Abstract: A water supply method of a washing machine optimizes a washing performance by sufficiently supplying water according to an amount and type of laundry. The method includes steps of setting first and second water levels based on an amount and type of laundry in a washing machine; supplying water to the washing machine according to the set first water level; sensing a current water level to determine a degree of absorption of the water into the laundry during a predetermined time, the degree of absorption being determined by comparing the currently sensed water level to the second water level; re-supplying water to the washing machine to compensate for the degree of absorption; resetting the second water level according to a comparison of a water re-supply count to a predetermined value; and performing washing if the currently sensed water level is greater than the second water level.

Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine enables a memory function for each of various wash courses, whereby a customization of parameters is permitted for each course. The method washing machine has a memory function using a memory and is provided with a course start/pause button for selectively performing any one of the courses. The method includes steps of establishing a set of customized parameters for performing each course; first selecting one course for execution, the selected course corresponding to one set of parameters established in the establishing step; displaying default parameters of the course selected in the first selecting step; clearing the displayed default parameters and displaying, in response to a first selection of the memory function, the customized parameters corresponding to the course selected in the selecting step; and performing, upon an input of the course start/pause button, the selected course according to the displayed parameters.

Abstract: A washing machine control method a thorough soaking of laundry before performing a washing step in a washing machine having a variable speed tub and a variable speed pulsator. The method includes steps of setting a water level in the tub; supplying water to the tub according to the water level setting step; rotating the pulsator at a first predetermined speed during the water supplying step; and rotating the pulsator and tub at a second predetermined speed during the water supplying step until the water in the tub reaches the set water level.

Abstract: A method of sensing a current laundry amount during a wash cycle of a washing machine is provided. A wash course, and in particular, a corresponding supply of water, are appropriately controlled by sensing a laundry amount whenever a door is opened after initiation of a wash cycle of the wash course. The method is for controlling a washing machine provided with a door having an apparatus for determining an opened/closed status of the door. The method includes steps of sensing a first wet laundry amount after initiating a wash cycle of a wash course; sensing a second wet laundry amount upon detection of an abnormal open state of the door during the wash cycle; and controlling the wash course based on the most recently sensed wet laundry amount. The first wet laundry amount sensing step is performed periodically throughout the wash cycle, and the detection of an abnormal open state of the door occurs during a predetermined time period following the initiation of the wash cycle.

Abstract: Water temperature selection in a washing machine is accomplished by utilizing a single selector that is in communication with an associated processor. The single selector is preferably on the same board as the processor thereby defining a water temperature selection and control module. The water temperature selector and control module is in communication with various other selectors, sensors, detectors, inputs, or the like to receive signals therefrom. The input signals are processed by the processor to produce signals to control water flow for the washing machine. In one form, the single selector is a resistive potentiometer that provides a resistance signal to the processor. In this form, the processor is in communication with the water valves and directly energizes the water valves in accordance with the resistive signal from the potentiometer.

Abstract: A washing machine control method accurately determines an amount of laundry in the washing machine, while driving a motor coupled to a drum under load, based on a computed average of pulse width modulation values at the time of stopping the drive of a motor and the motor's rotational angle as the motor freewheels to a stop, in order to conserve water and reduce the time required for performing a washing step.

Abstract: Washing machine having means for detecting floating laundry, such as a pillow, over a preset height, and method for controlling the same, which enables performance of washing without spray of water or causing damage to the laundry even if the laundry floats, the washing machine including an outer case, a water storage tub inside of the outer case, a washing tub rotatably mounted inside of the water storage tub, a driving motor for rotating the washing tub, and floating laundry detecting means for detecting a case when a height of laundry held in the washing tub is higher than a preset position.

Abstract: A control interface for a laundry appliance includes a microcomputer and a reconfigurable display coupled to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is programmed to present at least one input screen on the reconfigurable display for user selection of laundry cycle parameters.

Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.

Abstract: A solvent contaminant detection device is configured to detect the presence of dissolved contaminants in a solvent used for performing a solvent dry cleaning process. The solvent cleaning process utilizes a solvent based cleaning fluid comprising cyclic siloxane solvent. A detector output signal indicative of contaminant concentration may be processed to enable a user of a dry cleaning appliance to replace solvent regeneration absorption media when necessary and avoid the possibility of using solvent that is not purified, thereby reducing operational costs as well as improving wash quality of the appliance.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted low amount of solution textile cleaning system. Uniquely, the present invention provides for a truck mountable textile cleaning system that: 1) uses less water than the typical existing truck mounted cleaning systems to clean the same amount of area; 2) requires a smaller amount of environmentally damaging water-based cleaning solutions so that fewer trips to dump sites are needed for the same amount of cleaning; and 3) has a self contained water-based cleaning solution that does not have to be connected to a customers expensive water supply during operation. The invention may provide a vehicle that is adapted to implement application of a cleaning solution to a remote textile area to be cleaned. Specifically, the vehicle may comprise a storage system, positioned in the vehicle, and designed to hold the cleaning solution. Additionally, there may be a delivery system fluidly coupled to the storage system to enable delivery of the cleaning solution to the textile area to be cleaned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a dishwasher with a central control unit by measuring the turbidity of the rinsing liquid and establishing the course of the program as a function of the turbidity of the rinsing liquid, the program beginning with a pre-rinse program step. In order to achieve a completely automatic operation, data for the further course of the program are calculated in the pre-rinse program portion with determined measurement values of turbidity and evaluation thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling a door of a drum type washing machine and method thereof. The present invention allows the door to be opened only if there exists no water in the washing tub or if the water level in the tub is very low, by which water is prevented from cascading out of the washing machine when a door is opened. The present invention includes the steps of sensing a water level in a washing tub, comparing the sensed water level to a reference, and locking or unlocking the door according to a result of the comparing step.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling a hot water washing of a washing machine and method thereof, by which a hot water washing time is reduced by reducing a time for taken to heat water. The present invention includes the steps of setting a washing condition for the hot water washing, supplying the water according to the set washing condition, judging whether the water level of the supplied water is a heating water level for heating the water, heating the water if the water level of the water is the heating water level, judging whether the water level of the supplied water is a washing water level according to the set washing condition, if the water level of the supplied water is the washing water level according to the set washing condition, judging whether a temperature of the water is a heating temperature according to the set washing condition, and if the temperature of the water is a heating temperature according to the set washing condition, executing the hot water washing.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided with a noise reduction and control system which can sense out of balance and pump starvation conditions. More specifically, a microphone is used in connection with an electronic controller to sense an unbalance or pump starvation condition and alter a washing operation of the machine to counteract the unbalance or pump starvation condition. Additionally, the microphone and controller can respond to voice commands to establish the washing operation for the washing machine.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge for holding a product adapted to be inserted into a machine configured to utilize the product. A container has a bottom and at least one side wall. The bottom of the container has an opening configured to cooperate with the machine. A removable cover closes the opening in the container and prevents contact with the product before the dispensing cartridge is inserted into the machine.

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

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package has at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, wherein the cavity contains additive materials to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is configured for use, for example, in a washing machine, wherein the washing machine has a plurality of cycles. The dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing director having a dispensing signal generator and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of washing machine operating cycles. The dispensing apparatus further includes an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to selectively electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity. Also disclosed is a disposable unit dose package for use in a washing machine and with a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing director and an electromechanical actuator in communication with said dispensing director.

Abstract: A method for conserving carbon dioxide vapor in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution to clean articles, where the method includes removing carbon dioxide vapor from a wash tank to a vapor tank, storing the carbon dioxide vapor in the vapor tank; and charging the wash tank with carbon dioxide vapor from the vapor tank. The method may be performed as part of a wash cycle that includes filling the wash tank with cleaning solution, washing articles to be cleaned in the wash tank, and emptying the cleaning solution out of the wash tank.

Abstract: A direct current power supply for a washing appliance powered is disclosed. The power supply includes a switch mode power supply which supplies direct current at a low voltage level from a high direct voltage supply and a pair of commutation devices as a buck converter, an active switching device connected across the input of one of the commutation devices, a latching circuit which controls the active switching device to cause the commutation device to switch off to disable the buck converter, and a push button switch for disabling the latching circuit to cause the active switching device to switch off to allow the one commutation switch to function and thereby enable the buck converter.

Abstract: A method of operating a drain pump in a laundry washing machine during the drain phase of the wash cycle to reduce pump blockages is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) starting the pump and running it for a first period of time to produce a discharge of a given flow rate, (b) stopping the pump and leaving the pump stopped for a second period of time, and repeating steps (a) and (b) for the duration of said drain phase, said second period of time being such that the flow rate reduces substantially to zero.

Abstract: A method for controlling the dehydrating operation of a drum type washing machine includes a pre-acceleration step for accelerating a drum to a predetermined control starting speed, and a main accelerating step for accelerating the drum from the control starting speed to a target speed along a linear locus having a preset acceleration slope. A deviation of the center of gravity of the laundry and a pre-spinning time period are reduced in the aforementioned control method.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the time required to perform an operational cycle of an appliance, the cycle including at least one variable operational mode. The method includes providing a memory for storing historical data of previously executed cycles of the appliance, accessing the memory in light of a user-selected option for a present cycle, and computing an initial estimated time for performing the present cycle of the appliance based, at least in part, on a time estimate for the at least one operational mode. The method continues with determining an actual time used for performing at least one occurrence of the operational mode, relating the actual time used to the time estimate used for computing the initial estimated time for performing the present cycle of the appliance, and adjusting the initial estimated time for performing the present cycle in light of any differences between the actual and estimated times for the at least one operational mode.

Abstract: A system for the controlled addition of detergent formulations and the like to a carbon dioxide cleaning apparatus comprises: (a) a high pressure wash vessel; (b) an auxiliary vessel; (c) a drain line connecting the auxiliary vessel to the wash vessel; (d) optionally but preferably, a separate vent line connecting the auxiliary vessel to the wash vessel; (e) a detergent reservoir; and (f) a detergent supply line connecting the detergent reservoir to the auxiliary vessel. An advantage of this apparatus is that, because the detergent formulation can be pumped into the auxiliary vessel in a predetermined aliquot or amount, which predetermined aliquot or amount can then be transferred into the wash vessel where it combines with the liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution, the detergent formulation can be added to the cleaning solution in a more controlled or accurate manner.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a cloth comprises a moisture controlling step S1 of adding water to the cloth and a thermal pressing step S2 of thermally pressing the water-added cloth. The water added in the moisture controlling step is vaporized to cover up the entire cloth and therefore the cloth can be heated uniformly. When temperature of the cloth increases, the moisture works as a lubricant, enabling to release internal stress of the cloth efficiently. By thermally pressing, a structure of the cloth under the heated state is fixed by the pressure applied in the pressing operation, making possible to stabilize the cloth while preventing excessive shrinkage of the cloth and increasing smoothness of cloth surfaces.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a laundry waste sump, a primary 50 micron static screen filter, a 9,000 gallon equalization tank, at least one secondary media/carbon filter, a sludge holding tank with a pump to return excess water to the equalization tank, a backwash pump, an air blower, and a clear well tank water source for backwash. An exemplary embodiment of the invention also includes a surge tank between the primary and secondary filters and a surge tank between the secondary filter and the clear well tank.

Abstract: A vapor-venting containment bag having at least three flexible side walls and a VVE rating of at least about 40 and less than about 90, as measured in the Vapor Venting Evaluation Test. When the bag is in its closed configuration a three dimensional interior void space is formed whereby the bag resists collapsing. Also, a fabric cleaning and refreshment process that is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using the vapor-releasing containment bag. The bag is constructed using heat resistant polymers, such as nylon. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations. Vapor is vented from the bag during use, thereby minimizing wrinkling in the clothes being cleaned and removing malodors therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the washing of items of laundry (11), in which only the items of laundry (11) are transferred from the last washing chamber (18) into the first rinsing chamber (19), without the washing liquid. As a result, the washing liquid cannot pass into the rinsing zone (15), and the method according to the invention thus prevents mixing of different treatment liquids. As a result, an effective treatment of the items of laundry (11), in particular a more effective rinsing thereof, is possible.

Abstract: A method to treat laundry items in the last treatment zone of a tunnel washing machine with a liquid that has a higher temperature than the liquid of the preceding zone, resulting in the liquid of the bound liquor having a higher temperature and making it possible to remove a greater portion of the bound liquor form the laundry items in a hydroextraction press, so that the laundry items leaving the hydroextraction press have only a slight residual moisture which is still has to be removed by drying, thus shortening the drying process and requiring less energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a washing machine in a rinse cycle is provided for a washing machine including a rotatable basket and a fresh water spraying device. The method comprises rotating the basket at a first rate of rotation, spraying water into the basket while the basket is rotating at the first rate, and rotating the basket at a second rate of rotation, the second rate of rotation greater than the first rate of rotation.

Abstract: A plurality of washing machines each include a washing tub and a chemical tank therein. Each of the chemical tanks is linked by an equalizing conduit at the lower end thereof so as to maintain the same level of fluid within each of the tanks.

Abstract: Method for controlling a full automatic washing machine, the method comprising a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle, wherein the washing or the rinsing cycle includes the step of rotating an inner tub at a high speed higher than a preset speed in one direction, thereby making a centrifugal force caused by high speed rotation of the inner tub, to push laundry against a wall of the inner tub, to enforce washing water in the inner tub to penetrate through the laundry at a speed higher than required to make the washing done, and to pump the washing water penetrated through the laundry and discharged into an outer tub upward, to recirculate to the inner tub.

Abstract: Method for controlling a full automatic washing machine, the method comprising a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle, wherein the washing or the rinsing cycle includes the step of rotating an inner tub at a high speed higher than a preset speed in one direction, thereby making a centrifugal force caused by high speed rotation of the inner tub, to push laundry against a wall of the inner tub, to enforce washing water in the inner tub to penetrate through the laundry at a speed higher than required to make the washing done, and to pump the washing water penetrated through the laundry and discharged into an outer tub upward, to recirculate to the inner tub.

Abstract: The mixing valve used in the water fill system of a washing machine is moved from being located inside the washing machine to the water source, eliminating hoses, reducing manufacturing cost, and improving reliability.

Abstract: A novel washing machine and a novel method for washing clothes. Depending on the type of cloth to be washed, one of four washing modes is selected. A pulsator and a spin-dry tub rotate in various directions and speeds depending on the wash mode selected. Thus causes varying degree of agitation during the wash cycle. A power switching motor controls a brake and a clutch to cause the pulsator and the spin-dry tub to rotate depending on the wash mode selected. Thus, the pulsator and the spin-dry tub are capable of rotating either forward, backward, agitate in both directions, or not to rotate the tub at all depending on the wash mode selected.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system or rotating device utilizing energy-based threshold measurements, wherein the rotating system contains sensors therein. Sensor measurements are compiled from the sensors. The sensor measurements contain data indicative of the dynamics of the rotating system. The sensor measurements are converted to signal energy values associated with the rotating system. The signal energy values are then compared to energy threshold values to thereby determine a proper course of balancing corrections necessary to dynamically place the rotating system in a balanced state. Additionally, a displacement profile may be generated in response to compiling sensor measurements from the sensors. The displacement profile may be converted into force and acceleration values associated with a range of varying rotational speeds.

Abstract: A method of controlling a rinsing operation of a washing machine having a pulsator to wash laundry, the method includes a wrinkle prevention rinsing process. During the wrinkle prevention rinsing process, the pulsator is stopped for a pulsator stopping time which is set to be longer than a pulsator driving time, thereby forming wrinkle preventing water flows to minimize wrinkles in the laundry. The wrinkle preventing rinsing process may be performed before a final spin-drying operation is performed. The wrinkle preventing rinsing process may be performed after a general rinsing process, which is performed at least once. The wrinkle preventing rinsing process may be performed for a wrinkle preventing rinsing time that is set to be longer than a general rising time for the general rinsing process.

Abstract: A system and method of processing laundry by the determination of surface tension in a dynamic environment for surfactant concentration in industrial laundry applications. The dosage system is able to control the surfactant concentration for a recycle wash tank and preferentially the washer tank using surface tension measurements, temperature control, and correlation to the percentage of active matter based on a full dose of a commercial surfactant for the wash runs. The dosage system preferably uses a surface tensiometer able to monitor surfactant levels and to constantly dose surfactant for use in subsequent washes.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for commercial and home-use cleaning of textile. Home-use embodiments replace the home laundry clothes dryer, except for embodiments using a novel manual kit. Home-use embodiments have an integrated spotting station. Soiled/stained textile is spray dampened with solvent, preferably automatically in the apparatus' rotatable drum; but the textile is not soaked nor immersed in solvent. Highly absorbent, untreated pad material is placed into the drum, for rubbing against the tumbling textile, to remove the soil, stains and solvent.

Abstract: This method for impregnating cleaning fabrics with detergent liquid has the characteristic of radially and centrifugally spraying a reel of fabric (11) through profiled apertures (3) present in a rotatable feed shaft (1), said shaft being internally filled with detergent liquid under pressure in accordance with selectively variable parameters, said liquid being fed into said rotatable feed shaft (1) by suitable pipes provided with rotary seals.

Abstract: A method to wash varying clothes load sizes with the same level of water is provided for a washer having a controller. A clothes load size setting signal is received in the controller. A mechanical duty cycle is set through the controller as a function of the clothes load size setting signal. A high-concentration wash step may be performed where a wash basket of the washer is spun at certain speeds while a highly concentrated wash bath solution is sprayed, extracted, and re-sprayed over the clothes load. On the completion of this high-concentration wash step, the washer is filled to a common water level regardless of the clothes load size setting signal. The clothes load is then processed through a wash cycle until completed.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring detergent and soil in wash water of a dishwashing or clothes washing appliance. A turbidity sensor is used to sense or measure the soil in the water in a static state, and to sense or measure the detergent in the water during a dynamic state. The turbidity sensor generates a corresponding output signal which is sent to a microprocessor to automatically adjust machine cycles to increase operational efficiencies.

Abstract: An automatic temperature control system which limits the total number of valve cycles for the cold and hot water valves to, for example, a total of ten cycles yet also provides the desired temperature control of water supplied to the wash tub is described. To limit the number of valve cycles, and in one embodiment, the automatic temperature control (ATC) system includes a microprocessor which integrates the temperature of the water provided to the wash tub over time to predict the length of the time period required for the next water valve cycle. The integration balances the energy input on the “OFF” cycle with the energy input during the “ON” cycle. Such balancing limits the number of valve cycles thereby reducing the possibility for premature valve failure and facilitating reduced noise. The ATC control system also provides a pre-treater function. When the pre-treater function is selected, e.g.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, device for dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an appliance for treating laundry or dishes is disclosed. The device includes a housing with at least one compartment for containing at least one product. The compartment(s) can be closed by at least one corresponding cover. The device further includes at least one means for storing and releasing energy, so that the product to be dispensed may be released at one or more predetermined point(s) in time during a wash cycle. In one embodiment, the means may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. The device may also include at least one sensor and/or at least one actuator for detecting when the wash conditions are optimal and open at least one of the compartments for releasing a product.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks for washing articles in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution are provided. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention may provide improved thermodynamic efficiency by allowing carbon dioxide vapor to be transferred between wash tanks rather than condensed. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention may have a lower capital cost than multiple cleaning systems having single wash tanks. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention include a first wash tank for contacting a first article with liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution, and a second wash tank for contacting a second article with liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution. The second wash tank is in fluid communication with the first wash tank. Methods of utilizing such cleaning apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A drawer-type washing machine and process of washing laundry using the washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine has a housing opened at its front to form a cavity. A cabinet, opened at its top, is received in the cavity of the housing such that the cabinet is movable forward or backward relative to the housing. A washing tub unit, consisting of an outer tub and an inner tub, is set within the cabinet. This washing tub unit contains washing water therein, and carries out both a washing operation and a spin-drying operation for laundry contained therein. A drive unit is installed at a position under the outer tub of the washing tub unit, and rotates the inner tub of the washing tub unit. A suspension unit supports the washing tub unit within the cabinet while performing a damping function of attenuating operational vibrations of the washing tub unit.

Abstract: Methods of using ozone have been developed which sterilize instruments and medical wastes, oxidize organics found in wastewater, clean laundry, break down contaminants in soil into a form more readily digested by microbes, kill microorganisms present in food products, and destroy toxins present in food products. The preferred methods for killing microorganisms and destroying toxins use pressurized, humidified, and concentrated ozone produced by an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method for servicing firefighter's turnout gear includes the step of transporting a mobile servicing facility in proximity to a fire department facility. The mobile servicing facility carries cleaning equipment for cleaning firefighter's turnout gear. For example, the cleaning equipment may include a cleaning machine for use with a carbon dioxide-based cleaning agent, a solvent, or laundry equipment. The method also includes the steps of operating the cleaning equipment to clean turnout gear of the fire department facility, and transporting the mobile servicing facility away from the fire department facility. Optionally, the mobile servicing facility also carries repairing equipment, supplies for repairing the turnout gear, power generation equipment, and/or a tracking system for preparing a report of services performed on the turnout gear.

Abstract: A drain pump of a washing machine is cyclically activated during a drain operation conducted as part of a spin cycle in a manner which reduces the run time of the pump. At least one dynamic operating parameter of the washing machine is sensed and used to control the operation of the drain pump. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotational speed of the wash tub is sensed and, when a predetermined spin speed is maintained for a prescribed period of time, the drain operation is initiated. Water level, pump power and/or drive motor torque can also be utilized as pump cycling control parameters.

Abstract: An approved washing machine and method of washing laundry is provided wherein a user can select an amount of an additive, such as detergent, to be automatically supplied from a bulk additive reservoir to the washing machine tub during the appropriate time in the wash cycle. The selected amount of additive corresponds to the amount of payment deposited by the user in the machine. The payment may be made by coin, currency, or debit card.