US2920469A

US2920469A - Control system for wash water storage and re-use system

Info

Publication number: US2920469A
Application number: US626701A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Wallace H Henshaw
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 1956-12-06
Filing date: 1956-12-06
Publication date: 1960-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 1977-01-12

Description

Jan. 12, 1960 w. H. HENSHAW, JR 2,920,469

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WASH WATER STORAGE AND RE-USE SYSTEM Filed Dec. s, 1956 :5 Sheets-Sheet 1 F! G. l

hillllillllllfllf INVENTOR.

WALLACE H. HENSHAW IR.

HIS ATTORNEY ER STORAGE AND RE-USE SYS'YIEM Jan. 12, 1960 w. H. HENSHAW, JR

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WASH WAT Filed D90. 6, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 4

m m m w.

WALLACE H. HENSHAW :rn.

ATTORNEY Jan. 12, 1960 w. H. HENSHAW, JR 2,920,469

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WASH WATER STORAGE AND RE-USE SYSTEM Filed Dec. 6, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IIQ lu s: 5pm COAST COAST PAgSE OFF WASH A; Est-INA kRmsbAFspm-J 64 m m m as i INVENTOR.

WALLACE H HENSHAW J'R.

WFWQK HIS ATTORNEY United States Patent CONTROL sYsTEMFoR WASH WATER STORAGE AND ,RE-USE SYSTEM p I Wallace H. Henshaw, Jr., Louisville, Ky., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application December fi, 1956, Serial No. 626,701

9 Claims. (Cl. 6812) commonly called a. suds saver system, the hot sudsy wash water used in the washing step of an automatic clothes washing machine may hev passed into a suitable storage reservoir after the washing step is completed rather than being discharged to I the drain. The sudsy water is retained in the reservoir until the washing machine completes its cycle of operation, rinsing and drying the clothes, andthe clothes are taken out of the machine. Then When'another load' of dirty clothes is placed inthe machine the system is effective to return the sudsy water from the reservoir to' the washing container for washing the second load of clothes. This re-use of the sudsy water, of course, provides appreciable savings in both hot water and detergent.

To pass the wash; water to the reservoir for storage, the storageand re-use'systems ordinarily utilize the drain pump of the washing machine. Suitable conduits and valve means are connected to the drain pump whereby the wash water may be conducted to the reservoir as the pump empties the, machine. The drain pump. can not, however, ordinarily be used to return the water from. the reservoir to the machine, and therefore a separate return pump is provided for that purpose. The return pump is arranged with its inlet connected to the storage reservoir and with its outlet connected to the washing container of the machine, and upon its operation it is effective to withdraw the stored water from the reservoir and pass it back into the washing container.

It is a primary object of'my: invention to provide a new and improved electrical control system for washing ma chines including a wash water and storage and re-use system, whereby after initially setting the return pump in operation, the operator may then leave the machine and it will automatically proceed into its cycle of operation as soon as all the stored liquid is returned to the washing container.

It is another object of my invention to provide a control system including automatic switch means for automatically controlling the return pump whereby the pump is locked in for so long as the return flow continues but is immediately deenergized as soon as all the stored liquid is returned to the washing container.

A further object of my invention is to provide a control system of the later type which is effective to energize electrically controlled valve means connected to a water supply concurrently as the return pump is deenergized, thereby to supply automatically and immediately any make-up water needed in addition to the stored liquid to fill the washing container.

My invention also has as its object the provision of a zszatsa control system wherein the operator may at any time terminate the filling of the machine, no matter which is energized the return pump of the water valve means, and start, the washing operation simply by operating a single manually actuated switch.

In carrying out my invention-I provide a washing ma chine which includes a wash water. storage and return system. This system is arranged for storing the wash water drained from the machine after the washing operationv in a suitable storage reservoir, andfor then returning the water. to the machine for use in a subsequent washing operation. In order to return the stored liquid to the machine, the system includes an electrically controlled return pump, and by my invention an improved control ofthis pump is provided. My improved control means for the return pump include a manually-operated switch for initiating the operation of the pump and a lockzin switchmeanswhich is then automatically operated upon, the; start of the return flow. The lock-in switch is arrangechto energize the return pump in its operated position and thus once it is operated, the manual switch may be released. Thelock in switch then holds in the returnapumpuntil the supply of stored liquid in the reservoir is exhausted and it thereupon immediately de-energizes the return pump. Thus the lock-in switch not only frees the operatorfrom attendance on the machine but alsoautomatically causes the return pump to run only so long as necessary and no longer.

By a further aspect of my-invention the lock-in switch may also be advantageously employed to control the water inlet'valve means of the machine connected to the household water supply. Specifically the lock-in: switch is so arrangedthat it normally closesthe valve means circuit butopens that circuit whenever it closes the return pump circuit. Thus the valve means cannot be energized to supply fresh water while the return pump is returning the stored liquid to the machine, but as soon as the return pump ceases operation, the valve means circuit is automatically and immediately closed. This allows the valve means to supply any make-up liquid needed in addition to the stored liquid to fill the washing machine to the desired level.

The subiect matter which I regard as my invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this. specification. My invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may bestbe understood 'by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1' is a side elevational view of, a clothes washing machine. including a wash water storage and re-use system suitable for, control by my new improved control system,

the view being partially broken away and partially in sectionto show details;

Fig. 2 is a schematic showing of the storage and reuse system illustrating one suitable arrangement of my lock-in switch means; Fig. 3' is a plan view of the valve means incorporated within the storage and re-use system, the valve means including both a two-way valve and a shut-off valve within the same casing;

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross sectional view of the twoway valve;

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of the shutofi valve;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment: of: my new and improved control system; and

Fig. 7 is a cam chart showing in extended form the surfaces of the various timer driven cams included in the Patented .Jan. 12,, teen control system of Fig. 6, thereby to illustrate the sequence of operation of the switches controlled by the cams.

Referring now to Fig. 1 I have shown therein an agitator type clothes washing machine 1 which is provided with a wash water storage and re-use system suitable for control by my new and improved control system. This control system will be explained hereinafter in detail. The machine 1 includes a fabric washing container such as a clothes basket 2 which is disposed within an outer imperforate tub or casing 3. The tub 3 is in turn mounted within an outer appearance cabinet 4. At the center of the wash basket 2 there is positioned a vertical axis agitator 5 which includes a center post 6 and a plurality of radially extending vanes 7. The agitator is further provided with an outwardly and downwardly flared skirt 3 to which the vanes 7 are joined at their lower ends.

Both the clothes basket 2 and the agitator 5 are rotatably mounted. Specifically, the basket 2 is mounted on a flange 9 of a rotatable hub 10, and the agitator 5 is mounted on a shaft (not shown) which extends upwardly through the hub 10 and the center post 6. The agi tator is secured to the shaft by means of an internally threaded nut or cap 11 at the top of the center post. During the cycle of operation of the machine, the agitator 5 is first oscillated back and forth within the basket 2 to wash the clothes therein. Then, after a predetermined period of this washing action, the basket is rotated at high speed to extract centrifugally the washing liquid and discharge it into the outer tub 3. Following this extraction operation a supply of clean liquid is introduced into the wash basket for rinsing the clothes, and the agitator is again oscillated. Finally, the wash basket is once more rotated at high speed to extract the rinse water and discharge it into the outer tub. Preferably the first extraction operation following the washing operation is divided into two separate stages of basket rotation separated by a pause during which the basket does not rotate. The provision of this pause, it has been found, aids greatly in avoiding suds locking of the basket.

The basket 2 and the agitator 5 may be driven by any suitable means since their drive means form no part of the present invention. However, by way of example, I have shown them as driven from a reversible motor 12. The motor 12 drives the basket and agitator through a drive including a clutch 13 which is mounted on the motor shaft. Clutch 13 allows the motor to start without load and then pick up the load as it comes up to speed. The clutch is connected by a suitable belt 14 to the input pulley 15 of a transmission assembly 16, and it is effective to drive the pulley 15 in both directions of motor rotation. Thus depending upon the direction of the motor rotation the input pulley of the transmission is driven in opposite directions.

The transmission 16 is so arranged that it supports and drives both the agitator drive shaft and the basket mounting hub 10. When the pulley 15 is driven in one direction by the clutch 13, the transmission causes the agitator 5 to oscillate within the basket 2. Conversely, when the pulley 15 is driven in the opposite direction, the transmission drives the wash basket at high speed for centrifugal extraction. Thus, the operation carried out, i.e., agitation or centrifugal extraction, is controlled by the direction of rotation of the drive motor, agitation occurring when the motor turns in one direction and centritugal extraction occurring when it turns in the other direction. Although the drive mechanism forms no part of the present invention, reference is made to the co-pending application of James R. Hubbard et al., S.N. 420,594, now Patent No. 2,844,225, filed April 2, 1954, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. That application discloses in detail the structural characteristics of a transmission assembly suitable for use in the illustrated machine.

In order to drain or empty the machine during the '4 centrifugal extraction operation, there is provided a pump 17 which is secured to the bottom wall of the tub 3 and which withdraws liquid from the tub through a suitable bafile assembly 18. The liquid in the basket 2 is, of course, discharged into the tub 3 during the extraction operations as a result ofthe centrifugal force created by the basket rotation, and thus it as well as any liquid originally in the tub is drained from the machine by the pump 17. The pump 17 is driven by the motor 12 through a flexible coupling 19 and during the centrifugal extraction operation it discharges into a hose or conduit 20 which leads to valve means forming part of the wash water storage and re-use system. Any suitable drain pump may be used but in the illustrated machine there is shown a bi-directional pump which discharges into one of two outlets depending upon the direction of pump rotation. A directional pump of this type is described in detail and claimed in the co-pending application of John Bochan, S.N. 468,460, now Patent No. 2,883,843, filed November 12, 1954, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. As mentioned above during the centrifugal extraction operation the bidirectional pump 17 discharges through its one outlet into the hose 20 for either storing the liquid or discharg ing it to a drain. However, during the washing and rinsing operations the pump discharges into a second outlet which is connected to a hose 21. This hose 21 leads to a nozzle (not shown) which discharges into a filter 22 mounted on the center post of the agitator 5. The hose 21 and filter 22 so combined with the bi-directional pump form a recirculation system for continuously cleaning and filtering the wash liquid during the washing operation. In summary with regard to the pump 17, it will thus be understood that due to the change in the direction of rotation of the pump, the liquid in the tub 3 is discharged to the discharge hose 20 during the extraction operations, but is continuously recirculated through the recirculation hose 21 during the washing and rinsing operations. Connected to the hose 20 is a wash water storage and re-use system whereby the liquid discharged from the tub 3 during the first centrifugal extraction operation following the washing operation either may be discharged to a suitable drain, or else may be stored in suitable storage means for used wash water such as a set tub or other reservoir while the machine completes its cycle of operation and then be returned to the machine for use in another washing operation. The arrangement of this storage and re-use system. including its conduits, valves and pump means, is fully described and claimed in the copending application of Philip H. Houser, S.N. 626,702, filed concurrently herewith and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, and it comprises one suitable storage and re-use system with which my new and improved control system may be employed. In order to control the disposition of the liquid being emptied from the tub the storage and return system includes valve means in the form of a two-way valve 23. The valve 23, as shown, is incorporated within the same casing as a completely separate shut-off valve 24, whose purpose will be explained hereinafter, and the valves are separated from each other by means of an interior wall 25 of the valve casing (Fig. 3). The two-way valve 23 includes a central inlet port 26 which is connected to the discharge hose 20 of the tub and two

separate outlet ports

27 and 28 which are connected respectively to a drain hose 29 and a storage hose 30. Both of the hoses or

conduits

29 and 30 extend out of the casing 4 of the washing machine and as may best be seen in Fig. 2 the drain hose 29 has its discharge end adapted for emptying into a drain 31 which leads directly to the household waste line. The storage hose 30 on the other hand has its outer end adapted for communication with, or more accurately disposed within, a suitable storage reservoir 32 which is here shown as a common household set tub. It will thus be seen that if the fiow is discharged from the valve 23 to land the port 28 leading to the storage hose is closedby from the port 28 so as to open communication-with-the --'de-energized and the water'is the port 27 and the hose 29.

"the. drain him" 29 it will be emptied into theurainal In order to control which'ofqthe-hoses 29 o l- 3t! the flow, i.e., in order to control whether the -liquid is emptied to the drain or 'storedgthe valve 23 :includes a lpair of valve disks 33 and'34 which are formed as part of a flexible diaphragm 35. The valve disks .:33 and 34 are actuated by means of a solenoid 36 through 'agpivoted control member or lever 37. .The control lever 37 is pivoted intermediate its ends to the cover plate 38 of the valve casing, and on one side of the pivot is attached *to the valve disk 33 and on the other side of the pivotis attached to the valve disk 34. The connection to the disk .34 is made through a suitable cross arm 39, as shown.

When the solenoid 36 is de-energized, its armature 40 ;and the lever 37 assume the position .illustra'ted in Pig. 4 wherein the port 27 leadingto the drain hoseis-op'en the valve disk 33. Conversely, when the solenoid 36 is energized, the armature 40 is pulled inwardly and the .lever 37 is pivoted so that the-disk 34 closes the port 27 leading to the drain hose andthe disk 33 is moved, away :storage' hose. In other words in the de-energized position of the solenoid 36 communication is providedbetween the inlet port 26 and the drain port 27, whereas when the solenoid is energized, communication is-provided between the inlet port 26 and the storage port 28. Thus :if it is desired to store the wash water, the solenoid v36 :is energized duringthe centrifugal extraction'operation i following'the washing operation. .However, if .itis not desired to store the wash water, then the solenoid is left passed to the drain through In order to return the stored water from the. reservoir or tub 32 when it is desiredto re-.use it for washing another load of clothes, there is provided within the system a return pump 41 which is driven by means of a separate fan cooled, electric motor 42. The intakelo'f the return pump 41 is connected to thestorage hose at a point '43 intermediate its ends by means of a relatively short circuit or hose 44, and the outlet of the pump is connected to'the inlet port 45 of the shut-off valve 24 by means of another relatively short conduit or hose 46. Thus it will be-seen that when the return pump 41 is operated, it is effective to withdraw the stored liquid .from the tub 32 through the outer portion of the storage hose 30 and the hose 44 and discharge it through the hose 46 to the inlet port 45 of the shut-01f valve 24.

The valve 24 is provided with a single outlet port 47 and communication between the inlet port 45 and the outlet port 47 is controlled by means ofa valve disk 48 adapted to seat on the inner end of the inlet port. The valve disk 48 is formed as a part of thesame diaphragm as are the valve disks of the two-way valve 23, and it is actuated by means of the same solenoid 36 and connected lever 37. The'valve disk 48 is specifically actu- :ated'to' the lever 37 by the same'cross bar 39 asthe valve disk 34. When the solenoid is in its illustrated or deenergized position, the valve disk 48, as shown, is lifted 01f theinlet so that the inlet 45 and the outlet 47 of the shut-off valve are in open communication. However, when the solenoid 36 is energized, the valve disk 48 is then moved inwardly to seat on the inlet 45 and close 01f the communication between the inlet 'a'nd the outlet. This, of course, closes the valve 24 completely.

The outlet 47 of the shut-oif valve 24 is connected to a return hose 49 which is adapted to'discharge into the basket 2. Specifically, the hose or conduit 49 extends upwardly within the casing of the machine 1 to a point :above the wash basket 2, and at its upperend is provided with a discharge nozzle 50 which discharges the stored liquid into the basket 2 through the open top thereof.

-In summary, the conduit system for returning. the stored --liquid.;fr,om,;the :reservoir 3210 thefwash basket 2 thus comprises :the outergportionof the hose 30 and the hose reservoiris emptied and;the return flow ceases, the switch 51 immediately de-energizes f'the return pump or more specifically tie-energizes its drive motor 42, and simultaneously conditions other ,of the-electrical components of, the machine so that the. machine automatically prorceedsinto, its'normaloperation. The manner in which the :switch51 is connected in the control system to effect this result is fully explained hereinafter.

In'my preferredembodimentithe switch 51 comprises a how switch which is responsive to the flow through the return conduit 49. When there is no flow through the conduitgthe' switch 51 occupies a'first or normal position. However, when the return pump does pass a flow of liquid .throu'ghithe return those 49,.at that time the switch is operated-shy the flow-to a second ,or. operated position. Although any suitable .flowresponsive switch could be used, the switch 51 is here shown as aipressure responsive switch which is actuated by the increased pressure created in a pressure chamber. r52xtwhen there is how. through the hose 49.v The .xchamb'er. 52, as shown, opens off the hose '49. and it is connectedlto'thefswitch 51 by a pressureline or .tube "53. When there :is flow through the hose 49, a pressure is created .inthe chamber 52 which compresses the column of.-airv in the line 53 and thereby applies pressure to.thet. switch 51tto. operate it. This pressure specifically 'actuates a control diaphragm 54 of the switch so as to operate the-switch from its normal to its operated'position. .uConversely,-when there is. no flow through the .hose, 49, .the' pressure in the chamber 52 is at or near atmospheric and .no pressure is applied to the diaphragm 54. 7 Thus the diaphragm and the switch 51 assume their normal positions. In order to insure that suflicient pressure willibe created in the chamber 52 to operate theswitch during. the return flow, thereturn hose 49 preferably is provided witha restrictor 55 downstream of the connection of the chamber 52 to the hose. This r es'trictor causes a high enough pressure to be developed upstream of it so thattheswitch 51 is positively operated whenever there is flow passing through the hose 49.

in order to provide. both for the lock-in control of thereturn pump and for'the automatic operation of the machine 1 once the return flow ceases, the lock-in or flow switch 51 is so arranged that. itcontrols two different circuits. First of all it controls a'circuit for operating the return pump, i.e.-, .a circuit for energizing the return. pump motor 42; and secondly it controls a circuit for energizing the

operating solenoids

56 and 57 of the hot and cold water valves 58 and59 (Fig 2) which are provided for introducingfresh water into the basket 2. The fiow switch 51 is so arranged that it can close only one of these circuits at a time. More specifically, it is arranged so that in its normal position it closes the circuit for the valvesolenoids'whereas in its operated stitute the normally open set of contacts. These two sets of

contacts

60, 61, and 62, 61 are connected respectively in series circuit relation in the valve and return pump circuits, as will be explained in detail hereinafter, and thereby the valve means cannot be energized while the return pump is locked in by the return flow passing through hose 49. Thus no fresh water is introduced into the machine so long as the return flow continues. However, since the flow switch returns from its operated position wherein the contacts 61, 62 are closed to its normal position wherein the contacts 60, 61 are closed immediately upon the cessation of the return fiow, it will be seen that the valve means circuit will be closed as soon as the return flow ceases, i.e. as soon as the reservoir 32 is drained. This, as explained below, automatically allows the valve means to supply any additional make-up water needed to fill the machine after the return fiow is completed. Further, in my preferred control system, when sufficient make-up water has been added as a result of the return of the flow switch to its normal position, then the machine automatically proceeds into its complete cycle of operations. The switch 51 and diaphragm 54 thus constitute means in communication with the hose 49 and responsive to the flow of water from the storage means to maintain

valves

53 and 59 closed. Further, the switch 51 and diaphragm 54 are effective in response to the completion of the return of the used wash water to open one or both of

valves

58, and 59 to supply fresh water to basket 2.

Referring now to Fig. 6 I have shown therein a preferred embodiment of my new and improved control system for controlling the various electrical components of the machine 1, this system including the flow switch 51 for controlling the return pump and the water valve solenoids in the manner mentioned above. In order to control the sequence of operation of the machine 1, the system includes a timer motor 63 which drives a pinrality of

cams

64, 65, 66, 67 and 68. These cams during their rotation by the timer actuate various switches so as to cause the machine to progress through a preferred cycle of operation, first washing the clothes, next extracting the wash water from them, then rinsing the clothes in clean water and finally extracting the rinse water from the clothes. The electrical circuit as a whole is energized from a two-wire power supply 69, 7t) and the manner in which the various electrical components of the machine are connected to this power supply during the machine operation will now be explained.

The control system in Fig. 6 is shown in its condition just after the timer has been rotated manually into the wash range for placing the machine originally in operation. A manual control dial 70a (see Fig. 1) is provided on the timer shaft to permit this or any other desired setting of the timer at the discretion of the operator. the operator then need only close a manually operable switch 71 to place the machine in operation. One preferred manner of manually controlling the switch 71 is to arrange the timer control shaft so that it is axially movable, and mount the switch for actuation by axial movement of the shaft.

Assuming the switch 71 to be closed a circuit is then completed whereby the solenoid 56 is energized for opening the valve 58 to introduce hot water into the wash basket 2. If the operator wishes the machine to be filled with fresh water, then she may immediately leave the machine and once the basket is filled, it will then automatically proceed through its entire cycle of operation. If she wishes, however, to return previously stored wash water from the tub 32 to the wash basket, rather than having it filled with fresh water, she closes a normally open manually operable switch 72. The closing of the switch 72 completes a circuit energizing the return pump motor 42, and once the return pump creates a flow through the return conduit 49, the flow With the timer set in the wash range or step, 1

switch 51 is then actuated so as to lock in the return pump until all of the stored liquid has been returned to the wash basket. At the same time as the flow switch locks in the return pump it opens the valve means circuit and thereby no fresh water can be introduced into the machine so long as the return flow continues. However, at the close of the return flow the valve means circuit is again closed to add any makeup liquid needed.

To explain first the valve means circuit for introducing fresh Water in to the machine, commencing with the supply line 69 the circuit extends through the contacts 73, 74- of a switch 75 which is controlled by the cam 66. As shown, the

contacts

73 and 74 are closed together by the cam 66 when the timer is in the wash portion of the cycle. It will be noted, incidentally, that the switch 75 further includes another contact 76 and that the cam 66 can maintain the switch contacts in three different conditions, i.e., no engagement at all between the contacts at the lowest level of the cam,

contacts

73 and 74 engaged at the intermediate level of the cam, and all three

contacts

73, 74 and 76 engaged at the high level of the cam. From the contact 74 the water supply circuit extends through a conductor 77 to a movable contact or arm 78 of a switch 79 which is controlled by the cam 65. With the timer in the wash range the contact 78 is closed with a contact 80 and from that contact the circuit extends through a conductor 81 to the hot water solenoid 56. From the solenoid 56 the circuit continues through a conductor 82 and the normally closed contacts 69, 61 of the flow switch 51 to another conductor 83. Since there is no flow in the return conduit 49, it being assumed that the return pump motor 42 has not been energized, the switch 51 is in its normal posi tion with the contacts 60, 61 closed. It will be noted, however, that if there were flow through the return conduit so that the contacts 60, 61 were disengaged, in that case the valve means circuit could not be energized.

If it is desired to supply warm water to the basket 2 rather than hot Water, then a manually actuated switch 84 is closed. This closes a circuit energizing the solenoid 57 of the cold water valve 59 in parallel with the hot water solenoid 56, whereby both hot and cold water, i.e., warm water, are supplied to the basket. The closing of the switch 84 specifically energizes the cold water solenoid 57 between conductor 77 and flow switch contact 641 through

conductors

85, 86 and 87.

From the conductor 83 connected to the movable contact 61 of the flow switch, the valve circuit continues through a conductor 88 to the timer motor 63 and thence through conductors 89 and 9t and the switch 71 back to the other side 74 of the power supply. From the conductor 83 the circuit also extends back to the supply line 70 through an alternative path including both the start winding 91 and the main winding 92 of the drive motor 12. Specifically the valve circuit extends to the one side of the main Winding 92 through a conductor 93 and continues from the other side of the winding to the conductor and the power supply through a motor protective device 94 and the

contacts

95, 96 of a switch 97 controlled by the cam 64. The

contacts

95, 96 are, as indicated, closed when the timer is in the wash portion of the cycle. The start winding 91 is connected in the circuit by means of a double pole, douole throw motor reversing switch 98 which is controlled by the cam 67. From the conductor 83 the circuit extends to the start winding through contacts 99, 1% of this switch and the contacts of a motor operated, centrifugal switch 101 which is closed when the motor is inoperative. From the other side of the start winding 91 the circuit is completed through a conductor 102, the

contacts

103 and 104 of the motor reversing switch 98 and a conductor 105 to the motor protective device 94. From the motor protective device the circuit extends in the same manner as the circuit for the main winding 92 through the contacts and 96 of the switch 97, the

Jconriuctorfitl and the .nianually openated switch :71 to the power supply line 70,

Withthe timer motor 63 andgthe start andzmai-n windrelativelylittle across the timer and drive motors. This has the result that the solenoid 56 is energized to open the valve 58 to admit hot water to the machine but "the timer and drive motors remain inactive. If switch -84 is closed, solenoid 57 will be energized too so that cold water is also introduced to provide a warm water .filLsolenoids 56 and 57 even when connectedin parallel still presenting a much higher impedance than the par- .allel connected timer and drive motors.

v With thehot water valve or both valves open, water is introduced into the wash basket .2 tofill it until-such time as the .water reaches the level of the overflow aper- :tures 106 provided at the upper endof basket sidewall (.Fig. 1). When the water reaches this level itthen overflows through these apertures 106 into the tub v3 "forming a pool of water in .thetub. Filling of thehub continues for a short time until a Water levelgresponsive switch 107 (Fig. 2) in the .bottom of the tub-is closed.

The switch 107 as shown in Fig. -6 is connected directly between the conductors "77 and83 and when it is closed these conductors are thereby shorted together. This shorts out the water val-ve solenoid or solenoids and. connects the timer motor and .the drive .motor directly :between the conductors 77 .and 90. Both the timer motor and the drive motor are thereby placed in operation to commence the washing operation of the machine.

The switch 107 thus constitutes means effective :to shut off either or both of

valves

58 and 59 when a selected water level (up to apertures 106) has, been reached, either by fresh water alone or by a combination of returned used Water and fresh water. It will be noted that the circuit in addition to the water level responsive switch 107 also includes a manually operable, water saver switch 108 by means of which the

conductors

77 and 83 may be shorted together by the operator at any time. This normaly open, water saver switch provides for terminating the filling operation and starting the timer and drive

motors

63 and 12 when less than a full load of water has been introduced into basket 2.

Digressing from the operation of the machine which takes place upon the energizing of'the timer and drive motors, now let it be assumed that the operator rather than wishing-to fill the machine with fresh water, wishes to use water previously stored innt'he tank 32 to fill the machine. In that case she would manually closethe normally open switch 72 after .she had set the timer in the wash range and closed the switch 71. The switch 72, as shown, is connected in series circuit relation with the drive motor 42 of the returnpump'between the

conductors

77 and 83, specifically by means of conductors-108 and 109, so that the closing ofthe switch thereby places power on the return pump motor. The motor 42 is of appreciably greater impedance ,thanthe parallel connection of the driven motor -12 and the timer motor 63, and thereby the voltage drop across it when the switch 72 is closed is relatively great as compared to the drop across the timer and drive motors. The closing of the switch 72 thus places the motor 42 and thereby the return pump 41 itself in operation. Thereturn pump immediately begins to withdraw the stored water from the set tub 32 through the

hoses

30 and 44 and pass it into the basket through the hose 46, the open valve 24 and the return hose 49. The shut-off valve 24 is positively maintained open during this period since the cam -68 holds disengaged the contacts 110 and 111 of a sWitch IIZ-Whic'h is connected serially in the energizing circuit forvalve solenoid 36, This removes all power fromthesolenoid '36 and thereby :thershnt-otfvalve assumes and ettings in-. its open position.

.As-the return-flow from the reservoir 32 begins IOQPQSS through the return hose 49, it then actuates the flow switch 51 from its normal to its operated po'sition. Specifically, the increased pressure in the pressure chamber 52 causes the diaphragm 54 to operate the contact arm 61 of the switch 51 so that it moves out of engagement with the contact 60 and into engagement with the contact 62. The closing of he contacts 61, 62, which areconnected in parallel with the manually operated switch 72, provides a holding or lock-in circuit around the switch 72 whereby that switch may. now be released and the return pump will continue in operation. Also, it will be noted that the opening of the contacts 60 and 61 removes the power from the

valve solenoids

56 and 57, whereby *no 'resh water is introduced into the machine until' the return flow from the set tub 32 ceases.

The return'pump continues to withdraw the stored liquid from the tub 32, with the

valve solenoids

56 and 57 de-energized, until substantially all of the stored liquid is removed from the tub. At that time the flow through the return hose-49 ceases and the flow switch 51 returns .to its normal position, that is, the contact 61 moves out of-engagement with the contact 62 and into engagement with the conact 60. This removes power from the return pump motor 42 and energizes the circuit for water valve solenoid or solenoids. The water valves thereby automatically introduce any make-up water necessary to com- .pletethe filling ofthe tub. Thus, it will be seen that my new and improved control system through its inclusion of thefiow switch 51 possesses the decided advantage of not only automatically shutting off the ,return pump when; all the stored liquid is returned from the set tub, but also automatically actuating the water valves 58 :and59 so that any make-up liquid necessary is added to the wash vbasket. The filling of the tub with the make-up liquid is, of course, terminated just as when all fresh water is added, by the water level switch 107 being closed when the machine is filled to the desired level. It will be noted also that just as when the basket 2 is being completely filled with fresh water, the'water saver switch 108 may be used to terminate the filling of the basket at-any time. Since the return pump motor 42 is energized between the

conductors

77 and 83, the closing of the switch' 108 is equally effective to short out the return pump motor as the water valve solenoids 56' and 57.

A further feature of the system which will be noted is that since the return pump 41 is placed in operation only when the operator closes the switch 72, she may, if she wishes, allow the machine to be filled partially with freshwater before she begins to return the stored water. For example, she may at times wish to introduce apartial load of fresh hot water to heat upthe stored water to a desired washing level. In that case she allows the

fresh water valves

58 and 59 to fill the machine for a period before she depresses the switch 72. The water valves of course commence operation as soon as the timer is setin the washrange and the switch 71 is closed. With the wash basket partially filled with fresh water before the return flow from the storage reservoir is started, it is likely that the wash basket 2 will be filled before the. storage reservoir is drained by the return pump. The water level switch 107, however, in this instance termi-. nates the'filling and prevents overflowing of the machine: just as if the watervalves were energized. Specifically,

the switch 107 is'closed as soon asa small amount of liquid is'overflowed into the tub 3, and its closing shorts; out the "return pump motor 42 so that the return flowceases. Additionally, its closing places the timer motor '63 and drive motor 12in operation so that the machinebegins its washing operation. I

Onc'eeither the -water'level switch 107 or' the water} saver switch 108 closed so that'the machine commences; its washing operation, the cycle of operation is thereaftef 11 no different no matter whether fresh water, stored liquid or a combination of both was introduced into the wash basket for washing the clothes. Once either of the

switches

107 or 108 is closed, both the timer motor and the drive motor are then energized with full line voltage as mentioned above, and they thereby both commence operation. Initially both the main winding 92 and the start winding 91 of the drive motor 12 are energized, but as soon as the motor comes up to speed the centrifugal switch 101 opens so as to remove the start winding from the circuit.

With the motor reversing switch 98 in the position shown in Fig. 6 the polarity of the start winding is such that the motor 12 rotates in the direction for causing operation of the agitator. In other words, once the filling of the machine is completed, the motor drives the agitator with an oscillatory motion about its axis with the spin basket 2 remaining relatively stationary. Besides opening the switch 101 the operation of the main drive moto'r also causes the closing of a normally open, motor operated, centrifugal switch 113 which is connected between the

conductors

77 and 83. The closing of this switch 113 results in the power being kept on the timer and drive motors even if the level of water in the tub should decrease below that necessary to keep the switch 107 closed. The

centrifugal switches

101 and 113 are preferably both operated from the same centrifugal mechanism 114 driven by the drive motor 12.

Concurrently with the operation of the agitator the drive motor 12 also drives the pump 17 in a direction to cause flow from the tub 3 into and through the re-circulation conduit 21. This results in the wash water being continuously recirculated through the wash basket dur ing the washing operation, with lint being removed by means of the filter 22 and with sand flowing out of the basket through a soil removal nozzle 115 disposed beneath the agitator skirt 8. T he washing operation continues with the movement of the agitator and the recirculation fiow until such time as the timer motor reaches the region marked pause a in the cam chart of Fig. 7. At that point cam 64 opens the

contacts

95 and 96 of switch 97. This removes power from the drive motor 12 and thereby halts operation of the agitator and the pump 17. The stopping of the motor, of course, also results in the opening of the centrifugal switch 113 which connected together the

conductors

77 and 33 during the wash period. However, power is not removed from the timer motor 63 as a result of this opening since a power circuit is still completed to it from the conductor .77 through the valve solenoid 56 or both

solenoids

56 and 57 if switch 84 is closed. The timer is so constructed that its impedance is much greater than that of the valve solenoids, and thus it takes up most of the supply voltage and continues in operation. The solenoids in fact assume so little of the voltage that they are not effective to open their

respective valves

58 and 59.

To point out positively at one place the impedance relationships between the

valve solenoids

56 and 57, the timer motor 63 and the drive motor 12, it will be understood that when the drive motor and the timer motor are connected in parallel branches in series with the valve solenoids, then the solenoids are operated, but when the drive motor is removed from the circuit and only the timer motor is connected in series with the solenoids, then the timer motor is operated and the solenoids are not. This latter condition of course exists during pause a.

As the timer continues to run during pause a, it will be noted that the cam 67 causes operation of the motor reversing switch arms or

contacts

99, 104 from their illustrated position where they engage the

contacts

100, 103 respectively to a second position wherein the arm 99 engages a contact 116 and the arm 104 engages the contact 100. This has the effect of reversing the polarity of the start winding 91 when power is again applied to it.

When the timer runs to the end of pause a, at that time the cam 66 first closes together all three

contacts

73, 74 and 76 of switch and then the cam 64 again closes the

contacts

95, 96 of the switch 97. This places power on both the main winding 92 and the start winding 91 of the drive motor between

conductors

83 and 90. However, since the polarity of the start winding 91 is now reversed, the motor begins to rotate in the reverse direction from that in which it rotated during the wash period. This has the result that the wash basket 2 is now driven at high speed for extracting the wash water from the clothes. Further the pump 17 now discharges into the discharge hose or conduit 20 rather than into the recirculation conduit 21.

As the water is discharged from the tub 3 through the drain pump 17 and the hose 211, it may, by means of the storage and reuse system, either be stored in the tub 32 or discharged into the drain 31 at the option of the operator. It will be noted that during pause a prior to the start of the spin period, the cam 68 closes the contacts 110, 111 of the switch 112. This has the effect of readying the solenoid 36 for energization if the operator of the machine closes a manual save suds switch 117. Assuming that the operator does close the switch 117, the solenoid 36 is then energized between the supply conductors 69, 70 during the spin period. From the conductor 69 the energizing circuit extends to solenoid 36 through the

contacts

73, 74 of switch 75 and the

conductors

77 and 118. From the other side of the solenoid the circuit is completed through the manually operated switch 117, the conductor 119, the contacts 110, 111 of switch 112, the conductor and the switch 71 to the power supply line 70. With the solenoid 36 energized by this circuit, the valve disk 34 is seated on the drain port 27 of the two-way valve 23, and the valve disk 33 is moved out of engagement with the storage port 28. As a result the water entering the valve 23 through the intake port 26 is discharged into the storage hose 3t] and conducted through it into the set tub 32. There is, of course, no loss of flow through the return pump 41 and its connected hoses since the shut-off valve 24 is closed whenever the solenoid 36 is energized. In other words the valve disk 48 is seated on the port 45.

Alternatively if the operator should not wish to save the wash water but rather to direct it to the drain 31, in that case she does not close the switch 117. The switch 117 inicidentally may be closed any time before the machine is set in operation or any time during the wash period. If the switch 117 is not closed, the solenoid 36 will not be energized and thereby the

valves

23 and 24 are not operated to their storage positions. Rather they are left in their illustrated position wherein the intake and drain

ports

26 and 23 of the valve 23 are in open communication, so that the flow thereby passes through the drain hose 29 to the drain 31.

The rotation of the spin basket and the draining or storing of the wash liquid continues until the timer reaches the first coast period, the timer of course being energized concurrently with the drive motor between the conductors 83 and 911 during the spin period. When the coast period is reached, at that time the cam 64 opens the

contacts

95, 96 of switch 97 for a brief period. This removes power from the drive motor 12 and allows the basket 2 to coast toward a stop. It has been found that this interruption of the spin period is very effective in avoiding suds locking of the basket. The positions of the other cam operated switches are not changed at this point of the machine operation so that the timer motor continues to run during this first coast period.

At the end of the first coast period the cam 64 again closes the

contacts

95, 96 of switch 97. This places power once more on the drive motor 12 and it again begins to drive the wash basket and the drain pump. As this second portion of the wash spin period proceeds, the water discharged from the tub 3 is either stored or 39.5, 96 and removes power from the drive motor.

13 passes to the drain 31 as before depending upon .-how the operator has set the switch 117.

The spin period with the saving or draining of the wash Water continues until such time as thesecond coast period is reached. At that time the cam 64-opens the contacts The .drivingforce is thereby removed from the wash basket 2 andit begins to coast to a stop. Asthe coast period continues, the cam 65 operates the switch arm 78 of switch 79 so that it no longer engages contact 80 but rather is brought into engagement with a contact 12 3. Also, cam .66-disengages the

contacts

74 and 76 of switch 75 so that only contacts 73 and 74' remain .in engagement. The operation of these switches, however, does not remove power from the timer motor 63 since it is .now energized through the solenoid 57 of the cold water valve 59. Specifically, once the

contacts

74 and 76 are disengaged, the circuitaforthe timer motor then extends through

contacts

73, 74 of switch 75, conductor 77, switch arm '78 .and contact 120 of switch 79, conductor 86, the cold water solenoid 57, conductor 87, contacts 60 and 61 of the how switch 51 and the conductors '83 and 88 to the timer motor. The circuit is completed from the other side of the timer motor through the conductors -89 and 90and the manually operated switch 71 as before. As

mentioned above the impedance of the timer motor-63 is considerably greater than that of the valve solenoid 57 whereby thetimer motor continues to run but there is not enough of a voltage drop across the solenoid 57 to cause opening of the cold water valve.

Besides the switching operation performed by the

cams

65 and 66, the cam 67 also operates the motor reversing switch 98 during this coast period. Specifically, it once more reverses the position of the contacts arms-99 and Y104- bringing them into engagement respectively with the

contacts

100 and 103. This reverses the polarity of the start winding 91 back to its original connection. The cam .68 also operates its contacts 110, 111 separating them so thatthe valve control solenoid 36 of the storageand'reuse system is no longer energized.

The second coast period continues with the timer motor running until such time as the cam 64 closes the

contacts

95 and 96 of switch 97. This connects the start and main windings of the drive motor-in parallel with the timer motor 63, and thereby a relatively low impedance is presented between the

conductors

83 and 90. The supply voltage thereby divides differently with the greater portion of the voltage drop now appearing across the valve solenoid 57-and a relatively low voltage drop occurring across the timer motor 63 and the windings of the drive motor 1 2. The timer motor immediately stopsrunningand the solenoid 57 opens the cold water'valve 59 introducing cold rinse water into the wash basket 2. If it is desired to introduce warm water rather than cold water into the basket 2 for rinsing the clothes, in that case a manual :switch 121 is closed by the operator. The switch 120 when closed connects the ,hot water solenoid56-in parallel withthe coldwater solenoid 57 and thereby causes opening-of the hot water valve 58 in addition to the cold water "valve59. With both

valves

58 and 59 open, both hot and cold water are introduced whereby the basketis filled with warm. water for rinising;

The machine continues to fill with rinse water until such-time as sufiicient water is overfiowed into the tub 3 to close the water level switch 107, or else the water saver switch 108 is manually operated. When either. of these occur, the water valve solenoid or solenoids are shorted out and the conductor 83 is connected directly to the conductor 77. This again applies line voltage to both the drive motor and the timer motor. The timer motor thereby begins to drive cams 6468 and the drive motor begins to drive the agitator 5 with an oscillatory motion in the wash basket. Also, of course, the drive motor drives the pump .17 .in the direction to recirculate the rinse water through the basket 2. The rinsing operation continues power from the drive motor. continues to run, and during the pause, the cam 67 again ,until the second pause, i.e.,' pause b,-is reached. At that time the cam 64 again opens the contacts95, 96 removing The timer motor however ..clothes. Also, with the motor running in the centrifugal extraction direction the pump 17 .is driven in a direction .so that the water in the tub is discharged through the discharge hose 20. This rinse water passes through the twoway .valve '23 and out of the machine through the drain hose .29 into the drain 31. Since the cam 68 positively opens the cotnacts 110, 111 during this period, the

solenoid36 cannot be energizedand thereby the storage port 28 .of the valve 23 .is closed and thedrain. port 27 is openf The spin operation continues until such time as the: cam 66 opens all of the

contacts

73, 74 and 76 of the switch 75. This removes the power completely from all the components of the machine 1 and it thereby comes to .astop. The .clean clothes may then be removed from the machine.

Summing up with regard to my new and improved control system it will be seen that with this system the operatorhas thechoice of either using entirely fresh water or,,if she has stored the wash liquid after a previous washing operation, of returning this stored liquid to the machine or using any combination of fresh or stored liquid.

After setting either the return pump or the water. inlet valve means in operation, the operator may then leave the machine and .it will automatically proceed into its cycle of operation as soon as the liquid container is filled either with the stored liquid, the fresh liquid or thecombination of both. In this automatic control sequence the return pump is automatically locked-in so long as it is returning the stored liquid from the reservoir to the washing container and then is immediately de-energized assoonxas the reservoir is drained. Further, as the return pump is de-enerigzed the water inlet valve means areconcurrently operated so that any make-up liquid needed in .addition to the stored liquid tofill the washing machine is automatically and immediately added. Also, ,it will be'noted thatthe system is such that the operator may at any time terminate the filling of the machine, no matter which is energized, the return pump or the water valve means, and startthe washing operation simply by operatinga single manually operated switch.

While in accordance with the patent statutes I have described what at present is considered to be the preferred embodiment of my invention it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variouschangesand modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the invention, and it is, therefore, aimed the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of. the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a clothes washing machine, a water container,

electrically operated valve means for filling said container,

315 return pump until the supply of stored liquid in said reservoir is exhausted and for then de-energizing said return pump, and said lock-in switch means normally closing the energizing circuit for said valve means and opening said circuit when operated to lock-in said return pump, whereby said valve means are ale-energized during the return flow, said valve means circuit being closed by said lock-in switch means immediately upon the cessation of the return flow.

2. In a clothes washing machine, a water container, electrically operated valve means for filling said container, means for draining said container, means for storing the liquid drained from said container in a storage reservoir, means including a return pump and conduit means for returning the stored liquid from said reservoir back into said container, a manually operated switch for initially energizing said pump to start the return flow of said liquid, and a flow switch responsive to said return flow arranged for locking in said return pump and maintaining said valve means de-energized for so long as said fiow continues, and for then de-energizing said return pump and closing the energizing circuit for said valve means when said flow ceases.

3. In a clothes washing machine, a water container, electrically operated valve means for filling said container, means for draining said container, means for storin the liquid drained from said container in a storage reservoir, means including a return pump and conduit means for returning the stored liquid from said reservoir back into said container, a manually operated switch for initially energizing said pump to start the return flow of said liquid, and a flow switch responsive to said return flow arranged for locking in said return pump and maintaining said valve means de-energized for so long as said flow continues, and for then de-energizing said return pump and ClOSing the energizin circuit for said valve means when said flow ceases, and a second manually actuated switch arranged for de-energizing whichever of said return pump or said valve means is energized for manually terminating the filling of said container at any time.

4, In a clothes washing machine, a water container, electrically operated valve means for filling said container, means for draining said container, means for storing the liquid drained from said container in a storage reservoir, means including a return pump and conduit means for returning the stored liquid from said reservoir back into said container, a manual control means for initially energizing the pump to start the return flow of said liquid, and a flow switch responsive to said return fiow arranged for locking in said return pump and maintaining said valve means de-energized for so long as said flow continues, and for then de-energizing said return pump and closing the energizing circuit for said valve means when said flow ceases, and a liquid level switch responsive to the level of liquid in said container for deenergizing whichever of said return pump or said valve means is energized when the liquid level in said container reaches a predetermined level, thereby to terminate the filling of said container and prevent overflowing of said machine.

5. In a clothes washing machine, a water container, electrically operated valve means for filling said container, means for draining said container, means for storing the liquid drained from said container in a storage reservoir, means including a return pump and conduit means for returning the stored liquid from said reservoir back into said container, and means for controllin said return pump and said valve means comprising a normally open, manualy operated switch, a fiow switch responsive to the flow through said conduit means and havin a set of normally open contacts and a set of normally closed contacts, said tlow switch closing said normally open contacts and opening said normally closed contacts in response to flow through said conduit means, a circuit for said pump including said manually operated switch l5 and said normally open contacts of said flow switch connected in parallel branches in series circuit relation with said return pump, whereby said manually operated switch is arranged for initiating operation of said return pump and said flow switch is arranged for thereafter holding said pump in operation for so long as the flow through said conduit means continues, and a circuit for energizing said valve means includin said normally closed contacts of said flow switch connected in series circuit relation with said valve means, whereby said valve means cannot be energized during the duration of the return flow but are immediately energized upon the cessation of said flow to supply any additional liquid required to fill said container.

6. In a clothes washing machine, washing and extracting means including a rotatable clothes basket, a drive motor for driving said washing and extracting means, a timer for controlling the sequence of operations of said machine, an imperforate tub enclosing said basket, electrically operated valve means for filling said basket with liquid, means for draining liquid from said tub, means for storing the liquid drained from said tub in a storage reservoir, means including a return pump and conduit means for returning the stored liquid from said reservoir back into said basket, and means for controlling said pump and said valve means comprising a normally open, manually operated switch, a flow switch responsive to the flow in said conduit means and having a set of normally open contacts and a set of normally closed contacts, said flow switch closing said normally open contacts and opening said normally closed cotacts in response to flow through said conduit means, an energizing circuit for said return pump including said manually operated switch and said normally open contacts of said flow switch connected in parallel branches in series circuit relation with said return pump, whereby said manually operated switch is arranged for initiating the operation of said return pump and said flow switch is arranged for thereafter holding said pump in operation for so long as the fiow through said conduit means continues, a circuit for energizing said valve means including said normally closed contacts of said flow switch connected in series circuit relation with said valve means, whereby said valve means cannot be energized during the duration of the return flow but are immediately energized upon the cessation of said flow to supply any additional liquid required to fill said container, and circuit means for deenergizing whichever of said return pump or said valve means is energized when the liquid in said machine reaches a pre-detennined level and for concurrently energizing said drive motor and said timer, said circuit means including a normally open, liquid level switch arranged to close when said predetermined liquid level is reached, and conductors connecting said liquid level switch in parallel with the valve means circuit and the return pump circuit and in series circuit relation with said timer and said drive motor.

7. In a clothes washing machine, a water container, electrically operated valve means for filling said container, means for draining said container, means for storing the liquid drained from said container in a storage reservoir, means including a return pump and conduit means for returning the stored liquid from said reservoir back into said container, and means for controlling said pump and said valve means comprising a normally open, manually operated switch, a flow switch responsive to the flow through said conduit means and having a set of normally open contacts and a set of normally closed contacts, said fiow switch closing said normally open contacts and opening said normally closed contacts in response to flow through said conduit means, a circuit for said pump including said manually operated switch and said normally open contacts of said flow switch connected in parallel branches in series circuit relation with said return pump, whereby said manually operated switch is arranged for initiating operation of said return pump and said flow switch is arranged for thereafter holding said pump in operation for so long as the return flow through said conduit means continues, and a circuit for energizing said valve means including said normally closed contacts of said flow switch connected in series circuit relation with said valve means, whereby said valve means cannot be energized during the duration of said return flow, but are immediately energized upon the cessation of said flow to supply any additional liquid required to fill said container, and a manually operated switch arranged for de-energizing both said valve means circuit and said return pump circuit thereby to provide for terminating the filling of said container at any time no matter whichever of said return pump or said valve means is energized.

8. In an automatic washing machine, washing and extracting means including a rotatable clothes basket, a drive motor for driving said washing and extracting means, a timer for controlling the sequence of operations of said machine, an imperforate tub enclosing said basket, electrically operated valve means for filling said basket with liquid, means for draining liquid from said tub, means for storing the liquid drained from said tub in a storage reservoir, means including a return pump and conduit means for returning the stored liquid from said reservoir back to said basket, manually operated switch means for initially energizing said return pump to start the return flow of said liquid, and additional lock-in switch means operated upon the initiation of the return flow for controlling both the return pump and said valve means, said lock-in switch means being arranged for looking in said return pump until the supply of stored liquid in said reservoir is exhausted and for then de-energizing said return pump, and said lock-in switch means normally closing the energizing circuit for said valve means and opening said circuit when operated to lock in said return pump, whereby said valve means are de-energized during the return flow, said valve means circuit being closed by said lock-in switch means immediately upon the cessation of the return flow, and a liquid level switch responsive to the level of liquid in said tub, said liquid level switch being connected to de-energize whichever of said return pump or said valve means is energized when the liquid in said tub reaches a pre-determined level and to concurrently energize said drive motor and said timer to commence the washing operation.

9. In an automatic washing machine having a fabric Washing container for the reception of Water at a selected washing level, means for storing used wash water following a washing operation and for returning the same to said container for a subsequent washing operation, said means including a pump and a conduit, means including a valve for supplying fresh unused water to said container, means in communication with said conduit and responsive to the flow of used wash water from said storage means to said fabric Washing container effective to maintain said fresh unused water valve in closed position and further particularly characterized by being effective to cause opening of said valve to supply fresh un used Water to said washing container following the completion of the return of said used wash water to said container, and means efiective to cause operation of said valve to shut off the flow of fresh unused water when said selected washing level has been reached by the combined used wash water and fresh unused water.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,402,187 Silver June 18, 1946 2,604,497 Morrison July 22, 1952 2,680,168 Murphy June 1, 1954 2,741,677 Clendenin Apr. 10, 1956 2,784,582 Hartung et al. Mar. 12, 1957