Patent ID: 8366012
Filing Date: 2013-02-05
Classification: D06F,G05D

Abstract:
1. An automatic temperature control for a washing machine providing controlled temperature water to a washing chamber by control of a hot-water valve connected to a hot-water line and a cold-water valve connected to a cold-water line, where outputs of the hot-water valve and cold-water valve are mixed to provide a desired temperature of water to the washing chamber, the automatic temperature control comprising: an electrically controlled solid-state switch; a double-pole, double-throw mechanical switch in a first position connecting the hot-water valve to the solid-state switch and the cold-water valve to continuous power, and in a second position connecting the cold-water valve to the solid-state switch and the hot-water valve to continuous power; a temperature command input manipulable by a user to provide a temperature command electrical signal and to switch the mechanical switch between the first and second positions; and a control circuit receiving the temperature command electrical signal and providing a control signal to the solid-state switch to control power to one of the hot-water valve and cold-water valve depending on the switch position; whereby a single solid-state switch may provide a full range of temperature control.