Abstract: A horizontal axis clothes washing machine. A rotatable clothes basket has a generally longitudinally extending and generally horizontally oriented axis of rotation and has two longitudinally spaced-apart ends. The clothes basket is rotatably attached to a generally surrounding tub which is suspended from a generally surrounding cabinet. Each of a pair of balance rings has a circumferential interior cavity, is attached to the clothes basket near a corresponding one of the ends, and has a generally longitudinally extending axis generally coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation. Tubes connect the cavity of one of the balance rings with the cavity of the other of the balance rings.

Abstract: A controllable medium device for resisting movement (rotary, linear, or sliding) between two relatively moveable members includes a first member and a second member coupled for relative movement having a working space between them, and a controllable medium retaining structure, for example, an absorbent matrix, to hold a controllable medium only in the working space. A field generating coil is mounted to one of the first and second members to generate a field acting on the first and second members and the controllable medium in the working space. The rheology change in the medium produced by the field results in resistance to relative movement of the first and second members. A device according to the invention may be used in apparatus, such as washing machines, exercise equipment, air supported tables, and a range of other apparatuses that would benefit from controlled damping or braking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the rotational speed of a washing machine tub to minimize washing machine vibration. The washing machine uses an accelerometer to sense machine vibration. A computer software program monitors, records, and compares machine vibrations over a range of rotational speeds to determine a rotational speed which minimizes machine vibration.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus for balancing a container using a closed system fluid balance ring for high rotational speed washing machines, the transfer of fluid is pulsed, allowing for a variable overall mass transfer rate while computation of the imbalance continues. Mass transfer continues until any significant imbalance is eliminated. The quasi-constant nature of this method allows for the resulting imbalance tolerances to be significantly lower. As the imbalance decreases, the mass transfer rate is varied accordingly.

Abstract: A length measurement system for measuring the relative position of two objects in a given measuring direction comprises a scale carrier which carries a measurement scale and which is fastened to a first of the two objects and a scanning head which scans the measurement scale at a scanning location and is fastened to the second of the two objects. The scale carrier is constructed so as to be stiff in the longitudinal direction but can deflect in a springing manner vertical to the measuring direction and is fastened by only one of its ends to the first object, while its other end projects freely. The scale carrier is positively guided in the region of the scanning head.

Abstract: A household-type washing machine or similar appliance in which the washing assembly (3) is anchored to the stationary structure (1) by one or more anchoring devices (2). Each anchoring device includes at least two elastic elements (10, 20) arranged in series. Firmly secured to each elastic element is a rigid element (15, 25) whose free end portion (15) protrudes beyond the other elastic element (20). The elastic elements (10, 20) work in this manner as compression elastic means and the elastic constant of the anchoring devices (2) readily and automatically adapts to the different conditions that happen to prevail during a washing cycle.

Abstract: A washing machine in which the washing assembly (3) is anchored to the stationary structure (1) by means of anchoring devices (2), each one of which includes at least two elastic elements (10, 20) arranged in series and enclosed in a rigid housing (50). Firmly secured to first end portions (11, 21) of the elastic elements (10, 20) there are rigid elements (14, 24) that extend inside the respective elastic elements (10, 20) and have their free end portions in the shape of hooks (15, 25) defining the anchoring points of the device (2). The free end portions (15, 25) protrude from apertures (33, 43) provided in mutually opposed bottom portions (32, 42) of the housing (50) against which are capable of abutting the second end portions (12, 22) of the same elastic elements (10, 20). As a result, the latter are subject to a variable extent of compression during the washing cycle.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a washing machine includes a snubber bar, a damper cap, a snubber base, and a snubber base spring. The snubber bar has an upper portion supported at a corner of a washing machine body. The damper cap supports a lower portion of the snubber bar. The snubber base is held at a lower end of the snubber bar and is elastically inserted inside the damper cap by a damping spring. The snubber base spring is inserted in an inside circumference of the snubber base to expand the snubber base such that an outside circumference of the snubber base makes close contact with the inside circumference of the damper cap. Furthermore, at least a cut-away portion is formed in a circumferential surface of the snubber base for uniform distribution of an elastic force of the snubber base spring, thus improving contact between the snubber base and the inside circumference of the damper cap.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine has an external casing, a tub suspended in the external casing, and a spin basket rotatably installed in the tub and accommodating laundry. A damper includes a first member installed at the lower end of the tub which can wobble together with the tub, and a second member for attenuating vibration transferred to the tub by a mutual action with respect to the first member. Nonlinear and irregular vibration transferred to the tub during a rotational movement of the spin basket can be effectively attenuated, to reduce noise of the washing machine and perform a more stable washing cycle operation.

Abstract: A suspension rod assembly for a resiliently supporting a moving system of a washing machine. The suspension rod assembly includes a rod having an upper end engaging a stationary support structure and a lower end. An end cap including a washer and an annular retainer is mounted to the lower end of the rod. A friction tube is disposed about the lower portion of the rod and has a flanged bottom edge captured between the annular retainer and the washer. The friction tube extends upwardly from the end cap about the rod and a tubular cup is provided about the friction tube. The cup includes a cylindrical wall forming an elongated annular cavity between the friction tube and the cylindrical wall. A compressible friction member is disposed within the elongated annular cavity and is radially compressed between the cylindrical wall and friction tube for frictionally engaging the friction tube.

Abstract: A shock absorber damps the vibrations that are generated in a washing assembly of a horizontal axis washer. The shock absorber is of the type containing a magnetorheological fluid. A method carried out in a real-time mode throughout the duration of the operation cycles of the machine varies at least one of the rheological properties of the medium and, in due proportion, the vibration damping power of the shock absorber. The method is based on the monitoring of a physical quantity that is representative of the variations in the balance conditions of the washing assembly. The invention provides effective and immediate damping of the vibrations caused by an unbalanced washload in the rotating drum, without any interruption or modification of the washing cycle selected and set by the user.

Abstract: An industrial textile processing machine having a washing chamber supported by a support structure secured to a pedestal support. The support structure is provided with a piezoelectric dynamic sensor used to sense stress on the support structure caused by vibrations of the washing chamber that result from an unbalanced load. The sensor is electrically connected to a signal conditioner which is, in turn, connected to a microprocessor that controls the machine. The sensor produces an output signal that is conditioned by a signal conditioner and then used by a microprocessor to extrapolate a control decision for the machine. The sensor is used to sense the presence of an unbalanced when the machine is operating at low speeds. If an unbalanced condition is sensed, the washer will redistribute the load so that it is sufficiently balanced before entering into high speed operation.

Abstract: A drum type clothes washing machine includes a housing, an outer tub mounted by springs in the housing, and a washing tub mounted in the outer tub for rotation relative thereto about a horizontal axis. A vibration attenuation apparatus includes a pair of chambers fixed to an underside of the outer tub. The chambers contain a liquid and communicate with one another. A motor drives the washing tub. A pump is also driven by the motor for transferring liquid from one chamber to the other for compensating for a shifting of the axis during rotation of the washing tub.

Abstract: An industrial textile processing machine having a washing chamber supported by a support structure secured to a pedestal support. The support structure is provided with a piezoelectric dynamic sensor used to sense stress on the support structure caused by vibrations of the washing chamber that result from an unbalanced load. The sensor is electrically connected to a signal conditioner which is, in turn, connected to a microprocessor that controls the machine. The sensor produces an output signal that is conditioned by a signal conditioner and then used by a microprocessor to extrapolate a control decision for the machine. The sensor is used to sense the presence of an unbalanced when the machine is operating at low speeds. If an unbalanced condition is sensed, the washer will redistribute the load so that it is sufficiently balanced before entering into high speed operation.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting the motor in a clothes washing machine for the purpose of reducing the noise produced by the machine during operation thereof. The electric motor (10) is fixed to the tub of the machine on brackets (12) provided with seats (13) for accommodating the shaft (16). Shock absorbing means (14-15) are provided within the seats (13), as well as an elastic element (17) for connecting the motor (10) to at least one of the brackets (12).

Abstract: A drying method for a drum-type washing machine includes the steps of: draining water from a load of laundry by maintaining a predetermined drying speed for a predetermined time in an initial drying step performed during a drying stroke of the drum-type washing machine; and sensing whether an eccentricity exists after expiration of a predetermined time and, if the eccentricity is not sensed, accelerating the drying speed to accomplish drying of the laundry. The drying method prevents a drum of the washing machine from generating a flushing noise in the case where an imbalance occurs during drying, and also prevents the laundry from becoming crumpled from sticking to the drum at the end of the drying procedure.

Abstract: A washing machine has a case constituting an external shell. The case has at least one wall defining sides of the case. One of the sides has an integral guide at a center of the one side. A washing vessel slides within the guide and has an inside and detachably coupled sealing cap on an opening into the inside. A shaker is coupled with the washing vessel for shaking the washing vessel and a balancer is mounted to an inside of the at least one wall for supporting the shaker from the at least one wall, for absorbing vibrations of the shaking relative to the case and for maintaining a balance of the case.

Abstract: A washing machine, having a frame (11) that supports the main functional components of the washing machine, such as a tub (12) including a rotatable drum (13) for the laundry, motor drive means (14) for rotation of the drum (12), a base plate (21) supporting the frame (11) and an outer machine housing (22) fixed to the base plate (21). The base plate (21) and the frame (11), respectively, are of a design such that the two parts can be connected to one another either fixedly, for forming of a machine adapted to be fixedly supported, or in a resilient manner, for forming a free-swinging machine in which, in principle, the frame (11) can move freely relative to the base plate (21) and the outer housing (22).

Abstract: A method for achieving load balance in washing machines provided with a rotary drum driven by an electric motor under the control of control means, and in which a circuit is provided for measuring a physical quantity associated with information relative to the state (balanced or unbalanced) of the load in the drum, the method comprising, after the wash stage, a stage in which the drum speed is gradually increased during which the physical quantity is continuously monitored to ascertain the state of load distribution within the drum, and a stage of rapid rotational speed increase at the moment in which a state of balanced load distribution within the drum is detected.

Abstract: A suspension mounts a tub to a housing in a clothes washer. The suspension includes a coil spring having first and second loops at opposite ends thereof, and an integral rod joined thereto. A one-piece snubber has a resilient middle portion and opposite first and second lugs disposed inside the coil spring, with the first lug being aligned with the first loop, and the second lug being aligned with the second loop. The snubber middle portion includes a sidewall defining a cavity which changes in volume in response to excursions between the first and second lugs. The rod has a proximal end for joining one end of the spring to the washer housing, with the other end of the spring being joinable to the tub so that the snubber and spring cooperate together to provide a variable spring and damper suspension supporting the tub.

Abstract: A horizontal axis clothes washing machine. A rotatable clothes basket has a generally longitudinally extending and generally horizontally disposed axis of rotation. The clothes basket is rotatably attached to a generally surrounding first member (which is a tub). A second member (which is a cabinet) generally surrounds the tub. At least two spaced-apart tub suspension subassemblies each include a cylinder, a rod, a piston, and a spring. The cylinder is attached to one of the first and second members. The rod has a first end positioned within the cylinder and has a second end attached to the other of the first and second members. The piston is positioned within the cylinder and is attached to the first end of the rod. The spring is positioned within the cylinder between the first and second ends of the rod. Preferably, a pair of balance rings are attached to the clothes basket.

Abstract: A suspension spring assembly for a washing machine employs a coil spring in compression. The suspension spring system uses a snubber mounted inside the coil spring to help dampen and isolate unbalanced load excursions by using the positive displacement pumping action of air being forced through an orifice in the snubber. A second snubber may be employed with the coil spring.

Abstract: For an articulation of a vibration damper for a washing machine the vibration damper has an articulated bush supported in a bearing. The latter has cheeks accommodating between them the articulated bush and having inlets for a bearing body leading to a bearing opening. The bearing body is retained in the bearing openings by means of an elastic locking mechanism in the direction of the inlets.

Abstract: A rotary washer/extractor for use with textiles and other materials includes a dynamically controlled suspension system for supporting the washer/extractor from a stationary frame to minimize forces exerted onto the frame and transmitted to the floor or other structure supporting the washer/extractor. The suspension system includes a plurality of supports extending between the frame and the washer/extractor at spaced apart locations in relation to the spin axis. At least one of the supports is a variable length member which may be continually adjusted to vary the distance between the frame and the washer/extractor and thereby minimize the forces caused by eccentric masses of textiles and washing fluids contained in the washer/extractor. A force sensor is provided for measuring the force acting between the washer/extractor and the frame.

Abstract: For an articulation of a vibration damper for a washing machine the vibration damper has an articulated bush supported in a bearing. The latter has cheeks accommodating between them the articulated bush and having inlets for a bearing body leading to a bearing opening. The bearing body is retained in the bearing openings by means of an elastic locking mechanism in the direction of the inlets.

Abstract: A damper assembly is disposed between a washing machine frame and a washing container suspended in the frame and housing a rotatable drum as a source of vibration. The damper assembly includes a damper having a cylinder filled with working oil, a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder and having a damping force generating mechanism, and a piston rod having an end coupled to the piston and an opposite end extending out of the cylinder, a vibration transmission cutoff mechanism activatable for disabling the damping force generating mechanism to substantially cut off the transmission of vibration between the washing container and the frame, and a selective actuator for selectively activating and inactivating the vibration transmission cutoff mechanism depending on the magnitude of vibration of the washing container.

Abstract: A dehydrator for use in washing clothes or the like includes a dehydration tub mounted in an outer cabinet, a brushless motor for rotating the dehydration tub for a dehydrating operation, and a microcomputer-based controller for controlling the rotational speed of the motor so that the motor is rotated at a plurality of different rotational speeds sequentially during the dehydrating operation. The different rotational speeds include a maximum rotational speed ranging between a rated rotational speed or above and a rotational speed corresponding to a resonant point of the outer cabinet.

Abstract: A frictional vibration damper, in particular for washing machines with an oscillatory support of a washer unit has an approximately tube-shaped housing and a tappet displaceable in it. An articulation element is provided at the outer end of each the housing and the tappet. Further, a friction piston bearing with a friction coating on the internal wall of the housing is formed on the tappet, which friction piston is extendable by means of a linearly operating servomotor. In order to achieve high safety in operation at little expenditure, the servomotor is arranged in the tappet. It is formed by an electrically heatable thermoactuator element having a housing with a piston which changes its position relative to the housing upon heating. The piston of the servomotor directly bears against an expansion member serving to expand the friction piston.

Abstract: A washing/drying machine capable of effecting washing and drying as a continuous process. Washing, rinsing, dehydrating and drying are performed while a rotary basket is retained in a vertical position. After the dehydration the rotary basket is inclined and is rotated on its axis, so that an opening end of the rotary basket is located slightly higher than the horizontal. In this state, hot air for drying is blown into the rotary basket from the opening side.

Abstract: Load unbalance in an inverter driven washing machine is detected by examining the ripple in the DC inverter bus current. Ripple above a predetermined level is indicative of load unbalance. If the ripple indicates the load is unbalanced, the distribution cycle of the washing machine is attempted again in an attempt to more nearly balance the clothes. After a certain number of tries, if the load is still unbalanced the spin cycle is aborted. If the ripple falls below a predetermined level before the maximum number of tries is reached, the spin cycle is started. The frequency of operation is checked during the spin cycle to adjust the cycle time to the particular degree of load balance achieved.

Abstract: A full-automatic washing and drying machine has a drum mounted in an outer tank for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, a reversible motor operable at a fixed speed for driving the drum, and a power transmission device for transmitting the torque of the motor to the drum axle. The power transmission means include a reduction device. The motor and the reduction device are controlled by a control device such that, during washing and drying operations, the direction of rotation of an output shaft of the motor is switched in short periods while the speed-changing device transmits the rotation of the output shaft of the motor to the drum axle at a reduced speed, whereas, during dehydration operation, the motor operates unidirectionally and the speed-changing device transmits the unidirectional rotation of the motor output shaft to the drum axle with a speed reduction in an initial stage of the dehydration operation and, thereafter, without speed reduction.

Abstract: An oscillatory support for drum washing machines having a horizontal axis of rotation comprises a washer unit (1) supported on a base plate (4) via at least two spring struts (2) disposed at either side of the vertical plane passing through the axis of rotation. The spring struts (2) are elastically articulated at one end on the base plate (4) and on the other end are articulated with their respective tappets (13) on the washer unit (1). In order to provide support means which are simple in design and easily mounted and which have good oscillatory and damping properties, the spring struts (2) are articulated at both ends by means of a plug connection to the base plate (4) and the washer unit (1), respectively.

Abstract: An extensible suspension arm for damping the vibrations of the tub of a laundry washing and drying machine comprises a tension spring whose ends are connected to two suspension members, a damping member, and at least one stop providing a degree of freedom between the damping member and the suspension member to ensure that the damping action does not occur beyond a specific amplitude of the displacement between the two suspension members, damping being necessary only at high amplitudes during passage of the natural frequencies of the laundry washing machine.

Abstract: A device for pickling meat by mixing under vacuum comprises a tank (1) suitable for being rotated on its longitudinal axis by drive means (7,8), the tank being provided at one of its ends with an opening (4) for filling/emptying suitable for being closed by a cover by which the vacuum is generated and, if necessary, brine is injected, the tank being mounted on a support frame (11).The device comprises, near the rear edge of frame (11) for support of the tank, at least one elastic element (16) inserted between frame (11) and the support surface of the device (12) and made in such a way as to be gradually compressed from a rest position corresponding to the empty state of the tank to a filled position, the elastic element(s) gradually returning to their rest position when the tank is emptied.

Abstract: An out-of-balance control for a laundry machine is described. The input to the control is a current signal which is proportionate to the current drawn by a motor which rotates a perforated drum into which fabric goods are loaded. When the drum is accelerated from a relatively low speed, employed to a washing cycle, to a somewhat higher, distribution speed, the input to the control is a "real time" signal which reflects variations in torque required to rotate the drum. The magnitude of these variations is proportional to load unbalance which can cause radial displacement of the drum, machine vibration and damage to its components. The real time signal is averaged. A differential amplifier then subtracts the "average" signal from the "real time" signal, providing an "unbalance torque" signal of alternating polarity. When the "unbalance torque" signal exceeds a given magnitude, reflecting the maximum permissible centrifugal force to be generated by load unbalance, an "unbalance control" signal is generated.

Abstract: A friction damper, especially for washing machines with a spin cycle, consists of a housing (1) having a substantially circular cylindrical inner wall and a tappet (2) that can be pushed coaxially into the housing, extending at one end out of the housing and at the other end being provided with a friction piston. The friction piston is provided with friction elements pressed elastically against the inner wall of the housing (1), and securing elements (4, 8) are formed on the respective ends of the tappet (2) and housing (1). To attain a considerable reduction in the damping forces once there has been a passage through the critical rpm level, the housing (1) is made of plastic.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes apparatus for analyzing the eccentricity of a rotatable member with respect to its design rotational axis when subjected to dynamic unbalance forces. An indicator is rotatable with the rotatable member and includes a predetermined detectable pattern. A sensor is juxtaposed to the detectable pattern and is spaced a predetermined radial distance from the design rotational axis of the rotatable member and indicator. The sensor is cooperable with the detectable pattern for producing an electrical signal corresponding to passage of the detectable pattern during rotary movement of the indicator to generate a stream of electrical signals representing the relative degree of radial displacement of the rotatable member from the design rotational axis. Control apparatus includes a microcontroller in circuit association with the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing of out-of-balance forces in centrifuges or combined washing machines-spin driers comprising a drum with horizontal rotation axis initially being brought to a relatively low speed of rotation, which is at least of the magnitude such that all laundry clings to the drum wall. At this rotation speed the out-of-balance force is measured and compared with a set value. This set value is selected to be of such size that its out-of-balance force surpasses the permissible out-of-balance force, projected to the final rotary spinning speed, by at least 30 percent. If such a value surpassing the permissible out-of-balance force was measured as a value disposed below the set value, then the acceleration to the final rotary spinning speed is turned on.

Abstract: The invention relates to centrifuging devices, and particularly to the acceleration thereof to a design speed. In order to prevent imbalance (U) of the device exceeding a permitted maximum value (U.sub.m) during acceleration, the imbalance (U) is monitored and acceleration (.alpha.) controlled as a function of temporal changes in the imbalance (U). Acceleration n/.sub.t may be controlled in relation to the difference (.DELTA.U) between the measured imbalance (U) and the maximum value (U.sub.m), in relation to the rate of change (.beta.) of the measured imbalance, or to maintain the imbalance (U) between upper (U.sub.1) and lower (U.sub.2) threshold values at or below the maximum value (U.sub.m). Acceleration to the design speed can thus be accomplished with minimum delay and variation with reference to operating criteria of the device.

Abstract: A washing and extracting machine includes a frame assembly on which a cylindrical housing is rotatably and pivotally mounted. The housing is connected to the frame assembly by releasable connectors each including a pin secured to the housing and a toggle latch mechanism mounted on the frame and actuated by a actuator. A hydraulic motor is secured to the housing to rotate it relative to the frame. An extensible cylinder is mounted on the frame and to a bracket secured to the cylindrical housing. Upon actuation, the extensible cylinder pivots the housing relative to the frame. The bracket includes a slot in which an end of the extensible cylinder is slidably positioned. A toggle latch is mounted on the bracket to lock the end of the extensible cylinder in the slot during pivoting of the housing.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine of the fresh water flow through, vertical axis, wobble type has a dynamic system which includes a single imperforate wash basket arranged for rotation and oscillation about its vertical axis and a diametrically opposed set of masses arranged for rotation about the same vertical axis. A hollow vertical shaft couples the rotatable wash basket and the rotatable mass system to a shifting nodal point, damped gyratory suspension system mounted upon the cabinet base. During the washing operation, the basket is prevented from rotation and oscillatory motion is transferred thereto as a result of the rotation of the system of masses. The system of masses is only slightly statically unbalanced but the members are vertically offset with respect to each other such that they form a dynamically unbalanced couple, the effect of vibration of which is to cause turnover and simultaneous circumverential tumbling of clothes placed within the wash basket.

Abstract: A tub for a washing and spin-drying machine having a horizontal spin axis. The flanks of the tub are attached to a cylindrical part by a conical portion; the cross-section of the tub in a plane through the spin axis is rectangular with flattended corners.