The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 21, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 06, 2000
Jeffrey L. Sears, Grinnell, IA (US);
Maytag Corporation, Newton, IA (US);
Abstract
An improved fluid balance ring is provided with a plurality of standpipes within the cavity of the balance ring. The standpipes each have an open upper end spaced from the upper wall of the balance ring, and an open lower end extending through the bottom wall of the balance ring. The balance ring includes an inlet opening so that the ring can be substantially filled with water during the fill cycle of the tub. When the spin cycle of the tub begins, the added mass of the balance ring assists in getting the tub to the critical speed with minimum deflection. After reaching the critical speed, approximately ½ of the water is drained through the standpipes due to the centrifugal force and the remaining fluid moves to a balance position in the fluid ring to counter-act any unbalanced loads in the tub. In an alternative embodiment, the standpipes are replaced with drain openings in the top wall of the balance ring.