US2779937A - Washing machine controller - Google Patents

Description

2 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEYS CONTROL N. l... PELLERIN ET AL WASHING MACHINE CONTROLLER Jan 29, 1957 Filed Sept. 7, 1954 MK A i L D r W L R 5 N T Va o r 8 J V 8 M 4w m4 U o a w m 6 W 7 oc W W. 04.0w 5 A. y a 1 W W 7 M g k v, POI x w 4 WW W M H 1,, m Q J a v a 0 Z w 2559 M f M w J0 W W i M m z s w Mn m /Zm w J M /M w J 5 Q00 0 m 0 I J M a Z a w M, 20228 w a, a M w 223 o f 0 MM United States Patent WASHING MACHINE CONTROLLER Norvin L. Pellerin, Albert J. Phillips, and Francis X. Levy,

New Orleans, La., assignors to Pellerin Milnor Corporation, New Orleans, La., a corporation of Louisiana Application September 7, 1954, Serial No. 454,532

15 Claims. (Cl. 340-265) This invention relates to a system for controlling washing machines or the like and more particularly to a controller which may be employed either for automatic or manual operation of a washing machine. While the invention may be utilized either in home or commercial laundering apparatus, it is intended for utilization pri marily in apparatus of the latter type.

In commercial laundering practice a batch of clothes or other material to be cleaned is subjected to a laundering cycle comprising a plurality of sequential operations. In general, the cleaning process takes place in water having a predetermined temperature and level. Laundering agents such as soap, bleach, blue and sour are required at different times throughout the laundering cycle, and the duration of the individual operations as well as the need for a particular supply is determined by the characteristics of the clothes to be laundered. In most instances a single washing formula, that is, a particular cycle of operations, will satisfy the requirements of the majority of commercial laundering jobs. However, it is occasionally necessary to vary the formula because a particular batch of clothes is especially soiled or has other peculiar characteristics. Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to employ several standard formulae where the clothes to be laundered fall into several categories.

To satisfy the needs of commercial laundering, many devices have been proposed in the prior art to control the operation of a washing machine in accordance with a predetermined formula. In some instances attempts have been made to provide washing machine controllers in which the laundering agents are injected automatically into the machine at predetermined intervals. In more moderate laundering operations, however, controllers have been employed in which the initiation, duration, and termination of the operations which constitute the laundering cycle are controlled automatically, but in which the laundering agents are added by an operator who is informed of the need for such agents by a suitable signal. The system of the present invention falls within the latter category. This invention constitutes an improvement of the apparatus of the prior art and provides a simple, reliable, yet versatile controller for a washing machine.

In a preferred form of the invention, the operation of the controller depends upon a formula chart which controls the sequence of operations, and the exact nature of which is predetermined in accordance with the needs of a particular laundering cycle. The formula chart moves under the impetus of a timer motor and cooperates with a plurality of electrical switch fingers to control the operation of the washing machine. In accordance with the predetermined formula on the chart, the operation of hot and cold water valves as well as a drain valve is controlled In addition, the water level is varied in accordance with the chart formula, and a signal is operated when the washing machine requires attention, as when supplies or laundering agents are required. The timer motor will automatically stop while the controller is signalling and while the washing machine is filling with water, thus assuring a complete and accurate washing 'ice cycle for each load. The washing machine motor will also stop while the controller is signalling, and at the end of the laundering cycle. In addition, the operator may adjust the controller so that the Washer motor stops while the washer is draining (to prevent felting or shrinkage of delicate fabrics), or runs while draining (for normal work classifications). Furthermore, the formula may be substantially modified (without the necessity of changing the formula chart) by manipulating water level switches and hot and cold water switches during the automatic cycle. Moreover, the controller provides for completely manual operation so that the occasional dye job or unusual washing jobs may be handled without changing formula charts.

The controller of the present invention incorporates a unique alarm circuit. The circuit includes a pair of switch fingers cooperating with the formula chart, and the chart is designed so that the fingers are alternately operative to energize the alarm signal. A cancelling switch for deenergizing the signal connects the switch fingers into the alarm circuit alternately. In addition, a relay in the alarm circuit arrests the movement of the formula chart and stops the washer motor until the alarm has been cancelled by the operator. In this manner compliance with the predetermined laundering cycle is insured, and the continuing operation of the controller and washing machine in the absence of the proper washing agent is prevented.

Accordingly it is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved washing machine controller.

Another object of the invention is to provide a washing machine controller which is actuated by a formula chart cut in accordance with a predetermined laundering cycle.

A further object of the invention is to provide a washing machine controller which affords either automatic or manual operation, as desired.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a washing machine controller of the type in which a formula chart is employed, having means for varying the formula during the laundering cycle without varying the formula chart.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved washing machine controller in which the admission of hot and cold water to the washing machine, the level of the water in the washing machine, and the draining of the washing machine, are controlled.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a washing machine controller including a timer motor which is stopped while water is admitted to the machine and until a preselected level is obtained, and including means whereby the washing machine motor may be controlled to stop or run while the machine is draining.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved alarm circuit.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an alarm circuit which may be actuated alternately by a pair of actuators and in which the cancelling of the alarm is effected by making the alarm circuit responsive alternately to the actuators.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a washing machine controller incorporating a unique alarm system which prevents the continued operation of the controller and stops the washer motor until the alarm signal is cancelled.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a partly schematic diagram of a preferred form of the invention;

Figure 1a is a detail of the water level control utilized in Figure 1; and

Figure 2 is an illustration of the type of formula chart which may be utilized according to the invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, reference numeral designates generally a washing machine provided with a suitable base 12, a washing enclosure 14 (which may, for example, comprise a cylindrical tumbling basket), a door 16, hot and cold water pipes 18, respectively, a drain pipe 22, a water level float control 24, and a washer motor 26, which for purposes of clarity is illustrated with the controller circuit and is shown coupled -to the washing machine by dash line 28, which-represents a suitable mechanical coupling. The washing machine per se may be any of the conventional types, and

requires no further description.

The washing machine and controller are energized from a standard source of alternating current 30, which may be a standard 110 volt supply, for example. A

master double pole double throw switch 32 having a formula position, a center off position, and a manual position, controls the energization of the controller and the washing machine motor. The switch is illustrated in the formula position. The lead-in wires 34,

36 are connected respectively to a center off terminal and a 'formula terminal as illustrated. When the master switch is in the position illustrated, one side of the A. C. source is connected through wire 34, master switch 32, and wire 38, to one side of the primary winding of a power transformer 40. The other side of the source is connected through wire 36 and wire 42, to the other side of the primary winding. When switch 32 is in its 01f position, the circuit to wire 34 is broken.

Transformer 40 may be designed so as to produce 24 volts, for example, across its secondary winding 44. One terminal of the secondary winding is connected to a common switch' finger 46, which is biased against the conductive surface of a chart drum 48, upon which the formula chart 50 is wrapped. The drum may be formed of a conductive mesh material, and the chart may be attached to the drum in any convenient manner as described, for example, in the copending application of Norvin L. Pellerin, filed July 19, 1954, Serial No. 444,086, for Timing and Controlling Apparatus.

The drum is driven by a timer motor 52, which is energized through a circuit including wire 36, switch 32, wire 54, the closed upper contacts of a water level relay 56, wire 58, the closed upper contacts of a signal relay 60, wire 62, jumper wire 128, switch 32, and wire 34. The timer motor is conected to drum 50 by any suitable mechanical coupling as designated by dash line '64. The drum is also provided with a knob '66 so that it may be rotated manually.

Chart 50 may be formed of any suitable non-conductive material, such as heavy plasticized paper, and is provided with a plurality of tracks 68, 70, '72, 74, 76 and 78, outlined thereon in ink. As will appear more fully hereinafter, tracks 68 and 70 are the odd and even signal tracks, track 72 is the drain track, tracks 74 and 76 are the hot and cold water tracks respectively, and track 78 is the water level track. The material of each track may be cut away at predetermined locations so as to expose the mesh surface of drum 48. Each of the tracks cooperates with an associated switch finger, such as fingers 80,82, 84, 86, 88 and 90. These fingers are identical with common finger 46, and additional tracks and fingers may be provided when needed, to control additional ele ments; Fingers through 98 are insulated from the i surface of drum 48 by the chart material and may be formed of metallic spring material biased against the chart so that when the chart is cut away at the various 1 tracks, the fingers will engage the conductive surface of the drum. As will appear below, the circuit for fingers 80 through 90 is completed through common finger '46. One terminal of secondary winding 44'of power transformer 40 is also connected to one terminal of a plurality of single pole double throw switches 92, 94, 96 and 98. Another terminal of each switch is connected to an associated switch finger (84, 86, 88, 90) as illustrated. The switches are shown in the formula position, that is, the position in which the switch arms are connected to the associated formula chart fingers. Switch 92 is the drain valve switch and has a center open position and a bottom shut position. Switches 94 and 96 are the hot and cold water valve switches and have center off positions and bottom in positions. Switch 98 is the water level switch and has a center low position and a bottom high position.

The switch arm and center terminal of switch 92 are connected by wire 100 to the field coil 102 of a drain relay 104. The other side of the field coil is connected through wire 106 and wire 108 to secondary 44 of transformer 40. With switch 92 in the formula position, it will be appreciated that when switch finger 84 contacts the surface of drum 48, a circuit is completed from one side of secondary 44 through common finger 46, finger 84, switch 92, field coil 102, back to the secondary windmg.

Energization of drain relay 184 causes its contacts to close and completes a circuit through the field coil 130 of a pilot solenoid valve 132 as follows: from one side of A. C. source 30 through wire 34, switch 32, jumper wire 128, wire 62, wire 134, the closed upper contacts of drain relay 104, wire 136, field coil 130, wire 42, wire 36, back to the other side of the A. C. source 30. Upon energization of pilot solenoid valve 132 compressed air is passed from a suitable source through pipe 138 and pipe 146 to a drain valve 142, which may be a conventional diaphragm-controlled valve closed by fluid pressure. This closes the drain valve and prevents the liquid in the washing machine from draining through pipe 22. Upon energization of drain relay 104, an indicator lamp 144 is energized from one side of secondary winding 44 through wire 91, wire 146, the closed lower contacts of relay 104, wire 115, wire 106, and wire 108 back to secondary winding 44. Thus when lamp 144 is lit a positive indication is given that the drain valve is closed;

The switch arm and center terminal of switch 94 are connected to the field coil 110 of a hot water pilot solenoid valve 112 and then to a lower pair of contacts of level relay 56, through wire 114, a lower pair of contacts of drain relay 104, wire 115 and wire 106 to secondary winding 44. It will be appreciated that with switch 94 in the formula position, when the lower contacts of relays 56 and 104 are closed and finger 86 engages the surface of drum 48, a circuit is completed from secondary winding 44 through common finger 46, finger 86, switch 94, field winding 110, wire 114, wire 115, wire 106, back to the secondary winding 44. Similarly, the switch arm and center terminal of switch 96 are connected to the field winding 116 of a cold water pilot solenoid valve 114 and then through the circuit just described. When pilot solenoid valves 112, 114 are energized, compressed air from a suitable supply is admitted from pipe 118 to pipes 120, 122 respectively and then to a pair of water valves 124, 126 respectively. The water valves may be conventional diaphragm-controlled valves opened by fluid pressure. Upon such actuation, water from supply pipes 18, 20 is admitted to washing machine 10. Of course water pressure may be employed to actuate the valves instead of air pressure, and field windings 110, 116 may be employed to actuate valves 124, 126 directly. This may also be the case with the drain pilot solenoid valve 132 and drain valve 142.

The switch arm and center terminal of switch 98 are connected to a normally closed single pole single throw switch 148, through wire to the field coil 152 of level relay 56, and then through wire 154, wire 146, the lower contacts of drain relay 104, wire 1 15, wire 106, wire 108, to one side of secondary winding 44. The

amass?" cir'cuitfrom the. other: side of-the' secondary winding is:

completed through common finger 46and: fingen. 90. Switch-148m associated" with a; secondsingle pole single throw-switch 156 which: is. normally open. This switch connects field winding 152 of,- relay. 56' directly to wire 91.- Switches 148 and 156 are operated by the float controhmechanism 24-associated with .the washinglrnachine; One suclr mechanism-is shown in Figure In.- It includes a :vesselt158 which receives liquid: through pipe-160 .frorn the-interior of the washing; machine. The level of the washing; solution in vessel'15B-. i's aLways representative oh the level'ofi thrasolutiomin the washing machine. A fi'oat 162-.fixed-to a-verticakshaft. lfi4riszan'a'nged in vessel 158s when; thelevel: of therwater-changes; the. vertical motionr:ofi float'l62l is: transmitted-to shaft 164. Shaft 164ipasses:looselyzthroughi amanm 166 whichis pivoted abouta point-168i Apain-oficlips 170,.1'72lisi provided onyshaft 164 to causei arm-1166M move about pivot point 168. These. clipsiare: adjustable on.'shaft2164:and"may be placed at any level-commensurate with the. water level desired-1 Clip 170 engages arm 166 when shaftl64movsadownward; as; the water leveL falls, and. causes; the arm to pivoti downward: about. point 168,; while. clipr172 engages arm:166;as shaft 164 moves upward when thewater levelrrises; and'causesthe arm to: pivot inthe; opposite direction. about'point 168;! Switches 148,- 156 are. pr,o-;; vided: with a. pain of. actuating .plungers-174-,- 176 re-i spectively; which arerengageable witharm 166.1 When: arm-,1665'is moved upward by clipil72, p1unger 174 opens normallyqclosed switch.':148,: Whenyarm; 1664s: moved; downward by clip 170, plunger 176,.closesmormally,open;

switch 156 Thus clip,170:controls;low level switch-1,5 6,

while clip:.172:-controls .high, level switch148. Switches, 148, and 156 may be spring-biased; to their-normal positionsi- Withgswitch98 in the formula" position as illustrated, li'wlll'. beappreciated; that when finger; 90- engages the sur-. face=of drum 48;. level; relay 56 will remain energized as long asswitch 14,8 isgclosed. Switch 148-.willalso control, the, energization; of relay 56 if switch 98'is in.its

bo tomhigh position, but ii -switch: 98 is in its center" low, position, or. if there isno slot in;traclc-78 when switch 98;. is inits formula. position; then switch 156 will; control the .energization of relay 56.

When the washing machine is drained, float 162 moves to its, low position, and clip,-17 0-closesswitch'156. As water-is admitted, the level in vessel 8:rises until clip L70-releases arm,-166, and switch 156. opens. If the energization circuit for 'relay-56iis completedlonly'through switch- 156; then the.- openifig; of: this switch. .deenergizesthe relay and closes. the. watervalves: However, if thecircuit. 'for relay- 56- is,- also completedthrough switch 148, then the opening of switch 156 is inefiectuai, land the waterlevel rises-until clip;1 72 engagesarmr166-andiopens switch 148= Clips 170, 172;. may thus be. adjusted along rod. 164 to adjust therespective lowand. high; water levels:

Springs fingersSO; 82 form a part ofthe alarm circuit. They. are coupled respectively to two terminalsof asingle pole double throw switclr178, the switch arrnofwhich.

relay -through.wire 182;, switch 178, firiger' 80, the surface of 'drum 48, common finger'46, back to' secondary wind ingz44. Thus-if-a-cunaway; portion of track 68-reaches: finger80 'when switch 178-is inthe position shown, relay' 6.0--will be enregized. When switch 178 is in its alternate position, that is-connected to finger 82-, track is en-" abled to'energize signal relay 60. In the practiceof the invention, slots are alternately cut in tracks 68- and: 70 where alarms are necessary to designate the: need: for laundering: agents or theend of the cycle. The firstslotmaybe cut in the odd track, and switch 178 is initiallyplaced in the position illustrated, which maybe desig-' hated the start position. When the slot inutrack: 68. reaches finger v signal relay 60 will be energized, and-'it willv be'necessary' forthe operator to throw switch 178: to its alternate position to deenergize the relay. The next alarm will-occur, of course, when the alternate-'slotini track 70reaches finger 82, and the cancellation ofthis; alarm will .require the operator to throw switch l78 to.the"- position illustrated. Field. coil- 180 of relay 60 is in parallel with a;b'uzzer=184 and a signal lamp 186. Thus: when' relay: 60. is energized, buzzer 184=and' lamp- 186 will operateto give an alarm signal.

Whem signal: why 60. is energized, both. pairs of it's contactsare: opened. The upper contacts are in' the en-' ergizatiorr circuit of timer motor 52, and theopening of these contacts therefore deenergizes the timer motor. 'lihusthe formula. chart stopsadvancing whenever a sig nal-loccurs and does not commence advancing until the operatorcancels the alarm. It is therefore impossiblefon the-washing machine to proceeds through subsequent operations until the need'for a supply has been recognized; The :lower contacts of sig'nalfrelay 60 are in the ener-'- gization: circuit ofwasher motor 26. Thi circuit may-E be traced' from A. C.. source:30' through wire-36, wire'42 through the motor, wire 188f' the lower contacts"-o ffs ignal relayr60; wire:190, to'a single pole double throw-switch 192;; The upper contact of'swit'ch 192, designated 'the run'contact, continues theenergization circuit of motor- 26ttlirough'wire 194,- wire-58,'the upper contacts of signal relay 60, wire 62, jumper wire 128, -switch 32, and wire 34,:back to=the other'side of A. C. source30. The lower contact ofsswitch 192; designated the stop" contact, complates the circuit to wire 62 through contacts-of drain'relay 104-;and wire 134.

It willthus be appreciated that when signal relay 60 islenergized, thereby opening its'contacts, washer motor ZGIis-deenergiZed; Moreover, when switch192 is in the stop positionthe washer motor is deenergized whenever drain relay 104 is deenergized. It will be recalled-thatdeenergization-of the drain relay opens drain valve 142.;

Thus the operator may select the position of switch 192'- so that the-washer motor either runs or stops-while the machine is draining.

Level relay 56 also controls-the energization-of timermotor 52, since its upper contacts are in this circuit."

Thus when the level relay is energized, thereby opening its upper contacts, the timer motor is deenergized, stop ping the advance of the formula chart. The levelrelay will remain energized until the proper water level'has been obtained. As indicated previously, the lower contacts of level relay 56 control the energization of the water valve pilot solenoids 112, 114. The lower contacts of'drain relay 104 are also in the energization circuit for the solenoids. It is thus impossible to energize-thewater valves when the drain relay is deenergized, that is when the drain valve isopen. will remain-open only so long as the level relay 56-is ener i gized, and when the water has reached desiredlevel; as determined by the operation of switches 148, 156, level.-

rela-y will be deenergized, thereby breaking the-circuitfor opening the water valves.

With'switch 98 in the formula position, as illustrated, the water levels for the various operations willbe deter: mined by the formulachart. If. a slot. is cutout of track" 78; fora particular laundering operation, th'e water level will .behigh, andin the absence of a slot'in track 78 the wire 136,- the upper Moreover, the water valves water level will be low. The operator may override the formula chart by simply manipulating switch 98 during the laundering cycle. This does not necessitate changing the formula chart. Thus if switch 98 is placed in its "low" or center position, all operations thereafter will take place in low level water regardless of the formula chart. On the other hand, if switch 98 is placed in its "high" or bottom position, all operations thereafter will take place in high level water, and if when the switch is thrown the water is at the low level, the machine will immediately fill to the high level.

Water switches 94, 96 may also be manipulated to vary the formula. With both switches in the formula" position, as illustrated, the admission of water will be controlled by the chart, and the field coils 110, 116 of pilot solenoid valves 112, 114 will be connected to one side of secondary winding 44 whenever the associated spring fingers 86, 88 make contact with the surface of drum 48, that is, when a cut-out slot in either track 74 or 76 reaches the associated spring finger. Thus for luke-warm water both tracks are slotted. and for hot or cold water only the hot" or cold track is slotted. If both switches are placed in the in" position, all operations will take place in lukewarm water, regardless of the formula chart, for whenever the water v alve circuits are completed upon energization of level relay 56, both field windings 110, 116 will be connected through wire 91 to secondary winding 44, and both the water valves will be opened. If switch 94, is placed in the formula" position, as illustrated, and switch 96 is placed in the in" position, all of the operations which according to the formula chart would take place in hot water will now take place in lukewarm water, since the cold water valve will be opened whenever water is called for by operation of level relay 56. It will be appreciated that all of the operations which according to the formula chart would take place in cold water or lukewarm water will continue as before. If the positions of switches 94 and 96 are reversed, all the operations which according to the formula chart would take place in cold waterawill take place in lukewarm water, while the hot water and lukewarm water operations called for by the chart will remain as before.

If switch 94 is placed in the "in position and switch 96 is placed in the center off position, all washing operations will take place in hot water. Conversely, if switch 96 is placed in the in" position and switch 94 in the center -off position, all washing operations will take place in cold water. It should be noted however, that in automatic operation if one of the switches 94, 96 is placed in the off" position, the other switch must be placed in the in position. If this were not done, and the other switch were placed in the "formula" position rather than in the in position, when the formula chart called for water corresponding only to the switch in the off position, no water would be admitted to the machine, and timer motor 52 would cease to operate, because level relay 56 would not be decnergized.

Figure 2 illustrates a formula chart of the type employed in the invention. A partial washing cycle is shown on the chart by the cross hatched cut-outs. A plurality of adhesive labels, such as labels 196, may be alfixed to the chart to indicate to the operator the progress of the washing cycle and the particular supply required. A slot 198 is cut in the beginning of signal track 68 so as to cause an. alarm indicative of the need for a first supply. Slot 200 in drain track 72 causes the energization of the drain relay while slots 202, 204 in the water tracks 74, 76 respectively, cause the energization of the hot and cold water valv'e solenoids and thus provide for the admission of lukewarm water to the machine. Since no slot is cut in water level track 78 at the beginning of the chart, the initial operation will take place in low level water. Successive slots 206, 208, 210, and 212 cut in tracks 68, 70 alternately will cause the alarm circuit to operate at pre- 8 determined times. Slot 212 indicates the end of the laundering cycle.

Referring now to Figure l, a typical cycle of automatic operation will be described. After the formula chart is placed on the drum, the operator turns knob 66 until the beginning of the chart is aligned with the switch fingers. Switches 92 to 98 are placed in the formula position, switch 178 is placed in the start position, and switch 192 is placed either in the "run" or "stop position. When master switch 32 is moved to the formula position, drain finger 84 engages the surface of drum 48 through a slot in track 72, such as slot 200 illustrated in Figure 2. This completes the circuit for drain relay 104, causing the drain valve to close and energizing indicator lamp 144. Since there is no water in the machine, clip 170 of the float control mechanism closes switch 156, thereby energizing level relay 56. If slots are cut in both of tracks 74, 76, both the hot and cold water valves are opened, and water is admitted to the machine. If no slot is cut in "level" track 78, the water valves are closed when switch 156 of the level control opens, thereby deenergizing relay 56.

When "level relay 56 is decnergized, the closing of its upper contacts completes the circuit for timer motor 52, which advances chart 50. Fifteen seconds later, "odd signal finger drops into 'a slot and energizes signal relay 60, which opens its contacts and deenergizes timer motor 52 and washer motor 26. Simultaneously, signals 144 and 186 inform the operator of the need for a first supply. After filling this need, the operator throws switch 178 to its alternate position, cancelling the alarm and reenergizing motors 26 and 52.

Approximately five minutes later, drain finger 84 comes out of its slot, thereby deenergizing drain relay 104 and lamp 144, and opening drain valve 142. The washer motor will run or stop while the machine is draining depending upon the position of switch 192. Water drains from the machine for approximately thirty seconds, after which, drain finger 84 drops into another slot in track 72, again closing the drain valve and energizing lamp 144. Level relay 56 was energized when the water level dropped, and upon energization of drain relay 104, water valve pilot solenoids 112, 114 are again energized to open the water valves assuming that slots are cut in the associated tracks 74, 76. The timer motor, deenergized until the desired water level is obtained, is again energized upon the deenergization of level relay 56, and the chart advances until even signal finger 82 falls into a slot in track 70. The alarm circuit is again energized until switch 178 is thrown to its first position. Succeeding operations are similar to the foregoing until at last the end of the cycle is reached as indicated by the alarm circuit when one of the alarm fingers falls into an associated slot.

To use the controller manually, master switch 32 is placed in its manual position. This breaks the circuit from A. C. source 30 through wire 34 to timer motor 52. Switches 9298 are placed in their center or bottom positions to prevent spurious operations which might occur if a switch were in the formula" position and the corresponding finger were engaging the surface of drum 48. Drain valve relay 104 may then be energized by moving switch 92 to the shut" position and drain valve 142 will close. Level relay 56 will be energized in the absence of water in the washing machine, and hot and/ or cold water may be admitted by simply placing either or both of switches 94, 96 in the in position. The water level may be determined by placing switch 98 in the low or "high" position. Laundering agents may be added as desired. Washing will continue until drain valve switch 92 is moved to its center "open" position. The position of switch 192 may be selected so that washing machine motor 26 either runs or stops while the machine is draining, as set forth previously. After the 9 machine. imdtained. successiveioperationssmay lie-carried min thesame mannen.

m he employmentof. the iuventiomthe controller-.ele: mer ts mayi be mountedin a suitable housing\ oot he WaShi EQmaBhinQ. Theindicator lampssand the;manual-I Y- wluahleiswitchesmay. belocatedeoutside thethousing for the convenience of the operator. The housing may be provided with a window through which the switch fingers and the labels on the chart may be seen. While a drum type formula switch having a separate common finger has been shown, it will be appreciated that other types such as the disc type or the type which mechanically actuates individual switches could be used.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that this embodiment may be substantially modified without departing from the principles of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the following claims.

We claim:

1. In a controller for a washing machine having a water inlet valve, a drain valve, and means responsive to the water level in said machine; a plurality of switch elements, a source of electrical potential, timer means for connecting said switch elements to one terminal of said source at predetermined times and for predetermined intervals in accordance with a laundering formula, electric means for controlling the operation of said water inlet valve, means for connecting said electric means to one of said switch elements, electric means for controlling the operation of said drain valve, means for connecting said last-mentioned means to another of said switch elements, and means including said drain valve controlling means and said water level responsive means for connecting said inlet valve controlling means to another terminal of said source.

2. In the controller of claim 1, said washing machine including an electric washer motor; means including switch means for selectively rendering said washer motor controllable or non-controllable by said drain valve controlling means.

3. In the controller of claim 2, an alarm circuit including an indicator, means for connecting said indicator to another of said switch elements, and means connected to said indicator for controlling said washer motor.

4. In the controller of claim 1, said timer means including an electric timer motor, and means including said water lever responsive means for controlling said timer motor.

5. In the controller of claim 4, an alarm circuit including an indicator, means for connecting said indicator to another of said switch elements, and means connected to said indicator for controlling said timer motor.

6. In a controller for a washing machine having an electric washer motor, a water inlet valve, a drain valve, and means responsive to the water level in said machine; a source of electric potential, a plurality of switch elements, timer means including an electric motor for connecting said elements to one terminal of said source at predetermined times and for predetermined intervals in accordance with a laundering cycle, electric means con nected to one of said switch elements for controlling said water inlet valve, electric means connected to another of said switch elements for controlling said drain valve, means including said drain valve controlling means and said water level responsive means for connecting said water valve controlling means to another terminal of said source, alarm means including an indicator and means for connecting said indicator to another of said switch elements, means including said water level responsive means and said alarm means for controlling said timer motor, and means including said alarm means for controlling said washer motor.

7. In the controller of claim 6, switch means for selegtivtelyirenderin g 'said-rwashenrnoton controllable omtn valve; a plurality-of-switch elements, a source of poifllia t means'for. automatically c.onnecting said: elements o. fiide urce aLpredetermined. times: and forpredetermined intervals, a plurality of manual switches, each of said switches including a first terminal connected to an associated one of said elements, a second terminal connected to said source, a third terminal, and means for connecting said third terminal selectively to said first and second terminals, electric means for controlling said hot and cold water valves and said drain valve, each of said electric means being connected to a third terminal of an associated one of said switches, and means for completing a circuit from said electric means back to said source.

9. In the controller of claim 8, each said switches including means for isolating said third terminal from both said first and second terminals.

10. In the controller of claim 8, said automatic connecting means comprising a movable surface having predetermined areas of conductivity and other areas relatively non-conductive, said switch elements comprising conductive fingers biased against said surface and aligned with predetermined areas.

11. In the controller of claim 8, said means for completing the circuit of said water valve control means including a relay, a first switch for connecting the coil of said relay to the third terminal of an associated one of said manual switches, a second switch for connecting the coil of said relay to the second terminal of said lastmentioned manual switch, and means for operating said first and second switches in accordance with the level of the water in said washing machine.

12. A controller for controlling the operation of a device and for producing an alarm signal at predetermined times within the operating cycle of said device, comprising first switch means connected to said device for controlling its operation, means for actuating said switch means at predetermined times, an alarm circuit, second and third switch means, means operative selectively to connect said second and third switch means in said alarm circuit alte:nately, and means for actuating said second and third switch means alternately and in timed relationship with the actuation of said first switch means.

13. The controller of claim 12, including means for preventing succeeding actuation of said first switch means while either of said second and third switch means is actuated and connected in said alarm circuit.

14. In a device of the type described, a pair of switch elements, means for connecting said elements to one terminal of a source of electric potential alternately, an indicator, means for connecting said indicator to another terminal of said source, means for connecting said indicator alternately to said switch elements said means for connecting said elements to said one terminal comprising a movable surface having a pair of tracks aligned respectively with and engaging respectively said elements, each track having alternate areas of conductivity and non-conductivity, drive means for moving said surface, and means for preventing energization of said drive means when said indicator is energized from said source.

15. In mechanism of the type described, a pair of switch elements, timer apparatus for connecting said elements to one terminal of a source of electrical potential alternately and after predetermined intervals, an indicator, a conductor for connecting said indicator to another terminal of said source, a device for connecting said indi cator alternately to said switch elements, and means connected to said indicator and responding to the connection of one of said elements to said one terminal while that element is connected to said indicator, for interrupting the operation of said timer apparatus.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Jones Apr. 18, 1939 Ridge Sept. 12, 1944

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