Electric motor control system

Claim 1

In an electric washing apparatus of the static wash cycle type including a plurality of line terminnals, a motor of predetermined voltage rating subject to being connected to a source of electric current supply normally having a voltage which exceeds the voltage rating of said motor by a limited amount, a resistor having sufficient current carrying capability and having a sufficiently low resistance value to pass sufficient current to operate said motor when connected in series therewith, said resistor being alternatively connectable either directly across said supply source to act as a heating resistor for the washing apparatus or in series with said motor to act as a voltage-reducing resistor, a cycle timer for disconnecting said motor from said line terminals and connecting said resistor directly across said line terminals during a first operating cycle and for connecting said motor across said line terminals during a second operating cycle, a thermal relay responsive to motor temperature during said second operating cycle for connecting said resistor in series circuit relation with said motor whenever said motor temperature exceeds a predetermined normal operating temperature and for shunting said resistor whenever said motor temperature is equal to or less than said normal operating temperature leaving said motor connected directly across said line terminals.