US2561348A

US2561348A - Automatic timer for washing machines and the like

Info

Publication number: US2561348A
Authority: US
Inventors: George W Dunham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1947-02-20
Filing date: 1947-02-20
Publication date: 1951-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 1968-07-24

Description

July 24, 1951 w, DUNHAM 2,561,348

AUTOMATIC TIMER FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed F613. 20, 1947 com HOT 100F *1 130;

3 Sheets-Sheet l I 10 59 14 I1 1'2 '3 I4 is glw AGITATE so [EMPTY 59m MAsTtR J INVENTOR.

27.10. 6. 43 6123116. 61201162 w. DUNHAM 77 11 0 0 11 1 s1 81 BY 80 23 83 32 87. 52 83 100F 115: 13oF A TTORNEYs y 1951 G. w. DUNHAM 2,561,343

AUTOMATIC TIMER FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 20, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 LW'IH O 16 1'7 20 INVENTOR GEORGE W. DUN HAM BY MILLJM W ATTORNE S July 24, 1951 w DUNHAM 2,561,348

AUTOMATIC TIMER FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed-Feb. 20, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 CD Mad .0 6 OI I 0 O x I a 5? 55 5'3 2% a lFlLL- I'FILL' zAemn'e 35OAF o 5 1o 2o 5 I MI N UTE 5 (4mm CAMS+MAX. ADJUSTABLE sauce-4 SECONDARY CAMS INVENTOR GEORGE w. DUNHAM ATTORNEYS Patented July 24, 1951 AUTOMATIC TIMER FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE George W. Dunham, Westport, Conn.

Application February 20, 1947, Serial No. 729,816

4 Claims.

The invention relates to timers for controlling initiation, duration andtermination of one or more simultaneous actions of a cycle and, more particularly, to a timer for controlling so-called automatic household washing machines.

There are a number of different styles of automatic washing machines on the market, characterized by using a single compartment in which the clothes are placed for the several operations of soaking, washing, rinsing and partially drying. In some of these machines the clothes baskets operate on horizontal axes, in others they operate on vertical axes, and in others they operate on oblique axes. Most washers dry by centrifugal force but a. limited number squeeze the water out of the clothes by means of an inflated bag usually using water pressure.

Such prior art automatic machines go through a more or less established cycle which includes a soaking period during which the clothes may or may not be agitated; then a washing period during which the clothes are agitated; then one or more rinsing periods. At the beginning of each period, proper temperature water is supplied and at the end of each period the basket is spun and water is drained from the machine.

It is convenient to classify the parts of a cycle into stations or operations and events or actions. A station or operation comprises one or more events or actions. A typical cycle may be tabulated as follows:

Action or Operation or Station Event Start. Fill. Agitate. Empty. Spin. Stop.

Fill. Soap. Agitate. Empty. Spin.

Fill.

Agitate. Empty.

Spin.

Stop.

\Vash Rinw for soak and wash may be less than the final spin which may be sufliciently' long to deliver the clothes damp dry ready for ironing.

The wash-agitate action is the exception because different kinds of material must be treated differently, according to physical condition or strength. Silks, rayon, woolens-and finer cottons and linens will not stand the vigorous treatment which may be given to heavier linens and cottons. Very dirty clothes should be washed longer than those slightly'soiled. It is usual to provide adjustment for anywhere from zero to fifteen or zero to twenty minutes for the washagitate action. 4

Heretofore, the timers usually have been arranged to stop the machine and wait after the soap-stop action; this requires the operator to return to the machine, put in the soap, adjust the water temperature and turn the timer to the desired wash-agitate time, after which the machine will finish the job by itself.

According to the present invention, the soap is placed in an automatic dispenser and wash water temperature and time of wash-agitate may be pre-set before starting the timer or, if the operator should forget, these quantities may be set at any time during the soak period or up to the first partof the washing period, and the machine will then automatically do the entire job, automatically shutting itself off at the end of a complete cycle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the timer may comprise a series of cams rotatable about a common axis, each cam having a primary segment and a relatively movable secondary segment, with concentric shaft arrangements for adjusting these segments with respect to each other, in unison. In this way the cams have correct shape to control the several actions of the several stations, and all of the actions of the several stations are fixedly controlled by the predetermined cam shapes, with the exception of the wash-agitate action. This action may be variably controlled by adjusting the cam segments with respect to each other, the adjustment also controlling the delay of the other actions in. the succeeding stations to correspond to the selected length of wash-agitate action. The several cams may operate corresponding electric switches, or other control devices, each of which controls its particular action. It is preferable that all of the control devices be in their innermost position during the wash-agitate action.

I! desired, according to the invention, a special hot water conservation switch may be provided. By such a switch cold water may be mixed with hot water to obtain intermediate temperature for certain actions not requiring full temperature hot water.

The invention also consists in certain new and original features and combinations hereinafter set forth and claimed.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto. the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with th accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates diagrammatically one form of timer according to the invention, with circuit for controlling a cycle of operation of a hypothetical washing machine;

Figs. 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate three positions of the special hot water conservation switch, according to the invention, which may be used with the new timer;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation, parts broken away, of the timer structure;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation illustrating the dial construction;

Figs. 4 and 5 are transverse sections taken on the lines 4-4 and 55 respectively of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6--6 of Fig. 5 illustrating a detail of special means for manual operation of the master switch; and

Fig. 7 is a time chart illustrating one complete cycle of operations controlled by the above timer, and illustrating the initiation, duration and termination of the several actions or events which go to make up the several operations or stations.

In the following description and in the claims, various details will be identified by specific names for convenience, but they are intended to be as generic in their application as the art will permit.

Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification, certain specific disclosure of the invention is made for purposes of explanation, but it will be understood that the details may be modified in various respects without departure from the broad aspect of the invention.

Referring now to the drawing and more particularly to Figs. 2 to 6, the timer per se will first be described. The timer consists of a main framework comprising a motor plate i2, a back plate I I and front plate I4 secured together by a series of spacer posts I! and is to which the plates are connected by a series of screws indicated in general by IT. A self-starting synchronous clock motor it with standard reduction gear I I is secured to plate I2 by certain of screws l1.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the posts I! are positioned at the four corners of the generally rectangular plates l3 and I4. The posts I! are located at the four corners of the substantially rectangular gear plate i2. The two lower posts I! and ii are in line and are connected together by threaded studs l8 passing through the back plate IS.

A concentric shaft assembly supports the main control cams, made up of

segments

48, 50, which individually operate the several switches. Each switch has a base 20 (Figs. 4 and 5) through 4 which supporting rods I! pass, these rods being secured within frame plates l3 and I4.

The concentric shaft assembly comprises an inner slide rod 23 having both axial and rotary movement, surrounded by a tube shaft 24 which in turn is surrounded by a sleeve shaft 25 i Fig. 4). This assembly is Journaled in frame plates ll and I4, the slide rod 22 being bearinged directly in plate I4 and the sleeve 25 being bearinged directly in plate M.

This concentric shaft assembly, together with the cams mounted thereon, is driven by the clock motor l0 through reduction gearing II, the latter having a driven shaft 28 on which is mounted driving clutch plate 26 to which it is secured by set screws 21. Driven clutch plate 30 is fixedly secured to slide rod 23 and has a single finger 2| adapted to engage between peripheral teeth 2! on drive plate 26 (Fig. 5).

The drive clutch plate 26 is adapted to make one revolution an hour and there are sixty teeth 28 so that by moving slide rod 23 axially and circumferentially (as described below), the single finger 3i may be selectively positioned between the several teeth 29 at intervals of one minute of time.

The concentric shaft assembly is also adjustable by a dial and knob arrangement comprising knob 34 pinned at 35 to slide rod 23. Collar ii is secured to tube 24 by set screw 31 and has fixed thereto the main dial plate 38. Tube 24 and collar 36 have a radial opening to carry a spring pressed ball detent 39 selectively engageable in spaced grooves 40 in slide rod 23 so that knob 34 and slide rod 23 may be axially pulled from the position shown in Fig. 2 to an outer position where the ball detent 39 engages in the other groove 40 in which position the finger II disengages clutch teeth 28.

Sleeve 25 has collar 43 fixedly secured thereto, as by set screw 44, and carries auxiliary dial plate 45. The latter carries a leaf spring 46 carrying finger piece 41 and sharp point 48 engageable, through a hole in auxiliary plate 45, with the main dial plate 38. The leaf spring assembly forms a finger clutch by which, when finger piece 41 (Fig. 3) is depressed, the

dial plates

34, 45 may be moved relatively to each other for purposes discussed hereinafter.

The dial plates are marked with suitable indicia to aid the operator to adjust them. As shown in Fig. 3, main plate 38 has the legends Wash, Soak, Stop marked thereon; it also has arrow 44 and notch 81 at one edge cooperating with scale 85 on auxiliary dial plate 45. Scale 85 reads in minutes. Auxiliary dial plate 45 also has legends Spin and Rinse. The several legends cooperate with main arrow 86 afllxed to the frame plate l4.

There are seven cam assemblies shown in the form illustrated, these bein labeled #1 to #6 and #1. Cam #1 controls fillin with cold water; cam #1 controls filling with hot water; cam #2 controls agitation; cam #3 controls soap supply; cam #4 controls emptying the washing machine; cam #5 controls spinning the basket; and cam #6 is a master cam controlling the whole machine. The uses of these cams will be apparent as the description proceeds.

Each complete cam comprises a primary cam or segment 49 made of plate insulating material and having an integral key fitting in keyway 4| of shaft tube 24. These primary cams 49 are of similar construction except for the outer periphery which is shaped to properly time a particular action, as will be explained hereinafter. Eachsecondary cam or segment 50 is of plate insulating material and has a pair or openings. the openings in the several segments being aligned to pass a pair of rods 5!. The rods also pass through spacers B2 and the rods are secured to a flange 55 on control sleeve 25. The secondary cams 50 ride on collars 59 which act as spacers for the primary cams 49.

Nut 59 threaded on tube 24 holds the several cam parts in assembled relation. It surrounds a pin 51 fixedly secured to tube 24 and workable in a slot in slide rod 29. Thus knob 34 on slide rod 29, because of the pin and slot connection 51, is able to rotate tube 24 and is also capable of moving axially with respect theretoto engage and disengage

clutch parts

29, 3!.

The

cam plates

49 and 50 have the shapes illustrated in Figure 1 which shapes correspond to the chart shown in Figure 7. Each primary cam 49 has side faces 54 (Fig. 4) by which the extent of relative rotation between the cam segments is controlled, these surfaces 54 abutting the spacers 52. It will be understood that, when clutch finger 41 is depressed, auxiliary dial plate 45 may be moved with respect to main dial plate 39, which in turn relatively moves the primary and

secondary cam plates

49, 50. The cam' assemblies, as a unit, may be manually rotated by pulling out knob 34 to disengage clutch 29, 3i and rotating by hand. The entire timer, when in. the position shown in Fig. 2, is driven by clockwork i 0, ii at the rate of one revolution an hour for the dial and cam assembly.

The several complete cams separately control individual switches of a switch bank. Each switch of this bank comprises an insulation base 20 (Figs. 4 and 5) having molded therein a forward contact 58, a back contact 59 and a movable contact 62 selectively engageable with either forward or back contact. An operating bar ii is also molded in base 20, the operatin bar being adapted to be engaged by the periphery of the

cam segments

49, 50. A toggle spring 60 connects operating bar 6i and movable contact 62 to obtain snap action. When the cam bar 6i rides up on a projection, as 63 in Fig. 4, the movable contact 62 snaps from back contact 59 to front contact 59.

These switches are standard devices purchasable on the market and may have single contacts instead of double contacts if desired. That is to say, either the front contact or the back contact may be omitted depending upon the particular set-up in which the timer is to be used. The wiring diagram of Figure 1 illustrates how back contacts may be used in some switches, front contacts in others, and both front and back contacts in others.

The master switch #6, in addition to its operation by its cam, is also operated by pulling out knob 34 to disengage drive clutch 29, 3 I. For this purpose a bell crank 64 (Figs. 5 and 6) is pivoted within a slot in back frame plate l9. One arm of bell crank 64 is engaged by clutch element 30, the other arm engaging operating bar ii of the master switch #6 to throw the switch in the same direction as the switch is thrown by engagement with the finger 32 on master cam #6.

The bell crank 64 is conveniently mounted in a slot 16 in frame plate IS, on a pivot pin 65 of substantially the same thickness as frame plate II. Pin 65 is also mounted within a slot, the edges of the metal being peened over around pin II, as indicated at 15, to hold the pin firmly in position on the plate slot.

Circuit diagram The above'described timer, in the form illustrated, or in modified form, is capable of a great variety of uses. One of the main uses, and the purpose for which the particular form was laid out, 'is to operate a household washing machine of the so-called automatic type in which all of the various operations, such as soaking, washing, rinsing and drying are controlled entirely automatically without any attention on the part of the operator after the initial placing of the machine in operation.

Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a hypothetical machine which is operated by this timer. This machine comprises a tank 66 having a vertical basket 61 driven by an electric motor through suitable gearing, both of which are indicated diagrammatically by 98. A clutch 69 controls the agitation of the clothes. That is to say, when clutch 89 is engaged, the basket 61 may be oscillated circumferentially to agitate the clothes therein. When clutch 10 is engaged, the basket 9'1 is rotated about a vertical axis at high speed to discharge water from the clothes.

Soap chamber II feeds the clothes basket 61 with soap. Cold water is supplied through pipe 12. Hot water is supplied through pipe 13. Tank 88 is drained by pipe 14.

The "agitate" clutch 69, the spin clutch 10 are operated by solenoids. Cold water pipe I2, hot waterpipe 19, soap dispenser 1i and drain pipe 14 are controlled by solenoid-operated valves. The several solenoid operated parts are given numbers #1, #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 corresponding to the switches and cams which actuate them.

The solenoid-operated water supply valves #1 and #1 may be thermostatically controlled so that the cold water is always at 100 F. and the hot water at 130 F. Such thermostatically-controlled, solenoid-operated valves are available on the market.

To conserve hot water, a hot water conservation switch TI may be provided. This switch is a three-way switch having the three positions indicated inFigs. 1a, 1b and 1c. The switch comprises a blade 90 pivotally mounted on terminal 8i and engageable with fixed terminals 92 and I9.

This temperature switch provides a convenient means of conserving hot water so that for certain operations less hot water may be used. Many laundry experts feel that silks, rayons and woolens should be washed at a comparatively low temperature such as F., while colored cottons and linens should be washed at a somewhat higher temperature, such as F., and white cottons and linens at a somewhat higher temperature, such as F.

In order to economize on hot water, it is obvious that if 100 water is desired, it is only necessary to-actuate solenoid #1, whereas, if 130 water is desired, solenoid #1 alone should be actuated, while if 115 water is desired, both solenoid operated valves should be opened.

To insure addition of the proper amount of water in each case, the solenoid-operated valves may have constant flow devices associated therewith so that the set amount of water is added, according to the time allowed by the control cam,

regardless of whether solenoid #1 is turned on alone, solenoid #1 alone, or both together. A

aseaass water level switch Il may be provided. in any case, to turn oil the water when it obtains a proper level in the machine.

Thus, it 100 water is desired for the washing operation, the hot water conservation switch 11 is operated to the position shown in Fig. 111. ll 115 wash water is desired. switch I1 takes position shown in Figure It. It 130 water is desired. the switch II takes position shown in Figure 1c.

It will be understood that, in a set-up such as shown in Figure 7, the washing machine is filled four times with water for a complete cycle. The first fill is for pre-soak and that is usually 100 water, regardless of the material. The second fill is for washing which will take the particular temperature water as explained above. The third fill is for the first rinse that will also take the particular temperature of water desired. The fourth fill is for the second rinse which is usually a cold rinse.

Referring to Fig. 1, the electric supply line mains are indicated by 90, 9|. These mains supply current to timer motor It, washing machine motor 08 and all solenoids, through the contacts oi master switch #6. It will be understood that the entire periphery of master cam #6 is low except for the relatively short projection 32 which raises the switch operating bar to open back contact it when the total cycle is completed.

Main DI connects with timer motor II by lead II and with main drive motor 88 by lead 94. Main Ii also connects with the contacts of the several switches #1, #1, #2, #3, #4 and as shown. Main 90 connects, through the contacts of master switch #6 with distributing main 92.

It will be noted from Fig. 1 that only the back contacts 59 in switches #2 and #6 are connected in circuit, and only the forward contacts 5| in switches #l', #3, #4 and #5 are connected in circuit. Both contacts of switch #1 are in circuit.

Cold water solenoid #1 has a lead wire Ill! connected to distributing wire 82 through water level switch Ill. and a lead wire 95 connected to the movable contact of switch #1.

Hot water solenoid #1 has a lead wire connected to lead wire I02, and a lead wire llll connected to contact ll of hot water conservation switch 11, whose other stationary contact is connected to the forward contact of switch #1 by lead ll, and whose pivot contact It is connected to switch #1 by lead 01.

Agitate solenoid #2 is connected to switch #2 by lead I.

Boap solenoid #3 is connected to switch #3 by lead ll.

Drain solenoid #4 is connected to switch #4 by lead ill.

Spin solenoid #5 is connected to switch #5 by lead IOI.

Operation A typical operation will now be given to assist in understanding the invention. The dlal will first be adjusted to preset the desired washing period and to start the machine. Assuming the timer has come to rest with the point 82 on the master cam operating the master switch #6. current is disconnected from the entire machine and the timer has come to rest with the word Stop under the arrow I. in Fig. 3.

To pre-set the washing period, say to ten minutes, the knob 34 is first pulled out to insure holding master switch #6 in inoperative position. The thumb piece 41 is then pressed and auxiliary dial plate 45 is moved with respect to main dial plate II to place the arrow 84 opposite the ten minute mark on the scale II. The entire dial is then rotated to bring the notation Soak" under the main arrow 86. The knob 84 is then pressed inwardly, which releases master switch #6 which starts the machine in operation, and which engages timer motor clutch finger II between teeth 2!.

The hot water conservation switch is set, for example, to the position shown in Fig. 1, i. e. for F. hot water.

Referring also to the chart in Fig. '7. the shaded areas indicate working periods of the several events. The legends to the left indicate the several events or actions while the legends at the top indicatd the several stations or operations. The chart is laid out for a full sixty minutes of operation, or one complete revolution of the timer. The primary cams or segments handle the events or actions occurring before the wash-agitate period. The secondary cams or segments handle the events or actions occurring alter the wash-agitate period. The'adjustable space between the cams handle the wash-agitate period.

The high points on the cams, except for cams #2 and #6, initiate and terminate the several working periods. The low points on cams #2 and #6 initiate and terminate the working periods.

The cams in Fig. 1 are in position for beginning of Soak. The manual turning of the entire dial to Soak causes the bar oi master switch #6 to drop to the position shown in Fig. 1 and circuit to be completed through timer motor II and main motor it. Circuit is completed through timer motor Hi from main Oi. through lead I3, motor It, switch #6 back to main ll. Circuit is completed through the main motor from main 8i, through lead 94, motor ll, main l2. switch #6, back to main 80.

The timer moves. under impulsion of the timer motor in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 1. After a brief interval, the operating bar of switch #1 will be raised to admit cold water. Circuit is completed from main ll through iorward contacts 0! switch #1, lead 95. solenoid #1, lead I02, water level switch It, distributing main l2, master switch #6, back to main ll. Thus water will be admitted for a certain length of time after which it is automatically turned oil by opening of water level switch 18.

Agitate switch #2 next comes into operation by its switch bar dropping into a low point of a itate cam #2. This operates agitate solenoid #2 by completing circuit from main OI, switch #2, lead 88, solenoid #2 back to distributing main 0: and thence back to main II. as before. This agitates the laundry in the basket which continues until the bar of switch #2 rides up on high point of cam #2.

At this time the bar of empty switch #4 rises. which opens the drain valve, and, after a short time, bar of spin switch #5 rises to start the basket spinning to expel soak water irom the clothes.

The closing 0! empty switch #4 operates solenoid #4 by completing circuit from main 9|. switch #4, lead I00. solenoid #4. back to distributing main '2.

The closing oi spin switch #5 operates solenoid #5 by completing circuit from main 9 I, switch #5, lead ill, solenoid #5, back to distributing main .2.

At the end of the soaking period, the washing period begins by rising of bar oi hot water switch 9 #1, admitting both cold and hot water into the machine. At the same time bar of soap switch #3 rises to admit soap.

Circuit is completed through solenoids #1 and #1 as follows: from main 9|, switch #1 (switch #1 not operated), lead 91, switch 11, lead I03, solenoid #1, water level switch I8, back to main 9!; also from switch 11, lead 96, back contacts of switch #1, lead 95, solenoid #1, lead I02, water level switch ll. back to main 92.

Circuit is completed through soap solenoid #3 from main 9|, switch #3, lead 99, solenoid #3, back to main 9!.

The bar of agitator switch #2 .drops and the laundry is agitated with soap and water solution for the pre-set length of time. At the end of the washing period, bar of agitator switch #2 rises to stop agitation, and bar of drain switch #4 rises to drain the machine, and bar of spin switch #5 rises to spin the clothes as before.

The next period is the first rinsing period at which bar of switch #1 rises to admit hot and cold water, after which bar of switch #2 drops to agitate the clothes, after which bar switch #4 rises to empty the water, and bar of switch #5 rises to spin the clothes dry.

The next period is the second rinse at which time bar of switch #1 rises to admit cold water and bar of switch #2 drops to agitate the laundry, at the end of which bar of switch #4 rises to drain the machine and bar of switch #5 rises to spin the basket.

The last spinning period may be longer than the others to dry the clothes as thoroughly as desired. At the end of the last drying period, all mechanism of the machine stops except the main motor 6. and timer motor In which run until the dial reaches the stop position (Fig. 3) at which time bar of master switch #6 rises and everything is turned off, including the timer motor and main motor.

Thus, the timer of the invention provides a convenient means of varying the time period of one of several consecutive washing machine actions and Dre-setting such variation. Thus a maximum of twenty minutes may be set for washing dirty clothes while a lesser time, say ten minutes, can be allowed for washing less dirty clothes and the entire machine set in advance so that the complete cycle can be carried through without any further attention on the part of the operator.

It will be noted that the cam high points and low points are so arranged that all of the switch operating bars iil have their innermost position during the variable wash-agitate period. It is also possible to vary this period by utilizing the high points of the cams but such use would be disadvantageous as it would utilize too much of a complete revolution of the cam. Although the only action that is working during the main part of the washing period is the agitating action, the cams for controlling the other actions must also be adjustable since the actions controlled by them are automatically extended by extending the wash-agitating period. However, such other actions may be controlled by the high points of the cams as is the case with all of the cams except agitate cam #2 and master cam #6.

It will be noted that the cold water cam #1 controls cold water for only the Soak and Second rinse periods. For the Wash and First rinse periods, the hot water cam #1 controls cold water solenoid #1 alone if hot water conservation switch is in the 100 F. position; hot water solehold #2 alone, if hot water conservation switch is in the 130 F. position; and both solenoids if the hot water conservationswitch is in the F. position.

It is obvious that both the timer and the hot water conservation switch may be used with different types of machines, including those now on the market operating as described above.

It will be noted that all of these machines have the same general series of events, that is, fill, agitate, spin and empty. Obviously. some of the stations or operations may be omitted in different machines or some of the actions combined. For example, the same switch may control both the spin and drain actions. A single switch may control both the agitating and spinning actions, the switch being in one position for agitation and in another position for spinning. Also, except for the variable washing period, where it is desired that the switch be actuated by low points on the cams, the other actions may be eifected by either high points or low points. Also the complete cycle may be shortened by providing for only one rinse or by omitting the soaking station, or by omitting any of the other stations considered undesirable or unnecessary.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed herein, and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

' What is claimed is:

1. A timer for washing machines and the like comprising a framework, a concentric shaft arrangement comprising a slide rod, a tubular shaft rangement comprising a slide rod, a tubular shaft surrounding said slide rod, a sleeve shaft surrounding said tubular shaft, a knob aflixed to said slide rod, said slide rod and tubular shaft having pin and slot arrangement whereby said and tubular shaft together, a main dial plate affixed to rotate with said tubular shaft, an auxiliary dial plate affixed to rotate with said sleeve shaft, clutch means operating between said dial plates to permit relative rotation therebetween or rotation together, a plurality of cams, each comprising a primary and a secondary segment, said primary segment being keyed to said tubular shaft to rotate therewith, spacer collars between said primary segments, said secondary segments being mounted on said collars, spaced nipples between said secondary segments; assembly rods passing through said secondary segments, said nipples and a flange on said sleeve shaft; a plurality of electric switches for said cams, assembly rods passing through the bases of said switches, said switches having operating bars adapted to be engaged by the peripheries of said cams; a timer motor and reduction gearing secured to said framework, a drive clutch plate driven by said reduction gearing, a driven clutch plate secured to said slide rod, one of said clutch plates having peripheral teeth and the other clutch plate having a finger adapted to selectively engage between said teeth.

2. In an automatic household washing machine performing a plurality of operations, including a soaking operation, a washing operation, a first rinsing operation, a second rinsing operation, said soaking operation requiring relatively cold water, said washing and first rinsing operations requiring water of diiferent temperatures depend- 11 log upon the goods being washed, said second rinsing operation requiring cold water, a solenoid for cold water, a solenoid for hot water, a temperature switch for determining the temperature of the water supplied during the washing and first rinsing operations, a timing device for timing the events necessary to perform the several operations, said timing device including a first cam for controlling the admission of cold water alone, a second cam for controlling the admission of hot water alone, cold water alone, or both together according to the position of said switch, cam switches operated by said cams, and circuit means for said cam switches, temperature switch and solenoids.

3. In a hot water conservation system for household washing machines and the like, a washing machine having sources of hot and cold water, a thermostatically controlled cold water valve for the cold water, a thermostatically controlled hot water valve for the hot water, a hot water conservation switch having three positions, one of which supplies cold water, another of which supplies hot water, and another of which supplies mixed hot and cold water, timing mechanism for controlling the events of said machine, said timing mechanism including a cold water cam and a hot water cam, switches operated by said cams, said cold water switch having forward and back contacts, said hot water switch having forward contacts, circuit means whereby said cold water valve is under control of both forward and back contacts of said cold water switch, both said cold water and hot water valves are under control of said hot water switch and under control of said hot water conservation switch.

4. In an automatic household washin machine performing a plurality of operations, including a soaking operation, a washing opeiation. a rinsing operation, said soaking operation rcquiring relatively cold water, said washing operation requiring water of different temperatures depending upon the goods being washed, said rinsing operation requiring cold water; a solenoid for cold water, a. solenoid for hot water, a settable temperature switch for determining the temperature of the water supplied during the washing operation, a timing device for timing the events necessary to perform the several operations, said timing device including a first cam for controlling the admission of cold water alone. a second cam for controlling the admission of hot water alone, cold water alone, or both together according to the position of said settable switch, cam switches operated by said cams, and circuit means for said cam switches, temperature switch and solenoids.

GEORGE W. DUNHAM.

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

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,701,399 Vickery Feb. 5, 1929 2,030,394 Pierce Feb. 11, 1936 2,352,156 Anderson June 27, 1944 2,356,816 Breckenridge -a Aug. 29, 1944 2,425,788 Edwards Aug. 19, 1947 2,434,353 Edwards Jan. 13, 1948 2,467,848 Newell Apr. 19, 1949