Maytag Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation

Nedra A Herr

Daniel F Wunderlich

Brian L Ness

Kimberly J Hood

Brett C Oleson

Stephen D Schober

Gary B Jackovin

Michael D Lafrenz

Scott A Merkle

Lashelle D Woods

Kristi R Lafrenz

Scott J Bowie

L Dean Kuhn

Donald N Shannon

Jan D Behrens

Lynn E Kiefer

William K Szaroletta

A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter, such as a type of stain adapted to be removed, and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Laundry appliance having automatic start feature based on selected stain

A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Laundry appliance having automatic start feature

An improved front loading washing machine is provided with additive dispensers located in the shroud. The dispensers are integral with the shroud so as to have large upwardly disposed mouths for receiving additives, such as fabric softener and bleach. The dispensers are covered by the door when the door is closed, and thereby hidden from view. The position of the dispensers adjacent the front and top of the washing machine provides for easy access for filling the dispensers with desired additives.

Dispenser for front loading washing machine

A display is provided for indicating changes between first and second operating conditions in an appliance such as a clothes dryer. A sensing circuit senses changes in operating conditions within the appliance. The sensing circuit creates an intermittent sensing signal which is sent to a light. The light blinks at a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the sensor signal. A second light remains lit continuously during the operation of the appliance.

Method and means for indicating an appliance condition

A display is provided for indicating changes between first and second operating conditions in an appliance such as a clothes dryer. A sensing circuit senses changes in operating conditions within the appliance. A heater is connected to the sensing circuit and is responsive to various signals produced by the sensing circuit to generate heat. An elongated thermally conductive substrate is mounted adjacent to the heater for receiving and conducting thermal energy produced by the heater. A layer of thermochromic material overlies the substrate and is capable of changing colors in response to changes in the temperature of the conductive substrate.

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Newton, IA, United States of America

Nedra A Herr