Apparatus for avoiding damage due to washing machine hose failure

A device for preventing a washing machine from flooding comprising:

• first and second solenoid valves connected, respectively, to a cold water supply pipe and a hot water supply pipe;
• a washing machine having first and second inlets connected through first and second hoses to said first and second solenoid valves, each of said inlets having a solenoid valve operable to fill a wash tub with water from one of said hot and cold water supply pipes, said washing machine having a controller which selects one or more of said washing machine solenoid valves for operation;
• and
• circuit means connected to said controller to provide first and second signals to said first and second solenoid valves to operate said valves in synchronism with said washing machine inlet valves so as to maintain static pressure in the hoses at a minimum.

A device for preventing flooding from a hose connecting an inlet of a washing machine to a water supply pipe, said inlet being connected to an internal solenoid valve controlled by said washing machine controller to fill a wash tub, comprising:

• a solenoid valve which connects said hose to said water supply pipe;
• a circuit connected to a controller of said washing machine to receive a fill signal indicating said washing machine is to be filled with water, and to receive a level full signal indicating said wash tub has been filled, comprising:
• a first delay circuit for delaying said fill signal a period of time;
• a second delay circuit for delaying said level full signal a period of time;
• a first flip-flop to be set by said fill signal, and reset by a signal from said second delay circuit;
• a second flip-flop to be set by a signal from said first delay circuit and reset by said level full signal;
• a first valve controller for enabling and disabling an internal solenoid valve connected to said inlet in response to said first flip-flop;
• and
• a second valve controller for enabling and disabling said solenoid valve connecting said hose to said water supply pipe, in response to said second flip-flop.