Electronic control circuit, electronically commutated motor system and method for controlling same, laundry apparatus, and methods for operating apparatus for switching high voltage DC and for controlling electrical load powering apparatus

Claim 2

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means for the high voltage supply connection when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 3

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means for discharging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases.

Claim 4

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means for temporarily maintaining power on said inverting circuit means during the high voltage excursions.

Claim 5

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 3 further comprising means for coupling a relatively low voltage to said means for temporarily maintaining power when one of the high voltage excursions has ceased and for isolating said temporary power maintaining means from the relatively low voltage during the high voltage excursions.

Claim 6

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inverting circuit means includes an inverter having only one input.

Claim 7

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inverting circuit means includes a NOR-gate.

Claim 8

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inverting circuit means includes a NAND-gate.

Claim 9

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means for sensing current flowing through the electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 10

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 8 wherein said current sensing means is also tied in potential to the load connection.

Claim 11

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inverting circuit means is fed by said active device circuit means through at least one coupling network.

Claim 12

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 further comprising means for selectively disabling said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output.

Claim 13

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said active device circuit means comprises a transistor circuit responsive to successive input pulses.

Claim 14

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, said inverting circuit means including an inverter with an input connected to said active device circuit means; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs, said means for charging including a diode connected from the load connection to said inverter input.

Claim 15

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, said inverting circuit means including an inverter with an input connected to said active device circuit means; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs, said means for charging including a diode connected from the load connection to said inverter input.

Claim 16

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, said inverting circuit means including an inverter with an input connected to said active device circuit means; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; and means for discharging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases, said means for discharging comprising a diode and a capacitor connected in series from said load connection to said inverter input.

Claim 17

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, said inverting circuit means including an inverter with an input connected to said active device circuit means; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; and means for discharging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases, said means for discharging comprising a diode and a capacitor connected in series from said load connection to said inverter input.

Claim 18

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; a capacitor for temporarily maintaining power on said inverting circuit means during the high voltage excursions; means for coupling a relatively low voltage to said capacitor when one of the high voltage excursions has ceased and for isolating said capacitor from the relatively low voltage during the high voltage excursions; and means for sensing the voltage across the capacitor and, upon the capacitor voltage falling below a predetermined level during a high voltage excursion, disabling said inverting circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and the capacitor is recharged by the low voltage coupling means.

Claim 19

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; a capacitor for temporarily maintaining power on said inverting circuit means during the high voltage excursions; means for coupling a relatively low voltage to said capacitor when one of the high voltage excursions has ceased and for isolating said capacitor from the relatively low voltage during the high voltage excursions; and means for sensing the voltage across the capacitor and, upon the capacitor voltage falling below a predetermined level during a high voltage excursion, disabling said inverting circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and the capacitor is recharged by the low voltage coupling means.

Claim 20

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance and including a plurality of transistor circuits, said active device circuit means including a plurality of transistor circuits; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, said inverting circuit means including a NAND-gate having a plurality of inputs, said plurality of transistor circuits feeding respective pulse outputs to said plurality of inputs; and charging means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs, said charging means including a plurality of diodes respectively connected to said transistor circuits from said load connection.

Claim 21

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance and including a plurality of transistor circuits, said active device circuit means including a plurality of transistor circuits; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, said inverting circuit means including a NAND-gate having a plurality of inputs, said plurality of transistor circuits feeding respective pulse outputs to said plurality of inputs; and charging means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs, said charging means including a plurality of diodes respectively connected to said transistor circuits from said load connection.

Claim 22

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, said inverting circuit means including a NOR-gate having a first and second input; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; and current sensing means for sensing current flowing through the electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means, said NOR-gate having the first input fed by said current sensing means and the second input fed by said active device circuit means.

Claim 23

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, said inverting circuit means including a NOR-gate having a first and second input; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; and current sensing means for sensing current flowing through the electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means, said NOR-gate having the first input fed by said current sensing means and the second input fed by said active device circuit means.

Claim 24

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 17 wherein said second input of said NOR gate is capacitively coupled to the load connection and fed by said active device circuit means through a diode.

Claim 25

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; disabling means for selectively disabling said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output, said disabling means comprising a flipflop; and means for sensing load current and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for actuating said flip-flop.

Claim 26

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; disabling means for selectively disabling said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output, said disabling means comprising a flipflop; and means for sensing load current and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for actuating said flip-flop.

Claim 27

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said respective terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of said electronic switching means and said respective terminal; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 28

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said respective terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of said electronic switching means and said respective terminal; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 29

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein each of said control units further includes means for discharging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases.

Claim 30

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein each of said control units further includes means for sensing current flowing through said electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 31

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein each of said control units further includes an additional circuit having second electronic means for switching a respective said terminal to common, said additional circuit being responsive to at least some second ones of the command pulses.

Claim 32

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein each of said control units further includes an additional circuit having second electronic means for switching a respective said terminal to common, said additional circuit being responsive to at least some second ones of the command pulses and further having means for preventing said active device circuit means from responding to any of the command pulses when one of the second ones of the command pulses is present.

Claim 33

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein each of said control units further includes disabling means for selectively disabling said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output, and the laundry apparatus further comprises means for sensing load current and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for actuating said disabling means in all of said control units.

Claim 34

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 20 wherein said means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance is connected to said respective terminal.

Claim 35

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selectively magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of said electronic switching means and said at least one terminal; means for charging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means from said first conductor when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; means for discharging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases; and means for sensing current flowing through said electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 36

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selectively magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of said electronic switching means and said at least one terminal; means for charging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means from said first conductor when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; means for discharging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases; and means for sensing current flowing through said electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 37

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein at least one of said at least some control means further includes a circuit having second electronic means for switching said at least one terminal to common, said circuit being responsive to some others of the command pulses.

Claim 38

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein at least one of said at least some control means further includes a circuit having second electronic means for switching said at least one terminal to common, said circuit being responsive to some others of the command pulses and further having means for preventing said active device circuit means for responding to any of the command pulses when one of the some other command pulses is present.

Claim 39

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein at least one of said at least some control means further includes means for coupling an output of said active device circuit means to an input of said inverting circuit means.

Claim 40

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein said means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance is connected to said at least one terminal.

Claim 41

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin operation thereof upon the commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic swtiching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of the electronic switching means and said at least one terminal; means for coupling an output of said active device circuit means to an input of said inverting circuit means, said coupling means including a diode connected in parallel with a resistor and connected between said output of said active device means and said input of said inverting circuit means, and a capacitor connected between said inverting circuit means input and said at least one terminal; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; means for discharging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases; and means for sensing current flowing through the electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 42

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin operation thereof upon the commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic swtiching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of the electronic switching means and said at least one terminal; means for coupling an output of said active device circuit means to an input of said inverting circuit means, said coupling means including a diode connected in parallel with a resistor and connected between said output of said active device means and said input of said inverting circuit means, and a capacitor connected between said inverting circuit means input and said at least one terminal; means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; means for discharging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases; and means for sensing current flowing through the electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 43

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of said electronic switching means and said at least one terminal; means for charging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means from said first conductor when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; means for discharging the at least one inferent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases; and a circuit having at least another electronic means for switching said at least one terminal to common, said circuit being responsive to some others of the command pulses and further having means for preventing said active device circuit means from responding to any of the command pulses when one of the some other command pulses is present.

Claim 44

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of said electronic switching means and said at least one terminal; means for charging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means from said first conductor when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; means for discharging the at least one inferent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases; and a circuit having at least another electronic means for switching said at least one terminal to common, said circuit being responsive to some others of the command pulses and further having means for preventing said active device circuit means from responding to any of the command pulses when one of the some other command pulses is present.

Claim 45

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 33 wherein at least one of said at least some control means further includes disabling means for selectively disabling said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output.

Claim 46

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 34 further comprising means for sensing current in said motor and, upon the current exceeding a preestablished value, for actuating said disabling means in said at least one of said at least some control means.

Claim 47

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 33 wherein said at least some control means each further include disabling means for selectively disabling said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output, and the laundry apparatus further comprises means for sensing current in said motor and, upon the current exceeding a preestablished value, for actuating said disabling means in said at least some control units.

Claim 48

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 33 wherein said means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance is connected to said at least one terminal.

Claim 49

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selecting switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; means for charging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of said electronic switching means and said at least one terminal, said inverting circuit means having capacitor means for storing a voltage from a supply voltage connection so that said inverting circuit means is able to be powered during the high voltage excursions; and means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor means and, upon the capacitor means voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said inverting circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor means is able to be recharged from the supply voltage connection.

Claim 50

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selecting switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; means for charging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs; inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the input of said electronic switching means and said at least one terminal, said inverting circuit means having capacitor means for storing a voltage from a supply voltage connection so that said inverting circuit means is able to be powered during the high voltage excursions; and means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor means and, upon the capacitor means voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said inverting circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor means is able to be recharged from the supply voltage connection.

Claim 51

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 38 wherein at least one of said at least some control means further includes a circuit having at least another electronic means for switching said at least one terminal to common, said circuit being responsive to some others of the command pulses and further having means for preventing said active device circuit means from responding to any of the command pulses when one of the some other command pulses is present.

Claim 52

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 38 wherein at least one of said at least some control means further includes means for sensing current flowing through said electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding another predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 53

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 38 wherein said inverting circuit means includes a NOR-gate having a first input fed by said voltage sensing and disabling means and having a second input fed by said active device circuit means.

Claim 54

Laundry apparatus comprising: agitating and spinning means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance;

Claim 55

Laundry apparatus comprising: agitating and spinning means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance;

Claim 56

inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between said input of said electronic switching means and said at least one terminal; means for charging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs: a further electronic circuit having another electronic switching means for switching said at least tne terminal to common, said further electronic circuit being responsive to some others of the command pulses; and disabling means for selectively disabling said further electronic circuit and said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output; the laundry apparatus further comprising means for sensing current in said motor and, upon the current exceeding a preestablished value, for actuating said disabling means in said at least some of said control means.

Claim 57

inverting circuit means connected to said at least one terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between said input of said electronic switching means and said at least one terminal; means for charging the at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs: a further electronic circuit having another electronic switching means for switching said at least tne terminal to common, said further electronic circuit being responsive to some others of the command pulses; and disabling means for selectively disabling said further electronic circuit and said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output; the laundry apparatus further comprising means for sensing current in said motor and, upon the current exceeding a preestablished value, for actuating said disabling means in said at least some of said control means.

Claim 58

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 42 wherein at least one of said at least some control means includes means for sensing current flowing through said firstnamed electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 59

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 42 wherein said disabling means comprises a flip-flop coupled to said active device circuit means and to said further electronic circuit.

Claim 60

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 44 wherein said sensing means includes means for sensing current in said motor and, upon the current exceeding the presetablished value, for actuating said flip-flop in said at least some control means.

Claim 61

Laundry apparatus comprising: agitating and spinning means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; an active device circuit having an active device and at least one output relative to common responsive to successive input pulses; an inverting circuit including at least one input coupled with said at least one output of said active device circuit, at least one output coupled to said electronic switching means input, a first power lead connected to said at least one terminal, and a second power lead; and a set of diodes, one of said diodes being connected between said at least one output of said active device circuit and said at least one terminal so as to hold said at least one input of said inverting circuit low when said one diode is forward-biased, and another of said diodes coupling said second power lead of said inverting circuit to a low voltage supply connection, said inverting circuit including means for storing power for operation of said inventing circuit during the high voltage excursions.

Claim 62

Laundry apparatus comprising: agitating and spinning means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to command pulses applied to said control means, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said at least one terminal, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; an active device circuit having an active device and at least one output relative to common responsive to successive input pulses; an inverting circuit including at least one input coupled with said at least one output of said active device circuit, at least one output coupled to said electronic switching means input, a first power lead connected to said at least one terminal, and a second power lead; and a set of diodes, one of said diodes being connected between said at least one output of said active device circuit and said at least one terminal so as to hold said at least one input of said inverting circuit low when said one diode is forward-biased, and another of said diodes coupling said second power lead of said inverting circuit to a low voltage supply connection, said inverting circuit including means for storing power for operation of said inventing circuit during the high voltage excursions.

Claim 63

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 46 further including a third one of said diodes connected between said at least one output of said active device circuit and said second power lead of said inverting circuit.

Claim 64

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 46 further including means for sensing current flowing through said electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit.

Claim 65

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 46 further including coupling means for coupling said at one output of said inverting circuit to said electronic switching means input, said coupling means including first and second resistors, a third diode and a transistor having a base, emitter, and collector, said third diode being connected across the transistor base and emitter so that the easy-current direction of said third one diode is opposite to the easy-current direction of said transistor base and emitter, said first resistor being connected between said transistor base and said at least one output of said inverting circuit, said second resistor being connected between said transistor collector and said at least one terminal, said transistor emitter being connected to said electronic switching means input.

Claim 66

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 46 further including a third one of said diodes connected in parallel with a resistor and connected between said at least one output of said active device circuit and said at least one input of said inverting circuit, and a capacitor connected between said at least one input of said inverting circuit and said first power lead.

Claim 67

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 46 wherein said inverting circuit includes a NOR-gate.

Claim 68

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 46 wherein said inverting circuit includes a NAND-gate.

Claim 69

Laundry apparatus comprising: agitating and spinning means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to electrical pulses, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means including a field effect transistor (FET) for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said FET including a first control lead connected to said at least one terminal, a second control lead connected to said first conductor, and a gate, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; means for coupling a potential difference to said gate; a plurality of inverting means including an input, an output, and first and second power leads, respectively, and with one of said inverting means having an inherent capacitance, said input of said one inverting means receiving the electrical impulses, said second power lead of said one inverting means being resistively connected to common, said output of said one inverting means being coupled to said input of another of said inverting means, and said output and said second power lead of said another inverting means supplying the potential difference and being respectively connected to said coupling means and said at least one terminal; a capacitor connected between said first and second power leads of said another inverting means; and a plurality of diodes, one of said diodes connecting said first power leads of said one and another inverting means to a low voltage supply terminal, and a second and third one of said diodes being connected from said output of said one inverting means to said first and second power leads of said another inverting means, respectively.

Claim 70

Laundry apparatus comprising: agitating and spinning means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly, a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated associated with said stationary assembly and having a plurality of terminals, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly and in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the selective commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor comprising a common; and a plurality of control means for commutating at least some of said winding stages by selectively switching said at least some winding stages at at least one terminal thereof to one of said first and second conductors in response to electrical pulses, at least some of said control means including: electronic switching means including a field effect transistor (FET) for switching said at least one terminal to said first conductor, said FET including a first control lead connected to said at least one terminal, a second control lead connected to said first conductor, and a gate, said at least one terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to common due to the switching of said at least one terminal to said first conductor; means for coupling a potential difference to said gate; a plurality of inverting means including an input, an output, and first and second power leads, respectively, and with one of said inverting means having an inherent capacitance, said input of said one inverting means receiving the electrical impulses, said second power lead of said one inverting means being resistively connected to common, said output of said one inverting means being coupled to said input of another of said inverting means, and said output and said second power lead of said another inverting means supplying the potential difference and being respectively connected to said coupling means and said at least one terminal; a capacitor connected between said first and second power leads of said another inverting means; and a plurality of diodes, one of said diodes connecting said first power leads of said one and another inverting means to a low voltage supply terminal, and a second and third one of said diodes being connected from said output of said one inverting means to said first and second power leads of said another inverting means, respectively.

Claim 71

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 53 further including means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor and, upon the capacitor voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said another inverting means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor is able to be recharged from said low voltage supply terminal.

Claim 72

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, high and low voltage supply connections, and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means including a circuit having an active device with at least one output relative to common responsive to successive input pulses; an inverting circuit having at least one input, at least one output and first and second power leads; and at least one diode; said at least one output of said active device circuit means being coupled to said at least one input of said inverting circuit, said at least one output of said inverting circuit being coupled to the electronic switching means input, and said first power lead being connected to the load connection; said at least one diode being connected between said at least one output of said active device circuit means and the load connection so as to hold said at least one input of said inverting circuit low when said at least one diode is forward-biased; said second power lead of said inverting circuit being coupled by another diode to the low voltage supply connection, said inverting circuit being able to store power for operation during the high voltage excursions.

Claim 73

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, high and low voltage supply connections, and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means including a circuit having an active device with at least one output relative to common responsive to successive input pulses; an inverting circuit having at least one input, at least one output and first and second power leads; and at least one diode; said at least one output of said active device circuit means being coupled to said at least one input of said inverting circuit, said at least one output of said inverting circuit being coupled to the electronic switching means input, and said first power lead being connected to the load connection; said at least one diode being connected between said at least one output of said active device circuit means and the load connection so as to hold said at least one input of said inverting circuit low when said at least one diode is forward-biased; said second power lead of said inverting circuit being coupled by another diode to the low voltage supply connection, said inverting circuit being able to store power for operation during the high voltage excursions.

Claim 74

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 55 further comprising at least one additional diode connected between said at least one output of said active device circuit means and said second power lead of said inverting circuit.

Claim 75

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 55 further comprising means for sensing current flowing through the electronic switching means and upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit.

Claim 76

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 55 further comprising means for coupling said at least one output of said inverting circuit to the electronic switching means input, including first and second resistors, an additional diode and a transistor having a base, emitter, and collector, said additional diode being connected across said transistor base and emitter so that the easy-current direction of said additional diode is opposite to the easy-current direction of said transistor base and emitter, said first resistor being connected between said transistor base and said at least one output of said inverting circuit, said second resistor being connected between said transistor and said load connection, said transistor emitter being connected to the electronic switching means input.

Claim 77

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 55 further comprising means for coupling said at least one output of said active device circuit means to said at least one input of said inverting circuit, including at least one additional diode connected in parallel with a resistor and connected between said at least one output of said active device circuit means and said at least one input of said inverting circuit, and a capacitor connected between said at least one input and said first power lead.

Claim 78

An electronic control circuit for switching a DC supply to a load terminal in response to electrical pulses, the DC supply being returned to a common, the control circuit comprising: a field effect transistor (FET) having a first control lead connected to the lead terminal, having a second control lead connected to the DC supply, and having a gate; means for coupling a potential difference to said gate; first and second inverting means each having an input and an output and first and second power leads, said first inverting means having an inherent capacitance; and a capacitor, and first, second and third diodes; said first diode connecting said first power leads for both said first and second inverting means to a low voltage supply terminal, said input of said first inverting means being able to receive the electrical pulses and said first inverting means second power lead being resistively connected to the common, said output and second power lead of said second inverting means supplying the potential difference and being respectively connected to said coupling means and said load terminal, said output of said first inverting means being coupled to said input of said second inverting means, said capacitor being connected between said first and second power leads of said second inverting means, said second and third diodes being connected from said first inverter means output to said second inverter means first and second power leads respectively.

Claim 79

An electronic control circuit for switching a DC supply to a load terminal in response to electrical pulses, the DC supply being returned to a common, the control circuit comprising: a field effect transistor (FET) having a first control lead connected to the lead terminal, having a second control lead connected to the DC supply, and having a gate; means for coupling a potential difference to said gate; first and second inverting means each having an input and an output and first and second power leads, said first inverting means having an inherent capacitance; and a capacitor, and first, second and third diodes; said first diode connecting said first power leads for both said first and second inverting means to a low voltage supply terminal, said input of said first inverting means being able to receive the electrical pulses and said first inverting means second power lead being resistively connected to the common, said output and second power lead of said second inverting means supplying the potential difference and being respectively connected to said coupling means and said load terminal, said output of said first inverting means being coupled to said input of said second inverting means, said capacitor being connected between said first and second power leads of said second inverting means, said second and third diodes being connected from said first inverter means output to said second inverter means first and second power leads respectively.

Claim 80

An electronic control circuit for positively switching electronic switch means for connecting a source of relatively high voltage to an electrical load, the electronic control circuit comprising: a semiconductor circuit having an input for receiving a command pulse at a relatively low voltage level, said semiconductor circuit having an output and having an inherent capacitance at said output; an inverting circuit having an input, an output, and first and second power leads; said output of said semiconductor circuit being connected to said input of said inverting circuit, said input and said first power lead of said inverting circuit being connected by a first resistance, said first and second power leads being connected by a capacitor, said first power lead being connected by a first diode to a low voltage power supply terminal, said output of said inverting circuit and said second power lead comprising output connections to the electronic switch means; and a second diode connected between said output of said semiconductor circuit and said second power lead of said inverting circuit, said second diode means being oriented to charge the inherent capacitance of said semiconductor circuit during the switching.

Claim 81

An electronic control circuit for positively switching electronic switch means for connecting a source of relatively high voltage to an electrical load, the electronic control circuit comprising: a semiconductor circuit having an input for receiving a command pulse at a relatively low voltage level, said semiconductor circuit having an output and having an inherent capacitance at said output; an inverting circuit having an input, an output, and first and second power leads; said output of said semiconductor circuit being connected to said input of said inverting circuit, said input and said first power lead of said inverting circuit being connected by a first resistance, said first and second power leads being connected by a capacitor, said first power lead being connected by a first diode to a low voltage power supply terminal, said output of said inverting circuit and said second power lead comprising output connections to the electronic switch means; and a second diode connected between said output of said semiconductor circuit and said second power lead of said inverting circuit, said second diode means being oriented to charge the inherent capacitance of said semiconductor circuit during the switching.

Claim 82

The method as set forth in claim 61 further comprising the step of enabling the producing of said control voltage difference upon the capacitor means voltage rising above a predetermined level so that the high voltage excursion continues.

Claim 83

An electronically commutated motor system comprising: an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to the first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said respective terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between said electronic switching means input and said respective terminal; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means from said first conductor when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 84

An electronically commutated motor system comprising: an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to the first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; inverting circuit means connected to said respective terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between said electronic switching means input and said respective terminal; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means from said first conductor when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 85

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 63 wherein each of said control units further includes means for discharging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases.

Claim 86

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 63 wherein each of said control units further includes means for sensing current flowing through the electronic switching means and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for disabling said inverting circuit means.

Claim 87

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 63 wherein each of said control units further includes an additional circuit having second electronic means for switching a respective said terminal to common, said additional circuit being responsive to at least some second ones of the command pulses.

Claim 88

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 63 wherein each of said control units further includes an additional circuit having second electronic means for switching a respective said terminal to common, said additional circuit being responsive to at least some second ones of the command pulses and further having means for preventing said active device circuit means from responding to any of the command pulses when one of the second ones of the command pulses is present.

Claim 89

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 63 wherein each of said control units further includes disabling means for selectively disabling said active device circuit means from providing the at least one pulse output, and the electronically commutated motor system further comprises means for sensing load current and, upon the current exceeding a predetermined level, for actuating said disabling means in all of said control units.

Claim 90

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 63 wherein said means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance is connected to said respective terminal.

Claim 95

The method as set forth in claim 71 wherein the charging step includes charging the at least one inherent capacitance from the load connection.

Claim 96

The method as set forth in claim 71 further comprising the step of discharging the at least one inherent capacitance when one of the high voltage excursions ceases.

Claim 97

The method as set forth in claim 71 further comprising the steps of sensing current flowing through the electronic switching means and performing the level-shifting and inverting step only when the current is less than a predetermined level.

Claim 100

The method as set forth in claim 75 further comprising the step of discharging the at least one inherent capacitance when one of the high voltage excursions ceases.

Claim 101

The method as set forth in claim 75 wherein each of the control units is able to switch a respective terminal to common in response to second ones of the command pulses, the method further comprising the step of inhibiting the electrical pulse providing step when one of the second ones of the command pulses is present.

Claim 102

The method as set forth in claim 75 wherein the charging step includes charging the at least one inherent capacitance from the respective terminal.

Claim 103

An electronic control circuit for connection by first and second conductors to means for supplying a rectified A.C. voltage, comprising: first and second capacitors connected to each other at a node and connected in series across the first and second conductors; means for utilizing electrical energy having first and second terminals, said first terminal being connected to said first and second capacitors at said first node; and a control unit for alternately switching said second terminal of said electrical energy utilization means to the first and second conductors in response to command pulses, said control unit including: electronic switching means for switching said second terminal to the first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said second terminal, said second terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the second conductor due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to the second conductor in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; circuit means connected to said second terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between said electronic switching means input and said second terminal; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 104

An electronic control circuit for connection by first and second conductors to means for supplying a rectified A.C. voltage, comprising: first and second capacitors connected to each other at a node and connected in series across the first and second conductors; means for utilizing electrical energy having first and second terminals, said first terminal being connected to said first and second capacitors at said first node; and a control unit for alternately switching said second terminal of said electrical energy utilization means to the first and second conductors in response to command pulses, said control unit including: electronic switching means for switching said second terminal to the first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said second terminal, said second terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the second conductor due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to the second conductor in response to at least some of the command pulses and having at least one inherent capacitance; circuit means connected to said second terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between said electronic switching means input and said second terminal; and means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 105

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 79 wherein said control unit further includes means for discharging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases.

Claim 106

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 79 wherein said control unit further includes an additional circuit having second electronic means for switching said second terminal to the second conductor, said additional circuit being responsive to at least some second ones of the command pulses.

Claim 107

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 79 wherein said means for utilizing electrical energy includes a transformer with a first winding having said first and second terminals and a second winding and further includes means for rectifying and filtering a voltage appearing across said second winding to produce a supply voltage; and the electronic control circuit further comprises means for sensing departures from a preselected value of the supply voltage and means responsive to said sensing means for supplying the command pulses variably to counteract the departures.

Claim 108

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 82 further comprising optoelectronic means for coupling the command pulses to said control unit from said means for supplying the command pulses variably.

Claim 109

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: circuit means connected to the load connection for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, the circuit means for producing the control voltage difference having capacitor means for storing a voltage from a second supply voltage connection so that said circuit means is able to be powered during the high voltage excursions; and means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor means and, upon the capacitor means voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor means is able to be recharged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 110

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: circuit means connected to the load connection for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection, the circuit means for producing the control voltage difference having capacitor means for storing a voltage from a second supply voltage connection so that said circuit means is able to be powered during the high voltage excursions; and means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor means and, upon the capacitor means voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor means is able to be recharged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 111

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 84 further comprising active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common to said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection.

Claim 112

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 85 wherein said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference includes means for inverting the at least one pulse output of the active device circuit means.

Claim 113

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 85 wherein said active device circuit means has at least one inherent capacitance and further comprising means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 114

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 87 wherein said means for charging includes a diode connected from the load connection to an input of said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference.

Claim 115

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 87 further comprising means for discharging said at least one inherent capacitance of said active device circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions ceases.

Claim 116

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 89 wherein said means for discharging comprises a diode and a capacitor connected in series from said load connection to an input of said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference.

Claim 117

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 85 wherein said sensing means includes a transistor circuit having an output which changes state when the voltage of the capacitor means falls below a predetermined level, and said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference includes a NOR-gate having a first input fed by the ouput of said transistor circuit and a second input fed by the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means.

Claim 118

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 91 wherein said transistor circuit includes first and second resistors and a transistor having a base, emitter and collector, said first and second resistors connected in series across said capacitor means, said first resistor connected between the base and emitter of said transistor and said first input of said NOR-gate fed by the collector of said transistor.

Claim 119

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 84 wherein said circuit means includes a diode connected between said capacitor means and said second voltage connection so that said capacitor means can be charged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 120

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 93 wherein said capacitor means is connected between the load connection and said diode.

Claim 121

An electronically commutated motor system comprising: an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to the first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; circuit means connected to said respective terminal for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal, the circuit means for producing the control voltage difference having capacitor means for storing a voltage from a second supply voltage connection so that said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference is able to be powered during the high voltage excursions; and means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor means and, upon the capacitor means voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor means is able to be recharged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 122

An electronically commutated motor system comprising: an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to the first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; circuit means connected to said respective terminal for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal, the circuit means for producing the control voltage difference having capacitor means for storing a voltage from a second supply voltage connection so that said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference is able to be powered during the high voltage excursions; and means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor means and, upon the capacitor means voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor means is able to be recharged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 123

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 95 wherein said circuit means includes a diode connected between said capacitor means and said second supply voltage connection so that said capacitor means can be charged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 124

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 96 wherein said capacitor means is connected between said respective terminal and said diode.

Claim 125

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 95 further comprising active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common to said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal.

Claim 126

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 98 wherein said sensing means includes a transistor circuit having an output connected to said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference which output changes state when the voltage of the capacitor means falls below the predetermined level, and said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference includes a NOR gate having a first input fed by the ouput of said transistor circuit and a second input fed by the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means.

Claim 127

The electronically commutated motor system as set forth in claim 99 wherein said transistor circuit includes first and second resistors and a transistor having a base, emitter and collector, said first and second resistors connected in series across said capacitor means, said first resistor connected between the base and emitter of said transistor and said first input of said NOR-gate fed by the collector of said transistor.

Claim 128

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; circuit means connected to said respective terminal for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal in response to the command pulses, the circuit means for producing the control voltage difference having capacitor means for storing a voltage from a second supply voltage connection so that said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference is able to be powered during the high voltage excursions; and sensing means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor means and, upon the capacitor means voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor means is able to be recharged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 129

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; circuit means connected to said respective terminal for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal in response to the command pulses, the circuit means for producing the control voltage difference having capacitor means for storing a voltage from a second supply voltage connection so that said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference is able to be powered during the high voltage excursions; and sensing means for sensing the voltage across said capacitor means and, upon the capacitor means voltage falling below a predetermined level during one of the high voltage excursions, for disabling said circuit means so that the high voltage excursion temporarily ceases and said capacitor means is able to be recharged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 130

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 101 wherein said circuit means includes a diode connected between said capacitor means and said second voltage connection so that the capacitor means can be charged from the second supply voltage connection.

Claim 131

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 102 wherein the capacitor means is connected between said respective terminal and said diode.

Claim 132

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 101 further comprising active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common to said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal.

Claim 133

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 104 wherein said sensing means includes a transistor circuit having an output connected to said circuit means for producing the voltage difference which output changes state when the voltage of the capacitor means falls below the predetermined level, and said circuit means for producing the control voltage difference includes a NOR-gate having a first input fed by the ouput of said transistor circuit and a second input fed by the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means.

Claim 134

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 105 wherein said transistor circuit includes first and second resistors and a transistor having a base, emitter and collector, said first and second resistor connected in series across said capacitor means, said first resistor connected between the base and emitter of said transistor and said first input of said NOR-gate fed by the collector of said transistor.

Claim 141

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common; circuit means having an input responsive to an input voltage relative to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection; and means connected to the load connection for applying a voltage to the input of the inverting circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs to latch the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection.

Claim 142

For use in electrical load powering apparatus having a load connection, a high voltage supply connection and a common, and including electronic means for switching the high voltage supply connection to the load connection, the electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between the input and the load connection, the load connection being subject to high voltage excursions relative to the common due to the switching, an electronic control circuit comprising: active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common; circuit means having an input responsive to an input voltage relative to the load connection for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection; and means connected to the load connection for applying a voltage to the input of the inverting circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs to latch the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and the load connection.

Claim 143

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 110 wherein the means for applying voltage includes a diode connected between the load connection and said input for said inverting circuit means.

Claim 144

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 110 wherein the means for applying voltage includes means for coupling the active device circuit means to the input of said inverting circuit means and bypassing stray voltages at that input.

Claim 145

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 112 wherein said coupling and bypassing means includes a diode in parallel with a resistor and connected between said active device circuit means output and said input of said inverting means, and a capacitor connected between the inverting means input and the load connection.

Claim 146

The electronic control circuit as set forth in claim 110 wherein said active device circuit means has at least one inherent capacitance and the means for applying voltage includes means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 147

An electronically commutated motor system comprising: an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching mean for switching a respective said terminal to the first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses; inverting circuit means having an input responsive to an input voltage relative to said respective terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between said electronic switching means input and said respective terminal; and means connected to said respective terminal for applying a voltage to the input of the inverting circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs to latch the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal.

Claim 148

An electronically commutated motor system comprising: an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said winding stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching mean for switching a respective said terminal to the first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses; inverting circuit means having an input responsive to an input voltage relative to said respective terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between said electronic switching means input and said respective terminal; and means connected to said respective terminal for applying a voltage to the input of the inverting circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs to latch the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal.

Claim 149

The electronically commutated motor as set forth in claim 115 wherein the means for applying voltage includes a diode connected between said respective terminal and said inverting means input.

Claim 150

The electronically commutated motor as set forth in claim 115 wherein the means for applying voltage includes means for coupling the active device circuit means to the input of said inverting circuit means and bypassing stray voltages at that input.

Claim 151

The electronically commutated motor as set forth in claim 117 wherein the coupling and bypassing means includes a diode in parallel with a resistor and connected between said active device circuit means output and said inverting means input, and a capacitor connected between said inverting means input and said respective terminal.

Claim 152

The electronically commutated motor as set forth in claim 115 wherein said active device circuit means has at least one inherent capacitance and said voltage applying means includes means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 153

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said wind stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses; inverting circuit means having an input responsive to an input voltage relative to said respective terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal; and voltage applying means connected to said respective terminal for applying a voltage to the input of the inverting circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs to latch the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal.

Claim 154

Laundry apparatus comprising: means operable generally in a laundering mode for agitating fluid and fabrics to be laundered therein and operable generally in a spin mode for thereafter spinning the fabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics; an electronically commutated motor including a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with said stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with said winding stages for driving said agitating and spinning means in the laundering mode operation and in the spin mode operation thereof upon the commutation of said winding stages; first and second conductors for supplying power, said second conductor constituting a common; and control units for commutating said wind stages by selectively switching said winding stages at respective terminals thereof to said first and second conductors in response to command pulses, each of said control units including: electronic switching means for switching a respective said terminal to said first conductor, said electronic switching means having an input and being responsive to a control voltage difference between said input and said respective terminal, said respective terminal being subject to high voltage excursions relative to said common due to the switching; active device circuit means for providing at least one pulse output relative to common in response to at least some of the command pulses; inverting circuit means having an input responsive to an input voltage relative to said respective terminal for inverting the at least one pulse output of said active device circuit means to produce the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal; and voltage applying means connected to said respective terminal for applying a voltage to the input of the inverting circuit means when one of the high voltage excursions occurs to latch the control voltage difference between the electronic switching means input and said respective terminal.

Claim 155

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 120 wherein said voltage applying means includes a diode connected between said respective terminal and said inverting means input.

Claim 156

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 120 wherein said voltage applying means includes means for coupling the active device circuit means to the input of said inverting circuit means and bypassing stray voltages at that input.

Claim 157

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 122 wherein the coupling and bypassing means includes a diode in parallel with a resistor and connected between said active device circuit means output and said inverting means input, and a capacitor connected between said inverting means input and said respective terminal.

Claim 158

Laundry apparatus as set forth in claim 120 wherein said active device circuit means has at least one inherent capacitance and said voltage applying means includes means for charging said at least one inherent capacitance when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.

Claim 161

The method as set forth in claim 125 wherein the at least one pulse is provided from a circuit having at least one inherent capacitance and further comprising the step of charging the at least one inherent capacitance from the high voltage supply connection when one of the high voltage excursions occurs.