Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Matthew C Webster

Eric K Larson

Mark A Romo

William Dante Chatelle

Jian Hong Kang

Matthew J Grimes

A transmission controller for an automatic washing machine incorporates an accelerometer to provide for sophisticated out-of-balance detection. Speed sensing and water moisture sensing may optionally be also incorporated into the transmission controller, the former providing a more sophisticated out-of-balance detection and the latter permitting overflow detection.

Control mechanism for washing machine drive with acceleration sensing

An optical-interrupter provides a mechanically integrated electric light source and electric light sensor positioned across a gap to transmit a light beam across the gap that may be interrupted with an opaque vane. The optical-interrupter uses conventional LEDs for both the light source and a light receiver. An integrated circuit comparator may be used to provide an adjustable threshold for the determination of whether the light beam is blocked.

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Chepachet, RI, United States of America

Matthew C Webster