US3868835A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combination washer-dryer drive arrangement
Assignee: Hoover Co
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Filing: 1972-04-17
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Granted: 1975-03-04
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Expires: 1992-04-17
Abstract
Abstract In the preferred form, a washing machine having a compartment within which clothes are adapted to be vertically hung for washing, rinsing and drying, including a single reversible motor which in a first direction of operation drives a pump for a liquid distribution system which provides washing and rinsing sprays to the clothes, and in a second direction of operation positively drives a fan for air flow distribution so as to dry the clothes.
Inventors
- 👤 Leslie Todd-Reeve
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:54
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06F; D06F18/00; D06F17/00; D06F17/04; D06F2103/00; D06F2103/28; D06F2103/32; D06F34/00; D06F34/14; D06F34/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A washing machine having a compartment in which supported articles are to be washed and dried by being subjected to washing and rinsing liquid distribution and drying air flow, said compartment being in communication with a circulation pumping system which recirculates liquid drained from the articles, the improvement comprising a reversible motor having first and second directions of rotation, a circulation pump in said circulation pumping system, said pump being driven by said motor so as to be effective when said motor is rotated in said first direction, and ineffective when said motor is driven in said second direction, and a fan for providing air flow distribution, said fan being positively driven only when said motor is driven in said second direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A washing machine having a compartment in which supported articles are to be washed and dried by being subjected to washing and rinsing liquid distribution and drying air flow, said compartment being in communication with a circulation pumping system which recirculates liquid drained from the articles, the improvement comprising a reversible motor having first and second directions of rotation, a circulation pump in said circulation pumping system, said pump being driven by said motor so as to be effective when said motor is rotated in said first direction, and ineffective when said motor is driven in said second direction, and a fan for providing air flow distribution, said fan being positively driven only when said motor is driven in said second direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The washing machine of claim 1 wherein a drain pump is provided to drain said compartment, said drain pump being effective solely when said motor is driven in said second direction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The washing machine of claim 2 wherein said circulation pump and said drain pump are mounted on a single shaft driven by said motor, clutch means also mounted on said shaft so as to be driven by said motor, said clutch means being free wheeling when said motor is driven in said first direction and being engaged so as to positively drive said fan when said motor is driven in said second direction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The washing machine of claim 1 wherein said circulation pumping system includes upper and lower spray means located in the upper and lower regions respectively of said compartment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The washing machine of claim 4 wherein a wire guard is positioned below said lower spray means and above said fan.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
The washing machine of claim 4 wherein said circulation pumping system provides alternate spraying from said upper and lower spray means when said motor is driven in said first direction, and said fan provides air circulation through said compartment when said motor is driven in said second direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
The washing machine of claim 4 wherein said lower spray means is driven by water reaction when said motor is driven in said first direction and said pump provides liquid to said lower spray means through said circulation pumping system, and said fan being positively driven when said motor is driven in said second direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The washing machine of claim 7 wherein said fan and said lower spray means are unitarily movable and form an assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The washing machine of claim 8 wherein a wire guard is provided above said lower spray means and fan assembly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
97 words
The washing machine of claim 1 wherein an air and liquid distribution device comprising an integral spray bar and disc assembly is mounted so as to be freely rotatable, said circulation pumping system provides liquid under pressure so as to cause said spray bar and disc assembly to rotate due to liquid reaction, said air flow distribution providing air under pressure causing said spray bar and disc assembly to rotate due to air reaction, and air slots in said disc distributing the air flow when said disc is rotated by air reaction when said fan is operative.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-03 | 1978-09-02 | 1979-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-03 | 1982-09-02 | 1983-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-03 | 1986-09-02 | 1987-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |