Abstract: A suds return valve for automatic washers is provided in which a flapper valve can be manually set to save suds water for subsequent use, the valve being automatically returned to direct rinse liquid to drain after the suds water has reached a predetermined height in a storage receptacle. The valve can be manually set to use suds water in a wash cycle and the valve would be automatically returned to send water to the drain after a predetermined amount of suds water has been removed from the storage receptacle.

Abstract: A combination lid and excursion switch and alarm for automatic washers is provided in which the opening of the lid or excursion of the tub due to an imbalance in the load during the spin cycle causes an interruption of power to the washer motor. An imbalance in the load would also sound an audible signal. The switching mechanism is automatically reset by the opening and reclosing of the lid.

Abstract: A fluid pumping agitator for use in a vertical axis automatic clothes washing machine which pumps wash liquid from an inlet in the skirt portion of the agitator to an outlet in the barrel portion of the agitator. The agitator pumps liquid in both directions of its oscillatory rotational movement. The barrel portion has a chamber in which can be placed wash liquid treatment means such as a filter.

Abstract: Lint is automatically separated continuously from a dryer exhaust stream, rolled into string-like masses and released from a collecting screen where it is picked up by an auger conveyor and transported to a storage receptacle in compacted form.

Abstract: A power switch module for use in controlled-sequence devices such as a domestic laundry appliance has switches arranged in a pattern about a central portion of the module selectively closeable to connect circuitry associated with each switch to a source of electric potential. Each switch has an associated actuator movable to open and close the switch, and each actuator is operated by a hammer having a striking surface for depressing an actuator to open a switch and a camming surface for raising an actuator to close a switch. The hammer is mounted for rotation on a shaft and is axially movable by a solenoid. A disc encoder on the shaft derives hammer-position information which is transmitted to a microprocessor which controls sequential operation of the device and energizes the solenoid to open or close a switch at appropriate times during operation.

Abstract: A coil assembly structure having an improved terminal arrangement whereby the coil electrical terminals are effectively positively maintained in association with the coil bobbin. The terminal includes a portion received in a recess in the bobbin. A spreader element is provided in the recess for urging a biting portion of the terminal into the sidewall of the recess to provide effectively positive maintained association of the terminal with the coil bobbin for improved subsequent electrical connection and encapsulation.

Abstract: The timer has switches including upper and lower passive blades and an active blade therebetween. The distal end of the lower passive blade has depending spacers which straddle the cam upon which the follower on the distal end of the active blade rides. The spacers reference the lower passive blade off the hub of the drum type program cam. The lower passive blade is provided with a rest or stop for the upper passive blade limiting downward movement of that blade. With precision molding, both passive blades are accurately referenced from the cam hub and the location of the follower which actuates the active blade is precisely located. Accuracy of switching is increased without increased precision in manufacture. Use of two cam tracks permits simultaneous actuation of the active and "passive" blades to effect faster switching. It is possible to provide a "make-make" arrangement instead of the double throw arrangement.