhibit formation of scale and sludge.

Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises introducing liquid into the drum to wet the fabric load and spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum prior to the introducing of the liquid.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load and a liquid recirculation system configured to recirculate liquid from the tub to the drum comprises a pre-wash step; a heating step comprising introducing steam into the tub and/or the drum; and a washing step comprising washing the fabric load with a second volume of liquid greater than the first volume of liquid. The pre-wash step can comprise recirculating a first volume of liquid between the tub and the drum without submerging a portion of the drum in the liquid and rotating the drum. In another embodiment, the pre-wash step can comprise recirculating a first volume of liquid between the tub and the drum to achieve a fabric load weight to liquid weight ratio of between about 1:0.5 and 1:2.7.