Abstract: A dehydrating method of a drum type washing machine for precisely detecting a single load for a dehydrating cycle to effectively dehydrate is disclosed. A drum type washing machine for detecting a single load to distinguish the detected single load into a long single load and a short single load, so that effective dehydrating is carried out, is disclosed. The dehydrating method includes the step of determining whether the laundry is the single load. A following dehydrating method varies with whether the laundry is the single load or not.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a horizontally rotatable drum having a drum shell. Hollow agitators are disposed on the inside of the drum and have a base as part of the drum shell and at least one inlet opening to allow lye into the hollow space. Outlet openings are located on a top region of each agitator for allowing lye to pour out upon rotation to an elevated position. A fixed barrier located in the hollow space of each agitator serves to divide the space to define a chamber such that upon rotation from a lowest position, the chamber fills with lye, and upon further rotation the lye flows out of the outlet openings.

Abstract: A washing machine and control method thereof are disclosed, by which water waste is reduced and by which an error or malfunction of the washing machine is detected and by which the detected error or malfunction of the washing machine is notified to a user. The present invention includes the steps of measuring an initial temperature of water supplied within a steam generator for providing steam to a drum, heating the water within the steam generator for a set time, measuring a temperature of the heated water within the steam generator, calculating a difference between the heated water temperature and the initial water temperature, and deciding a presence or non-presence of abnormality of the steam generator based on the calculated temperature difference.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a washing drum in a washing machine for impermissible or atypical movement during a first phase of a washing program as may result, for instance, from the presence of a child or animal in the drum, and of aborting the washing program upon detection of such impermissible movement.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to a system and method which minimizes the period of time in which a drain pump is running in a washing machine unit. The method includes determining the amount of washer fluid used to fill a washing machine tub when the washing machine has entered the draining portion of the cycle, measuring the time it takes in order to trip a water level sensor. The method generally continues with calculating a predicted time to drain and operating a drain pump according to the predicted time to drain. Use of this method minimizes the opportunities for machine malfunctions while further minimizing the opportunity for the pump to run dry, creating noise and increasing the length of the entire washing cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the speed of an extractor measures an out of balance condition of the extractor and then sets the rotational speed to a preselected value. Higher out of balance values result in lower rotational speeds. Lower out of balance values result in higher rotational speeds. A preselected maximum rotational speed can be set on the controller.

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.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method for supplying water thereof are disclosed. The washing machine comprises a supply valve for supplying cold/warm water into a tub, a water level detection unit for detecting a water level in the tub, and a microcomputer for performing an intermittent water supply and a continuous water supply by controlling an amount of water supplied to the tub from the water supply valve via a detergent barrel, and for controlling water supply according to the water level in the tub detected by the water level detection unit. The intermittent and continuous water supply is performed in such a manner of supplying water and stopping the water supply, and water supply time is differently set for the primary and secondary intermittent water supply, so that the detergent can be smoothly supplied to the tub without remaining in the barrel.

Abstract: A method of treating fabrics, such as de-sized and/or previously bleached hydrophilic fabrics, having threads in a selected machine direction (a weft, or inversely, a warp) and formed of natural or artificial cellulose fibers. The fabric is impregnated with a metal peroxide while leaving the fabric free in the selected machine direction for a period of time necessary for swelling of the fibers of the threads in the selected machine direction and for modification of the cellulose. The fabric is then passed in air while leaving the fabric relaxed and without tension in the selected machine direction, during which the threads in the selected machine direction swell and assume the form of a spring, after shrinkage, followed by at least one rinsing, at least one washing, and at least one squeezing step. Also, the elastic fabrics obtained by the method, and the machine for implementing the method.

Abstract: An automatic clothes washer has a wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving a clothes load and a clothes mover provided in the wash chamber for reciprocal rotation. The automatic clothes washer performs a laundering of a clothes load by wetting a portion of the clothes load to form a clothes load with both wetted and unwetted articles of clothes. The clothes load is then reoriented by moving at least some of the wetted articles of clothing into at least some of the unwetted articles of clothing.

Abstract: A method of treating laundry in a washing machine having a substantially rotatable drum disposed in a suds container. The method includes heating the drum wall with a heater during a laundry smoothing cycle and rotating the drum during the smoothing cycle at a first speed so as to lift the laundry in the drum to a height at which the laundry slides down the drum wall.

Abstract: A method of detecting an item of clothing in the space between a door assembly of a washing machine and an annular gasket interposed between the door assembly and a washing tub of the washing machine. The method further includes taking an action to remove the item of the laundry from the space between the door assembly and the annular gasket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a washer and washing cycle control method thereof, by which a laundry amount of a laundry can be measured prior to a water supply despite a dry state of the laundry and by which the waste of power consumption and unnecessary use of water can be prevented. The present invention includes a drum holding a laundry therein, a motor rotating the drum, and a control unit executing a sub-routine for measuring a laundry amount of the laundry prior to a water supply to the drum.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor, particularly a turbidity sensor in a domestic appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, with the aid of reference values, including the determination of measuring values, with at least one measured value selected using probability calculus that is no longer taken into account when determining the reference values.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching a power transmission mode of a washing machine id disclosed, to prevent malfunction and damages of the washing machine by switching the power transmission mode stably in which the method includes: (a) rotating the cam (600) by driving the clutch motor (60); (b) counting the number of pulses of power supplied to the clutch motor (60); and (c) maintaining the rotation of the cam (600) until the ounted number of pulses is equal to, or greater than a preset number of pulses.

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 laundry treating device includes a first laundry treating device and a second laundry treating device adjacent to the first laundry treating device. A first heater provided in the first laundry treating device and a second heater provided in the second laundry treating device can be selectively and alternatively operated to heat washing water.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a wash additive dispenser for dispensing detergent and one or more additives into a wash tub. Water is delivered to a first wash agent chamber in the wash additive dispenser for delivery into a wash tub during a wash cycle. Water is subsequently delivered to a second wash agent chamber to flush from that chamber any unintended collection of water or additive residue therein, as may result from the water delivery to the first wash agent chamber and/or from an earlier dispensing of additive from the second wash agent chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus control a drum-type washing machine during a dewatering process in which a motor, coupled to a drum, rotates the drum to extract water from laundry contained in the drum. The method includes rotating the motor at a first rotating speed; performing at least one eccentricity detection at the first rotating speed, to obtain an eccentricity value; accelerating, if the obtained eccentricity value is within a nominal range, the motor from the first rotating speed to a second rotating speed, the second rotating speed being lower than a resonance range of the motor and rotated drum; and entering a main dewatering phase based on the at least one eccentricity detection. The second rotating speed of the motor is maintained at a constant level for a predetermined time before the main dewatering phase is entered. The constant level may be applied to a preliminary dewatering stage performed prior to the first rotating speed acceleration.

Abstract: A clothes treating system having a laundry storage device and a clothes treating method are disclosed. The clothes treating system includes a laundry storage device having a plurality of storage boxes to sort and store laundry according to a laundry type, and a clothes treating apparatus to perform a washing course upon receiving washing information, related to laundry sorted and stored in each storage box, from the laundry storage device. The clothes treating method includes sorting and introducing clothing into a plurality of storage boxes according to a clothing type, transmitting washing information of the laundry sorted and stored in the respective storage boxes to a clothes treating apparatus, and performing a washing course according to the transmitted washing information.

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.

Abstract: In the washing and drainage of laundry articles, treatment liquid which contains still unspent wash-active substances occurs at the end of the washing operation. These substances have hitherto been conducted, if appropriate after neutralization, into the discharge together with the treatment liquid. This known procedure has an adverse effect on the efficiency of the washing operation. According to the invention, spent wash-active substances are removed from the treatment liquid separated from the laundry articles after the washing operation. This takes place by means of precision filtration, in which only the spent wash-active substances which are larger due to the absorption of dirt from the washing operation are filtered out of the treatment liquid, but not the unspent wash-active substances having a smaller particle size. These can be reused, together with the treatment liquid, for a subsequent washing operation.

Abstract: A process of extracting liquid from a fabric having a first content of liquid includes the steps of creating a surfactant surface layer including at least one surfactant at an air-liquid interface of the liquid on the fabric, wherein the surface layer has a first surface tension, and adding at least one co-surfactant different from the surfactant. The surfactant and said co-surfactant have substantial chain length compatibility. The co-surfactant reduces the surface tension at the air-liquid interface. The fabric is then subjected to mechanical extraction for a period of time to reduce the liquid content of the fabric from the first content of liquid to a second liquid content.

Abstract: There is provided a reliable method for sensing a laundry amount and a method for controlling a washing machine, in which a method for sensing a laundry amount is performed appropriately according to the laundry amount. According to the method of the present invention, the reliability in the sensed laundry amount is improved.

Abstract: The object is to determine a suitable stop timing of dry cleaning operation in a dry cleaning method without an oil-soluble surface-active agent. Contamination level of a pure solvent supplied from a supply tank to an inner drum of a process tank by a supply-side pump is detected by a supply-side RGB sensor. Contamination level of a used solvent collected from the process tank to a distilling unit by a collect-side pump is detected by a collect-side RGB sensor. When the deference of the contamination levels becomes to zero, a control unit stops supplying the pure solvent from the supply tank to the process tank, collecting the used solvent from the process tank to the distilling unit.

Abstract: A method for fluid recovery in a semi-aqueous wash process including the steps of receiving semi-aqueous wash liquor from a wash container; pretreating the semi-aqueous wash liquor and separating it into aqueous-rich working fluid phase and non-aqueous working fluid phase, treating the aqueous-rich working fluid phase to remove remaining non-aqueous working fluid, and treating the non-aqueous-rich working fluid phase for recovery and reuse.

Abstract: A method for washing and drying items in a dishwasher and a dishwasher are provided. After the dishwasher is placed in a program execution readiness state in which a given washing or drying program can be executed, a washing program and then a drying program are executed. In response to both an interruption of the drying program resulting in the dishwasher no longer being in a program execution readiness state and a thereafter following restoration of the dishwasher to its program execution readiness state, a parameter value is measured and the drying program is resumed if there is no predetermined deviation from a nominal value and, on the other hand, a fresh cycle of a washing program and a drying program is initiated in the event of a predetermined deviation.

Abstract: A control system for a laundry washing machine with a horizontal wash drum detects load imbalance in the drum and selects a proper rotation speed for the drum in a water extraction operation. A drive controller for the motor turning the drum detects a phase angle variation in the drive voltage and drive current applied to the motor as an indication of the load imbalance in the drum, and determines whether the detected load imbalance falls in one of a plurality of pre-defined load-imbalance zones. The drive controller then provides a signal indicating the detected imbalance zone to a machine controller of the washing machine. The machine controller selects a proper rotation speed for the extraction operation based on the detected imbalance zone, or alternatively initiates a load-redistribution operation to reduce the load imbalance.

Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a door having means for determining an opened state or a closed state. The method may include 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 open state of the door during the wash cycle. Control of the wash course may be based on the first wet laundry amount, if the open state of the door is not detected during the wash cycle, or control of the wash course may be based on the second wet laundry amount if the open state of the door is detected during the wash cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine, and more particularly, to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine wherein a user can be guided in all the washing processes by the respective stages. The present invention is characterized in that usages of the washing machine by the respective stages are provided to an inexperienced person who does not know well the usages, that actual processes are performed when the user follows the provided instructions, and that the user can personally check and troubleshoot simple problems which may occur when utilizing the washing machine. According to the present invention, there is an additional advantage in that various functions and usages of the washing machine can be more conveniently and efficiently utilized with the aid of a wash help.

Abstract: An improved solvent cleaning process of cleaning a non-aqueous solvent used in a dry cleaning process for fabrics including consecutive wash cycles for washing respective fabrics batches, including a basic solvent refining cycle and a first advanced solvent refining cycle, the basic solvent refining cycle including a step of separating solvent into a first solvent fraction and a second solvent fraction which is less clean than the first fraction, wherein the basic and first advanced solvent refining cycles are independently effected when solvent to be cleaned fulfils a respective predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a laundry weight of a washing machine can correctly detect a laundry weight of a washing machine. To this end, a motor of a washing machine is driven at a first speed and then at a second speed, and a laundry weight is detected on the basis of a value of a first current for driving the motor at the first speed and a value of a second current for driving the motor at the second speed.

Abstract: A controlling method of a laundry machine is disclosed. The controlling method includes supplying wash water into a tub up to a predetermined water level, and controlling On/Off of a steam heater and a tub heater until a temperature inside the tub or a drum reaches a predetermined temperature at the predetermined water level. By using both the tub heater and steam heater in conjunction with a controlling of a water supply valve in order to acquire the predetermined water level and predetermined tub temperature, the controlling method is advantageous to improve energy efficiency of the laundry machine.

Abstract: There is provided a reliable method for sensing a laundry amount and a method for controlling a washing machine, in which a method for sensing a laundry amount is performed appropriately according to the laundry amount. According to the method of the present invention, the reliability in the sensed laundry amount is improved.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the same that is capable of determining whether laundry is a single load or a multiple load based on detected value of eccentricity or detected laundry amount and changing revolutions per minute of a motor or the number of eccentricity detections based on the determined load amount such that different spin-drying actions are performed. The washing machine comprises an eccentricity detecting unit for detecting eccentricity of laundry received in a drum, a motor driving unit for driving a motor such that the drum is rotated, and a microprocessor for determining whether the laundry is a single load or a multiple load based on the value of eccentricity detected by the eccentricity detecting unit and changing revolutions per minute of the motor or the number of eccentricity detections of the eccentricity detecting unit based on the initially determined load amount.

Abstract: Provided is a fabric structure treatment apparatus in which it is not required to heat at a high temperature a fabric structure and/or components of the treatment apparatus, which are/is targeted for sterilization; in which a dry state is not necessarily required; which does not bring about deterioration, discoloring, and the like of the fabric structure and/or components of the treatment apparatus, targeted for the sterilization; the fabric structure and/or components of the treatment apparatus, targeted for the sterilization, are not damaged; and which is capable of attaining sufficient bactericidal action.

Abstract: A method of performing a spinning operation of a washing machine is disclosed. First, a load weight of wet clothes contained in a tub is measured, and an optimal acceleration rate is calculated based upon the measured load weight. Finally, a rotational speed of the tub is gradually increased up to a predetermined speed at the calculated optimal acceleration rate such that the unbalanced distribution of the wet clothes within the tub is minimized.

Abstract: A process for finishing textiles with oil components is provided, and includes preparing an aqueous oil-in-water emulsion of one or more oil components using one or more alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal soaps of one or more C6-24 fatty acids as emulsifiers; introducing a textile into the aqueous oil-in-water emulsion; and reducing the pH of the aqueous oil-in-water emulsion by adding an acid.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance capable of indicating when a fabric load is sanitized, implementing a sanitizing by modifying a predetermined operation cycle, or implementing a sanitizing cycle after the completion of a predetermined operation cycle.

Abstract: A method for supplying liquid mixtures on a mix-on-demand basis for consumptive use, and for maintaining the composition of such mixture on a highly accurate and stable basis. For wet-on-wet processing of fabrics, the processing solution is supplied at start-up on a mix-on-demand basis to precise specifications and is maintained at such precise specifications throughout fabric processing, which involves continuous additions of water by the incoming fabric and removal of solution by the exiting fabric. Recirculation of the solution at a high rate, together with rapid and repetitive measurements of the composition of the recirculating solution enables the solution to be precisely monitored and maintained. Periodic small additions of chemical are injected as necessary to maintain highly stable, accurately controlled process conditions. Extraordinary economies, both direct and indirect, can be realized with the new system.

Abstract: A garment refreshing appliance comprising: an enclosure for receiving at least one garment to be refreshed, a support positioned in said enclosure to receive and suspend said garment in said enclosure, an air moving device arranged to circulate a flow of air within said enclosure, and an air duct associated with said air moving device to direct said circulating flow of air within said enclosure, said air duct having a plurality of flow directing vanes associated therewith to direct said recirculating flow of air against said garment.

Abstract: A detergent box opening and closing detecting apparatus of a washing machine includes: a detergent box to which a detergent is introduced; a detergent box installation part formed at a main body of the washing machine and allowing the detergent box to be installed therein; and a detergent box opening/closing detecting member that detects whether or not the detergent box installed in the detergent box installation part is opened or closed.

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 control method of a washing machine reliably guarantees a rinsing performance, and a minimized number of rinsing cycles is performed. The method includes: circulating detergent water collected in a tub through a circulation passage during a washing cycle; supplying a voltage to a pair of electrodes made of different materials and installed on the circulation passage to determine whether a quantity of detergent contained in the detergent water is excessive; circulating rinsing water collected in the tub through the circulation passage during a rinsing cycle; detecting a magnitude (I2) of a current flowing through the rinsing water by supplying the voltage to the pair of electrodes; and comparing the detected magnitude (I2) of the current with a reference value (Ir), and finishing the rinsing cycle when the detected magnitude (I2) is equal to or less than the reference value (Ir).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for machine washing that includes a sterilizer capable of continuously exhibiting antibiotic and sterilization functions during washing and rinsing processes and reducing the consumption amount of Ag. The washing machine comprises a water reservoir to contain washing water, a sterilizer sterilizing the washing water through an electrolysis process, and a circulator circulating the washing water in the sterilizer.

Abstract: A spray fill device for delivering water to a washing machine is provided. The spray fill device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet port, a mounting port, and a plurality of outlet apertures in flow communication with the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a first valve coupled to the inlet, the valve configured to control a flow rate of water into the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a pressure relief mechanism coupled to the mounting port, the pressure relief mechanism inhibiting flow through the outlet port when a pressure within the body is less than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a method for constructing a menu in a washing machine integrally having a drier where communication is possible. The method includes the steps of: transmitting sent data if a power is applied; reading received data that depends on transmission of the sent data; judging a connection state of the drier and the washing machine using the read and received data and displaying differently contents of a menu screen displayed on the display unit according to the judgment results. Therefore, a menu construction is changed depending on a communication state of the drier and the washing machine, so that whether one machine is independently used or works in cooperation with the other machine can be more easily recognized and a menu selection and checking are easy, thus user convenience can be improved.

Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine, in which substances stuck to the surface of a heater are washed off to minimize the generation of scale on the heater, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub; a heater installed in the tub for heating washing water; and a washing device for washing the heater. The washing device includes a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water to the heater, and a washing pump for supplying the washing water in the tub to the spray nozzle. The washing of the heater is performed in the first rinsing operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine having a drying device, which performs a spin-drying operation at a maximally low RPM and supplies cold air to clothes in a delicate course so as to minimize damage to the clothes and improve rinsing and spin-drying efficiencies, and a method for controlling spin-drying of the washing machine. The method for controlling spin-drying of the washing machine, which has a rotary drum for containing clothes, a motor for rotating the rotary drum, and a fan for circulating air into the rotary drum, includes determining whether or not a delicate course is selected; performing low-speed spin-drying in which the rotary drum is rotated at a low speed by operating the motor at a low RPM, when it is determined that the delicate course is selected; and supplying cold air to the inside of the rotary drum by operating the fan together with the low-speed spin-drying.

Abstract: Method for controlling washing during spinning in a tilt-type washing machine for attenuation of vibration, including (a) a main rotation step for exerting a centrifugal force to the laundry gathered to a center of the inner tub for spreading the laundry to an inside wall of the inner tub before the water discharging step, (b) a laundry disentangle alternately rotating step for alternately rotating the inner tub for a preset times to disentangle the laundry spread to the inside wall of the inner tub, and (c) a supplementary rotating step for rotating the inner tub at a preset RPM to keep the laundry in the tilted inner tub spread evenly during the water discharge step, or alternatively (a) a laundry disentangle alternately rotating step for alternately rotating the inner tub to eliminate the eccentricity of the laundry in the inner tub before the water discharge step, and (b) a determining step either for carrying out a control pattern to eliminate the eccentricity of the laundry if the eccentricity of the la