Method and apparatus for operating a washing machine
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorChristopher G. Hoppe
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims26
A control system for a washing machine operable in a wash cycle, said washing machine comprising a cabinet and a wash tub positioned within the cabinet for receiving laundry therein, said control system comprising:
- a foam sensor configured to detect a level of foam within the wash tub;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to said foam sensor, said controller configured to introduce a softener into the wash tub upon said foam sensor detecting a threshold level of foam within the wash tub.
A washing machine operable in a wash cycle, said washing machine comprising:
- a cabinet;
- a wash tub positioned within said cabinet and configured to receive laundry therein;
- a dispenser positioned within said cabinet, said dispenser comprising a plurality of independent compartments, a first compartment of said plurality of independent compartments configured to receive an anti-foam component therein;
- a foam sensor positioned within said cabinet and configured to detect a level of foam within said wash tub;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to said foam sensor, said controller configured to channel water through said first compartment and into said wash tub upon detecting a threshold level of foam within said wash tub.
A method for reducing a foam level within a washing machine during a wash cycle, said method comprising:
- positioning a foam sensor within a cabinet of the washing machine configured to detect a level of foam within a wash tub positioned within the cabinet;
- positioning a dispenser within the cabinet and in fluid communication with a basket rotatably positioned within the wash tub, the dispenser including a first compartment configured to receive a washing detergent and an independent second compartment configured to receive a softener;
- and
- operatively coupling a controller to the foam sensor, the controller configured to channel water through the second compartment and into the wash tub upon detecting a threshold level of foam within the wash tub.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.