With Scrub Surfaces Patents (Class 68/233)
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Patent number: 11401706Abstract: An example sink having a stepped sink basin is provided. The sink includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The sink also includes a stepped sink basin that includes a raised portion and a lower basin portion. The raised portion of the basin provides a front ledge extending from the front wall toward the rear wall, and extending between the first and second side walls below a top plane of the sink. The lower portion of the basin extends from a bottom of the rear wall toward the front wall, the lower basin defining a drain. The sink still further includes a surface connecting the front ledge to the lower basin.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jonathan Chong, Daniel Worst
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Patent number: 11332876Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior and having a top wall defining an access opening. A cover is provided that is movable relative to the cabinet between an open position and a closed position to selectively close the access opening. A tub is located within the interior and includes and open top aligned with the access opening. A rotatable basket is located within the tub and has a loading opening aligned with the open top and the access opening. A top wall extends between the cabinet and the tub.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Scott E. Carpenter
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Patent number: 11285505Abstract: A waterfall sink has a series of contours as elevationally spaced apart upper steps separated by vertically extending walls extending from an upper surface of to a bottom surface to form a partial sink bowl. The bottom surface directs fluid from the partial sink bowl off a side edge to then downwardly proceed to a drain below the bottom surface. Many embodiments have a channel extending into a side surface along the side which receives the fluid from the partial bowl. Some embodiments have side steps which coordinate with the upper steps to form a continuous partial perimeter. Water from a faucet directed into the partial bowl proceeds above the bottom surface and over the side edge downwardly like a waterfall.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: MTI Baths, Inc.Inventor: Russell Adams
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Patent number: 10851486Abstract: A washing machine include a main body in which an inlet is formed in a front portion thereof; a tub provided inside the main body; a washing tub rotatably provided inside the tub; and a sink provided on the main body and having a water tank formed to be recessed to store water, wherein the water tank includes a soaking part in which laundry is soaked and a scrubbing part on which laundry is scrubbed and hand-washed, the function of soaking the laundry in water and the function of hand-washing are provided and the washing effect is improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: In Cheol Jang, Amitoj Singh, Hyun Sik Lee, Jeoung Kyo Jeoung, Kang Doo Kim, Doo Young Rou, Seung Youp Lee, Ha Yong Jang
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Patent number: 10774461Abstract: Provided is a laundry treatment apparatus which may sequentially perform pre-washing, main washing, drying, and ironing in one place. The laundry treatment apparatus includes: a pre-washer with an accommodation space which accommodates the laundry and has a sink bowl having an open top portion; a main washer which is provided beside the pre-washer; a dryer which is provided beside the main washer; an ironing part which is provided beside the dryer, and has a flat top surface to iron the laundry; a first upper panel which is provided on a top portion of the main washer and the dryer and has a flat top surface; a second upper panel which forms the top surface of the ironing part; and a lid which is provided on a top portion of the pre-washer to open and close the accommodation space.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Hyewon Kim, Jeaseok Seong, Junghwan Lee, Kyungah Lee
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Patent number: 10544538Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior and having a top wall defining an access opening. A cover is provided that is movable relative to the cabinet between an open position and a closed position to selectively close the access opening. A tub is located within the interior and includes and open top aligned with the access opening. A rotatable basket is located within the tub and has a loading opening aligned with the open top and the access opening. A top wall extends between the cabinet and the tub.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Scott E. Carpenter
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Patent number: 10450687Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine capable of improving the efficiency of washing and product quality by improving a pivoting structure of a door assembly having a door and an auxiliary washing unit forming an auxiliary washing space. Also, the door and the auxiliary washing unit may be coupled by a locking part so that a user can open and close the door assembly conveniently when manual washing is not needed. When manual washing is needed, the user may release a locked state of the locking part to move the door and the auxiliary washing unit separately.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Min Hyung Kim, Yong Kwon Won, Jun Ho Kim, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Sung Yong Eun, Goan Su Jung, Young Sun Shin, Mitsuhiro Shigeri, Hyun Mook Kim
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Patent number: 10287722Abstract: Provided is a washing machine including an auxiliary washing unit configured with an auxiliary washing space formed separately from a main washing space formed in a rotating tub, and a discharging assembly by which the auxiliary washing space and the main washing space are selectively in communication with each other. Through such a structure, auxiliary washing may be independently performed, and washing efficiency may be enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Ho Kim, Chang Yeong Kim, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Goan Su Jung, Min Hyung Kim, Yong Kwon Won
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Patent number: 10167588Abstract: Provided is a washing machine including a main body having an opening and a door assembly disposed at the opening, wherein the door assembly includes a door that opens and closes the opening and an auxiliary washing unit having an auxiliary washing space in which hand-washing can be performed, and provided to pivot about one side of the door in an inside of the door. Through this configuration, separated washing spaces can be provided and separate hand-washing can be performed. Also, pressure of washing water supplied into the washing machine can be regulated so that water supply efficiency can be improved and a flow rate of the washing water can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Min Hyung Kim, Hyun Mook Kim, Yong Kwon Won, Masato Suzuki, Mitsuhiro Shigeri, Young Sun Shin, Goan Su Jung, Amitoj Singh, Gyu Woo Kim
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Patent number: 9255389Abstract: Food preparation sinks are disclosed which have an integral raised work area that is rinsed by an automatic system. Food waste or the like present in that area can be washed into a sump above a drain, and the weight of the waste and water in the sump is enough to automatically drive them through a baffle to a food waste disposer, without requiring the baffle to be manually opened. An automatic controller system coordinates water flow and food waste disposer operation, and the water supply can be linked to the sink below the sink rim to save counter top space. In some forms multiple rinsing nozzles are provided which pulse in altering fashion.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Steven R. Aykens, Shawn J. Booth, Thomas J. Bostedt, Jonathan P. Loeck
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Patent number: 9010987Abstract: A method of mixing together liquids or liquid/solid combinations, and mixing apparatus/universal combine utilizing a vertical spinning container or vessel having a rib, or a cross rib in its bottom wall. The container is spun about a vertical axis with no wobbling component to the motion. Meshed elements are used for high shear mixing. Start/stop routines, and variable acceleration/speed values are used, to facilitate complete mixing. Use of ‘impeller’ blade stirrers is completely eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Inventors: Yury Sherman, Michael Sherman, Ilya Alexandrov, Ramkumur Krishnan
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Publication number: 20150027173Abstract: The invention relates to a drum baffle and a washing machine having the same. The drum baffle includes a sheath and a bottom plate. The sheath and the bottom plate form a cavity having a hollow structure. The drum baffle is made by injection molding using one or more polymer adsorption materials, which may be used as a washing medium. The cavity of the drum baffle is internally filled with solid particles. The drum baffle includes a plurality of holes defined for communicating with the cavity of the drum baffle and an inner space of the inner drum of the washing machine to allow washing water to flow through. The drum baffle assists laundry to be rolled inside the inner drum, where the drum baffle and the solid particles inside adsorb and absorb soil in the laundry so as to achieve better washing results.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Fengling Wu, Chunfeng Lao, Zhengbao He, Zhiqiang Zhao
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Publication number: 20140096570Abstract: A washing machine including a drum capable of improving washing efficiency is provided. The washing machine includes a body, a tub provided at an inside the body to store wash water, a drum rotatably provided at an inner side of the tub to accommodate laundry, a driving apparatus to rotate the drum, protrusions that are formed of polygons having polygonal shapes and protruding inward from the drum, and a through-hole provided between adjacent protrusions to drain water. A protrusion having polygons generates frictional force between laundry and the drum, thereby increasing the washing power. The through-holes are uniformly located around the protrusion, thereby preventing a spin dry water bottleneck phenomenon that occurs when water from a spin dry is concentrated on a certain through-hole, and thus enhancing the spin dry efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: In Cheol JANG, Ji Sung KIM, Eun Suk BANG, Nam Ki Sul, In Ju LEE, Seong Su JEONG, Bong Wha KWAK, Dool Pil KIM, Ki Sun PARK, Jong Sung PARK, Ji Hoon CHOI
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Publication number: 20140096571Abstract: A washing machine including a washing tub to allow enhancement in washing efficiency. A washing tub of the washing machine includes a pattern having a protrusion portion to generate friction force between laundry and the washing tub and to thereby increase washing efficiency. The pattern has a concave-convex structure and performs action similar to a lifter, washing efficiency may be enhanced using tumbling generated by the pattern. A plurality of drain holes are arranged in a certain pattern in the washing tub to prevent a dehydration bottleneck phenomenon in which dehydration is concentrated at a particular drain hole and to increase a dehydration rate. The pattern is provided such that protrusion portions and recessed portions continue on the surface of the washing tub to enhance stiffness of the washing tub.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: In Cheol JANG, Ji Sung Kim, Eun Suk Bang, Nam Ki Sul, In Ju Lee, Seong Su Jeong, Bong Wha Kwak, Doo Pil Kim, Ki Sun Park, Jong Sung Park, Ji Hoon Choi
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Publication number: 20130233029Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry device including: i) a flexible waterproof housing for housing a textile item, water and cleaning material; ii) an opening in the housing for inserting or removing the textile item; and iii) a seal for sealing the opening; wherein an inner surface of the housing includes a frictional washing surface against which the textile item is rubbed to effect cleaning by gripping or pressing on an outer surface of the housing to press and rub the textile item against the frictional washing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2011Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: INNOVIGOR8 PTY LTDInventors: Ashley Martin Newland, Jean-Paul Pearce
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Patent number: 8281622Abstract: A drum washing machine and a washing method of the drum washing machine wash clothes to be dry-cleaned, without water, using microfiber. The drum washing machine includes a tub; a drum rotatably provided in the tub; and a cleaning member contacting laundry in the drum to perform the dry-cleaning of the laundry. The drum washing machine washes clothes to be dry-cleaned, without water, using a cleaning member made of microfiber, thereby minimizing the deformation or shrinkage of the clothes.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang Yeon Pyo
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Patent number: 6158257Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1995Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kiernan Francis Ryan, Rok Sribar
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Patent number: 6151930Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Lord CorporationInventor: J. David Carlson
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Patent number: 6122843Abstract: Drum washer-drier includes a drum rotating about a horizontal rotary axis, a water tank including drum, and outer tank resiliently supporting water tank. A plurality of suspending rods are suspended from an upper inner surface of outer tank, and water tank is resiliently supported by providing compression springs between spring receiving portions at lower ends of suspending rods and support receiving portions of water tank. Further, a damper generating a sliding resistance as the spring is expanded/compressed is provided at the lower end portion of suspending rod. At the time of dehydration, drum is rotated for a prescribed time period at a rotation speed higher than critical rotation speed of a fluid balancer but lower than a resonance rotation speed caused by resilient support, and thereafter high speed rotation starts. A structure for protecting the fluid balancer formed of synthetic resin during drying is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Noguchi, Masaru Ando
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Patent number: 6122942Abstract: A washing machine having a dual damping structure can effectively prevent undesirable vibration of an outer tub by lowering the center of gravity of outer tub depending on a quantity of washing objects to stabilize the outer tub. A first damping part having a cap and a first spring is installed on the other end of a supporting rod, and dampens longitudinal vibration of the supporting rod. A second damping part having a slider and a second spring is integrally formed on a lower periphery of the outer tub. Also, there is provided a connecting means connecting the first damping part with the second damping part so as to transmit the vibration of the second damping part into the first damping part.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young-Jun Jung
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Patent number: 6029480Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Electrolux Zanussi S.P.A.Inventor: Giovanni Colombera
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Patent number: 6018967Abstract: A noise reducing clip device includes a clip body and a fulcrum-defining element. The clip body receives a washing machine wash tub wall and a fastener to secure the tub wall to the clip body and attach the clip body and tub wall therewith to a support leg disposed adjacent to the tub wall. The fulcrum-defining element is formed on and protrudes outwardly from the clip body for spacing the clip body from the support leg and providing only contact of the support leg with the fulcrum-defining element about which contact the support leg may undergo twisting and rocking motion induced by operation of a washing machine motor without imparting such motion to the tub wall via the clip body.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Arvin Hedeen, Ziqiang Hu, Walter John Smith
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Patent number: 6009730Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: L G Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Jae-Min Lee
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Patent number: 6006553Abstract: A clothes washing machine has a motor which includes a stator, and a rotor disposed around the stator. The rotor includes a disk-shaped plate having radial blades disposed on an upper surface thereof. The blades are situated beneath the stator and generate a flow of turbulent cooling air along the stator in response to rotation of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Min-Soo Lee, Hwan-Young Choi
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Patent number: 5974610Abstract: A counterbalance weight is provided for a laundry washing machine tub. The weight includes a weighted body securable to the tub with a foam impact-absorbing member mounted on the body in a position below the tub so as to absorb impact forces on the tub. The body of the counterbalance weight includes a pair of open slots adapted to receive bolts extending from the tub so as to slidably mount the counterbalance weight onto the tub. In an alternative embodiment, impact-absorbing members are provided on the bottom of a hung strut tub to absorb impact to the tub and to maintain the vibration-absorbing function of the strut springs.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1999Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Troy A. Johnson, Greg K. Harmelink, Stephen D. Ostdiek
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Patent number: 5953939Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothes wash system by means of the method of recirculating pumping of water, which is adapted to a squeeze dry system, that consists in eliminating by the centrifugation method, the excess of water impregnated in the just washed laundry making the drum that contains said laundry, to rotate freely over a virtual axis that passes by the mass center of the assembly, to avoid vibrations and allowing a higher rotation velocity.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1996Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Inventors: Gilberto Manuel Guerrero-Parra, Salvador Virgilio Guerrero-Parra
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Patent number: 5946947Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joon Yeop Lee, Sung Jae Shin, Jae Cheon Lee, Yong Byeong Jeon
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Patent number: 5937676Abstract: A suspension system of a washing member is comprised of two rods each connected with an upper main suspensor and a lower main suspensor and a secondary suspensor disposed at adjacent ends between the individual rods. The secondary suspensor is comprised of a creased hollow cylindrical rubber casing and a sponge encompassing the rubber member. The suspension system reduces vibration of a water basket to a body.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Un-Su Jeon
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Patent number: 5934107Abstract: A washing machine includes a water tub, a spin basket mounted inside the water tub, a pulsator mounted in the spin basket, a reversible motor mounted under the water tub for driving the pulsator and spin basket, and a damping device for damping external impacts applied to the motor. The damping device is mounted to an underside of the motor and is received in a recess formed in an upper end of a cushioning member disposed beneath the machine during shipment to stabilize the motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Min-Soo Lee, Hwan-Young Choi
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Patent number: 5893281Abstract: A tethering system is provided for a washing machine having a hung strut suspension. The tethering system includes a pair of pulleys or cams pivotally mounted in the cabinet. A pair of subframe straps are secured between the cams and the subframe of the hung assembly. An anti-rotation strap extends partially around the tub with opposite ends secured to the cams. When the tub of the machine is filled with water, the hung assembly moves downwardly due to the weight of the water, thereby rotating the cams which tighten the anti-rotation strap into frictional engagement with the tub. Thus rotation and oscillation of the tub is prevented during the agitation and low speed spin cycles of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventor: Daniel E. Teich
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Patent number: 5887455Abstract: A washing machine includes an external cabinet, an outer tub installed inside the external cabinet, a spin basket rotatably installed inside the outer tub and a plurality of suspension units for suspending the outer tub with respect to the external cabinet. Each of the suspension units comprises: a suspension bar for connecting the outer tub to the external cabinet; a main damper combined with one end of the suspension bar; and an auxiliary damper combined with the one end of the suspension bar, adjacent to said main damper. Accordingly, vibrations and noises of the outer tub can be reduced effectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Do Weon Kim, Jong Moon Park, Sung Jae Shin
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Patent number: 5884891Abstract: An easy to assemble upper ball joint assembly for a wash tub suspension system is described. In accordance with one embodiment, the upper ball joint assembly includes a socket configured to be located within a keyed opening in the suspension system upper frame, and a ball joint configured to be secured to a suspension rod extending from the suspension system lower frame through the opening in the upper frame. The socket includes a seating surface which, in one embodiment, is substantially spherical shaped and concave. A slot extends from the socket opening to a periphery of the socket. The slot is configured so that the suspension rod can be moved through the slot and located within the socket opening. By orienting the socket so that the slot extends radially outward from a center axis of the wash tub, the suspension rod is allowed more movement relative to the socket since the rod can also move within the slot.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Larry Lee Hawkins, Stephen Bernard Froelicher
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Patent number: 5850748Abstract: A front loading clothes washing machine includes a spin basket rotatably driven about a horizontal axis. Axially spaced front and rear sides of the spin basket are formed by panels. Disposed on each of the front and rear panels is a dynamic balancing mechanism comprised of an annular chamber arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation. The chamber contains a liquid and a plurality of balls freely movable within the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1996Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cin Yong Kim, Do Weon Kim, Jin Soo Kim, Sam Yong Jang, Geum Chan Lee
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Patent number: 5784904Abstract: A washing machine with a compound pulsator has a bottom sub-pulsator mounted on the bottom of the washing tub which is revolvable on the revolving shaft, a top sub-pulsator mounted on an upper part of the revolving shaft which is revolvable on the revolving shaft, an intermediate sub-pulsator mounted coaxially with the revolving shaft between the bottom sub-pulsator and the top sub-pulsator which is revolvable on the revolving shaft. The compound pulsator has a revolution controlling part in which the bottom sub-pulsator and the top sub-pulsator are revolved by a predetermined degree simultaneously with revolution of the revolving shaft, and then the intermediate sub-pulsator is engaged with the bottom sub-pulsator and the top sub-pulsator to be revolved therewith. Thereby, the sub-pulsators are alternately revolved in same direction and different directions, so that laundry articles can be prevented from tangling and thus efficiency of washing is largely improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kab Jin Youn
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Patent number: 5782110Abstract: A washing machine includes a spin basket rotatable about a vertical axis and having a dynamic balancer mounted thereon. The balancer includes coaxial annular passageways arranged horizontally next to one another. Each passageway contains oil and a group of freely movable balls. The heights of the passageways increase in a radially outward direction, and the sizes and weights of the groups of balls increase in a radially outward direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Do Weon Kim
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Patent number: 5713221Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a splash tub located within the cabinet, and a support system resiliently supporting the splash tub relative to the cabinet. A spin tub is located within the splash tub and a drive system spins the spin tub about an axis of rotation during a spin cycle. A sensor detects an out-of-balance condition during the spin cycle characterized by oscillations of the splash tub. The sensor includes a target attached to the cabinet having a reflecting surface, a light source attached to the splash tub and positioned to direct infra red light toward the reflecting surface, and a light receiver attached to the splash tub and positioned to receive infra red light reflected from the reflecting surface. The reflecting surface has a pattern of varying reflectivity so that the light receiver receives a different quantity of infra red light when the splash tub moves relative to the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.Inventors: Sean F. Myers, William Hughett
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Patent number: 5685038Abstract: An acceleration sensitive switch for use in detecting an out-of-balance condition on a residential washing machine, or the like, uses a pendulum activated switch wherein the pendulum is biased against an energy absorbing stop by a predetermined threshold force corresponding to the desired switching acceleration. The geometry of the spring and pendulum are such that the restoring force decreases as the pendulum moves to activate the switch providing positive switching action and permitting simple calibration of the unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: U.S. Controls CorporationInventors: Richard G. Smith, Kenyon A. Hapke, Spencer C. Schantz
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Patent number: 5657649Abstract: A full-automatic washing machine which can effectively prevent an undesirable vibration is disclosed. The washing machine has a vibration damping assembly having a base plate formed integrally with a outer tub, a bended plate extended transversely above an end of the base plate, a bucket disposed below the base plate and formed integrally with the body of the washing machine, a first spring disposed between the end of the base plate and the bended plate, and a second spring elastically support the base plate. The washing machine disperses the vibration to the lower portion of the body of the washing machine so that the washing machine can stably carry out the washing and dehydration operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hee Tae Lim
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Patent number: 5651277Abstract: An automatic washer includes an elongated shaft mounted to a motor for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A fabric basket is rotatably mounted to the shaft and an agitator is attached to the shaft above the fabric basket. A clutch is positioned between the agitator and the fabric basket and is movable from a disengaged position wherein the agitator rotates independently of the basket to an engaged position wherein the agitator rotates in unison with the basket. The clutch is movable from its engaged position to its disengaged position in response to the rise of washing fluid within the washing basket.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventor: Curtis G. Richardson
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Patent number: 5613380Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Sudhir D. Savkar
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Patent number: 5606879Abstract: An automatic washing machine suspension system includes a plurality of suspension units. Each unit includes a rod suspended from a stationary support ring. A hollow cylinder, with a cylindrical side wall and a transverse base, is connected to the moving system and is mounted around the distal end of the rod. A piston mounted on the rod within the cylinder side wall includes a circumferentially continuous skirt extending axially of the side wall. A retainer spring mounted on the rod within the skirt includes a series cantilever beam fingers biasing the piston skirt into engagement with the cylinder side wall. A washer is mounted on the rod within the fingers. A coil spring is mounted around the rod and extends between the base of the cylinder and the piston.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen B. Froelicher, Frank H. Richterkessing, Jr.
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Patent number: 5582040Abstract: A balancing apparatus for counterbalancing an unbalanced load in a rotating or spinning drum such as a clothes basket in a washing machine. The balancing apparatus includes a drive plate fixed to the drive shaft of the spinning drum. Balancing tanks disposed at spaced intervals around the drum are connected to a fluid supply, such, as a self contained fluid tank, through passages controlled by valves mounted to the drum or supply tank. When the rotating drum tilts relative to the drive shaft as a result of unsymmetrical centrifugal forces produced by the unbalanced load, the valve or valves controlling flow into the balance tanks opposite the unbalanced load are moved into engagement with valve selector slides mounted on the drive plate to open the passages and allow water from the fluid tank into the balance tanks to balance the drum.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventor: Aman U. Khan
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Patent number: 5570598Abstract: A portable washing machine designed to fit onto conventional sized pots that can be found in any kitchen. The portable washing machine has a motor attached to an agitator which can be detachable from the motor and hand operated rollers for removing excess water from clothes and a smooth, uneven surface for scrubbing clothes at the bottom of which is a drain hole which allows excess water to return to the pot.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Inventor: Lonnie M. Haven
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Patent number: 5561990Abstract: A system for sensing spin speed and an out-of-balance condition in a washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a washer basket and an agitator that spin about a predetermined spin axis during a spin cycle. The OOB condition can be characterized by excursions, during the spin cycle, of a tub which encloses the washer basket. The tub excursions can be in a direction generally perpendicular to the spin axis of the washer basket, for example. The system includes a magnetic source, such as a permanent magnet, positioned in the agitator for producing a predetermined magnetic field. A magnetic sensor is positioned to be electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic source for supplying an output signal that varies as the agitator rotates relative to the magnetic sensor. A signal processor is coupled to the magnetic sensor for receiving the output signal supplied by the magnetic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ertugrul Berkcan, Kenneth B. Welles, II
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Patent number: 5528913Abstract: A plurality of snubbers for a washing machine dampens and isolates unbalanced load excursions by using the positive displacement pumping action of air being forced through an orifice in each snubber. One end of each snubber is attached to the washing machine housing and the other end attached to the tub or mounting platform and has a resilient middle portion sidewall defining a cavity that changes in volume to minimize the effects basket excursions caused by unbalanced loads. The snubber sidewall defines an orifice providing a passageway for egress and ingress of air during the change in volume. The orifice meters air so that the resiliency of the snubber is greater for low frequency excursions than for high frequency excursions to thereby function as a damper for low frequency excursions and as a gas spring for high frequency excursions.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Sudhir D. Savkar
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Patent number: 5520029Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Sudhir D. Savkar
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Patent number: 5513504Abstract: A rotatable subassembly for a horizontal axis clothes washing machine, such subassembly having a rotatable clothes basket and a pair of balance rings. The clothes basket has a generally longitudinally extending and generally horizontally oriented axis of rotation and has two longitudinally spaced-apart ends. Each balance ring has a circumferential interior cavity, is attached to the clothes basket near a corresponding one of the ends of the clothes basket, and has a generally longitudinally extending axis generally coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation. The cavities of the balance rings are in fluid communication with the clothes basket.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1995Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rok Sribar, Kiernan F. Ryan
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Patent number: 5491859Abstract: A drive system for producing agitation and spin in an automatic washing machine incorporates a transmission assembly including a plurality of interengaged transmission elements located within a transmission housing. During agitation, the transmission housing is braked and the transmission elements convert input rotary drive from a motor to oscillator drive of an output shaft. During spin, a cam member carried by one of the transmission elements automatically shifts a stop element into engagement with the transmission housing. This maintains the transmission elements in a predetermined orientation, prevents relative rotation between each of the transmission elements and the transmission housing and causes the entire transmission assembly to rotate in unison which results in rotation of the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1993Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventor: Curtis G. Richardson
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Patent number: 5490400Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes an outer tank, a plurality of vertical suspenders hung by their upper ends adjacent respective corners of the tank, and a water container disposed within the tank and supported at lower ends of the suspenders. The upper ends of the suspenders are secured to a cover member which is attached to an upper end of the tank. The upper end of each suspender projects through a rib-reinforced hole formed in the cover and is secured to the cover by a cap-pin fastener device. A unit constituted by the cover, suspenders, and water container can be tested prior to being installed in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young G. Kim, Woon G. Hur, Byeong S. Ye
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Patent number: 5375282Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting and interrupting an out-of-balance (OOB) condition in a washing machine. The system includes pneumatic generating units for generating a predetermined fluidic pressure in response to excursions of a tub of the washing machine during a spin cycle; an actuator which is fluidly coupled to such generating units for providing an actuating position corresponding to the OOB condition; and a switch responsive to the actuator in its actuating position to deenergize a motor which spins the basket for holding the articles to be cleansed and thereby interrupt the OOB condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark E. Dausch, Vivek V. Badami, Donald T. McGrath, Walter Whipple, III