Office Action 2: Final Rejection (2025-02-28)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 101 - Patent-Eligible Subject Matter

CLAIMS:
Amendments to the Claims

Listing of Claims (replacing all prior versions):

Serial No. : 18/383,649 D1(19HAC258US02D1)

1\. (Currently Amended) A method for controlling a laundry management apparatus including a washing unit and a drying unit , the method comprising:

performing a washing operation of the washing unit; \[\[and\]\]performing a hygienic operation of the drying unit , wherein the hygienic operation comprises automatically washing and drying a condenser of the drying unit while performing the washing operation of the washing unit; and
terminating the hygienic operation of the drying unit on or before a completion time of the washing operation of the washing unit

.

2-20. (Canceled)319

Serial No. : 18/383,649 D1(19HAC258US02D1)

21\. (New) The method of claim 1, wherein the hygienic operation further comprises sterilizing and drying an inside of a drum of the drying unit, the drum being configured to receive laundry.

22\. (New) The method of claim 1, wherein performing the hygienic operation comprises:
comparing a first operation time of the washing operation with a second operation time of the hygienic operation; and
based on the first operation time being less than the second operation time, resetting the first operation time to be greater than or equal to the second operation time.

23\. (New) The method of claim 22, wherein the washing operation of the washing unit is performed according to the first operation time that is reset to be greater than or equal to the second operation time.

24\. (New) The method of claim 23, further comprising transmitting the first operation time to the drying unit after resetting the first operation time.

25\. (New) The method of claim 24, wherein performing the hygienic operation further comprises:
after transmitting the first operation time to the drying unit, detecting laundry in the drying unit;
based on detecting the laundry in the drying unit, outputting a notification indicating the detection of the laundry;
outputting a notification for selecting whether to perform a drying operation of the drying unit for drying the laundry; and
performing the drying operation based on a selection to perform the drying operation.

26\. (New) The method of claim 25, wherein performing the hygienic operation further comprises:
Serial No. : 18/383,649 D1(19HAC258US02D1)

outputting a notification including guide information regarding whether to proceed with a hygiene management mode of the drying unit based on a selection not to perform the drying operation.

27\. (New) The method of claim 25, wherein performing the hygienic operation further comprises:
based on detecting no laundry in the drying unit, performing a first scenario hygienic operation or a second scenario hygienic operation according to a selection of one of a synchronization operation or a non-synchronization operation,
wherein performing the first scenario hygienic operation or the second scenario hygienic operation comprises:outputting a notification including progress information related to the second scenario hygienic operation while performing the second scenario hygienic operation.

28\. (New) The method of claim 1, further comprising:
performing, by the drying unit, a plurality of actions in response to a plurality of unexpected situations occurring in the washing unit,
wherein performing the plurality of actions comprises:determining whether the drying unit is performing the hygienic operation when a failure occurs in an operation of the washing unit; and
maintaining a current state of the drying unit based on determining that the hygienic operation is not being performed when the failure occurs in the operation of the washing unit.

29\. (New) The method of claim 28, wherein the hygienic operation comprises a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation, and
wherein performing the plurality of actions further comprises:determining whether the drying unit is performing the first operation included in the hygienic operation; and
Serial No. : 18/383,649 D1(19HAC258US02D1)

performing, by the drying unit, the third operation included in the hygienic operation after completing the first operation based on determining that the first operation is being performed.

30\. (New) The method of claim 29, wherein performing the plurality of actions further comprises:
determining whether the drying unit is performing the second operation included in the hygienic operation based on determining that the first operation is not being performed.

31\. (New) The method of claim 30, wherein the first operation comprises sterilizing an inside of a drum of the drying unit, the drum being configured to receive laundry,
wherein the second operation comprises drying the condenser of the drying unit, and
wherein the third operation comprises washing the condenser of the drying unit.

32\. (New) The method of claim 30, wherein performing the plurality of actions comprises performing the third operation based on determining that the second operation is not being performed.

33\. (New) The method of claim 32, wherein performing the plurality of actions further comprises:
based on determining that the second operation is being performed, outputting a notification for selecting whether to keep performing the second operation; and
maintaining performance of the second operation based on a selection to keep performing the second operation.

34\. (New) The method of claim 33, wherein performing the plurality of actions further comprises:
stopping the second operation, and draining residual water within the washing unit based on a selection not to keep performing the second operation.
Serial No. : 18/383,649 D1(19HAC258US02D1)

35\. (New) The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining that the drying unit is a first type drying unit or a second type drying unit, wherein the first type drying unit is configured to switch from an active state to a power-saving state based on an elapse of a predetermined time after power is applied to the first type drying unit, and the second type drying unit is configured to maintain the active state after power is applied to the second type drying unit; and
operably connecting the washing unit and the drying unit to each other based on a type of the drying unit among the first type drying unit or the second type drying unit.

36\. (New) The method of claim 35, wherein operably connecting the washing unit and the drying unit to each other further comprises:
determining whether the drying unit is in the power-saving state based on determining that the drying unit is the first type drying unit; and
switching the drying unit to the active state based on determining that the drying unit is in the power-saving state.

37\. (New) The method of claim 36, wherein operably connecting the washing unit and the drying unit to each other comprises:
operably connecting the washing unit and the drying unit to each other based on determining that the drying unit is not in the power-saving state.

38\. (New) The method of claim 36, wherein operably connecting the washing unit and the drying unit to each other comprises:
operably connecting the washing unit and the drying unit to each other based on determining that the drying unit is the second type drying unit.

39\. (New) The method of claim 1, further comprising:
setting a hygiene management mode of the drying unit; and
maintaining the drying unit in the hygiene management mode until receiving an external signal for releasing the hygiene management mode after the hygiene management mode is set.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Information Disclosure Statement
1.	The information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on 10/25/2023 has been considered by the examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
2.	35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
3.	Claims 22-38 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception (i.e., a law of nature, a natural phenomenon, or an abstract idea) without significantly more.
Claims 22, 25, 28, and 35 are directed to  “comparing”, “detecting” and/or “determining” steps.  These are considered mental steps and thus represent an abstract idea as these steps can be done by a user by simply observing the machine.
After the “determining” step takes place then no action is taken based on the “determining”.  Maintaining a current state and/or outputting and performing an operation “based on” the detected information is not a particular application but merely insignificant extra solution activity, and just applying it, respectively.  The claims are directed to linking the abstract idea to a field of endeavor and not a particular practical application.
The claims do not recite any elements which are significantly more than the abstract idea, as the combination of a drying and washing unit seems to be routine and conventional.
As such, the claims are not considered to be proper under 35 USC 101.  Any amendment must be commensurate with the corresponding specification.
Regarding dependent claims 23-24, 26-27, 29-34, and 36-38, they do not overcome the 101 rejections because they do not contribute significantly more beyond the abstract idea.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
4.	The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
5.	The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
6.	Claims 1 and 39 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Scheible et al. (PG Pub U.S 2020/0370226) and further in view of Grunert (PG Pub U.S 2010/0101606).
7.	Regarding claim 1, Scheible teaches a method for controlling a laundry management apparatus (figs 1-2 and abstract) including a washing unit (102) and a drying unit (104) (para 0021), the method comprising performing a washing operation of the washing unit (para 0023); performing a hygienic operation of the drying unit (para 0033); and terminating the hygienic operation of the drying unit and the washing operation of the washing unit (para 0035).
8.	Scheible fails to teach wherein the hygienic operation comprises automatically washing and drying a condenser of the drying unit.  However, Grunert teaches a washer/dryer combo operation method wherein it is known to wash the condenser (abstract and claim 16) in order to effectively remove deposits and lint from the condenser.  Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Scheible such that the hygienic operation comprises automatically washing and drying a condenser of the drying unit in order to effectively remove deposits and lint from the condenser.
9.	Regarding the limitation of performing the hygienic operation of the drying unit simultaneously with the washing operation of the washing unit and terminating the hygienic operation on or before the completion time of the washing operation, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to operate them simultaneously and terminate the hygienic operation on or before the completion of the washing operation in order to save time and allow for condenser to be prepared prior to the next laundry cycle.
10.	Regarding claim 39, the present combination of Scheible and Grunert teaches setting a hygiene management mode of the drying unit (abstract of Grunert); and maintaining the drying unit in the hygiene management mode until receiving an external signal for releasing the hygiene management mode after the hygiene management mode is set (para 0038-0039 of Grunert).
11.	Claim 21 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Scheible et al. (PG Pub U.S 2020/0370226) and Grunert (PG Pub U.S 2010/0101606) and further in view of Park et al. (PG Pub U.S 2008/0053164).
12.	Regarding claim 21, the present combination of Scheible and Grunert teaches the drum of the dryer being configured to receive laundry (abstract and para 0035 of Scheibler), but fails to teach sterilizing and drying an inside of a drum of the drying unit.  However, Park also teaches cleaning a drying unit (abstract) wherein it is known to sterilize and dry an inside of a drying drum (para 0070) in order to prevent contamination and achieve clean laundry.  Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention for the present combination of Scheible and Grunert to include sterilizing and drying an inside of a drum of the drying unit as taught by Park in order to prevent contamination and achieve clean laundry.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSIn response to the Office Action of February 28, 2025, Applicant asks that the application be allowed in view of the amendments above and the following remarks. Claims 1, 21-27, 29, 30, and 32-39 are pending, with claim 1 being independent. Claims 1, 21-30, 32, and 34-39 have been amended, and claims 28 and 31 have been canceled without prejudice or disclaimer of subject matter. Claims 2-20 were previously canceled. Support for the amendments can be found throughout the specification as filed, for example, at page 16, lines 3-9. No new matter has been introduced.Interview Summary Applicant thanks Examiner Parihar for the courtesy of the telephonic interview held on May 21, 2025. During the interview, proposed amendments to claim 1 were discussed with respect to the § 103 rejections over US 2020/0370226 ("Scheible") in view of US 2010/0101606 ("Grunert"). Although no final agreement was reached regarding specific claim language or patentability, the interview mutually aided the understanding of outstanding issues and generally advanced prosecution. Based on the discussion, the claims have been further amended as set forth above. A summary of the interview is further incorporated into the remarks below.Claim Rejections  35 U.S.C. § 101 Claims 22-38 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as being directed to an abstract idea without significantly more. In particular, the Office Action asserts that "'comparing,' 'detecting,' and/or 'determining' steps" of claims 22, 25, 28, and 35 appear to be directed to "mental steps." See Office Action at p. 3. Without acquiescing to the rejection, and to expedite prosecution, claims 22, 25, and 35 have been amended as set forth above, and claim 28 has been canceled. Specifically, amended claims 22, 25, and 35 no longer recite the terms "comparing," "detecting," and "determining," thereby rendering the § 101 rejection moot.Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests reconsideration and withdrawal of the rejections under § 101.Claim Rejections  35 U.S.C. § 103 Claims 1 and 39 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 over US 2020/0370226 ("Scheible") in view of US 2010/0101606 ("Grunert"). Claim 21 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 over Scheible in view of Grunert and US 2008/0053164 ("Park"). Applicant requests reconsideration and withdrawal of these rejections because none of the cited references, whether taken alone or in proper combination, describes or otherwise renders obvious all of the features of amended independent claim 1.For example, amended independent claim 1 recites, among other things, "while the washing operation is performed by the washer, performing a hygienic operation by the dryer before performing a drying operation by the dryer, wherein the hygienic operation comprises washing and drying a condenser of the dryer," and "synchronizing the washing operation of the washer and the hygienic operation of the dryer such that the hygienic operation is completed on or before a completion time of the washing operation." The cited references fail to describe or otherwise render obvious at least these features.Specifically, the Office Action acknowledges that "Scheible fails to teach wherein the hygienic operation comprises automatically washing and drying a condenser of the drying unit." Office Action at p. 4. To remedy these deficiencies of Scheible, the Office Action relies on Grunert, equating Grunert's cleaning process to the claimed hygienic operation. See id. Grunert, however, fails to describe or suggest the above-noted features added as a consequence of the amendments set forth above. In particular, as discussed during the interview, Grunert fails to describe or suggest "a laundry management apparatus including a washer and a dryer," as claimed. Rather, Grunert merely describes "a washer/dryer or a tumble dryer." Grunert at [0029]. That is, Grunert describes a single laundry machine. As a consequence, Grunert does not describe or suggest synchronizing operations of a washer and a dryer, much less, "while the washing operation is performed by the washer, performing a hygienic operation by the dryer before performing a drying operation by the dryer," and "synchronizing the washing operation of the washer and the hygienic operation of the dryer such that the hygienic operation is completed on or before a completion time of the washing operation," as claimed.To the extent the Office Action alleges that "it would be obvious" to do so to allegedly "save time and allow for condenser to be prepared prior to the next laundry cycle," a person of ordinary skill would not have been led, absent impermissible hindsight gleaned from the present application, to rely on Grunert's cleaning process for a single laundry machine to provide the claimed sequence of the washing operation of the washer and the hygienic operation of the dryer.Rather, such a modification would be tantamount to picking and choosing from Grunert only so much of it as would support the Examiner's position, to the exclusion of other parts necessary to fully appreciate what Grunert fairly suggests to one of ordinary skill in the art. See In re Wesslau, 353 F.2d 238, 241 (CCPA 1965). Applicant notes that "[i]t is impermissible to use the claimed invention as an instruction manual or 'template' to piece together the teachings of the prior art so that the claimed invention is rendered obvious . .. 'One cannot use hindsight reconstruction to pick and choose among isolated disclosures in the prior art to deprecate the claimed invention."' In re Fritch, 972 F.2d 1260, 1266 (Fed. Cir. 1992) (quoting In re Fine, 837 F.2d 1071, 1075 (Fed. Cir. 1988)).For at least these reasons, Grunert fails to remedy the deficiencies of Scheible discussed above. Park fails to cure the deficiencies of Scheible and Grunert.For at least these reasons, the cited references, either alone or in proper combination, fail to describe or otherwise render obvious all of the features of amended independent claim 1.Accordingly, Applicant submits that amended independent claim 1 and its dependent claims are in condition for allowance.Conclusion The other claims in the application are each dependent on the independent claim, and are allowable for at least the above reasons. Because each claim is deemed to define additional aspects of the disclosure, however, the individual consideration of each claim on its own merits is respectfully requested.By responding in the foregoing remarks only to particular positions taken in the action, Applicant does not acquiesce with other positions that have not been explicitly addressed. In addition, Applicant's selecting some particular arguments for the patentability of a claim should not be understood as implying that no other reasons for the patentability of that claim exist.Finally, Applicant's decision to amend or cancel any claim should not be understood as implying that Applicant agrees with any positions taken in the action with reference to that claim or other claims, or that Applicant adopts or agrees with any position except as specifically stated in this paper. In particular, by amending a claim, Applicant does not necessarily concede that the claim prior to amendment was unpatentable.Please apply any necessary charges and credits to Deposit Account 06-1050, referencing the above attorney docket number.Respectfully submitted, Date: May 28, 2025

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection.  Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.  Applicant's submission filed on 5/28/2025 has been entered.
Examiner’s Amendment
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
Authorization for this examiner’s amendment was given in an interview with Minseung Ahn on July 10, 2025.
The application has been amended as follows:
Claim 1: (Currently Amended) A method for controlling a laundry management apparatus including a washer and a dryer, the method comprising: performing a washing operation by the washer; while the washing operation is performed by the washer, performing a hygienic operation by the dryer before performing a drying operation by the dryer, wherein the hygienic operation comprises washing and drying a condenser of the dryer; and synchronizing the washing operation of the washer and the hygienic operation of the dryer such that the hygienic operation is completed on or before a completion time of the washing operationwherein performing the hygienic operation comprises: based on a first operation time of the washing operation being less than a second operation time of the hygienic operation, resetting the first operation time to be greater than or equal to the second operation time or resetting the second operation time to be less than or equal to the first operation time to thereby terminate the hygienic operation of the dryer on or before terminating the washing operation of the washer.
Claim 22: (Canceled)
Claim 23: (Currently Amended) The method of claim 1, wherein the washing operation of the washer is performed according to the first operation time that is reset to be greater than or equal to the second operation time.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 1, 21, 23-27, 29-30, and 32-39 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The closest prior art of record is Scheible et al. (PG Pub U.S 2020/0370226) and Grunert (PG Pub U.S 2010/0101606).
Scheible teaches a method for controlling a laundry management apparatus including a washing unit and a drying unit, the method comprising performing a washing operation of the washing unit; performing a hygienic operation of the drying unit; and terminating the hygienic operation of the drying unit and the washing operation of the washing unit.
Scheible fails to teach wherein performing the hygienic operation comprises: based on a first operation time of the washing operation being less than a second operation time of the hygienic operation, resetting the first operation time to be greater than or equal to the second operation time or resetting the second operation time to be less than or equal to the first operation time to thereby terminate the hygienic operation of the dryer on or before terminating the washing operation of the washer.
Grunert teaches a washer/dryer combo operation method wherein it is known to wash the condenser.
Grunert fails to teach wherein performing the hygienic operation comprises: based on a first operation time of the washing operation being less than a second operation time of the hygienic operation, resetting the first operation time to be greater than or equal to the second operation time or resetting the second operation time to be less than or equal to the first operation time to thereby terminate the hygienic operation of the dryer on or before terminating the washing operation of the washer.
Regarding the limitation of performing the hygienic operation of the drying unit simultaneously with the washing operation of the washing unit and terminating the hygienic operation on or before the completion time of the washing operation, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to operate them simultaneously and terminate the hygienic operation on or before the completion of the washing operation in order to save time and allow for condenser to be prepared prior to the next laundry cycle.
Thus, the prior art of record does not fairly teach or suggest a method for controlling a laundry management apparatus as in the context of claim 1.
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20200370226A1: Claims:
A clothes washer, comprising: a first wash water container; a clothes-washing tub having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with a water outlet of the first wash water container; a second wash water container having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with a water outlet of the clothes-washing tub, wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the clothes-washing tub is located at a position above the water inlet of the second wash water container thereby enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the clothes-washing tub to the second wash water container; a filtration cartridge enclosure having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with a water outlet of the second wash water container through an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure and having a water outlet thereof in fluid communication with a water inlet of the first wash water container; and ter filtration cartridge removably mounted within an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure.
a first wash water container;
a clothes-washing tub having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with a water outlet of the first wash water container;
a second wash water container having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with a water outlet of the clothes-washing tub, wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the clothes-washing tub is located at a position above the water inlet of the second wash water container thereby enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the clothes-washing tub to the second wash water container;
a filtration cartridge enclosure having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with a water outlet of the second wash water container through an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure and having a water outlet thereof in fluid communication with a water inlet of the first wash water container; and
ter filtration cartridge removably mounted within an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure.
The clothes washer of claim 1 , further comprising: a wash water sanitizer that emits ultraviolet light, wherein the wash water sanitizer and at least one of the clothes-washing tub and the second wash water container are jointly configured for exposing wash water within the second wash water container to said ultraviolet light.
a wash water sanitizer that emits ultraviolet light, wherein the wash water sanitizer and at least one of the clothes-washing tub and the second wash water container are jointly configured for exposing wash water within the second wash water container to said ultraviolet light.
The clothes washer of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the first wash water container is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the first wash water container to the clothes-washing tub.
The clothes washer of claim 1 wherein an entire portion of an interior space of the first wash water container is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the first wash water container to the clothes-washing tub.
The clothes washer of claim 1 , further comprising: a first water pump having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with the water outlet of the filtration cartridge enclosure and having a water outlet thereof in fluid communication with the water inlet of the first wash water container.
a first water pump having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with the water outlet of the filtration cartridge enclosure and having a water outlet thereof in fluid communication with the water inlet of the first wash water container.
The clothes washer claim 1 wherein: the second wash water container has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof; the contoured lower wall tapers to a water collection region defined by a lowest location of the interior space thereof; and the water outlet of the second wash water container extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof.
the second wash water container has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof;
the contoured lower wall tapers to a water collection region defined by a lowest location of the interior space thereof; and
the water outlet of the second wash water container extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof.
The clothes washer of claim 1 wherein: the first wash water container has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof; the contoured lower wall tapers to a water collection region defined by a lowest location of the interior space thereof; the water outlet of the first wash water container extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof; and the water outlet of the first wash water container is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the first wash water container to the clothes-washing tub.
the first wash water container has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof;
the contoured lower wall tapers to a water collection region defined by a lowest location of the interior space thereof;
the water outlet of the first wash water container extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof; and
the water outlet of the first wash water container is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the first wash water container to the clothes-washing tub.
The clothes washer of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the first wash water container is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the first wash water container to the clothes-washing tub.
The clothes washer of claim 8 wherein: the second wash water container has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof; the contoured lower wall tapers to a water collection region defined by a lowest location of the interior space thereof; and the water outlet of the second wash water container extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof
the water outlet of the second wash water container extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof
The clothes washer of claim 1 wherein the filtration cartridge enclosure and a body of the water filtration cartridge are jointly configured for causing an entire portion of wash water provided into an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure to pass through an interior space of the body of the water filtration cartridge before entering the water outlet of the filtration cartridge enclosure
The clothes washer of claim 10 wherein: the filtration cartridge includes a plurality of filtration stages; the filter cartridge includes a cartridge body having a plurality of structural segments; each of said filtration stages is provided within a respective one of structural segments; said structural segments are arranged in an end-to-end manner; and adjacent ones of said structural segments are in fluid communication with each other such that wash water flows sequentially through each of said structural segments.
the filtration cartridge includes a plurality of filtration stages;
the filter cartridge includes a cartridge body having a plurality of structural segments;
each of said filtration stages is provided within a respective one of structural segments;
said structural segments are arranged in an end-to-end manner; and
adjacent ones of said structural segments are in fluid communication with each other such that wash water flows sequentially through each of said structural segments.
The clothes washer of claim 11 wherein: a first one of the filtration stages includes a filter screen, a second one of the filtration stages includes at least one of a polyelectrolyte material composition and a salt-based material composition; and a third one of the filtration stages includes at least one of a particulate filter foam and a particulate-capturing membrane.
a first one of the filtration stages includes a filter screen, a second one of the filtration stages includes at least one of a polyelectrolyte material composition and a salt-based material composition; and
a third one of the filtration stages includes at least one of a particulate filter foam and a particulate-capturing membrane.
The clothes washer of claim 11 wherein: a first one of the filtration stages includes a filter screen; a second one of the filtration stages includes a hard-water inducing salt-based material composition; a third one of the filtration stages includes a first microfiltration media; a fourth one of the filtration stages includes a coagulation-inducing salt-based material composition; a fifth one of the filtration stages includes a second microfiltration media; and sixth one of the filtration stages includes activated carbon.
a first one of the filtration stages includes a filter screen;
a second one of the filtration stages includes a hard-water inducing salt-based material composition;
a third one of the filtration stages includes a first microfiltration media;
a fourth one of the filtration stages includes a coagulation-inducing salt-based material composition;
a fifth one of the filtration stages includes a second microfiltration media; and
sixth one of the filtration stages includes activated carbon.
The clothes washer of claim 11 wherein: the cartridge body is made from a porous polymeric material; and the polymeric material is impregnated with at least one enzyme.
the cartridge body is made from a porous polymeric material; and
the polymeric material is impregnated with at least one enzyme.
A laundry system, comprising: a wash water tank; a clothes-washing tub in fluid communication with the wash water tank to enable wash water to be provided from the wash water tank to the clothes-washing tub, wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the wash water tank is located at a position above a water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the wash water tank to the clothes-washing tub; a wash water sump in fluid communication with the clothes-washing tub to enable wash water to be provided from the clothes-washing tub to the wash water sump, wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the clothes-washing tub is located at a position above a water inlet of the wash water sump thereby enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the clothes-washing tub to the wash water sump; a water filtration structure comprising a filtration cartridge enclosure and a water filtration cartridge, wherein the filtration cartridge enclosure has a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with a water outlet of the wash water sump through an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure and has a water outlet thereof in fluid communication with a water inlet of the wash water tank, wherein the water filtration cartridge is removably mounted within an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure and wherein the filtration cartridge enclosure and a body of the water filtration cartridge are jointly configured for causing an entire portion of wash water provided into an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure to pass through an interior space of the body of the water filtration cartridge before entering the water outlet of the filtration cartridge enclosure; a water vapor condenser in fluid communication with the wash water tank to enable condensed water vapor to be provided from the water vapor condenser to the wash water tank; and an airflow structure comprising a clothes-drying tub, an air handler and the water vapor condenser, wherein the clothes-drying tub, the air handler and the water vapor condenser jointly define an airflow pathway for enabling airflow therethrough in a circuitous manner from the clothes-drying tub to the air handler through the water vapor condenser and from the air handler to the clothes-drying tub.
a wash water tank;
a clothes-washing tub in fluid communication with the wash water tank to enable wash water to be provided from the wash water tank to the clothes-washing tub, wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the wash water tank is located at a position above a water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the wash water tank to the clothes-washing tub;
a wash water sump in fluid communication with the clothes-washing tub to enable wash water to be provided from the clothes-washing tub to the wash water sump, wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the clothes-washing tub is located at a position above a water inlet of the wash water sump thereby enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the clothes-washing tub to the wash water sump;
a water filtration structure comprising a filtration cartridge enclosure and a water filtration cartridge, wherein the filtration cartridge enclosure has a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with a water outlet of the wash water sump through an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure and has a water outlet thereof in fluid communication with a water inlet of the wash water tank, wherein the water filtration cartridge is removably mounted within an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure and wherein the filtration cartridge enclosure and a body of the water filtration cartridge are jointly configured for causing an entire portion of wash water provided into an interior space of the filtration cartridge enclosure to pass through an interior space of the body of the water filtration cartridge before entering the water outlet of the filtration cartridge enclosure;
a water vapor condenser in fluid communication with the wash water tank to enable condensed water vapor to be provided from the water vapor condenser to the wash water tank; and
an airflow structure comprising a clothes-drying tub, an air handler and the water vapor condenser, wherein the clothes-drying tub, the air handler and the water vapor condenser jointly define an airflow pathway for enabling airflow therethrough in a circuitous manner from the clothes-drying tub to the air handler through the water vapor condenser and from the air handler to the clothes-drying tub.
The laundry system of claim 15 , further comprising: a wash water sanitizer that emits ultraviolet light, wherein the wash water sanitizer and at least one of the clothes-washing tub and the wash water sump are jointly configured for exposing wash water to said ultraviolet light.
a wash water sanitizer that emits ultraviolet light, wherein the wash water sanitizer and at least one of the clothes-washing tub and the wash water sump are jointly configured for exposing wash water to said ultraviolet light.
The laundry system of claim 15 wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the wash water tank is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the wash water tank to the clothes-washing tub.
The laundry system of claim 17 wherein a condensed water vapor outlet of the water vapor condenser is located at a position above at least a portion of the interior space of the wash water tank thereby enabling condensed water vapor to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the water vapor condenser to the interior space of the wash water tank.
The laundry system of claim 18 , further comprising: a first water pump having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with the water outlet of the filtration cartridge enclosure and having a water outlet thereof in fluid communication with the water inlet of the first wash water tank.
a first water pump having a water inlet thereof in fluid communication with the water outlet of the filtration cartridge enclosure and having a water outlet thereof in fluid communication with the water inlet of the first wash water tank.
The laundry system of claim 15 wherein: the wash water tank has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof; the contoured lower wall tapers to a water collection region defined by a lowest location of the interior space thereof; the water outlet of the wash water tank extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof; and the water outlet of the wash water tank is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the wash water tank to the clothes-washing tub.
the wash water tank has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof;
the water outlet of the wash water tank extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof; and
the water outlet of the wash water tank is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the wash water tank to the clothes-washing tub.
The laundry system of claim 20 wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the wash water tank is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water to be provided solely by gravity-fed flow from the wash water tank to the clothes-washing tub.
The laundry system of claim 21 wherein: the wash water sump has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof; the contoured lower wall tapers to a water collection region defined by a lowest location of the interior space thereof; and the water outlet of the wash water sump extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof
the wash water sump has an interior space partially defined by a contoured lower wall thereof;
the water outlet of the wash water sump extends through the contoured lower wall within the water collection region thereof
The laundry system of claim 15 wherein: the filtration cartridge includes a plurality of filtration stages; the filter cartridge includes a cartridge body having a plurality of structural segments; each of said filtration stages is provided within a respective one of structural segments; said structural segments are arranged in an end-to-end manner; and adjacent ones of said structural segments are in fluid communication with each other such that wash water flows sequentially through each of said structural segments.
A laundry system, comprising: a washer unit comprising a clothes-washing tub, a wash water tank, a wash water sump, a water filtration structure, a first water pump and a wash water sanitizer, wherein a water outlet of the wash water tank is in fluid communication with a water inlet of the clothes-washing tub, wherein a water outlet of the clothes-washing tub is in fluid communication with a water inlet of the wash water sump, wherein a water inlet of the water filtration structure is in fluid communication with a water outlet of the wash water sump and a water outlet of the water filtration structure is in fluid communication with a water inlet of the wash water tank through the first water pump, wherein at least a portion of an interior space of the wash water tank is located at a position above the water inlet of the clothes-washing tub for enabling wash water t
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