Liquid purification or separation – Processes – Including controlling process in response to a sensed condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-26
2002-06-11
Hoey, Betsey Morrison (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Processes
Including controlling process in response to a sensed condition
C210S791000, C210S805000, C210S108000, C210S194000, C210S411000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06402962
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Laundry washing machines that recirculate water are known in the art. Typically, such water recirculation machines include a filter to remove solids, such as lint, from the water as it is recirculated to the washing machine wash tub during a clothes washing cycle. However, such filters are not self-cleaning and must be manually removed and cleaned when the filter becomes plugged with lint and other materials. Such cleaning results in down time for the machine. Also, once the filter becomes plugged, water will not easily flow therethrough, such that the recirculation function of the machine is inoperative or compromised.
Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of a self-cleaning filter with a bypass port for a water recirculation washing machine.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved washing machine and a method of recirculating water therein wherein recirculation of water can continue after the filter is clogged.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a filter for a water recirculation washing machine which is automatically cleaned without removing the filter.
A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a filter for a water recirculation washing machine wherein the water automatically flows through a bypass port after the filter becomes clogged.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a self-cleaning filter with a bypass port which is economical to manufacture and durable and efficient in use.
These and other objectives will become apparent from the following description of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The self-cleaning filter with the bypass port of the present invention is intended for use in a washing machine which recirculates water from the wash tub drain outlet back into the wash tub. The filter includes a housing with a filter element disposed therein. Water from the wash tub normally passes through the filter so as to remove solids, such as lint, therefrom. The filter element includes one or more bypass ports through which the water automatically flows when the filter element becomes clogged with lint or other matter, so that the water can continue to recirculate. Check valves are opened and closed when the direction of pumping is reversed so as to reverse the flow of water through the filter element, thereby automatically cleaning the filter without removing the filter from the plumbing of the washing machine.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3353682 (1967-11-01), Silva
patent: 3622003 (1971-11-01), Czech
patent: 3684096 (1972-08-01), Krectchman
patent: 3727435 (1973-04-01), Menk
patent: 4217667 (1980-08-01), Whitehouse
patent: 5493745 (1996-02-01), Hauch
Bruntz Jordan S.
Miller Eric J.
Tremel Curtis J.
Hoey Betsey Morrison
Maytag Corporation
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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