Abstract:
A power controller for an appliance, especially a washing machine, is operative to place the appliance into a hyperspin mode. The power controller implements a method of operating a washing machine that comprises operating a washing machine motor at a first speed to rotate a laundry receptacle coupled to the washing machine motor at the first speed, collecting rotation velocity data regarding the laundry receptacle during rotation of the laundry receptacle, comparing the rotation velocity data to a parameter threshold, and operating the washing machine motor at a second speed in response to the comparison between the rotation velocity data and the parameter threshold indicating that the laundry receptacle is balanced. If the rotation velocity data does not indicate that the laundry receptacle is balanced, the motor remains at the first speed.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/310,695 filed Aug. 6, 2001, entitled “Appliance Control System” and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/197,177 filed on Jul. 17, 2002 that is entitled “Appliance Control System With Hyperspin Mode.” 
     
    
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0002]     Cross-reference is made to U.S. patent application entitled “Appliance Control System With Power Controller” by Peterson, Ser. No. 10/196,812 and attorney docket number 1007-0551; U.S. patent application entitled “Appliance Control System With Auxiliary Inputs” by Peterson and Stultz, Ser. No. 10/197,113 and attorney docket number 1007-0553; U.S. patent application entitled “Appliance Control System With Cycle Selection Detection” by Peterson and Stultz, Ser. No. 10/197,178 and attorney docket number 1007-0554; U.S. patent application entitled “Appliance Control System With LED Operation Indicators” by Peterson and Stultz, Ser. No. 10/197,062 and attorney docket number 1007-0555; U.S. patent application entitled “Appliance Control System With Network Accessible Programmable Memory” by Peterson, Ser. No. 10/197,201 and attorney docket number 1007-0556; U.S. patent application entitled “Appliance Control System With Knob Control Assembly” by Peterson and Stultz, Ser. No. 10/196,831 and attorney docket number 1007-0557; and U.S. patent application entitled “Appliance Control System With Solid State Appliance Controller” by Peterson, Ser. No. 10/197,082 and attorney docket number 1007-0558; all of which are commonly assigned and all of which were filed on Jul. 17, 2002.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates generally to appliances, and more particularly, to a control system for an appliance.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0004]     Washing machines for clothes are well known and widely used. The typical washing machine has a washing basket, tub or receptacle that receives and holds laundry for washing. The washing basket is coupled to a motor that is operative, configured and/or adapted to rotate and/or otherwise twist the washing basket during the various laundry cycles. During a cleaning cycle or various cleaning and/or rinse cycles, water alone and/or water with laundry soap and/or other laundry products are introduced into the washing basket. The cleaning and/or rinse cycles are characterized by rotation of the washing basket at relatively low speeds.  
         [0005]     During a drying cycle, however, the washing basket is rotated or spun at speeds that exceed the speeds attained during the cleaning and/or rinse cycles. These rotation speeds are just sufficient to utilize centrifugal force to remove water from the clothes. However, water can be more efficiently removed using higher rotation speeds. Such higher rotation speeds have heretofore not been used in washing machines due to various problems associated with high speed washing basket rotation. For instance, any imbalance in the washing basket due to load size and/or load distribution within the washing basket is magnified when the washing basket is rotated at higher speeds. Excessive vibration can cause and/or lead to washing machine/component fatigue and/or failure.  
         [0006]     What is therefore needed is a washing machine that is capable of utilizing a higher rotation speed for a drying cycle thereof.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     An appliance controller for a washing machine has a hyperspin mode of operation. The hyperspin mode of operation rotates a washing basket of the washing machine at a higher rotation rate or speed than for normal laundry washing cycles and/or prior drying cycles. The controller monitors washing machine parameters such as vibration from a washing basket of the washing machine as the washing basket is rotated in a normal speed of operation in order to determine if the washing machine should be operated in the hyperspin mode of operation. In one form, if the monitored parameter is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold parameter value, the washing machine rotates its washing basket at the hyperspin speed. In another form, if the washing machine parameter is within a predetermined parameter value range, the washing machine may utilize the hyperspin mode. Continuous parameter monitoring is preferably accomplished during the hyperspin mode of operation.  
         [0008]     In one form, the subject invention is a washing machine. The washing machine includes a rotatable laundry receptacle, a motor operative to rotate the rotatable laundry receptacle, a receptacle parameter detector in communication with the rotatable laundry receptacle and operative to obtain data regarding a parameter of the rotatable laundry receptacle, and control circuitry in communication with the receptacle parameter detector and the motor. The control circuitry is operative to run the motor at a first speed wherein the rotatable laundry receptacle is rotated up to the first speed, to receive and process the receptacle parameter data to obtain a parameter value regarding the rotatable laundry receptacle when the motor is run at the first speed, and to operate the motor at a second speed that is greater than the first speed wherein the rotatable laundry receptacle is rotated up to the second speed when it is determined by the control circuitry that the parameter value is within an acceptable parameter value range.  
         [0009]     In another form, the subject invention is a washing machine. The washing machine includes a rotatable laundry receptacle, a motor operative to rotate the rotatable laundry receptacle, a receptacle parameter detector in communication with the rotatable laundry receptacle and operative to obtain data regarding a parameter of the rotatable laundry receptacle, and control circuitry in communication with the receptacle parameter detector and the motor. The control circuitry is operative to run the motor at a first speed wherein the rotatable laundry receptacle is rotated up to the first speed, to receive and process the receptacle parameter data to obtain a parameter value regarding the rotatable laundry receptacle when the motor is run at the first speed, and to operate the motor at a second speed that is greater than the first speed wherein the rotatable laundry receptacle is rotated up to the second speed when it is determined by the control circuitry that the parameter value is above a parameter value threshold.  
         [0010]     In yet another form, the subject invention is a method of operating a washing machine. The method includes the steps of (a) operating a motor at a first speed, (b) rotating a laundry receptacle via the motor operating at the first speed, (c) obtaining load balance data of the laundry receptacle during rotation of the laundry receptacle, (d) analyzing the load balance data, (e) operating the motor at a second speed that is greater than the first speed if the analyzed load balance data indicates a laundry load balance below a load balance threshold, and (f) rotating the laundry receptacle via the motor operating at the second speed.  
         [0011]     In a further form, the subject invention is a method of operating a washing machine. The method includes the steps of (a) running a motor at a first speed, (b) rotating a laundry receptacle via the motor operating at the first speed, (c) obtaining rotation velocity data regarding the laundry receptacle during rotation of the laundry receptacle, (d) determining rotation velocity of the laundry receptacle from the rotation velocity data, (e) operating the motor at a second speed that is greater than the first speed if it is determined that the rotation velocity is above a rotation velocity threshold, and (f) rotating the laundry receptacle via the motor operating at the second speed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a washing machine embodying the various aspects of the various inventions shown and described herein;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the washing machine of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an exemplary power supply for the washing machine of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is another block diagram of the exemplary power supply;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is an electrical schematic of the exemplary power supply;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an exemplary manner of operation of the exemplary power supply;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a block representation of the appliance control system showing a plurality of auxiliary inputs;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a further representation of the appliance control system of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a simplified electrical schematic of the representation of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a partial electrical schematic of the appliance control system in accordance with the principles presented herein;  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a partial electrical schematic of the appliance control system;  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a partial electrical schematic of the appliance control system;  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart of an exemplary manner of operation of the auxiliary inputs of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram representation of a hyperspin feature in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is another block diagram representation of the hyperspin feature;  
         [0028]      FIG. 16  is another block representation of the hyperspin feature;  
         [0029]      FIG. 17  is a partial electrical schematic of the hyperspin portion of the appliance control system;  
         [0030]      FIG. 18  is a partial electrical schematic of the motor portion;  
         [0031]      FIG. 19  is a flowchart of an exemplary manner of operation of the hyperspin feature in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 20  is a block representation of a communication feature in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 21  is a block representation of water control features of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 22  is a partial electrical schematic of the appliance control system showing the water control features and the user cycle selection input;  
         [0035]      FIG. 23  is one part of a partial electrical schematic of the appliance control system showing the LEDs;  
         [0036]      FIG. 24  is another part of the partial electrical schematic of the appliance control system of  FIG. 23 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 25  is a front elevational view of the main controller module that is used in the washing machine of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 26  is a bottom elevational view of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 27  is a rear elevational view of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 28  is an exploded perspective view of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 29  is an assembled perspective view of part of the user selector assembly of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 30  is an exploded perspective view of various parts of the user selector assembly of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 31  is a front elevational view of the housing of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 32  is a cross sectional view taken along the line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 31  of the housing of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 33  is a rear elevational view of the housing of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0046]      FIG. 34  is a front perspective view of the housing of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 35  is a rear perspective view of the housing of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 36  is a rear elevational view of the escutcheon of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0049]      FIG. 37  is a side elevational view of the escutcheon of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 38  is a cross sectional view of the escutcheon of the main controller module of  FIG. 25  taken along the line  38 - 38  of  FIG. 36 ;  
         [0051]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view of the second spring of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0052]      FIG. 40  is a side elevational view of the second spring of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0053]      FIG. 41  is a first side elevational view of the control shaft of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 42  is a second side elevational view of the control shaft of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 43  is an enlarged view of the part of  FIG. 42  that is encircled and labeled  FIG. 43 ;  
         [0056]      FIG. 44  is a cross sectional view of the reduced diameter portion of the control shaft of the main controller module of  FIG. 25  taken along the line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 42 ;  
         [0057]      FIG. 45  is a first side elevational view of the first spring of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0058]      FIG. 46  is a second side elevational view of the first spring of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0059]      FIG. 47  is a front elevational view of the wiper assembly of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0060]      FIG. 48  is a rear elevational view of the wiper assembly of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0061]      FIG. 49  is a side elevational view of the wiper assembly of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0062]      FIG. 50  is an elevational view of the circuit pattern assembly of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0063]      FIG. 51  is an elevational view of the front side of the first printed circuit board and the front side of the second printed circuit board of the main controller module of  FIG. 25  (note that after assembly of the main controller module, the second printed circuit board is positioned under the first printed circuit board, however for clarity of viewing,  FIG. 51  shows the second printed circuit board pivoted to a location adjacent to the first printed circuit board);  
         [0064]      FIG. 52  is an elevational view of the back side of the first printed circuit board and the back side of the second printed circuit board of the main controller module of  FIG. 25  (note that for clarity of viewing,  FIG. 52  shows the second printed circuit board pivoted in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 51 );  
         [0065]      FIG. 53  is an elevational view of an informational overlay of the main controller module of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0066]      FIG. 54  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the informational overlay of  FIG. 53 ;  
         [0067]      FIG. 55  is a schematic diagram of a first alternative shaft position detection mechanism which can be used in the main controller module and/or any of the auxiliary input units of the appliance control system of the present invention;  
         [0068]      FIG. 56  is a schematic diagram of a second alternative shaft position detection mechanism which can be used in the main controller module and/or any of the auxiliary input units of the appliacne control system of the present invention; and  
         [0069]      FIG. 57  is a perspective view of a dryer embodying the various aspects of the various inventions shown and described herein. 
     
    
       [0070]     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0071]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted a washing machine, generally designated  5 , representing one form of a laundry appliance. The washing machine  5  has a frame  36  that houses a receptacle or tub  32  that is configured to receive laundry therein for washing. The tub  32  is accessed via a pivoting door or lid  38  in the frame  36 . The tub  32  is mounted in the frame  36  so as to revolve or spin, typically (and as shown) around a vertical axis  46 . The tub  32  is in communication with a motor  26  that is likewise mounted in the frame  36 , and which is operative to spin the tub  32  in a controlled manner as described below.  
         [0072]     The washing machine  5  also has a control panel frame  40  that houses an appliance control system  10 . External to the control panel frame  40  and part of the appliance control system  10  is a main controller module  300  and a plurality of auxiliary inputs  44  (typically in the form of knob, switches, or the like). The controller module  300  provides operating mode/cycle indication and/or control of the operating mode/cycle for/of the washing machine  5 . Power for the washing machine  5  is provided via a power cord  48  that is configured to be plugged into an appropriate source of electricity, typically a 120 volt AC source or a 240 volt AC source (not shown). The general operation of the washing machine  5 , with respect to the loading, washing, and unloading of laundry, is typical of washing machines.  
         [0073]     The appliance control system  10  also includes a communication port  50  that allows the washing machine  5  to be coupled to or in communication with an external device, network, or the like. The communication port  50  may take the form of an RS-232 port, a telephone-type port, or the like. Particularly, the communication port  50  allows the washing machine  5  to be in communication with a test/diagnostic device, a public and/or private network such as the Internet, another laundry appliance, or other device.  
         [0074]     Referring to  FIG. 2  there is depicted a block diagram of the washing machine  5 . The washing machine  5  includes the appliance control system (ACS)  10 , the motor  26 , the door or lid switch  28 , a water temperature sensor  30 , the receptacle or tub  32 , and water supply solenoid valves  34 . The ACS  10  is operative to control various aspects/features/functions of the washing machine  5  as explained in greater detail below, and to indicate the various cycles of the washing machine  5 . The ACS  10  includes various sections, modules, portions, or the like the nature and manner of operation of which will be described below. As indicated above, the motor  26  is operative to rotate the tub  32  during the various cycles or modes of the washing machine  5 . The tub  32  is adapted to hold an amount of laundry and water for washing. The lid switch  28  is operative to interrupt or stop the motor  26  or cause the washing machine  5  to not continue its operating cycle when the lid  38  is opened during operation. The lis switch  28  also prevents the start of a cycle if the lid  38  is initially open. Therefore, the lid  38  must be closed in order for the washing machine  5  to begin an operating cycle. The water temperature sensor  30  is operative to provide water temperature data to the ACS  10  regarding temperature of the water going into the tub  32  or already in the tub  32  in order to provide the proper/appropriate washing water temperature. The water supply solenoids/valves  34  are operative to control the flow of hot and/or cold water into the tub  32 .  
         [0075]     The ACS  10  includes an auxiliary user interface selector  12  for the washing machine. The auxiliary user interface selector  12  is adapted/configured via appropriate circuitry, logic, and/or components to allow a user to select various washing machine parameters. Particularly, the auxiliary user interface selector  12  is operative to allow the user to select various washing machine parameters or operating cycle options (options) of various washing machine cycles or modes. A power control system  14  is provided in the ACS  10  that is operative, configured, and/or adapted via appropriate circuitry, logic, and/or components to provide power to the various components of the washing machine  5 . More particularly, the power control system  14  is operative to provide a standby or low power and/or an operating power to the various components of the washing machine  5 .  
         [0076]     The ACS  10  also has a hyperspin control system  16  that is operative, configured, and/or adapted via appropriate circuitry, logic and/or components to provide a hyperspin feature or function. The hyperspin feature/function permits the tub  32  to spin or rotate at a speed that is greater than a normal tub rotation speed, typically during a drying cycle of the washing machine  5 . The ACS  10  further has a main controller module  300  that is operative, configured, and/or adapted to allow the user to select various operating modes, cycles or the like of the washing machine  5 . The main controller module  300  includes a selector display  20 . The selector display  20  is operative, configured, and/or adapted via appropriate circuitry, logic, and/or components to provide information regarding the user selection. The selector display  20  is also operative to indicate or show the progression of the user selection as the washing machine performs the user selection. The selector display  20  includes a plurality of light emitting devices  307  as will be discussed below.  
         [0077]     The ACS  10  further includes a communication interface  22 . The communication interface  22  is operative, configured, and/or adapted via appropriate circuitry, logic, and/or components to allow the washing machine  5  to interface with external components, circuitry, logic, networks, or the like. As well, the communication interface  22  allows remote access to various features, functions, or the like of the washing machine  5 . Lastly, the ACS  10  includes sensor ports  24  that are adapted to allow connection with various sensors and/or data inputs of the washing machine  5 .  
         [0000]     Power Supply  
         [0078]     Referring to  FIG. 3  there is depicted a block diagram representation of the power control system  14  and other components and/or circuitry/logic of the washing machine  5 . The washing machine  5  receives line electricity from a source of electricity that is typically a 120 volt AC or 240 volt AC electricity source (not shown) designated line electricity in. The AC electricity supplied to the washing machine  5  from line electricity in will hereinafter be termed line electricity, regardless of its source and voltage. The line electricity is received by the washing machine  5  via the power cord  48  (see  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0079]     The line electricity is supplied via the power control system  14  to line electricity conditioning circuitry/logic  56  that is operative via appropriate circuitry, logic, and/or components to provide the line electricity to line electricity components  58  of the washing machine  5 . The line electricity components  58  include the motor  26  (direct use), the lid switch  28  (as pass-through) and any other washing machine component that directly or indirectly utilizes the line electricity to operate.  
         [0080]     The power control system  14  is operative via appropriate circuitry, logic, and/or components to power or run operating power components  52  and standby low power components  54  of the washing machine  5 . The operating power components  52  include relays, transistors, triacs, silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), and the like. The standby low power components  54  include integrated circuits (ICs), auxiliary input units, clocks, and the like.  
         [0081]     The power control system  14  includes operating power circuitry/logic  66  that is operative to produce, generate, or derive operating power (electricity) from the line electricity for powering the operating power components  52 . As well, the power control system  14  includes standby low power circuitry/logic  64  that is operative to produce, generate, or derive standby and/or low power (electricity) from the line electricity for powering the standby and/or low power components  54 .  
         [0082]     The operating power circuitry/logic  66  provides operating power to the operating power components  52  when the washing machine  5  is in use. The standby low power circuitry/logic  64  provides standby power to the standby power components  54  when the washing machine  5  is not in use but still plugged into the line electricity as well as to low power components  54  when the washing machine is in use. It should be noted that the power control system  14  does not utilize a transformer to generate and/or derive the operating power or the standby low power for the washing machine  5 . This is accomplished by utilizing electronic component signal conditioning.  
         [0083]     The standby low power provides electricity in a small or low amount in the neighborhood of less than one watt, but which may be generated in any amount necessary for a standby state and a low power state of the washing machine  5 . In one embodiment, the generated standby low power electricity is approximately five (5) volts at a particular current that yields standby power in the milliwatts. In an embodiment of a washing machine ACS, whose circuitry/logic is described in detail below, the standby low power produced by the standby power circuitry/logic  64  is around 500 milliwatts. It should be understood that the standby low power produced by the standby low power circuitry/logic  64  is determined by the standby operating conditions, parameters, or the like of the particular standby low power components  54  of the washing machine  5 .  
         [0084]     The operating power provides electricity in an amount necessary to operate, actuate, or use the various operating power components  52 . Thus, the operating power generated by the operating power circuitry/logic  66  is in accordance with design characteristics of the washing machine  5 . However, in one embodiment, the operating power circuitry/logic  66  is operative to produce twenty-four (24) volts of operating electricity.  
         [0085]     The power control system  14  also includes line cross circuitry/logic  62  that is operative, configured, and/or adapted to generate, produce, or derive a line cross signal from the line electricity. The line cross signal is represented by the arrow  72  and is provided to a processor  60  of the washing machine  5 . The processor  60  may be a processing unit, microprocessor, processing means, or the like. The processor  60  utilizes the line cross signal for timing purposes.  
         [0086]     The power control system  14  is operative in one of two modes or states of operation. One state or mode of operation may be termed an idle or standby mode, while the other state or mode of operation may be termed a run or operating mode. In the idle mode of operation, the standby power circuitry/logic  64  provides standby power to the standby power components  54 , while the operating power circuitry/logic  66  is prevented from supplying operating power to the operating power components. In the run mode of operation, the operating power circuitry/logic  66  provides operating power to the operating power components. At the same time (while in the run mode of operation) the standby low power circuitry/logic  64  provides standby power to the standby low power components. This is because the standby low power components  54  are a necessary part of the operation of the washing machine  5 . For this reason, the standby power may also be termed low power while the standby power components may be termed low power components. The standby power circuitry/logic  64  may thus be considered as supplying standby power to standby components when the washing machine  5  is plugged in but not operating, and as supplying low power to low power components when the washing machine is operating. The standby components may not necessarily be the same as the low power components.  
         [0087]     When the washing machine  5  is receiving the line electricity, and not in use (the idle or standby mode), the washing machine  5  is operative to generate standby power via the standby power circuitry/logic  64  for the standby power components  54 . When a user turns actuates the washing machine  5 , without regard to the particular operating mode (the run mode), the washing machine  5  needs operating power as generated by the operating power circuitry/logic  66 . The particular components of the operating power components  52  that require operating power is dependent upon the operating mode of the washing machine  5 .  
         [0088]     The power control system  14  regulates the application of the operating power to the operating power components  52  via switch/switching circuitry/logic  68 . In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the switch/switching circuitry/logic  68  (hereinafter switching circuitry  68  for short) is operative to switch in or apply the operating power from the operating power circuitry/logic  66  to the operating power components  52  when appropriate or necessary for the operation of the washing machine  5 , or control of the application of the operating power from the operating power circuitry/logic  66  to and for the appropriate operating power components  52 . This may include intermittently applying the operating power to the operating power components  52 .  
         [0089]     The switching circuitry  68  is regulated or controlled by a control signal that is provided to the switching circuitry  68  by a processor  60  via a control line  70 . The control signal actuates the switching circuitry  68 , causing the operating power circuitry/logic  66  generating the operating power for the operating power components  52  to be supplied or applied to the operating power components  52 . In accordance with one embodiment, the operating power for the electronic components is twenty-four (24) volts, but may be any operating voltage that is appropriate. The control signal is provided to the switching circuitry  68  when the washing machine  5  is actuated into a run or operating mode. This is typically accomplished through user actuation of a control knob/on/off switch of the washing machine  5 . Particularly, the washing machine  5  is actuated into a washing cycle or operation via a user actuating a control input of the washing machine  5 . In one form, the control signal is pulsed.  
         [0090]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is depicted a more detailed block diagram of the washing machine  5  and, more particularly, of the power control system  14 . The washing machine  5  includes various sensors and data inputs generally designated  78  that provide sensor signals and data input to the processor  60 . The processor  60  utilizes these sensor signals and data inputs for various purposes and signal generation as discussed herein. The washing machine  5  also includes a control input  76  that represents user-actuated inputs. Signals from the control input  76  are forwarded to the processor  76 . The sensor/data input  78  and/or the control input  76  provides data to the processor  60  that the processor  60  may use to generate the control signal for the power control system  14 .  
         [0091]     In addition to the various components, features and/or functions described in conjunction with  FIG. 3 , the power control system  14  includes clamp circuitry/logic  74  that is provided in conjunction with the standby/low power circuitry/logic  64 . The clamp circuitry/logic  74  is operative to set and the power level of the standby/low power circuitry/logic  64  or prevent over power of the standby/low power circuitry/logic  64 .  
         [0092]     It should be appreciated that various components of the washing machine  5 , such as the motor  26 , utilize the line electricity (typically 120 volts or 240 volts) for operation. This is not the same as the operating power generated by the operating power circuitry/logic. The washing machine  5  utilizes the operating power for actuation of the various relays, solenoids, and the like. These relays, solenoids, and the like, actuate the motor, water valves, and other like components of the washing machine  5  of which some then utilize the line electricity for operation. Additionally, the line electricity is utilized in conjunction with various switches, such as safety switches (e.g. the lid switch  28 ), that provide a signal to the processor  60  regarding the state of the particular switch. Where necessary, these switches and the like are explained in detail herein.  
         [0093]     As indicated above, the operating power from the operating power circuitry/logic  66  is applied or supplied to the operating power components  52  through the switching circuitry  68 , with the switching circuitry  68  controlled by a control signal or control signals from the processor  60 . In one form, the switching circuitry  68  includes signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80  that receives the control signal via the control signal line  70  from the processor  60 . The switching circuitry/logic  68  also includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR)  82  (or any other similar operating/functioning device) that is in communication with the signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80  and with the operating power circuitry/logic  66 . The SCR  82  is thus operative to switch in or allow the operating power from the operating power circuitry/logic  66  to be applied or supplied to the various operating power components  52  (run mode) upon being triggered (receiving) the conditioned control signal from the signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80 . The processor  60  produces a control signal that is provided to the signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80  and then to the SCR  82  when it is appropriate for the operating power to be supplied to the operating power components. Particularly, the processor  60  provides the control signal when the user actuates the washing machine  5  into a run mode (selects a run mode cycle or the like of the washing machine  5 ). The SCR  82  thus switches in or allows the switching in of the operating power into the circuitry/logic of the washing machine  5 .  
         [0094]     Because the operating power is needed when the appliance is started (i.e. the run mode), a start/stop signal, represented by the start/stop block  158 , is provided to the controller  158  for use in producing the control signal and providing the control signal to the SCR  172 . The start/stop signal is preferably provided through the operational mode indicator/cycle indicator of the laundry appliance. As well, other components of the laundry appliance, represented by the component input block  156 , may provide a signal or signals for use in producing the control signal.  
         [0095]     In one form, the processor  60  continues to provide a control signal to the signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80  during any run mode cycle of the washing machine  5  or while operating power is required. The signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80  thus continues to provide the control signal to the SCR  82  in like manner and the SCR  82 , in turn, stays on to keep the operating power from the operating power circuitry/logic  66  to the operating power components  52 .  
         [0096]     Alternatively, in another form, the processor  60  provides a control signal to the signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80  that stops the application of a conditioned control signal from the signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80  to the SCR  82 . The SCR  82  is thus responsive to the “off” control signal to shut off the application of the operating power from the operating power circuitry/logic  66  to the operating power components  52 .  
         [0097]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a specific exemplary embodiment of a power control system  14  in accordance with the present principles. The power control system  14  of  FIG. 5  is shown in electrical schematic form. The power control system of  FIG. 5  operates and/or functions in the manner set forth above.  
         [0098]     The power control system  14  receives incoming electricity from a Line In electricity source. Particularly, line electricity (hot) from an electricity source (e.g. a wall plug) is provided at P 14 , terminal  1 , wherein it is provided to other components via the terminal  84  (“L”). Neutral is coupled at P 14 , terminal  2 , where neutral is equated with ground. A variable resistor VR 1  of sufficient resistance and voltage rating is provided between the line electricity and the neutral for short circuit protection.  
         [0099]     The line cross circuitry/logic  62  is coupled to the line electricity for providing a line cross signal R on line  86 . Line  86  is in communication with the processor  60  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). The line cross circuitry/logic  62  includes a transistor Q 14  that is biased by the line electricity such that the collector (terminal  3 ) provides the line cross signal. As mentioned above, the line cross signal R is utilized by the processor  60  to indicate phase of the line electricity. The line cross signal is also utilized by the processor for clocking purposes. In particular, the transistor Q 14  (an NPN transistor) is alternatively switched on and off by the alternating current of the line electricity to provide the line cross signal R at line  86 .  
         [0100]     The power control system  14  includes a bank of capacitors  88  that are in communication with and charged by the line electricity. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, only one of the capacitors, C 7 , however, is normally dischargeable after charging, since the terminal (terminal  1 ) that is opposite the terminal (terminal  2 ) that is in communication with the line in electricity, completes a circuit. Particularly, the capacitor C 7  is dischargeable through the diode D 5  and a five (5) volt power supply circuitry/logic formed, in part, by the diode D 1  and the capacitor C 4 . This forms the standby/low power circuitry/logic  64 . The standby/low power circuitry/logic  64  may include more than one capacitor (C 7 ) if desired or necessary.  
         [0101]     The standby or low power circuitry/logic  64  is thus always operative when the washing machine  5  is plugged into the line electricity. Clamping circuitry  74  is provided in communication with the standby/low power circuitry/logic  64  to keep the standby/low power circuitry/logic (the five volt power circuitry/logic) at a constant voltage level.  
         [0102]     While the other capacitors C 12  and C 13  of the capacitor bank  88  normally charge, they are not normally able to discharge, and thus form a normally open circuit. The SCR  82 , however, is provided that is operative to provide a discharge path for the capacitors C 12  and C 13  upon the application of a control signal to the SCR  82 . The control signal is provided via control line  70  from the processor  60  to the control signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80 . The control signal is then applied to the gate (terminal  2 ) of a transistor Q 6  (a PNP transistor) of the control signal conditioning circuitry/logic  80  wherein a control signal is taken from the collector (terminal  3 ) and applied to the control input (terminal  2 ) of the SCR  82 .  
         [0103]     When the SCR  82  is turned on (allowed to conduct) by the application of the control signal from the transistor Q 6 , a discharge path is created for the capacitors C 12  and C 13 . The capacitors C 12  and C 13  discharge through the diode D 9  that, together with capacitor C 10 , provides a rectified (DC) operating voltage of twenty-four (24) volts. This, in part, constitutes the operating power circuitry/logic  66 . Thus, only when a control signal is applied to the circuitry/logic, does the operating power become applied/supplied to the proper components of the washing machine  5 .  
         [0104]     It should be appreciated that operating power circuitry/logic  66  may include any number of capacitors as desired or necessary. Further, it should be appreciated that the various values of resistors and capacitors of the power control system  14  are subject to modification as desired.  
         [0105]     With reference to  FIG. 6 , an exemplary manner of operation of the present power control system will be described in conjunction with the flowchart thereof, the flowchart generally designated  90 . Initially, the washing machine is plugged into a source of suitable electricity (line electricity), step  92 . This is typically a wall outlet (not shown) of a home, business, or the like such as is known that supplies 120 or 240 volt AC power. When the power control system is receiving line electricity, the phase of the line electricity is monitored, step  94 . The power control system monitors the phase of the line electricity for clocking purposes of and the like.  
         [0106]     The washing machine monitors and/or determines if the washing machine is to be or is in an idle mode or a run mode, step  96 . If in the idle mode, the power control system generates idle mode (low) power, step  98 . The idle mode power is provided to the idle mode (low/standby) power circuitry/logic, step  100 . The power control system continues to generate and provide idle mode power as long as the washing machine is plugged in, step  102 .  
         [0107]     In step  96 , if the washing machine is or is to be in a run mode, the power control system generates run mode (operating) power, step  104 , and generates idle mode (operating) power  98  (and additionally performs steps  100  and  102 ). In step  106 , the generated run mode power is provided to the run power components. The power control system determines whether a stop signal has been produced or not, step  108 . If a stop signal has been produced, then run mode power is ceased, and the power control system/washing machine returns to the idle/run mode decision step (step  96 ), step  110 . If a stop signal has not been produced, then run mode power is generated (back to step  104 ) until a stop signal is produced.  
         [0108]     With respect to the operation of the power supply, idle mode power is preferably always generated when the washing machine is plugged in. This allows the integrated circuits and the like to be powered up for clocking and other purposes. Not all of the integrated circuits may necessarily be provided idle mode (standby or low) power. Further, run mode (operational) power is typically provided only when the washing machine is turned on by the user (a run mode or cycle is chosen).  
         [0000]     Auxiliary Inputs  
         [0109]     As seen in  FIG. 1  the appliance control system (ACS)  10  of the washing machine  5  has a plurality of auxiliary input units  44 . Each auxiliary input unit  44  is operative to allow the selection or adjusting of various parameters of and/or related to the washing machine  5 . In particular, the auxiliary input units  44  allow a user to select various options or parameters for the operating mode of the washing machine (the operating mode being separately selected by the user via the main controller module  300  of the ACS  10 . The options may be water temperature, rinse options, load size, speed, fabric type, or the like depending on the particular make and/or model of the washing machine.  
         [0110]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , there is shown a representation of the plurality of auxiliary inputs or input units, generally designated  44  of the ACS  10 . In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the plurality of auxiliary input units  44  are connected in series, with a first auxiliary input unit  112  coupled to and in communication with an auxiliary input port  114  of the ACS  10 . Since the auxiliary input units  44  are typically mounted on the control panel  40  (see  FIG. 1 ) the auxiliary input units  44  are remote from the majority of the electronic circuitry/logic of the ACS  10 . The majority of the electronic circuitry/logic of the ACS  10  is thus provided on one or just several PC boards. Providing a port on one of the PC boards, provides a convenient way to coupled the auxiliary input units  44  to the remainder of the electronic circuitry/logic of the ACS  10 .  
         [0111]     An output of the first auxiliary input unit  112  is coupled to the auxiliary input port  114  and thus in communication with the processor  60  via two wires or conductors  122  and  124 . An output of a second auxiliary input unit  118  is coupled to and in communication with an input of the first auxiliary input unit  112  via two wires  126  and  128 . Any intermediate or middle auxiliary input units (not shown but represented by “●●●” in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) are likewise coupled to and in communication with a previously adjacent auxiliary input unit. The last auxiliary input unit  120  is coupled to and in communication with the intermediary auxiliary input units via two wires  130  and  132 . The series connection of auxiliary input units  44  form a daisy-chain and, more particularly, a two-wire daisy-chain or serial connection. Any amount of auxiliary input units  44  is thus daisy-chainable.  
         [0112]     Each auxiliary input unit  112 ,  118 , and  120  has a respective knob, dial, or the like  134 ,  136 , and  138 . The knobs  134 ,  136 , and  138  allow for the user-selection of the various adjusting parameters of the appliance. The knobs may be discrete, position type switches or may be variable position controls. In either case each knob  134 ,  136 , and  138  allows a user to select a position that corresponds to a particular option of two or more possible options. Typically one auxiliary input unit is dedicated to a particular option such as water temperature. As an example and referring to  FIG. 7 , the auxiliary input unit  120  has two user-selectable options, positions, or settings labeled A and B. The indicator (arrow) on the knob  138  points to selection A. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, position A has a unique parameter value associated therewith, while position B also has a unique parameter value associated therewith. The unique parameter value of the position or setting of the knob  138  (or the auxiliary input unit  120 ) is provided as a parameter value signal to the adjacent auxiliary input unit, here the auxiliary input unit  118 ). The auxiliary input unit  118  has three user-selectable options, positions, or settings labeled C, D, and E. Each position C, D, and E has a unique parameter value associated therewith. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the unique parameter value of the position or setting of the knob  136  (or the auxiliary input unit  118 ) is combined with the unique parameter value of the auxiliary input unit  120  and provided as a combined parameter value signal to the adjacent auxiliary input unit closest to the auxiliary input port  114 , here the auxiliary input unit  112 ). The auxiliary input unit  112  has three user-selectable options, positions, or settings labeled F, G, and H. Each position F, G, and H has a unique parameter value associated therewith. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the unique parameter value of the position or setting of the knob  134  (or the auxiliary input unit  112 ) is combined with the combined unique parameter value of the auxiliary input units  120  and  118  and provided as an aggregate parameter value signal to the auxiliary input port  114 , and thus the processor  60 . The processor  60 , under control of program instructions contained in the memory  116  analyzes the aggregate parameter value signal to determine the particular option selected for each auxiliary input unit. The unique aggregate parameter value is thus used to determine the parameter value for each auxiliary input unit  44 . Once the particular parameter value is known for each auxiliary input unit  44 , the particular option or setting for each auxiliary input unit is known.  
         [0113]     Referring particularly to  FIG. 8 , the plurality of auxiliary input units  44  are shown in side view. Each knob  134 ,  136 , and  138  is connected to a respective shaft  140 ,  142 , and  144  that is retained in a respective body  146 ,  148 , and  150 . Each knob and shaft combination,  134 / 146 ,  136 / 148 , and  138 / 150  is rotatable relative to its respective body  146 ,  148 , and  150 . Additionally each knob/shaft combination,  134 / 146 ,  136 / 148 , and  138 / 150  includes a respective detent plate  152 ,  154 , and  156 . Each detent plate  152 ,  154 , and  156  is fixed relative to its respective knob/shaft combination,  134 / 146 ,  136 / 148 , and  138 / 150 . Each knob  134 ,  136 , and  138  includes a plurality of grooves or notches on an underside thereof such that the knob and detent plate combinations  134 / 152 ,  136 / 154 , and  138 / 156 , co-act with one another during rotation of the knob/shaft combination,  134 / 146 ,  136 / 148 , and  138 / 150 . This provides a tactile feedback for a user during rotation thereof.  
         [0114]     In  FIGS. 10-12 , there is depicted electrical schematics of an embodiment of a portion of the ACS  10 . In  FIG. 10 , the processor  60  of the ACS  10  is shown as a Hitachi HB/3664 microcontroller (labeled U 1 ), but which can be any suitable processor or processor unit. The various electrical components and connections to the processor  60  are shown. For instance, a clocking circuit  158  is depicted that provides clock signals for the processor  60 , wherein the OSC 1  of the clock circuitry  158  is coupled to pin  11  (OSC 1 ) and the OSC 2  of the clock circuitry  158  is coupled to pin  10  (OSC 2 ).  
         [0115]     In  FIG. 11 , the auxiliary input port  114  is formed of a first channel input labeled P 2 , terminal  1 , and a second channel input labeled P 2 , terminal  2 . The first and second channels receive as inputs the two wires ( 122  and  124 ) of the first auxiliary input unit  112 . Preferably, the first and second input terminals are in the form of a receptacle that is adapted/configured to receive a mating plug as a termination of the two wires  122  and  124 . A third terminal, labeled P 2 , terminal  3 , may be provided as part of the receptacle and is coupled to electrical ground. In this case, a third wire may be provided from each auxiliary input unit, or as one conductor of a two conductor wire from the auxiliary input unit. The first and second channels, P 2  terminal  1  and P 2  terminal  2  are coupled to or in communication with the processor  60  in order to provide the aggregate parameter value signal to the processor  60  from the auxiliary input units  44 .  
         [0116]     In  FIG. 12 , the memory  116  that stores the program instructions for the ACS  10  and the washing machine  5  in general, includes a serial data line input/output, labeled SDA (pin  5 ) for communication with the processor  60  and a serial clock line input, labeled SCL (pin  6 ) for receipt of clocking signals from the processor  60 . In this manner, the program instructions may be transferred to the processor  60 , while the memory  116  may also be written to by the processor  60 . In accordance with an aspect of the present invention that is described in greater detail below, the memory  116  is operative to be erased and to store new program instructions, particularly via a communications port. The memory  116  thus provides the program instructions to the processor  60  for resolving the parameter value signal into a command signal for application of the appropriate features in accordance with the user-selected adjusting parameters.  
         [0117]     Each auxiliary input unit  112 ,  118 , and  120  provides a signal regarding the angular or rotational position of the respective knob and shaft  134 / 140 ,  136 / 142 , and  138 / 144  relative to its respective body  146 ,  148 , and  150  that is communicated to the processor  60  via the auxiliary input port  114 . The rotational or angular position of each knob/shaft  134 / 140 ,  136 / 142 , and  138 / 144  relative to its respective body  146 ,  148 , and  150  of the respective auxiliary input unit  112 ,  118 , and  120  determines a particular parameter or option selection of various parameter or option selections for the particular auxiliary input unit. Such also produces a unique aggregate parameter value signal. The processor  60 , under control of programming instructions retained or stored in the memory  116 , is operative to determine each auxiliary parameter selection based on the particular parameter value signal generated or produced by the rotational or angular position of the knob/shaft  134 / 140 ,  136 / 142 , and  138 / 144  relative to its respective body  146 ,  148 , and  150 . The processor  60  then uses this information to perform the particular function according to the selection.  
         [0118]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an embodiment or implementation of auxiliary input units  44  in accordance with the above is shown. In one form, each auxiliary input unit  112 ,  118 , and  120  may be or form a variable resistor (respectively variable resistors  160 ,  162 , and  164 ) wherein resistance is the parameter value. The auxiliary input units  112 ,  118 , and  120  may thus be low power potentiometers. It should be appreciated, however, that the type of device that yields a parameter value in the same or similar manner as that described above may be used. In the case of the variable resistors  160 ,  162 , and  164 , the angular or rotational position of a knob/shaft  134 / 140 ,  136 / 142 , and  138 / 144  produces a different resistance value for the respective auxiliary input unit. The auxiliary input units  44  cooperate with each other to produce a unique aggregate resistance value or signal for the particular arrangement of user knobs of the auxiliary input units  44 . This unique resistance signal is received by the processor  60  thereby providing user selection information relating to the various auxiliary input units  44  to the processor  60 . The processor  60  utilizes the program instructions in the memory  116  to determine the setting for each auxiliary input unit based on the aggregate resistance signal, wherein the setting defines the selected option. The range of resistance values of the variable resistors or potentiometers are selected appropriately such that calculations may be performed on the aggregate resistance signal to yield the rotational or angular positions of the knobs/shafts which determined the user selection of adjusting parameters for the appliance.  
         [0119]     With reference to  FIG. 13 , there is depicted a flowchart, generally designated  170 , of an exemplary manner of operation or use of the auxiliary input units  44 . In step  172 , there is selection of appliance options or settings for a particular mode or cycle of operation by a user. This is accomplished by rotating the knob, dial, switch, or the like of each auxiliary input unit to a particular position corresponding to a desired option or setting. Depending on the appliance, the auxiliary input units correspond to different options. Once the various option settings have been selected via the auxiliary input unit(s), each auxiliary input unit produces a parameter value. The parameter values of all of the auxiliary input units are combined such that an aggregate and unique combination of parameter values are produced by the auxiliary input units. In step  174 , the processor or controller obtains this aggregate parameter value or signal. The processor may obtain the aggregate parameter value when it is appropriate. A typical appropriate time is when the washing machine (appliance) is turned on or after the washing machine is turned on and during a time when the parameters would affect appliance operation or function.  
         [0120]     In step  176 , the processor then calculates the position of the various auxiliary input units based on the aggregate parameter value/signal. Since the washing machine knows the number of auxiliary input units and the range of parameter values each auxiliary input unit can assume, the aggregate parameter value/signal correlates to knob (rotation or angular) position of the auxiliary input units that corresponds to the selected options. Thereafter, in step  178 , the washing machine performs the option selections at the appropriate time.  
         [0000]     Hyperspin Mode  
         [0121]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the washing machine  5  (see  FIG. 1 ) is operative to provide a hyperspin mode of operation during a drying cycle or mode of the washing machine  5  when appropriate. Particularly, the motor  26  of the washing machine  5  is operative in two speeds, namely, a normal or first speed and a hyper or second speed. Since the motor  26  is coupled to the receptacle  32  such that the motor  26  rotates or spins the receptacle  32 , the motor  26  is operative to rotate or spin the receptacle up to the limit of the first speed and up to the limit of the second speed. It should be appreciated that the term “up to” is used to denote that even though the motor  26  is operative to rotate at two speeds in accordance with the application of a known, steady power, various factors may prevent the receptacle  32  from being rotated at the same or maximum first or second speeds of the motor  26 . These various factors may be measured as parameters of the receptacle  32  during either at rest and/or during rotation thereof.  
         [0122]     The first speed corresponds to a traditional spin dry cycle mode of the washing machine  5 , while the second speed corresponds to the present hyperspin mode wherein the receptacle  32  is spun at a speed that is greater than the first speed. A typical first speed is around 600 RPMs To prevent damage to the washing machine  5  as a result of spinning heavier, unbalanced loads at the second speed, a processor or controller detects various parameters of receptacle  26  and/or the washing machine  5  while the receptacle  32  is spun at the first speed. If the detected parameters are at or within acceptable parameter levels or ranges, the processor  60  operates to cause the motor  26  to rotate the receptacle  32  at the second speed (higher or hyper speed) thereby resulting in removal of more water from the contents of the laundry in the receptacle  32  than at the first speed (traditional speed). An eximplary second or hyper speed is around 800-850 RPMs, but may be only around 700 RPMs depending on the washing machine type.  
         [0123]     Referring to  FIG. 14 , there is depicted a block diagram of the washing machine  5  that is operative to provide the present hyperspin feature/function in accordance with the present principles. The washing machine  5  is shown with the receptacle  32  for receiving laundry to wash. The receptacle  32  is adapted to rotate or spin up to a maximum first speed and up to a maximum second speed, with the second speed being greater than the first speed. The receptacle  32  is coupled to the motor  26  that is operative to spin the receptacle at a first and second speed.  
         [0124]     It should be appreciated that the hyperspin aspect of the present invention relates to the drying cycle or mode of the washing machine  5 . The receptacle  32  is typically agitated during washing modes or cycles such that the receptacle  32  rotates in one direction then another (clockwise and counterclockwise) in short, successive cycles. When the washing machine  5 , however, is in a drying mode or cycle (i.e. the washing machine is trying to remove as much excess water from the laundry), the receptacle  32  is spun by the motor  26  in a single rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). The motor  26  rotates the receptacle  32  at the first speed during the normal or typical drying mode or cycle. It will be assumed that the washing machine  5  is in the drying mode or cycle for purposes of the present hyperspin discussion.  
         [0125]     The motor  26  is under control of the processor  60 . The processor  60  utilizes program instructions stored in the memory  116  to perform the present hyperspin feature. The washing machine  5  further includes a receptacle parameter detector  180 . The receptacle parameter detector  180  is coupled to or in communication with the receptacle  32 , represented by the line  181 , and/or the washing machine  5  itself (in which case the receptacle parameter detector functions as a washing machine detector. The receptacle parameter detector  180  is operative to receive or sense parameter data regarding the receptacle  32  and/or the washing machine  5  in general, generate a signal or signals representative of the sensed and/or detected parameter data, and forward the sensed and/or detected receptacle parameter data signal(s) to the processor  60 . The receptacle parameter detector  180  provides receptacle parameter data signals to the processor  180  during operation of the washing machine  5  but may also provide correlating data when the washing machine  5  is not in use or during operational cycles other than the drying cycle. The processor  60  utilizes the receptacle parameter data signals to determine an operating state of the washing machine  5  in general and/or of the receptacle  32 . The receptacle parameter detector data signals present values or levels of parameter data either on a discrete basis and/or on a continuous basis.  
         [0126]     The motor  26  is operative during the drying cycle to rotate at the first speed to rotate the receptacle  32  up to the particular first speed. During this time, the processor  60  receives receptacle parameter data signals from the parameter detector  180 . If the parameter data signals are less than a predetermined threshold value or level or within a predetermined threshold range, the motor  26  is caused to run at a second or hyper speed that is greater than the first speed. As an example of the above, the second or hyper speed of the receptacle  32  is 25% greater that he first speed of the receptacle  32 . Thus, the receptacle  32  is caused to rotate up to the second or hyper speed. The parameter data signals are monitored to determine if the parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold level or is outside the threshold range in order to cause the motor  26  to return to the first speed and thus rotate the receptacle  32  down to the first speed as a maximum. This may be repeated as appropriate during the drying cycle of the washing machine  5 .  
         [0127]     In  FIG. 15 , there is depicted a more detailed block diagram of the washing machine  5  in accordance with the principles presented herein. In  FIG. 15 , the washing machine  5  includes control circuitry/logic  182  that is in communication with the processor  60  and a two-speed motor  26   a  that is in communication with the control circuitry/logic  182 . The two-speed motor  26   a  is operative to rotate at two distinct speeds corresponding to the first speed and the second, hyper speed. In turn, the receptacle  32  is rotatable by the two-speed motor  26   a  up to the maximum rotation velocity of the first and second speeds. The maximum rotation speeds of the receptacle  32  are limited by the maximum rotation speeds of the motor  26   a  and various parameters or conditions of the receptacle such as load amount and load balance. The motor  26   a  receives signals from the control circuitry/logic  182  that receives control signals from the processor  60 , specifically to actuate the motor  26   a  accordingly to put the motor  26   a  into the first or second speeds, or energize appropriate windings of the motor  26   a  that are responsible for the two speeds. Again, the memory  116  stores program instructions that are provided to the processor  276  as appropriate. The washing machine  5  includes the receptacle parameter detector  180  that is in communication with the receptacle  32  and/or the washing machine  5 . The receptacle parameter detector  180  is operative to obtain data regarding various conditions or parameters of the receptacle  32  and/or the washing machine  32 , most particularly during the drying cycle of the washing machine  5 . The condition/parameter data is forwarded to the processor  60  that is operative via program instructions stored in the memory  116  to analyze the condition/parameter data and provide outputs to various other components and/or circuitry/logic as appropriate. This is to determine whether receptacle conditions are favorable to spin the receptacle  32  at the hyperspin speed.  
         [0128]     Referring to  FIG. 16 , there is depicted a more detailed block diagram of the washing machine  5  and, in particular, the control circuitry/logic  182 . The control circuitry/logic  182  includes a first speed switch or switching circuitry/logic  184  and a second speed switch or switching circuitry/logic  186  each of which is under control of the processor  60 . The first speed switch  184  is operative to cause the two-speed motor  26   a  to operate in or at the first speed. The second speed switch  186  is operative to cause the two-speed motor  26   a  to operate in or at the second speed, wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed. Particularly, the second speed is the hyperspin speed for the receptacle  32 . The washing machine  5  also includes the door switch  28  that is operative to cut power to or turn off the motor  26   a  when the lid or door of the washing machine is opened or open.  
         [0129]     The door switch  28  is in communication with the lid  34  of the washing machine  5  (see  FIG. 1 ) such that the lid  34  must be closed before the motor  26   a  will operate. When the lid  34  is closed the switch allows the motor  26   a  to operate. When the lid  34  is open the switch prevents the motor  26   a  from operating. It does not matter whether the switch  34  is normally open or closed. In this manner, the door switch  34  provides a safety mechanism. Additionally, the state of the door switch  34  is monitored by the processor  60  such that other functions and/or features of the washing machine  5  may be at least temporarily halted when the lid  34  is open, and then possibly restarted when the lid  34  is closed.  
         [0130]     The receptacle parameter detector  180  may take several forms depending on the parameter or condition that is to be monitored. In one form, vibration or wobble of the receptacle  32  may be monitored. In another form, the rotation speed or velocity of the receptacle  32  may be monitored. Load amount (weight) and/or load distribution may also be taken into account. Of course, other parameters or conditions of the receptacle  32  may be detected, monitored, or measured. It should be appreciated that the parameter detector  180  represents one or more of the various forms of detecting, monitoring, and/or measuring conditions and/or parameters of the receptacle  32  and/or the washing machine  5 . Likewise, it should be appreciate that the term parameter also encompasses a condition, state, mode, characteristic, manner, or the like.  
         [0131]     The receptacle  32  (and/or washing machine  5 ) is monitored via one or more of the above forms in order to detect imbalance during the drying cycle (rotation), particularly or initially at the first speed. Imbalance of the receptacle  32  relative to a central vertical axis of the receptacle  32  as a result of an imperfect laundry load distribution within the receptacle  32 , can cause undue stresses and strains on the system. Since the drying cycle spins the receptacle  32  at a fairly high rate or revolutions per minute, the monitoring of the receptacle is appropriate before an even higher rate of speed (hyperspin) is attempted or attained. If the receptacle is rotating within an acceptable parameter threshold range or at or below a parameter threshold value, the hyperspin mode will be attained, else the motor will remain at the first speed. As well, continuous monitoring is appropriate at the first speed if hyperspin fails to determine if hyperspin can later be achieved within the remaining drying time and after the hyperspin mode is achieved in order to detect is an off balance condition develops. If an off balance condition develops during the hyperspin mode, the motor will be put back to the first speed. The imbalance or off balance condition, if any, of the receptacle  32  during rotation should therefore be monitored to avoid mechanical problems.  
         [0132]     Vibration may be monitored utilizing a vibration sensor or sensors strategically placed on and/or around the receptacle  32 . The processor  60  monitors vibration data from the vibration sensors. Particularly, the processor  60  under the control of program instructions stored in the memory  116 , monitors the vibration data during the normal drying operation. If the vibration data indicates that the vibration is at or below a threshold vibration value or level, or within a threshold range, the processor  60  will send an actuation signal to the second speed switch  186 . The actuation signal will cause the second speed switch  186  to put the two-speed motor  26   a  into the second speed (hyperspin) such that the receptacle  32  will be rotated up to the second speed. The processor  60  continues to monitor the vibration data from the vibration sensor(s) during the hyperspin mode.  
         [0133]     The vibration data from the vibration sensor(s) indicates generally the load/balance state of the receptacle  32 . In particular, if the laundry within the receptacle  32  is well balanced during the first speed, there will be little to no vibration produced during the first speed spin of the receptacle  32 . If, however, the laundry within the receptacle  32  is not well balanced during the first speed spin of the receptacle  32 , there will be vibration of a greater degree than with a more balanced load. The degree or level of vibration must be acceptable (i.e. at or below a threshold vibration level, or within a threshold vibration level range) before the processor  60  actuates the second speed switch  186  that causes the motor  26   a  to spin the receptacle  32  at the hyperspin speed (alternatively, if the level of vibration is unacceptable, the processor  60  will not actuate the second speed switch  186  that makes the motor  26   a  to enter the hyperspin mode).  
         [0134]     Rotation speed or velocity of the receptacle  32  may also be monitored, detected, or measure either from the receptacle itself, a rotation shaft of the receptacle  32  or otherwise. This may be accomplished via a hall effect sensor and a magnet, a light beam transmitter/detector, a shaft encoder, or the like. In the case of receptacle rotation speed detection, in the ideal situation or case, the receptacle  32  can only rotate at the maximum speed of the motor. A deviation of speed in the downward direction (less than the maximum) rotation speed indicates a load imbalance. Typically, however, the receptacle will not ideally achieve the maximum rotational speed or velocity of the motor either at the first or second speed. It will be somewhat less even with a “perfectly” balanced laundry load. In other words, rotation speed of the receptacle will typically be somewhat slower than the maximum of the ideal motor speed. Thus, the rotational velocity of the receptacle  32  will be monitored, detected, or measured to determine if the rotational speed or velocity of the receptacle is above a threshold rotation speed value or within an acceptable rotation speed range. If the rotational speed of the receptacle  32  is above the threshold speed value or within the acceptable threshold speed range, the processor  60  will cause the second speed switch  186  to actuate causing the motor  26   a  to go into the hyperspin mode (second speed). As well, the parameter detector  180  will provide continuous monitoring, detecting, and/or measuring of the rotational speed to determine if all is well or if the motor should be taken back to the first speed.  
         [0135]     As an example of using rotational speed of the receptacle as the parameter data a first speed may be approximately 600 RPMs, while a second speed may be 800 RPMs. A threshold level at which the second speed is started may be no less than 80% of the first speed (i.e. the receptacle  32  must rotate between 80%-100% of the first speed). If the receptacle  32  is rotating at less that 80%, hyperspin will not be used. Likewise, when the washing machine  5  is in the hyperspin mode (in second speed) the rotation velocity of the receptacle may not be less than 80% of the second speed in order to maintain the hyperspin mode. A receptacle speed less than 80% of the second speed would cause the washing machine to go back into the first speed.  
         [0136]     In  FIGS. 17 and 18  there is depicted an electrical schematic of a portion of an embodiment of a washing machine having the present hyperspin feature. The two-speed motor  26   a  includes a start winding  194  that is connected in series with a centrifugal switch  192 . The start winding  194  and the centrifugal switch  192  are coupled between terminals P 10  and P 12 . The terminals P 10  and P 12  are coupled to or in communication with respective relays  196  and  197 . The relays  196  and  198  and are adapted to couple the start winding  194  and the centrifugal switch  192  to line electricity (via the door switch  28  when closed) and neutral. The relays  192  and  194  are actuated via a transistor Q 10  (electronic switch) and associated control/conditioning circuitry/logic that receives an actuation signal from the processor  60 . Control signals from the processor  60  provide actuation of the relays  196  and  198  through the transistor Q 10 . The start winding  194  is actuated when a main power relay  200 , actuated via a transistor Q 8  (electronic switch) and associated control/conditioning circuitry/logic, couples the line electricity from the door switch  28  into supply line  202 . When the motor  26   a  reaches a running speed (less than or equal to the first motor speed), the centrifugal switch  192  open circuits the start winding  194  from the motor  26   a.    
         [0137]     At the same time the main relay  200  is providing line electricity to the start winding  194 , line electricity is also provided to either of a first main winding  188  or a second main winding  190 . Selection of which winding receives the line electricity is controlled via a relay  204  that receives an actuation signal via a transistor Q 11  (electronic switch) and associated control/conditioning circuitry/logic. It should be appreciated that the various switching circuitry/relays of  FIG. 17  receive actuation signals from the processor  60 . The first winding  188  is adapted to allow the motor  26   a  to achieve a first speed, while the second winding  190  is adapted to allow the motor  26   a  to achieve a second speed. In accordance with the present principles, the second speed is greater than the first speed and is termed hyperspin speed. The main relay  200  thus controls the application of line electricity through the door switch  28  to either the first or second winding  188  or  190 .  
         [0138]     The door switch  28  is coupled at one electrical side or terminal to line electricity, while the other electrical side or terminal is coupled to terminal P 6 . The terminal P 6  is in communication with the processor  60  via a monitoring line or conductor  202 . The door switch  28  is positioned relative to the lid  34  of the washing machine (see  FIG. 1 ) such that the door switch  28  provides a signal to the processor  60  so that the processor  60  can monitor whether the door switch  28  (i.e. the appliance door or lid) is open or closed (corresponding to the state of the lid of the washing machine). The monitoring line  202  is also in communication with the main relay  200 . In this manner, even if the main relay  200  is in an on state (supplying line electricity to the first or second motor winding  188 ,  190 ), when the door switch  28  is open (the door or lid of the appliance is open) the power to the motor  26   a  is shut off (i.e. the line electricity will not flow through the relay  616 ). This provides a safety switch to shut power to the motor  26   a.    
         [0139]     Referring to  FIG. 19 , there is depicted a flowchart, generally designated  210 , of an exemplary manner of operation of the present hyperspin feature or function. In step  212  the washing machine is put into or reaches a laundry drying cycle, stage, or mode. In step  214 , the motor or motive power producer is actuated into a first speed to cause the laundry receptacle of the washing machine to spin or rotate up to the first speed. During rotation of the laundry receptacle up to the first speed, receptacle parameter data is obtained, step  216 . The receptacle parameter data may be obtained from vibration sensors positioned to obtain vibration data from the receptacle and/or the washing machine in general, from rotation velocity detectors positioned to obtain rotational velocity data from the receptacle or as part of the receptacle or receptacle rotation shaft, or from other detectors, transducers, or the like that are operative to detect or measure other receptacle parameter data.  
         [0140]     In step  218 , the obtained receptacle parameter data is analyzed. Particularly, the processor analyzes the obtained receptacle parameter data under control of program instructions (software) stored in the memory. The processor analyzes the receptacle parameter data to determine if the receptacle is not balanced (i.e. the laundry load is not distributed well therein causing an imbalance). More particularly, in step  220 , the receptacle parameter data is analyzed to determine if the particular parameter or parameters the washing machine/receptacle are below a predetermined parameter threshold level or value, are within a particular parameter threshold range, or are above a predetermined parameter threshold level or value, depending on the particular parameter. The predetermined threshold or level is selected such that if a higher speed is applied to the rotation of the receptacle, there will be little to no damage as a result of the second speed.  
         [0141]     In step  220 , if the receptacle parameter is outside the appropriate or predetermined threshold value or range, the motor  26  is caused to remain at the first speed (and thus the receptacle as well) and the flow goes back to step  216 . There is also a check to see if the dry cycle is at or near the end, and if so, the flow ends, step  222 . However, if the receptacle parameter is within the appropriate or predetermined threshold value or range, the motor is actuated into the second, hyperspin speed and the receptacle as well, step  224 . Thereafter there is a continuation of monitoring, step  226 . Periodically, the flow returns to step  220 .  
         [0000]     Wiper Assembly and Mode Control  
         [0142]     The mode switch  378  has two positions that define two modes of operation of the main controller module  300  namely, a user cycle selection mode and a cycle operation mode. In the user cycle selection mode, the user cycle selector is rotated by the user in order to select a particular operating cycle of the washing machine  5  (i.e. a selected appliance cycle). Referring to  FIG. 53 , there is shown various exemplary operating cycles, such as permanent press, knit delicate, pre-wash, cotton, and rinse &amp; spin printed on an overlay  388  adjacent the LEDs. Of course, other and/or different cycles may be provided as desired. During rotation of the user cycle selector, individual LEDs  307  (represented by the triangles) are alternately lit depending on and in accordance with the direction of rotation of the user cycle selector and the speed of rotation. The processor  60  generates position signals for the individual LEDs  307  depending on the direction of rotation of the user cycle selector and the rate of rotation. The position signals are used to light and turn off the appropriate LEDs. As the user cycle selector is rotated, the appropriate or next LED is lit while the previously lit LED is turned off. Once a desired cycle or position within a cycle is selected (i.e. the appropriate LED is lit), the user puts the washing machine  5  into the cycle operation mode by pushing the control knob inwardly toward the overlay  388 .  
         [0143]     Referring to  FIGS. 47 and 50 , the translation of the rotation of the user cycle selector and/or generation of the position signals when the main controller module  300  is in the user cycle selection mode will be discussed. The wiper  336  and the circuit pattern assembly  338  cooperate during rotation of the carrier member  334  (which is part of user cycle selector assembly) to provide user cycle selection signals and/or position signals (for lighting the appropriate LEDs and to indicate to the processor the cycle and the particular position status within the cycle) to the processor  60  when the mode switch  378  is in a user cycle selection mode.  
         [0144]     The wiper  336  includes three fingers  380 ,  382 , and  384 . The inner finger  380  is a voltage source terminal that receives a voltage from the circuit pattern assembly  338 . The middle finger  382  is arbitrarily a first state terminal that conducts the voltage from the inner finger  380  to the processor  60  when appropriate. The outside finger  384  is arbitrarily a second state terminal that conducts the voltage from the inner finger  380  to the processor  60  when appropriate.  
         [0145]     The circuit pattern assembly  338  includes a voltage trace or conductor  390  that terminates in a terminal  396  that is coupled to a voltage source. The circuit pattern assembly  338  also includes a first state trace or conductor  392  of a zigzag pattern that terminates in a terminal  398  which is coupled to the processor  60 . The circuit pattern assembly  338  further includes a second state trace or conductor  394  of a zigzag pattern that terminates in a terminal  400  which is coupled to the processor  60 . The processor  60  monitors the first and second traces  392 ,  294  via the terminals  398 ,  400  to obtain signals thereon as provided by the wiper  336 .  
         [0146]     The voltage trace  390  provides continuous voltage to the finger  380  as the wiper assembly  332  is rotated. During rotation of the wiper assembly  332 , the middle finger  382  rotates in a circle that alternately makes and breaks contact with the first state trace  392  due to the zigzag pattern. At the same time, the outer finger  384  rotates in a circle that alternately makes and breaks contact with the second state trace  394  due to the zigzag pattern. It can be seen in  FIG. 50  that the zigzag patterns of the first and second traces  392 ,  394  provide areas where only the middle finger  382  provides a voltage (signal) from the inner finger  380  to the processor  60 , where only the outer finger  384  provides a voltage (signal) from the inner finger  380  to the processor, where neither the middle or out finger  382 ,  384  provide a voltage (signal) to the processor, and where both the middle and outer fingers  382 ,  384  provide a voltage (signal) to the processor  60  during rotation of the wiper assembly  332 .  
         [0147]     A voltage may be considered a logic “1” while no voltage may be considered a logic “0”. Thus the wiper assembly  332  provides a “00” state (neither the middle finger  382  nor the outer finger  384  conducts a voltage), a “01” state (the middle finger  382  does not conduct a voltage while the outer finger  384  conducts a voltage), a “10” state (the middle finger  382  conducts a voltage while the outer finger  384  does not conduct a voltage), and a “11” state (both the middle and outer fingers  382 ,  384  conduct a voltage). The four states are not necessary in any particular order but do not repeat until all four states have been used. The processor  60  thus detects the state changes (by counting or otherwise). Also direction of rotation may be determined by knowing the state changes and their sequence. The processor can thus produce position signals for lighting the LEDs, keeping track of the position of the user cycle selector, and knowing the user selected operation cycle. Of course, it should be appreciated that variations of the above may be used, such as the number of fingers, trace patterns, and/or the like.  
         [0148]     In the cycle operation mode, the washing machine  5  is operative to run the particular selected cycle and rotation of the user cycle selector has no effect since the mode switch  328  is, during this time, in a deactivated state. The LEDs  307  of the particular selected cycle, however, alternatively light in sequence to show operating cycle progression. The processor  60  provides cycle progression signals to the transistor Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3 , Q 4 , and Q 5  ( FIGS. 23 and 24 ) of the appropriate bank of LEDs  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276  and  278  (corresponding to the user-selected cycle) to actuate that bank of LEDs  307 , and to the driver/buffer  238  as appropriate to light a particular LED  307  of the LED bank.  
         [0149]     As an example, in  FIG. 54 , assume that the Cotton operating cycle has been selected by the user during the user selection mode. This has been initially been indicated by lighting the start LED  401  (of the LEDs  307 ) as the user rotates the user knob  318 . At the next stage of the cycle, defined by the program instructions in the memory  116  and executed by the processor  60 , the start LED  401  goes off and the next LED  402  goes on. At the next stage of the cycle, the LED  402  goes off and the next LED  403  goes on. Finally, at the end of the cotton cycle, the last LED  404  goes on and the previous LED  403  goes out. In this manner cycle progression is indicated. The processor  60  provides cycle progression signals as appropriate.  
         [0150]      FIG. 22  depicts the electrical diagram for the circuit pattern assembly. The terminal  396  receives a voltage for the conducting trace  390 . The first state output terminal  398  for the first state conducting trace  392  is coupled to the processor  60  as an input thereto. Likewise, the second state output terminal  400  for the second state conducting trace  394  is coupled to the processor  60  as an input thereto.  
         [0000]     Operation Mode/Cycle Selector Shaft Detection and LED Indication of Operation of Appliance and Control Knob Position  
         [0151]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the appliance control system  10  includes a main controller module  300  ( FIG. 1 ) composed of various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob/dial assembly and produce a position signal indicative of knob assembly position.  
         [0152]     Referring to  FIG. 55 , there is depicted an exemplary shaft position/rotation detection system generally designated  410  that may be utilized in either or both the user cycle selector  314  or any one or all of the auxiliary input units  44 . In particular the shaft position/rotation detection system (system)  410  is operative to detect rotational position and/or rotation speed of a shaft  418 . The system  410  includes a light transmitter or emitter  414  and associated light detector  416  each of which is under control via control/detection circuitry/logic  412 . The control/detection circuitry/logic  412  is, in turn, under control via the processor  60  with the processor  60  under control via program instructions stored in the memory  116 .  
         [0153]     The shaft  418  includes a disk  420  or other similar device that includes a plurality of apertures  422  spaced thereabout. The disk  420  is fixed in relation to the shaft  418  such that the disk  420  rotates with the shaft  418 . The light transmitter  414  and the light detector  416  are positioned on either side of the disk  420  such that light from the light transmitter  414  can shine through the apertures  422  and be collected or detected by the light receiver  416  as the disk  420  rotates (along with the shaft  418 ). As the disk  420  rotates, the light from the light transmitter  414  alternately shines through an aperture to be detected or collected by the light detector  416  and is blocked between adjacent apertures  422 . This creates pulses of light that are received by the light detector  416 .  
         [0154]     The pulses of light received by the light detector  416  are received by the control/detection circuitry/logic  412  which are forwarded to the processor  60  for processing in accordance with program instructions stored in the memory  116 . The number of light pulses and the rate of reception of the light pulses received or detected by the light receiver provides shaft  418  position and velocity of rotation. It should be appreciated that the number of apertures  422  thus defines the resolution of the rotational position of the shaft  418 . Hence the more apertures, the more fine the determination of the angular or rotational position of the shaft  418 .  
         [0155]     Referring to  FIG. 56 , there is depicted another exemplary shaft position/rotation detection system generally designated  430  that may be utilized in either or both the user cycle selector  314  or any one or all of the auxiliary input units  44 . In particular the shaft position/rotation detection system (system)  430  is operative to detect rotational position and/or rotation speed of a shaft  432 . The system  430  includes a system of either a hall effect sensor  436  and a plurality of magnets  428  or, in the alternative, a magnet  436  and a plurality of hall effect sensors. Since only the hall effect sensor(s) need to be coupled to detector circuitry/logic  442 , it is preferable that there is only one hall effect sensor. In either case the principle and/or operation is the same. The following will assume that the hall effect sensor is  436  and the magnets are  438 . Further, either the disk  434  on which the hall effect sensor  436  or the disk  440  having the plurality of magnets  438  may rotate with the shaft  432  while the other of the respective disks  440  and  434  is fixed with respect to the shaft  432 .  
         [0156]     As the magnets rotate relative the hall effect sensor, the hall effect sensor produces a signal. The signal is received by the detection circuitry/logic  442  which forward the signals to the processor  60 . The processor  60  under control of program instructions stored in the memory  116  determines the angular or rotational position of the shaft  432  and/or the rotational velocity of the shaft  432 .  
         [0157]     Referring to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , an electrical schematic of the LEDs  307  and their control circuitry/logic are shown. While the LEDs  307  are mounted onto the circuit board so as to form a continuous circle, the LEDs  307  are divided into LED banks  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276 , and  278 . Each LED bank is then separately controlled as well as each particular LED in each bank. The number of LED banks preferably corresponds to the number of cycles or modes of operation of the washing machine  5 . Each LED  307  within an LED bank indicates and corresponds to a particular demarcation in the cycle. Depending on the particular cycle or mode, an LED may indicate a different parameter, such as time remaining or mode within the cycle. Each LED bank  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276 , and  278  is separately actuated as well as each LED within an actuated LED bank. Preferably, only one LED bank is actuated at a time (switched in). As well, preferably only one LED within an LED bank is caused to light at a time (actuated). Thus, a particular LED bank may be in an active mode (i.e. its LEDs can be caused to light) while the other LED banks are not in an active mode (i.e. the LEDs cannot be lit) depending on the particular cycle selected by the user.  
         [0158]     Each LED bank  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276 , and  278  is in communication with a respective transistor Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3 , Q 4 , and Q 5  (electronic switches). The base of each transistor Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3 , Q 4 , and Q 5 , is coupled to an output of the processor  60 . Particularly, the base (pin  2 ) of transistor Q 1  is coupled to output L 3  of the processor  60 . The base (pin  2 ) of transistor Q 2  is coupled to output L 1  of the processor  60 . The base (pin  2 ) of the transistor Q 3  is coupled to output L 4  of the processor  60 . The base (pin  2 ) of the transistor Q 4  is coupled to output L 2  of the processor  60 . The base (pin  2 ) of the transistor Q 5  is coupled to output L 5  of the processor  60 . It should be appreciated that this is arbitrary. Each transistor Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3 , Q 4 , and Q 5  thus actuates a particular LED bank, with each transistor Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3 , Q 4 , and Q 5  controlled by the processor  60 .  
         [0159]     Each particular LED within an LED bank  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276 , and  278  is connected to one of only a number of actuation lines, the number of actuation lines corresponding to the LED bank having the most number of individual LEDs. In  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the number of actuation lines is six (each LED bank  270 ,  272 ,  274 ,  276 , and  278  has the same number of LEDs). Each actuation line is coupled to an output of the driver/buffer IC  238 . Thus each actuation line (IC output) actuates a particular LED. Particularly, the actuation lines are respectively connected to outputs Y 1 , Y 2 , Y 3 , Y 4 , Y 5 , and Y 6 . This reduces the number of actuation lines and thus outputs of the driver/buffer IC  238 . A particular LED cannot light until its LED bank switch (transistor) is actuated and a signal is received on its actuation line. Each bank of LEDs as well as particular LEDs in the LED bank is separately controlled. The driver/buffer IC  238  receives signals from the processor  60 .  
         [0160]     In summation, the driver/buffer IC  238  only has to provide an LED actuation signal to a particular output (actuation line), while the processor  60  provides an LED bank actuation signal to a particular LED bank, with the processor  60  providing the control signals to the driver/buffer IC  238 . In this manner, the processor  60  (under control of the program instructions) controls the lighting of the LEDs.  
         [0161]     It should be appreciated that the number of LED banks are arbitrary, as well as the number of LEDs in a particular LED bank. As well, even though each LED bank is shown having the same number of LEDs, this is not necessary, as each bank of LEDs may have any number of LEDs. For example, one bank of LEDs may have only one LED while another bank of LEDs may have fifteen LEDs. Various combinations are thus possible.  
         [0000]     Network Accessible, Programmable Memory  
         [0162]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the washing machine  5  ( FIG. 1 ) is operative/adapted to be coupled to or in communication with an external, public or private network such as the Internet via an integral interface. Referring to  FIG. 20 , the ACS  10  also includes a communication port  50  (see  FIG. 1 ) that is in communication with the processor  60  via communication circuitry/logic  234 . The communication port  50  may be an RS-232 interface or the like that is operative to allow the connection of the communication port  50  to an external network  232 . The external network  232  may be a public network such as the Internet, a private network such as a LAN, or the like. The network  232  may also represent an external device that may be temporarily coupled to the communication port  50  so as to be in communication with the ACS  10 . The communication circuitry/logic  234  may be an appropriate integrated circuit (IC), a modem, or the like. The communication port  50  and the communication circuitry/logic  234  are operative to allow connection to the network  232  and provided two-way communication between the processor  60  of the ACS  10  and the network  232 .  
         [0163]     As indicated above, the ACS  10  includes memory  116  that stores program instructions  236 . The program instructions  236  provide operating instructions for the various operating characteristics/modes of the washing machine as well as specific instructions for components thereof, diagnostics for the various components, and/or communication protocols and the like. As well, the program instructions  236  encompass look-up tables, data, and the like, all of which are necessary as part of the operation of the washing machine  5 . In accordance with an aspect of the subject invention, the program instructions  236  are modifiable and/or alterable by erasure and/or replacement thereof. Thus, the memory  116  is accessible via the processor  60 . The communication port  50  and the communication circuitry/logic  234  permit the introduction of new program instructions into the memory  116  via the network  232  and the erasure of old or unwanted program instructions.  
         [0164]     Referring to  FIG. 24 , an electrical schematic form of the communication port  505  and at least a portion of the communication circuitry/logic  234  are shown. The communication port  5  is formed at connections P 13 , terminals  1 ,  2 , and  3 . The communication port  5  is in communication with a driver/buffer IC  238  as part of the communication circuitry/logic  234 . Particularly, the communication port  5  is coupled to the RXIN or transmit in (pin  9 ) of the IC  238  and a TXOUT or transmit out (pin  12 ) of the IC  238 . This allows the communication port  5  to serially receive and send data.  
         [0165]     The IC  238  is in communication with the processor  60  (see  FIG. 10 ) via I/Os A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , and A 6  on respective pins  7 ,  6 ,  5 ,  4 ,  3 , and  2  of the IC  238  and the respective pins  13 ,  14 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21 , and  22  of the processor  60 . The processor is in communication with the memory  116 . In this manner, any external device may be in communication with the ACS  10  via the network  232 . Of course, the program instructions  236  may include a communications protocol as well as necessary firewall software, encryption software, and/or the like for secure communication over the network  232 . The communication port  50  also allows the remote troubleshooting of problems with the washing machine  5  over the network  232 . Other functions include technical support of washing machine problems.  
         [0000]     Mechanics of the Appliance Control System  
         [0166]     As mentioned above, the appliance control system  10  includes the main controller module  300 . The main controller module  300  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 25-52 . Note that  FIGS. 25-27  show the main controller module  300  substantially assembled, while  FIGS. 28-52  shown various components, sub-assemblies, or exploded views of the main controller module.  
         [0167]     The main controller module  300  includes a housing  302  that contains a first printed circuit board  304  and a second printed circuit board  306  (see e.g.  FIGS. 26, 51 , and  52 ). Each of the printed circuit boards  304 ,  306  support various electronic, mechanical, and electromechanical components thereon whose operation will discussed in more detail in other parts of this disclosure.  
         [0168]     Supported on the printed circuit board  304  is the auxiliary input port  114  and the water temperature sensor port  241 . Also supported on the first printed circuit board  304  is the plurality of light emitting devices  307 . (See e.g.  FIGS. 28-29 .) The light emitting devices  307  are Light Emitting Diodes (i.e. LEDs). The LEDs  307  form the display device  20  for the main controller module  300  which operates to display information about the operation of the washing machine  5 . The LEDs  307  are positioned relative to each other so as to form a ring as shown in  FIGS. 28 and 51 .  FIGS. 29 and 30  show only some of the plurality of LEDs  307  for clarity of viewing. The first printed circuit board  304  includes a front side  304 F and a back side  304 B, while the second printed circuit board  306  includes a front side  306 F and a back side  306 B (see e.g.  FIGS. 51-52 ). The LEDs  307  are mounted to the front side  304 F of the first printed circuit board as shown in  FIG. 28-30  and  51 .  
         [0169]     The housing  302  includes a plurality of display apertures  358  defined in a front panel  360  thereof. The display apertures  358  are positioned relative to each other so as to form a ring (see e.g.  FIG. 25 ). The housing  302  further includes a rib structure  362  that extends from the front panel  360  towards the interior of the housing  302  (see e.g.  FIGS. 33 and 35 ). The rib structure  362  defines a plurality of receptacles  364  which are positioned relative to each other so as to form a ring. When the main controller module  300  is assembled, the LEDs  307  respectively extend into the plurality of receptacles  364 . Accordingly, light generated by the LEDs  307  during operation of the appliance control system  10  is transmitted from within the interior of the housing  302  to a location outside of the housing  302  through the display apertures  358  for viewing by a user of the washing machine  5 .  
         [0170]     The main controller module  300  further includes an escutcheon  308  that is secured to the housing  302  as shown in  FIGS. 25-26 . In particular, the escutcheon  308  includes a pair of tabs  309  (see  FIGS. 36-38 ) that are respectively received in a pair of apertures  311  defined in the housing  302  (see  FIGS. 33-35 ) so as to secure the escutcheon  308  to the housing  302 . The escutcheon  308  has a passageway  310  that extends therethrough (see  FIG. 38 ). The escutcheon  308  is made of a material that allows light to pass through it. For example, the escutcheon  308  can be made of a translucent material that diffuses light as it passes through the escutcheon. Thus, a user viewing a completely assembled main controller module  300  may view light being generated by the LEDs  307  through the display apertures  358  and escutcheon  308 .  
         [0171]     The main controller module  300  further includes a user cycle selector assembly  312  that extends through the passageway  310  of the escutcheon  308  when the main controller module  300  is assembled as shown in  FIGS. 25-26 . The selector assembly  312  includes a user cycle selector  314 . The user cycle selector  314  includes a control shaft  316  and a user knob  318 . The knob  318  is secured to an end of the control shaft  316  so that rotation of the knob  318  causes rotation of the control shaft  316 .  
         [0172]     As shown in  FIGS. 41 and 42 , the control shaft  316  has a central axis  340 . The control shaft also has a pair of legs  342  which are configured to connect to the knob  318 . The control shaft  316  further has an increased diameter portion  344 , an intermediate portion  346 , and a reduced diameter portion  348 . The intermediate portion  346  has a first groove  350  and a second groove  352  defined therein. The intermediate portion  346  further has defined therein a contact member  354  in the form of a ring-shaped flange. The reduced diameter portion  348  possesses a substantially D-shaped cross-section as shown in  FIG. 44 . Moreover, the reduced diameter portion  348  has a keyed surface  356  which extends along its length as shown in  FIG. 41 .  
         [0173]     The selector assembly  312  further includes a first spring  320  that is secured to the housing  302  (see e.g.  FIGS. 33 and 45 - 46 ). The first spring has a pair of spring arms  321 . In order to secure the first spring  320  to the housing  302 , the housing includes a moveable clip  322 , a retaining structure  324  that defines a slot  326 , and a pair of spaced apart retaining arms  328  (see e.g.  FIGS. 33-35 ). In particular, the first spring  320  is retained in fixed relation to the housing  302  as a result of being advanced between the pair of retaining arms  328 , and through the slot  326  of the retaining structure  324 , and then adjacent to the clip  322  as shown in  FIG. 33 . The clip  322  includes a lip  330  configured to retain the first spring  320  in position after the spring  320  is advanced to its position shown in  FIG. 33 .  
         [0174]     The selector assembly  312  further includes a wiper assembly  332  as shown in  FIGS. 28, 30  and  47 - 49 . (Note that  FIG. 28  only schematically shows the wiper assembly  332 .) The wiper assembly  312  includes a carrier member  334  and an electrically conductive wiper  336  that is secured thereto. The wiper  336  may be secured to the carrier member  334  by a riveting process. After assembly of the main controller module  300 , the wiper assembly is positioned into contact with a circuit pattern assembly  338  that is supported on the backside  304 B of the first printed circuit board  304  (see e.g.  FIG. 52 ).  
         [0175]     The carrier member  334  includes a shaft hole  366  defined therein. The shaft hole defines a keyed surface  368 . After assembly of the main controller module  300 , the reduced diameter portion  348  of the control shaft  316  extends through the shaft hole  366  so that the keyed surface  356  aligns with the keyed surface  368 . Accordingly, rotation of the control shaft  316  causes a corresponding rotation of the wiper assembly  332 .  
         [0176]     The carrier member  334  further includes a hub  370 . The hub  370  has a hub groove  372  defined therein preferably for an O-ring or the like (not shown). Note also that the first printed circuit board  304  has a shaft passage  374  defined therein (see e.g.  FIG. 51 ). The shaft passage  374  defines an interior peripheral edge portion  376 . After assembly of the main controller module  300 , the interior peripheral edge portion  376  is located circumferentially adjacent the O-ring and/or the hub groove  372 . Note that the outer diameter of the hub groove  376  and the inner diameter of the shaft passage  374  are configured so that the hub  370  is attached to the first printed circuit board  304 , yet the hub  370  may freely rotate relative to the first printed circuit board  304 . Accordingly, the carrier member  334  is rotatably secured to the first printed circuit board  304 . When the carrier member is rotatably secured to the first printed circuit board  304  in the above-described manner, the wiper  336  contacts the circuit pattern assembly  338  during rotation of the wiper assembly  332 .  
         [0177]     The selector assembly  312  further includes a second spring  377  and a mode switch  378  (see e.g.  FIGS. 29-30  and  39 - 40 ). Both the second spring  377  and the mode switch  378  (see SW 1  of  FIG. 22 ) are secured to the first printed circuit board  304  as shown in  FIG. 29 . The second spring  377  includes a spring arm  380  that is movable in the direction  382  toward the mode switch as shown in  FIG. 29 . The mode switch  378  includes a plunger  384  that is movable between a raised position and a depressed position. The plunger  384  is spring biased into its raised position. When force is applied to the second spring  377  in the direction of arrow  382  as shown in  FIG. 29 , the spring arm  380  moves downwardly and contacts the plunger  384  so as to depress the plunger  384  and move it from its raised position to its depressed position. When the plunger  384  is in its raised position, the mode switch  378  is in a deactuated state. However, when the plunger  384  is in its depressed positioned, the mode switch  378  is in an actuated state.  
         [0178]     The mechanical operation of the main controller module  300  is as follows. A user grasps the knob  318  and pushes it inward in the direction of arrow  386 . As a result, the control shaft  316  is also pushed inward in the direction of arrow  386  from a first axial position to a second axial position. In response to the inward movement of control shaft  316 , the spring  320  is forced to move out of the groove  352  and into the groove  350  (see e.g.  FIG. 29 ). In particular, with movement of the control shaft  316 , the surface of the control shaft that defines the groove  352  moves in a corresponding manner. With such movement of the surface that defines the groove  352 , such surface contacts and urges the spring arms  321  outwardly relative to each other thereby allowing the control shaft  316  to move in an axial direction from its first axial position to its second axial position. When the control shaft is in its second axial position, the first spring  320  is located in the groove  350  thereby retaining the control shaft in the second axial position.  
         [0179]     As the control shaft is moving in the direction of arrow  386 , the contact member  354  forces the spring arm  380  downwardly in the direction of arrow  382 . As the spring arm  380  is forced downwardly, the spring arm  380  contacts the plunger  384  of the mode switch  378  and moves the plunger downwardly from its raised position to its depressed position thereby causing the mode switch  378  to be switch out of its deactuated state and into its actuated state.  
         [0180]     It should be noted that when the mode switch  378  is in its deactuated state, the appliance control system  10  is caused to operate in its cycle operation mode. Further, when the mode switch  378  is placed in its actuated state, the appliance control system  10 , is caused to operate in its user cycle selection mode. The details of operation of the appliance control system  10  in its cycle operation mode and its user cycle selection mode are discussed in more detail in other parts of this disclosure.  
         [0181]     It should be appreciated that the contact member  354  will be able to contact the spring arm  380  irrespective of the rotational position of the user cycle selector  314 . This feature results from the shape of the contact member  354 . In particular, the contact member  354  is configured to be a ring-shaped flange thereby extending outwardly around the entire  3600  periphery of the control shaft  316 .  
         [0182]     As an alternative embodiment, a plurality of detent grooves  388  may be defined in the contact member  354  as shown in  FIG. 29 . The detent grooves  388  would extend around the entire  3600  periphery of a top surface and/or of an edge of the contact member  354 . For clarity of viewing,  FIG. 29  only shows the detent grooves  388  defined in part of the top surface of the contact member  354 . The housing  302  may include a number of detent arms  390  which extend inwardly from the front panel  360  of the housing  302  as shown in  FIG. 35 . When the main controller module  300  is assembled, the detent arms  390  would cooperate with the detent grooves  388  to provide tactile feedback to a user when the user rotates the user cycle selector  314  about its central axis  340 . Of course, as an alternative, the detent arms may be provided on the contact member  354  and the detent grooves may be defined in the housing  302 . In such an alternative arrangement, tactile feedback would also be provided to a user when the user rotates the user cycle selector  314  about its central axis  340 .  
         [0000]     Other Features  
         [0183]     Referring to  FIG. 21 , the ACS  10  includes other various features and/or functions. One such feature is a water temperature sensor  240 . The water temperature sensor  240  is operative to provide water temperature measurement data of the water for the water receptacle  32 . The water temperature data is used by the processor  60  to control the input of water to the receptacle  32  for the various washing modes of the washing machine  5 . The water temperature sensor  240  is thus associated with the receptacle  32 . The water temperature measurement data from the water temperature sensor  240  is provided to the processor  60 .  
         [0184]     The ACS  10  utilizes program instructions stored in the memory  116  to control the application of hot and cold water into the receptacle  32 . In this regard, the ACS  10  further includes a water supply control  242  that includes a water level sensor  244 , a hot water control  246 , and a cold water control  248 . The water level sensor  244  is operative to measure, detect, and/or monitor the water level in the receptacle  32 . The hot water control  246  is operative to control the application of hot water into the receptacle  32 . The cold water control  248  is operative to control the application of cold water into the receptacle  32 . Controlled mixtures of hot and cold water result in various temperature of water for the washing of laundry, typically as set by the user via the auxiliary input units, in the receptacle  32 .  
         [0185]     In  FIG. 22 , there is shown a schematic diagram of at least a portion of an implementation of the water supply control  242 . Water level sensor circuitry/logic  244  includes a terminal P 3 , pin  1 , to which a water level sensor is coupled. Water level data or signals are received via the terminal P 3 , pin  1 , and, after signal conditioning, is forwarded to the processor  60 . The hot water control circuitry/logic  246  includes a triac  013  that is actuated by the processor  60 . Once actuated, the triac Q 13  applies power to a solenoid (not shown) that is coupled to P 3 , pin  3 . The solenoid opens and closes a hot water valve. In the same manner, the cold water control circuitry/logic  248  includes a triac Q 12  that is actuated by the processor  60 . Once actuated, the triac Q 12  applies power to a solenoid (not shown) that is coupled to P 3 , pin  4 . The solenoid opens and closed a cold water valve. It should be appreciated that the hot and cold water circuitry/logic  246 ,  248  are interchangeable.  
         [0186]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the water temperature sensor  240  is input at terminal P 1 , pins  1  and  3 . The processor  60  receives water temperature data/signals. The processor  60  uses the water temperature data/signals to control the hot and cold water controls  246  and  248 .  
         [0187]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , terminals P 11  pins  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5  form an input  250  to the processor  60 . The input  250  is used for flash programming the processor  60 . As well, the input  250  may be used for emulating various functions of the ACS  10  for testing and/or diagnostic purposes. The input  250  is typically not necessary and may be eliminated if desired.  
         [0000]     Application to Other Laundry Appliances  
         [0188]     Referring to  FIG. 57 , there is depicted a dryer, generally designated  6 , representing another form of a laundry appliance. The dryer  6  includes components that are the same as the washing machine  5  and are designated by the same reference numeral primed. The dryer  6  has a frame  36 ′ that houses a receptacle or tub  32 ′ that is configured to receive laundry therein. The tub  38 ′ receives laundry for drying via a pivoting door  38 ′ in the frame  36 ′. The tub  36 ′ is mounted in the frame  32 ′ so as to revolve or spin, typically around a horizontal axis. The tub  38 ′ is in communication with a motor  26 ′ that is likewise mounted in the frame  36 ′, and which is operative to spin the tub  38 ′ in a controlled manner. The motor  26 ′ however, is a one-speed motor adapted/operative to rotate the tub  38 ′ at one speed.  
         [0189]     The dryer  6  also has a control panel frame  40 ′ that houses an appliance control system  10 ′. External to the control panel frame  40 ′ and part of the appliance control system  10 ′ is a controller module  300  and a plurality of auxiliary inputs  44 ′ (typically in the form of knob, switches, or the like). The controller module  300  provides operating mode/cycle indication and/or control of the operating mode/cycle for/of the dryer  6 . Power for the dryer  6  is provided via a power cord  48 ′ that is configured to be plugged into an appropriate source of electricity, typically a 120 volt AC source or a 240 volt AC source (not shown). The general operation of the dryer  6 , with respect to the loading, drying, and unloading of laundry, is typical of dryers.  
         [0190]     The appliance control system  10 ′ also includes a communication port  50 ′ that allows the dryer  6  to be coupled to an external device, network, or the like. The communication port  50 ′ may take the form of an RS-232 port, a telephone-type port, or the like. Particularly, the communication port  50 ′ allows the dryer  6  to be in communication with a test/diagnostic device, a public and/or private network such as the Internet, another laundry appliance, or other device.  
         [0191]     It should thus be appreciated that the washing machine  5  and the dryer  6  are examples of laundry appliances which may incorporate the various aspects and principles of the invention therein. As such, the washing machine  5  and the dryer  6  share common characteristics such as the manner in which the laundry appliance is controlled including the appliance control system  10 ′, the use and type (but typically not the function) of the auxiliary user interface system including the auxiliary inputs  44 ′, and the selector display  20 ′. The term laundry appliance or appliance thus applies to washers, dryers, and the like, unless specifically mentioned otherwise. In the case or to the extent that a feature, function or manner of operation applies only to a washing machine but not a dryer, and vice versa, such has been indicated.  
         [0000]     Application to Other Appliances/Devices  
         [0192]     It should be further appreciated that the ACS  10  and/or other features shown and described herein may be used in appliances other than laundry appliances which require control and/or operation indication such as ovens, stoves, and the like (collectively kitchen appliances), as well as other appliances. Likewise, they may be used in other devices as appropriate.  
         [0193]     It should be appreciated that the various aspects of the present invention have been described separately herein. These various aspects, however, may be utilized in any combination by any type of laundry appliance. Further, the various aspects may be utilized in devices other than laundry appliances.  
         [0194]     While this invention has been described as having a preferred design and/or configuration, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the claims.