Abstract: A washing method and a washing machine are provided. Wash water is drained from a tub prior to initiating a main spinning process, and wash water is supplied into a drum to decrease the volume of the laundry which is increased by the draining. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the volume of laundry and thus to improve the mobility of the laundry. Then, a main spinning process is performed by spinning the drum at high speed.

Abstract: A washing machine system comprising an outer tub with a basket rotatably supported within the outer tub. The basket receives launderable items and wash water. The washing machine includes a drive motor that rotates the basket during the wash operation, and a balance ring associated with the basket containing counterweights that move within the balance ring to compensate for an imbalanced mass in the basket. The washing machine includes a controller communicating with the motor. The controller sends signals to the motor to rotate the basket at selective rotational speeds, and receives electronic signals indicating the power used to rotate the basket at selective speeds. The controller compensates for the imbalanced mass by preventing the drive motor from rotating the basket at a substantially constant speed between a predetermined minimum resonance speed and a predetermined maximum resonance speed for more than a predetermined maximum dwell time during the wash operation.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance and a method for disinfecting a conduit system of a water-conducting household appliance. The method feeds a gaseous disinfectant into a liquid circulating in the conduit system. The water-conducting household appliance includes a conduit system for circulating liquid, and a disinfector with a gas injector for injecting a gaseous disinfectant into a liquid circulating in the conduit system.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the amount of detergent in water used in a washing machine and to supplementing such water as needed for a wash load is provided. The amount of detergent present in grey water that is reused for washing, as well as the amount released from clothes or other articles to be washed, can also be determined.

Abstract: A method for warning of a residual amount of liquid detergent includes: calculating a total use amount of liquid detergent by adding up a use amount of liquid detergent whenever a washing process is performed; and comparing the total use amount of liquid detergent to a reference amount, and warning of a residual amount of liquid detergent according to the comparison result. Accordingly, a user does not need to frequently check the residual amount of liquid detergent, and may easily fill up a container with the liquid detergent. Furthermore, since a sensor for sensing the residual amount of liquid detergent is not installed, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the washing machine and to prevent a user from getting an electric shock from a current leaking to the container.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects that employs a spray device for delivering a washing fluid, e.g., water, to a wash tub in the appliance. The spray device is configured to reduce consumption of the washing fluid such as during a rinse portion of a washing cycle. In one example, the spray device comprises a plurality of apertures that are arranged in one or more arrays. The apertures are configured to disperse the washing fluid as a plurality of spray streams that form a pair of wetted areas on either side the wash tub. The wetted areas provide wetting of the objects along the sides and extending from a front portion to a back portion of the wash tub.

Abstract: A method of controlling steam supply in a laundry machine. The control method includes heating a predetermined space within a duct in communication with a tub and/or drum of the laundry machine to a higher temperature than a temperature of the other space within the duct, directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam, supplying air flow towards the heated predetermined space so as to transport the generated steam to the laundry, and adjusting an implementation time of the heating based on actual voltage of power supplied to the laundry machine.

Abstract: A method for treating a load of washing by sensing a quantity of liquid in an outer tub with a sensor, monitoring a signal from the sensor, wetting a washing with a quantity of water that is less than a quantity of water required to saturate the washing, rotating the drum at a first speed which is greater than a speed required to spread the washing around the drum, until a space between the outer tub and a drum is filled with suds and the suds reach the interior of the drum, and activating a heater.

Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine is provided. The rotation and rotation driving time of a inner tub having an auto balancer are controlled based on preset values considering sections during which a horizontal unbalancing phenomenon and a vertical unbalancing phenomenon occur. Accordingly, abnormal vibrations and resultant damage or deformation of the washing machine may be prevented. Further, electricity may be saved.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof in which a tub washing course is safely performed using a sensor to measure vibration of a tub. Since whether or not laundry is present in s drum is sensed while performing the tub washing course, consumption of separate time, water, and energy to sense whether or not laundry is present is not required, and operation of the washing machine is controlled by diagnosing malfunction of the sensor. If plural sensors are installed, a micro-computer is connected to the plural sensors in common through a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication method or an Inter Integrated circuit (I2C) communication method, thereby reducing costs and volume of wire-harness.

Abstract: A control method of a laundry machine is disclosed. The control method of a laundry machine comprising a balancer includes an unbalance sensing step, wherein the unbalance sensing step recognizes an unbalancemaximum value and an unbalanceminimum value of an unbalance wave and the unbalance sensing step determines an average value of the two unbalance maximumvalue and unbalanceminimum value to be of the unbalance generated in a drum provided in the laundry machine.

Abstract: Appliances having a detergent dispenser that may be flushed with a water flow for removal of residual treating chemistry while reducing sudsing are disclosed. An example dispenser includes a cup with a bottom wall, a siphon tube projecting upwardly from the bottom wall, a cover for the siphon tube, an opening configured to introduce a liquid stream into the cup from a position above and beyond a periphery of the cover, wherein substantially all of the liquid stream flows downwardly along a trajectory defined by the opening and terminating below and within the periphery of the cover, and wherein the liquid stream directly impinges a portion of at least one of the cup or the siphon tube below the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling drainage of wash water remaining in a washing machine. The method includes draining wash water from a tub to an outside of the washing machine, supplying wash water into the washing machine after the draining wash water, and re-draining the wash water to the outside of the washing machine after the supplying wash water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an imbalance in the laundry load and effecting a redistribution of the imbalance by reducing the rotational speed of the treating chamber such that part of the load may redistribute while part of the load remains satellized, without ceasing rotation, and increasing the rotational speed back to a spin speed after redistribution.

Abstract: A laundry machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a drum rotatably installed in a cabinet, a substance supply device for supplying moisture to the drum, a water supply device separably mounted to the cabinet, to supply water to the substance supply device, a sensor for sensing whether or not water is supplied to the water supply device, and a controller for controlling the substance supply device in accordance with a sensing signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry and configured to perform one or more cycles of operation and method for actively dehumidifying the treating chamber of a laundry treating appliance to retard or eliminate the adverse effects of moisture-laden laundry remaining in the treating chamber or moisture remaining in the treating chamber or other areas of the laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-contained and wireless monitoring device (10) for use in a washing machine (1) to indicate shortage of detergent in said washing machine. The monitoring device comprises a sensor (13) arranged to monitor detergent concentration in washing liquid (5) of said washing machine and to provide an alarm signal (A) when said monitored detergent concentration is below a target value. The monitoring device is capable of floating in said washing liquid and comprises signalling means (11) for indicating said shortage of detergent in response to said alarm signal. The invention further relates to a package containing such a monitoring device and a method for indicating shortage of detergent.

Abstract: Dryers and methods of using dryers are described herein. The dryer includes a housing, a drying chamber disposed within the housing, and a heating element. The dryer further includes an intake configured to supply intake air to the drying chamber. The dryer includes an exhaust configured to vent exhaust air out of the drying chamber. The dryer includes a pump coupled to the housing. The dryer further includes an energy recovery system coupled to the housing. The pump is configured to reduce the air pressure within the drying chamber. The energy recovery system includes a heat transfer fluid and is configured to use the heat transfer fluid to transfer thermal energy from the exhaust air to the drying chamber.

Abstract: A washing machine that controls water supply modes of washing and rinsing operations and a control method thereof. For the washing operation, the wetting of the laundry is improved through the supply of water in unidirectional rotation in which the water is supplied while a washing tub and a pulsator are simultaneously rotated in one direction. For the rinsing operation, laundry is quickly separated from the washing tub, such that the laundry is sufficiently mixed with the water, through the supply of water in unidirectional rotation and the supply of water in alternating-direction rotation in which the water is supplied while only the pulsator is rotated in alternating directions, thereby achieving rinsing utilizing water supply time, and, in addition, turnover of the laundry is smoothly achieved such that washing residues present on the laundry are effectively removed from the laundry, thereby improving rinsing efficiency.

Abstract: A laundry appliance having a perforated rotatable drum for spin dehydrating a wet textile load, an electric motor for providing an accelerating force which in use causes the drum to rotate, load sensors for detecting any static dynamic imbalance in the rotation of the drum, and a controller which receives inputs from the load sensors and is programmed to, in a spin-up phase, energize said electric motor so as to evenly distribute the load within the drum and thereby minimize any static or dynamic imbalance when the drum rotates.

Abstract: A system for dispensing substances into a washing machine is disclosed. A plurality of preferably different sized or shaped cartridges are located within removable drawers. Each cartridge contains a particular substance, such as laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, that is released into the washing machine. The system also includes a means to identify the substance contained within the cartridge as well as when and how much of the substance should be released into the washing machine. At the appropriate time, the system dispenses an appropriate amount of substance into the washing machine. A pump pulls the substance out of the container and into the washing basin of a washing machine. Alternatively, a valve is opened and the substance pours into the washing basin due to gravitational forces.

Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.

Abstract: Provided are a washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine, which can effectively wet laundry by varying a spraying pattern for spraying washing water into a washing tub considering water pressure of the washing water supplied to the washing tub even when the water pressure varies.

Abstract: A washing system and method for load size and water retention detection includes a cabinet, a tub position within the cabinet, a basket with a wash load received therein rotatably supported within the tub, and a drive system for rotating the basket. A controller is operatively coupled to the drive system. The controller rotates the rotatable basket to urge the wash load radially outwardly in the basket and then decelerates the rotatable basket with the wash load urged radially outwardly to or below a predetermined threshold speed. An amount of time from initial deceleration of the rotatable basket until the rotatable basket is at or below the predetermined threshold speed is measured and the measured amount of time is used to determine a parameter of the wash load.

Abstract: A cartridge system for dispensing substances into a washing machine is disclosed. One or more preferably different sized or shaped cartridges are located within removable drawers contained in a washing machine. Each cartridge contains a particular substance, such as laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, that is released into the washing machine. The cartridge system also includes a means to identify the substance contained within the cartridge as well as when and how much of the substance should be released into the washing machine. At the appropriate time, the system dispenses an appropriate amount of substance into the washing machine. A pump pulls the substance out of the container and into the washing basin of a washing machine. Alternatively, a valve is opened and the substance pours into the washing basin due to gravitational forces.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling a washing machine are provided. The washing machine may include a drum in which laundry is provided and is rotated. The drum may operate at a first speed such that part of the laundry tumbles within the drum and another part of the laundry adheres to the drum. An unbalance amount or a first speed operation time of the drum, which is detected when the drum operates at the first speed, may be determined. When an abnormality occurs, rotation of the drum may stop or decelerate. Accordingly, at the time of a dehydration cycle, stability of the washing machine and laundry balancing can be ensured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric treating apparatus and method for controlling the same. A fabric treating apparatus according to the present invention includes a treating space within which fabrics are treated; a heating unit configured to supply heated air, or steam, or heated air and steam to the treating chamber; a motor to generate a rotational power; a device receiving the rotational power from the motor, the device configured to move a rack disposed within the treating space; and a control unit adapted to: control the motor according to a sensed electric current of the motor, and drive the motor to rotate at a speed defined by a target number of rotations per minute.

Abstract: A method of sensing the motion of the wash assembly (3) of a washing machine (1) due to the dynamic unbalance of the laundry drum assembly (6), and which comprises the steps of: increasing the rotation speed (?) of a laundry drum (6) to a first rotation speed (?DIST); determining a first parameter (TFRICTION; AHFREF) related to the time pattern of the values of an unbalance function A=T?Jd?/dt; increasing the rotation speed (?) of the laundry drum (6) by a predetermined value (??) determining, at each increase (??) in rotation speed (?), a second parameter (ALF; AHF) related to the time pattern of the values of the unbalance function A=T?Jd?/dt filtered at the predetermined filtration frequency (LF; HF); calculating the difference (TdynLF; TdynHF) between the second parameter (ALF; AHF) and the first parameter (TFRICTION; AHFREF).

Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determines a load size of a laundry load located in a laundry treating appliance having a drum defining a treatment chamber that is rotated by a motor based on a given amount of energy applied to the motor, and a measurement of coast time after the given amount of energy is removed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine is provided. A first laundry load is first detected based on a rotational property of a pulsator. A second laundry load is detected based on a property that varies in accordance with a vertical load applied from a tub. Finally, it is determined if laundry loaded in the drum is in a dry state or a wet state by comparing the first laundry load with the second laundry load.

Abstract: Provided is a method of operating a motor at a low speed. The method includes sensing an event corresponding to an angular position of the motor. If the event occurs between a first time threshold and a second time threshold, the method includes slowing the motor. If the event has not occurred by the first time threshold, the method includes increasing driving power to the motor.

Abstract: A method for treating laundry in a clothes dryer having a rotating drum defining a treatment chamber that includes applying a treating chemistry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least partially removing residual treating chemistry on an interface between a removable treating chemistry reservoir and a dispensing system of a laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance to determine an amount of imbalance of the laundry load in the drum based on a determined average peak-to-peak value and taking corrective action when the determined amount of imbalance does not satisfy a threshold.

Abstract: A method for washing laundry in a program-controlled domestic laundry-care appliance including the steps of heating washing liquid present in the tub and heating the washing liquid to a specific washing temperature set as a function of determined parameter values that are specific to the laundry being washed and/or the appliance.

Abstract: Flowable laundry treatment agents can be added in automatically metered dosages via a metering line to a laundry treatment process by means of an automatic metering system comprising a reservoir. Advantageously, a metering line of is flushed with a rinsing agent, particularly water, after adding a dose. In order to prevent the development of germs in the residues of the rinsing agents, comprising diluted residues of laundry treatment agents, when remaining in the fluid lines for a longer period of time, exemplary embodiments of the invention provide for the metering line to be flushed immediately before adding a dose.

Abstract: A laundry treating device includes two separate laundry washing mechanisms. Methods of controlling such a laundry treating device include steps for supplying water to a first tub provided in the first laundry treating device and to a second tub provided in the second laundry treating device. The water can be supplied to the two tubs simultaneously or separately. Also, the water supply steps can be alternated. Further individual hot and cold water supply steps can include simultaneously or sequentially supplying the hot and cold water.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber, where an over-sudsing condition is determined and a biofilm treating cycle is initiated.

Abstract: A method of controlling the opening of a door of a laundry treatment machine is provided. According to the method, when a door opening signal is detected during an operation of a laundry treatment machine, the temperature and the water level in a tub are reduced, and then the door of the laundry treatment machine is opened. Thus, it is possible to prevent a user from being burned by hot air or water in the tub and thus to improve the safety of a laundry treatment machine. Also, it is possible to enhance the convenience of a laundry treatment machine by allowing a user to open the door of the laundry treatment machine during an operation of the laundry treatment machine and to additionally put laundry in the laundry treatment machine. In addition, according to the method, wash water is discharged from a tub according to the temperature and the water level in the tub, and then cold water is supplied into the tub.

Abstract: The inventive washing machine is capable of advantageously rinsing laundry with clean water by performing a rinsing operation while cleaning water being used for the rinsing operation in a rinsing step. The washing machine includes a water circulation passage (42, 43, 44, 45, 15, 55, 25, 57, 26, 58, 59) for circulating laundry water to a washing tub (3). Rinsing water retained in the washing tub (3) can be circulated through the water circulation passage. Ozone generated by an ozone generator (19) is mixed with the circulated water, whereby the rinsing water is cleaned. This water cleaning operation is performed only in the rinsing step. Where the ozone is supplied only in the rinsing step, the ozone is effective to decompose dirt and odorant of the laundry. Thus, the rinsing operation is advantageously performed.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance has a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation and operated such that the extraction of liquid from the laundry load is controlled based on the inertia of the laundry load so that the total energy usage by the laundry treating appliance and a laundry drying appliance with which it is operably coupled may be minimized.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an automated laundry system. The system includes a number of perforated clothes drums, each of which holds a single load of laundry, and a washer/dryer unit. The washer/dryer unit includes a loading rack for queuing the drums for subsequent washing, a clothes washing component adapted to sequentially receive the drums from the loading rack and wash the respective loads of laundry therein, a clothes drying component adapted to sequentially receive the drums from the clothes washing component and dry the loads of laundry therein, and a holding rack for sequentially receiving the drums from the clothes drying component and holding the drums for a period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter, whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven.

Abstract: A commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is configured to use steam instead of dry-cleaning chemicals or water as a primary cleaning agent for garments rotating in a drum of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. In one embodiment of the invention, a steam injector at least partially exposed to an inner surface of the drum is configured to provide a MCU-controlled fresh steam injection into the drum during a cleaning cycle of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. The fresh steam into the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is from an outtake of a standalone boiler system which is typically used for a variety of fabric treatment machines in a commercial laundry operation. A debris and clean steam/air separation chamber periodically or continuously separates and/or filters debris, chemicals, and/or other undesirable elements from the drum and evacuates clean or cleaned-up air and moistures to au air-out duct.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to a method for determining at least one characteristic of a physical resource for use in a physical resource consuming apparatus.

Abstract: A closed cycle dryer comprises a drum, an air blowing unit wherein the air is conveyed to the drum, a heating unit used to heat the air that is blown into the drum, and a condensing unit upstream the heating unit for removing moisture. The dryer further comprises a by-pass between a first portion of the air circuit downstream the condensing unit and a second portion downstream the drum in order to increase the energy efficiency of the drying process.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a pump, such as a drain pump, with an automatic shutoff, and a method for controlling the shut off of the pump.

Abstract: A household cleaning appliance includes a bulk dispensing system configured to receive a removable cartridge containing multiple doses of treating chemistry and configured to deliver a charge of treating chemistry from the cartridge to a treating chamber and a water supply configured to be selectively coupled to the bulk dispensing system to flush at least a portion of the bulk dispensing system.