Including Steam Patents (Class 8/149.3)
  • Patent number: 8108959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub (120) in a washing machine, and a washing machine having a washing tub washing course provided thereto for enabling washing tub (120) washing by the same, and more particularly, to a method for which makes effective washing tub washing, with a small amount of washing water consumption, a lower power consumption, and high washing effect; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. A method for washing a tub (120) or a drum (130) in a washing machine having the tub (120), the drum (130) rotatably mounted in the tub (120), and a steam supply unit for supplying steam to the tub (120), includes a steam supply step for supplying steam to the tub by using the steam supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seok Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 8104191
    Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a rotatable drum, an air delivery system selectively operable to provide air into the drum at a first flow rate and a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate, and a moisture delivery system operable to provide moisture (e.g., water mist or steam) into the drum while air is being provided at the lower second flow rate, and during drum rotation (tumbling), to thus enhance dispersion of the moisture into the fabrics of the load, and the attendant dewrinkling/refresh benefits. The air delivery system can include a reversible blower that provides air at the first flow rate when operated in a first direction and provides air at the second flow rate when operated in an opposite second direction. The drum can be a reversibly rotatable drum that is rotatable in a first and an opposite second direction, and the dryer can include a drive motor that both rotates the drum and operates the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Ricklefs, Brian Douglas Ripley
  • Patent number: 8060963
    Abstract: A continuous dyeing device and related processes using indigo and/or other colorants for warp yarn chains and/or for fabrics, equipped with at least a first and a second dyeing compartments containing dyeing baths, the first and second dyeing compartments being enclosed, at least partially, in a hermetically sealed chamber. The device also includes at least one squeezing element interposed between the two dyeing compartments and a plurality of cylinders for heating and/or dehydrating the yarn and or the fabric, thereby increasing the diffusion and the absorption of the colorant. The cylinders are positioned downstream of the first dyeing compartment and squeezing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: MASTER S.a.s. di Ronchi Francesco & C.
    Inventor: Francesco Ronchi
  • Patent number: 8046854
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine, The washing machine includes a tub to contain washing water; a drum rotatably installed in the tub to contain laundry to be washed; a detergent box to contain a detergent supplied to the inside of the tub; and a steam generating device to heat water to generate steam, supply the generated steam to the drum, and supply the heated water selectively to the detergent box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Tae Lim, Kyu Hwan Lee, Jae Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 8037565
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance may include controlling the operation of the steam generator in response to a rate of temperature change of the steam generator and/or controlling the operation of the steam generator in response to a rate of temperature change of a receptacle for receiving fabric items to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christoph Herkle, Thomas Benne
  • Patent number: 8015644
    Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is disclosed. The method for controlling a washing machine having a steam generator includes a step of automatically discharging water of the steam generator outside of the steam generator during the operation of the washing machine. Therefore, according to the present invention, foreign substances may be efficiently prevented from precipitating in the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youn Dong Lee, In Geun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8011049
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a time period display at the steam spray type washing machine with a steam generator for washing laundry by using a high temperature steam, in which a preliminary set time required for display in the steam spray cycle is determined, not only with reference to a set temperature, but also with reference to a laundry amount, to minimize an error between the time displayed and an actual time. According to this, since a difference between the preliminary set time displayed in the steam spray cycle and the actual time reached to the set temperature is small, there will be no error which is liable to make the user misunderstood that the washing machine is out of order, According to this, reliability of the product, and convenience of the user is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Phal Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 7980101
    Abstract: A laundry machine including a selectively rotatable drum, a pump for supplying water to a steam generator, and a controller for determining if the pump is out of order. This determination is made by monitoring either a time period required for supplying water to a preset water level of the steam generator or electric current drawn by the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Woo Son, Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son, Heung Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 7966683
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance may include setting an operational temperature for the steam generator based on calcification of the steam generator. A change in the calcification of the steam generator may be determined by behavior of the actual temperature of the steam generator in response to changing a flow rate of water supplied to the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christoph Herkle, Thomas Benne, Robert Pöettger, Markus Beck
  • Patent number: 7966682
    Abstract: A tunnel finisher in which the articles of clothing (14) are impinged on with steam pulses in a discontinuous fashion. This lowers the steam requirement. It is additionally provided that other points of the article of clothing (14) are continuously impinged on with steam, as a result of which no damage to the articles of clothing (14) occurs during the steam impingement. It is finally provided that transport hangers (15), on which the articles of clothing (14) hang while being transported through the tunnel finisher, are rotated in opposite directions, as a result of which halves of adjacent articles of clothing (14) alternately assume relatively large and relatively small spacings relative to one another. In this way, the articles of clothing (14) can be impinged on effectively and with steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Wolf, Engelbert Heinz
  • Patent number: 7941884
    Abstract: The invention in one embodiment relates to a method for operating a washing machine having a heating unit, wherein the heating unit comprises a carrier and at least one planar heating element disposed thereon. At least one first heating element is attached to the carrier in a planar manner, wherein the carrier has a recess extending in the longitudinal direction in the center region. The washing machine has a washing machine barrel and a drum therein, wherein the heating unit is displaced at the bottom in the washing machine barrel outside of the drum. A heating element is provided on the outside of the carrier in the region of the recess in the region along an apex, or along an apex of the recess, wherein only said heating element is operated in the region of the recess for creating steam in the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Block, Irina Maier
  • Patent number: 7934279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of a laundry machine. The control method includes inputting a command to drive the steam laundry dryer, and determining whether water is supplied to a steam generator of the steam laundry dryer. According to the control method of the steam laundry dryer, it is possible to effectively remove wrinkles from clothes and to prevent the breakage of the steam laundry dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Woo Son
  • Patent number: 7934278
    Abstract: Disclosed are a washing method of a washing machine capable of preventing a phenomenon that remaining detergent is collected into a space where a heater is positioned or a specific space during a washing operation of laundry, capable of minimizing a generation of washing water unnecessarily supplied to the washing machine, and capable of fast heating corresponding laundry before a washing operation for an efficient washing operation, and an apparatus thereof. To this end, the method comprises the steps of: generating steam by heating washing water supplied into a washing machine; injecting the generated steam into laundry inside of a drum of the washing machine; and rotating the drum after injecting the steam into the laundry and thereby washing the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo-Young Oh, Kyung-Chul Woo, Jin-Woong Kim, Si-Moon Jeon
  • Patent number: 7926202
    Abstract: A base module for a condenser tumble dryer housing the functional parts and air conduction components and additionally being configured as part of the support structure of the tumble dryer. The base module comprises perpendicular joint faces in relation to the front end shield and the rear process air cover. The joint faces lie essentially on at least one perpendicular plane or on at least two perpendicular planes that are offset in a staggered manner in relation to one another, have a large surface area and preferably extend over the entire width of the tumble dryer. The proposed base module has significant advantages in terms of its mechanical stability as an individual structural component and as part of the entire support structure and in terms of the effective conduction of the air streams, the production of the individual parts and the assembly of the final module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Dittmer, Holger Löffler
  • Patent number: 7913339
    Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water; a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nyik Siong Wong, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Dengming Peng
  • Patent number: 7904980
    Abstract: A washing machine in which the poor heat-resistant laundry is sufficiently wet so that a plurality of water curtain layers are formed at the laundry, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam. According to the present invention, cold water is supplied simultaneously with injection of the steam so that the real temperature of the steam contacting the surfaces of the laundry is lowered, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung Yull Yang, Hyung Gyoon Kim, Sang Yeon Pyo, Seon-Woo Park, Hye Soon Yang, Seong Min Oak, Seung Ju Choi, Jae-Ryong Park, Hyun Sook Kim
  • Patent number: 7904981
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nyik Siong Wong, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Dengming Peng
  • Patent number: 7886392
    Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance, such as a washing machine, comprises at least one of a tub and drum configured to hold a fabric load. A method of operating the fabric treatment appliance comprises heating the fabric load and, after heating the fabric load, sanitizing the fabric load by heating the fabric load with steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nyik Siong Wong, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Anthony H. Hardaway, Joel A. Luckman
  • Patent number: 7861343
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance by changing a flow rate of water supplied to the steam generator to determine a change in calcification of the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christoph Herkle, Thomas Benne, Robert Pöettger, Markus Beck
  • Patent number: 7845037
    Abstract: A triple pass tunnel finisher for finishing fabric. The finisher includes a side module, a front module, and a rear module. The side module includes an entrance for receiving a fabric piece to be conveyed through the apparatus, and a steam injection chamber downstream of the entrance for treating the fabric piece with steam. The front module communicates with the side module to receive the fabric piece conveyed therefrom, and includes first and second hot air chambers, and an exit downstream of the second hot air chamber. The rear module communicates with the front module to receive the fabric piece therefrom, and includes a heating apparatus for heating the fabric piece, and a U-shaped intermediate hot air chamber downstream from the first hot air chamber and upstream from the second hot air chamber for receiving the fabric piece from the first hot air chamber and for delivering the fabric piece to the second hot air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Leonard Automatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Neal Frushtick
  • Patent number: 7845197
    Abstract: A high efficiency triple pass tunnel finisher includes an articulated spraying function for allowing steam to effectively penetrate a garment. The tunnel finisher can be used for the laundering of shirts, pants, and jackets. The tunnel finisher includes hot air chambers and a steam chamber that can include two rows of steam injectors located at a 45° angle in relation to the walls of the module. The steam chamber has a lower pressure than the hot air chambers, creating an air pressure differential. The hot air chambers are positively pressurized, preventing the relatively cooler air of the steam chamber from entering the chamber. The pressurization prevents heat loss, allowing the finisher to be more efficient, while increasing the temperature at which the garments exit the steam chamber. This leads to faster drying times, less garment wrinkling, and reduced dwell time for a garment with a high quality appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Leonard Automatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Neal Frushtick
  • Patent number: 7788753
    Abstract: Disclosed are a structure of a washing machine having a steam generator (400), which drains remaining steam water, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a steam generator (400) including a case forming a space for storing water to generate steam, and a drain pipe (450) connected to the case (410) for draining the stored water; a valve (451) installed on the drain pipe (450); and a controller for controlling the steam generator and the drain opening/closing part valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seog Kyu Park
  • Publication number: 20100154129
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of releasing a roughened surface of a washed cloth (21) which can prevent a cloth (21) with fibers protruding therefrom from being roughened due to fiber lumping after washing. The method of releasing the roughened surface of the washed cloth (21) generated when the cloth (21) is rubbed with wash water filled in a tub (10) by rotation of a drum (20) includes a first step of discharging the wash water from the washed cloth (21) to the tub (10), by rotating the drum (20) so that the washed cloth (21) can stick to the drum (20), and a second step of solving fiber lumping of the washed cloth (21), by using the motion of the washed cloth (21) by a frictional force between the rotated drum (20) and the washed cloth (21) by rotating the drum (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: In-Ho Cho, Young-Soo Kim, Yong Park
  • Publication number: 20100058544
    Abstract: A washing machine having a steam generator, which generates steam so that the steam is used in a washing or drying operation, and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The steam generator includes a case having a space for storing water; a heater provided in the space of the case for generating heat; and a water level sensor for sensing the minimum and maximum level of the water stored in the space of the case. A controller controls the water supply valve and the heater according to a result sensed by the water level sensor. The water supply valve is opened and closed, thereby controlling the supply of water to the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Seog Kyu Park
  • Publication number: 20090313767
    Abstract: A cordless handheld steamer comprising an interior chamber containing a steam generation unit and a water reservoir. The water reservoir generally encompasses the steam generation unit and the steam generation unit contains a heating element. A precise temperature control unit monitors the heating element's temperature to maintain an optimum steam producing temperature without overheating. The heating element is powered only by an on-board battery pack. A user determined amount of water is pumped from the water reservoir to the flash boiler chamber where the water is converted to steam and the steam travels through a plenum to a target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ANTIMICROBIAL TEST LABORATORIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Dennis Tanner, Timothy Richard Hillsamer
  • Publication number: 20090300850
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disinfectant washing method of a drum washing machine. The method includes generating steam to increase an inner temperature of a drum to a first target temperature, performing steam washing while rotating the drum, with the inner temperature of the drum maintained at the first target temperature or more, and performing main washing while rotating the drum, after completing the steam washing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jae Hee Yoo
  • Publication number: 20090241269
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a cloth treating apparatus, such as a laundry treating machine, and methods of control and operation which sanitize the machine. The laundry treating machine can include an accommodating space which supplies air and moisture in order to remove unpleasant odors, wrinkles, or dampness from the laundry. The laundry treating machine may further include a circulation duct to circulate, dehumidify, or heat air inside the accommodating space. Operation of the laundry treating machine can use steam-sanitizing to remove odors, moisture, bacteria from the accommodating space and circulation duct. Steam-sanitizing can be performed based on a user's selection or the occurrence of a condition, such as unloading of laundry from the accommodating space after treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Hea Kyung YOO, Sog Kie HONG, Dong Won KIM, Jong Seok KIM, Dae Yun PARK
  • Publication number: 20090241268
    Abstract: A control method of the same are disclosed. A control method of a laundry treating machine comprising an accommodating space receiving laundry therein, the control method includes selecting one of at least two sanitary courses to sanitize objects, and supplying steam to the objects, with controlling a temperature of the accommodating space and a steam supplying time to maintain a temperature of the object to be at a predetermined sanitary standard temperature or higher for a predetermined sanitary standard time according to the selected course. According to the control method of the present invention, steam may be supplied appropriately according to the load amount of the laundry treating machine such that damage of laundry fabric may be prevented, sanitizing, or sterilizing the laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Hea Kyung Yoo, Sog Kie Hong, Dong Won Kim, Jong Seok Kim, Dae Yun Park
  • Publication number: 20090235465
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for operating a domestic appliance, especially a home dryer (1) or a washing machine, and a domestic appliance (1) which comprises an operating mode for treating textiles with steam. According to the method at least one action for protection of an operator of the domestic appliance (1) is taken when an interruption of an active program for treating textiles with hot steam occurs. The method shall prevent that the operator is hurt by the hot steam generated in the domestic appliance. The domestic appliance (1) comprises a control (40) and a memory (41) storing at least one program for treating textiles with steam, wherein the control (40) is adjusted to execute the inventive method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Klug, Uta Kreutzfeldt, Johannes Sierl, Thomas Loy
  • Patent number: 7591859
    Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water, a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber, a weight sensor outputting a signal responsive to the weight of the steam generator, and a controller coupled to the weight sensor and configured to control a flow of water through the supply conduit based on the signal from the weight sensor. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the weight sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nyik Siong Wong, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Dengming Peng
  • Publication number: 20090139038
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine, The washing machine includes a tub to contain washing water; a drum rotatably installed in the tub to contain laundry to be washed; a detergent box to contain a detergent supplied to the inside of the tub; and a steam generating device to heat water to generate steam, supply the generated steam to the drum, and supply the heated water selectively to the detergent box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Tae LIM, Kyu Hwan Lee, Jae Hyun Choi
  • Publication number: 20090139037
    Abstract: Disclosed hereinafter is a laundry device. More particularly, a washing machine comprises a steam generation unit installed therein to generate and supply steam to an outside of the washing machine or to a laundry-receiving device to remove wrinkles on laundry by using the steam supplied from the steam generation unit, and a method for controlling operation thereof. A method for controlling the washing machine is also disclosed. The washing machine comprises a steam generation unit to generate steam, and an steam outside-supplying pipe connected with the steam generation unit to supply the steam to an outside of the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Seong Hai Jeong, Soung Bong Choi, Byung Hwan Ahn, Hyeok Deok Kim, Deug Hee Lee, Hung Myong Cho
  • Publication number: 20090139036
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing method and a laundry machine adopting the same, and more particularly, a steam washing method and a laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry only using steam and effectively performing a washing operation under the optimum operation condition. The steam washing method includes a selection step of allowing a user to select a steam washing course, in which a washing operation is performed only using steam, through an input unit, and an operation step of performing an operation based on the steam washing course while controlling at least one of a steam supply unit, a water supply unit, and a drum drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Seog Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 7537619
    Abstract: A method and a system for treating betula wood to change the coloration thereof to resemble that of Cherry wood or heartwood of birch is described. The betula wood is introduced in treatment chamber which is under atmospheric pressure. Hot steam from a steam generator is introduced in the treatment chamber in a lower section thereof for subjecting the betula wood to be treated to a hot water vapor environment. The temperature and humidity levels in the treatment chamber are controlled over a time span until the betula wood is completely saturated with water and has obtained a desired color transformation. This color transformation is uniform throughout the thickness of the wood and thereby highlights the grain in the betula wood while at the same time changes its color whereby it resembles Cherry wood or heartwood of birch. The treated wood is then cooled in the treatment chamber and removed therefrom for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Félix Huard Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Huard
  • Publication number: 20090106911
    Abstract: A drum washing machine is provided to automatically wash out dirt on the door of the washing machine upon an operation of the washing machine. The drum washing machine comprises a cabinet having a door unit; a tub disposed inside the cabinet, the tub being configured to store water; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub; and a circulator for simultaneously or selectively spraying wash water into the drum and toward the door unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Hyo Je Kim
  • Publication number: 20090100882
    Abstract: A laundry machine having a steam generator is disclosed. A heater is controlled, such that steam generation coincides with a predetermined time period, whereby the steam supply time is enabled to be controlled with relative accuracy. If an error occurs when water is being supplied to the steam generator, then an error message is displayed such that a user may be informed of the error. If a predetermined time period has elapsed, then a pump is stopped to prevent an excessive amount of water from being supplied to the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Ju Han Yoon, Tae Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20090056034
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance may include setting an operational temperature for the steam generator based on calcification of the steam generator. A change in the calcification of the steam generator may be determined by behavior of the actual temperature of the steam generator in response to changing a flow rate of water supplied to the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christoph Herkle, Thomas Benne, Robert Poettger, Markus Beck
  • Publication number: 20090056037
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine having a touch up function and a method for touching up thereof. The drum type washing machine having the touch up function is provided with a touch up button for removing wrinkles on laundry left in the drum type washing machine and a method for touching up. Accordingly, it is not required for a user to additionally execute rinsing and dehydrating processes, or ironing so as to remove wrinkles on the laundry, thus it is convenient. And, since it is not required to additionally execute the rinsing and dehydrating processes, it is capable of preventing unwanted consumption of water and electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Deug-Hee LEE, Pyoung-Hwan KIM, Eun-Jin PARK, Hyung-Yong KIM, Seong-Hae JEONG
  • Publication number: 20090056036
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance may include controlling the operation of the steam generator in response to a rate of temperature change of the steam generator and/or controlling the operation of the steam generator in response to a rate of temperature change of a receptacle for receiving fabric items to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christoph Herkle, Thomas Benne
  • Publication number: 20090056035
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance by changing a flow rate of water supplied to the steam generator to determine a change in calcification of the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christoph Herkle, Thomas Benne, Robert Poettger, Markus Beck
  • Publication number: 20090013478
    Abstract: A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam generation unit for generating steam, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam generation unit into the lower part of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Myong Cho
  • Publication number: 20080276381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of a laundry machine. The control method includes inputting a command to drive the steam laundry dryer, and determining whether water is supplied to a steam generator of the steam laundry dryer. According to the control method of the steam laundry dryer, it is possible to effectively remove wrinkles from clothes and to prevent the breakage of the steam laundry dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Chang Woo Son
  • Publication number: 20080263783
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Yeon Pyo
  • Publication number: 20080256720
    Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine, in which wrinkles are removed from laundry using steam. The method includes supplying steam of a high temperature to a drum containing laundry; and supplying air to the drum. The method facilitates the refreshing of the laundry, such as clothes, thus allowing a user to wear the clothes just after the refreshing of the clothes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Kwang Cheol Park
  • Publication number: 20080229515
    Abstract: A fabric processing apparatus is provided that is capable of refreshing fabric articles and then maintaining the refreshed state of the fabric articles while they remain stored in a processing space of the apparatus. Condensed fluid generated in the processing space and in a condensing chamber, and fluid remaining in a steam supplying device after processing, are directed to a storage unit through corresponding fluid discharging channels. The flow of fluid through the fluid discharging channels is controlled by corresponding fluid discharge valves so that moisture and odors generated by fluid accumulated in the storage unit cannot flow back into processing space and contaminate the refreshed fabric articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Sog Kie HONG, Dong Won Kim
  • Publication number: 20080201866
    Abstract: A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam supply unit mounted in the machine body for generating steam, the steam supply unit being constructed to receive water for steam generation through the water inlet port exposed to the outside while the water inlet port communicates with one side of the machine body, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam supply unit into the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Deug Hee Lee, Hung Myong Cho
  • Publication number: 20080201865
    Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is disclosed. The method for controlling a washing machine having a steam generator includes a step of automatically discharging water of the steam generator outside of the steam generator during the operation of the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONIC INC.
    Inventors: Youn Dong Lee, In Geun Ahn
  • Publication number: 20080190149
    Abstract: A steam generator of a drum washing machine is disclosed which includes a pressure sensor for controlling an internal pressure of the steam generator, so as to prevent an excessive steam-pressure or water-pressure inside the steam generator, the steam generator comprising a housing which holds water therein; a heater than generates steam by heating the water held in the housing; and a pressure sensor that sense an internal pressure of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ki Chul Cho
  • Publication number: 20080178397
    Abstract: A method for removing odor of laundry in a washing machine comprises inputting laundry into an inner tub, supplying steam to the laundry, and rotating the inner tub. Odor of the laundry is rapidly and easily removed without performing a cleaning process using water, and the fabrication cost is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myong-Hun Im, Soo-Young Oh, Jae-Won Chang, Kyung-Chul Woo, Kyeong-Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20080155758
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus and a method for controlling the same can prevent a safety incident caused by steam and hot air and improve the safety of the clothes treating apparatus by preventing the door from being opened and closed randomly in the steam step and the dry step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Sog Kie HONG, Jong Seok Kim