Liquid Supply Or Vapor Supply To Liquid Patents (Class 68/207)
  • Patent number: 11592210
    Abstract: A water supply system includes a main water tank that is configured to store water and includes a heater to heat the stored water to close to but below a boiling temperature thereof, to provide main heated water. A dispenser water tank receives a portion of the main heated water, and is free of any heating elements to add heat to the water stored therein, and providing dispensable heated water. A water mixer includes a first pipe for receiving the dispensable heated water from the dispenser tank and a second pipe for receiving utility water from a faucet that supplies utility-provided water, with a mixing chamber from which the waters from the first pipe and the second pipe are dispensed and/or in which these waters are admixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Max Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 11340105
    Abstract: A method that configures a liquid-level transmitter device to generate a measured value for a level of a liquid. The method includes steps to correct for changes in physical properties of one or more components of the device. In one embodiment, the method utilizes a correction value that incorporates data from a temperature sensor disposed inside of the device, for example, inside of the electronics member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Dresser, LLC
    Inventors: Stephane Marcel Leledy, Denis Auguste Vital
  • Patent number: 11105032
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance and methods for operating the same are provided. The washing machine appliance includes features for executing a calibration cycle in which water flow rates through one or more valves may be calculated and water pressure conditions may be detected and identified. Further, in some instances, the flow rate setting of the washing machine appliance may be adapted or modified in accordance with the flow rates calculated during the calibration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Je Kwon Yoon, JaeHyo Lee, Ryan James Scheckelhoff
  • Patent number: 10753026
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a cabinet having a top panel defining an aperture, a wash tub mounted within the cabinet below the top panel and configured for containing fluid during operation of the washing machine appliance, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub directly below the aperture of the top panel. The wash basket defines a wash chamber configured for receiving laundry articles via the aperture in the top panel. A door is mounted to the cabinet at the top of the top panel. A pretreatment area is defined in the top panel between the door and the aperture. An elongated nozzle is positioned in the top panel proximate to and below the door. The elongated nozzle is configured to provide a sheet flow of wash fluid over the pretreatment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Manidhar VVS Yandamuri, Hanuman Devadatha Seela, Alexander B. Leibman
  • Patent number: 10648120
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a laundry treating appliance dispense treating chemistry into a rotating basket. A dispenser can be a centrifugal dispenser adapted to move or dispense treating chemistry based upon rotational movement of a basket. The dispenser can include a holding pocket to hold a volume of treating chemistry, a transferring pocket to centrifugally receive the treating chemistry, and a dilution pocket to dilute the treating chemistry and dispenser the treating chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel F. Gonzaga, Fernando Raiss Martins
  • Patent number: 10179963
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a rotatable basket defining a treating chamber for receiving a load of laundry items for treatment. A float valve can be incorporated into the basket structure, selectively opening or closing the valve based upon the liquid level in a tub. As liquid fills the tub, the float valve will rise until it moves into a closed position, permitting the basket and treating chamber to fill with liquid. As the tub drain, the float valve can fall, opening the valve and permitting liquid to drain from the basket or treating chamber. The opened or closed positions can be selectively operated by opening or closing a pump or sump and allowing a tub to drain or fill, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brent M. Burgess, Michael K. Cluskey, Christopher A. Jones, Dale E. Mueller, Zachary Bohenick
  • Patent number: 9260812
    Abstract: A laundry machine for treating laundry is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a front gasket having a structure capable of effectively preventing leakage of wash water or effectively preventing laundry or foreign matter from being introduced between a tub and a drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Suk Yun Moon, Min Gyu Jo, Ig Geun Kwon, Soo Bong Kim, Dong Il Lee
  • Patent number: 9181650
    Abstract: A washing machine, such as a laundry washing machine, a washing/drying machine or the like, has a tub housing a drum into which the laundry to be washed is loaded. The machine is equipped with at least one tank for a washing agent, and at least one supply duct is afferent to the tank for delivering the washing agent into the tub. A hydraulic washing circuit floods and drains the tank for cleaning purpose. A tank cleaning method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: INDESIT COMPANY S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca D'Andrea, Giovanni Bombardieri, Gianluca Pierucci, Maurizio Baldini, Rodolfo Flumini, Constantino Mariotti, Fernanda Gaggioli, Maria Angela Mariotti, Elisa Mariotti
  • Patent number: 9175431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine for treating laundry. One embodiment of the laundry machine may include a water supply valve, a drum (30) in which laundry is placed, a tub (20) in which the drum (30) is rotatably placed, the tub (20) having an extended portion (23a) which extends forward and have an opening at a front portion thereof for laundry entrance, and a tub water supply portion (140), and a water supply line to guide water from the water supply valve to the tub water supply portion (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Kim, Soo Bong Kim, Jung Tae Song, Ig Geun Kwon, Suk Yun Moon, Hee Tae Lim, Dong Il Lee
  • Publication number: 20150114046
    Abstract: Provided is a washing machine that includes a washing tub to accommodate laundry, the washing tub provided to be rotatable, and a liquid applicator that sprays a liquid to prescribed regions inside the washing tub. The liquid applicator may include a first nozzle having a first outlet arranged in a first direction to spray the liquid toward a first region of the washing tub, and a second nozzle having a second outlet arranged in a second direction to spray the liquid toward a second region of the washing tub. The first and second directions may be different directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Jaeyong Jeong, Youngjong Kim
  • Patent number: 8951360
    Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Irene M. Brockman, Ehud Levy, Ginger E. Patera, Mark M. Senninger, Cristian A. Soto
  • Patent number: 8943859
    Abstract: A detergent case which includes a liquid detergent accommodation space, a siphon pipe protruded upwardly from a bottom surface of the liquid detergent accommodation space, and a siphon cap surrounding the siphon pipe. The detergent case also includes a remaining water discharge hole formed on a bottom surface of the liquid detergent accommodation space, and an opening and closing unit to open and close the remaining water discharge hole due to buoyancy of a liquid accommodated within the liquid detergent accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventors: Jong Hun Sung, Kwon Hee Kim, Woong Cho, Jung Hoon Kim, Chang Hee Jo, Yul Kwon, Kang Hyun Lee, Jae Woong Han, Hun Gun Koh, Doo Ri Kim, Hyo Chan Kwon
  • Patent number: 8919356
    Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Irene M. Brockman, Steven J. Kuehl, Mark M. Senninger
  • Publication number: 20140298867
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid draining and dispensing system for electric household appliances, more specific ally for capturing washing water and carrying the water that supplies the cloth washing machine washing tank. Thus, it is the purpose of the invention to allow for a more practical, simple and economic construction, resulting in appliances of a lower cost and, therefore, more accessible to all social classes. The system comprises at least one dispensing duct 5 cooperating with valve 6 interconnected to the water supply network and with fixed lid 1; at least one furrow 7 cooperating with fixed lid 1 and the at least one dispensing duct 5; and means for simultaneously draining the fixed lid and the console washing water and dispensing the water coming from the valve interconnected to the water supply network, both fluid flows being directed to the inside of the washing basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Diogo Matos Rodrigues, Thiago A. Peccinin, Rene C. Araujo, João P. Curiel
  • Patent number: 8833113
    Abstract: A fabric treating machine includes a spray nozzle for spraying water supplied from a water supply passage into an inner tub and a spray nozzle combining unit for combining the spray nozzle with a case. Fabric loaded in the inner tub can be effectively soaked through the spray nozzle. Furthermore, a spray direction of the spray nozzle can be accurately adjusted when the spray nozzle is fitted in the case, and thus the spray nozzle can be easily fitted in the case and water sprayed through the spray nozzle can be prevented from overflowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyu Bum Lee, Young Jong Kim, Young Bae Park
  • Patent number: 8794040
    Abstract: A fabric treating machine includes a spray nozzle for spraying water supplied from a water supply passage into an inner tub and a spray nozzle combining unit for combining the spray nozzle with a case. Fabric loaded in the inner tub can be effectively soaked through the spray nozzle. Furthermore, a spray direction of the spray nozzle can be accurately adjusted when the spray nozzle is fitted in the case, and thus the spray nozzle can be easily fitted in the case and water sprayed through the spray nozzle can be prevented from overflowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyu Bum Lee, Young Jong Kim, Young Bae Park
  • Patent number: 8764909
    Abstract: A water-conducting appliance, including a compartment for receiving items therein for washing; and a cleaning agent dosing system having a dosing device for dosing at least one cleaning agent, in particular a liquid cleaning agent, into the washing compartment, the dosing device including a dosing chamber for holding a cleaning agent, an outlet, a gate for opening and closing the dosing chamber, and an actuator system for actuating the gate to move between an opening position and a closing position, the actuator system including transfer means operably connected to the gate such that a predetermined movement of the transfer means moves the gate, opening means for moving the transfer means in a first direction operable to open the gate, and return means for moving the transfer means in a second direction to close the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg
  • Patent number: 8756959
    Abstract: A washing machine having a chemical dispenser for dispensing chemicals into the wash water during a washing operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having a water inlet and a cap having a plurality of hose connecting ports to which chemical supply hoses are individually attached for enabling the direction of chemical into the dispenser chamber simultaneous with the introduction of water from the water inlet. The chemical supply hoses are connectable to the cap at a location remote from said body, and the cap is removable and replaceable in said dispenser body without removal of the hose from the connecting ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Alliance Laundry Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Daryl T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8739578
    Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine are provided. In the washing machine and the method of controlling the washing machine, a liquid detergent is automatically supplied into a washing tub, thereby improving user convenience. In addition, in the washing machine and the method of controlling the washing machine, a liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tub by water supplied by a water supply unit. Thus, no liquid detergent remains in a liquid detergent supply path, and the liquid detergent supply path can be prevented from being blocked due to the solidification of a liquid detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyeong Hwan Kim, Il Hyeon Jo, Jin Ho Chang
  • Patent number: 8733136
    Abstract: A washing machine has a water spray device to efficiently wet the laundry by spraying washing water to the laundry with uniform pressure. The washing machine includes an outer tub, and a water spray device installed at an upper portion of the outer tub to spray washing water. The water spray device includes a diffusion duct for diffusing the washing water around the outer tub and a spray member provided in the diffusion duct to spray the washing water into the outer tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hwan Chung, Yong Myoung Kim, Byung Don Jung, Seung Kwun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8689589
    Abstract: A washer/extractor having a one-piece plastic water hose connecting fitting having a base plate, a tubular hose connection portion that defines a passageway communicating between a hose connected to the fitting and an opening in the wall to which the fitting is mounted, and a pair of clamping members disposed in parallel relation to a rear side of base plate. The wash tub opening has a key hole configuration which enables the arms of the fitting to be positioned into the opening in a first position of the base and upon rotation of the base plate to a second position locates the clamping arms behind mounting portions of the wall for securement by respective fasteners extending through the base plate, wall mounting portions, and clamping arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Alliance Laundry Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl T. Johnson, Benjamin L. Sheets
  • Publication number: 20140075682
    Abstract: A home appliance (2), in particular dishwasher or laundry treatment apparatus, further in particular a laundry treatment apparatus capable of washing and/or drying, includes a liquid supply channel (24) and/or a liquid reservoir (22) and a droplet spraying device (26). The droplet spraying device includes a membrane (36) arranged in fluid connection with the liquid supply channel (24) and/or the liquid reservoir (22). The membrane (36) has a plurality of openings (38), and at least one actuator (40) is provided for actuating the membrane (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Mario Filippetti, Andrea Zattin
  • Patent number: 8667817
    Abstract: An ozone laundry system and its method of use with continuous batch or tunnel washers is provided, wherein ozone can be injected into a plurality of different chambers along the continuous batch or tunnel washer and wherein the interfacing of a plurality of system controls occurs on a centralized HMI controller along with DOM and ORP monitoring. Vacuum sensors over vacuum switches are used to compensate for a slightly positive pressure at the ozone outlet, due to a long tube run with a weak vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Ignition Interlock Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Smith, Thomas R. Allen
  • Patent number: 8608866
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a detergent dispenser configured to attach to an interior surface of a dishwasher door. The detergent dispenser may comprise a reservoir configured to hold detergent, wherein a portion of the upper wall of the reservoir has been removed to reduce a cross-sectional length thereof such that water flowing down the dishwasher door is encouraged into the reservoir. The detergent dispenser may also comprise a dispenser door comprising a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the dispenser door is configured to cover the reservoir in the closed configuration. The detergent dispenser may be configured to encourage water flowing down the interior surface of the dishwasher door to enter the reservoir when the dispenser door is in the open or closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery, Jason M. Patterson, Michael Bryan Pike, Ramon Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8555677
    Abstract: A treatment aid dispensing apparatus for an automatic treatment appliance includes a bulk treatment aid dispenser, a sensor coupled with the bulk treatment aid dispenser, and a controller coupled with the sensor and the bulk treatment aid dispenser. A quantity of an undiluted treatment aid can be determined by the controller prior to dispensing from the bulk treatment aid dispenser based upon information from the sensor indicative of a sensed concentration of the undiluted treatment aid. The controller can process the information from the sensor and control the operation of the bulk treatment aid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Hendrickson, Dennis L. Kehl, Ayomide Fawole
  • Patent number: 8510887
    Abstract: A drum-type washing machine that includes a program controller, a drum rotatably mounted in a detergent solution tub, a detergent solution discharge system disposed at a base of the detergent solution tub having a detergent solution drain pump, a sensor for determining a foam level and/or a negative time gradient of a liquid/air mixture contained in the detergent solution tub, a drive motor for the drum that adjusts a rotation of the drum to eliminate foam in the drum-type washing machine, and a water supply system that adds a small volume of water continuously or discontinuously if foam is detected by the sensor during the run-up to spin speed of the drum with the detergent solution drain pump switched on continuously or discontinuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Hasse, Ingo Schulze
  • Patent number: 8490439
    Abstract: In a laundry washer, relatively short bursts of operation of a recirculation pump are coordinated with corresponding brief intervals of tub rotation during the initial fill periods. The aim is to thoroughly wet the clothes early in each wash/rinse phase to thus improve the wash/rinse effectiveness, while also avoiding excessive suds formation. Following the initial fill periods and during regular wash/rinse agitations, the recirculation system may also be employed to “recharge” the laundry load with detergent that has settled in the bottom of the tub. In a further aspect of the invention, some or all of the conventional intermediate spin extractions are omitted. In this manner, more water is carried over in the clothes from one wash/rinse cycle to the next. An intermediate spin of reduced speed (RPM) and duration as compared to typical normal intermediate spins may be employed between the wash phase and first rinse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris H. Hill, Jason D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130145562
    Abstract: A drum washing machine and washing method are provided. The washing machine directly sprays water to laundry inside the drum through a nozzle unit. The method includes passing some water through a detergent container and directly spraying some water to the inside of a drum through a nozzle unit such that a high concentration of detergent bubbles is generated while applying a force to the laundry. The washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub inside the cabinet, a drum inside the tub, a door on the cabinet, a diaphragm, and a nozzle unit installed so interference with the door is avoided and to receive water directly from an external source to spray water inside the drum during a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle. The nozzle unit adjusts water jetting according to a displacement of an actuator installed inside the nozzle unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Ho LEE, Kyu Sun Lee, Bo Kyung Lee, Jung Soo Lim, Byoung Yull Yang, Gyu Dong Jeon
  • Patent number: 8448480
    Abstract: An automatically controlled washing machine having a detergent dispensing facility in an upper machine space of the washing machine, wherein the detergent dispensing facility has at least one chamber for hand-dosed addition of a portion of a powder detergent or a liquid detergent and a supply channel that supplies fresh water to the at least one chamber. At least one storage container in the upper machine space stores a liquid or gel-type detergent aid, which is automatically dosed by an automatic dosing facility assigned to the at least one storage container. The automatic dosing facility has a transfer line to supply a dose of the liquid or gel-type detergent aid to the washing machine tub. The supply channel has a bypass with an inlet side that is fluidly connected to the supply channel and an outlet side that is fluidly connected to the transfer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Hasse, Sven Jänicke, Frank-Rüdiger Lüdtke, Ingo Schulze
  • 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: 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: 8382913
    Abstract: A cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, which has a detergent dosing system having at least one detergent dispenser for receiving at least one cartridge, wherein the cartridge has separate chambers for storing at least two detergents, the cartridge including a cartridge housing having at least two chambers formed therein, wherein each chamber has a storage capacity for storing detergent which is greater than the quantities required for one washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg
  • Patent number: 8353114
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement in turn including an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected. A drum is provided to receive clothes to be dried. An auxiliary heater is included, as is a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over the condenser and the heater, and through the drum. A sensor is located to sense high side temperature and/or high side pressure of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the auxiliary heater, and is operative to: activate the auxiliary heater during a startup transient of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement; monitor the high side temperature and/or high side pressure, during the startup transient; and de-activate the auxiliary heater in response to the high side temperature and/or high side pressure reaching a first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David G. Beers, Brent Alden Junge, Nicholas Okruch, Jr., Amelia Lear Hensley
  • Patent number: 8327673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having a bubble generator to wash laundry using bubbles. The washing machine includes a tub to contain washing water; and a bubble generator generating bubbles and supplying the bubbles to the tub, the bubble generator including a bubble generation pump allowing the washing water to flow therethrough and an ejector unit formed at one side thereof to mix air with the washing water. The washing machine minimizes a reduction of the speed of the washing water due to a passage resistance, and thus increases an amount of generated bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Min Oak, Sang Yeon Pyo, Hyun Sook Kim, Jae Ryong Park, Dong Pil Seo, Bo Ram Lee
  • Patent number: 8250886
    Abstract: A washing-drying/drying machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub for receiving laundry; a cooling water supply unit for supplying cooling water to condense moisture in air discharged from the drum; and a condensing plate mounted between the drum and an inner wall of the tub for receiving the cooling water to condense the moisture in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Tae Lim, Sang Wook Hong
  • Patent number: 8209879
    Abstract: A method for operating a dispenser dryer to remove treating chemistry in the dispenser dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Fredrick E. Chernetski, Michael T. Dalton, Kaustav Ghosh, Karl D. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8186184
    Abstract: A washing-drying/drying machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub for receiving laundry; a cooling water supply unit for supplying cooling water to condense moisture in air discharged from the drum; and a condensing plate mounted between the drum and an inner wall of the tub for receiving the cooling water to condense the moisture in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Tae Lim, Sang Wook Hong
  • Patent number: 8186182
    Abstract: A surge fill apparatus and method for a top load washing machine is disclosed. A top load washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, and a basket for receiving a wash load rotatably supported within the tub. The washing machine further includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the tub. The reservoir has the capacity to store a volume of wash fluid. The reservoir releases the volume of wash fluid into basket when the volume of wash fluid in the reservoir reaches a threshold level. In this manner, the apparatus and method of the present disclosure provides for a surge of wash fluid to be provided to the top portion of a wash load such that the top portion of the wash load can be cleaned and rinsed more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kevin Farrelly Nolan
  • Patent number: 8177102
    Abstract: A pump comprising a container containing a dispense material, an outlet and an actuator arranged to alternate between a first and a second configuration in response to a change in the pump's environment, which change in configuration causes an aliquot of dispense material to be expelled through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Robert Hammond, Malcolm Tom McKechnie
  • Patent number: 8166781
    Abstract: A detergent supply apparatus comprising a storage space adjacent to a washing space in which washing is performed, a detergent bottle seat provided in the storage space and adapted to receive a detergent bottle containing a liquid detergent, a detergent reservoir in fluid communication with the detergent bottle, and a connecting part adapted to fix a portion of the detergent bottle to the detergent reservoir such that the liquid detergent can flow through the connecting part and into the detergent reservoir by gravitational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Min Lee, Young Ho Kim, Jae Hyun Kim, Sang Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8166591
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Scott Dunn, Alaknanda Acharya, Alexander Boris Leibman
  • 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: 8122743
    Abstract: An automatically controlled washing machine having a machine room in an upper part on a front side of the washing machine, wherein the washing machine includes a detergent dispensing unit, a drawer, and a portable storage container, all of which are arranged in the machine room. The drawer is accessible from the front side of the washing machine and has at least one compartment whose top is open for adding washing powder or washing liquid. A counter-latching device corresponds to an overridable latching device when the drawer is opened to fill the compartment with the washing powder or washing liquid. A receiving device receives a portable storage container behind the compartment of the drawer, wherein the storage container stores a liquid or gel-like washing aid. The washing machine also includes a dosage device to automatically dose the liquid and or gel-like washing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Ingo Schulze
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8082764
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for indicating satisfactory times for titrating a chemical solution, e.g., cleaning product, used by a utility device to clean and/or sanitize various types of articles. The utility device is described in an exemplary embodiment as being a warewashing machine that applies the chemical solution to articles provided to the machine on racks. The chemical solution is formed in a solution tank from a combination of at least one chemical product and at least one rinse agent. Whereas the chemical product is described as a detergent, the rinse agent is described as water. Over a time period including multiple wash cycles, the chemical product and the rinse agent are added to the solution tank, thereby changing conductivity of the chemical solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Howes, Jr., Robert E. May, David Howland
  • Patent number: 8074476
    Abstract: A clothes washing machine having a dispenser for directing chemical additives, such as fabric softener, bleach, or the like, into the wash water during a washing operation. The dispenser includes a siphoning device having a water inlet, an upstanding siphoning tube, and a chemical additive receptacle about the siphoning tube. Upon the direction of water into the siphon cup from the inlet, water is directed both downwardly into the siphon cup for raising the liquid level above the top of the siphoning tube while simultaneously being directed through a plurality of relatively small substantially horizontal passageways that impart a plurality of pressurized liquid flow streams or sprays across an upper portion of the liquid within the siphon cup for further intermixing the water and chemical additive and for preventing the buildup of chemical additives on side walls of the siphon cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
    Inventor: Eric D. Quandt
  • Patent number: 8056747
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing removable storage tanks in an appliance having a pedestal are disclosed. The systems include a storage container located in the pedestal and configured to house an additive. In addition, a cover may be positioned within the pedestal to secure the container within the pedestal. The methods include manufacturing the pedestal such that when a storage container is placed in the pedestal, the storage container will fit in a predetermined orientation. The storage container may be manufactured such that when the storage container is placed in the pedestal the storage container can be secured in the pedestal with a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Craig Robert Vitan, John Michael Todd, Craig Richard Dressler, Lee Andrew Fain, Bhawesh Kumar Choursiya, Keerthi Vasan, Kannan Krishnan, Madhusudhanan Mani, Sivaprasad Polimetla, Venkat Kakileti