Title of Invention	CONTROLLER FOR AN AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE
Abstract	A controller (1) for an automatic washing. The controller comprises a logic control circuit connected to a central processing unit (CPU) (3) and to an electronic on/off switch (4) which in turn is connected to a power supply (not shown). The central processing unit is further connected to a water to a inlet valove (5), a drain valve (6), a motor/clutch drive (7), a water level sensor (8) and a wash load sensor (9). The controller valve and connected to the cnetral processing unit. The central processing unit is further connected to the power on/off switch (fig 1).

Title of Invention

CONTROLLER FOR AN AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE

Abstract

A controller (1) for an automatic washing. The controller comprises a logic control circuit connected to a central processing unit (CPU) (3) and to an electronic on/off switch (4) which in turn is connected to a power supply (not shown). The central processing unit is further connected to a water to a inlet valove (5), a drain valve (6), a motor/clutch drive (7), a water level sensor (8) and a wash load sensor (9). The controller valve and connected to the cnetral processing unit. The central processing unit is further connected to the power on/off switch (fig 1).

Full Text	FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 OF 1970) As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005 & The Patents Rules, 2003 As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2006 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10 and rule 13) TITLE OF THE INVENTION Controller for an automatic washing machine INVENTORS Jain Himanshu and Kulkarni Suhas Gajanan, both of Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai 400 079, Maharashtra, India, both Indian nationals APPLICANTS Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai 400 079, Maharashtra, India, an Indian Company PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a controller for an automatic washing machine. PRIOR ART DESCRIPTION An automatic washing machine comprises a controller for automatically controlling the sequence of operations in a washing cycle of the machine. The controller includes a logic control circuit connected to a central processing unit (CPU) and to an electronic power on/off switch which in turn is connected to a power supply. The CPU is connected to a water inlet valve, drain valve, motor/clutch drive, wash load sensor and water level sensor. In such a machine in the event of water failure in a washing cycle, the water inlet valve will remain open, get heated up and burn out unless the machine is switched off in time by switching off the power on/off switch. While remaining turned on, the inlet valve also consumes electricity thereby wasting energy. To avoid this, the controller may include a dry-tap protection control connected to the CPU. In the event of water failure, the control circuit will turn off the machine responsive to input signal from the dry-tap protection control. However, the machine will not restart and the washing cycle will not be completed on resumption of the water supply. In order to start the machine the controller requires the electronic start switch of the machine to be operated by the user after providing power to the machine. Because of this, the controller cannot be preset for a washing cycle and the power on/off switch cannot be left turned on in the absence of power supply so as to enable the controller automatically to start the machine. Therefore, in the absence of power supply the user has to necessarily wait for the power supply to resume to set the washing cycle and turn on the power on/off switch. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a controller for an automatic washing machine, which controller will put the machine in a hibernation mode in the event of water failure in a washing cycle of operation of the machine and restart the machine and complete the washing cycle on resumption of the water supply. Another object of the invention is to provide a controller for an automatic washing machine, which controller eliminates the electronic start switch and allows, in the absence of power supply, to preset a washing cycle and to start the machine on resumption of the power supply and turn off the machine on completion of the washing cycle automatically. Another object of the invention is to provide a controller for an automatic washing machine, which controller is simple in construction and is cost effective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the invention there is provided a controller for an automatic washing machine, the controller comprising a logic control circuit connected to a central processing unit (CPU) and to an electronic power on/off switch which in turn is connected to a power supply, the central processing unit being further connected to a water inlet valve, a drain valve, a motor/clutch drive, a water level sensor and a wash load sensor, the controller further comprising a water inflow sensor located in the proximity of the water inlet valve and connected to the central processing unit, the central processing unit being further connected to the power on/off switch. The following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the sole Fig 1 is a block diagram of the controller of an automatic washing machine according to the invention. The controller 1 as illustrated in Fig 1 of the accompanying drawings comprises a logic control circuit 2 connected to a central processing unit (CPU) 3 and to an electronic power on/off switch 4 which in turn is connected to a power supply (not shown). The CPU is connected to a water inlet valve 5, a drain valve 6, a motor/clutch drive 7, a water level sensor 8, a wash load sensor 9 and a water inflow sensor 10. The CPU is also directly connected to the power on/off switch. The water inflow sensor is located in the proximity of the water inlet valve and is selected from sensors like capacitive proximity sensor, inductive proximity sensor or resistive/contact sensor and is preferably capacitive proximity sensor. In the event of water failure in a step of water inflow in the washing operation of a washing machine (not shown), the CPU senses the disruption of water supply based on input signal from the water inflow sensor. The CPU turns off the water inlet valve for a predetermined period of time and leaves the washing machine in the hibernation mode. The CPU opens the water inlet valve after the predetermined period of time. On sensing the presence of water, the water inflow sensor gives out a signal to the CPU. Based on this signal, the CPU determines the resumption of water supply and restarts the washing machine to complete the washing cycle as determined by the logic control circuit. During the hibernation mode, the washing machine is kept at minimum energy consumption level by the CPU. An advantage of the invention is that in the event of an unplanned water failure, the washing machine is maintained in the hibernation mode and the machine is restarted and the washing cycle is completed on resumption of the water supply automatically. During the hibernation mode the machine is kept turned on with minimum energy consumption. The water inlet valve remains turned off during the period of water failure and damage to the water inlet valve and the washing machine is thus prevented. The invention also eliminates the necessity of dry-tap protection control which causes disruption of washing. Another advantage of the invention is that it eliminates the electronic start switch and enables auto start of the machine. The logic control circuit is so configured that in the absence of power supply it can be preset for a washing cycle and the power on/off switch can be left turned on after putting the wash load with detergent in the machine. On resumption of the power supply, the logic control circuit will auto start the CPU. As a result the CPU will start the washing machine as it is also directly connected to the power on/off switch and complete the washing cycle as determined by the logic control circuit. On completion of the washing cycle, the CPU will switch off the power on/off switch. Another advantage of the invention is that the controller is simple in construction and is cost effective. We claim: 1. A controller for an automatic washing machine, the controller comprising a logic control circuit connected to a central processing unit (CPU) and to an electronic power on/off switch which in turn is connected to a power supply, the central processing unit being further connected to a water inlet valve, a drain valve, a motor/clutch drive, a water level sensor and a wash load sensor, the controller further comprising a water inflow sensor located in the proximity of the water inlet valve and connected to the central processing unit, the central processing unit being further connected to the power on/off switch. 2. The controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water inflow sensor is capacitive proximity sensor, inductive proximity sensor or resistive/contact sensor and is preferably capacitive proximity sensor. 3. The controller as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the logic control circuit is configured to auto start the CPU when power is available to the power on/off switch and CPU. Abstract A controller (1) for an automatic washing machine. The controller comprises a logic control circuit (2) connected to a central processing unit (CPU) (3) and to an electronic on/off switch (4) which in turn is connected to a power supply (not shown). The central processing unit is further connected to a water inlet valve (5), a drain valve (6), a motor/clutch drive (7), a water level sensor (8) and a wash load sensor (9). The controller further comprises a water inflow sensor (10) located in the proximity of the water inlet valve and connected to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is further connected to the power on/off switch (Fig 1).

Full Text

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 OF 1970)
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 2005
& The Patents Rules, 2003
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2006
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Controller for an automatic washing machine
INVENTORS
Jain Himanshu and Kulkarni Suhas Gajanan, both of Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai 400 079, Maharashtra, India, both Indian nationals
APPLICANTS
Godrej & Boyce Mfg Co Ltd, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai 400 079, Maharashtra, India, an Indian Company
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a controller for an automatic washing machine.
PRIOR ART DESCRIPTION
An automatic washing machine comprises a controller for automatically controlling the sequence of operations in a washing cycle of the machine. The controller includes a logic control circuit connected to a central processing unit (CPU) and to an electronic power on/off switch which in turn is connected to a power supply. The CPU is connected to a water inlet valve, drain valve, motor/clutch drive, wash load sensor and water level sensor. In such a machine in the event of water failure in a washing cycle, the water inlet valve will remain open, get heated up and burn out unless the machine is switched off in time by switching off the power on/off switch. While remaining turned on, the inlet valve also consumes electricity thereby wasting energy. To avoid this, the controller may include a dry-tap protection control connected to the CPU. In the event of water failure, the control circuit will turn off the machine responsive to input signal from the dry-tap protection control. However, the machine will not restart and the washing cycle will not be completed on resumption of the water supply. In order to start the machine the controller requires the electronic start switch of the machine to be operated by the user after providing power to the machine. Because of this, the controller cannot be preset for a washing cycle and the power on/off switch cannot be left turned on in the absence of power supply so as to enable the controller automatically to start the machine. Therefore, in the absence of power supply the user has to necessarily wait for the power supply to resume to set the washing cycle and turn on the power on/off switch.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a controller for an automatic washing machine, which controller will put the machine in a hibernation mode in the event of water failure in a washing cycle of operation of the machine and restart the machine and complete the washing cycle on resumption of the water supply.
Another object of the invention is to provide a controller for an automatic washing machine, which controller eliminates the electronic start switch and allows, in the absence of power supply, to preset a washing cycle and to start the machine on resumption of the power supply and turn off the machine on completion of the washing cycle automatically.
Another object of the invention is to provide a controller for an automatic washing machine, which controller is simple in construction and is cost effective.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a controller for an automatic washing machine, the controller comprising a logic control circuit connected to a central processing unit (CPU) and to an electronic power on/off switch which in turn is connected to a power supply, the central processing unit being further connected to a water inlet valve, a drain valve, a motor/clutch drive, a water level sensor and a wash load sensor, the controller further comprising a water inflow sensor located in the

proximity of the water inlet valve and connected to the central processing unit, the central processing unit being further connected to the power on/off switch.
The following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the sole Fig 1 is a block diagram of the controller of an automatic washing machine according to the invention.
The controller 1 as illustrated in Fig 1 of the accompanying drawings comprises a logic control circuit 2 connected to a central processing unit (CPU) 3 and to an electronic power on/off switch 4 which in turn is connected to a power supply (not shown). The CPU is connected to a water inlet valve 5, a drain valve 6, a motor/clutch drive 7, a water level sensor 8, a wash load sensor 9 and a water inflow sensor 10. The CPU is also directly connected to the power on/off switch. The water inflow sensor is located in the proximity of the water inlet valve and is selected from sensors like capacitive proximity sensor, inductive proximity sensor or resistive/contact sensor and is preferably capacitive proximity sensor. In the event of water failure in a step of water inflow in the washing operation of a washing machine (not shown), the CPU senses the disruption of water supply based on input signal from the water inflow sensor. The CPU turns off the water inlet valve for a predetermined period of time and leaves the washing machine in the hibernation mode. The CPU opens the water inlet valve after the predetermined period of time. On sensing the presence of water, the water inflow sensor gives out a signal to the CPU. Based on this signal, the CPU determines the resumption of water supply and restarts the washing machine to complete the washing cycle as determined by the logic

control circuit. During the hibernation mode, the washing machine is kept at minimum energy consumption level by the CPU. An advantage of the invention is that in the event of an unplanned water failure, the washing machine is maintained in the hibernation mode and the machine is restarted and the washing cycle is completed on resumption of the water supply automatically. During the hibernation mode the machine is kept turned on with minimum energy consumption. The water inlet valve remains turned off during the period of water failure and damage to the water inlet valve and the washing machine is thus prevented. The invention also eliminates the necessity of dry-tap protection control which causes disruption of washing. Another advantage of the invention is that it eliminates the electronic start switch and enables auto start of the machine. The logic control circuit is so configured that in the absence of power supply it can be preset for a washing cycle and the power on/off switch can be left turned on after putting the wash load with detergent in the machine. On resumption of the power supply, the logic control circuit will auto start the CPU. As a result the CPU will start the washing machine as it is also directly connected to the power on/off switch and complete the washing cycle as determined by the logic control circuit. On completion of the washing cycle, the CPU will switch off the power on/off switch. Another advantage of the invention is that the controller is simple in construction and is cost effective.

We claim:
1. A controller for an automatic washing machine, the controller comprising a logic control circuit connected to a central processing unit (CPU) and to an electronic power on/off switch which in turn is connected to a power supply, the central processing unit being further connected to a water inlet valve, a drain valve, a motor/clutch drive, a water level sensor and a wash load sensor, the controller further comprising a water inflow sensor located in the proximity of the water inlet valve and connected to the central processing unit, the central processing unit being further connected to the power on/off switch.
2. The controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water inflow sensor is capacitive proximity sensor, inductive proximity sensor or resistive/contact sensor and is preferably capacitive proximity sensor.
3. The controller as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the logic control circuit is configured to auto start the CPU when power is available to the power on/off switch and CPU.

Abstract
A controller (1) for an automatic washing machine. The controller comprises a logic control circuit (2) connected to a central processing unit (CPU) (3) and to an electronic on/off switch (4) which in turn is connected to a power supply (not shown). The central processing unit is further connected to a water inlet valve (5), a drain valve (6), a motor/clutch drive (7), a water level sensor (8) and a wash load sensor (9). The controller further comprises a water inflow sensor (10) located in the proximity of the water inlet valve and connected to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is further connected to the power on/off switch (Fig 1).

Documents:

2349-MUM-2007-ABSTRACT(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-ABSTRACT(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-mum-2007-abstract.doc

2349-mum-2007-abstract.pdf

2349-MUM-2007-ANNEXURE FORM 3(16-1-2009).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-mum-2007-claims.doc

2349-mum-2007-claims.pdf

2349-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(10-12-2008).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(16-1-2009).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(8-12-2008).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(8-9-2011).pdf

2349-mum-2007-correspondence-received.pdf

2349-mum-2007-description (complete).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-DRAWING(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-mum-2007-drawings.pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 1(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 1(2-1-2008).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 1(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 1(8-9-2011).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 13(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-mum-2007-form 13(8-9-2011).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 18(10-12-2008).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(29-11-2007).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 26(2-1-2008).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM 26(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM PCT-IB-373(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM PCT-ISA-210(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-FORM PCT-ISA-220(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-mum-2007-form-1.pdf

2349-mum-2007-form-2.doc

2349-mum-2007-form-2.pdf

2349-mum-2007-form-3.pdf

2349-MUM-2007-MARKED COPY(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-MARKED COPY(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT(4-10-2013).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-REPLY TO HEARING(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-SPECIFICATION(AMENDED)-(11-2-2014).pdf

2349-MUM-2007-SPECIFICATION(AMENDED)-(4-10-2013).pdf

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Patent Number

259079

Indian Patent Application Number

2349/MUM/2007

PG Journal Number

09/2014

Publication Date

28-Feb-2014

Grant Date

25-Feb-2014

Date of Filing

29-Nov-2007

Name of Patentee

GODREJ & BOYCE MFG CO LTD

Applicant Address

PIROJSHANAGAR, VIKHROLI (W), MUMBAI

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	KULKARNI SUHAS GAJANAN	GODREJ & BOYCE MFG CO LTD APPLIANCES DIVISION PIROJSHANAGAR, VIKHROLI (W), MUMBAI 400079
2	JAIN HIMANSHU	GODREJ & BOYCE MFG CO LTD APPLIANCES DIVISION PIROJSHANAGAR, VIKHROLI (W), MUMBAI 400079

PCT International Classification Number

D06F17/06

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA