Control for an automatic washer with spray pretreatment
US6269666A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F39/06
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.