US2427207A - Program formulator - Google Patents

Description

RINSEJ p 1947- J. N. GRIEVESON 2,427,207

PROGRAM FORMULATOR Filed Feb. 17, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 (R I A INVENTOR. ve/7w m Gk/EfJO/Y A TTORNE/ Sept. 9, 1947.

J. N. GRIEVESON PROGRAM FORMULATOR Filed Feb. 17, 1944 search Room 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. JOHN A! G/F/EVEJO/V A TTORNE) Patented Sept. 9, 1947 PROGRAM FORMULATOR John N. Grieveson, Bertrand, Mich., assignor to American Machine and Metals, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application February 17, 1944, Serial No. 522,761

18 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to improvements in program formulators.

More particularly the present invention relates to means for carrying out a program or formula involving a multiplicity of operations. The present invention provides means for determining one or more variables in the development of a formula or program where such variables are related in a known manner to other variables.

The present invention will be described in connection with means for carrying out a formula or program for washing fabrics, though as the description proceeds it will be obvious that the invention has a broader application.

A common type of washing machine in a commercial laundry includes a horizontal perforated drum which is rotatably mounted in a shell. The fabrics to be cleaned are placed in the drum and the shell is partly filled with water. Soap or other detergent is added, and the water is raised to a set temperature. The drum is rotated first in one direction for a few revolutions, after which the direction of rotation is reversed, these reversals in the direction of rotation continuing for a predetermined period of time. A discharge valve on the shell is then opened, allowing the discharge of suds and dirt with the wash water. The discharge valve is then closed, fresh water is admitted and brought to the proper temperature, fresh soap or other detergent is added, and the reversals of rotation are continued for another predetermined period. At the end of that period the soiled suds and water are again discharged. This operation is repeated a number of times. Depending upon the original condition of the load, often two, three or perhaps a dozen such suds treatments will be necessary to render the fabrics reasonably soil-free. At the completion of the operations above referred to, or perhaps during the last of said operations, the fabrics are treated with bleaching material and are then given a succession of rinses. The rinsing is intended to remove some of the compounds that have been formed by the soap and the soil, such as insoluble curds. The number of rinses will vary, but will be related to the number of suds treatments, since the curds are the product of the soap and the soil.

After the proper number of rinses the process proceeds, sour is added to neutralize the alkaline character of the clothes, and that solution is also discharged. Lastly, a dilute solution of bluing may be added. The operations above referred to are often controlled manually, but by means of the present invention may be controlled automatically.

An object of the present invention is to provide a program formulator which will determine the number of and automatically carry out the repetitions of a stage or sequence of operations in relation to variations in the number of repetitions of another stage or sequence of operations.

A further object is to provide a program formulator for controlling a program controller or the like of the type which has means for causing repetitions of the steps in a plurality of stages or sequences of operations, to the end that the number of repetitions during one of said stages or sequences is definitely related to the number of repetitions in another of said stages or sequences.

A further object is to provide a program formulator having means for successively completing connections for energizing a plurality of different P circuits and for repeating a predetermined number of times the successive completions of certain of said connections to cause repetitions of certain stages or sequences, said program formulator having the advantage that the number of repetitions of one of said stages or sequences will be a function of a linear mathematical expression containing as a variable the variable number of repetitions of another of said se-, quences or stages.

A further object is to provide a program formulator of the kind immediately above referred to having means for limiting the number of repetitions of one of said sequences or stages when the number of repetitions of a related sequence or stage of the formula has surpassed a predetermined value.

A further object is to provide a program formulator for automatically connecting up a plurality of circuits in succession adapted for the performance of different functions, said program formulator being provided with means for repeating a variable number of times the steps in each of a plurality of groups of said connections, together with means for relating the number of such repetitions in connection with one of said groups to the variable number of repetitions of the steps in another of said groups.

A further object is to provide such a program formulator with means for limiting the number of repetitions of the steps in one of said groups without correspondingly limiting the number of repetitions in another of said groups.

A further object is to provide a formulator suitable, for example, for formulating a program for the washing of fabrics adapted to determine the number of repetitions of one set of operations which relates said number of repetitions to the number of repetitions of an earlier set of operations in such manner that the number of repetitions of said one set is constant as long as the number of repetitions of the earlier set did not exceed a given numerical value, adding to the number of repetitions of said one set in proportion to any excess of the number of repetitions of the earlier set over the given numerical value until the number of repetitions of said earlier set reached a set maximum value, after which the number of repetitions of said one set of operations is not exceeded regardless of any further excess of the repetitions of said earlier set of operations.

A further object is to provide a program formulator for automatically carrying out a program suitable for the washing of fabrics, in which variable numbers of repetitions of the steps of different groups are desirable.

A further object is to provide a program formulator well adapted to meet the needs of commercial operation.

Further objects will appear as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings Figure 1 is an elevational view, parts being shown in section, showing one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the planes indicated by the arrows 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view showing means for changing the electrical connections made by the use of the structure shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 to 8 inclusive are diagrams based upon a section taken in the plane of AA of Figure 1. Each of these diagrams shows the angular position of certain of the parts shown in Figure 3 when the cycle of operation has reached a different stage. Figure 4 shows the parts at the instant that the program formulator has completed a program of operation and is about to start on a new program. Figure 5 shows the parts at the end of the first step in the program. Figure 6 shows the parts at the end of the first sequence to be repeated. Figure 7 shows the parts at the beginning of a second sequence to be repeated. Figure 8 shows the parts at the end of said second sequence.

To make the diagram 3 clearer, disk 44 has been shown of a smaller diameter than the circle of contacts I to 32*. Since the mechanism to be described relates to the angular position of the finger engaging the ring of contacts, parts which may actually be located on circles of approximate equal diameter may be shown on circles of larger or smaller diameter to facilitate reading the diagram without changing the operations described.

While in Figure 3 clarity was achieved by showing the disk 44 of a smaller diameter than the ring of contacts, in this group of diagrams the outline of disk 44 has been shown on an enlarged scale. If drawn to scale the disk would cover up the contacts and the contact arm 46,

therefore for clarity, only the outline of disk 44 is shown.

Figure 9 is a plat illustrating the relationship between the number of repetitions of one sequence and the number of repetitions of another sequence, said plat being directed to the number of rinsing operations related to a variable number of prior sudsing operations.

Figure 10 is a section taken along line l0l0 in Figure l, drawn to a smaller scale than Figures 4 to 8.

A description of the present invention will be prefaced by a short statement of the development of which the present invention forms a part. In the applications of John W. Chamberlin, Serial No. 398,244, filed June 16, 1941, and Serial No. 438,984, filed April 15, 1942, improvements are disclosed and claimed relating to the washing of fabrics. An important feature of the Chamberlin inventions is the development of automatic control of the washing operation providing a formula automatically adapted to the amount of soil in the fabrics. According to the Chamberlin inventions means were provided for determining when suificient sudsings had been had, such means being predicated upon the changing conditions within a washer as the washing program progressed.

In the Hebard and Sheets application Serial No. 487,992, filed May 22, 1943, there are disclosed and claimed improvements in means and process for determining when sufficient sudsings have been had, these improvements depending upon the suds level within the washer. Obviously no such means is possible in determining when sufficient rinsings have been had, because there are no suds in the washer when rinsing is complete or nearly complete.

In the application of Albert H. De Moss Serial No. 511,068, filed November 20, 1943, means are disclosed and claimed whereby a plurality of circuits may be completed in succession for controlling valves and other instrumentalities such as are used in the operation of a washer. The means disclosed and claimed in said De Moss application include instrumentalities, devoid of complicated electrical circuits, for producing repetitions of a sequence or stage such for example as a sudsing operation followed by other necessary operations, including a rinsing operation and repetitions thereof. According to the De Moss disclosure something had to determine when to repeat and how often to repeat the particular part of the program covering the suds treatments or the rinse treatments. The Hebard and Sheets application above referred to shows one practical means, to wita suds level device, for determining how often the sudsing operation should be repeated.

The problem of determining how many rinsing operations should be had following a variable number of sudsing operations still awaited simplification. It has been recognized that repetitions of the sudsing operation have the result of increasing the quantity of insoluble curds. In other words, the more sudsings the more insoluble curds were in the fabrics, and accord ingly more rinsings were required. In the present application means are disclosed and claimed whereby a controller of the De Moss type, or analogous type, may be governed to provide the connections whereby a washer will, inter alia, perform a number of rinsing operations appropriate for the number of sudsings which have been had.

In other words, the chain of improvements following the Chamberlin inventions is as follows:

Hebard and Sheets have developed a simple means and method for determining when the necessary number of sudsings for any batch of soiled fabrics has been had. De Moss, utilizing this means and method, or any means and method, for determining when suflicient sudsings have been had, has contributed a practical controller whereby the various valves et cetera are operated in accordance with the number of suds required. The controls illustrated in the De Moss application will carry out the washing program to completion, though some outside instrumentality is required to indicate when the repetitions of the rinsing operation are to b discontinued. The present application discloses a program formulator which governs a controller having functions like those of the De Moss controller for providing the necessary number of rinsing operations appropriate for the number of sudsing operations which have been had in the treatment of a particular batch of fabrics.

Certain features of the De Moss application above identified ar illustrated in the drawings forming part of this application for the purpose of aiding in an understanding of the present invention.

The numerals l to 32 inclusive indicate a number of relatively stationary contacts spaced in a circle. Said contacts are mounted upon an insulating plate 33 forming part of a chassis 34. Though only one plate 33 has been illustrated, it will be understood that a number of said plates 33 may be provided in parallel relationship with one another, each provided with a series of contacts like those indicated by the numerals l to 32.

Also mounted upon the chassis 34 is a program controller which includes the rotatable shaft 35 disposed in right-angular relationship with the insulating plate 33. The program controller chosen for illustration embodies the structure of the De Moss application above mentioned. For the purposes of this disclosure only a few of the features of the program controller need be illustrated and described.

The shaft 35 is adapted to be rotated in a step by step movement by successive energizations of the ratchet solenoid 36, successive energizations of said solenoid 36 having the effect of rotating the shaft 35 in a clockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 2. Spring means, to be referred to presently, are provided for moving the shaft 35 in a counterclockwise direction, which reverse movement is permitted when the release solenoid 31 is energized. The shaft 35 has secured thereto the ratchet disk 38 adapted to be engaged by the spring-pressed pawl 39. A springpressed detent pawl 40 is provided for. preventing reverse movement of the ratchet disk 38 except when said pawls 39 and 40 are moved out of engagement with the ratchet disk 33.

The numeral 4| indicates an operating level biased in a counterclockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 2, counterclockwise movement being limited by means of the bracket 4la. Said operating lever 4| swingingly supports the operating pawl 39, which is spring-biased into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet disk 38.

The numeral 42 indicates a control disk rotatably mounted on the shaft 35. The numeral 43 indicates a coil spring housed within the stop disk 44, which is secured to the shaft 35. One end of said spring 43 is connected to the control disk 42 and the other end of said spring is connected to said stop disk 44. Rotation of said stop disk 44 is controlled b the detent 45 biased into engagement with the periphery of said stop disk 44.

As indicated above, said stop disk 44 is fast with the shaft 35 and therefore is fast with the contact arm 46, which is adapted to engage the relatively fixed contacts I to 32 inclusive. There will be as many contact arms 46 as there are sets of contacts I to 32. Said stop disk 44 is provided with the notches 41 and 48 adapted to be engaged by the detent 45 to limit counterclockwise rotation of the stop disk 44 as the parts are viewed in Figures 4 to 8, though said detent 45 permits complete rotation and successive rotations of said stop disk 44 and contact arm 46.

The control disk 42 as noted above, is rotatably mounted on the shaft 35. This control disk acts as an anchor for one end of the coiled spring 43. This control disk is restrained from turning on shaft 35 by the engagement of an escapement pawl 49 with the tooth 89 on the periphery of the control disk 42. As shown in Figure 10, this escapement pawl 49 is provided with a pair of downwardly extending pins 49a. and 490 adapted to be successively engaged by a finger 4% extending out from the periphery of the stop disk 44. Pawl 49 is also provided with detents 90, 9!. As the finger 49b engages one or the other of the pins, the escapement pawl is rocked, lifting one detent out of the path of the tooth 89 but at the same time moving the other detent into the path of this tooth. The purpose of this construction is to prevent the over-stressing of coiled spring 43 by partly releasing the tension but always retaining enough tension in the spring to enable it to move the arm 46 backwards when called upon to do so.

The operation is as follows: As the ratchet in Figure 2 is stepped forward clockwise as seen in that figure, the shaft 35 turns in the same direction. This carries one end of the spring which is attached to stop disk 44 around counterclockwise as shown in Figure 10. The other end of the spring 43 is attached to a hub forming a part of disk 42. This anchor of the spring also moves counterclockwise until the tooth 89 engages one or the other of the detents referred to. From then on every further movement of the central disk winds up the spring further. When the spring has been wound up almost afull turn, the finger 49b engages the pin 49c and rocks the escapement pawl 49 so as to free the tooth 89 but to bring the other detent 90 into its path. The spring is now free to uncoil for a part of a turn. The tooth 89 now comes to a stop bearing against detent 90. After the shaft has been turned further in a counterclockwise direction the finger 49b will engage the pin 49a and again allow the unwinding of the spring through part of a turn. This structure is described in the De Moss application above referred to in greater detail and no further description thereof is deemed necessary in this specification. It may be stated briefly, however, that while the control disk 42 is held stationary by the escapement pawl 49, the shaft 35 may be moved in a clockwise direction (Figs. 3 and 4 to 8) in a step by step movement by successive energizations of the solenoid 36. This rotation of the shaft 35 results in winding up the spring 43 whereby it may cause reverse rotation of the shaft 35 under certain conditions. The shaft 35 is ordinarily restrained from said reverse rotation by the pawls 39 and 40, which, however, are released under certain circumstances when the solenoid 31 is energized, as will presently appear.

The numeral 50 indicates a switch biased to closed position. Said switch may be opened manually or by any preferred automatically operating means, but when pressure is released said switch will return to closed position. Said switch controls the continuity of a circuit 5|, one end of which is connected to the relatively stationary contact 32 and the other end of which is connected to the wire 52 leading to one terminal of the solenoid 36. The other terminal of the solenoid 36 is connected to the wire 52a.

The numerals 53, 54 and 55 indicate switches, which may be manually operated or may be responsive to functions of the washing apparatus. Said devices 53, 54 and 55 are merely indicative of any number of devices which may be employed. For instance, one of such devices may be a finger operated push button. Another may be connected to a float indicating when a predetermined liquid level has been reached in the washer shell. Still another may be controlled by a thermometer and actuated when a given temperature has been reached. Another may be a timing device indicating the lapse of time. Other devices may be responsive to other functions. One terminal of each of the devices 53, 54, 55 may be connected to the wire 52. The other terminals of said devices may be connected to the wire 56, which is connected to the stop disk 44. Said wire 56 is also connected to the terminal 51 and the wire 52a is connected to the terminal 58. Terminals 51 and 58 are connected to a source of voltage difference.

The wire 60 connects the wire 52a to one terminal of the release solenoid 31. The other terminal of said solenoid 31 is connected through the wire 6| to the contact segment 82, to be described presently. The relatively stationary contact I is connected through the wire 62 to one terminal of the solenoid 14 (the functions of which will be described presently), the other terminal of said solenoid 14 being connected to the wire 60. The relatively stationary contact 9 is connected by means of the manually operable switch 63 to the wire 6|. The relatively stationary contact 2| is connected through the wire 65 to the contact 61.

The numeral 10 indicates generally a formula developer. Said formula developer I includes the solenoid ll provided with the armature 12, which armature is urged out of attracted position by means of the spring 13. Said formula developer 10 also includes the solenoid 14 provided with the armature 15, which armature I is urged out of attracted position by means of the spring 16. Said armature I5 is provided with the resiliently mounted pawl 11 and the armature 12 is provided with the resiliently mounted pawl '18 adapted alternatively to cooperate with the toothed disk 19. Said toothed disk is provided with the teeth 80 adapted to be engaged by the pawl 18 when the solenoid H draws in its armature 12, whereby to rotate the disk 19 in a counterclockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 3. Said toothed disk 19 is also provided with a plurality of teeth 81 adapted to be engaged by the pawl 11 to move the disk 19 in the clockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 3. The angular movements of the disk 19 corresponding to energizations of the solenoid II or solenoid 14 depend upon the amplitudes of the strokes of the armatures of these solenoids. These amplitudes may be controlled by means of adjustable stop members, or by other means, not illustrated. For example, the angular movement of the disk 19 caused by each energization of the solenoid 14 may be equal to the angular movement of said disk caused by each energization of the solenoid l l. Or the angular movement of said disk 19 caused by each energization of the solenoid 14 may be a fraction of or a multiple of the angular movement of said disk caused by each energization of the solenoid H.

Fixedly mounted upon the toothed disk 19 is the contact segment 82 carried at the end of the arm 83. The numeral 84 indicates a brake engaging an untoothed portion of the periphery of the ratchet disk 19 adapted to yieldingly hold said disk 19 in any position to which it has been moved. The disk 19 can be moved in either direction through an angle determined by the number of teeth or 8| provided for movement in that direction. After a certain angular movement, the further actuation of pawl 18 or 11 will not move the disk 19 further, because said pawl will no longer find a tooth 80 or 8|, respectively, to engage. Therefore the disk 19 can move only between two end positions, which determine the maximum movement of the disk in one direction, as well as the maximum movement of the disk in the opposite direction.

As indicated hereinabove, the means for releasing the shaft 35 to permit counterrotation thereof by the spring 43 is responsive to the solenoid 31. Said solenoid 31 is connected to the oscillating ring 93 mounted coaxially with respect to the shaft 35 and the ratchet disk 38. Said ring 93 has openings providing the edges and 36 adapted to engage the detent pawl 40 and the ratchet pawl 39 respectively. When said solenoid 31 is energized said oscillating ring 93 is turned in a clockwise direction, whereby said pawls 40 and 39 are moved out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet disk 38, permitting the spring 43 to turn the disk 38 and the shaft 35 in a reverse direction, that isin a counterclockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 2, until such counterrotation is stopped by the detent 45 engaging in notch 41 or 48 of the stop disk 44 (Figs. 4 to 8).

In explaining the operation of the above described embodiment of the present invention its applicability to the washing of fabrics will be chosen for illustration.

At the beginning of a washing program the contact arm 46 will be in engagement with the relatively stationary contact 32. At this time the solenoid 35 is energized. After the washer has been loaded with fabrics and the washer doors have been closed, the operator will open the switch 50 and will allow it to close again. The opening and closing of the switch 50 will result in the 'fleenergization and the subsequent energization of the solenoid 36, moving the ratchet disk 38 and consequently the shaft 35 and the contact arm 46 in a clockwise direction (Figures 2 and 3), moving said contact arm 46 from engagement with contact 32 into engagement with the relatively stationary contact 1, resulting in the energization of circuits (not illustrated) to perform certain predetermined functions, such for example as starting the washing machine into oscillation and admitting water. Engagement of the contact arm 46 with the contact I also completes circuit from the terminal 51 through the disk 44, contact arm 36, contact I, solenoid 14 and wire 60 to the terminal 58. The solenoid 14 search Home is thereby energized, actuating its armature I and causing the pawl II to engage one of the teeth 8| to move the disk I9 one step in a clockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 3.

When the contact arm 46 left the contact 32, solenoid 36 was deenergized, allowing the lever 4I to move in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 2). With contact arm 46 in engagement with contact I, when one of the devices 53, 54, 55, et cetera (for example relay 53), is closed, said solenoid 36 will be energized to move the contact arm 46 into engagement with contact 2. Said contact 2 and the other contacts in the series I to 32 will be connected in their individual circuits to perform certain predetermined functions.

In the example shown in Figure 3 it is assumed that contacts I to 9 inclusive are connected to circuits controlling successive operations which together form a sequence which it is desired to repeat as a whole. To travel from contact I to contact 9 the arm 46 is moved step by step in a clockwise direction, each step be ing caused by an energization of the solenoid 36 due to the operation of one of the devices 53, 54, 55, et cetera, brought into play at an appropriate time by some apparatus (not illustrated). When the arm 46 reaches the contact 9 marking the end of the repeatable sequence which started at the contact I, a circuit is closed extending from the terminal 51 through the wire 56, disk 44, contact arm 46, contact 9, switch 63, wire 6|, release solenoid 31, to the terminal 58. Energization of the release solenoid 31 causes the rotation of the ring 93 in a clockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 2, causing the edges 95 and 96 thereof to raise the pawls 40 and 39 out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet disk 33 so that the shaft 35 is al lowed to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (Figs. 2 and 4 to 8) under the action of the spring 43. This counterclockwise rotation is limited by the pawl 45 cooperating with the ratchet disk 44 (Figs. 1 and 4 to 8). From an inspection of Figure 6, which shows the contact arm 46 in engagement with contact 9, it will be clear that the shaft 35 is permitted to rotate in a counterclockwise direction until the notch 41 is engaged by the pawl 45, in which position contact arm 46 will be in engagement with the contact i (Fig. 5). This re-engagement of the contact arm 46 with the contact I causes the re-establishment of the circuit of solenoid I4, whereby the pawl 11 associated with solenoid I4 will engage one of the teeth SI of the disk T9 to move said disk another step in the clockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 3. The step by step movement of the contact arm 46 in a clockwise direction (Fig. 3) will be repeated in response to actuation of the devices 53, 54, 55, et cetera, as previously described. Contact arm 46, upon reaching the contact 9, is always returned to contact I in the manner described as long as the switch 63 is in closed position. Each time the contact arm 46 is returned to contact I the circuit of the solenoid I4 is completed. resulting in the operation of the pawl 11. This action results in the step by step rotation of the disk I9 in a clockwise direction until the disk I9 has been moved through as many steps as there are teeth 8| available. After the pawl 11 has actuated the uppermost of the teeth 8|. further actuations of the pawl 11 will be ineffective in rotating the disk I9 inasmuch as said pawl II will engage only the smooth rim of said disk I9.

It will be noted that the number of steps through which the disk I9 is moved during the repetitions corresponding to contacts I to 9 will be equal to the number of these repetitions as long as there are teeth 8I available. Further repetitions of the first sequence of operations corresponding to contacts I to 9 beyond the number of teeth 8| available for actuation by the pawl II will leave the position of the disk 79 unchanged.

The operations controlled by or corresponding to the contacts I to 9 may, for example, constitute the steps in a sudsing operation, or they may constitute the steps in two or more sets of sudsing operations.

The number of repetitions of the sequence of operations corresponding to contacts I to 9 will be determined by some agency not illustrated, such for example as an instrument activated when a certain condition is arrived at in the following through of the program being governed. For example, a determination of the cleanliness of the suds may be chosen as the determining factor for terminating the suds treatments and for proceeding to the rinsing part of the program. A photoelectric cell examining a sample of the washing liquid each time a suds treatment is nearing its close may be utilized for this determination, or, preferably, an instrumentality responsive to suds level such as disclosed in the Hebard and Sheets application aforesaid may be utilized. In any case, some instrumentality will cause the opening of the switch 63 when a predetermined condition of the liquid has been achieved; or the switch 63 may be opened manually. When the switch 63 is opened, circuit will be broken from the contact 9 through the release solenoid 31. The release solenoid 31 will therefore be inoperative to cause the release of the pawls 40 and 39, and solenoid 36, upon receiving further impulses due to the operation of one of the devices 53, 54, 55, et cetera, will result in the further ratcheting of the disk 38 and shaft 35 in a clockwise direction (Figs. 2 to 8), bringing the arm 46 into engagement with the contact III and in succession with the contacts II to I6.

Contacts ID to I6 may be connected in circuits for controlling any desired operations that intervene between the first repeatable sequence of operations corresponding to contacts I to 9 and a second repeatable sequence of operations to be covered by contacts II to 2|.

Continuing with the example in which the steps of a washing operation are discussed, contacts II! to I6 may control rinsing operations. For example, said contacts I0 to I6 may control two complete rinsing operations. If preferred, the number of contact members III to I6 can be increased or decreased and the number of rinsing operations can be correspondingly increased or decreased.

As the movable arm 46 progresses in a clockwise direction the rinsing operation is provided as said arm passes over the contacts II to 2| inclusive. Of course, according to the example being discussed there will always be at least one sudsing operation as the arm 46 passes over the contacts I to 9 inclusive, and there will always be at least one rinsing operation as said arm passes over contacts II to 2| inclusive. In addition, according to the example just stated, there will be two more rinsing operations as said arm 46 moves over the contacts I0 to I6 inclusive. The mechanism may repeat the number of sudsing operations any number of times. According to the present example, the number of rinses will, throughout a part of the operation (up to a predetermined number of suds), be proportional to the number of suds plus a constant, to wit-2. When the contact I1 is reached by the contact arm 46 a circuit is established from terminal 51, through wire 56, disk 44, contact arm 46, contact ll, wire 66, solenoid H and wire 60 to the terminal 58. The resulting energization of the solenoid will result in the operation of the pawl I8, which will engage a tooth 80 of the disk I9 to rotate said disk 19 in a counterclockwise direction as the parts are viewed in Figure 3. When the contacts l1, l8, l9 and 20 have been successively contacted by the arm 46 under control of certain of the devices 53, 54, 55, et cetera, and the contact 2| has been reached, the second repeatable sequence of operations forming a part of the program is completed for the first time. Whether this sequence H to 2| is to be repeated at all, or how often it is to be repeated, is determined in the first place by the position of the contact segment 82 relative to the brush 61 at the time that the contact arm 46 reaches contact 2| for the first time. As has been described above, the disk 19, and with it the contact segment 82, was moved through an angle in the clockwise direction, which angle, up to a maximum determined by the number of teeth 8| available on the disk 19, represents the number of times the first repeatable sequence I to 9 was repeated. The solenoid H with its pawl I6 will be able to move the disk 19 in a counterclockwise direction through the same angle that said disk 19 had been moved in the clockwise direction by the solenoid l4 and the pawl 11. As the parts have been illustrated in Figure 3, the contact 61 is so positioned that at the beginning of operations as illustrated in said figure there is a gap between the forward end of the contact segment 82 and the contact brush 61. This gap is just wide enough so that contact between these two parts is established upon the first step of the disk 19 in the clockwise direction. This contact is maintained during the whole transport of the disk 19 in the clockwise direction. When the contact arm 46 reaches the contact 2|, a circuit is completed from the terminal 51 through the disk 44, conwhereby the edges 95 and 96 thereof will lift the pawls 49 and 39, respectively, from the ratchet disk 38, allowing the spring 43 to return the shaft 35 and stop disk 44 to a position in which the detent 45 engages the notch 48, at which time the contact arm 46 will have returned to its engagement with the contact N (Fig. 7). This marks the start of a repetition of the second repeatable sequence corresponding to contacts IT to 2|. Each time the contact arm 46 is returned to the contact I! the solenoid H is energized, actuating its pawl to engage one of the teeth 80 to move the disk 19 and contact segment 82 in the counterclockwise direction.' This operation continues every time the second sequence represented by contacts IT to 2| is repeated, that isevery time the contact arm 46 is returned from contact 2| to contact until the disk 19 has reached its initial position in which engagement marks the start of the last repetition of the sequence I! to 2 at the end of which no energizing circuit for the release solenoid can be completed when the contact arm 46 arrives at contact 2|, since the engagement for this circuit between the brush 6'! and the contact segment 82 no longer exists.

From the foregoing it will be understood that while the sequence of steps represented by the contacts H to 2| is repeated a number of times in much the same way as the sequence of steps represented by the contacts to 9 was repeated, there is the essential difference as to the factors deciding when there have been enough repetitions of the sequence to 9 and those factors determining when there have been enough repetitions of the sequence represented by contacts IT to 2|.

Whereas the sequence represented by contacts to 9 was repeated until some outside agency opened the switch 63, the sequence represented by the contacts H to 2| is repeated by the formula developer 19 until the number of repetitions of the sequence I! to 2| bears a predetermined ratio to the number of repetitions carried out in the sequence represented by the contacts to 9.

As indicated above, during a portion at least of a fabric washing operation the number of rinsings is proportional to the number of sudsings plus a constant, indicated above, by Way of example, as 2. Referring to Figure 9, it will be noted that the number of rinses varies accordingto a straight line with increases in the number of sudsings, until a predetermined maximum number of sudsings has been reached, after which the number of rinsings will remain unchanged. The rate at which the number of rinsings will vary with respect to the number of sudsings depends upon the relation between (1) the amount of angular movement of the disk 19 upon each energization of the solenoid 1| (responsive to repetitions of the traverses of the contacts IT to 2|), and (2) the amount of angular movement of the disk 19 upon each energization of the solenoid l4 (responsive to repetitions of the traverses of the contacts to 9).

Under normal conditions the relation between the sudsing operations and the rinsing operations will be represented by the slanting line mn in the plat illustrated in Figure 9. The flat part of the plat no represents conditions existing after a predetermined maximum number of sudsings, beyond which the number of rinsings remains unchanged.

The slanting or ascending part of the plat between m and n is represented by the equation y ar-l-b, in which y is the number of rinsings, a: is the number of sudsings, b is a constant representing the number of rinsings between the completion of the sudsing operations represented by contact members to 9 and the rinsing operations represented by the contacts H to 2|. In other words, b is the number of rinsing operations represented by the contacts Hi to l6. In other language, b represents the number of rinsings after the completion of all of the sudsing operations and before the first rinsing operation represented by the contacts I! to 2|. Expressed in still other language, there will, of course, according to the present invention, be at least one sudsing operation represented by the contacts to 9, and there will be at least one rinsing operation represented by the contacts I! to 2|. Intermediate of the one sudsing operation referred to and the one rinsing operation referred to is search a constant number of rinsing operations, and this constant number is indicated by the character b. In the example given hereinabove, this constant has been taken to be 2. By reason of the program formula developer 10, the number of repetitions of the rinsing operation corresponding to contacts I! to 2| bears a definite relationship (up to a predetermined maximum) of the number of sudsing operations corresponding to contacts I to 9. As indicated hereinabove, this relationship of rinsing operations corresponding to contacts IT to 2| to the sudsing operations corresponding to contacts I to 9 may be a fraction or a multiple number, or it may be unity, depending upon the adjustment of the parts operated by the solenoids H and 14. This relationship in the formula appearing above is represented by the character a. If each angular step in the counterclockwise direction of the disk 19 (caused by one energization of the solenoid 'l l) were equal to each step of the disk 19 in a clockwise direction (caused by one energization of solenoid 14) the constant a would be equal to unity. If each step in the counterclockwise direction (caused by one energization of the solenoid 'II) were equal to one-half of each step in the clockwise direction (caused by one energization of the solenoid 14) the constant a would have a value of 2. Conversely, if each step in the counterclockwise direction (caused by one energization of the solenoid H) were twice as great as each step in the clockwise direction (caused by one energiaztion of the solenoid 14), the constant a would have a value of one-half.

Experience has shown in the washing of fabrics that Where an abnormal number of sudsings are required, the number of rinsings required ceases to increase proportionately. In other words, in some cases an excessive number of sudsings may be required, but the excess of these sudsings does not materially increase the quantity of insoluble curds. Therefore, beyond a predetermined maximum in the number of sudsings it is not necessary or desirable that the number of rinsings be increased. Accordingly, after this predetermined number of sudsings the plat fiattens out to the horizontal line as shown between the letters n and in Figure 9.

In other words, during the ascending part of the plat between the letters m and n in Figure 9,

the number of rinses will vary proportionately to the number of sudsings and will be greater than this proportionate figure by the constant b. The proportion between the number of rinses and the number of suds exclusive of the constant I) is equal to the constant a.

The equation given above will define the number of repetitions of the sequence of operations corresponding to contacts I! to 2| as long as the number of repetitions of the sequence l to 9 is equal to or smaller than the number of steps required to operate the full quota of teeth Bl on the disk 19 (Fig. 3) for forward movement. After the last tooth 8| on the disk '19 has been actuated, further repetitions of the sequence I to 9 will leave the repetitions of the sequence II to 2| at a constant value, which value is represented by the horizontal part of the plat no in Figure 9.

After the engagement between the contact segment 82 and the contact brush 6! has been interrupted, impulses delivered through the devices 53, 54, 55, et cetera, will carry the switch arm 46 through the remaining operations of the program corresponding to the circuit connections made 14 through contacts 22 to 3|, until finally the contact 32 is reached. In the position of the contact arm 46 on contact 32 the solenoid 36 will be looked, that iscontinuously energized, requiring the opening of the normally closed switch 50 before a new cycle of operations can be started.

In the example chosen for illustration onl one series or sequence of operations corresponding to contacts I! to 2| is repeated in conformity to another series or sequence of operations corresponding to contacts I to 9. It will be clear, however, that, if a second program developer similar to 10 had been installed in parallel with the one shown on line 62, both developers would have been preconditioned in conformity with the repetition of contacts I to 9. A third series of contacts located beyond contact 2! could have a connection corresponding to line 66 adapted to step the second preconditioned program developer back one step every time the contact is reached. Thus the first formula developer 10 might return the arm 46 from the contact 2| to contact I! a number of times until that formula developer 10 was thrown out of action by breaking of its circuit at its contact 61. The shaft 35 would then continue to move the arm forward to another contact controlling the solenoid H of another formula developer, preconditioned to cause a number of repetitions of the sequence of operations coordinated to said second formula developer 10. In that case the stop disk 44 would have an additional notch in addition to the notches 41 and 48.

In short, the present invention is not limited to the repetitions of two sequences, as illustrated in the drawings, but is also applicable to the control of a greater number of sequences in a washing program, the number of repetitions of the operations in the first of said sequences controlling the number of repetitions of the number of operations in each of the succeeding sequences.

Though a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, many modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. It is intended to cover all such modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination. circuit changing means including a plurality of contacts and a contact member adapted to successively engage said contacts, ratchet means for causing relative movement between said contact member and said contacts including stop means for stopping reverse movement of said contact member relative to said contacts, biasing means urging said contact member in the direction of said reverse relative movement, means for rendering said stop means inoperative, electromagnetic means for operating said rendering means to permit limited reverse movement of said contact member relative to said contacts to cause said contact member to repeat its engagement with certain of said contacts, a reciprocable member provided with two sets of ratchet teeth, a pawl for each of said sets of ratchet teeth, means for actuating one of said pawls to move said reciprocable member one step in one direction upon the inauguration of one of said repeated engagement with one group of contacts, means for actuating the other of said pawls to move said reciprocable member in the reverse direction upon the inauguration of the repeated engagement of the contact member with another group of contacts, and electrical contacts closed in some positions of said reciprocable member, the

15 operativeness of said electromagnetic means being dependent upon said contact being closed.

2, In combination, circuit changing means including a plurality of contacts forming several groups and a contact member adapted to successively engage said contacts, means for causing relative movement between said member and said contacts, means ior causing said contact member to repeat the engagement of the contacts in one group, a reciprocable member, means responsive to the repeated engagements of said contact member with said group of contacts for moving said reciprocable member in one direction one step for each repeated engagement up to a predetermined limit of such repetitions, means responsive to repeated engagements of said contact member with the contacts in another group for moving said reciprocable member in the opposite direction, and contact means responsive to the position or said reciprocable member for controlling the number of said second mentioned repetitions.

3. In combination, a plurality of contacts in a single row divided into groups, a movable circuitclosing member engaging one of said contacts, a spring biasing the member to move toward one end of the row, means for moving said member in one direction from one contact to the next contact, a prohibitor preventing reverse movement of. the member, other stops preventing reverse movement located between the groups of contacts, means for making the prohibitor inactive to allow reverse movement to one of the last-mentioned stops, means for totalizing the number of repetitions of the actuation of one group of con tacts by the member, means that automatically determine the number of actuations of a second group of contacts by the member by the number of times the first group was actuated.

4. In combination, a plurality of contacts in a single row divided into groups, a movable circuitclosing member engaging one of said contacts, a spring biasing the member to move toward one end of the row, means for moving said member in one direction from one contact to the next contact, a prohibitor preventing reverse move ment of the member, other stops preventing reverse movement located between the groups of contacts, means for making the prohibitor inactive to allow reverse movement to one of the last-mentioned stops, means for totalizing the number of repetitions of the actuation of one group of contacts by the member including a reciprocable element, means for moving said reciprocal element one step forward upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuitclosing member over one group of contacts, means that automatically determine the number of actuations of a second group of contacts by the member by the number of times the first group Was actuated, said means including means for moving said reciprocable element one step in the reverse direction upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over the second group of contacts.

5. In combination, a plurality of contacts in a single row divided into groups, a movable circuitclosing member engaging one of said contacts, a spring biasing the member to move toward one end of the row, means for moving said member in one direction from one contact to the next contact, a prohibitor preventing reverse movement of the member, other stops preventing reverse movement located between the groups of contacts, means for making the prohibitor inactive to allow reverse movement to one of the lastmentioned stops, means for totalizing the number of repetitions of the actuation of one group of contacts by the member including a reciprocable clement, means for moving said reciprocable element one step forward upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over one group of contacts, means that automatically determine a number of actuations of a second group of contacts by the member by the number of times the first group was actuated, said means including means for moving said reciprocable element one step in the reverse direction upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over the second group of contacts, a circuit which is broken when the movable element has been restored to its original position thereby preventing the prohibitor from being made inactive and thus terminating the repetition of the second group.

6. In combination, a plurality of contacts in a single row divided into groups, a movable circuit-closing member engaging one of said contacts, a spring biasing the member to move toward one end of the row, means for moving said member in one direction from one contact to the next contact, a prohibitor preventing reverse movement of the member, other stops preventing reverse movement located between the groups 01' contacts, means for making the prohibitor inactive to allow reverse movement of the member to one of said stops, means for totalizing the number of repetitions of the actuation of one group of contacts by the member, said lastmentioned means including a reciprocable element having a first and second set of teeth, means including a pawl engaging said first set of teeth for moving said reciprocal element one step forward upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over one group of contacts, means that automatically determine the number of repetition of a second group of contacts by the number of actuations of the first group including means for moving said reciprocable element one step in the reverse direction upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over the second group of contacts, said means including a second pawl for engaging said second set of teeth, a circuit which is broken when the movable element has been restored to its original position, thereby preventing the prohibitor from being made inactive and terminating the repetition of the actuation of the second group of contacts.

'7. In combination, a plurality of contacts in a single row divided into groups, a movable circuit-closing member engaging one of said contacts, a spring biasing the member to move toward one end of the row, means for moving said member in one direction from one contact to the next contact, a prohibitor preventing reverse movement of the member, other stops preventing reverse movement located bi tween the groups of movement of the member to one of said stops, means for totalizing the number of repetitions of the actuation of one group of contacts by the member, said last-named means including a reciprocable element having a first set of teeth followed by a smooth surface and second set of teeth, mean including a pawl engaging said first set of teeth for moving said reciprocal element one step forward upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over one group of contacts up to a preset number of repetitions, means that automatically determine the number of actuations of a second group of contearch Room tacts by the member determined by the number of recorded repetitions of the first group, means for moving said reciprocable elements one step in the reverse direction upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over the second group of contacts, said means including a second pawl for engaging said second set of teeth, a circuit which is broken when the movable element has been restored to its original position, thereby preventing the prohibitor from becoming inactive.

8. In a circuit controller having a contact member that may be moved along a line of contacts arranged in groups and each contact leading to a different circuit and returned to the beginning of one of the earlier groups after it has reached the last contact in said group with means indicating when the repetition of some group of contacts subsequently reached by the contact member bears a desired relation to the number of repetitions of the earlier group, in combination; a plurality of contacts in a single row divided into groups, a contact member adapted to successively engage said contacts, means for causing relative movement between said member and said contacts, means for causing said contact member to repeat engagement with the contacts forming one group, a reciprocable member provided with two sets of ratchet teeth, pawls for engaging said sets, means for actuating one of said pawls to move said reciprocable member in one direction upon the inauguration of the repetition of the engagement of the member with the contacts forming said group, and means for actuating the other of said pawls to move said reciprocable member in the reverse direction upon the inauguration of the engagement of the member with another group of said contacts.

9. In combination, circuit-changing means including a plurality of contacts in a single row divided into groups and a contact member adapted to successively engage said contacts, means for causing relative movement between said member and said contacts, means for causing said contact member to repeat engagement with the contacts forming one group, a reciprocable member provided with two sets of ratchet teeth, pawls for engaging said sets, means for actuating one of said pawls to move said reciprocable member in one direction upon the inauguration of the repetition of the engagement of the member with the contacts forming said group, and means for actuating the other of said pawls to move said reciprocable member in the reverse direction upon the inauguration of the engagement of the member with another group of said contacts, and contact means responsive to the position of said reciprocable member for controlling the repetitions of said other group of contacts.

10. In combination, a plurality of contacts in a single row divided into groups, a movable circuit-closing member engaging one of said contacts, a spring biasing the member to move toward one end of the row, means for moving said member in one direction from one contact to the next contact, a prohibitor preventing reverse movement of the member, other stops preventing reverse movement located between the groups of contacts, means for making the prohibitor inactive to allow reverse movement of the member to one of said stops, means for totalizing the number of repetitions of the actuation of one group of contact by the member including a reciprocable element, electromatic means for moving said reciprocal elements one step forward upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over one group of contacts, means that automatically determine a number of actuations of a second group of contacts by the number of times the first group was actuated, electromatic means for moving said reciprocable element one step in the reverse direction upon each repetition of the forward travel of the circuit-closing member over another group of contacts, a circuit which i broken when the movable element has been restored to its original position thereby preventing the prohibitor from becoming inactive.

11. In a program formulator having contact members each of which is adapted to be connected in the circuit of a control member, in combination, a row of contact members, at least one movable member adapted to engage said contact member in succession to energize them, means for moving said movable member forward along the row step by step, means for returning said movable member through a predetermined number of said steps when the movable member reaches the end of one of several groups of said contact members to repeat the engagement of that group, and a device for limiting the number of engagements of the contact members in another of said groups according to the number of engagements of the contact members that has taken place in the first group.

12. In a program formulator having contact members each of which is adapted to be connected in the circuit of a control member, in combination, a row of contact members, at least one movable member adapted to engage said contact member in succession to energize them, means for moving said movable member forward alon the row step by step, means for returning said movable member through a predetermined number of said steps when the movable member reaches the end of one of several groups of said contact members to repeat the engagement of that group, and a device for limiting the number of engagements of the contact members in another of said groups according to the number of engagements of the contact members that has taken place in the first group, said device comprising at least two elements, one of said elements being adapted to be energized upon engagement of the movable member with one of said groups of contact members, the other of said elements being adapted to be energized upon engagement of the movable member with another group of contact members, said two element being interrelated so that actuation of one of said elements will cause preconditioning of the other of said elements.

13. In a program formulator having contact members each of which is adapted to be connected in the circuit of a control member, in combination, a row of contact members, at least one movable member adapted to engage said contact members in succession to energize them, means for moving said movable member forward along the row step by step, means for returning said movable member through a predetermined number of said steps when the movable member reaches the end of one of several groups of said contact members to repeat the engagement of that group, and a device for limiting the number of engagements of the contact members in another of said groups according to the number of engagements of the contact members that has taken place in the first group, said device includ- 19 ing means for optionally rendering inoperative said returning means when said movable member has arrived at a position where said returning means would otherwise operate.

14. In a program formulator having contact members each of which is adapted to be connected in the circuit of a control member, in combination, a row of contact members, at least one movable member adapted to engage said contact members in succession to energize them, means for moving said movable member forward along the row step by step, means for returning said movable member through a predetermined number of said steps when the movable member reaches the end of one of several groups of said contact members to repeat the engagement of that group, and a device for limiting the number of engagements of the contact members in another of said groups according to the number of engagements of the contact members that has taken place in the first group, said device comprising at least two elements, one of said elements being adapted to be energized upon engagement of the movable member with one of said groups of contact members, the other of said elements being adapted to be energized upon engagement of the movable member with another group of contact members, said two elements being interrelated so that actuation of one of said elements will cause preconditioning of the other of said elements, and means for optionally rendering inoperative said returning means when said movable member has arrived at a position where said returning means would otherwise operate,

15. In a program formulator having contact members each of which is adapted to be connected in the circuit of a control member, in combination, a row of contact members, at least one movable member adapted to engage said contact members in succession to energize them, means for moving said movable member forward along the row step by step, means for returning said movable member through a predetermined number of said steps when the movable member reache the end of one of several groups of said contact members to repeat the engagement of that group, and a device for limiting the number of engagements of the contact members in another of said groups according to the number of engagements of the contact members that has taken place in the first group, said device comprising a reciprocating registering element, means for transporting said registering element in one direction each time said movable member reaches, or is returned to, the first one of a group of contact members to be reengaged, and means for transporting said registering element in the other direction each time said movable member reaches or is returned to the first contact member of another group that is to be repeated.

16. In a program formulator having contact members each of which is adapted to be connected in the circuit of a control member, in combination, a row of contact members, at least one movable member adapted to engage said contact members in succession to energize them, means for moving said movable member forward along the row step by step, mean for returning said movable member through a predetermined number of said steps when the movable member reaches the end of one of several groups of said contact members to repeat the engagement of that group, and a device for limiting the number of engagements of the contact members in another of said groups according to the number of engagements of the contact members that has taken place in the first group,

, said device comprising at least two elements, one

of said elements being adapted to be energized upon engagement of the movable member with one of said groups of contact members, the other of said elements being adapted to be energized upon engagement of the movable member with another group of contact members, said two elements being interrelated so that actuation of one of said elements will cause preconditioning of the other of said elements, and registering means adapted to be operated in opposite directions by said elements whereby operation of one of said two elements will cause preconditioning of the other of said elements of a number of repetitions of the number of steps related to said other element.

17. In a circuit controller adapted to be operated in a forward direction to successively close a number of circuits that are arranged in several groups and to be turned back at the end of one group of circuits to successively reenergize the circuits in that one group and having means for automatically repeating the energization of a later group of circuits a number of times that is related to the number of times the first group was energized, in combination, a plurality of contact arranged in successive groups, each contact connecting with its own circuit, a contactor adapted to successively engage said contacts, means for moving the contact member step by step in one direction over said contacts, means effective when the contactor reaches the end of one group of contacts to cause said contactor to regress to the beginning of that group and to repeat the engagement of the contacts in that group, a repetition recording member, means responsive to each engagement of a particular one of the contacts of said group from moving said repetition recording member one step in one direction, means causing a second group of contacts reached by the contactor after leaving this group to be automatically successively reenergized if the repetition recording member has been displaced, means responsive to each engagement of a particular one of the contacts of this latter group for moving said repetition control member backward one step.

18. In a circuit controller adapted to be operated in a forward direction to successively close a number of circuits that are arranged in several groups and to be turned back at the end of one group of circuits to successively reenergize the circuits in that one group and having means for automatically repeating the energization of a later group of circuits at number of times that is related to the number of times the first group was energized, in combination, a plurality of contacts arranged in successive groups, each Contact connecting with its own circuit a contactor adapted to successively engage said contacts, mean for moving the contact member step by step in one direction over said contacts, means effective when the contactor reaches the end of one group of contacts to cause said. contactor to regress to the beginning of that group and to repeat the engagement of the contacts in that group, a repetition recording member, means responsive to each engagement of a particular one of the contacts of said group from moving said repetition recording member one step in one direction, a repeating cam carried by the repetition recording member, a stationary contact adapted to be engaged by the repeating cam, means causing a. second group of contacts reached by the contactor after leaving this group to be automatically successively reenergized if the repeating cam has advanced past the stationary contact, means responsive to each engagement of a particular one or the contacts of this latter group for moving said repeating cam backward one step.

JOHN N. GRIEVESON.

Search Roan REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

5 UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,030,451 Kerr Feb. 11,1936 2,204,532 Erbguth June 11, 1940 10 2,290,626 Bosomworth July 21, 1942 07 Bassett Dec, 17, 1940

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