Whirlpool Corporation

Donald R Vander Molen

Julio C Moreira

Ronald W Holling

Arne M Nystuen

Rosario Ciancimino

Roger L Nyland

A motor controller for a single phase induction motor (SPIM), wherein the SPIM is driven by two windings, a line winding connected to the ac line and a control winding driven by the controller. The SPIM torque and hence the speed and direction is controlled by the voltage output of the controller for all speeds below the synchronous speed (set by ac line frequency). The controller adjusts the amplitude, the phase angle relative to the line winding, and the frequency of the voltage for the desired SPIM responses. The controller can also selectively switch power to the line winding for a different operating mode with both windings at below synchronous speed. Or, the controller can open the connection to the line winding after starting, and operate the SPIM via the control winding at any speed by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the controller voltage.

Electric motor speed and direction controller and method

A speaker independent conversational voice command control system is provided which is useful in connection with home appliances which operate within a range of selectable parameters, such as an automatic clothes dryer. The control system recognizes voice commands and emits synthesized speech sounds, in an interaction with a user, to obtain the input necessary for setting the operating parameters.

Conversational voice command control system for home appliance

A vacuum cleaner structure having a control for reducing the total current delivery to the vacuum cleaner as when both a suction motor thereof and a brush motor thereof are being operated concurrently. The control includes an 'On-Off' switch mounted on a portion of the suction hose for the vacuum cleaner. The invention comprehends the provision of such a current-reducing control where the full load currents of the suction and brush motors cumulatively total an amount greater than a preselected safe current deliverable to the vacuum cleaner. The control is arranged to be used with a vacuum cleaner having a suction hose connected between a suction unit and a cleaning unit thereof, such as a floor cleaning unit. In one form, the control utilizes a two-conductor wire suction hose, and in another form, the control utilizes a three-conductor wire suction hose. The 'On-Off' switch is mounted on the handle on the end of the suction hose which may be attached to a cleaning unit and circuitry is provided in a control portion carried by the suction unit responsive to the disposition of the 'On-Off' switch to effect the desired current and speed control of the system. The handle-mounted 'On-Off' switch also controls the suction unit during cleaning operations which do not employ a floor cleaning unit including a motor-driven brush.

Growing community of inventors

Lincoln, MI, United States of America

Donald R Vander Molen