Abstract: A washing machine is provided with an unbalance detecting and control system which can sense an out-of-balance condition in five distinct directions extending within substantially three perpendicular planes. A single switch is utilized in connection with a switch actuator to sense an unbalance condition and to signal a controller for altering an operating condition of the washing machine. Particularly, the switch actuator is biased into engagement with a plunger of the switch and is caused to permit the plunger to extend when an unbalance condition arises.

Abstract: A stacked appliance assembly includes a lower unit, such as a clothes washing machine, and an upper unit, such as a clothes dryer. A support member is secured on top of the lower unit within the perimeter thereof. A base member is secured to the bottom of the upper unit within the perimeter thereof. The base member of the upper unit is adapted to slide upon the support member of the lower unit and to be secured thereto without the use of external mounting brackets. The support member and base member mounting arrangement provides automatic self-centered alignment of the upper unit on the lower unit. A plurality of tabs on the support member of the lower unit are received within slots on the base member of the upper unit so as to interlock the units together.

Abstract: A control center including a panel alignment system is provided for use with a control housing. A support member is mounted in the control housing for mounting a selector switch. A panel member is spaced forwardly from the support member and is movable relative thereto. The panel member includes an aperture for receiving the actuating shaft of the selector switch and further includes selector switch operating indicia. An alignment member is mounted to the support member at the selector switch location and includes a projecting portion engageable with the panel member for effecting a connection therebetween. The alignment member and the panel member are movable together to align the operating indicia with the actuating shaft. The alignment member further includes a locking portion for locking the alignment member and the panel member in place when alignment is achieved.