Bleaching and dyeing; fluid treatment and chemical modification – Fluid treatment – Manipulation of liquid
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-10
2001-12-11
Stinson, Frankie L. (Department: 1746)
Bleaching and dyeing; fluid treatment and chemical modification
Fluid treatment
Manipulation of liquid
C068S023200, C068S023300, C074S573110, C210S144000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327732
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fluid balancing ring and method for using same.
Fluid balancing rings are well known for correcting the unbalance of a rotating object such as a rotating washing machine tub. These fluid balancing rings are effective to reduce unbalances at high speeds resulting from objects within the tub being located off-center. An example of such a situation might be a clump of towels positioned along one side of a rotating washing machine tub.
These towels create an unbalance, and the fluid within the balance ring counteracts this unbalance situation when the tub is rotating at high speeds.
One disadvantage of prior art fluid balancing rings is that they are ineffective for balancing the rotating tub at lower speeds. Often the fluid within the balancing ring works against the balancing of the rotating tub at low rotating velocities. After the rotating velocity reaches and exceeds a critical rotating speed, the fluid within the fluid balance ring is effective to smooth out unbalances.
The critical rotational speed at which the fluid balancing ring become effective varies from assembly to assembly, depending upon the structure, mass, and geometry of the rotating assembly and its contents.
Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of an improved fluid balancing ring and method for using same.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a fluid balancing ring which is effective to work against an unbalanced situation in a rotating assembly when the rotating assembly is both above and below a critical rotating velocity.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a fluid balance ring which maintains an even distribution of fluid around the circumference of the balance ring when rotating below the critical velocity, and which permits the fluid to move freely around the circumference of the balancing ring when the rotating velocity is above the critical velocity.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a fluid balancing ring having a plurality of valves and partitions around its circumference which prevent the circumferential movement of fluid when the balancing ring is rotating below the critical velocity and which permit the free circumferential movement of the fluid within the ring when the ring is rotating above a critical velocity.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a valving system which is responsive to centrifugal force of the rotating ring assembly for opening and closing the valves.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved fluid balancing ring and method for using same which is economical to manufacture, durable in use, and efficient in operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects may be achieved by a fluid balancing ring for balancing a tub rotating about a tub axis. The fluid balancing ring includes a ring housing surrounding a ring axis and having a hollow cross section to form an enclosed circular chamber. The ring housing is adapted to be mounted to the tub for rotation in unison therewith. A balancing fluid partially fills the circular chamber. A plurality of partitions in the chamber divide the chamber into a plurality of sub-chambers arranged in a circular array. A valve is mounted to each of the partitions and comprises a valve member that is movable in response to centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the ring about the ring axis from a closed position preventing fluid communication through the partitions to an open position permitting fluid communication through the partitions. A spring urges the valve member to its closed position and is adapted to yield in response to centrifugal force to permit the valve member to move to the open position, whereby the fluid within the ring is free to move between the sub-chambers.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a weight connected to the valve member. The weight is responsive to the centrifugal force to cause the valve member to move from its closed to its open position.
The valve member may be movable in a linear direction, or may be pivotal about an axis between its open and closed positions.
According to another feature of the present invention the valve member may be a plurality of ball valves, each mounted in one of the openings of one of the partitions.
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Braunschweig James R.
Crawford James F.
Sears Jeffrey L.
Wunderlich Daniel F.
Maytag Corporation
Stinson Frankie L.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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