Washing machine with water control and associated method
First Claim
1. A method for controlling a water fill level of a washing machine, the method comprising:
- loading the washing machine with a wash load;
initiating a water fill stage;
counting the water fill time;
measuring the water level;
determining a measured fill rate from the measured water level and water fill time;
comparing the measured fill rate to a signature fill rate characteristic of the washing machine when unloaded; and
terminating the water fill stage when the measured fill rate is equal to the signature fill rate.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic washing machine with water level control and associated method. In one embodiment, the washing machine comprises a tub for receiving a load of clothes, a water level sensor taking water level measurements during a water fill stage, and a controller. The controller controls a water valve that introduces water into the washing machine. The controller comprises a timer, a memory and a microprocessor. The microprocessor accesses a signature fill rate of the washing machine when unloaded, receives water level measurements from the sensor during the fill stage, and determines a measured fill rate. The microprocessor compares the measured fill rate to the signature fill rate and shut off the water valve when the measured fill rate is substantially equal to the signature fill rate.
38 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a water fill level of a washing machine, the method comprising:
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loading the washing machine with a wash load;
initiating a water fill stage;
counting the water fill time;
measuring the water level;
determining a measured fill rate from the measured water level and water fill time;
comparing the measured fill rate to a signature fill rate characteristic of the washing machine when unloaded; and
terminating the water fill stage when the measured fill rate is equal to the signature fill rate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An automatic washing machine comprising:
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a tub for receiving a load of clothes;
a water level sensor operable to take water level measurements during a water fill stage; and
a controller controlling a water valve that introduces water into the washing machine, the controller comprising a timer, a memory and a microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor accesses a signature fill rate of the washing machine when unloaded, receives the water level measurements from the sensor during the water fill stage, the microprocessor being programmed to determine a measured fill rate, compare the measured fill rate to the signature fill rate and shut off the water valve when the measured fill rate is substantially equal to the signature fill rate. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for controlling a water fill level of a washing machine, the method comprising:
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measuring a fill rate of the washing machine during a water fill stage, the machine containing a wash load in an inner tub;
comparing the measured fill rate to a signature fill rate of the washing machine when unloaded; and
terminating the water fill stage when the measured fill rate is equal to the signature fill rate. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for controlling a water fill level of a washing machine having a wash load, the method comprising:
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turning on a water valve to start a water fill stage;
monitoring a water fill rate during the water fill stage;
measuring fluctuations in the water fill rate;
determining a steady state fill rate; and
turning off the water valve. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification