Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber for holding laundry and a motor for rotating the treating chamber based on a monitored torque signal from the motor of the laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: A washing machine having an improved structure in circulation and drain of washing water are disclosed. The washing machine includes a main body, a water tub which is disposed in the main body, a drain line in which washing water drained from the water tub flows, a circulation line in which washing water returning to the water tub flows, a discharge line in which washing water discharged out of the main body flows, a pump which flows the washing water such that the washing water drained from the water tub returns to the water tub or is discharged out of the main body, a flow path switching device having a single reciprocating member which opens and closes the circulation line or the discharge line, and an operating unit which operates the flow path switching device.

Abstract: A washing and drying machine includes a water tank, a rotary drum, an irradiating light source and control means. The rotary drum is rotatably supported in the water tank. The irradiating light source is for emitting a light beam including ultra-violet ray to the inside of the rotary drum. The control means controls the irradiating light source such that the light beam including the ultra-violet ray is emitted to the inside of the rotary drum after the end of the drying process.

Abstract: A laundry treatment appliance includes: a drum defining a laundry treatment chamber configured to hold laundry; a motor coupled to the drum and configured to rotate the drum; and a controller coupled to the motor and configured to determine a parameter representative of a rotational speed of the laundry in the drum and determine a laundry load size based on the parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and fabric items during a wash process, and a method for setting the liquid level in the automatic washer based on the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and the fabric items.

Abstract: A washing machine that is capable of providing a stable washing mode even when a washing-related device is abnormal during a washing operation is disclosed. When a steam generation unit, which generates high-temperature steam into a drum, is abnormal, the operation of the steam generation unit is interrupted, and an operation for driving a washing heater mounted in a tub is performed, or an operation for driving a drying unit, which supplies high-temperature dry hot air into the drum, is performed. A steam substituting algorithm is provided when the steam generation unit is abnormal during the operation using the high-temperature steam. Consequently, the interruption of the washing operation due to the abnormal steam injection function is prevented, and therefore, the reliability of the product is improved while the inconvenience of use is minimized.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a main body defining an outer appearance, a tub supported in the main body, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a steam generating unit supplying steam into the drum, and a circulation pump returning washing water exhausted from a first side of the tub to a second side of the tub.

Abstract: A washing method and a washing machine, more specifically, to a washing method which improves a washing ability and a washing machine are disclosed. The washing method includes a laundry amount detecting step of detecting the amount of laundry loaded in a drum; and a high head motion step of dropping the laundry by braking the drum after the laundry is lifted over a half of the drum height by rotation of the drum, when the detected amount of the laundry is in a preset range.

Abstract: A method of operating a washing machine to detect unbalanced loads has been developed. The method includes operating a motor to rotate a tub holding a load at a first rotational rate that is below a threshold rotational rate, identifying a mass of the load, operating the motor to rotate the tub at a second rotational rate that is above the threshold rotational rate, identifying a power applied to the motor to continue rotation of the tub at the second rotational rate, obtaining an out of balance mass value from a memory with reference to the power applied to the motor, second rotational rate, and identified mass, identifying a maximum rate for the tub with reference to the out of balance mass value, and operating the motor to rotate the tub at a rate that is less than or equal to the maximum rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundering machine and method. The laundering machine includes a tub for holding washing water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a driving unit for rotating the drum, and a control unit for carrying out a washing process such that a washing course (S240) is started at a starting time of scheduled operation and a standby time period is provided before a spinning course (S260). The laundering method includes a washing step for performing a washing course (S240), a rinsing step for performing a rinsing course (S250), a spinning standby step for standing by a predetermined time period at user's option after the rinsing step, and a spinning step for progressing spinning after the spinning standby step.

Abstract: When an operation for washing is completed and door is unlocked, water level in a water tank is monitored only for a prescribed time period. When there is no water leakage, monitoring is stopped after the prescribed time period and the power is turned off. When there is a water leakage, water level in the water tank increases. When it is detected that a first water level is reached, the door is locked to prevent opening. After a prescribed time period, the power is turned off while the door is kept locked. If the door cannot be locked, the door lock error is notified and the water collected in the water tank is drained.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance having a drain pump, a controller to activate the drain pump, and a water safety switch that has a first switch position to react to escaping water, wherein the water safety switch is connected to the controller. If a fault causes water to escape, the water safety switch switches into the first switch position so as to connect the controller to an electrical mains.

Abstract: A drum type laundry machine is disclosed. A drum type laundry machine comprises a cabinet cover for defining a front surface of a body, the cabinet cover having an opening for loading/unloading the laundry therein/there from, a recess part recessed toward an inside of the body along a circumference of the opening, a door assembly having some portion inserted in the recess part when being closed together with the opening, a protrusion projected from an inner surface of the recess part to reinforce strength of the recess part and to support the door assembly securely. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type laundry machine which can precisely communicate a hook assembly of a door assembly with a locking assembly. Another object of the present invention is to provide a drum type laundry machine which can prevent the damage of the door assembly due to deformation between the door assembly and a body, external impact might cause.

Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine, in which substances stuck to the surface of a heater are washed off to minimize the generation of scale on the heater, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub; a heater installed in the tub for heating washing water; and a washing device for washing the heater. The washing device includes a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water to the heater, and a washing pump for supplying the washing water in the tub to the spray nozzle. The washing of the heater is performed in the first rinsing operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus (1) for drying food-stuffs, comprising at least a centrifugation basket (5) for drying said product by its rotation, the lateral surface of said basket (5) being holed; a pin (13) rotating coupled with said at least a centrifugation basket (5); and a motor (12), mechanically coupled with said rotation pin (13); said apparatus (1) being characterised in that said motor (12) is a synchronous three-phase electric motor (12) and in that it comprises means (16) for controlling rotation of said motor (12) for adjusting the torque output by said motor (12) with respect to its rotation speed.

Abstract: Provided are a washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine. The method includes measuring a time required for an amount of washing water supplied to a washing tub to reach a predetermined reference amount, determining a water pressure of the washing water in accordance with the measured time, and varying a water supply time in accordance with the determined water pressure. The water supply time can be adjusted according to the water pressure, it can be prevented that the washing performance is varied whenever the wash water is varied. Thus, the washing performance can be improved regardless of the water pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and fabric items during a wash process, and a method for setting the liquid level in the automatic washer based on the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and the fabric items.

Abstract: A washing appliance, particularly a laundry washer or a dishwasher, comprises a tank (2) for loading washing liquor and items to be washed and control means adapted to carry out a predetermined washing program. It further comprises an inclined drain surface (2a) for collecting a portion of the washing liquor and means (6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for assessing properties of such liquid on the basis of the drainage behavior thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry treating appliance having a drum and a torsionally flexible drive mechanism. The drum simultaneously rotates in a first rotational direction and oscillates about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam inot a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash course) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance having a heating element to heat washing liquid; a reservoir to store the washing liquid; and a reservoir cleaning program during which the reservoir is at least temporarily and at least partially filled with the washing liquid heated by the heating element.

Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises introducing liquid into the drum to wet the fabric load and spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum prior to the introducing of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of washers, particularly that of top loading household washers which has a cabinet which supports a tub which houses a basket which rotates concentrically within it, the basket being driven by a motor which is mechanically coupled to an agitator and to said basket, a clutch which allows the coupling and uncoupling between basket and agitator, an electric control which controls the switches by means of drivers, a level sensor or pressure switch and a rotor's position sensor within the motor (preferably a Hall sensor), a spraying system, characterized by a washing method which comprises the following sequences; check on the water level, initiate a load pre-sensing sequence, to later initiate a reshuffling of load sequence, act followed by initiating a load sensing sequence, which determines the water level required to admit, once said water level is reached, a normal agitation sequence is begun, which if during its course a clog of objects to be washed is detected or a

Abstract: A drum-type washing machine, and tub and gasket cleaning methods are provided. The drum-type washing machine may include a tub mounted in a cabinet such that a wash water is supplied into the tub, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub such that laundry may be put into the drum, a motor that rotates the drum, and a controller that controls a driving of the motor such that, when the drum is rotated, the wash water supplied into the tub reaches an upper part of an inner circumferential surface of the tub so as to clean the inner circumferential surface of the tub and the gasket.

Abstract: A structure for blocking outflow of a fluid for a washing machine includes a door installed at an outlet of a detergent supply unit such that the door opens the outlet when wash water and detergent are supplied from the detergent supply unit to a washing tub and closes the outlet of the detergent supply unit when foam or steam is discharged from the washing tub to the detergent supply unit, thereby preventing the fluid, such as foam or steam in the washing tub, from flowing to the detergent supply unit through a water supply bellows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method of operating the washing machine. In operating the washing machine according to inputted settings, each washing cycle is divided into a plurality of steps, and a washing tub or pulsator is controlled to be differently operated for each step. Accordingly, the washing machine may be operated in various patterns to effectively remove contaminants from the laundry.

Abstract: A steam generator for a washing machine comprises: a hermetic container provided with a water supply port for supplying water and a steam exhaustion port for exhausting steam; a heater arranged in the hermetic container for heating water supplied into the hermetic container; and a drain unit for draining residual water inside of the hermetic container outwardly. According to this, residual water inside of the steam generator is outwardly exhausted thus to maintain cleanness of the steam generator. Also, the drain unit using a siphon principle is installed thus to naturally exhaust residual water inside of the steam generator without an additional valve device, thereby reducing a fabrication cost.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine is disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine having a preventing member which can structurally prevent the laundry from coming between a tub and a drum. When the drum is stopped or rotated at a low speed, an end of the preventing member is in contact with a drum door or the tub. When the drum is rotated at a high speed, the preventing member is separated apart from the drum door or the tub by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A laundry treatment method and apparatus are provided. The laundry treatment method includes (a) choosing one of a first operating course in which a set of operating conditions are determined based on the weight of laundry and a second operating course in which the operating conditions are determined based on a plurality of operating variables; and (b) treating the laundry according to whichever of the first and second operating courses is chosen.

Abstract: A treatment agent metering information evaluator of a washing machine includes a reader that reads portion-wise metering information from an information carrier of a storage container that is in close proximity to the reader, a controller that receives the portion-wise metering information from the reader, a meter that meters portions of treatment agent from the storage container into a treatment process of a washing treatment program, and storage that stores empirical information about experiences of the use of the treatment agent during the treatment process for subsequent application of the treatment agent. The reader includes a transmitter for transmitting the empirical information.

Abstract: The inventive washing machine is capable of advantageously rinsing laundry with clean water by performing a rinsing operation while cleaning water being used for the rinsing operation in a rinsing step. The washing machine includes a water circulation passage (42, 43, 44, 45, 15, 55, 25, 57, 26, 58, 59) for circulating laundry water to a washing tub (3). Rinsing water retained in the washing tub (3) can be circulated through the water circulation passage. Ozone generated by an ozone generator (19) is mixed with the circulated water, whereby the rinsing water is cleaned. This water cleaning operation is performed only in the rinsing step. Where the ozone is supplied only in the rinsing step, the ozone is effective to decompose dirt and odorant of the laundry. Thus, the rinsing operation is advantageously performed.

Abstract: A laundry care device, wherein an operating program is selectively stored in a memory unit, wherein the operating program has operating program parameters, and wherein specific operating values of the operating program parameters are assigned to the stored operating program. The laundry care device includes a user setting element to set an adjustable variable and a control unit to automatically change at least one of the operating program parameters so as to match it to the adjustable variable set by the user setting element. The adjustable variable is an end result to be achieved with the execution of a selected operating program and at least one operating value is automatically altered as a function of the end result.

Abstract: An appliance and method for operating the appliance based on a water hardness determined from a water supply identifier indicative of the geographical source of the water.

Abstract: A method for cleaning within a washing zone comprising: placing at least one article for treatment in the washing zone, providing of at least partially deionized water into the washing zone, and optionally providing cleaning composition into the washing zone wherein the combination of said optional cleaning composition and partial deionized water have a specific conductance of less than about 200 ?S/cm.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and recording conditions inside a chamber containing cloth items and fluid is provided. The method involves placement of contact sensors inside a wash chamber that can detect contact with a target cloth. The method also involves placement of rotation sensors for determining the position of rotating components within the washer. The method also involves installation of friction sensors that can measure forces between cloth items and the surfaces of the wash chamber. The method also involves installation of a fluid flow sensing system to determine the direction of fluid flow in the washer. All or some of the aforementioned signals are communicated from instruments within the washer to an external computer and may be converted to spatial locations for the impeller, target cloth and basket. Video may be recorded and combined with the sensor data to develop a more complete picture of cloth motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine (7) and pump (8) for a washing machine (7). The pump is driven by a brushless DC motor (38). The pump can be controlled to improve the operation of the washing machine. In one aspect the invention comprises a washing machine (7) with a variable speed pump (8) for pumping out wastewater, a controller (50) for controlling the speed of the pump and a sensor (10) for determining the flow-rate of water being pumped from the washing machine, wherein the controller (50) controls the speed of the pump to maintain the flow-rate at a desirable level.

Abstract: Washing machine including an outer tub in a cabinet for holding washing water, an inner tub rotatably mounted on an inside of the outer tub having an agitating device rotatably mounted therein, a power transmission device having a washing shaft connected to the agitating device and a spinning shaft connected to the inner tub, a driving motor on an outside of the outer tub having a rotor assembly with a magnetism, and a hollow stator assembly arranged in the rotor, a clutch assembly for selective transmission of a driving power from the driving motor to the spinning shaft depending on operation modes, and a drain device for draining the washing water to an outside of the washing machine.

Abstract: A washing method in a steam injection type washing machine in which wash water is heated to generate high temperature and high-pressure steam while passing through the steam supply unit in the wash or rinse cycle, and the generated steam is injected into the wash tub at the top of the wash tub. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly achieve the wetting of clothes with wash water while achieving an enhancement in sterilization and washing performances. In addition, consumption of water and electrical energy can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine having control panel to which a display secured. A laundry machine including a control panel in which a display for displaying operational conditions is provided, the laundry machine includes a mounting part provided in a predetermined portion of the control panel to mount the display therein, at least one insert groove provided at the mounting part, and an insert protrusion provided at the display, corresponding to the at least one insert groove.

Abstract: A drum-type washing machine that includes a program controller, a drum rotatably mounted in a detergent solution tub, a detergent solution discharge system disposed at a base of the detergent solution tub having a detergent solution drain pump, a sensor for determining a foam level and/or a negative time gradient of a liquid/air mixture contained in the detergent solution tub, a drive motor for the drum that adjusts a rotation of the drum to eliminate foam in the drum-type washing machine, and a water supply system that adds a small volume of water continuously or discontinuously if foam is detected by the sensor during the run-up to spin speed of the drum with the detergent solution drain pump switched on continuously or discontinuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, and more particularly, to a control unit assembly in a laundry machine which enables easy assembly and accurate alignment of an input device of a printed circuit board with a button portion of a control panel.

Abstract: A washing method in a steam injection type washing machine in which wash water is heated to generate high temperature and high-pressure steam while passing through the steam supply unit in the wash or rinse cycle, and the generated steam is injected into the wash tub at the top of the wash tub. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly achieve the wetting of clothes with wash water while achieving an enhancement in sterilization and washing performances. In addition, consumption of water and electrical energy can be reduced.

Abstract: Door on a laundry dryer/drum type washing machine including a door frame having a central opening, for opening/closing an opening in a front part of a cabinet for introduction/taking out of laundry, an outer window fixed to a front surface of the door frame, and an inner window fixed to a rear surface of the door frame, wherein the door frame has a front surface curved in left/right directions, and the outer window is curved the same with the door frame, thereby providing a good design of a door and improving washing and drying performance.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof that are capable of improving washing and rinsing efficiencies of large-volume laundry (for example, bedclothes). When large-volume laundry is washed and rinsed, a drum is accelerated to a predetermined velocity such that the laundry clings to the drum, and therefore, wash liquid (or water) comes into uniform contact with the entire surface of the laundry while the laundry widely spreads, is stopped such that the laundry is separated from the drum, and is rotated in alternating directions to change the position of the laundry such that a surface of the laundry contacting the wash liquid (or the water) is turned, and therefore, even contaminants inside the laundry are removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1), constituting a display (3) which enables the user to observe the performance state of the household appliance (1) and one or more input units (2) that enable the user to make visual or audio data entries.

Abstract: A semi-drying method of a washing machine, and a ventilating structure and a control apparatus for the same. In the semi-drying method, the dehydration and disentanglement of cloth are repeated plural times, and a washing tub is rotated at a designated dehydration speed for a time longer than that of the conventional dehydrating operation so as to minimize the jamming of the cloth into water pores of the washing tub, thereby increasing the dehydration degree of the cloth compared to the conventional dehydrating operation, removing offensive odors from the cloth, preventing damage to the cloth, allowing a user to select the duration of a semi-drying operation and to see the state of the semi-drying operation, and ventilating the washing tub during the semi-drying operation to improve the dehydration degree of the cloth.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional structure having at least one structure surface, the structure being adapted to be attached to an apertured surface with the structure surface facing the apertured surface; and a curved hook element having a base and a distal end, the distal end of the hook element being adapted for insertion into an aperture in the apertured surface, and the base of the curved hook element being slidably affixed to the structure surface of the three-dimensional structure such that movement of the base is constrained along a line within the structure surface. The device can be used in a method of attachment onto an apertured surface, in particular the inner surface of an automatic laundry washing machine drum, and is particularly suitable for dispensing rinse additives into the rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine.

Abstract: A control system for a clothes treating apparatus includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a controller operatively coupled to the sensors. The apparatus includes a cabinet, a wash tub mounted within the cabinet and configured to receive clothes therein, a dehumidifying assembly, and a fan configured to draw air from the wash tub to the dehumidifying assembly and channel the air from the dehumidifying assembly back to the wash tub. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the air entering the dehumidifying assembly. The second sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the air exiting the dehumidifying assembly. The controller is configured to determine a dryness level of the clothes contained in the wash tub based on the detected air temperatures.

Abstract: A drain hose fixing assembly of a dishwasher includes a holder body provided at an outer circumference with at least one hook and an interference preventing rib formed on an inner circumference of the holder body to prevent a drain hose from interfering with the hook.