Abstract: A control device for a laundry appliance includes a member which need only be manually shifted through a limited range of travel, from a neutral position to which the control member is biased, in either of first and second opposing directions, to establish a desired cycle and to adjust an operational time for the cycle. The control member is provided with numerous movable contacts which are interposed between fixed contacts. Shifting of the control member a limited amount in either direction will function to engage a single pair of the contacts, while shifting the control member a further amount in the same direction causes another pair of the contacts to become engaged. In this manner, the contacts are paired to slowly increase or decrease the operational time and to also select either the next or previous operational cycle. User feedback of the selected setting is preferably provided through the use of a illuminated indicator that shifts around a track adjacent operational indicia.

Abstract: The air pressure sensor of the present invention functions to control the water level in a washing machine tub and to vary the fill volume relative to the clothes load. The sensor or switch is mounted on the drain pump on the base of the washing machine cabinet, so as to be independent from the washing machine tub. An air dome extends between the switch and the water inlet line of the pump. The switch is set to be actuated at a predetermined pressure. As the water level increases in the tub, the air pressure within the air dome increases, until eventually the switch is actuated. The switch is mounted directly to the air dome in an angular orientation, thereby minimizing or eliminating condensation problems in the switch. The switch will also be activated by water pressure, in the event of an air leak in the air dome, so as to preclude water overflow of the tub.

Abstract: A control device for a laundry appliance includes a member which need only be manually shifted through a limited range of travel, from a neutral position to which the control member is biased, in either of first and second opposing directions, to establish a desired cycle and to adjust an operational time for the cycle. The control member is provided with numerous movable contacts which are interposed between fixed contacts. Shifting of the control member a limited amount in either direction will function to engage a single pair of the contacts, while shifting the control member a further amount in the same direction causes another pair of the contacts to become engaged. In this manner, the contacts are paired to slowly increase or decrease the operational time and to also select either the next or previous operational cycle. User feedback of the selected setting is preferably provided through the use of a illuminated indicator that shifts around a track adjacent operational indicia.

Abstract: A hose retainer is provided to maintain a hose in a gooseneck shape. The retainer includes opposite rings which retentively engage portions of the hose adjacent the gooseneck. The retainer is molded or stamped from plastic so as to have a flat one-piece construction. A tab is provided on the retainer and is adapted to be received in a slot on the back of a washing machine to hold the hose close to the machine during shipping and storage.

Abstract: A pump mount of the present invention is adapted to removably mount a pump to a washing machine without requiring access to the bottom of the washing machine. The pump includes a mount having a pair of feet which are adapted to be secured to the base of the washing machine using a twist lock. The feet can be inserted into holes formed in the washing machine base and the pump twisted to lock the pump in place. The wash tub outlet hose and drain hose are then attached to the pump. The hoses attached to the pump secure the pump in the locked position preventing the pump from twisting to the unlocked position.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus for balancing a container using a closed system fluid balance ring for high rotational speed washing machines, the transfer of fluid is pulsed, allowing for a variable overall mass transfer rate while computation of the imbalance continues. Mass transfer continues until any significant imbalance is eliminated. The quasi-constant nature of this method allows for the resulting imbalance tolerances to be significantly lower. As the imbalance decreases, the mass transfer rate is varied accordingly.

Abstract: A sealing device is provided to bridge a gap defined between open frontal portions of inner and outer tubs of a horizontal axis washing machine in order to prevent foreign objects from getting into the outer tub from the inner tub through the gap and potentially clogging a pumping system of the machine. In the preferred form of the invention, the sealing device includes a first seal portion fixedly secured to a lower, inner wall portion of a cover attached to the outer tub and a flexible, second seal portion which extends toward and preferably slidably contacts a balance ring provided about the open frontal portion of the inner tub. In accordance with one embodiment, the sealing device is constituted by a brush member, with the second seal portion being defined by bristles of the brush member. In another embodiment, the sealing device is constituted by a plastic film having one longitudinal side secured to the outer tub cover and another longitudinal side in sliding contact with the balance ring.

Abstract: A counterbalance weight is provided for a laundry washing machine tub. The weight includes a weighted body securable to the tub with a foam impact-absorbing member mounted on the body in a position below the tub so as to absorb impact forces on the tub. The body of the counterbalance weight includes a pair of open slots adapted to receive bolts extending from the tub so as to slidably mount the counterbalance weight onto the tub. In an alternative embodiment, impact-absorbing members are provided on the bottom of a hung strut tub to absorb impact to the tub and to maintain the vibration-absorbing function of the strut springs.

Abstract: A counterbalance weight is provided for a laundry washing machine tub. The weight includes a weighted body securable to the tub with a foam impact-absorbing member mounted on the body in a position below the tub so as to absorb impact forces on the tub. The body of the counterbalance weight includes a pair of open slots adapted to receive bolts extending from the tub so as to slidably mount the counterbalance weight onto the tub. In an alternative embodiment, impact-absorbing members are provided on the bottom of a hung strut tub to absorb impact to the tub and to maintain the vibration-absorbing function of the strut springs.

Abstract: A boot drain for horizontal axis washing machines includes an elongated hollow tube with a forward end disposed within a lower portion of the boot, and a rearward end disposed within the tub to drain fluid from the lower portion of the boot into the tub. Preferably the tube has an inverted U-shape which creates a siphon to remove pooled liquid within the boot and to transfer the liquid to the tub.

Abstract: An air dome and air pressure sensor of the present invention are adapted to determine the level of water in a wash tub. The air dome is located within the wash tub and positioned such that water left in the sump will not enter and remain trapped in the air dome when the washing machine is tilted. The air dome may be comprised of an angled tube having a downward facing open end and being in communication with a pressure sensor via an air dome hose. The angled tube extends downward into the drain tube of the washing machine in such a way that water will not enter and be trapped in the air dome. The air dome may also be comprised of a downward facing air trap in communication with the air pressure sensor via an air dome hose. The air trap is also located within the wash tub and oriented so that water will not enter and be trapped in the air dome when the washing machine is tilted.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for securing the top cover to the cabinet of a laundry appliance. The fastener doubles as a handle. The fastener includes a first fastener member mounted to the top cover and a second fastener member extending through an opening in the cabinet and being secured to the first fastener member. A recessed portion in the second fastener member defines a hand grip for facilitating movement of the appliance.

Abstract: A radially mounted motor is provided in a closed system fluid balance ring for high rotational speed washing machines. The motor is mounted at an orientation of 90.degree. relative to the rotational axis of the washing machine spinner. Such an orientation prevents adverse effects on the motor contacts from centrifugal forces generated by the rotating spinner. A 90.degree. orientation also eliminates deflection of the motor shaft and excessive friction on the motor bearings. The angular orientation of the motor assures proper functioning of the closed system fluid balance ring of the washing machine. The balance system also includes a valve to control movement of fluid within the ring. The valve is mounted at an angle with respect to a tangent of the spinner so as to prevent detrimental effects from the centrifugal forces of the rotating spinner.

Abstract: A laundry appliance cabinet includes a first panel member of integral construction and at least one additional panel member joined to the first panel member to form a plurality of exterior cabinet walls and a tub within those exterior walls.

Abstract: A laundry appliance cabinet includes a first panel member of integral construction and at least one additional panel member joined to the first panel member to form a plurality of exterior cabinet walls and a tub within those exterior walls.