Fisher & Paykel Limited

David J Ensor

Frank W Shacklock

John J Williams

A method of cyclically accelerating an electric motor particularly for use in a laundry machine. A desired speed, direction of rotation and acceleration time is set and power is applied to the motor in a series of incremental steps, each successive step corresponding to an increase in the level of power applied during the previous step. The steps are initially estimated to be sufficient to enable sufficient energy to be supplied to the motor for it to reach the desired speed in the desired acceleration time. The speed of the motor is monitored and the steps of accelerating the motor are repeated with the series of incremental steps adjusted to adjust the supply of energy to the motor dependant on the speed reached in the acceleration time of the previous cycle.

Acceleration controller for laundry machine motor

A method of cyclically accelerating an electric motor for example for use during an agitation cycle in a laundry machine. A desired speed, direction of rotation and acceleration time is set and power is applied to the motor in a series of incremental steps, each successive step corresponding to an increase in the level of power applied during the previous step. The steps are initially estimated to be sufficient to enable sufficient energy to be supplied to the motor for it to reach the desired speed in the acceleration time. The speed of the motor is monitored and the steps of accelerating the motor are repeated with the series of incremental steps adjusted to adjust the supply of energy to the motor dependant on the speed reached in the acceleration time of the previous cycle.

Electronic controls for electric motors, laundry machines including such

A method of providing a desired water level in a laundry machine by energising the motor of the machine intermittently to produce changes in velocity of the spin tub, agitator and a load of clothes in the spin tub. The changes in velocity are measured and from the measurements the mass of the load of clothes is determined. A desired volume of water necessary for an optimum wash of the load of clothes is then determined and this volume of water is admitted to the washing container of the laundry machine.

Laundry machines and/or methods of controlling the same

A method, control device and appartaus for providing a desired water level in a laundry machine (1) by energizing the motor (10) of the machine intermittently to produce changes in velocity of the spin tub (3), agitator (4) and a load of clothes in the spin tub. The changes in velocity are measured and from the measurements the mass of the load of clothes is determined. A desired volume of water necessary for an optimum wash of the load of clothes is then determined and this volume of water is admitted (17) to the washing container (2) of the laundry machine.

Growing community of inventors

Auckland, New Zealand

David J Ensor