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.

Abstract: A vacuum break assembly including a housing, at least one valve assembly and at least one biased latch. The housing has at least one opening therein. The at least one valve assembly is coupled to the at least one opening in a sliding manner. The at least one biased latch couples the valve assembly to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for laundry additives comprising a base and a reservoir separated by an insert. The present invention further relates to a method of dispensing a laundry additive in an automatic washing machine comprising mounting a dispenser having a base and a reservoir within the automatic washing machine; adding the laundry additive to the reservoir; positioning an insert to seal the laundry additive within the reservoir; actuating the insert with centrifugal force in order to open the reservoir; releasing the laundry additive from the reservoir onto the base; and dispersing the laundry additive from the base within the automatic washing machine.

Abstract: A washing machine having a cabinet and a drain pump, which prevents the vibration of the drain pump from being transferred to the cabinet, and improves the efficiency in assembling the drain pump with the cabinet. In the washing machine having a cabinet forming an external portion of the washing machine and having a through hole defined through a portion of the cabinet and a drain pump installed on the cabinet, the drain pump includes a connection unit having one end passing through the through hole and protruding to an outside of the cabinet, an anti-vibration member affixed in the through hole to absorb the vibration of the drain pump, and a fixing member connected with the connection unit and pressing the anti-vibration member.

Abstract: A user interface of a cleaning appliance and the method of operation for a cleaning appliance having a single dose treating chemistry dispenser and a bulk dispensing system.

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.

Abstract: A washing system for use in cleaning or washing a soiled substrate or substrates, the system comprising: a. a washing zone for contacting and washing the soiled substrate with wash liquor; b. a feed supply for providing hot or cold feed water to the washing zone; c. a wash liquor cleanup and recycle zone in fluid communication with the washing zone d. an effluent storage and/or discharge zone; and optionally one or more of e. a product dispensing zone; f. means for sonically or ultrasonically treating the soiled substrate in the washing zone or in a washing pre-treatment zone; g. an electrolysis zone for electrolysing the feed water or wash liquor; h. a wash liquor disinfection zone; and i. a feed water softening zone; The wash liquor cleanup and recycle zone preferably comprises an ultrafiltration or microfiltration device having a cut-off in the range from about 1000 Daltons to about 1 ?m, preferably from about 0.05 ?m to about 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub and a washing machine having the same applied thereto, and more particularly, a method for washing a washing tub including the step of washing a washing tub with powder detergent and a step for washing the washing tub with bleaching agent; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. A method for cleaning a tub in a washing machine includes a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a powder detergent supply step for supplying powder detergent to the washing tub, a powder detergent washing step for washing the washing tub with the powder detergent, a bleaching agent supply step for supplying bleaching agent to the washing tub, and a bleaching agent washing step for washing the washing tub with bleaching agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are the steam generator and the washing/drying machine having the same, the steam generator including: a case having an opening at one side thereof, a heating unit formed to penetrate the opening, and a fixing assembly mounted at the opening so as to seal the opening and supporting the heating unit, wherein the fixing assembly includes a sealing member for sealing the opening, and the opening includes a leakage prevention portion for preventing a gap formation between the opening and the sealing member when the sealing member is deformed, thereby preventing a leakage between the opening of the case and the sealing member even though the case or the sealing member is thermally deformed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking and dispensing starch to a commercial laundry machine comprising a mixing tank for mixing and storing a starch and water solution which is attached to a means for discharging the starch and water solution to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a shell and tube heat exchanger, either one-phase or two-phase, used for cooking the starch and water solution to form cooked starch. As the starch and water solution is passed through the tube side of the heat exchanger, it is cooked using heat energy from a heating source contained in the shell side of the heat exchanger. The cooked starch is then dispensed through a manifold valve system to one or more commercial laundry machines. After the cooked starch is dispensed, a solenoid valve opened to flush the apparatus with fresh water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub and a washing machine having the same applied thereto, and more particularly, a method for washing a washing tub including a detergent removing step, a laundry amount detecting step, and a soaking step; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. The method includes a detergent removing step for removing detergent from the washing tub, a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a laundry amount sensing step for sensing a laundry amount in the washing tub for determining whether the method proceeds to the next step or not, a soaking step for soaking dirt on a surface of the washing tub after applying the washing water to the dirt by moving the washing tub, and a washing step for washing the washing tub, if it is determined in the laundry amount sensing step that the method proceeds to the next step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine, which can automatically supply a liquid detergent into a washing tub and automatically clean inner flow passages through which the liquid detergent has flown with a cleaning solution. A liquid detergent supply mechanism supplies at least one kind of liquid detergent to the washing tub, and the inner flow passages of the liquid detergent supply mechanism through which the liquid detergent has flown are cleaned with the cleaning solution supplied from outside.

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.

Abstract: A steam generator is used in a machine such as a clothes washing machine, a clothes drying machine, a clothes washing and drying machine, and the like and a level sensor is used in the same. More particularly, a level sensor is integrally formed by molding and conveniently assembled in the steam generator. The steam generator includes a case having a space for storing water, and formed with a level sensor insertion hole and a level sensor. The level sensor includes a conductor having a detector positioned in the space for storing the water and a connector electrically connected to the exterior, and a level sensor housing is inserted into the level sensor insertion hole and is integrally formed with the conductor by insert molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum washing machine capable of re-circulating wash water to clean laundry with a relatively less amount of water. The drum washing machine includes a body, a drum rotatable in the body, wherein the drum comprises an opening formed in a predetermined portion of a circumference thereof and a hole formed in one side of the drum, a motor assembly mounted adjacent to the other side of the drum, wherein the other side of the drum is opposite to the hole, and an injection unit adjacent to the hole, wherein at least one of wash water or steam is injected into the drum through the hole.

Abstract: A fabric treating appliance utilizing steam for treating the fabric and having a steam generator with a conduit for directing the steam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering an additive to an appliance are disclosed. The systems may include a user interface configured to accept a user input and a controller connected to the user interface. The controller may be configured to receive the user input and cause an additive delivery system to deliver at least one additive to the appliance. The methods include receiving an amount of the additive to be delivered to the appliance and receiving a time at which the additive is to be delivered to the appliance during a cycle. The method may further include activating an additive delivery system to deliver the amount of the additive at the time to the appliance.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam inot a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash vourse) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect thtat convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: A dispensing device for liquid and/or powdered treating agents includes a compartment for holding a first treating agent. A first nozzle is disposed above a lateral region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent. A second nozzle is disposed above a central region of the compartment and configured to convey water therethrough onto the first treating agent. A receptacle configured to hold a second liquid treating agent can be inserted into the compartment so as to form a gap between a wall of the receptacle and a wall of the compartment. Introduction of water through the first nozzle and the second nozzle is selectively controllable.

Abstract: A washing method in a steam injection type washing machine in which wash water is heated to generate high temperature and high-pressure steam while passing through the steam supply unit in the wash or rinse cycle, and the generated steam is injected into the wash tub at the top of the wash tub. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly achieve the wetting of clothes with wash water while achieving an enhancement in sterilization and washing performances. In addition, consumption of water and electrical energy can be reduced.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a rotary drum having an approximately horizontal or slanted rotational axis; an outer tub for accommodating the rotary drum therein; a driving motor for rotating the rotary drum; a detergent case for accommodating detergent therein; a first water supply unit for supplying water into the outer tub via the detergent case; a second water supply unit for supplying water into the rotary drum through a front opening thereof; and a controller for controlling operations of the driving motor and the first and the second water supply unit to execute a washing process during which water is supplied first up to a first water level, and the rotary drum is rotated at a first rotational speed for a time period, and then water is supplied up to a second water level, the first water level being lower than the second water level.

Abstract: A washing machine control system is combined with a working fluid dispensing system and a payment processing system to provide a merged system for automatically providing detergents, bleach, softeners and the like in a pay-as-you-go laundry environment, such as public laundry facilities in Laundromats, dormitories, apartment complexes and the like.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises at least one of a tub and drum defining a fabric treatment chamber, a steam generator having a steam generation chamber and configured to supply steam to the fabric treatment chamber, and a conduit fluidly coupling a water supply to the steam generation chamber. The fabric treatment appliance can also include a flow controller and/or a flow meter fluidly coupled to the conduit to facilitate controlling the supply of water to the steam generation chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the flow controller and/or the flow meter.

Abstract: A spraying device for a washing machine includes a body including a wall having an outer surface, a water inlet and a channel defined therein. The channel is in flow communication with the water inlet, and a plurality of nozzles extend through the wall and in flow communication with the channel. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a basket mounted within the wash tub. The basket is configured to rotate. The nozzles include an inlet, an outlet, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter. At least a portion of the outlet includes a surface substantially perpendicular to a flow of water through the nozzle, and the nozzles have a length longer than a thickness of the wall. At least a portion of the outlet is unitary with the wall outer surface.

Abstract: A washing machine including a water tub, a housing and a water vacuum break. The water tub is mounted in the housing. The housing includes an outer wall having a plurality of slots therein. The water vacuum break partially extends over a portion of the water tub. The vacuum break includes at least one retaining protrusion and at least one retaining snap associated with the at least one retaining protrusion. The at least one retaining protrusion extends over a portion of the outer wall and the at least one retaining snap has an edge that engages a portion of one of the plurality of slots.

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 modular chemical delivery system is designed to be readily convertible from use with a warewashing system to use with a laundry system, or vice-versa, merely by the replacement of one chip in the controller of the system. The dispensing system is also readily expandable by adding additional satellite pumps in order to inject additional chemicals into a single washing unit, and/or to supply chemicals to additional washing units. Plug and play technology is used so that control intelligence can be distributed from the main system controller to satellite controllers, and so that additional satellite units may be readily added, identified, and properly integrated into the dispensing system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detergent supplying apparatus of a washing machine comprising a drawer partitioned so that either of a bleach supplying part and a softener supplying part is positioned at a side and a front of the other. The present invention enables the drawer to be made compact, and softener and bleach to be injected with the drawn width of the drawer minimized.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a tub, a sensor operatively coupled to the tub and configured to sense a conductivity of a fluid in the tub and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor for controlling an amount of the fluid in the tub based on the conductivity of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a washing machine with improvements to the hardware for direct steam injection. One improvement is a steam delivery tube (herein called a sparge tube) that penetrates a side wall above the water level, but releases steam below the water level. One improvement is a steam delivery tube (herein called a sparge tube) that penetrates a rotating side wall above the water level, but releases steam below the water level. Another improvement is the use of a curved sparge tube that can conform within and between the contours of (typically cylindrical) rotating side walls. Another improvement is a sparge tube that releases steam in a direction at least substantially parallel to the central axis of the washing chamber. Another improvement is a temperature probe that penetrates a rotating side wall above the water level, but extends and measures temperature below the water level. A controller controls the open/shut status of steam valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a steam generator and a laundry machine having the same which can prevent malfunction of a water level sensor. The steam generator includes a common electrode part, a low water-level electrode part which senses a low water level, and a high water-level electrode part which senses a high water level, the high water-level electrode part having a lower end which is positioned above a lower end of the low water-level electrode part and an upper end which is positioned above the low water-level electrode part.

Abstract: A system for controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine during operation thereof. The system comprising a washing machine having an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity of a water. An ozone generator is connected to the washing machine and the ozone generator produces and supplies the produced ozone to the washing machine for ozonating the water. At least one sensor is provided for sensing a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine during operation thereof, and the at least sensor being coupled to the ozone generator for interrupting production of ozone when a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a safe level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for dispensing a liquid concentrate. The source pressure of a liquid diluent is changed by a boost pump (52) to bring the pressure of the diluent to an elevated pressure. The diluent then enters an aspirator assembly (10) wherein the concentrate and diluent are mixed to form a use solution. The dynamic pressure of the diluent entering the aspirator assembly (10) is sufficient so that the amount of concentrate delivered over time is more constant.

Abstract: A hydraulic distributor for a washing machine that comprises a rotating drive shaft (7), a distribution nozzle (30) that rotates jointly with the drive shaft (7) and diverts the water to a plurality of compartments, a hydraulic body (2) that comprises a emptying pipe (10), a draining pipe (11) and an exit pipe (15) for re-circulation, and a valve body (6) housed inside said hydraulic body (2). The valve body (6) comprises an obturator (60) that pivots with respect to an axis (61), and an arm (62) that rotates jointly with the drive shaft (7), the rotation of said arm (62) causing said obturator (60) to oscillate between a first position in which the obturator (60) closes the draining pipe (11) and a second position in which the obturator (60) closes the exit pipe (15).

Abstract: A spray type drum washing machine including a tub mounted in a cabinet, and adapted to contain wash water therein, a circulation line connected between a portion of the tub and another portion of the tub to circulate wash water through the tub, a pump installed at the circulation line, and adapted to forcibly feed wash water through the circulation line for the circulation of the wash water through the tub, and an atomizing device provided at the circulation line, and adapted to atomize the wash water fed through the circulation line, whereby the wash water to circulate through the tub is supplied in an atomized state into the tub. The wash water can rapidly permeate clothes contained in the drum, so that it can more effectively come into contact with contaminants attached to the clothes. As a result, it is possible to achieve an enhancement in washing and rinsing performances while reducing the consumption of wash water.

Abstract: A flow control system for a water supply comprises a washing appliance, a valve, a stretch cable, and a stretch hose. The appliance is in fluid communication with the supply. The appliance includes a timer circuit configured to generate control signals. The valve is positioned external to the appliance and coupled to the supply to control a flow of water to the appliance in response to the control signals. The stretch cable is coupled between the valve and the appliance for delivering the control signal to the valve. The stretch hose is coupled to the valve and the appliance for delivering water to the appliance and is capable of being extended from a first length to a second length between the valve and the appliance. The stretch cable is positioned within the stretch hose and capable of being extended between the first and second lengths independent of the stretch hose.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam into a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash course) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: A detergent-supply system and a washing machine using the same. The detergent-supply system includes a guide rib formed on the bottom surface of a housing for guiding wash water, supplied to the rear part of the housing, to the front part of the housing, thereby washing out detergent remaining in the front part of the housing. The detergent-supply system further includes slits formed in the guide rib for spraying wash water, thereby completely eliminating the detergent remaining on the bottom surface of the housing.

Abstract: An adding liquid machine with presettable quantity and a method of adding a right amount of liquid includes a washer extractor, on which a spray apparatus which sprays chemicals on the garment therein is provided; a first measuring apparatus placed on an adding chemicals container for measuring the chemicals contained in the adding chemicals container. The adding chemicals tank is connected fluidly with the spray apparatus through the first chemical pump. The method includes setting a wet pick up ratio and a bath liquid ratio; determining the chemicals amount to be added based on the garment quantity and the set wet pick up; pumping the determined amount of chemicals into the washer extractor, and rotating the inner-drum in the washer extractor to immerse the garment; and extracting surplus chemicals in the clothing. When the extracted surplus chemicals amount reaches the value calculated by the set wet pick up ratio, the extracting will be stopped.

Abstract: A detergent box for a washing machine is provided. The detergent box is slidably coupled to a front portion of the washing machine, and has a structure that prevents release of the detergent box from the washing machine even if the washing machine is tilted or shaken, and that facilitates proper placement of the detergent box. The detergent box may include a stopper, and a rib having an elastic slot formed therein. The detergent box holds washing agents, and the dispenser is mounted in the washing machine so as to receive the detergent box therein. The dispenser has a recess for seating the stopper therein as the detergent box is placed in the dispenser. The rib may include an elastic slot to provide an elastic force to the stopper.

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 household appliance having a detergent container at least partially formed from plastic defining a plastic area and further including at least one ballast weight having a plastic body attached to the detergent container, wherein a mechanical connection of the plastic body of the ballast weight to the plastic area of the detergent container is formed using a plastic welding process. The household appliance includes at least one raised connecting element formed on at least one of the plastic body of the ballast weight and the plastic area of the detergent container, configured for contact with a contact surface of at least one of the plastic body to be connected and the plastic area to be connected, wherein the at least one raised connecting element is configured for bonded connection to the contact surface using a plastic welding process.

Abstract: A washing machine having a washing volume and a mixing chamber below the washing volume and fluid communication therewith by means of a drain outlet at the underside of the washing volume. The mixing chamber receives water from the mixing volume through the drain outlet. At least one sparger is disposed within the mixing chamber for connection to an ozone source to introduce ozone into the water within the mixing chamber. The sparger is configured to introduce at least some ozone into the water within the mixing chamber in a downward direction away from the washing volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine, which installs a liquid detergent container in a powdered detergent chamber of a detergent container. The liquid detergent container makes it possible to mix and supply liquid detergent and water, which allows liquid detergent to be conveniently placed in, moreover, decoloration and discoloration of laundry to be prevented.

Abstract: A non-intrusive device for automatically dosing at least one liquid laundry care composition to an automatic laundry washing machine. The device employs a Venturi tube mechanism or a pump to dose the laundry detergent care composition. The dosing is controlled by a machine-generic algorithm capable of determining the actual cycle at any duration of wash for various cycle designs from various washing machines, without the input of precise cycle design; and dose the correct products correctly and is capable of distinguishing between major water addition and a water pulse.

Abstract: A drum washing machine including a water tub, a rotary tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a detergent feed pipe having a first end connected to the water tub and a second end disposed at an inlet of the rotary tub, and a detergent feed unit to feed a detergent contained in the water tub into the rotary tub through the detergent feed pipe, wherein the detergent feed unit dissolves the detergent before feeding the detergent into the rotary tub in response to the detergent being a powdered detergent.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a washing volume for receiving laundry. The washing machine also includes an ozone inlet for providing ozone to the washing volume and an ozone outlet for receiving gaseous ozone from the washing volume. An ozone sensor is provided for measuring the gaseous ozone passing through the ozone outlet. A controller may be connected to the ozone sensor to receive an ozone measurement and to determining a degree of disinfection by the washing cycle.

Abstract: A circuit is provided. The circuit includes a processor programmed to prevent overfilling of a cabinet with a fluid and a backup circuit having fixed logic. The backup circuit is electrically coupled to the processor to redundantly prevent overfilling the cabinet with the fluid.

Abstract: A detergent container of a washing machine in accordance with the present invention comprises a powdered detergent chamber to store powdered detergent, an outlet to discharge powdered detergent mixed with water in the powdered detergent chamber, a subsidiary detergent chamber to store bleach or fabric softner, a drain passage to guide powdered detergent mixed with water from the powdered detergent chamber to the outlet, and a bypass passage to allow powdered detergent mixed with water to bypass from the powdered detergent chamber to the drain passage. Even though an excessive volume of powdered detergent is placed in the powdered detergent chamber and the drain passage is clogged, powdered detergent mixed with water can be drained from the detergent container through the bypass passage, thus powdered detergent can be supplied to a tub of the washing machine without a hitch.

Abstract: A spray fill device for delivering water to a washing machine is provided. The spray fill device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet port, a mounting port, and a plurality of outlet apertures in flow communication with the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a first valve coupled to the inlet, the valve configured to control a flow rate of water into the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a pressure relief mechanism coupled to the mounting port, the pressure relief mechanism inhibiting flow through the outlet port when a pressure within the body is less than a predetermined pressure.