Sequence Control Means Responsive To A Sensed Condition Patents (Class 68/12.02)
  • Patent number: 7503087
    Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a door having means for determining an opened state or a closed state. The method may include sensing a first wet laundry amount after initiating a wash cycle of a wash course, sensing a second wet laundry amount upon detection of an open state of the door during the wash cycle. Control of the wash course may be based on the first wet laundry amount, if the open state of the door is not detected during the wash cycle, or control of the wash course may be based on the second wet laundry amount if the open state of the door is detected during the wash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Ho Kim, Byung Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 7503088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine, and more particularly, to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine wherein a user can be guided in all the washing processes by the respective stages. The present invention is characterized in that usages of the washing machine by the respective stages are provided to an inexperienced person who does not know well the usages, that actual processes are performed when the user follows the provided instructions, and that the user can personally check and troubleshoot simple problems which may occur when utilizing the washing machine. According to the present invention, there is an additional advantage in that various functions and usages of the washing machine can be more conveniently and efficiently utilized with the aid of a wash help.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Jin Jo, So Young Cho
  • Publication number: 20090064421
    Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine and a controlling method, capable of maintaining an optimal temperature for efficient generation of foam to perform foam washing that uses a large amount of foam in washing laundry, thereby accomplishing optimal washing efficiency. The controlling method for the washing machine according to the present invention comprises supplying washing water with detergent required to generate foam, generating foam using detergent water which is a mixture of the washing water and the detergent, transmitting heat to the generated foam by heating the detergent water, and washing laundry using the foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Ram Lee, Hyun Sook Kim, Sang Yeon Pyo, Eun Suk Bang
  • Publication number: 20090044834
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub and a washing machine having the same applied thereto, and more particularly, a method for washing a washing tub including a detergent removing step, a laundry amount detecting step, and a soaking step; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. The method includes a detergent removing step for removing detergent from the washing tub, a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a laundry amount sensing step for sensing a laundry amount in the washing tub for determining whether the method proceeds to the next step or not, a soaking step for soaking dirt on a surface of the washing tub after applying the washing water to the dirt by moving the washing tub, and a washing step for washing the washing tub, if it is determined in the laundry amount sensing step that the method proceeds to the next step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Han Ki Cho, Jong Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20090038347
    Abstract: A method and control system for automatically halting operation of a washing machine by stopping operation of the washing machine motor is provided. The washing machine that implements the method includes a motor controller having a primary microprocessor and a secondary microprocessor which serves as a backup redundancy processor in the event there is a malfunction with the primary microprocessor or the primary microprocessor fails to halt washing machine operation within a prescribed window of time. The primary microprocessor controls operation of all of the washing machine electrically controlled components. The secondary microprocessor is electrically connected to a lid switch and the washing machine motor and is configured to halt operation of the motor in response to the primary microprocessor failing to halt motor operation after the lid is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Michael F. Finch, Donald Richard Dickerson, JR., Robert Hollenbeck, Meher Kollipara
  • Patent number: 7475574
    Abstract: A washing machine comprises a tank for loading washing fluid and items to be washed and a control adapted to carry out a predetermined washing program. The washing machine comprises a first electrode electrically insulated from the washing fluid and a sensor connected to the first electrode for detecting a value of a sensor formed by the first electrode and by the washing fluid acting as a second electrode, the value being fed to the control in order to control and/or adjust the washing program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Dieter Grimm, Robert Huettner
  • Patent number: 7464426
    Abstract: A method of controlling an Internet washing machine is disclosed, in which the electric power required to keep the Internet washing machine be in a remote-controllable state can be reduced. The method of controlling the Internet washing machine comprises the steps of counting down the remaining time from a point of time when the internet washing machine is turned on, starting a remote control mode by connecting an on-line server with the internet washing machine so that they are in a state of a session if an operating part does not work during the preset time, and starting a power saving mode if either the operating part does not work or a signal for remotely controlling the washing machine is not generated before the preset time from a point of time when the remote control mode is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Su Lee, Deung Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20080301884
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine including a balancer, which increases the speed of a rotation tub stepwise in a period in which an excessive vibration of a water tub occurs to pass the excessive vibration period without the vibration, and a method of controlling the same. The method of controlling the washing machine includes increasing the speed of the rotation tub stepwise in the period in which the excessive vibration of the water tub occurs; measuring current of a motor to detect an amount of unbalance while the speed of the rotation tub is increased stepwise; and controlling the speed of the rotation tub based on the detected amount of unbalance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Mo Lee, Hyun Bae Kim, Mun Kahp Joe, Kyo Soon Choi
  • Publication number: 20080289118
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine that is capable of maintaining the balanced state of laundry to more smoothly perform a spin-drying operation and a control method thereof. The control method of the washing machine including a drum to receive laundry and a motor to rotate the drum to reduce unbalance generated due to the nonuniform distribution of the laundry, includes wrapping the laundry by accelerating the drum such that the laundry sticks to an inner wall of the drum, detecting motor current during the wrapping of the laundry, determining an unbalanced state of the laundry based on the detected motor current, and controlling speed of the drum based on a result of the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Joo Park, Soon Bae Yang, Jung Chul Choi
  • Publication number: 20080276654
    Abstract: This comprises an outer shell with a water tub (1) with a top transparent lid (2). Inside is a rotating perforated rectangular fabric drum (3). Drum top edge has a rectangular frame (4) with slots (5) on longer sides for fabric rods (6) with the spread clothes. Drum has a cross rod (7) with a joint and a bolt (8) above the frame. Drum bottom has a drive shaft (9) fitted in a seal (10) of tub floor and run by gear of belts by a motor (11). Lid is opened. The fabrics hung on rods, rods on frame slots, drum cross rod (7) clipped and lid is closed. Water filled to mark. Motor started, rotating drum (3) with clothes in one or back way, till washed. Motor stopped, water drained, motor set for higher spin and stopped after dry. Fabrics are removed after opening lid and clip. Controls (14) with timers, heaters, and sensors controls the wash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Anand Vishnu Thirumalai Anandampillai, Vijayan Thirumalai Anandampillai, Aparna Thirumalai Anandampillai
  • Publication number: 20080276382
    Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance capable of indicating when a fabric load is sanitized, implementing a sanitizing by modifying a predetermined operation cycle, or implementing a sanitizing cycle after the completion of a predetermined operation cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Benne, Claudia Michel, Carolyn Y. Groppel, Matthew Travis Doll, Casey J. Tubman
  • Publication number: 20080256721
    Abstract: A detergent box opening and closing detecting apparatus of a washing machine includes: a detergent box to which a detergent is introduced; a detergent box installation part formed at a main body of the washing machine and allowing the detergent box to be installed therein; and a detergent box opening/closing detecting member that detects whether or not the detergent box installed in the detergent box installation part is opened or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Hyo-Jin Kim, Ho-Sung Jang, Jae-Cheol Lyu, Han-Ki Cho, Chang-Woo Son
  • Patent number: 7434424
    Abstract: A controller for a washing machine including an agitation element operable at a plurality of speeds during an agitation phase of a wash cycle is provided. The controller comprises a microcomputer configured to adjust an actuation of the agitation element in response to at least one input, said at least one input indicative of a characteristic of a laundry load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Henry Lueckenbach, Christopher Gregory Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20080245392
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub (120) in a washing machine, and a washing machine having a washing tub washing course provided thereto for enabling washing tub (120) washing by the same, and more particularly, to a method for which makes effective washing tub washing, with a small amount of washing water consumption, a lower power consumption, and high washing effect; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. A method for washing a tub (120) or a drum (130) in a washing machine having the tub (120), the drum (130) rotatably mounted in the tub (120), and a steam supply unit for supplying steam to the tub (120), includes a steam supply step for supplying steam to the tub by using the steam supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Seok Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 7430884
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a washing volume for receiving laundry. The washing machine also includes an ozone inlet for providing ozone to the washing volume and an ozone outlet for receiving gaseous ozone from the washing volume. An ozone sensor is provided for measuring the gaseous ozone passing through the ozone outlet. A controller may be connected to the ozone sensor to receive an ozone measurement and to determining a degree of disinfection by the washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignees: JLA Limited, Daniels Equipment Company
    Inventor: John Laithwaite
  • Patent number: 7428829
    Abstract: A circuit is provided. The circuit includes a processor programmed to prevent overfilling of a cabinet with a fluid and a backup circuit having fixed logic. The backup circuit is electrically coupled to the processor to redundantly prevent overfilling the cabinet with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William Henry Lueckenbach
  • Publication number: 20080216517
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine with a drying unit and a drying control method of the same that is capable of controlling a drying time based on a temperature of condensed water used during a drying operation to accomplish optimum drying efficiency. The drying control method includes detecting the temperature of condensed water supplied during drying the laundry, setting the drying time based on the detected temperature of the condensed water, and operating the drying unit according to the set drying time to perform a drying operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Suk Chung
  • Publication number: 20080216251
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a rinsing control method of the same that is capable of increasing spin-drying RPM before the final rinsing, such that the spin-drying RPM before the final rinsing is higher by a specific percentage than a predetermined RPM, to strongly squeeze out residual detergent, contained in laundry, from the laundry, and adding soaked rinsing time, during the final rinsing, to completely dissolve residual detergent contained in laundry, thereby improving the rinsing efficiency. The washing machine includes a rotary drum to receive laundry and a motor to rotate the rotary drum. The rinsing control method includes determining whether a current operation is a rinsing operation, and, when the current operation is the rinsing operation, controlling intermediate spin-drying RPM and rinsing time to remove residual detergent from the laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung Mock Kahm, Young Chul Jo
  • Patent number: 7418840
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling a washing course in a washing machine, by which a drive motor for rotating a drum is prevented from being overloaded according to a laundry amount and by which a drum can be smoothly rotated without unnecessary power consumption provided to a motor. In a washing machine having a motor for rotating a drum in a first direction, the present invention includes the steps of driving the motor to rotate the drum at a prescribed angle in the first direction, stopping driving the motor so that the drum is rotated by a gravitational force of a laundry within the drum in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and rotating the drum in the first direction again by driving the motor while the drum is rotated in the first direction switched from the first direction by the gravitational force of the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20080201869
    Abstract: A commercial washing machine that can be easily repaired and inspected and a washing method of the same are disclosed. The commercial washing machine includes a machine body for performing a predetermined washing cycle to laundry placed therein, a money depositing device mounted at one side of the machine body for allowing a user to deposit money therein, a control unit for controlling the washing cycle of the machine body, and a termination signal input device electrically connected to the control unit for allowing a signal for terminating the washing cycle in progress to be inputted thereto from the outside. The washing method includes detecting whether money has been deposited, performing a washing cycle including a washing operation, a rinsing operation, or a spin-drying operation according to the selection of a user, and terminating the washing cycle according to a termination signal inputted from the outside, irrespective of whether the remaining operations exist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ji An Jeong
  • Publication number: 20080201868
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a control method of the same that is capable of maximizing a contact time between water and laundry, thereby improving the rinsing efficiency while using a small amount of water. The washing machine includes a water tub, a rotary drum mounted in the water tub to receive laundry, and a circulation unit to supply water from the water tub into the rotary drum. The control method includes detecting an amount of load according to a weight of the laundry, supplying an amount of water set according to the detected amount of load into the water tub, and supplying the water in the water tub to the laundry by alternately operating the rotary drum and the circulation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun Suk Bang, Sang Yeon Pyo, Hyun Sook Kim, Jae Ryong Park, Sung Hoon Kim, Jee Hun Park
  • Publication number: 20080196170
    Abstract: The present invention relates to washing apparatus and washing method, more particularly, a washing apparatus of a new structure, and a washing method thereof, which enables not to leave out pieces of laundry sensing of which is not possible, or not sensed yet among pieces of laundry introduced to an inside of a drum, and which makes automatic sensing and providing properties of pieces of laundry introduced to the inside of the drum for a user to make reference in setting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Soungbong Choi
  • Patent number: 7409738
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for predicting an imbalance condition in a rotating device. The rotational imbalance prediction system (100) includes an accelerometer assembly (104), including at least one accelerometer (304), and a processor (306). The at least one accelerometer (304) provides acceleration measurements to the processor (306), the measurements describing the current acceleration of an orbit of the rotational device (102). The processor (306) receives the acceleration measurements and calculates an average radius of the orbit (202) to determine if the average radius is increasing, predictive of an imbalance condition. The processor (306) generates a signal in response to the prediction of an imbalance condition and transmits the signal to a motor control (308) or a remote alarm module (302). The system and method provides for countermeasures to be taken in response to the prediction of an imbalance condition, thereby eliminating the imbalance condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodrigo L. Borras, Michelle A. Clifford, Leticia Gomez
  • Publication number: 20080184746
    Abstract: A tandem configuration of automated washing machines is disclosed. A microprocessor controls solenoid valves to direct effluent of each selected cycle of one machine, into another machine for reuse. Both the machines operate in tandem applying pre-set microprocessor logic, which is further programmable for various options, keeping interlocking features Intact. By placing the washing apparatus on rooftops, further recycling is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Sanjiv Agarwal
  • Patent number: 7406842
    Abstract: A washing machine includes: a steam generator for generating steam; a circulation pump for pumping circulation water discharged from a tub and re-supplying it into a drum; a spray nozzle for spraying steam generated from the steam generator and the circulation water pumped from the circulation pump into the drum; and a back-current preventing branch unit connected to the steam generator by a steam supply line, connected to the circulation pump by a circulation line, and connected to the spray nozzle. With this structure, circulation water circulated by the circulation unit and steam generated from the steam generator are sprayed to the laundry through one spray nozzle, so that a system can be simplified and a fabrication cost can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo Young Oh, Kyung Chul Woo, Jin Woong Kim, Si Moon Jeon, Na Eun Kim
  • Publication number: 20080178398
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a wash tub supported within the cabinet, a spin basket for holding a wash load, the spin basket rotatable in the wash tub by a motor, and a controller for driving the motor to rotate the spin basket. The controller is adapted to detect water entrapment within a wash load in a spin basket of a washing machine by measuring a first parameter indicative of the rotational inertia of the spin basket when accelerated to a first spin speed, controlling the spin basket to dewater a wash load in the spin basket, measuring a second parameter indicative of the rotational inertia of the spin basket at the first speed, comparing the first and second parameters, and detecting whether there is water entrapped in the wash load based on the comparison between the first and second parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: ADAM JOHN DARBY, MAN KIT CHEUNG
  • Patent number: 7404225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine, and more particularly, to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine wherein a user can be guided in all the washing processes by the respective stages. The present invention is characterized in that usages of the washing machine by the respective stages are provided to an inexperienced person who does not know well the usages, that actual processes are performed when the user follows the provided instructions, and that the user can personally check and troubleshoot simple problems which may occur when utilizing the washing machine. According to the present invention, there is an additional advantage in that various functions and usages of the washing machine can be more conveniently and efficiently utilized with the aid of a wash help.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Jin Jo, So Young Cho
  • Patent number: 7401480
    Abstract: A front-loading type clothes washing machine comprises a washing tub, a drum which is rotatable within said washing tub about a horizontal or inclined center of rotation and capable of containing the items to be washed, a door assembly for closing the tub and an annular bellow-type gasket interposed between the door assembly and the washing tub. The washing machine further comprises a safety device having a sensor disposed in the zone of the annular gasket and adapted to detect when at least an item of laundry is present in said zone, in order to prevent any possible damage to such item of laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Reinhold Poehler
  • Publication number: 20080155760
    Abstract: A control system for a washing machine operable in a wash cycle is provided. The control system includes a foam sensor and a controller operatively coupled to the foam sensor. The washing machine includes a cabinet and a wash tub positioned within the cabinet for receiving laundry therein. The foam sensor is configured to detect a level of foam within the wash tub. The controller is configured to introduce a softener into the wash tub upon the foam sensor detecting a threshold level of foam within the wash tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher G. Hoppe
  • Patent number: 7392813
    Abstract: A device for preventing foam or air bubbles from accumulating in a measuring zone of a turbidity sensor connected in a wash-water circuit of a dishwasher or washing machine includes a main flow conduit and a bypass conduit connected to the main flow conduit. The bypass conduit includes a first conduit section branching off from the main flow conduit, a second conduit section leading back into the main flow conduit at a junction, and an enlarged region of reduced flow velocity connected upstream of the junction. The enlarged region provides the measuring zone for the turbidity sensor, and includes a curved baffle and a downward-facing bulbous protuberance opposite the baffle so as to form a backflow region. The measuring zone is located within the backflow region in the bulbous protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Andre Bertram, Erik Berends, Michael Reilmann
  • Publication number: 20080134727
    Abstract: Described is a position sensor device for determining a position of a movable object. The position sensor device includes (a) a magnetic field source fixed on a movable object, (b) a first magnetic field detector located at a first position and detecting a first magnetic field signal characteristic for a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source at the first position, (c) a second magnetic field detector located at a second position and detecting a second magnetic field signal characteristic for a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source at the second position, and (d) a position determining unit determining a position of the magnetic field source based on a comparison of the first magnetic field signal and the second magnetic field signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Lutz May
  • Publication number: 20080120789
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the bunching of fabric items during a wash process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Kalyanakrishnan Vadakkeveedu, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Mary Ellen Zeitler, Flavio Bernardino
  • Publication number: 20080120790
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Kalyanakrishnan Vadakkeveedu, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan
  • Publication number: 20080115295
    Abstract: An automatic clothes washer comprises a wash tub in which is disposed a wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving fabric articles, and an article mover located within the wash chamber and driven by a motor to impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles upon contact. A method for controlling the operation of the automatic clothes washer comprises determining the work imparted to the fabric articles by the article mover, and controlling an operating cycle of the automatic washer based on the determined work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Kalyanakrishnan Vadakkeveedu, Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan
  • Publication number: 20080115539
    Abstract: A laundry apparatus according to the present invention is capable of stably regulating a laundry drying temperature without reduction in the service life of a valve which regulates the amount of steam to be supplied to heating unit. In the laundry apparatus, a first steam supply passage (24a) having a relatively great passage diameter and a second steam supply passage (24b) having a relatively small passage diameter are provided independently of each other. Thus, a relatively great amount of steam is supplied from the first steam supply passage (24a) to a drying heater (13) with a first valve (V27) being opened, and a relatively small amount of steam is supplied to the drying heater (13) with a second valve (V28) being opened. By selectively using the first valve (V27) and the second valve (V28), the opening/closing frequencies of these valves are reduced. This makes it possible to stably regulate the laundry drying temperature while preventing reduction in the service lives of these valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicants: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., Sanyo Electric Techno Create Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Masafumi Nishino, Kazushige Murakami, Mitsuru Naganawa
  • Publication number: 20080109967
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the degree of tangling of fabric items during a wash process based on at least one of the motor speed or motor current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Kalyanakrishnan Vadakkeveedu, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan
  • Patent number: 7370495
    Abstract: A temperature control for a washing machine that includes a tub and hot and cold water valves is provided. The temperature control includes a first pressure sensor positioned to sense a full fill level in the tub and configured to generate a full fill signal when the tub is full and a second pressure sensor positioned to sense an intermediate fill level, less than full, in the tub and configured to generate an intermediate fill signal when the intermediate fill level is reached. A controller is operatively coupled to the first and second pressure sensors and the hot and cold water valves. The controller is operable to control the valves based on the fill signals from the pressure sensors to control a wash water temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald Miles Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080104768
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing system and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to a washing system of a new structure and a method for controlling the same, for making automatic identification of laundry introduced to a drum not to be impossible, or not to miss taking laundry not yet been identified into account, and automatic identification of characteristics of the laundry introduced to the drum, thereby a user taking reference in setting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Soungbong Choi
  • Publication number: 20080105001
    Abstract: A washing machine having a broadcasting receiver for providing various multimedia contents on the washing machine is disclosed. A broadcast signal reception module is provided in the washing machine, such as a washer or dryer, which is frequently used in the user's living space. Therefore, the washing machine can not only perform a washing operation, but also output a broadcast signal. In particular, the provision of the broadcast signal reception module in the washing machine enables reception of a mobile broadcast signal, as well as a fixed broadcast signal, thereby making it possible to provide more various multimedia contents through the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to increase customer satisfaction with a multifunction-alization of the washing machine and thus use the washing machine more universally, resulting in an increase in the competitiveness of a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Hae Jeong, Soung Bong Choi, Deug Hee Lee, Hyeok Deok Kim
  • Publication number: 20080078035
    Abstract: A method for determining improved washing conditions for a process of laundering textiles includes the steps of preparing one or more test loads; selecting various wash cycle variables; inserting test materials into test loads; washing the loads and materials pursuant to selected the variables; comparing the materials washed pursuant to the selected variables to generate comparison data; and using the comparison data to develop parameters for determining improved washing conditions for one or more textiles. Consumers may be instructed on how to achieve improved overall care of their clothes or other textiles using the improved washing conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: John Christian Haught
  • Publication number: 20080066238
    Abstract: A method for sensing vibration of a washing machine including an outer tub installed within a main body, an inner tub rotatably installed within the outer tub, and a motor that drives the inner tub, includes: distributing the laundry put in the inner tub; sensing actual vibration generated when the motor is acceleratedly operated; sensing unbalance mass generated during the accelerated operation of the motor; comparing the sensed actual vibration and the sensed unbalance mass with a reference vibration and a reference unbalance mass; and driving the motor based on the comparison result of the vibration and the unbalance mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sang-Hoon LEE, Deok-Kyu KIM, Tae-Hee LEE
  • Patent number: 7340925
    Abstract: A washing machine having a vibration sensing assembly for sensing a transient vibration of a tub. The vibration sensing assembly includes a fixing part fixed to an inner wall of a cabinet, a rotational part rotatably connected to the fixing part to perform a rotational movement within a predetermined range by the vibration of a tub centering around a portion connected to the fixing part, and a sensor provided to the rotational part to sense the rotational movement of the rotational part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Kim, Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Yeon Su Jung, Jung Hoon Kang, Myung Sik Park, Young Hoon Ha
  • Patent number: 7325422
    Abstract: In a washing method of a drum type washing machine, a large amount of the laundry can be more effectively washed by effectively transmitting a mechanical force to the laundry by repeatedly and forcedly rotating a drum forward (or clockwise) or backward (or counterclockwise) for a short predetermined time. Through continuous rotation of the drum of the drum type washing machine, a falling washing is performed such that the laundry in the drum is washed by falling by a gravity, or a reversing washing is performed such that the laundry is washed by repeatedly rotating the drum forward (or clockwise) or backward (or counterclockwise) for a short predetermined time, thereby improving energy efficiency through economizing a washing time and washing water according to the amount of the laundry, and also preventing a waste of power by driving a heater at a proper time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun-Seok Seo, Byung-Keol Choi, Tae-Hee Lee, Sang-Wook Hong, Si-Moon Jeon
  • Patent number: 7299664
    Abstract: Device for controlling a motor in a washing machine and a method for controlling a process of a washing machine by using the same, the device including a motor, a power source part for supplying a voltage to the motor, a plurality of torque varying parts parallel to each other and electrically connected to the motor for varying a rotation torque of the motor, a plurality of switching part connected to the torque varying parts respectively and electrically connected to the power source part, a driving part for switching the switching parts, and a controlling part for controlling the driving part so as to vary the rotation torque of the motor according to a mode of user's selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Young Chang, Hee Tae Lim, Byung Keol Choi, Seung Chul Park, Dong Won Kim
  • Patent number: 7246625
    Abstract: The invention related a dishwasher provided in a substantially horizontal section of a wash fluid conduit with a section of continuously increasing flow cross section to form a measuring zone of quieted wash fluid flow to separate foam and air bubbles from the fluid whose suspended contaminant particles are to be measured by a turbidimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Erik Ekelhoff
  • Publication number: 20070157396
    Abstract: A washing machine and washing control method thereof. The washing control method not only improves the effectiveness of a preliminary washing cycle that is an optional function of the washing machine, but also reduces the amount of detergent and wash water that is used for the preliminary washing cycle. For this, the washing control method includes determining whether or not a preliminary washing cycle is selected, supplying a lesser amount of wash water than a desired amount of wash water that is determined based on the amount of laundry if the preliminary washing cycle is selected, and performing the preliminary washing cycle, and supplying a certain amount of wash water additionally after completing the preliminary washing cycle, and performing a main washing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Hun Won, Jung Ran Jung
  • Patent number: 7237293
    Abstract: A method of controlling a shoe washing process of a washing machine performs washing, rinsing, and spin-drying operations. The method includes the operations of determining whether or not to select a shoe washing course, and washing the shoe according to a reversible operation time of a motor preset to correspond to the shoe washing course, when the shoe washing course is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun-Sook Kim
  • Patent number: 7216514
    Abstract: The invention provides a cloth washer, a dish washer-dryer and a control system associated therewith, which facilitate establishing of a special operating program. The cloth washer comprises selector means for selecting one of a plurality of basic operating programs, which are individually preprogrammed with specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and spin-dry operation, special operating program setting means for establishing a special operating program by correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the one selected by the selector means among the plurality of basic operating programs, and control means for controlling the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the special operating program set by the special operating program setting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Sakita, Shoichi Matsui
  • Patent number: 7168118
    Abstract: Object of the present invention lies on improving a system stability by reducing an allowable eccentricity of laundry below a preset value when a spinning speed reaches to a maximum even if a voltage higher than a rated voltage is applied, by varying a maximum limit of a lead angle with a voltage applied to a drum type washing machine. For achieving the object of the present invention, in a method for controlling a spinning speed of the present invention, a maximum value of a lead angle is set to vary with an applied voltage after detection of the applied voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jea-Kyum Kim, Ho-Cheol Kwon, Jong-A Park, Kang-Mo Choi, Kweon Son
  • Patent number: 7131159
    Abstract: A method of controlling a wobbling washing machine which performs a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and a disentangling operation by wobbling a washing plate. The disentangling operation includes wobbling the washing plate at a speed higher than a wobbling speed of the washing plate for performing the washing or rinsing operation. The method allows a load of laundry to be effectively disentangled by a wobbling action of the washing plate at a motor's rotating speed which is preset to be higher than the motor's rotating speed at the washing or rinsing operation. The method further includes performing the disentangling operation before and after each of a first spin-drying operation and a final spin-drying operation to further minimize tangling of the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun-Sook Kim