Abstract: A door interlock includes a pivot arm having a door lock position, a door unlock position, and a latch recess. A latch has a door lock position against the pivot arm, a door unlock position releasing the pivot arm, and a latch projection. A latch operating solenoid is the only solenoid mechanically linked to the latch. A capacitor is supplied by a power supply and is arranged to pulse the latch operating solenoid without pulling down the power supply. The pulsing of the latch operating solenoid by the capacitor causes the latch operating solenoid to move the latch projection of the latch into and out of the latch recess of the pivot arm so that a door is locked and unlocked.

Abstract: A coin diameter discriminating device wherein a coin is received in a coin transport mechanism which is rotated by a motor at an accurately controlled angular velocity. By such arrangement, the coin is carried along a predetermined path at an accurately controlled or regulated velocity past at least one optical sensor that provides a change of state output upon detecting an edge of the coin. The sensor is arranged to start a time counter that is stopped by a predetermined reference event such as the coin transport mechanism having rotated to a predetermined angular orientation. The time count in the counter therefore corresponds to the angular orientation of the coin transport mechanism at the time of detecting the coin edge, which also accurately corresponds to the diameter of the coin. The time count is then compared to corresponding time count ranges each of which relates to known standards of an acceptable coin denomination.

Abstract: An electronic controller is programmed to operate in a plurality of different modes to enable the controller to be used in a variety of different models, each requiring a different operating mode. A wire harness is used to operatively couple the controller to an electric component such as a thermistor in a clothes dryer. A connector of the wire harness has terminal pins interconnected by jumper wires in a manner uniquely corresponding to the particular model in which the wire harness is used. Logic signals are coupled through the jumper wires to the controller to identify the particular model in which the controller is installed. In response thereto, the controller selects the particular operating mode corresponding to that model.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling a wash tub of an automatic clothes washer wherein a controller uses a thermistor embedded in the mixing valve to generate and store historical averages of the cold and warm water temperatures. From these, the hot water temperature is calculated under the assumption that the warm water is 50/50 hot and cold. The controller also uses a timer and a pressure sensitive switch to generate and store a historical average of the flow rate. A flow washer helps justify the assumption that the flow rate is always constant. Based on the hot and cold water temperatures and the anticipated flow rate, the controller calculates the ratio of hot and cold water, and how long each must be turned on to provide the selected water level. Then, each water valve is individually controlled for a single extended on cycle to satisfy the final requirements of temperature and level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating and collecting coins wherein an inserted coin is received in a notch of a rotary disk. Upon sensing the insertion of a coin into the notch, a motor rotates the disk through a predetermined arc to a predetermined angular orientation where a decision is made whether to accept or reject the coin based on coin characteristics such as the sensed diameter of the coin and metal content. If the coin is accepted, the disk is rotated to an angular orientation where the coin falls from the notch into a coin collection box. However, if the coin is rejected, the disk is rotated in the opposite direction to an angular orientation where the coin falls into a coin return chute. Sensors are also provided to sense the presence of the coin in the notch on the way back to the initial angular orientation. If the coin failed to fall out for any reason, another attempt is made to collect the coin.

Abstract: A controller for a washing machine with an alternately reversing drive motor wherein an electromechanical timer interfaces in conventional manner to electrical devices, and also switches line voltage to predetermined ones of a plurality of control lines to provide an encoded signal corresponding to the selected agitator stroke profile. The line voltage on the control lines is shifted to a DC voltage level compatible with a microprocessor that decodes the encoded signal, and then provides high rate control signals that gate high power solid state switches that switch line voltage to the respective stator windings of a permanent split capacitor motor. In such manner, the motor is driven in alternately reversing directions and, by way of a speed reducer, drives the agitator of the washing machine according to the selected stroke profile.