Whirlpool Corporation

Michael E Range

Gerald C Stenger

Joseph M Szynal

Andrew Charles Reck

Scot S Lau

David P Langendonk

An automatic washer includes a control which allows the user to observe the operation of the washer under a set condition or conditions. When these conditions are met, the user may open the door or lid of the washer and observe, for a predetermined period of time, the wash activity. After reclosing the door or lid, the washer may be restarted to continue the wash cycle.

User observation cycle for an automatic washer

A hybrid control for a clothes dryer which combines an electromechanical timer and a microprocessor. The electromechanical timer has a plurality of switches connected to a plurality of input ports of the microprocessor. The timer switches are driven by a plurality of cams such that the plurality of switches open and close in response to the cams at predetermined angular positions of the timer. In this manner, the switches provide control input to the electronic circuit for initiating the dry cycle and further provide control input to the electronic circuit during the dry cycle such that the electromechanical timer and the electronic circuit operate together to control the dryer operation. In addition, a sensor supplies a signal to the microprocessor corresponding to the moisture level of the clothes within the drum. If the dryer is operated in an automatic cycle of operation, the microprocessor operates to control operation of the clothes dryer in response to the initial timer position and advances the timer in response to the moisture sensor signal such that cycle status information corresponding to the sensed moisture level is displayed by the position of the timer knob. The microprocessor operates to drive the timer at different speeds depending on the cycle selection and control settings. The duration of the automatic dry cycle is responsive to the moisture level selected, the temperature level selected and the duration of the initial moisture sensing drying period.

Control system for a dryer

A hybrid control for a clothes dryer which combines an electromechanical timer and a microprocessor. The electromechanical timer has a plurality of switches connected to a plurality of input ports of the microprocessor. The timer switches are driven by a plurality of cams such that the plurality of switches open and close in response to the cams at predetermined angular positions which define control positions of the timer. In this manner, the switches provide control input to the electronic circuit for initiating the dry cycle and further provide control input to the electronic circuit during the dry cycle such that the electromechanical timer and the electronic circuit operate together to control the dryer operation. The timer is arranged such that a change from one control position to an adjacent control position results in only one switch being either opened or closed.

Timer for use with an electronic control in controlling an appliance

A thermostat controlled circuit for a bias heater located adjacent the thermostat connected to a source of alternating electrical power. The control circuit has a manually operated switch for providing a temperature level signal. A triac having a gate terminal and first and second terminals connected in series with the AC power source and the bias heater is provided. A transistor circuit controls the operation of the triac and is connected to the gate of the triac to provide a signal for turning on the triac periodically. The microprocessor supplies an enable signal to the transistor circuit at predetermined time intervals to cause the transistor circuit to activate the triac. The triac turns off at the next zero crossing of the AC line current after the microprocessor has removed the enable signal from the transistor circuit. The point in time of turning on the triac may be synchronous or asynchronous with the AC line current. The bias heater supplies heat to a thermostat in the discharge duct of a clothes dryer which combines with heat supplied by air exiting the clothes dryer and controls the point in time at which the thermostat opens and closes.

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Stevensville, MI, United States of America

Michael E Range