With Tank Heater Patents (Class 68/15)
  • Patent number: 11053636
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus includes a case with a treatment chamber for holding clothes, a steam unit supplying steam to the treatment chamber, a blowing unit drawing in air from the inside of the treatment chamber, a heat pump unit heating the air drawn in by the blowing unit and discharging the heated air to the inside of the treatment camber, and a control unit controlling the steam unit, the blowing unit, and the heat pump unit, wherein when the heat pump unit is driven after the steam unit is driven, the control unit supplies water to the steam unit after the driving of the heat pump unit terminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Wansik Nam, Donghyun Kim, Jinseong Lee
  • Patent number: 10626540
    Abstract: A wall-mounted drum type washing machine includes a rear panel mounted on a wall surface; a tub containing wash water; a box unit coupled to the rear panel and surrounding the tub; and a reinforcement portion connecting the tub and the rear panel and surrounding the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ui Kun Hwang, Ju Dong Lee
  • Patent number: 9896796
    Abstract: A laundry machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, to receive laundry, a washing heater provided at the tub, to heat wash water, a first wash water passage for supplying the wash water from an external water supply source to the drum via a detergent box, a second wash water passage for supplying the wash water from the external water supply source to an interior of the tub while preventing the wash water from passing through the drum, a course selector for selecting one of a plurality of washing courses, and a controller for selectively opening the first wash water passage or the second wash water passage in accordance with the course selected through the course selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Heunggi Kim, Jaemun Kim, Kilryong Lee, Chanwoo Jung
  • Patent number: 9512560
    Abstract: A short oxygen delignification method employs a mixing assembly including a mixing chamber having an interior wall which is generally symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis. At least one inlet is used to introduce paper pulp, a basic compound, optional steam and an oxygen-containing gas into the mixing chamber. At least one axial baffle is connected to and extends along the interior wall. At least one transverse baffle is connected to and extends from the interior wall transverse to the axis. A rotatable agitator includes at least one agitator baffle extending transverse to the axis at a location in alignment with a respective transverse baffle. This forms at least one gap between the at least one agitator baffle and the at least one respective transverse baffle. The paper pulp fluid is forced to travel through the at least one gap. A short delignification reaction occurs inside the mixing chamber. Delignified paper pulp fluid leaves the mixing chamber through at least one outlet of the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Peter A. Piechuta, Robert E. Yant
  • Patent number: 9027368
    Abstract: A laundry machine having a steam generator is disclosed. An embodiment of a laundry machine comprises a drum, a steam generator, and a controller. The steam generator may include a heat-variable heater. The heater may be operated in one setting among a plurality of heat settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yoo Chol Ji, Kyung Ah Choi, Yun Mi Park, Ji Young Park, Mi Son Ahn
  • Publication number: 20150067970
    Abstract: A washing machine having a boiling washing course function to perform washing by heating water to increase a washing effect, and a control method thereof. In the washing machine and control method, it is possible to increase a washing effect by heating water for a predetermined time according to the temperature of the initially supplied water, draining the water if the temperature of the heated water is less than the set temperature, and maintaining the amount of the initially supplied water without draining the water if the temperature of the water is equal to or greater than the set temperature. Further, by allowing the water to reach the target temperature of a high temperature within a predetermined washing time while maintaining the amount of the initially supplied water, it is possible to maintain a washing effect due to a washing temperature thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyo Jeong KIM
  • Publication number: 20150028016
    Abstract: A laundry machine (200) adapted to process laundry (220) by means of an operative fluid is provided. The laundry machine (200) comprises a drum (215) for housing the laundry (220), an electrical heater apparatus (280) configured to heat up the operative fluid, at least one electrical device (105), and an inverter supply block (100) for electrically supplying the at least one electrical device (105). The inverter supply block (100) comprises a bulk capacitor (130). The laundry machine (200) further comprises a limiter circuit (300; 280) configured to temporarily limit a charging current drawn by the inverter supply block (100) during a bulk capacitor (130) charging phase. The limiter circuit (300; 280; 330) is configured to selectively force the passage of the charging current through the electrical heater apparatus (280).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Alessandro Cecco, Hubert Dorigo, Paolo Driussi, Marco Lorenzi
  • Publication number: 20150000351
    Abstract: A dry cleaning machine with washing and drying cycles and a refrigeration system has a rotary drum holding clothing or likes, a first solvent tank for storing a first solvent for a first washing cycle, a second solvent tank storing a second solvent for a second washing cycle, a first water separator operationally connected to the first solvent tank, a second water separator operationally connected to the second solvent tank, and a solvent recovery system operationally connected to the first and second water separators at one end and the rotary d The refrigeration system contains a first heat exchange system, a second heat exchange system, a refrigeration tank storing a refrigerant, and a fan for cooling the refrigerant. The dry cleaning machine is configured so that the different solvents can he independently used within the same machine for different washing cycles without need of manual exchange of the solvents or system purge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Robert LEE
  • Patent number: 8839647
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a vertical axis washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a top portion with a lid and side portions extending downwardly from the top portion. A tub is positioned within the cabinet with a basket rotatably supported within the tub. The washing machine also includes a heater, a water level sensor, and a fan. The water level sensor controls the volume of water that enters the tub such that the fan is not submerged in such volume of water and the heater generates steam from such volume of water. The fan rotates and circulates air inside the tub so that the steam is distributed throughout the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Michael Wuttikorn Ekbundit
  • Patent number: 8707743
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine using steam. The laundry machine includes a drum for holding laundry, a steam generator for generating steam, a water supply unit for supplying water to the steam generator, an additive supply unit for supplying additive to the steam generator, and a supply line for supplying the steam and the additive to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Dong Yoon Kim, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son
  • Patent number: 8601627
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a controlling method, which can remove allergens on the laundry. A controlling method of a laundry machine includes a mite-killing step of supplying seam to a drum to make laundry exposed to a hot environment at or over a temperature and for or over a duration of time, wherein the temperature and the duration are predetermined enough to kill house dust mites on the laundry; a rinsing step of rinsing the laundry; and a spin-drying step of spin-drying the rinsed laundry. The present invention has a advantageous effect of removing allergens including house dust mites, animal hair and pollens efficiently. In addition, if the house dust mites are killed by using steam, energy efficiency is high and an effect of mite-killing is great.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Pyoung Hwan Kim, Su Hee Shin, Seong Hae Jeong, Young Soo Kim, Deug Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20130318724
    Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance to adjust the thermal output of the heater to control the total power consumption of the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: NYIK SIONG WONG
  • Patent number: 8596098
    Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The control method includes supplying water into a tub, washing an object to be washed via rotation of a drum, rinsing the washed object, and dehydrating the washed object to remove moisture from the object. In the water supply step, steam is ejected simultaneously with the supply of water, to regulate the interior temperature of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Pyoung Hwan Kim, Soo Young Oh
  • Publication number: 20130255326
    Abstract: A washing machine using ultrasonic vibrations, which can allow a user to at home easily and efficiently wash the laundry that needs hand washing or dry-cleaning. The washing machine includes: a body having an inner space of a predetermined volume; a washing tub installed in the body, with a water supply pipe connected to a side of the washing tub so as to supply washing water or a detergent into the tub and with a drain pipe connected to the side of the tub at a position opposite that of the water supply pipe so as to drain used water or used detergent; a cover mounted to a predetermined portion of the body so as to open or close the tub; and an ultrasonic generator installed in at least one predetermined portion of the tub so as to apply ultrasonic vibrations to a laundry contained in the tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Dae Yeong Im, Hyun Rok Cha, Chang Seog Kang, Hyoung Uk Nam, Chang Youn Kang
  • Patent number: 8522578
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a steam generator (600), a laundry machine, and a control method of the laundry machine. The steam generator (600) includes a steam generation unit (610) having a water inlet port (612) formed at one side thereof, an outlet port (613) formed at the other side thereof, and a flow channel (611) connected between the water inlet port (612) and the outlet port (613); and a heater (640) for heating water being supplied through the water inlet port (612) to generate steam. The laundry machine includes a machine case (100) forming the external appearance thereof, a drum (400) rotatably mounted in the machine case (100), and a steam generator (600) having a steam generation unit (610) with a flow channel (611) connected between a water inlet port (612) formed at one side thereof and an outlet port (613) formed at the other side thereof, and a heater (640) for heating water being supplied through the water inlet port (612) to generate steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, In Geun Ahn
  • Publication number: 20130219971
    Abstract: A garment dyeing machine (10) includes a container (12), a roller (22) to which brassieres are releasably attachable, the roller (22) being within the container (12) and rotatable relative to the container (12) about an axis of rotation (R-R), the garment dyeing machine having two nozzles (24) for spraying a dye solution onto the roller (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: CLOVER MYSTIQUE CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Sze Ngok LEE, Kuan Yau Nancy CHANG
  • Publication number: 20130185873
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a vertical axis washing machine appliance with features for applying steam to articles disposed therein. The washing machine appliance can be configured for filling a sump of the appliance with fluid and activating a pump in order to drain the sump of fluid. After the pump is activated, the washing machine appliance can be configured for submerging a heater in the appliance's sump with fluid and also starting the heater in order to heat the fluid in the sump and generate steam. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Blake Philip Bomar, Michelle Diana Gross, Brett Farris
  • Patent number: 8448478
    Abstract: Disclosed is the washing/drying machine including a fragrance supplying means for supplying fragrance, and a heat supplying means for supplying heat to promote evaporation of a fragrance source stored in the fragrance supplying means. The washing/drying machine uses heat supplied by the heat supplying means so as to promote evaporation of a fragrance source in the fragrance supplying means, thereby increasing efficiency in fragrance supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myong-Hun Im, Jin-Ho Chang, Kyung-Chul Woo, Kyeong-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8443635
    Abstract: A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam generation unit for generating steam, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam generation unit into the lower part of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Myong Cho
  • Patent number: 8438755
    Abstract: A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam supply unit mounted in the machine body for generating steam, the steam supply unit being constructed to receive water for steam generation through the water inlet port exposed to the outside while the water inlet port communicates with one side of the machine body, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam supply unit into the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Deug Hee Lee, Hung Myong Cho
  • Patent number: 8424346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, such as washing machines or dryers, for washing or drying laundry. The steam generator (50) for a laundry machine includes a housing (80) formed to provide a space for holding water, a heater (55) for heating the water to generate steam, a water level sensor (60) for sensing a water level of the water held in the housing, and a stability maintaining member (70) for maintaining a stable state of the water at a portion to be sensed by the water level sensor (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Cho Ki Chul
  • Patent number: 8291731
    Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine has an improved structure adapted to generate steam in order to improve washing effect and enable sterilization of laundry using the steam. The washing machine comprises a tub to contain water, a heater installed in the tub, and a controller to control the heater to heat the water contained in the tub and to generate steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Hai Jeong, Hung Myong Cho
  • Publication number: 20120234054
    Abstract: A multiple laundry machine is provided. The multiple laundry machine may include multiple washing spaces capable of separately washing relatively small amounts of laundry in each. The multiple laundry machine may include a casing, and a plurality of individual laundry machines arranged in the casing. Each of the individual laundry machines provided in the casing may conduct washing operations in a different manner so as to provide washing capability of different sizes and types of loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Joo Yeon KIM, Kyung Ah CHOI
  • Patent number: 8261466
    Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer having separately driven drum and blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Latack, James P. Carow, Christopher A. Jones, William L. Frantz
  • Patent number: 8245718
    Abstract: A pump, particularly for dishwashers, is provided and includes a housing made of a housing bottom, a housing cover, and a heating device disposed in between the bottom and cover for heating a washing fluid. The heating device forms a ring-shaped side wall of the housing. An impeller is arranged in the housing, an intake connection is arranged axially in the housing cover relative to the axis of rotation of the impeller, and a pressure connection is arranged in the housing cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Büsing, Anton Oblinger, Bruno Reiter, David Semerad, Christian Wirth
  • Patent number: 8181297
    Abstract: A washing machine that performs a washing operation using eat high-temperature steam and a washing method of the same are disclosed. The washing method includes (a) driving a washing heater (40) mounted in a tub (56) to increase the interior temperature of the tub (56), and (b) driving a steam heater (74) mounted in a steam generation unit (70), such that high-temperature steam is generated and the high-temperature steam is supplied into the tub (56), to increase the interior temperature of the tub (56). A washing operation including the (a) step and the (b) step, which are combined either in the order of the (a) step->the (b) step->the (a) step or in the order of the (b) step->the (a) step->the (b) step, is carried out such that the interior temperature of the tub (56) is increased to a target temperature level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Youn Dong Lee
  • Patent number: 8168004
    Abstract: A washing machine that is capable of providing a stable washing mode even when a washing-related device is abnormal during a washing operation is disclosed. When a steam generation unit, which generates high-temperature steam into a drum, is abnormal, the operation of the steam generation unit is interrupted, and an operation for driving a washing heater mounted in a tub is performed, or an operation for driving a drying unit, which supplies high-temperature dry hot air into the drum, is performed. A steam substituting algorithm is provided when the steam generation unit is abnormal during the operation using the high-temperature steam. Consequently, the interruption of the washing operation due to the abnormal steam injection function is prevented, and therefore, the reliability of the product is improved while the inconvenience of use is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Phal Jin Lee, Dong Won Kang, Kwang Cheol Park
  • Patent number: 8156590
    Abstract: A controlling method of a laundry machine is disclosed. The controlling method includes supplying wash water into a tub up to a predetermined water level, and controlling On/Off of a steam heater and a tub heater until a temperature inside the tub or a drum reaches a predetermined temperature at the predetermined water level. By using both the tub heater and steam heater in conjunction with a controlling of a water supply valve in order to acquire the predetermined water level and predetermined tub temperature, the controlling method is advantageous to improve energy efficiency of the laundry machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Youn Dong Lee
  • Patent number: 8132279
    Abstract: A dishwasher and associated control method are provided wherein a water supply manifold supplies a wash chamber with wash liquid. The supply manifold includes a hot water inlet from an external hot water source and a separate inlet from a storage tank, and is configured to be selectively actuated between the hot water inlet or storage tank inlet. A controller is in communication with the supply manifold and is configured to act on a signal that is indicative of an actual or pre-defined high electricity demand period on a power supply to the hot water source. The controller is configured to generate an output control signal to the supply manifold to cause the manifold to direct substantially only water from the storage tank to the wash chamber during the high electricity demand period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Tarr
  • Patent number: 8122742
    Abstract: A washing machine having a steam generator, which generates steam so that the steam is used in a washing or drying operation, and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The steam generator includes a case having a space for storing water; a heater provided in the space of the case for generating heat; and a water level sensor for sensing the minimum and maximum level of the water stored in the space of the case. A controller controls the water supply valve and the heater according to a result sensed by the water level sensor. The water supply valve is opened and closed, thereby controlling the supply of water to the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seog Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 8122741
    Abstract: The present invention provides a washing apparatus and control method thereof, by which laundry can be dry-cleaned through the loaded configurations of the wet pad cloth, the filth transfer cloth, the steam providing unit, the fragrance spraying unit, and the detergent supplying unit using either the wet pad cloth or the filth transfer cloth or without using both of the wet pad cloth and the filth transfer cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo Hee Shin, Seok Kyu Park, Byung Hwan Ahn
  • Patent number: 8112902
    Abstract: A spin or tumble dryer having an air outlet with a moisture sensor is connected to a controller. The moisture sensor determines and stored the measured absolute atmospheric humidity values in the air outlet during operation. Specific characteristic values of the detected moisture can be determined, such as at a point in time and the duration to reach a maximum value or an absolute atmospheric humidity at a specific instant, which can be compared with the values stored in the controller. From this, it is possible to determine the laundry load quantity that is located in the spin dryer, and as a result a program sequence for drying the load can be optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Muenzner, Kay Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120031150
    Abstract: The present application relates to a laundry machine, which comprises a tub (10) to receive wash water, a drum (30) rotatable placed in the tub (10), a shaft connected with the drum (30), a bearing housing to rotatable support the shaft, a motor to rotate the shaft, a suspension unit to reduce vibration of the drum (30) and a heater securing part (113, 122) expanded to an outside of the tub (10) from a lower part of the tub (10). The heater securing part (113, 122) is configured to install the heater (150).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Ig Geun Kwon, Soo Bong Kim
  • Patent number: 8109120
    Abstract: A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a lower housing including a main portion for receiving a heater, and connecting portions extending outwardly from the main portion, the lower housing defining a water chamber for containing water, an upper housing connected to the connecting portions, the upper housing defining a steam chamber for containing steam, a water level sensor for sensing a level of water contained in the water chamber, and a receptacle for protecting the water level sensor. The receptacle has an opening for allowing water to be introduced into the receptacle, and is substantially aligned with an inner surface of the lower housing or is arranged at a position spaced apart from the heater by a longer distance than the inner surface of the lower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Geun Ahn, Kyu Won Lee, Seong Il Moon
  • Patent number: 8109119
    Abstract: A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a lower housing, which contains water, in which a heater is arranged, and which has a vertical length longer than a horizontal length, an upper housing including a steam chamber for containing steam generated as the water is heated, a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the water chamber, and a receptacle for covering the water level sensor, the receptacle including an opening for allowing water to be introduced into the receptacle. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to easily install the steam generating device, to achieve a superior performance, to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, and to prevent spots from being formed on laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Geun Ahn, Kyu Won Lee, Seong Il Moon
  • Patent number: 8087266
    Abstract: A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam generation unit for generating steam, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam generation unit into the lower part of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Myong Cho
  • Publication number: 20110310927
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine (2), in particular a laundry washing or washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, comprising: a tub (3) adapted to contain a wash liquid (4), an electric resistance (1) for heating the wash liquid (4), a temperature sensor (5) for detecting the temperature of the wash liquid (4), wherein the resistance (1) and the temperature sensor (5) are put in a condition of thermal exchange by conduction. The invention also relates to a method for evaluating whether the resistance is emerged from or submerged in the wash liquid and to a method for removing calcareous deposits (17) from an electric resistance (1) adapted to heat a wash liquid (4) in a washing machine (2), in particular a laundry washing or washing/drying machine or a dishwasher, characterized in that the resistance (1) is subjected to at least one heating and cooling cycle while the resistance (1) is kept above the wash liquid (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Indesit Company S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Bombardieri, Mariano Funari, Giuseppina Pia Potena, Costantino, Mariotti, Fernanda Gaggioli, Maria Angela Mariotti, Elisa Mariotti
  • Patent number: 8074475
    Abstract: A heater apparatus of a washing machine is presented. The presented heater apparatus of a washing machine is comprising; a tub (190); a heater joint unit formed on the tub (190); a heater (200) arranged on the heater joint unit; and a heater joint member (300) being able to offset the pressure inflicted to the heater joint unit by the arrangement of the heater (200) as pressurizes the heater joint unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae-Cheol Lyu, Dong-Yoon Kim, Sang-Gyu Lim, Jong-Sun Yoon, Chang-Woo Son
  • Patent number: 8046856
    Abstract: A method for spin-drying textiles being subjected to a method for the production of a hydrophobic effect in a washing machine. Textiles located within the drum are brought into contact with hydrophobing substances dissolved in the washing liquid. The drum is accelerated for a first number of spin pulses to reach a speed in a first spinning block when the washing liquid is removed from the outer tub, the speed being below a critical speed of rotation. The drum is accelerated in a second spinning block for a second number of spin pulses to reach a speed that is above the critical speed of rotation. The drum is accelerated in a third and final spinning block for a third number of spinning pulses to reach a maximum speed of rotation that is compatible with the washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Schaub, Ingo Schulze
  • Publication number: 20110247145
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a pump, such as a drain pump, with an automatic shutoff, and a method for controlling the shut off of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: HIRAK CHANDA, MICHAEL L. JACKEMEYER, JAMES A. OSKINS, JON D. STRAIT
  • Patent number: 7987541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of a washing machine having a tub (21) for holding washing water, a drum (31) rotatably mounted in the tub (21), and a stem generator (51) for generating and supplying steam to the tub (21), for washing laundry with steam, and a washing machine thereof. The method includes a washing water supply step (S 10) for supplying washing water to the tub (21), a steam supply step (S80) for supplying the steam to the tub (21), and a main washing step (S110) for washing the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo Young Oh, Kyung Chul Woo, Na Eun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110179830
    Abstract: A washing appliance (2) is provided which is comprised of a dedicated reservoir (6) for the washing appliance (2), the reservoir (16) having an inlet (12) to allow inflow of water and an outlet (17) to enable outflow of water, and at least one heat exchange means (10) characterised in that at least one heat exchange means (10) is adapted and configured to transfer ambient energy outside the reservoir (6) into the reservoir (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Martin Reason
  • Patent number: 7963130
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a water-storing tub for storing washing water, a heater having a heat-generating unit disposed in the water-storing tub and a terminal unit formed on first and second ends of the heat-generating unit, a heater cover covering the heater, a clamp fastening the heat-generating unit, a thermostat associated with the clamp to detect a temperature of the heater, and a water infiltration protecting cover for protecting the terminal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Byung Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 7962985
    Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine, in which substances stuck to the surface of a heater are washed off to minimize the generation of scale on the heater, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub; a heater installed in the tub for heating washing water; and a washing device for washing the heater. The washing device includes a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water to the heater, and a washing pump for supplying the washing water in the tub to the spray nozzle. The washing of the heater is performed in the first rinsing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Bin Lee, Do Weon Kim
  • Patent number: 7954344
    Abstract: A steam generator includes a water chamber for holding water, the water chamber having a heater mounted thereto for heating the water, a steam chamber for holding steam generated as the water is heated, a water supply line for supplying the water to the water chamber, and a steam discharge line for discharging steam from the steam chamber, wherein the water chamber has a vertical direction length relatively greater than a horizontal direction length and the steam chamber has a horizontal direction length relatively greater than the horizontal length of the water chamber. A dryer or washing machine may include the steam generator described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Mun Kim, Jong Deuk Bae, Heung Gi Kim, Ki Chul Woo, In Geun Ahn, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Kyung Chul Woo, Kyu Won Lee, Young Soo Kim, Ji Maeng Kim
  • Patent number: 7950257
    Abstract: A dryer or a washing machine includes a cabinet which forms an exterior of the dryer or the washing machine. A drum is rotatably mounted in the cabinet and a steam generator is provided outside the drum to supply steam to the drum, where the steam generator includes a water chamber to hold water, the water chamber having a heater mounted thereto for heating the water. The steam chamber is provided above the water chamber to hold steam generated as the water is heated, where the steam chamber has a steam discharge opening for discharging the steam, where the steam discharge opening is provided with a separator for isolating a steam discharge area from other areas and where the water chamber has a vertical direction length relatively greater than a horizontal direction length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Mun Kim, Jong Deuk Bae, Heung Gi Kim, Ki Chul Woo, In Geun Ahn, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Kyung Chul Woo, Kyu Won Lee, Young Soo Kim, Ji Maeng Kim
  • Patent number: 7950089
    Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine and a washing machine, in which the energy efficiency of a washing machine can be optimized without incurring additional costs are provided. The method includes heating wash water contained in a washing tub; and supplying steam into the washing tub, wherein a time frame during which the heating the wash water is performed at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the supplying steam is performed. The washing machine includes a cabinet; a washing tub disposed in the cabinet; a wash water heating unit; and a steam supply unit, wherein a time frame during which the wash water heating unit heats the wash water in the washing tub at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the steam supply unit supplies steam into the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 7941884
    Abstract: The invention in one embodiment relates to a method for operating a washing machine having a heating unit, wherein the heating unit comprises a carrier and at least one planar heating element disposed thereon. At least one first heating element is attached to the carrier in a planar manner, wherein the carrier has a recess extending in the longitudinal direction in the center region. The washing machine has a washing machine barrel and a drum therein, wherein the heating unit is displaced at the bottom in the washing machine barrel outside of the drum. A heating element is provided on the outside of the carrier in the region of the recess in the region along an apex, or along an apex of the recess, wherein only said heating element is operated in the region of the recess for creating steam in the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Block, Irina Maier
  • Patent number: 7931033
    Abstract: A dish washer includes a steam generating unit that is configured to control the amount of steam in accordance with the amount of items in the dish washer. The steam generating unit is positioned outside of the tub and is configured to generate and supply steam to the tub. The dishwasher includes a fluid supplying passage that supplies washing fluid to the steam generating unit. A steam discharging passage is configured to discharge steam that is generated from the steam generating unit to the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nung Seo Park, Sang Heon Yoon, Yong Jin Choi, Si Moon Jeon, Dae Yeong Han
  • Patent number: 7918110
    Abstract: A machine for washing items of various kinds includes a washing tub for containing the washing liquor, and a reactor for generating heat for heating up the washing liquor and a stream of gaseous hydrogen supplying a fuel cell to generate a source of electric power. In the interior thereof, the reactor contains a mass of metals, which may include magnesium, and produces a stream of gaseous hydrogen. The machine further includes a source of water that is let into the reactor to trigger the reaction process producing the hydrogen, a fuel cell that receives the stream of hydrogen and converts it into electric power, an electric connection adapted to transfer the electric power generated by the fuel cell to a controller and an actuator include in the machine, and heat transferring device for transferring the heat generated by the reactor to the washing liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Edi Fabbro, Valentine Fedorovich Zharov, Alexander Vadimovich Korotynsky