Washing machine water control
First Claim
1. A water temperature selection and control module for a washing machine comprising:
- a processor;
a selector operative to allow a user to select a water temperature setting for the washing machine;
selector circuitry/logic in communication with said selector and said processor, said selector circuitry/logic operative to provide a signal representing the selected water temperature setting; and
said processor is operative to receive said selected water temperature setting signal and produce a control signal in response thereto, said control signal operative to control water flow into the washing machine.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Water temperature selection in a washing machine is accomplished by utilizing a single selector that is in communication with an associated processor. The single selector is preferably on the same board as the processor thereby defining a water temperature selection and control module. The water temperature selector and control module is in communication with various other selectors, sensors, detectors, inputs, or the like to receive signals therefrom. The input signals are processed by the processor to produce signals to control water flow for the washing machine. In one form, the single selector is a resistive potentiometer that provides a resistance signal to the processor. In this form, the processor is in communication with the water valves and directly energizes the water valves in accordance with the resistive signal from the potentiometer.
20 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A water temperature selection and control module for a washing machine comprising:
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a processor;
a selector operative to allow a user to select a water temperature setting for the washing machine;
selector circuitry/logic in communication with said selector and said processor, said selector circuitry/logic operative to provide a signal representing the selected water temperature setting; and
said processor is operative to receive said selected water temperature setting signal and produce a control signal in response thereto, said control signal operative to control water flow into the washing machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. In a washing machine, a method of solid state water temperature selection and control comprising the steps of:
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receiving a water temperature setting signal from a water temperature selector of the washing machine;
processing the received water temperature setting signal;
producing a control signal in response to the received water temperature setting signal; and
providing the control signal to a water valve of the washing machine. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A solid state water temperature selection and control module for a washing machine comprising:
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a circuit board;
a processor mounted to said circuit board;
a selector mounted to said circuit board and operative to allow a user to select a water temperature setting for the washing machine; and
selector circuitry in communication with said selector and said processor, said selector circuitry operative to provide a signal representing the selected water temperature setting;
said processor operative to receive said selected water temperature setting signal and produce a control signal in response thereto, said control signal operative to control water flow into the washing machine. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification