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:
Nov. 19, 2002
Filed:
Jul. 19, 2000
Troy A. Johnson, Newton, IA (US);
Evan R. VandeHaar, Pella, IA (US);
Russell L. VanNorden, Reasnor, IA (US);
Ted L. Hansen, North Liberty, IA (US);
Maytag Corporation, Newton, IA (US);
Abstract
The air pressure sensor of the present invention functions to control the water level in a washing machine tub and to vary the fill volume relative to the clothes load. The sensor or switch is mounted on the drain pump on the base of the washing machine cabinet, so as to be independent from the washing machine tub. An air dome extends between the switch and the water inlet line of the pump. The switch is set to be actuated at a predetermined pressure. As the water level increases in the tub, the air pressure within the air dome increases, until eventually the switch is actuated. The switch is mounted directly to the air dome in an angular orientation, thereby minimizing or eliminating condensation problems in the switch. The switch will also be activated by water pressure, in the event of an air leak in the air dome, so as to preclude water overflow of the tub.