Abstract: A device for determining a dirt load in a rinsing or detergent solution in a water-conducting household appliance includes a sensor configured to execute a near-infrared spectroscopy for acquiring a spectral measured value of a dirt component in the rinsing or detergent solution in the water-conducting household appliance. A determination unit determines the dirt load of the rinsing or detergent solution on the basis of the acquired spectral measured value of the dirt component in the rinsing or detergent solution, and an adjustment unit adjusts a wash parameter of a current wash program in response to the determined dirt load.

Abstract: A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus that includes a first treatment device that has a first load unit and that is configured to treat laundry and a second treatment device that has a second load unit and that is configured to treat laundry includes the action of executing a first cycle in the first treatment device by supplying electric power to the first load unit. The actions include executing a second cycle in the second treatment device by supplying electric power to the second load unit. The actions further include reducing power consumption by terminating the second cycle in the second treatment device and executing a third cycle in the second treatment device, the third cycle being different than the second cycle. The actions further include terminating the first cycle in the first treatment device. The actions further include terminating the third cycle in the second treatment device.

Abstract: A top-loading-type washing machine including a drum, a drive module for rotating the drum via a drive shaft, inner and outer pulsators placed in the drum to be rotated in opposite directions, and a gearbox connected to the drive shaft for rotating both the pulsators. The gearbox includes a sun gear rotatably connected to the drive shaft, planetary gears rotatably engaged with the sun gear, a ring gear rotatably engaged with the planetary gears, and a carrier for connecting the planetary gears so as to be rotated along with the planetary gears. The washing machine achieves excellent washing performance via rotation of the pulsators in opposite directions and variable speeds of the pulsators relative to the drum depending on the size of the laundry load.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine including a time setting unit configured to set an operation time, and a controller configured to control the laundry treatment operation so as to be terminated before expiration of the operating time by adjusting at least one of a level of water supplied to a washing tub to execute at least one of the wash and the rinse, a number of times of executing the rinse and an execution time of the spin-dry, according to the operation time set through the time setting unit.

Abstract: A laundry washing and/or drying appliance (100) includes a cabinet (3) containing a rotatable drum (2) that can be loaded/unloaded with laundry. The cabinet (3) is provided with a loading/unloading opening (200) for accessing said drum (2). A door locking device (1) is fixed inside the cabinet (3) and is accessible from outside the cabinet (3). The door locking device (1) includes a support housing (23) provided with an opening (22) for the introduction of a hook member (21). The opening (22) is accessible from outside the cabinet (3). A door (4) for closing said loading/unloading opening (200) is movably connected to the cabinet (3) and includes the hook member (21) adapted to engage with the door locking device (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a washing machine including detecting an amount of clothes contained in a drum, supplying washing water based on the detected amount of clothes, washing the clothes by applying current to a drive module after the supply of the washing water, a rinsing operation of rinsing the clothes by supplying water to a tub from an external water source, after the washing of the clothes, determining unbalance of the clothes by applying current to the drive module while washing water is contained in the tub, after the rinsing of the clothes, dispersing the clothes by controlling the current applied to the drive module when the unbalance of the clothes is determined to be equal to or higher than a set value, discharging the washing water contained in the tub when the unbalance of the clothes is determined to be lower than the set value, and dehydrating the clothes to remove the washing water from the clothes, after the discharge of the washing water.

Abstract: A washing machine includes: a tub configured to accommodate wash water therein; a rotary tub rotatably mounted in the tub; a pulsator rotatably arranged below the rotary tub, configured to form a water current; a motor configured to provide driving power to the pulsator; and a floater configured to ascend or descend in response to a water level of the wash water in such a manner that the pulsator and the rotary tub interact with each other or the interaction therebetween is released. The pulsator includes a reinforcement rib protruding from a bottom surface of the pulsator to reinforce stiffness. The floater is connected to the reinforcement rib in a manner that the floater ascends or descends along the reinforcement rib. The washing machine can alternatively transmit the driving power of the motor only to the pulsator or to the pulsator and the rotary tub.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance comprising a dispensing assembly which can identify laundry treating chemistry filled in a loading cup by way of a material sensor, and supplying said laundry treating chemistry to a proper corresponding bulk reservoir.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing system for a washing machine including a suds container for receiving wash liquid and at least one supply container for receiving a treating agent. The method includes selecting and activating a wash or treatment cycle from a plurality of wash or treatment cycles using an input device. The treating agent for delivery to the suds container is selected based on suitability information corresponding to the selected wash or treatment cycle. The treating agent is delivered to the suds container at the start of the activated wash or treatment cycle. The activated wash or treatment cycle is performed using a controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance treating laundry according to a cycle of operation including determining a rotational speed of the drum corresponding to a predetermined movement of the laundry within the drum and setting an operating parameter for the cycle of operation based on the determined rotational speed of the drum corresponding to the predetermined movement of the laundry.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet, a drawer retractably provided in the cabinet and defining an introduction port, a tub body provided in the drawer, the tub body defining a space for receiving washing water and having an open upper surface, a drum rotatably provided in the tub body, the drum defining a space for receiving laundry and having an open upper surface, a tub cover defining a tub introduction port that provides a passage from the introduction port to the drum, the tub cover being coupled to the upper surface of the tub body, a door rotatably hinged to the tub cover and configured to open and close the tub introduction port, and a sealing unit that is configured to provide a seal between the door and the tub introduction port.

Abstract: The washing machine includes an outer tub, an inner tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, a pulsator rotatably provided in the inner tub, a power transmission shaft rotating the pulsator, a buoyancy clutch that moves up and down by buoyancy created by wash water and transfers, when the buoyancy clutch is in a lower position, rotational force from the power transmission shaft to the inner tub to allow the pulsator and the inner tub to rotate integrally with each other, a circulation passage that is provided on an outer portion of the outer tub to allow the wash water drained out of the outer tub to be returned into the outer tub, a pump provided on the circulation passage and a drain guide unit that directs the wash water under the buoyancy clutch to a drain hole of the outer tub so that the buoyancy clutch moves downward.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance treating laundry according to a cycle of operation having by determining a parameter indicative of a change in packing density of the laundry in a treating chamber and taking an operating action based on the determined parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of sensing a motor characteristic signal in a laundry treating appliance having a drum rotated by a motor about a rotational axis, sampling the motor characteristic signal, filtering the motor characteristic signal, and evaluating the filtered motor characteristic signal for the presence of a predetermined condition corresponding to the motor characteristic signal.

Abstract: A main motor is rotated at a predetermined target speed to determine whether a clutch has been normally operated during switching between a spin mode and an agitation mode. A current value sensed during rotation of the main motor is compared with a predetermined reference value to determine whether the clutch is normally operated. Mode switching is performed or the clutch is re-operated based on the determination result, thereby correctly performing switching between the spin mode and the agitation mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a turbidity sensor and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a turbidity sensor capable of measuring turbidity of water including a liquid detergent as well as water including a powdered detergent and a control method thereof. The turbidity sensor includes a first light emitting unit emitting visible light, a first light receiving unit disposed opposite to the first light emitting unit at a position spaced apart from the first light emitting unit and receiving visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit, and a control unit determining a turbidity of a solution according to a ratio between the amount of visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit and the amount of visible light received by the first light receiving unit. According to the turbidity sensor and control method thereof, turbidity of the solution by the first and second particles is accurately measured.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a domestic appliance connected to an electric grid so as to allow smart metering, wherein electric power consumed according to different consumption tariffs is measured and the domestic appliance receives information about the availability of a currently applicable consumption tariff or a switch-off condition for preventing peak loads in the grid. The domestic appliance is operated as follows: a) when an inexpensive consumption tariff is available, the appliance is put into operation as intended, and the history of the cleaning process is continuously recorded; b) when an inexpensive consumption tariff is not available or the switch-off condition is met, the appliance is not put into operation or a previously started operation is interrupted; and c) when information about an inexpensive consumption tariff is available, the domestic appliance resumes operation, and a component of a detergent is added based on the recorded history.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an automated laundry system. The system includes a number of perforated clothes drums, each of which holds a single load of laundry, and a washer/dryer unit. The washer/dryer unit includes a loading rack for queuing the drums for subsequent washing, a clothes washing component adapted to sequentially receive the drums from the loading rack and wash the respective loads of laundry therein, a clothes drying component adapted to sequentially receive the drums from the clothes washing component and dry the loads of laundry therein, and a holding rack for sequentially receiving the drums from the clothes drying component and holding the drums for a period of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a washing machine for washing laundry. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine may use a novel horizontal vibration method of washing laundry and the like instead of a rotation method. The washing machine may include a moving magnet connected to the washing tub causing the washing tub to move horizontally. The moving magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a tub, a drum located within the tub and at least partially defining a treating chamber in which laundry may be received for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a liquid supply system for introducing liquid thereto and a method for filling the laundry treating appliance including supplying liquid, determining a load inertia value and stopping the supply of liquid based thereon.

Abstract: A transmission controller for an automatic washing machine incorporates an accelerometer to provide for sophisticated out-of-balance detection. Speed sensing and water moisture sensing may optionally be also incorporated into the transmission controller, the former providing a more sophisticated out-of-balance detection and the latter permitting overflow detection.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a tub having an open face and at least partially defining a treating chamber in which laundry may be received for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation, a door for closing the open face of the tub, a perforated rotatable drum located within the tub and a method of operating such that the rotation of the drum is accelerated at a rate sufficient to cause an inrush of supplied liquid into the treating chamber from the tub via the perforations that locates a unit dose treating chemistry within the treating chamber.

Abstract: Washing machine appliances and method for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A washing machine appliance has a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A method includes flowing a first volume of liquid into the tub, the first volume of liquid at a temperature correlated to a treatment option selected by a user, and agitating the articles within the tub for a first period at a first rate. The method further includes flowing a second volume of liquid into the tub, the second volume of liquid at a temperature correlated to a temperature option selected by a user, and agitating the articles within the tub for a second period at a second rate.

Abstract: A washing machine containing a tub and basket placed within the tub, a basket bottom, a driving shaft coupled to the basket, a motor coupled to the driving shaft, a propeller located within the bottom and impelled by an end of the driving shaft, the propeller containing a scrubber, a center and a support, the scrubbers have a transversal section made from at least three arch circumference sections; a lower face of the propeller has a fin, which along with the bottom, functions as a centrifugal pump creating a current or washing liquor flow which is led through the water tower. In a preferred embodiment, the driving shaft has a solar gear coupled thereto which rotates a satellite gear and over the upper face of the support and between the scrubbers a mini-propeller is provided, the satellite gear is coupled to an axis that rotates the mini-propeller.

Abstract: The capture and reuse of the effluent, or grey water, from the rinse cycle of a washing machine appliance is provided. A determination is made regarding whether fabric softener is present in the effluent. If fabric softener is present, then the effluent can be reused during a rinse cycle of the washing machine so as to avoid undesirable interaction between the fabric softener in the effluent and the detergent of a rinse cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to facilitate in an appliance various operating modes including a spin mode and an agitation mode in a vertical-axis washing machine. The apparatus comprise a drive system with a shaft, on which is secured engagement features, and stops that are fixed with respect to the position of the engagement features. Engagement of the engagement features and the stops couple together elements of the appliance such as an agitation device and a wash basket. In one embodiment, the stops and engagement features are distributed on different contact planes located along the shaft, thereby permitting clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the shaft and the engagement features through an angle of at least about 180° and up to about 680°.

Abstract: A washing machine includes: a synchronous motor unit installed at the bottom of a tub; a drain valve housing installed at the bottom of the tub; a link unit disposed between the synchronous motor unit and the drain valve housing; a wire unit having one side connected to the synchronous motor unit and the other side connected to the link unit; a spring member having one side connected to the link unit and the other side connected to the drain valve housing; a clutch lever unit rotatably installed on a clutch base unit and rotated in connected with the movement of the link unit caused by the operation of the synchronous motor unit; a cam lever unit connected to the clutch lever unit; a lift lever unit contacted with the cam lever unit; and a coupling unit engaged with a rotor unit or clutch body unit.

Abstract: A washer and a control for an automatic washer to operate the washer through a wash cycle selected based upon a range of conditions of a fabric load to be washed. The control has a plurality of selectable stain type entrées, each with a particular dedicated wash cycle. The control also has dispensing control over at least two wash liquor additives, one being a detergent and the other being an oxidizing agent. The control operates the dedicated wash cycles, as selected, using both the detergent and the oxidizing agent, however, the detergent and the oxidizing agent may be dispensed in different orders and at different times and in different amounts, depending on the stain type selected.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine has a function of rotating a drum (130) at a low speed when a user pulls out laundry, enabling the user to easily search through the laundry. The washing machine includes a cabinet (100) defining an exterior appearance of the washing machine, a tub (120) mounted in the cabinet (100) and configured to receive wash water therein, a drum (130) rotatably mounted in the tub (120) and configured to receive laundry therein, an independent drive input unit (200) to send a drum rotating signal, so as to allow a user to operate the drum (130) independently of a washing process, and a control unit to control rotation of the drum (130) in response to a signal received from the independent drive input unit (200).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for controlling a washing machine that automatically select a washing method when a user uses the washing machine and saves the user an effort to choose a washing method suitable for the laundry. The apparatus includes at least one sensor unit in the washing machine configured to measure a value of a natural frequency of laundry in the washing machine; a database unit storing information regarding a washing method of the laundry; a control unit that compares the value of the natural frequency from the sensor unit with value(s) of a natural frequency or frequencies stored in the database unit to determine the type of laundry, select a washing method corresponding to the determined type of laundry, and output a signal to perform the selected washing method; and a driving unit that receives the signal from the control unit and operates the washing machine in accordance with the signal.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The method includes initiating a learning cycle of the washing machine appliance. During the learning cycle, at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of a heated water supply, a flow rate and a temperature for a cold water supply and a drain rate of a drain pump is determined or established and stored within a memory of the washing machine appliance. The method can assist with improving a performance and/or efficiency of the washing machine appliance.

Abstract: A clothing dryer capable of effectively drying a small amount of substance, and a control method thereof by changing an algorithm of a sensor-dry course, which is configured to control an operation rate, a degree of drying or a temperature of drying, to be adapted to the small load of substance in a case where the substance to be dried has a small load when compared to the entire volume of the clothing dryer, so that the drying efficiency is enhanced regardless of the load of the substance, and a separate option button is provided for a sensor-dry course, so that a small load of substance is dried adaptively to the material characteristic of the substance for a respective dry course, thereby enhancing the drying efficiency.

Abstract: Washing machine appliances and methods for detecting oversuds conditions in washing machine appliances are provided. A washing machine appliance has a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A method includes measuring a pressure within the tub during a spin cycle, comparing the pressure to a threshold oversuds pressure level, and pausing the spin cycle and enacting an oversuds removal cycle if the pressure exceeds the threshold oversuds pressure level.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treatment apparatus, in particular a washing machine, a laundry dryer, a heat pump laundry dryer or a washing machine having a drying function, is provided. The apparatus includes a control unit controlling the operation of the treatment apparatus, a laundry treatment chamber for treating laundry, a detector unit for detecting at least one operation parameter (T_inv) of the treatment apparatus, and a first variable speed motor unit adapted at least to drive the treatment chamber, and/or a compressor having a second variable speed motor unit for circulating a refrigerant fluid through a refrigerant loop of the laundry treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A method may be provided for controlling a laundry treating apparatus. A first speed rotating may control the drum to accelerate the drum to rotate at a first speed, a braking may apply a brake to stop the drum, a second speed accelerating may accelerate the drum to a second speed, a current sensing may sense a current being applied to the motor during the drum is accelerated to the second speed, and a laundry amount determining may determine a laundry amount based on the current sensed in the current sensing.

Abstract: A laundry appliance having a perforated rotatable drum for spin dehydrating a wet textile load, an electric motor for providing an accelerating force which in use causes the drum to rotate, load sensors for detecting any static dynamic imbalance in the rotation of the drum, and a controller which receives inputs from the load sensors and is programmed to, in a spin-up phase, energize said electric motor so as to evenly distribute the load within the drum and thereby minimize any static or dynamic imbalance when the drum rotates.

Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.

Abstract: In a method for identifying operating conditions of a domestic appliance, a temperature of an operating agent of the domestic appliance and/or of a component of the domestic appliance is detected by a temperature sensor. The ambient temperature is detected by the temperature sensor before the programming mode, in an initialization phase. At least one reference temperature value is defined that represents a critical value for the programming mode of the domestic appliance in respect of reliable and/or efficient operation. The programming mode is prevented from beginning as a function of the comparison of the measured ambient temperature with at least one reference temperature value. The programming mode is prevented from beginning until the ambient temperature has reached a value that is in an acceptable range in comparison with the reference temperature value.

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: An apparatus and method for determining an unbalance condition in a laundry treating appliance having a rotating drum based on the rotational speed of the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing optical readings on yarn spools subjected to dyeing in a dyeing tank or machine (1) in which a spool (6) provided with a pierced axial shaft (6A) is placed with the said shaft on the outlet of a feedpipe (IM) of a circuit that feeds a dyeing bath in the same tank or machine (1), so that the dyeing bath enters the dyeing tank or machine (1) passing by the feedpipe (IM) through the shaft (6A) and is subsequently collected through collecting conduit (IR) of the same feeding circuit.

Abstract: A method of sensing the motion of the wash assembly (3) of a washing machine (1) due to the dynamic unbalance of the laundry drum assembly (6), and which comprises the steps of: increasing the rotation speed (?) of a laundry drum (6) to a first rotation speed (?DIST); determining a first parameter (TFRICTION; AHFREF) related to the time pattern of the values of an unbalance function A=T?Jd?/dt; increasing the rotation speed (?) of the laundry drum (6) by a predetermined value (??) determining, at each increase (??) in rotation speed (?), a second parameter (ALF; AHF) related to the time pattern of the values of the unbalance function A=T?Jd?/dt filtered at the predetermined filtration frequency (LF; HF); calculating the difference (TdynLF; TdynHF) between the second parameter (ALF; AHF) and the first parameter (TFRICTION; AHFREF).

Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance has a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation and operated such that the extraction of liquid from the laundry load is controlled based on the inertia of the laundry load so that the total energy usage by the laundry treating appliance and a laundry drying appliance with which it is operably coupled may be minimized.

Abstract: Provided is a method of operating a motor at a low speed. The method includes sensing an event corresponding to an angular position of the motor. If the event occurs between a first time threshold and a second time threshold, the method includes slowing the motor. If the event has not occurred by the first time threshold, the method includes increasing driving power to the motor.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance and a method for regulating ozone within the same are provided. The method includes activating an ozone generation system of the washing machine appliance in order to initiate a flow of ozonized water into a tub of the washing machine appliance and measuring an amount of ozone within an exhaust conduit of the washing machine appliance with an ozone sensor. Based at least in part on the amount of ozone within the exhaust conduit, various steps can be taken to regulate the amount of ozone within a wash chamber of the washing machine appliance.

Abstract: Laundry treating appliances and methods of controlling the same to balance small loads are disclosed. An example method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotating drum defining a treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation, and at least one balancing ring to counteract an imbalance of the rotating drum includes determining whether a small load is present in the treating chamber, substantially aligning the small load and a moveable mass of the balancing ring(s) when the drum is substantially stationary, and accelerating rotation of the drum based on a viscosity of fluid in the balancing ring(s) to position the small load substantially opposite the moveable mass.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance to determine a speed at which the laundry satellizes, comparing the same to a given amount or range, and altering execution of the at least one cycle of operation based on comparison such that the laundry treating appliance may be operated in an effective and efficient manner.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control panel provided on an apparatus to control the apparatus and a clothes treating apparatus having the same. The clothes treating apparatus includes a includes a cabinet; a drum provided within the cabinet and configured to receive clothes; a driving unit that rotates the drum; a power supply unit that supplies power to the driving unit; and a control panel located on the cabinet. The control panel includes a panel body that defines the external appearance of the control panel; a printed circuit board (PCB) located adjacent to the panel body; input units; and an anti-separation unit located on at least one of the panel body and the PCB and configured to restrict the connection damper from being separated from the bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for operating a washer, and in preferred embodiments to a washer having a water tank that is integrally, preferably detachably, formed with the washer, wherein the washer comprises a washing chamber for accommodating goods to be cleaned, said washing chamber having in its lower portion a sump for collecting water during operation of the washer, a water inlet, a circulating pump for circulating water through the washing chamber, and a control unit for controlling a washing cycle carried out by the washer. In accordance with the invention, in this method water is fed via the water inlet into the sump; the pressure within an inlet or outlet conduit of the circulating pump is measured; and based on the pressure measurement the washing cycle is controlled and/or indicator signals are issued to a user of the washer.