Abstract: A laundry drying machine includes a cabinet and a laundry holding drum rotatably supported within said cabinet for rotation about a horizontal axis. The drum includes a cylindrical wall and a pair of ends. A drum hatch comprises a section of the cylindrical wall. A motor is connected to drive rotation of the drum via a drive belt. A hatch engaging member is actuable to grasp and hold the drum hatch relative to the cabinet. A controller operatively connected with the motor, is configured to operate the machine through each of: a) an opening operation in which the drum hatch is grabbed by the hatch engaging member and the drum is rotated to expose an opening, b) a closing operation, which follows a drum opening operation and in which the drum is rotated to re-close a the opening with the drum hatch, and c) a drying operation.

Abstract: The invention allows a user of a program-controlled household appliance to obtain comprehensive information concerning different working process parameters by having the appliance include a display device for acoustic signals or optical characters and a memory area of the program control device, which is configured for saving set program parameters and measurement and operational values of the actuators and sensors participating in the program that is running. For such a purpose, the display device contains a display element (field), which is activated upon completion of the working process and contains the comment “Log”, indicating the option of issuing information relating to measurement and operational values that have been saved prior to and/or during the last completed working process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing an end of cycle for a laundry appliance having a drive motor, a timer motor, and at least one water valve. The method includes determining that the drive motor was previously running and is presently turned off, determining that the timer motor is not currently running, determining that the water valves are closed, and producing a signal to indicate the end of the laundry cycle. A laundry appliance is disclosed. The laundry appliance includes a drive motor, a timer motor, at least one water valve, and an intelligent control electrically connected to the drive motor, the timer motor, and the at least one water valve. The intelligent control is adapted for determining an end of cycle signal by determining that the drive motor is turned off, determining that the timer motor is not running, and determining that the water valve is closed.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method are provided for changing system data which allow a user to identify problems with the product itself, installation, problems due to regional characteristics, changes in use, and the like, and to change system operation data accordingly. A user may change/replace a pre-stored wash program to address specific problems encountered based on user preferences and wash history. An interface section for sending/receiving wash-related data to/from an external device, and a memory for enabling data read/write and for storing data received from the external device are provided to allow for transmission of wash history and receipt and downloading of additional wash programs. Thus convenience, washing performance, and operational efficiency can be maximized, while problem diagnosis and repair performed by the user or service man can be facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention relates a washing machine of direct drive pulsator manner that is directly connected to a motor. In this washing machine, the conversion of cleansing/dehydrating processes can be smoothly achieved by a floatage clutch capable of being actuated by floatage and gravity to be induced during the supply/drain of water.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting deposits on surfaces includes a body having a surface on which deposits occur and influence reflection properties of the surface to electromagnetic radiation. A transmitter transmits electromagnetic radiation to the body and a detector detects the presence of the deposits at the surface. The detector measures electromagnetic radiation received from the transmitter after reflection at the surface. Preferably, the device and method are used in a liquid-conveying machine, particularly, a washing machine and/or a dishwasher. Particularly, light is introduced into the light-guiding body to detect the presence of the deposits. The light is internally reflected by the surface and is guided to a sensor. If deposits occur on the surface, the deposits affect the light-reflecting properties of the surface, and the affect is detected by the sensor.

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

Abstract: In the context of a single-phase universal motor, which has proven its worth in particular as an agile washing machine drive, the novel control provides for a substantial reduction in the remagnetization losses, rotary speed dependency, level of efficiency, and the fluctuations in the motor current pulsating at double the mains frequency, together with the resulting losses and production of noise in particular because of torque fluctuations and electromagnetically excited oscillations of the stator iron core. The motor is no longer operated by way of the phase-angle control, which is synchronized with the mains frequency, of a pulse-fired triac which is self-turning off with the current zero crossing and also no longer operated by way of the pulse duty factor of a chopper oscillating freely at high frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for controlling a drying cycle in a drying apparatus by monitoring the lipophilic fluid vapor concentration. The systems utilize a gas sensor capable of sensing the concentration of lipophilic fluid vapor in the drying apparatus drum or a combination of sensors/condition detectors, at least one of which is capable of sensing the concentration of lipophilic fluid vapor in the drying apparatus drum.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting malfunction of a clutch in a washing machine, the device including a clutch including a coupling for transmission of a power from a motor to a washing shaft or a spinning shaft, a clutch motor (60) for providing a power to the coupling, a switch for controlling the coupling, and a cam (600) fitted to be rotatable with the clutch motor for turning on/off the switch in response to the rotation, a power supplying part for supplying a voltage to the motor and the clutch motor (60), a pulse counting part for counting a number of pulses of a voltage supplied to the clutch motor from the power supplying part, and a microcomputer for repeating a process in which the clutch motor is stopped for a second set time period (S20) and operated again if the switch is not switched for a first set time period from a time the clutch motor is put into operation, and informs to a user that the clutch is in malfunction if the switch is not switched while the process is repeated equal to or more than

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.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine in a wash cycle is provided. The washing machine includes a rotatable basket disposed in a wash tub and an agitator disposed in the basket. The method includes, in an exemplary embodiment, adding a predetermined amount of wash liquid to the wash tub, oscillating the agitator at a first speed, and oscillating the agitator at a second speed that is greater than the first speed.

Abstract: An appliance control system includes a housing and a user cycle selector which is movable in relation to the housing between a first selector position and a second selector position. The appliance control system further includes a first spring secured to the housing, the first spring being configured to retain the user cycle selector at (i) the first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) the second selector position during a second period of time. Additionally, the appliance control system includes a mode switch positioned within the housing, the mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state. The appliance control system also includes a second spring having a spring arm which is movable between a first arm position and a second arm position. Movement of the user cycle selector from the first selector position to the second selector position causes the spring arm to move from the first arm position to the second arm position.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine system including a method of detecting a load unbalance. The washing machine system includes a cabinet having a drum rotatably mounted therein. A motor is coupled to the drum for rotating the drum within the cabinet. A memory device is accessible by a processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP). The memory contains program code for implementing a method that includes determining the motor torque ripple, determining the motor speed, and determining the load unbalance mass based on the motor torque and speed.

Abstract: A washing machine comprises: an outer tub disposed in a casing for receiving washing water therein; an inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub for receiving laundry therein; and a plasma discharge unit for performing a plasma discharge on the washing water. According to this, a washing performance and a rinsing performance are enhanced and an amount of washing water is reduced.

Abstract: A washing machine and method of controlling the same. The washing machine has:a disinfecting liquid dispenser, a drive unit, a comparator unit and a control unit. The disinfecting liquid dispenser provides a disinfecting liquid to disinfect laundry. The drive unit generates first and second control voltages and outputs the first and second control voltages to the disinfecting liquid dispenser, to control a concentration of the disinfecting liquid. The comparator unit determines whether the concentration of the disinfecting liquid falls within a predetermined range. And the control unit controls the drive unit so that the concentration of the disinfecting liquid has a value within the predetermined range.

Abstract: Washing machine including a cabinet, a water storage tub mounted in the cabinet, the water storage tub having a water storage space therein and a drain hole for draining washing water in the water storage space, a supporter fitted between the cabinet and the water storage tub for supporting the water storage tub,and a sensor for sensing information on the water storage space, the senor fitted to an outside of the water storage tub for prevention of leakage of the washing water, thereby providing interchangeability between washing machines with or without the sensor fitted to the water storage tub.

Abstract: A rotary speed control that is dependent on the instantaneous position of the entrainment members in the rotating drum affords a further degree of freedom in terms of introducing mechanical energy into the laundry that is being moved in the interior of the washing drum. By way of the intensity or duration of the washing operation, this permits additional optimization of the washing result, insofar as the interaction between the washing drum and the laundry now definedly varies over the rotation of the drum topography or the instantaneous drum movement can be adapted to the current condition of interaction between the entrainment member and the laundry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drum washing machine which is capable of lifting clothes to a predetermined height and then dropping the lifted clothes so that the clothes can be washed by means of friction and impact. The drum washing machine is capable of heating wash water and spraying the heated wash water into a tub and a drum of the washing machine in a phase of high-temperature and high-pressure steam, thereby rapidly soaking clothes in the wash water, improving sterilizing and washing efficiencies of the drum washing machine, and saving wash water and electric energy.

Abstract: A method of detecting a dewatering unbalance of a washing machine and an operation control method using the same is provided, by which a system stability on dewatering is enhanced by controlling a dewatering speed to be appropriate for a state of unbalance that is quickly and accurately detected at an early stage of the dewatering. In a washing machine sequentially performing washing, rinsing, draining, and dewatering on a washing tub holding water and laundry therein, a method of detecting a dewatering unbalance of the washing machine, including a step of detecting an unbalance amount through a variation width of a rotational speed of the washing tub on performing the dewatering.

Abstract: A sensor system for a water-bearing domestic appliance for monitoring the treatment fluid in the appliance. The sensor system measures the treatment fluid parameters in a program sequence that includes alternating idle and in motion operations of the appliance. The measured treatment fluid parameters can be compared to known proper operational treatment fluid parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus dispenses detergent into a warewasher from a reservoir wherein a flow control device controls the flow of the detergent. A sensor measures the electrical conductivity of water within the warewasher and produces a conductivity measurement. A controller operates the flow control device in a first mode in which the quantity of detergent dispensed into the warewasher is determined in response to the electrical conductivity of the water. If the conductivity measurement is determined to be unreliable, the controller operates in a second mode in which a predefined quantity of detergent is dispensed into the warewasher. The reliability of the conductivity measurement is determined based on the amount that the conductivity changes upon detergent being added to the warewasher.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting water leakage in a washing machine, and for controlling a main inlet valve accordingly, are provided. The apparatus includes a leakage container for accumulating leaking water; and a leakage detector for detecting an accumulation of leaking water in the leakage container. The method includes steps of supplying water to a tub; determining whether a water leakage condition exists; and shutting off the supply of water to the tub, if it is determined that a water leakage condition exists.

Abstract: A product care label to be attached to a textile product includes a textile carrier part with printed-on or woven-in care instructions reproducing information on the suitable treatment of the textile product and at least one transponder having an electronic component applied thereto. The transponder contains information on the suitable treatment of the textile product, with the information corresponding to the care instructions. Thus, machine readability of the care instructions is achieved and the situation where textile products are damaged due to improper treatment is avoided. A method for producing the product care label includes the steps of printing at least one of a care symbol and a care instruction onto a carrier tape, and simultaneously attaching at least one transponder onto the carrier tape.

Abstract: A remote control system for a laundry appliance which includes a remote control device externally accessible via a communication network, the remote control device including a data base storing coping information used to cope with an abnormal condition occurring during operation of the laundry appliance, a laundry appliance control device connected via the communication network to the remote control device so as to transmit information about an abnormal condition via the communication network to the remote control device when the abnormal condition has occurred in the laundry appliance, and an analyzer for analyzing the coping information corresponding to the abnormal condition in the laundry appliance to infer a cause of the abnormal condition of the laundry appliance. When the analyzer analyzes a plurality of pieces of the analytic information, a higher priority is given to the analytic information corresponding to a cause of the abnormal condition with a larger number of times of occurrence.

Abstract: A the washing machine control method employs a temperature sensor and a variable-speed motor. The water temperature of the final draining is sensed and compared to a predetermined temperature. Dewatering is performed at a reduce speed if the sensed temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature but is otherwise performed at the normal speed, thereby preventing the degradation of a washing machine using hot water for rinsing. The washing machine control method includes steps of supplying water to a tub for performing a final operational step; draining the water from the tub; sensing the temperature of the drained water; and controlling a dewatering speed according to the sensed water temperature.

Abstract: Device and method for controlling drying of laundry in a drum type washing machine, the device including a motor for rotating a drum, a motor sensing part for detecting rotation speed of the motor, and a controlling part for controlling the motor sensing part to detect the rotation speed of the motor during a spinning time period, and setting a drying cycle time period according to the detected rotation speed, thereby drying laundry, effectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having a transient vibration sensor assembly, which senses transient vibration of a tub to prevent the washing machine from heavy shaking or breakdown. The present invention includes a cabinet, a tub suspended in the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided in the tub, a motor in the cabinet to rotate the drum, a sensor assembly in the cabinet to sense a transient vibration of the tub, and a control unit controlling the motor, the control unit stopping the motor if the tub is in the transient vibration.

Abstract: In a drum type washing machine according to the present invention, an electrolytic device 60 for electrolyzing water stored in an outer tub 2 is attached to an outer peripheral surface wall 21 of the outer tub 2. The water stored in the outer tub 2 flows into an electrolytic tub 62 through an inlet tube 64A and a connection tube 63A, and is electrolyzed by a plurality of electrode plates 61, after which it is returned to the outer tub 2 through a connection tube 63B and an outlet tube 64B. The electrolyzed water contains active oxygen (O2−), hypochlorous acid (HClO), etc. having a sterilizing effect. Accordingly, the detergency is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control panel assembly for a washing machine, which provides an improved structure enabling a knob smoothly to rotate without making noise. The present invention includes a board having a switch and parts mounted thereon, a control panel installed at one side of a cabinet of the washing machine to cover the board to protect, and a knob connected to the switch to penetrate the control panel wherein a rear end is partially contacted with a backside of the control panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine provided with a structurally reinforced apparatus for sensing a level of water accurately. The present invention includes a housing, a tub installed in the housing to store water, a drum rotatably installed in the tub to hold a laundry, and a water level sensing apparatus for sensing a water level to provide an appropriate water level for each washing step. The water level sensing apparatus includes an air chamber storing a predetermined amount of air to communicate with the tub to have a pressure of the water work on the stored air, a sensor installed at the tube to sense the water level by sensing an air pressure in the tube, and a protecting member for preventing disassembly and breakage of the air chamber and the tube.

Abstract: A washing machine comprises a washing machine casing; an outer tub disposed in the casing, for containing water therein; an inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub, for containing laundry therein; an induction motor for generating a rotational force; and a rotation transmission means for transmitting a rotational force of the induction motor to the inner tub with a rotational speed decelerated from a rotational speed of the induction motor in laundering operation, and with a rotational speed identical to the rotational speed of the induction motor in dehydrating operation.

Abstract: In the context of a single-phase universal motor, which has proven its worth in particular as an agile washing machine drive, the novel control provides for a substantial reduction in the remagnetization losses, rotary speed dependency, level of efficiency, and the fluctuations in the motor current pulsating at double the mains frequency, together with the resulting losses and production of noise in particular because of torque fluctuations and electromagnetically excited oscillations of the stator iron core. The motor is no longer operated by way of the phase-angle control, which is synchronized with the mains frequency, of a pulse-fired triac which is self-turning off with the current zero crossing and also no longer operated by way of the pulse duty factor of a chopper oscillating freely at high frequency.

Abstract: Washing machine having means for detecting floating laundry, such as a pillow, over a preset height, and method for controlling the same, which enables performance of washing without spray of water or causing damage to the laundry even if the laundry floats, the washing machine including an outer case, a water storage tub inside of the outer case, a washing tub rotatably mounted inside of the water storage tub, a driving motor for rotating the washing tub, and floating laundry detecting means for detecting a case when a height of laundry held in the washing tub is higher than a preset position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine capable of changing program and solving a fundamental problem of malfunction.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the functioning of a rotating liquid-discharging appliance includes at least one collecting chamber with at least one inlet orifice, at least one outlet orifice, and at least one sensor. The outlet orifice of the collecting chamber has a smaller cross section than the inlet orifice, and the sensor is a level sensor that transmits signals to an evaluation apparatus, by which an entire functioning of the rotating liquid-discharging appliance can be monitored. The monitoring device is disposed approximately in a region acted upon with liquid by the appliance to be monitored.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a dishwasher with a central control unit by measuring the turbidity of the rinsing liquid and establishing the course of the program as a function of the turbidity of the rinsing liquid, the program beginning with a pre-rinse program step. In order to achieve a completely automatic operation, data for the further course of the program are calculated in the pre-rinse program portion with determined measurement values of turbidity and evaluation thereof.

Abstract: A motor control for a clothes washing machine having an electronically commutated motor (ECM). A position-feedback is employed by the ECM to control sinusoidal motion of the washing machine agitator. An agitator position feedback signal is constructed from the motor commutation signals, and is compared to a digitally created sinewave position command signal. The error between the two signals is fed to a control system Proportional-Integral (PI) block, and the output of the PI block sets the level of motor current command. The control system is implemented in a digital signal processor, which also controls the motor's electronic inverter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gasket and drum type washing machine using the same. The present invention includes a cabinet having a first opening through which a laundry is put in at a cabinet front side wherein a door is installed to open/close the first opening, a tub installed in the cabinet to have a second opening at a tub front side corresponding to the first opening, a drum installed in the tub to have a third opening at a drum front side corresponding to the second opening, a rotation mans having a rotational shaft penetrating a rear side of the tub to be connected to the drum, and a gasket for preventing leakage of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a drum type washing machine. The present invention includes a step of washing a laundry on each separate washing condition according to a temperature of water. Therefore, the present invention enables to prevent waste of energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling a hot water washing of a washing machine and method thereof, by which a hot water washing time is reduced by reducing a time for taken to heat water. The present invention includes the steps of setting a washing condition for the hot water washing, supplying the water according to the set washing condition, judging whether the water level of the supplied water is a heating water level for heating the water, heating the water if the water level of the water is the heating water level, judging whether the water level of the supplied water is a washing water level according to the set washing condition, if the water level of the supplied water is the washing water level according to the set washing condition, judging whether a temperature of the water is a heating temperature according to the set washing condition, and if the temperature of the water is a heating temperature according to the set washing condition, executing the hot water washing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling locking of a washing machine lid are described. The washing machine includes an agitation element and a basket. The method, in one example embodiment, comprises the steps of sensing a spin speed associated with a spin speed of at least one of the agitation element and the basket, and causing the lid to be locked when the sensed spin speed exceed a first predetermined speed.

Abstract: A washing machine having a dual-purpose sensor capable of detecting a degree of vibration generated during a dewatering step as well as measuring detergent levels present in the water. The washing machine having a sensor unit installed with respect to an outer tub for holding water. The washing machine includes a microcomputer having an input port receiving an applied voltage, the input port electrically connected to a supply voltage; first and second electrodes, installed so as to be submerged in the water of the outer tub, wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the supply voltage and the second electrode is electrically connected to ground, to thereby generate the applied voltage for input to the input port of the microcomputer; a spherical conductor disposed adjacent to the electrodes; and a support for supporting the spherical conductor.

Abstract: A washing machine control method and a washing machine using the same are provided, by which the performance of a dewatering step is unimpeded and vibration and noise are prevented. The method includes steps of executing a dewatering step; accelerating a motor to rotate a drum, according to a predetermined rate, in response to the dewatering execution step; detecting, if the predetermined rate exceeds a first value but is less than a second value, whether a state of vibration exists with respect to the drum rotated according to the predetermined rate; and stopping the motor if the detected state of vibration exists. The method preferably includes steps of detecting an eccentricity value with respect to the drum rotated according to the predetermined rate; and comparing the detected eccentricity value to a reference eccentricity value stored in a lookup table.

Abstract: This invention provides a configurable electronic controller comprising control circuitry and output interface circuitry that is characterized such that the said control circuitry and said output interface circuitry are designed to be configurable for various control functions and various interfaces respectively, by means of configuration data supplied by a configuration memory included with the said electronic controller. The said configurable electronic controller further optionally includes configurable input interface circuitry, configurable user interface circuitry, configurable power supply interface circuitry, and network interface circuitry.

Abstract: A washing machine motor drive device drives a motor using an inverter circuit, which implements a constant torque control through a change in the torque-revolution speed characteristic of the motor. This facilitates an easy control of braking torque (negative torque), thereby providing a maximized braking torque. An easy control of regenerative energy is also provided, and back electromotive force is consumed by the internal resistance of the motor. Practically described, DC power of a rectifier circuit connected to an alternating current source is converted by an inverter circuit into AC power for driving the motor for operating an agitator or a washing/spinning tub. Motor rotor position is detected by rotor position detector, motor current is detected by current detector, and a control device controls the inverter circuit for resolving the motor current into a current component corresponding to magnetic flux and a current component corresponding to torque.

Abstract: A washing machine incorporates a drain pump powered by an electric motor and a variable frequency variable duty cycle pulse width modulated inverter the output of which supplies power to the electric motor, a water level detection means for detecting low washing machine water levels, and a controller which in response to the water level detection means decreases the frequency of the inverter at low washing machine water levels to thereby reduce the effects of ventilation. The motor is driven with the output of the variable frequency pulse width modulated inverter, and the frequency of said inverter is decreased at low washing machine water levels to reduce the effects of ventilation.

Abstract: A direct current power supply for a washing appliance powered is disclosed. The power supply includes a switch mode power supply which supplies direct current at a low voltage level from a high direct voltage supply and a pair of commutation devices as a buck converter, an active switching device connected across the input of one of the commutation devices, a latching circuit which controls the active switching device to cause the commutation device to switch off to disable the buck converter, and a push button switch for disabling the latching circuit to cause the active switching device to switch off to allow the one commutation switch to function and thereby enable the buck converter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved door assembly and a washing machine and a dryer having the same applied thereto. The door assembly of the present invention includes a hinge assembly (150), a door body (200), a hook assembly (300), a lock assembly (400). Since, in the present invention, the hand hold formed in the door body (200) is recessed in an inner circumferential surface of the frame (210) so as not to be visible from an exterior, an outer appearance of the appliance is improved. Of components of the hook assembly (300), since the bracket (320) having a shaft (340) with a hook (310) inserted therein is formed as a unit with the bracket (320) on an inside thereof, with a reduced number of the hook assembly smaller than the related art, an assembly process can be simplified and productivity is improved. The lock assembly (400) provided to the cabinet (100) to hold the hook (310) includes a hook holding device and a locking device.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of changing system data therein that can grasp causes such as trouble of the product itself, problems on installation, problems on the regional characteristics, living pattern change of a user, etc., and change/replace a pre-stored program to/by a wash-related program that can solve the problems. The washing machine includes an outer tank, an inner tank, a load section, a microcomputer for controlling drive of the load section and reading an operation state of the load section, a key input section, a display section, an interface section for sending/receiving wash-related data to/from an external device, and a memory for enabling data read/write and storing the program or data received from the external device.