[0001] This invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle. More specifically, this invention relates to automatically determining dryer settings based on washer settings to reduce or eliminate an operator's need to manually control the dryer's settings.
[0002] Washing machines (also called washers) and drying machines (also called dryers) are two types of machines that are closely associated with one another. Typically, laundry is washed in the washing machine and then, upon completion of the wash cycle, the laundry is placed in the drying machine for drying. Of course, one need not use both machines and can use one or the other to perform its respective function. Nevertheless, these two types of appliances are often used in combination with each other, as shown in the prior art.
[0003] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,778 to Cotton discloses a combined washer and dryer unit. In addition, other prior art attempts have been made at combining the units themselves. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,856 to Niewyk, et al. discloses a combination washer/dryer. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,761 to Oh discloses a washing machine having a built in method of drying.
[0004] Despite these advances in the washers and dryers, problems remain. In particular, problems regarding user interface of washers and dryers have not been addressed.
[0005] Thus, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method, apparatus, and system for an auto programmable dryer that improves upon the state of the art.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an auto programmable dryer capable of determining dryer selections based on washer cycle selections.
[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an improved dryer that reduces the amount of user interaction required to properly select dryer settings.
[0008] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an auto programmable dryer that provides for a single control unit to be used to control both a washer and a dryer.
[0009] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a method, apparatus and system for an improved dryer that is capable of storing dryer selections.
[0010] These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.
[0011] The present invention is a method, apparatus and system for auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle. The apparatus of the invention provides for a programmable dryer. The dryer has a control system adapted to create a dryer instruction based on a washing mode selection and to then apply the dryer instruction to the dryer. In this manner, the appliance can receive a washing mode selection from a washer and determine drying instructions based on the washing mode selections. This reduces the number of selections that need to be made by an operator of the dryer, simplifying the process of washing and drying laundry.
[0012] According to a system of the present invention a washer and dryer are in communication with one another. The washer includes at least one user input for controlling a wash cycle. Then the dryer is adapted to receive a dryer input for controlling drying based on the wash cycle of the washer. The washer and dryer can be within the same housing and/or can be stacked. Further, the washer and dryer can be part of a combination unit where a single chamber is used for both washing and drying.
[0013] According to a method of the present invention, a dryer can be programmed to receive a washing mode selection associated with a washer. Then the method provides for automatically creating a dryer mode selection based on the washing mode selection and applying the dryer mode selection to the dryer. The method provides for receiving verification of the dryer mode selection from an operator and receiving modifications to the dryer mode selections from the operator if need be. Further, according to the method of the present invention, multiple dryer mode selections and/or washing mode selections may be grouped as a favorite selection. Then an operator need only select the favorite selection in order to effectively make all the associated selections.
[0014] Thus, the present invention provides for advantages in the convenience and use of the dryer as dryer mode selections can be automatically established based on washer mode selections.
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[0017] FIGS.
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[0023] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
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[0028] Similarly, the user interface
[0029] Similarly,
[0030] According to the present invention the washer instructions or controls are used to determine the drying instructions or controls. For example, the settings for the washer shown in
[0031] The present invention further provides that the user interface
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[0033] In step
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[0036] Thus, methods, system, and apparatus for auto programming of a dryer based on a washer cycle has been disclosed. The present invention provides for variations in the specific washer settings and dryer settings used, the type of user controls, the physical configuration of the washer/dryer, the configuration of the electronic controls, and other variations.