Abstract: A remote management system where data detected by a sensor for detecting a condition of a machine is input from an input port of an interface unit of a control unit such as a microcomputer, and the interface unit is connected via a data transmission controller over a communication line with a central control apparatus which manages a machine like a washing machine from remote, and further the detected data is transmitted from the interface unit to the central control apparatus though the control unit is inapplicable to communication, while the interface unit passes the detected data of the sensor without processing and outputs the detected data to the control unit by means of setting the state of an output port thereof same as that of the input port.

Abstract: A sliding type adjustment mechanism for changing settings of a diaphragm type pressure switch adjusted by moving an external lever to move a plunger for changing the preload on the diaphragm. An external metal mounting bracket has a pair of spaced parallel slots which serve as ways. A plastic slider with a cam surface engaging the lever has a pair of lugs, each of which engages one of the slots for guiding the slider on the bracket. The slider has an integrally formed spring tab providing friction against the bracket to hold the slider in a selected position. A recess in the bracket relieves the tab friction at the limit of the slider travel to allow the lever to bias a steep-ramp portion of the cam surface to move the slider to an initial position.

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being interconnected to the switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compressive setting of the spring unit, the housing having a bracket member extending outwardly from the external surface thereof in a flange-like manner and having first structure for mounting a first movable actuator unit to the housing that is to be interconnected to the spring unit to select the desired compressive setting thereof, the switch construction comprising a bracket interconnected to a second structure of the bracket member, and a second movable actuator carried by the bracket and being interconnected to the spring unit to select the desired compressive setting th

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction and method of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, the housing having an opening passing through the external surface thereof, the switch unit having opposed sides and an opening passing therethrough in alignment with the opening of the housing, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being operatively associated with the switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compression setting of the spring unit, the spring unit comprising a spring retainer operatively interconnected to the switch unit, an actuator carried by the housing and a compression spring having opposed ends respectively bearing against the actuator and the retainer, the retainer having an intermediate part disposed in the opening of the housing and having a surface and a projection extend

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being interconnected to the switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compressive setting of the spring unit, the housing having a bracket member extending outwardly from the external surface thereof in a flangelike manner and having first structure for mounting a first movable actuator unit to the housing that is to be interconnected to the spring unit to select the desired compressive setting thereof, the switch construction comprising a bracket interconnected to a second structure of the bracket member, and a second movable actuator carried by the bracket and being interconnected to the spring unit to select the desired compressive setting the

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction and method of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a self-contained subassembly comprising a switchblade structure having a generally coplanar flat body and having a terminal secured thereto and a projection secured thereto in spaced relation to the terminal with the terminal and the projection respectively having parts that are respectively disposed substantially transverse to the body and at opposite ends thereof, the housing having two slots therein respectively receiving the parts of the terminal and the projection therein to self-pilot the subassembly into its proper position in the housing, the terminal and the projection being secured to the housing to hold the subassembly in its proper position.

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction and method of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, the housing having an opening passing through the external surface thereof, the electrical switch unit having opposed sides and an opening passing therethrough in alignment with the opening of the housing, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being operatively associated with the electrical switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compression setting of the compression spring unit, the compression spring unit comprising a retainer operatively interconnected to the electrical switch unit, an actuator carried by the housing and a compression spring having opposed ends respectively bearing against the actuator and the retainer, the retainer having an intermediate part disposed in the opening of the ho

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the pressure operated switch construction comprising a housing having an external surface and carrying an electrical switch unit and a diaphragm assembly therein, and a compression spring unit carried by the housing and being interconnected to the switch unit and the diaphragm assembly to control the operation thereof in relation to the compressive setting of the spring unit, the housing having a bracket member extending outwardly from the external surface thereof in a flange-like manner and having first structure for mounting a first movable actuator unit to the housing that is to be interconnected to the spring unit to select the desired compressive setting thereof, the switch construction comprising a bracket interconnected to a second structure of the bracket member, and a second movable actuator carried by the bracket and being interconnected to the spring unit to select the desired compressive setting th

Abstract: A pressure switch assembly has a preassembled spring capsule assembled onto a deck structure with a snap switch thereon to form a subassembly which is snap-locked into the cup-shaped housing. A rotary cam drum is provided in the housing with an external shaft for changing the setting. An adjustment lever has a bifurcated portion nested about the inner periphery of the cam drum and a threaded external adjustment is provided for moving the lever position against the spring capsule for calibration. The pressure switch is completely assembled from one side of the housing.

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: A control device, a slide member therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the slide member being movable in a linear direction and having a cam for acting on a range spring of the control device, the frame of the control device having a substantially flat section provided with opposed sides and with a slot passing through the sides thereof, the slide member having a first part thereof acting against one of the sides of the section and a second part thereof acting against the other of the sides of the section, the slide member having a third part thereof disposed in the slot of the section and interconnecting the first part and the second part together, the first part of the slide member comprising roller bearings disposed in rolling contact with the one side of the section of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention pertains particularly to low pressure level type switches employed for sensing the water level in washing appliances. The invention employs a slidable strip or tab interposed between the diaphram pre-load spring and the reaction stop for the spring. In one position the thickness of the movable tab increases the pre-load on the spring by an amount equal to the thickness of the tab. In a secod position the pre-load stop extends through a cutout in the tab and contacts the spring reaction member directly.

Abstract: A water level control device and method of making the same are provided, the device comprising a frame provided with an elongated slot having a first portion, a movable cam follower carried by the frame for setting the desired water levels to be provided by the device, and a slide cam member having a projection extending through the slot to guide sliding movement thereof relative to the frame, the projection having an interlocking part interlocking with the frame while the projection is disposed in the first portion of the slot. The cam member has a cam surface engaging the cam follower to set the same in desired water level setting positions thereof when the projection is in the first portion of the slot. The slot has a second portion thereof for unlocking with the interlocking part when the projection of the cam member is disposed in the second portion whereby the cam member can be easily detached from or attached to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the level of water being pumped into kitchen sinks, laundry tubs, and standpipes. The apparatus features a novel fluid levels ending unit operatively connected to a novel control unit for providing maintained termination of electrical power to the pump motor, should the water drainage system become clogged. As water flows through the nozzle of the sending unit, it operates to seal off the nozzle's air chamber inlet to trap and contain air therein. Therefore, should the drainage system become clogged, back-up water rises to a predetermined height within the air chamber. In so doing, the trapped air within the air chamber becomes compressed to a predetermined small value, for actuating the pressure switch. The actuated pressure switch in turn provides an electrical signal to the control unit for termination of water pump action.

Abstract: A door-bolting device for electrical appliances, in particular washing machines, comprises a longitudinally displaceable slide bolt having a locking opening for a door-locking hook, one or two bolting openings for engagement by a bolting rod, and a lock-down recess. In open position, the free end of a signal contact spring enters this lock-down recess; this spring and a fixed contactor member opposite and parallel with the former constitute a signal contact unit. During bolting operation, a signal contact is made in this unit and controls a bolt-actuating relay comprising a magnet yoke, a coil, a core and a double-armed magnet armature lever. The free end of a bolting arm of the latter constitutes a bearing for the bolting rod which is displaced, during bolting operation, by a swivel motion of the lever. The end of a main contact arm of the same lever serves as bearing for a connecting shaft which is fastened to a diaphragm subdividing a pressure chamber.

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.

Abstract: An overflow control system for use with home appliances such as washing machines, incorporating conventional stand pipe which receives the outlet conduit from the appliance, the stand pipe being provided with an attachment having a displacement, conductivity or a pressure sensor installed for sensing the height of liquids in the stand pipe. This stand pipe may be vertically connected to the sewage line outlet found in a home and the signals from the sensors may be used to shut off the power to the appliance and to excite an alarm. Connected in parallel with the sensors may be a moisture sensor deployed under the appliance which again shuts the power off whenever the machine is inadvertently filled beyond its limits or when leakage occurs.

Abstract: An overflow control system for use with home appliances such as washing machines, incorporating conventional stand pipe which receives the outlet conduit from the appliance, the stand pipe being provided with an attachment having a displacement, conductivity or a pressure sensor installed for sensing the height of liquids in the stand pipe. This stand pipe may be vertically connected to the sewage line outlet found in a home and the signals from the sensors may be used to shut off the power to the appliance and to excite an alarm. Connected in parallel with the sensors may be a moisture sensor deployed under the appliance which again shuts the power off whenever the machine is inadvertently filled beyond its limits or when leakage occurs.

Abstract: A water level control device having a cam follower for setting the desired water level setting for the control device and a movable cam member having a cam surface engaging the cam follower to set the same in desired positions, the cam surface having a reset portion for resetting the control device when the reset portion is disposed against the cam follower. The cam member has an integral spring that cooperates with the control device to tend to move the cam member from its resetting position when the reset portion is disposed against the cam follower, the cam member and spring being homogeneous and thereby comprising a one-piece homogeneous structure.

Abstract: A laundry appliance is provided with a pressure responsive switch operable for detecting fluid levels in a fluid container. The switch is secured to mounting bracketry including a guideway within which a slider member is movable. A cam portion of the slider member contacts a switch adjustment lever and movement of the slider member within the guideway moves the cam portion relative to the adjustment lever and determines the fluid level attainable in the container by changing the switch setting. The slider member is removable from the bracketry and is replaceable with other slider members having modified cam surfaces corresponding to different fluid levels.

Abstract: A calibration mechanism for a pressure switch of the type utilizing a rotary cam which controls the setting of a spring-biased plunger to establish pressure levels required to actuate the switch. The calibration mechanism includes a support bracket mounted on the switch and a cam assembly including an integrally formed cam member and camshaft. A plunger adjustment mechanism includes a pivotally mounted lever having a cam follower in following engagement with the cam. The support bracket defines a bore adapted to receive the camshaft. The cam has a range of rotational orientations in which the cam follower engages the operative portion of the cam profile. The camshaft includes a projection extending radially therefrom which is axially disposed from the cam a predetermined distance greater than the axial length of the bore in the support bracket. The support bracket defines a slot extending from the bore.

Abstract: A pressure operated water level control device having a movable selector for selecting different water level settings thereof. A heat motor unit is carried by the device and is operatively associated with the selector for moving the selector to a certain low water level setting thereof when the heat motor means is activated.

Abstract: The solenoid operated water valve has a Venturi on its outlet which aspirates air through the pressure sensing side of a pressure switch until the water level in the washing machine reaches the end of the tube connected to the system through the selection valve. This prevents further aspiration and the Venturi rapidly lowers the pressure in the pressure switch to actuate the switch. The check valve prevents venting the pressure switch to atmosphere long enough for the associated timer to continue the machine program.

Abstract: A pressure responsive switch includes a diaphragm exposed to a pressure source and operating combination of levers to open and close a switch at predetermined pressure values. To prevent operation of a pump motor at abnormally low values, an element is provided between the diaphragm and the switch operating means to open the contacts.

Abstract: If the pressure switch pre-loading cam has been set for a level above medium the pressure switch is returned to medium after completion of the wash cycle by momentary energization of the solenoid to unlatch the slider from the lobed cam. The slider carries the high and extra high settings and when it is disconnected from the cam the torsion spring on the cam shaft can drive the cam back to medium by pushing the slider out of the way. This arrangement prevents inadvertent repeated use of the higher water level settings, thus preventing inadvertent use of hot water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in pneumatic or hydraulic pressure sensors with several thresholds of response.There often is a need for pressure sensors with several thresholds of response to predetermined pressure values. One such case exists with washing machines wherein loads at predetermined levels are required. The pressure sensor must therefore signal on the basis of the hydrostatic pressure the level of leading of the washing tub for the closing of, for example, an electric valve.According to the present invention, the pressure sensor provides for a "lung" comprising an elastic membrane exposed to pressure, which acts on an element that operates a group of electromechanical switching elements, each of which is sensitive to a preestablished actuating force corresponding in turn to a given response pressure of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction having a base carrying a pressure operated diaphragm and an electrical switch unit controlled by the diaphragm and an adjustable compression spring controlled by a cam operated actuator leaf pivotally carried by the base. The base has integral bracket members extending therefrom, each bracket member having an integral snap-in arrangement. A cam shaft unit is snapped into the snap-in arrangement of the bracket members to be rotatably carried thereby, the cam shaft unit having a cam for operating on the actuator leaf to position the same.

Abstract: A thermostatic control as shown and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,849 in which the reed in this new disclosure has a pair of split legs. One leg of a first set of such pair is a flipper leg and the other leg of such first set carries a contact which is designed to be resistant to erosion from arcing and welding. One leg of another set of such pair of legs carries a contact which is designed to carry current in excess of 20 amp. at 250 V, the other leg of said other set is a flipper leg. A lost motion slot in a flipper spring provides a sequential drive for the two contacts carrying legs such that the arc resisting contact both makes and breaks the electrical circuit and the current carrying contact never makes or breaks the circuit but merely carries the current established by the arc resisting contact.The control as shown also eliminates a force multiplying adjusting lever and a pivot interface between such lever and the range lever.

Abstract: A pressure operated switch construction having a base carrying a pressure operated diaphragm and an electrical switch unit controlled by the diaphragm and an adjustable compression spring controlled by a cam operated actuator leaf pivotally carried by the base. The base has integral bracket members extending therefrom, each bracket member having an integral snap-in arrangement. A cam shaft unit is snapped into the snap-in arrangement of the bracket members to be rotatably carried thereby, the cam shaft unit having a cam for operating on the actuator leaf to position the same.

Abstract: A simplified calibration mechanism is provided for a pressure switch using an adjustable, spring-biased plunger arrangement for controlling the trip force and hence the pressure to which the switch responds. The mechanism includes an especially configured lever pivoted at one end, contacting an especially shaped cam as a follower at its other end and the plunger at its mid portion. First calibration means are provided in the lever's pivoted end to adjust the normal low-high pressure settings of the switch. Second calibration means are provided to isolate the lever and cam from the plunger for effecting a precise setting of the pressure switch at extra-low pressures.