Maytag Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation

Brett C Oleson

Kimberly J Hood

Brian L Ness

Stephen D Schober

Nedra A Herr

Lashelle D Woods

John Francis Broker

Evan R Vande Haar

Douglas A Ochsner

Michael D Lafrenz

Kristi R Lafrenz

Jan D Behrens

Brett A Noser

Stephen J McCauley

Stephen J Mccauley

A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter, such as a type of stain adapted to be removed, and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Laundry appliance having automatic start feature based on selected stain

A household appliance is provided with a visual display, as well as a control system which enables the visual display to be used in an advertising mode of operation. The advertising mode can be selectively operated in either automatic or interactive formats. In the automatic format, a series of screens are successively displayed on the screen in order to advertise various features and advantages of the appliance. In the interactive format, the consumer can enter desired selections through the screen as if the appliance was actually in use. The appliance then simulates an operation cycle based on the selections made. The selections are preferably stored in a volatile memory location such that the control system reverts back to default settings and options, either after a preset idle period or upon establishing an OFF condition for the appliance.

Household appliance with advertising display mode

A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Laundry appliance having automatic start feature

A washing machine includes a control system which regulates a heater based on selected cycle operations and selected cycle operations based on heater related parameters. User cycle selections, along with sensed operating parameters including the level and temperature of a washing medium, are used to control the activation state of the heater to control the washing medium to within a preset range of a target temperature. Preferably, the heater is de-activated after a predetermined period of activation has been reached, whenever a door of the washing machine is opened, and during certain selected operating cycle portions, including a bleach fill and latter time cycle portions.

Control system for clothes washing machine incorporating heater

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Newton, IA, United States of America

Brett C Oleson