Abstract: A washing machine overflow prevention device for preventing flooding includes a plug-port assembly that comprises a plug, a port, and a breaker. The plug is configured to insert into an outlet that is coupled to an electrical circuit of a building. The port is configured to insert a power cord plug of a washing machine to power the washing machine, and the breaker is positioned to operationally couple the plug to the port. A switching sensor is coupled to and positioned in a standpipe. The switching sensor is operationally coupled to the plug and the breaker. The switching sensor is configured to detect a water level in the standpipe and to selectively actuate the breaker to decouple the port from the plug in event of a high-water level in the standpipe to prevent flooding of an area proximate to the washing machine.

Abstract: A power control device for regulating the power that a load consumes on the basis of the AC supply frequency. The system includes decision logic that responds to a frequency deviation to implement a power regulation strategy. The power regulation strategy includes a power compensation phase during which the electrical power that the load consumes is adjusted (reduced or increased) to balance the load on the grid. The power regulation strategy also includes a power restoration phase during which the power to the load is restored (either increased or decreased). The rate at which the power is adjusted during the power compensation phase is higher than the rate at which the power is restored during the power restoration phase.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a rear panel mounted on a wall; a tub supported by the rear panel and configured to contain wash water; a front panel having an opening therein and on or in front of the tub; a rotatable drum in the tub; a driving unit providing power to the drum; a cover on the rear panel so as to cover the tub and the front panel; a water supply device supplying wash water to the tub; and a drain device having a drain filter in a wash water discharge path, the drain filter being configured to filter foreign matter in the wash water.

Abstract: It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a dish washing machine capable of actively responding to a problem when circulation of washing water is not smoothly performed by sequentially and selectively performing a bubble removal operation, a filter blockage removal operation, and a water supply operation, and a method of controlling the same.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine (1) has a washing tub (3) external to a rotatable washing drum (4) adapted to receive laundry. The machine further has a level sensing device (19) having a pressure sensor (50) suitable for determining the liquid level inside the washing tub (3). The level sensing device (19) further has an air chamber (51; 151) connectable to a detection outlet (60) associated to the washing tub (3). A liquid flowing path (61) is defined between the detection outlet (60) and the air chamber (51; 151), wherein the liquid may flow between the washing tub (3) and the air chamber (51;151). In a mounted configuration, the air chamber (51; 151) is associated to the washing tub (3) and the laundry washing machine (1) is positioned in its working position, and the path (61) is shaped such that at least a section of the path, in a plane perpendicular to a flowing direction (V) of the liquid, has the upper part comprising a rectilinear portion (64a; 64b; 164a).

Abstract: A method that configures a liquid-level transmitter device to generate a measured value for a level of a liquid. The method includes steps to correct for changes in physical properties of one or more components of the device. In one embodiment, the method utilizes a correction value that incorporates data from a temperature sensor disposed inside of the device, for example, inside of the electronics member.

Abstract: A consumable supply item for an imaging device holds an initial or refillable volume of ink. A housing defines an interior having a pair of opposed electrodes. The electrodes have a capacitance that varies in response to an amount of liquid between them. A controller energizes one electrode and receives an output reading from the other. The controller processes the reading on board the housing and supplies it as a digital data stream to the imaging device during use. A memory stores calibration values for an empty and full housing. The controller writes back to the memory present fluid levels obtained from the output reading of the electrode. An enable output allows operation or not of a fluid pump in the imaging device. Materials, construction, modularity, and fluid communication ports are further embodiments, to name a few.

Abstract: A washing machine having an integrated water-on-demand feature is provided. The washing machine appliance allows a user to adjust the water or wash liquid fill amount of the washing machine appliance using an actuator integrated into or positioned nearby the dispenser box, thereby enabling a simple, convenient, and effective manner of adding wash liquid without requiring a substantial number of additional parts or assembly.

Abstract: A method for detecting powder is performed in a powder detection device including a pair of electrodes arranged to be opposed to each other with a gap interposed therebetween and an electric circuit electrically connected to the pair of electrodes. The method includes detecting powder filling in a case where the electric circuit together with powder and the electrodes forms a closed circuit when the powder fills the gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an error in the measurement of a water level in a washing machine includes a water level sensor measuring a water level in a washing tub; a water supply and drain device supplying water to the washing tub or discharging water from in the washing tub; and a control unit controlling the water supply and drain device to adjust the water level in the washing tub, and detecting a measurement error of the water level sensor based on a water level change measured by the water level sensor while the water level is adjusted.

Abstract: A water-bearing domestic appliance and method of operating a water-bearing domestic appliance, wherein the domestic appliance includes a water feed system that is controlled by a control device and that supplies a measured volume of water to the domestic appliance. The domestic appliance further includes a total water volume detection device to detect a total volume of water that is supplied via the water feed system to the domestic appliance during its service life.

Abstract: An ebb and flow watering system having controls for starting an internal timing clock when a fluid in a control bucket reaches a fill level, restarting the internal timing clock if the fluid drops below the fill level, and shutting off the fill pump if the internal timing clock runs for a complete fill period; and starting an internal timing clock when the fluid in the control bucket reaches a drain level, restarting the internal timing clock if the fluid raises above the drain level, and shutting off the drain pump if the internal timing clock runs for a complete drain period.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a wash tub enclosing an interior and a clean water feed line which passes through a port of the wash tub into the interior. The feed line has a line end leading from outside to the wash tub. An inlet bolt can be fastened from the interior to the line end and has an axial bore to extend the feed line. The axial bore leads into a plurality of inlet openings which are distributed over a circumference on a circumferential surface of the inlet bolt projecting into the interior. The inlet bolt has an end which faces the interior and is implemented as a cover to protect the axial bore from ingress of splash water.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.

Abstract: A system for preventing flooding caused by blockages in the drain lines of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and the like included a sealed connection between a washing machine drain line and the sewer line drain, further including a washing machine drain line inlet attachment to a housing, the inlet line connecting to the sewer drain line and to a sealed vent pipe connected to the sewer line drain above the inlet attachment, and including a C-shaped loop in fluid communication with the sewer drain line and containing a float actuated control valve adapted to cut off power to the washing machine upon actuation; a kit containing components of the system and methods of installing the system and kit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an error in the measurement of a water level in a washing machine includes a water level sensor measuring a water level in a washing tub; a water supply and drain device supplying water to the washing tub or discharging water from in the washing tub; and a control unit controlling the water supply and drain device to adjust the water level in the washing tub, and detecting a measurement error of the water level sensor based on a water level change measured by the water level sensor while the water level is adjusted.

Abstract: A clothing treating apparatus and a method of controlling such an apparatus are provided. The clothing treating apparatus may make use of a draining function which may be automatically or manually performed after determining whether or not water received in a detachable water supply tank may be re-used or not.

Abstract: A pressure switch is disclosed for use with electronic modules of several appliances having a machine control electronic module, using further its own printed circuit board for the task of controlling, the motor electric supply to a washing machine, for example, in addition to other appliances. A diaphragm with a plunger is connected to the pressure signal entrance and receives a spring subject to being tensioned by means of a sliding cup. After reaching the desired pressure level, a signal is sent through the entrance, following the displacement of diaphragm and plunger, and then touching and pressing a micro switch on the printed circuit board of the machine control module; the machine is then turned off through the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.

Abstract: A method of determining an operational parameter of a washing system having a wash tank to which water and material are added. In some embodiments, the method includes establishing a communication link between a sensor and a controller. The sensor is positioned in the wash tank and transmits a signal indicative of a material concentration. The controller receives the signal. Additionally, the method includes adding material to water in the wash tank, monitoring the material concentration while material is being added, and stopping the material addition upon the material concentration reaching a predetermined material concentration. The controller then determines an operational parameter indicative of the amount of material that is needed to reach the predetermined material concentration.

Abstract: A device for determining a fill level of liquid within a suds tub of a washing machine, having a fill level sensor by means of which a pressure value generated by the liquid can be determined, the fill level sensor having at least one detection part disposed in a lower area of the suds tub that is covered by the liquid during the washing process.

Abstract: The washing machine flood prevention system provides an interruptible power supply to a washing machine. In the event of potential flooding by the washing machine, power to the washing machine is interrupted and an alarm is delivered to the user. The washing machine flood prevention system includes a control box housing a control circuit. The control circuit includes at least one alarm and a power outlet adapted for receiving the electrical plug of the washing machine. A water level sensor, such as a float switch, is in communication with the control circuit. A ground fault circuit interrupter is in electrical communication with the control circuit. The ground fault circuit interrupter provides interruptible electrical power to the control circuit and the washing machine. The electrical power is interrupted if a control signal is generated by the water level sensor responsive to a flood.

Abstract: An apparatus for level control in a fluid tank is provided, wherein the fluid tank is designed to accommodate a supply of a fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one conveying line through which the fluid can flow and which has at least one control opening which is hydraulically connected to the fluid tank. The control opening is designed to at least largely prevent fluid flowing out of the conveying line and into the fluid tank when at least one minimum level in the fluid tank is exceeded, and wherein the control opening is further designed to allow fluid to flow out of the conveying line nd into the fluid tank when the at least one minimum level in the fluid tank is undershot.

Abstract: Electrical appliance energy consumption control methods and electrical energy consumption systems are described. In one aspect, an electrical appliance energy consumption control method includes providing an electrical appliance coupled with a power distribution system, receiving electrical energy within the appliance from the power distribution system, consuming the received electrical energy using a plurality of loads of the appliance, monitoring electrical energy of the power distribution system, and adjusting an amount of consumption of the received electrical energy via one of the loads of the appliance from an initial level of consumption to an other level of consumption different than the initial level of consumption responsive to the monitoring.

Abstract: A water supply safety valve kit for an appliance in which the kit includes an individual solenoid actuated normally closed valve unit for each water supply line to the appliance and a control unit that plugs into a conventional electrical female household outlet. The control unit has a first outlet at the household line voltage and into which the power cord of the appliance plugs and a second lower voltage outlet responsive to current flow to the first outlet. A count down timer circuit and a low voltage output are activated by the current flow to the first outlet and lines connect that low voltage output to the solenoid valve unit to open the same. The count down timer terminates the low voltage output after a preselected time period.

Abstract: A water supply safety valve kit for an appliance in which the kit includes an individual solenoid actuated normally closed valve unit for each water supply line to the appliance and a control unit that plugs into a conventional electrical female household outlet. The control unit has a first outlet at the household line voltage and into which the power cord of the appliance plugs and a second lower voltage outlet responsive to current flow to the first outlet. A count down timer circuit and a low voltage output are activated by the current flow to the first outlet and lines connect that low voltage output to the solenoid valve unit to open the same. The count down timer terminates the low voltage output after a preselected time period.

Abstract: Improved overflow protection for washing machines and other applications in which a liquid from a controllable valve fills a tub is achieved by a circuit in which a single pulse train generated cooperatively by a pressure sensor and a controller is monitored by a lockout timer. If an interruption in the train of pulses occurs that is longer than a predetermined time-out period indicating a failure of either the pressure sensor or the controller that would otherwise prevent the valve from shutting off the flow of liquid into the tub, the lockout timer will cause the valve to turn off. The controller is also able to override the lockout timer and cause a relay to shut off power to the controllable valve to force it off if the pressure sensor detects a continued rise in liquid level after the controller has signalled the controllable valve to shut off.

Abstract: An electrically actuated flow control device for use with an electrical household appliance includes a single body defining first and second flow passages. Inlet ends of the flow passages connect to pressurized sources of hot and cold water, and outlet ends of the flow passages connect to hoses for delivery of hot and cold water to the appliance. Hot and cold water actuators are each adapted to move between a first position resisting flow through the flow passages and a second position permitting flow through the flow passages. A sensor detects whether current is being drawn by the appliance, and a controller controls the positions of the actuators dependant upon whether current is being drawn. The inlet ends of the flow passage each include a connector arranged at a desired spacing from each other corresponding to the connector spacing in a mechanical flow control device.

Abstract: A transmitter housing for connecting a water level transmitter to a lye runoff bellows in a washing machine, the transmitter housing having an elongated and cylindrical shape and being connected at a basal end face thereof to a corresponding nozzle of a lye runoff bellows of a tub of the washing machine and being connected by the other basal end face thereof to the water level transmitter, includes a transmitter housing body having one of a jet molded and an injection molded generally hollow-cylindrical shape and includes devices for fastening the transmitter housing body to the nozzle of the lye runoff bellows, and devices for connecting the transmitter housing body to a body of the tub.

Abstract: A system minimizes fluid damage proximate an appliance that uses fluid in its operational cycle, and has an input from a fluid supply. At least one electrically operated valve is connected to the fluid supply and is actuated to the open position when the operational cycle is initiated. A controller provides an electrical signal to actuate the valve to the closed position upon the termination of a predetermined time or the receipt of an indicia signal indicating that the requirement for fluid for the operational cycle has terminated. Further, fluid sensing structure adjacent the appliance has an output connected to the controller to signal the presence of fluid, in response to which the controller sends an electrical signal to close the electrically operated valve.

Abstract: Dishwashing machine including a valve (7) that is open during a water inlet phase and a circulation pump (11) that is energized during the water inlet phase. A control arrangement is driven by a signal (V) that is proportional to the outlet pressure of the circulation pump so as to close the inlet valve (7) when signal variations decrease below a pre-determined value. The circulation pump (11) is driven by a single-phase asynchronous motor (14) with a phase-shift capacitor (15) from which the signal (V) is derived. A further signal (U) can be derived from the capacitor (15) to drive the control arrangement so as to determine the correct de-energization of a discharge pump (18).

Abstract: A method for controlling a water supply valve of a washing machine uses an interrupt signal supplied from an interrupt signal generating section to an external interrupt terminal of a microcomputer to monitor whether a power fails or not, and uses a power source maintained for a certain time from the time of the power failure before a reset signal is generated, thereby closing the water supply valve. Thus, the water supply valve continuously maintains the open state even when the power fails during supplying the water to thereby prevent the continuous supply of the water within a washing tub.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with a flapper valve for directing water from a recirculation pump to spray arms or a drain. The valve is spring biased toward a recirculate position and solenoid operated to a drain position. An inlet of the pump is provided with a downwardly curved suction pipe having a generally horizontal bell mouth. The dishwasher has a sump separated into a pump chamber and a collection chamber. The pump inlet is located in the pump chamber and has a mouth that is located below a level of the bottom of the collection chamber. Wash liquid is pumped through a venturi in the collection chamber to a drain.

Abstract: A household appliance for washing articles with a cleansing liquid includes a cleansing chamber to receive the articles to be washed; a working fluid distribution system coupled to the cleansing chamber to transfer the cleansing liquid to and from the chamber; a pressure signature sensor disposed in the appliance so as to detect output pressure oscillation of a pump in the working fluid distribution system; and an appliance controller coupled to the working fluid distribution system and responsive to the pressure signature sensor so as to control operation of the pump in correspondence with a pressure oscillation signature generated by the pressure signature sensor. The pressure signature sensor includes a resistive elastomer that is disposed to form a diaphragm with electrodes attached on substantially opposite sides of the diaphragm and which is subject to discharge pressure of the pump.

Abstract: An improved float to prevent over-filling of a dishwashing machine including a cylindrical main float body, a skirt attached to the main float body and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom, and a float stem. The main float body includes a lower portion which extends downwardly beyond a lower terminal portion of the skirt, and serves as a suds stop to prevent suds created during operation of the dishwasher from rising up within the hollow interior of the main float body and flowing down a stand pipe upon which the float is mounted. The lower portion of the main float body includes a slotted opening which serves as a vacuum breaker to prevent a vacuum from being created within the main float body which would cause the float to adhere to bottom wall of the dishwasher tub.

Abstract: A liquid fuel tank filling and venting device includes a hollow body member containing a chamber, an inlet opening for supplying fuel downwardly into the chamber, a fuel outlet opening for supplying fuel from the chamber, and a vent opening connected with the chamber, each of the fuel outlet and vent outlets being independently connected with the fuel tank, whereby overflow fuel is returned to the chamber via the vent outlet. A fuel cap is provided for closing the inlet opening, the fuel cap containing a vent passageway including both a back-flame arresting screen and a fuel surge protector, so that the tank is normally vented to atmosphere when the fuel cap is in the closed position, but the venting passageway automatically closed upon the occurrence of a fuel surge, thereby avoiding undesirable fuel leakage.

Abstract: A fluid-handling machine, such as a dishwasher or clothes washer, incorporates a device for measuring liquid load that includes a sensor for detecting liquid pressure surges. The machine may further include a frame for containing articles, a system for circulating or distributing a liquid in the frame, and a controller, responsive to the device, for controlling the amount of liquid provided to the frame so that enough liquid is provided to ensure that there is a sufficient amount for a wash cycle.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance includes a liquid container having a static content level, a fill control device, a cycle control unit, an inflow valve to be opened by the cycle control unit and closed by at least one of the fill control device and the cycle control unit, an evacuation pump, a switch having a switching position in which the switch turns on the evacuation pump and selectably closes the inflow valve, and a chamber hydraulically communicating with the liquid container and having an opening for the entry of water. A safety device for the appliance includes a safety level switch device having a float disposed in the chamber, the float having a switching position in which the float acts upon the switch, and the float having a position of repose in which the float is kept at a distance above the static content level and in which the float acts upon the switch to switch off the evacuation pump.

Abstract: The temperature or some other specific characteristic of a mixture of two liquids at different temperatures in a mixing chamber (14) is controlled by a microprocessor (8) which controls the supply of power to solenoid actuated valves (10 and 11) to control the quantities of the liquids admitted to the chamber (14) so that a desired temperature of the mixture is achieved using pulse width modulation control. The pulse width modulation control requires only one microprocessor timer and provides a substantially constant supply of power to one valve while varying the power supplied to the other valve to control flow through each valve and thus the temperature of the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A washing machine which comprises a fixed outer tub, a washing or drying tub which is rotatably provided in the outer tub, a first electrode which is provided at the upper portion of the outer tub and connected to a high-frequency signal source, a second electrode which is provided at the upper portion of the washing or drying tub and forms an input condenser for high-frequency signal input together with the first electrode, a third electrode which is provided at the upper portion of the outer tub and connected to a high-frequency signal detecting circuit, a fourth electrode which is provided at the upper portion of the washing or drying tub and forms the output condenser for getting a high-frequency signal together with the third electrode, and water-level detecting means which is provided at a predetermined position of the washing or drying tub in electrical communication with the second and fourth electrodes so as to designate change of impedance defined between the second and fourth electrodes in accordan

Abstract: A level sensing device for household appliances or the like. The device comprises a compartment (25) which at its lower part via a single combined inlet and outlet (42) is connected to a treatment chamber into which liquid is supplied. The upper part of the compartment (25) is divided into two sections (26, 27), one section (26) communicating with a pressure sensing means and the other section (27) communicating with atmosphere. By this arrangement a rapid and complete emptying of the sensor is ensured when the treatment chamber is emptied.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with an improved apparatus for protecting the tub from being overfilled in the form of a float having a float stem that is automatically captured upon insertion through a passage in the tub bottom wall such that the float will be restrained against disengagement from the tub bottom wall. The float is vertically movable to operate a control switch for regulating the level of water within the tub. Preferably a retaining ring is carried on a stem of the float which is automatically biased through a varying diameter keyway and is subsequently moved to a captured position below the member having the keyway.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for determining the amount of liquid in a container. Thin metal plates are placed parallely adjacent each other to form a capacitor cell coated with a non-hygroscopic film. The plates are mounted on the walls of the container containing fluid. As the fluid covers more surface area of the capacitor plates, the dielectric properties of the fluid increase the capacitance of the cell proportionally. The plates are connected to an oscillator whose output frequency varies with the change in container fluid levels. By monitoring these frequency changes, the container fluid levels of the fluid in the container can be controlled.

Abstract: A multifunction pneumatic system designed to control different components for domestic and/or industrial washing machines. The system includes a pneumatic electric pump connected to a manifold from which solenoid valves, controlled by the machine timer are derived. The solenoid valves act by means of tubular conduits on corresponding diaphragm valves acting on different mechanisms such as the closing hook of the loading door, the electric switches, the pressure switch controlling the level of water in the machine tub and similar function.

Abstract: A pneumatic safety device designed to prevent water leakage caused by failure of any washing machine component. Said device comprises one or two pneumatically-actuated valves positioned downstream from the machine's water supply faucet. When said machine is being filled with water a small electric pump generates compressed air that opens the water inlet valve(s) against the reaction of springs. A float associated with an electric switch, normally closed when the machine is operating, rises when water leaks occur opening said switch, which shuts off the machine and pump power, and also closes the water intake valve(s).

Abstract: This invention relates to an operation mode selecting device for washing machines, including a microcomputer consisting of a memory unit for storing data of operation courses each of which has different control processes from one another, data of water stream modes each of which has different control processes from one another and data of rinse modes each of which has different control processes from one another, and a central processing until (CPU) for performing one of the operation courses selected. The microcomputer is so programmed that when one of the water stream modes is selected with a stream mode selecting switch, one of the operation courses is automatically selected in accordance with the water stream mode selected. The microcomputer is also programmed so that wash and rinse modes intially selected by initial operation of the wash and rinse mode selecting switches are determined in accordance with the water stream mode selected.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a tub having a water collecting well, a water suply conduit provided with a controllable valve for supplying water to the well during at least one water supply phase of the operation of the washing machine, and a circulation pump for circulating water collected in the well during at least a latter portion of the supply phase. A control system automatically controls operation of the valve and thereby the supply of water to establish a minimum water level within the well required for optimum operation of the circulation pump. The control system includes a control chamber and an overflow wall having a predetermined overflow level and communicating the well with the control chamber, such that when the level of water in the well reaches the overflow level the water overflows the overflow wall into the control chamber.

Abstract: A liquid control system is provided for an automatic washer which responds to a user's input of fabric type to introduce into the tub of the washer an optimum volume of liquid to wash a clothes load in the tub based on sensed pressure wave changes as the tub is filled and agitated simultaneously.

Abstract: A washing machine comprising a tub (4), a wash basket (5) and a housing (12) for collecting the wash water. A heating element (14) and a thermostatic sensor (15), as well as a recirculation pump (17) are connected to the housing (12) and to the tub (4) through a recirculation conduit (16) in order to circulate the wash water repeatedly toward the tub (4) with the object of spraying the same onto the load to be washed. The machine is moreover equipped with pressure switches (36,23) for carrying out "vigorous" and "delicate" laundering procedures in the conventional way, and has a series of pressure switches (21, 22) for developing "vigorous" wash cycles with low water levels in the tub (4) carried out by recirculating the same water toward said tub. In this way, optimum consumption of water, detergents and electric energy is achieved dependent upon the kind and quantity of load placed in the wash basket (5).

Abstract: An adjustable pressure responsive switch assembly includes a unitary slide cam and button with projections extending outwardly from the slide cam. The support bracket mounted on the pressure switch includes an elongated slot having an enlarged opening at one end. The slide cam projections are adapted to be inserted in the enlarged opening and then be slidingly received in the elongated slot. The slide cam cannot be removed from the bracket unless it is moved all the way to one extreme so that the projections can be removed from the enlarged opening. This movement is prevented by stops formed as part of the cam.