Abstract: Household-type front loading and water-recirculating clothes washing machine adapted to automatically measure the nature of the dry clothes loaded in the machine for washing, in which the measurement of such weight of the washload is performed by measuring the amount of water that is absorbed by the clothes in the washload when this is soaked with water to a point at which it is in a dynamic saturation, i.e. steady-state condition. Said measurement of the amount of water absorbed in the clothes is obtained by subtracting the amount of water that is present in the machine, and that does not interact with the washload, from the total amount of water let into the wash tub. The nature of the load of clothes is finally calculated by processing and interpolating the amount of water that is released by said load with respect to the water previously absorbed, and comparing said data with corresponding data relevant to reference textiles, whose nature is known.

Abstract: A system for controlling a door of a drum type washing machine is provided. This system allows the door to be opened only if there is no water in the washing tub, or if the water level in the tub is very low, so as to prevent water in the tub from cascading out of the washing machine when the door is opened. A water level in the washing tub is sensed, and the sensed water level is compared to a reference water level. The door is locked or unlocked based on the comparison of the sensed water level and the reference water level.

Abstract: A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that squeeze detergent water from the laundry, heat the squeezed detergent water, and resupply the heated detergent water, thereby performing heated washing using a minimized amount of water. The washing machine includes a water tub, a rotary drum mounted in the water tub to receive laundry, and a circulation unit to supply water from the water tub into the rotary drum. The washing control method includes detecting an amount of a load according to a weight of the laundry, supplying an amount of water set according to the detected amount of load, supplying the water in the water tub into the rotary drum through the circulation unit to wet the laundry, separating the water from the laundry by rotating the rotary drum, and heating the separated water and resupplying the heated water into the rotary drum through the circulation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to washing apparatus and washing method, more particularly, a washing apparatus of a new structure, and a washing method thereof, which enables not to leave out pieces of laundry sensing of which is not possible, or not sensed yet among pieces of laundry introduced to an inside of a drum, and which makes automatic sensing and providing properties of pieces of laundry introduced to the inside of the drum for a user to make reference in setting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine is provided. The apparatus includes a key-input part, a controller, a heater, and a pulsator. A user inputs a washing condition using the key-input part. The controller controls a washing cycle to be performed according to a washing course selected through the key-input part and controls washing water to be supplied over a multi-step during a water-supply cycle. The heater heats the washing water according to a control signal of the controller. The pulsator performs an agitation motion according to a control signal of the controller. Also, a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine is provided. According to the method, a washing condition is inputted. Washing water is supplied over a multi-step. The heater and the pulsator operate during the water supply. When the water supply is completed, a washing cycle is performed according to a selected course.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine in which wash water and laundry contained in a rotating tub are heated by steam supplied into the rotating tub, so as to rapidly increase the temperature of the wash water and laundry, thereby being capable of reducing the total wash time while reducing the amount of wash water to be used, and reducing the consumption of energy caused by heating of the wash water.

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: A washer fill system and method supply a suitable minimum amount of water necessary to wash a particular load of laundry based on readings taken from a pressure sensor that measures liquid pressure in the wash tub. During the fill period, water is initially sprayed over the load to evenly wet the clothes. As the clothes become saturated, excess free water collects at the bottom and begins to fill the tub. Pressure sensor readings are taken intermittently during the fill process to determine when a sufficient amount of free water for washing the load of clothes has accumulated in the tub. This includes pressure readings taken while pulsing the washer motor to spin the wash basket. Other pressure readings may be taken during a pause in filling to measure the water run-off from the wetted clothes above the free water line, and the release of air bubbles from a load portion below the water line.

Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine and a control method thereof capable of reincreasing a number of rotations of a motor after maintaining the number of rotations at a predetermined number before excessive vibration of a water tub, braking the motor when the water tub is vibrated at more than a predetermined vibration level, and reincreasing the number of rotations, thereby reducing the excessive vibration of the water tub. The control method includes detecting the number of rotations, determining whether the detected number of rotations has reached a predetermined number, controlling the motor such that the number of rotations is maintained at the predetermined number of rotations when it is determined that the detected number of rotations has reached the predetermined number, counting the time taken to maintain the number of rotations at the predetermined number of rotations, and increasing the number of rotations after a predetermined first time has elapsed.

Abstract: A gasket and drum washing machine using the same. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a first opening through which a laundry is put in the cabinet, a tub installed in the cabinet to have a second opening corresponding to the first opening, a drum installed in the tub to have a third opening corresponding to the second opening, and a gasket for preventing leakage of water. The gasket includes a leakage preventing part having one end connected to a rim of the first opening and the other end connected to a rim of the second opening to prevent water leakage, a deformation preventing part connected to the leakage preventing part, and a laundry-stuck preventing part provided on an inner circumference of the leakage preventing part to prevent the laundry from being stuck between the second and third openings.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a clothes treating apparatus operable in a dry cleaning process and a water washing process includes a valve inlet, and first and second valve outlets coupled in flow communication with the valve inlet. The apparatus includes a cabinet, and a wash tub and a storage tank positioned within the cabinet. The valve inlet is configured to be coupled in flow communication with the wash tub. The valve assembly also includes a first valve and a second valve configured to respectively control the flow through the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet. The first valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the first valve outlet in the water washing process, and the second valve is configured to channel liquid from the wash tub outward through the second valve outlet in the dry cleaning process.

Abstract: A control system for a washing machine operable in a wash cycle is provided. The control system includes a foam sensor and a controller operatively coupled to the foam sensor. The washing machine includes a cabinet and a wash tub positioned within the cabinet for receiving laundry therein. The foam sensor is configured to detect a level of foam within the wash tub. The controller is configured to introduce a softener into the wash tub upon the foam sensor detecting a threshold level of foam within the wash tub.

Abstract: A device for washing and drying garments or other items in a single unit. The garments or other items are placed in the device on conventional plastic hangers leaving space in between each item. A manifold with arms extends between the items. The manifold moves up and down so that the arms move up and down the length of the items to be treated. The arms have one set of pipes that spray wash water, rinse water and other washing liquids on the items. The arms have another set of pipes that carry air to the items, drying the items. After the cycle is complete the clothes or other items may be left in the device until needed.

Abstract: A washing machine is constructed with a special control unit and a conductance sensor in a washing liquid container for detecting a water level including whether there the water is above or below a given water level, and the presence of foam during a washing cycle. The control unit controls the operation of a pump, as well as the addition of fresh water, for eliminating excessive foam in the washing liquid container and in the drum. It is also possible to stop the pump from discharging this disturbing foam.

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: A method for controlling the program of a washing machine comprises the recording of the amount of water supplied to the tub of the washing machine, the assessment of the amount of free water present in the tub (T), the evaluation of the amount of water absorbed by the load by subtracting the amount of free water from the amount of water supplied to the tub (T), the estimate of the specific absorption of the load based on the water absorbed and on free water, and the calculation of a load equivalent based on the specific absorption and on the amount of water absorbed by the load, such load equivalent being related to the load in the machine and being used for controlling the program thereof.

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 for cleaning and restoring a hydrophobic effect of textiles in a domestic washing machine in which hydrophobic substances dissolved in the washing liquid are contacted with the textiles during a treatment process. A washing process for cleaning the textiles while adding a special detergent is carried out in the presence of an inflow of fresh water, and at the end thereof, the used washing liquid is pumped off. The soapy water used for the preceding process is replaced and a multi-stage rinsing process is carried out for the textiles. After termination of the rinsing process, the last rinsing water is replaced and the hydrophobic substances are added to a newly supplied amount of fresh water, and a treatment process for waterproofing the textiles is carried out in an additive-containing washing liquid and the used additive-containing washing liquid is removed without repeating the rinsing process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a washing method of a washing machine, in which an out of order of a water level sensor in a steam generator which generates steam is detected exactly, for safe protection of the steam generator and laundry, and effective performance of the washing. To achieve the object of the present invention, the washing method includes the steps of ($ sensing a water level sensor being out of order during steam washing, and (B) turning off the? steam generator if it is sensed that the water level sensor is out of order.

Abstract: A control method for a drum washing machine is disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide a control for a drum washing machine capable of capable of not only economizing in power and washing water but also enhancing washing efficiency. The method includes steps of sensing an amount of the laundry introduced within a drum; predetermining a water level based on the sensed amount of the laundry; supplying an amount of washing water smaller than the predetermined water level, but enough to dampen the laundry as well as to cause pumping circulation; a first washing for washing the laundry roughly by means of circulating the small amount of the washing water; re-supplying washing water to the predetermined water level; and a second washing for washing the laundry with rotating the drum in a state without pumping circulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing contaminants from a solvent based cleaning fluid. An article cleaning apparatus comprises an ultrafiltration filter having a pore size of about 0.01 microns to about 0.2 microns. A method for performing a solvent based cleaning process using an article cleaning apparatus comprises passing a solvent based cleaning fluid through an ultrafiltration filter having a having a pore size of about 0.01 microns to about 0.2 microns.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for achieving a pigment dye look and articles produced by same. In some embodiments, a method of dying knit fabrics includes treating a knit fabric with a cationic agent to add a positive charge to the knit fabric; and contacting the treated knit fabric with a negatively charged direct dye, wherein the direct dye adherence to the knit fabric is improved, with more uniform coloring and improved transfer resistance, while minimizing dye over-penetration, with reduced direct dye usage. In some embodiments, the method may further include cutting and sewing the dyed knit fabric to form a garment; and washing down the cut and sewn dyed knit fabric to produce a garment.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are provided, which control a rotational speed of a rotary tub (or revolutions per minute: RPM of a motor) according to a vibration level thereof to attenuate a vibration of the rotary tub. The washing machine includes the rotary tub, the motor, a vibration detecting unit and a control unit. The motor is linked to the rotary tub to be supplied with drive power and rotates the rotary tub. The vibration detecting unit detects the vibration level of the rotary tub using a variation of the drive power supplied to the motor when the motorrotates. The control unit controls a current rotational speed of the motor to be increased, maintained or decreased according to the vibration level of the rotary tub detected by the vibration detecting unit.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the level of the liquid in the lye container for removing foam in the lye container of a drum washing machine with a lye discharge system arranged on the floor of the lye container with a lye pump during a program step, which is provided for dehydrating the lye container. Its sensor signal P is recorded during operation of the lye pump. According to the present invention the sequence p/t of the sensor signal contains a component ?p/?t, whereof the presence indicates the presence of foam in the measuring region. Further, in the presence of the component a foam treatment measure suiting the type of component is introduced.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices and kits for dispensing laundry additive materials into the drum of an automatic washing machine as that machine is used to carry out a fabric laundering operation. To bring about such dispensing of additives, a lidded housing structure is placed within the drum of an automatic washing machine, an insert, containing one or more laundry additives in each compartment, is placed within the lidded housing structure, the lid is closed and the machine is run through the several stages of its laundering cycle. Selectively actuatable puncturing element are provided to optionally open at least one compartment of the insert upon closing of the housing structure lid, thereby dispensing the contents of that opened compartment into the washing machine drum as wash additive materials and/or to open one or more compartments of the insert later in the laundering cycle to dispense contents of those compartments into the washing machine drum as rinse additive materials.

Abstract: A device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance may be stored or laundered is taught comprising a washable bag with sufficient elasticity to retain the garment in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled. So that the washable bag can be dried as well as washed, the bag is preferably made from fabric that resists melting at temperatures conventionally experienced during the clothes drying process. The bag further has snag-free surface and at least one opening to receive the garment. Means for hanging may be provided so that the device can be easily stored.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises at least one of a tub and drum defining a fabric treatment chamber, a steam generator having a steam generation chamber and configured to supply steam to the fabric treatment chamber, and a conduit fluidly coupling a water supply to the steam generation chamber. The fabric treatment appliance can also include a flow controller and/or a flow meter fluidly coupled to the conduit to facilitate controlling the supply of water to the steam generation chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the flow controller and/or the flow meter.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance, such as a washing machine, comprises at least one of a tub and drum configured to hold a fabric load. A method of operating the fabric treatment appliance comprises heating the fabric load and, after heating the fabric load, sanitizing the fabric load by heating the fabric load with steam.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for eliminating wrinkles in clothes in a washing or drying machine using steam to eliminate the wrinkles in clothes, in a state in which the clothes are worn by a user or stored, as well as in a state in which washing of the clothes is terminated. The method includes determining whether or not a wrinkle-eliminating course is selected; supplying hot air to the clothes to eliminate dust from the clothes when it is determined that the wrinkle-eliminating course is selected; and supplying steam to the clothes, from which the dust was eliminated, to eliminate the wrinkles in the clothes.

Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine having a first washing tub and a second washing tub, the method having the operations: receiving a first operating command to be performed in the first washing tub; determining whether the operating command can be performed; and when the operating command can be performed, performing the operating command in the first washing tub.

Abstract: A disinfecting washing machine includes a disinfecting liquid dispenser, a drive unit and a control unit. The disinfecting liquid dispenser supplies a disinfecting liquid to disinfect laundry. The drive unit outputs first and second voltages to determine a concentration of the disinfecting liquid. The control unit detects the concentration of the disinfecting liquid and controlling the drive unit so that the disinfecting liquid has a concentration within a preset range.

Abstract: The washing machine can wash laundry using bubbles. The control method includes generating detergent concentrate liquid required for generation of the bubbles, supplying the detergent concentrate liquid and water into a water tub, generating the bubbles from detergent water as a mixture of the detergent concentrate liquid and the water, followed by supplying the bubbles to laundry, and washing the laundry using the bubbles. The bubbles act as a cushion to reduce friction between the laundry, thereby preventing texture of the laundry from being damaged due to the friction between the laundry and strong water stream while allowing dirt on the laundry to be effectively removed due to a high concentration of detergent in the bubbles.

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 operating a washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises a pre-wash step; a heating step comprising introducing steam into at least one of the tub and the drum; and a washing step. The pre-wash step comprises recirculating liquid between the tub and the drum; rotating the drum at a first spin speed to distribute the clothing within the drum; and rotating the drum at a second spin speed greater than the first spin speed to draw the liquid through the fabric load.

Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises introducing liquid into the drum to wet the fabric load and spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum prior to the introducing of the liquid.

Abstract: A washing machine and an operating method thereof are provided. The washing machine detects an input voltage, and increases or reduces a wash time according to the input voltage. Thus, the washing machine can precisely calculate a wash time by reflecting a heating time that varies according to the input voltage. In addition, the washing machine can improve user convenience by enabling a user to easily determine the progress of a washing operation and the end time of the washing operation.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load and a liquid recirculation system configured to recirculate liquid from the tub to the drum comprises a pre-wash step; a heating step comprising introducing steam into the tub and/or the drum; and a washing step comprising washing the fabric load with a second volume of liquid greater than the first volume of liquid. The pre-wash step can comprise recirculating a first volume of liquid between the tub and the drum without submerging a portion of the drum in the liquid and rotating the drum. In another embodiment, the pre-wash step can comprise recirculating a first volume of liquid between the tub and the drum to achieve a fabric load weight to liquid weight ratio of between about 1:0.5 and 1:2.7.

Abstract: With a method for determining the load of a washing machine, the load can be determined in a simple and exact manner in that the load is calculated by a comparison between suspension forces of the at least one suspension element and damper forces of the at least one damper with a non-linear characteristic in the unloaded and loaded state of the washing machine.

Abstract: A method of operating a fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generation step and, after the completion of the steam generation step, a draining step comprising draining liquid remaining in a chamber of the steam generator to a tub of the fabric treatment appliance. The steam generator in one embodiment can comprise the chamber, an inlet configured to introduce liquid into the chamber, an outlet configured to exhaust steam from the chamber, and a drain coupling the chamber to the tub and configured to drain liquid from the chamber to the tub.

Abstract: Window cleaning cloths are repetitively conditioned for cleaning windows in a commercial car wash by processing the cloths in a washer-extractor of the type having in sequence a wash cycle, a first rinse and spin cycle and a final rinse and spin cycle. A detergent and degreaser are added to the water used in the wash cycle. A window cleaning solution is added to the final rinse water used in the final rinse and spin cycle to saturate the cloths with a diluted mixture of water and window cleaning solution. A substantial portion of the diluted mixture of final rinse water and window cleaning solution is removed during the spin portion of the final rinse and spin cycle to provide a window cleaning cloth uniformly dampened with window cleaning solution. The conditioned cloths are used to wipe windows without necessity of spray application of cleaning solution. The cloths are reprocessed and used in the same manner.

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: A method for controlling the spin cycle in an automatic clothes washer. The clothes washer comprises an imperforate tub, a perforate basket located within the tub, a bearing assembly carried by the tub, a drive shaft rotationally supported in the bearing assembly and coupled to the basket to define a rotational axis of the basket, a drive assembly rotating the drive shaft, and a controller operably to the drive assembly, with the controller controlling the drive mechanism to control the spin rate of the basket according to a spin cycle. The method comprises sensing a moment acting on the bearing, and controlling the spin rate of the basket in response to the sensed moment.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine has an access hole and a drum door for closing the access hole provided on the cylindrical sidewall of the drum. The enclosure of the washing machine includes an access opening that aligns with the assess hole of the drum. A motor of the washing machine is coupled to both the drum door and the drum itself. Thus, the motor can be used to rotate the drum and the door during washing operations. A clutch unit selectively couples and decouples the motor from the drum so that the drum door can be rotated with respect to the drum to open and close the access hole of the drum.

Abstract: A washing machine control method prevents the setting of an incorrect water level, when laundry is added to the washing machine after manipulating a wash command key, by setting an accurate water level and wash pattern. The water level and wash pattern are repeatedly reset according to a differential present in consecutively sensed wet laundry amounts, if a substantial differential is detected between dry and wet laundry amounts. That is, if the difference between consecutively sensed wet laundry amounts is reduced to a predetermined value, within a predetermined number of repeated sensings, the washing step is controlled according to reset values for the water level and wash pattern.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device which is superior in writing and charge holding properties, including a semiconductor substrate in which a channel formation region is formed between a pair of impurity regions formed with an interval, and a first insulating layer, a floating gate, a second insulating layer, and a control gate over an upper layer portion of the semiconductor substrate. It is preferable that a band gap of a semiconductor material forming the floating gate be smaller than that of the semiconductor substrate. For example, it is preferable that the band gap of the semiconductor material forming the floating gate be smaller than that of the channel formation region in the semiconductor substrate by 0.1 eV or more. This is because, by decreasing the bottom energy level of a conduction band of the floating gate electrode to be lower than that of the channel formation region in the semiconductor substrate, carrier injecting and charge holding properties are improved.

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 washing machine control method includes executing a dewatering step. The method accelerates a motor to rotate a drum according to a predetermined rate in response to the dewatering execution step. The method detects if the predetermined rate exceeds a first value but is less than a second value, and whether a state of vibration exists with respect to the drum rotated according to the predetermined rate; and stops the motor if the detected state of vibration exists.

Abstract: A sensor system for a water-bearing domestic appliance for monitoring the treatment fluid in the appliance. The sensor system measures the treatment fluid parameters in a program sequence that includes alternating idle and in motion operations of the appliance. The measured treatment fluid parameters can be compared to known proper operational treatment fluid parameters.

Abstract: A control panel for a laundry appliance includes a cycle type section comprising a reconfigurable display, and a cycle parameter section graphically illustrating selected laundry cycle parameters.

Abstract: A washing machine and washing control method thereof. The washing control method not only improves the effectiveness of a preliminary washing cycle that is an optional function of the washing machine, but also reduces the amount of detergent and wash water that is used for the preliminary washing cycle. For this, the washing control method includes determining whether or not a preliminary washing cycle is selected, supplying a lesser amount of wash water than a desired amount of wash water that is determined based on the amount of laundry if the preliminary washing cycle is selected, and performing the preliminary washing cycle, and supplying a certain amount of wash water additionally after completing the preliminary washing cycle, and performing a main washing cycle.