Whirlpool Corporation

Edward C Peterson

Keith E Carr

Vincent P Gurubatham

Jon D Tromblee

William J Martin

Robert H Johanson

Michael T Herndon

Raymond M Montgomery

An electric control for a water conditioning system includes a solenoid valve which controls water inlet into the system and which is controlled by a flow switch that senses product water flow from a water faucet or other outlet. The flow switch also energizes an indicator lamp for indicating processing of water. The flow switch also controls a second solenoid valve which allows water flow into the pressure or 'squeeze' side of a bladder type product water storage tank. When product water flow occurs, the second solenoid valve opens to permit supply water to flow therein, providing additional pressure to the product water side of the storage tank. Accordingly, product water flow is effected from the storage tank to the product water outlet. When a predetermined low pressure is sensed, a pressure switch located on the product water side of the storage tank opens the first solenoid valve to supply water to the system for processing. Also, the solenoid valve which provides squeeze water to the storage tank is closed, thereby permitting product water to flow into the storage tank and accumulator. When a predetermined high pressure is sensed by the pressure switch, the first solenoid valve is closed to terminate water processing, until product water flow is again sensed.

Water conditioning system and an electronic control therefor

A dishwasher is provided with a fluid handling system that utilizes two separate sumps and two separate pumps. A first sump receives a portion of the wash liquid from the wash chamber and recirculates the wash liquid by use of a relatively high capacity pump in the first sump. The second sump receives the remainder of the wash liquid and removes both heavier-than-water and lighter-than-water soils before directing this remainder of the wash liquid to the first sump. A relatively low capacity pump in the second sump directs wash liquid and collected soils to an exterior drain.

Fluid handling system for a dishwasher

A soil separator for a dishwasher is provided in which the recirculating wash liquid flow through the dishwasher is divided into two flow streams and the soil separator is positioned in one of the flow streams. A screen blocks passage of large soil particles and directs then into the flow stream leading to the soil separator. An elevated dam in the soil separator blocks passage of lighter-than-water particles and a weir blocks passage of heavier-than-water particles. A V-shaped notch in the weir permits flow from the soil separator to rejoin the other flow stream.

Soil separator for a dishwasher

A vacuum cleaner includes a floor cleaning unit having a rotatable brush driven by a brush motor and a receptacle for collecting particulate matter. The floor cleaning unit is mechanically and pneumatically interconnected with the receptacle through a rigid wand and a wand handle and hose assembly. The wand handle and hose assembly includes a wand handle, disposed between the rigid wand and a flexible hose. The wand handle includes a passage through which air and particulate matter pass from the floor cleaning unit to the receptable. A corona discharge element with a roughened surface is positioned in the downstream end of the wand handle passage. A stub tube is positioned in the upstream end of the wand handle passage to connect the wand handle to the wand. A conductive strap, installed in the wand handle using a heat staking process, interconnects the stub tube and the corona discharge element. During the operation of the vacuum cleaner, any electrostatic charge that has accumulated on the wand will migrate to the roughened surface of the corona discharge element and will be dissipated or drained off by a corona discharge into the air flowing through the wand handle.

Vacuum cleaner and method of dissipating electrostatic charge through

Structure for converting a powered brush vacuum cleaner selectively to define a powder carpet cleaning apparatus. The conversion structure includes a shroud received within the nozzle. In one form, the shroud is movably mounted within the nozzle for selective disposition in a retracted position, permitting use of the nozzle in the normal vacuum cleaning manner, and in an operative position blocking the entrance to the suction passage for permitting the unit to be used as powder carpet cleaner. The shroud defines a smooth inner surface surrounding a portion of the brush for effectively preventing clogging of the space about the brush during the carpet cleaning operation. An opening is provided in the nozzle wall for access to the movable shroud in effecting manipulation thereof between the retracted and operative positions. In another form, the shroud is fixedly mounted within the nozzle and a closure is removably installed for closing the entrance to the suction passage when it is desired to use the unit as a carpet cleaner. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure includes a tongue received in a socket portion of the shroud in the installed arrangement. Provisions are made for accommodating bridging elements extending across the nozzle opening when necessary.

Convertible vacuum and powder carpet cleaner

Structure for converting a powered brush vacuum cleaner selectively to define a powder carpet cleaning apparatus. The conversion structure includes a shroud received within the nozzle. In one form, the shroud is movably mounted within the nozzle for selective disposition in a retracted position, permitting use of the nozzle in the normal vacuum cleaning manner, and in an operative position blocking the entrance to the suction passage for permitting the unit to be used as powder carpet cleaner. The shroud defines a smooth inner surface surrounding a portion of the brush for effectively preventing clogging of the brush during the carpet cleaning operation. An opening is provided in the nozzle wall for access to the movable shroud in effecting manipulation thereof between the retracted and operative positions. In another form, the shroud is fixedly mounted within the nozzle and a closure is removably installed for closing the entrance to the suction passage when it is desired to use the unit as a carpet cleaner. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure includes a tongue received in a socket portion of the shroud in the installed arrangement. Provisions are made for accommodating bridging elements extending across the nozzle opening when necessary.

Growing community of inventors

St. Joseph Township, MI, United States of America

Edward C Peterson