Abstract: A washing machine according to the present invention includes a pressure sensor provided at a rod holding plate holding a suspension rod with which an outer tub is suspended. The pressure sensor is constructed so that a coil is wound around a magnetostrictive element whose magnetic characteristic changes when it is expanded, compressed or twisted by an external force. The change in the magnetic characteristic is converted to the change in the inductance of the coil, and an oscillating signal of a frequency corresponding to the inductance generated. Based on the frequency of the signal, the load on the pressure sensor is detected. Before supplying water, the amount of the laundry contained in a wash-and-extraction tub is detected based on the output of the pressure sensor, and an object water level corresponding to the amount is determined. After that, a water supply valve is opened to start supplying water into the wash-and-extraction tub.

Abstract: An anti-vibration leg unit used for supporting the body of an electric machine such as a washing machine which comprises a fixed leg attached to an electric machine body, and an elastic leg made of elastic material and assembled to the fixed leg. It is useful for preventing the transfer of the vibration and noise of the electric machine to the floor.

Abstract: A washing machine having a water store tank comprising a washing tank also serving as a water extraction tank, a water transfer means for tranferring water from the washing tank to the water store tank or from the water store tank to the washing tank, and adapted to preform washing by a step of carrying out at least one cycle of operation of soaking washing products for a predetermined of time in the washing tank, thereafter, transferring water once to the water store tank and then returning water to the washing tank again by means of water transfer means, a step of transferring water to the water store tank and, thereafter, rotating the washing tank to perform water extraction in the above step and a step of soaking the washing products for a predetermined of time after the completion of the above step, followed by draining.

Abstract: A washing machine having a water store tank comprising a washing tank also serving as a water extraction tank, a water transfer means for transferring water from the washing tank to the water store tank or from the water store tank to the washing tank, and adapted to perform washing by a step of carrying out at least one cycle of operation of soaking washing products for a predetermined of time in the washing tank, thereafter, transferring water once to the water store tank and then returning water to the washing tank again by means of water transfer means, a step of transferring water to the water store tank and, thereafter, rotating the washing tank to perform water extraction in the above step and a step of soaking the washing products for a predetermined of time after the completion of the above step, followed by draining.

Abstract: A washing machine having a cabinet, a basket mounted in the cabinet, and an agitator rotatably mounted on a bottom of the basket, which agitator has a substantially disk-shaped base, a projection in the form of a substantially triangular prism integrally extending from a substantially central portion of the base, and three vanes integrally extending smoothly from side ridges of the projection over the base. The projection has a height which is over 1/2 the outside diameter of the base and further has an upper end positioned below at least the level of water in the basket at the time the water is at rest. The agitator rotates at a speed of 300 rpm or less alternately clockwise and counterclockwise, to provide effective washing of clothes with less damage.