CROSSREFERENCETORELATEDAPPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S. C. §119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/634,733, that is entitled "LAUNDRY SYSTEM," that was filed on December 9, 2004, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of laundry systems and, more particularly, to a laundry system which may include features directed to any one or more of washing, extracting, balancing, and dehumidifying drying operations for any type of laundry application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Significant developments have occurred over the years relating to laundering clothing and other fabric-based articles. However, more recent improvements have not significantly changed the way laundry is done. "Doing laundry" in most situations still involves loading a "conventional" washing machine. Washing, rinsing, and extraction cycles are each executed within this washing machine. The load is then removed from the washing machine and transferred to a "conventional" dryer. "Conventional" in this case corresponds with those dryers that tumble the laundry and force hot air through the dryer which is then exhausted to the atmosphere. One problem with the foregoing is that the load must be transferred from one machine to another. In residential and coin-operated applications, this requires someone to manually do the transfers which is viewed by many as both a waste of time and effort. Oftentimes the load will also remain in the washing machine for an extended period of time after the completion of the washing, rinsing, and extraction cycles, and before the load is manually transferred to the dryer since the status of the laundry cycle must be manually monitored in this type of situation as well. Some commercial operations attempt to automate the laundry cycle to address some of these types of concerns, for instance by incorporating equipment to

do the transfer from one machine to another. However, the equipment required for this "automation" obviously adds to the overall cost of the laundry system. There is also an inherent inefficiency associated with the time which is lost by the transfer of the laundry load from one machine to another. Combination washer/extractor/dryers exist which alleviate the need to transfer the load from one machine to another. Existing combination washer/extractor/dryers suffer from a number of other deficiencies. Small load capacities and longer overall cycle times are probably two of the biggest deficiencies commonly associated with combination washer/extractor/dryers which have been introduced to the marketplace. The present invention addresses these deficiencies through a unique combination of features. Some of these features are improvements to only one of the laundry functions, and therefore maybe appropriate to include in a stand-alone machine which provides the relevant function. Other features associated with the present invention are appropriate for machines which provide multiple functions. Nonetheless, all of the features associated with the present invention may be combined into a single machine which provides each of the washing, extracting, balancing, and drying functions which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to laundry applications. Each of the following aspects is believed to be an advance in the art in relation to laundry applications by themselves. Various combinations of these aspects and/or the various features discussed in relation thereto are also believed to be advances in the art, and such is also contemplated by the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that a given feature which is "required" by one aspect may not necessarily be required by another aspect of the present invention. Relatedly, there may be instances where a "species" of a given feature is presented in relation to one of the aspects, and the "genus" of this same feature is presented in another of the aspects. Additional species of this "generic feature" are intended to be within the scope of the subject aspect in these latter instances, and notwithstanding possibly the presentation of only a single embodiment herein. Although advantages of a given species of a certain feature may be important in relation to one aspect and/or establishing its patentability, such may not necessarily be the case for other aspects.

A first aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least wash, extraction, and dry cycle capabilities (i.e., the structure is available for providing these functions in this first aspect, although the system could be operated so as to execute only one or more of these individual cycles). The laundry system of the subject first aspect includes a first containment vessel. A wash cycle fluid supply is fiuidly interconnected with the first containment vessel for providing wash cycle capabilities. Fluids within the first containment vessel from the wash cycle, as well as from other cycles if used by the first aspect such as extraction and/or dry cycles, may be removed from the first containment vessel through a drain associated with the first containment vessel. Loads which are laundered in some respect in the subject first aspect are actually housed within a second containment vessel. This second containment vessel is disposed within or contained inside of the first containment vessel. Multiple perforations are included on the second containment vessel for fluid transfer between the interiors of the first and second containment vessels. The second containment vessel is typically rotated in each of the wash, extraction, and dry cycles through an appropriate rotational drive assembly. Extraction of fluids from a load within the second containment vessel at high rotational speeds can generate relatively significant vibrations if there is an imbalance within the second containment vessel. Imbalances will typically be due to an uneven distribution of the load within the second containment vessel and the effects thereof are magnified when rotating at the speeds used during an extraction cycle. In this regard, the first aspect also includes a rotational balancing assembly which is interconnected with the second containment vessel.

Drying capabilities are also provided by the subject first aspect. In this regard, an evaporating assembly is associated with the first containment vessel. Portions of the evaporating assembly which are responsible for evaporating liquids from the load within the second containment vessel during a dry cycle (e.g., one or more heaters) may be disposed outside of the first containment vessel. Heat would then be transferred through the wall of the first containment vessel to affect evaporation within the first containment vessel. However, preferably these portions are disposed in the space between the first and second containment vessels. Condensation of the vapors generated by operation of the evaporating assembly for the drying cycle is executed through a condensing assembly which is also associated with the first containment vessel.

In one embodiment of the subject first aspect, at least one condensing surface is provided for the condensing assembly. The first containment vessel of the subject first aspect defines a single chamber. "Chamber" in relation to this first aspect means an at least substantially enclosed space where the boundary between any two chambers includes at least one flow restriction. Each condensing surface of the condensing assembly of this first embodiment of this first aspect is contained within the only chamber associated with the first containment vessel. Therefore, both the evaporative and condensation processes coexist and are executed within the same general space within the first containment vessel. Vapors exiting the load through the plurality of perforations in the second containment vessel and into the space between the first and second containment vessels do not have to pass through a substantial flow restriction to reach the condensing surface(s) of the condensing assembly. That is, no need exists to transfer vapors from one chamber to another for condensation of the same for this first aspect of the present invention.

In a second embodiment of the first aspect, the condensing assembly includes a condensation zone which is contained entirely within the confines of the first containment vessel. Vapors which exit the second containment vessel are able to flow to this condensation zone without having to pass through a flow restriction. This alleviates the need to incorporate a fan, blower, or the like for affecting vapor transport. Rotation of the second containment vessel induces sufficient currents within the first containment vessel to direct the vapors to the condensation zone for purposes of this second embodiment of the first aspect.

A third embodiment of the subject first aspect provides at least one condensing surface which is contained entirely within the first containment vessel. This particular condensing surface is spaced from the second containment vessel. No substantial obstructions are included within this space. As such, the flow of vapors to this particular condensing surface is not significantly impeded.

A second aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least dry cycle capabilities. The laundry system includes first and second containment vessels. The second containment vessel is disposed within or contained inside of the first containment vessel. Multiple perforations are included on the second containment vessel for fluid transfer between the interiors of the first and second containment vessels during at least the dry cycle. The second containment vessel is rotated during and typically throughout the dry cycle by an appropriate rotational drive assembly.

Drying capabilities are provided at least in part in the subject second aspect by an evaporating assembly which is associated with the first containment vessel. Portions of the evaporating assembly which are responsible for evaporating liquids from the load within the second containment vessel during the dry cycle (e.g., one or more heaters) may be disposed outside of the first containment vessel. Heat would then be transferred through the wall of the first containment vessel to affect evaporation within the first containment vessel. However, preferably these portions are disposed between the first containment vessel and the second containment vessel.

Condensation of the vapors generated by operation of the evaporating assembly is available through a condensing assembly which is also associated with the first containment vessel. Cooling medium is used by the condensing assembly to provide the condensation function, and typically a flow of such cooling medium. An isolation is provided between the cooling medium and the vapors/resulting condensate within the first containment vessel. As such, heating of the cooling medium by the condensation process maybe taken advantage of, such as by using the now heated cooling medium for other applications (e.g., in a subsequent laundry cycle on this or another machine).

AU condensation in the dry cycle takes place is a single chamber defined by the first containment vessel in the subject second aspect. "Chamber" for purposes of this second aspect means an at least substantially enclosed space where the boundary between any two chambers includes at least one flow restriction. A condensation zone defined by the cooling medium of the condensing assembly (e.g., a flow of cooling medium through a particular space within the first containment vessel) of the subject second aspect is contained within the only chamber associated with the first containment vessel. Therefore, both the evaporative and condensation processes coexist and are executed within the same general space within the first containment vessel. Vapors exiting the load through the plurality of perforations in the second containment vessel and into the space between the first and second containment vessels do not have to pass through a substantial flow restriction to reach the condensing surface(s) of the condensing assembly. That is, no need exists to transfer vapors from one chamber to another for a condensation of the same with this second aspect of the present invention.

A third aspect of the present invention is embodied within a laundry system which incorporates at least extraction cycle capabilities. The laundry system includes a first

containment vessel. A second containment vessel is disposed within or contained inside of the first containment vessel for rotation about a first reference axis. Rotation of the second containment vessel is used in the extraction cycle to discharge liquids from a load within the second containment vessel through centrifugal force. The laundry system thereby includes a rotational drive assembly which is appropriately interconnected with the second containment vessel to provide these rotational capabilities.

The subject third aspect of the present invention more specifically addresses various attributes of the second containment vessel in relation to one or more parts of a laundry cycle. A first embodiment of the subject third aspect addresses a laundry system which incorporates not only an extraction cycle, but wash and dry cycles as well such that an entire laundry cycle may be executed with a single machine. No load need be transferred from one machine to another in the case of this first embodiment of the third aspect. Wash cycle capabilities in this first embodiment are provided by a wash cycle fluid supply system which is fluidly interconnected with the first containment vessel. Typically the second containment vessel will be rotated during at least a portion of, and throughout the entirety of, the wash cycle by the rotational drive assembly. Fluids from the wash cycle may be discharged from the first containment vessel through a drain provided for the first containment vessel.

Extraction cycle capabilities in this first embodiment of the subject third aspect are provided by the rotational drive assembly rotating the second containment vessel at speeds in excess of IG so that fluids are removed from the load by centrifugal force. This will typically be done after the completion of the wash cycle. Imbalances which may arise during the extraction cycle may be addressed by a rotational balancing assembly included in the first embodiment. The rotational balancing assembly includes at least one balancing mass storage compartment which is interconnected with, and thereby rotates with, the second containment vessel. Balancing mass may be added to the balancing mass storage compartment(s) to address an imbalance within the second containment vessel.

Dry cycle capabilities are also included in the subject first embodiment of the third aspect. In this regard, the laundry system further includes an evaporating assembly which is associated in some manner with the fist containment vessel. What is required is that heat be generated within or transferred to the interior of the first containment vessel to evaporate fluids from the load within the second containment vessel. Activation of the evaporating

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assembly before the completion of the extraction cycle may pre-heat the laundry system for the dry cycle, and thereby reduce the overall time thereof.

The configuration of the second containment vessel in this first embodiment of the subject third aspect allows for the effective combination of all three laundry functions into a single unit. Fluid transfer between the interiors of the first and second containment vessels is available through at least one perforated section of the second containment vessel. Multiple perforated sections may and typically will be utilized for the second containment vessel, with adjacent perforated sections being separated from each other by one of the above-noted balancing mass storage compartments of the rotational balancing assembly (e.g., multiple balancing mass storage compartments may be used). A plurality of perforations extend through the wall of the second containment vessel to define each perforated section of the second containment vessel. These plurality of perforations on each of the perforated sections collectively define an open area for the subject perforated section. The open area is simply a ratio of that portion of the subject perforated section which is "open" to the total area of the subject perforated section (i.e., the total area being that portion of the perforated section which is open such that fluids may flow therethrough, summed with that portion of the perforated section which is closed such that fluids cannot flow therethrough). In the case of the first embodiment of the subject third aspect, the open area of at least one, and preferably all of the perforated sections, is at least about fifty percent (50%). Assume that the perforated section is rectangular and that the plurality of perforations are circular for purposes of understanding how "open area" is being used in relation to the first embodiment subject third aspect. The denominator for the open area ratio in the subject example would be the surface area of the perimeter of the rectangular surface, or a multiplication of its length by its width. The numerator in this example would the sum of the area of each of the circles which define the configuration of the perforations (the number of perforations multiplied by 7Ir ² where "r" is the radius of the circle). In any case, the open area of the perforated section of the second containment vessel designated for the first embodiment of the subject third aspect allows for increased flow between the first and second containment vessels. Increasing the flow between the first and second containment vessels during the dry cycle is believed to reduce the overall length thereof. Any reduction in the structural strength of the second containment vessel through use of this increased porosity for the second containment vessel is addressed at least in part by the incorporation of a

rotational balancing assembly in this first embodiment of the subject third aspect. Reductions in strength of the second containment vessel could present an issue in the extraction cycle where relatively high rotational speeds are typically utilized. Higher rotational speeds expose the load in the second containment vessel to higher Gs, which increases the rate at which liquids may be extracted from the load. Balancing of the second containment vessel in the above-noted manner may be used to reduce the amount that the second containment vessel would otherwise distort (e.g., based upon its high porosity) during the extraction cycle. Reinforcement of the second containment vessel may also be utilized as will be described in relation to further embodiments of this third aspect. A second embodiment of the subject third aspect is applicable to a laundry system which includes at least extraction cycle capabilities. Rotation of the second containment vessel about a first reference axis by the rotational drive assembly at higher rotational speeds will retain the load against the second containment vessel. Fluids extracted from the load are discharged from the second containment vessel and into the space between the first and second containment vessels through the perforations in the second containment vessel. The second containment vessel in this second embodiment is characterized as being pliable at least in a direction which is at least generally directed to the first reference axis. "Pliability" of the second containment vessel may be attributable to using the porosity of the second containment vessel identified in relation to the first embodiment of the third aspect, although pliability could be achieved in other ways.

A third embodiment of the subject third aspect is applicable to a laundry system which includes at least extraction cycle capabilities. Rotation of the second containment vessel about a first reference axis by the rotational drive assembly at higher rotational speeds will retain the load against the second containment vessel. Fluids extracted from the load are discharged from the second containment vessel and into the space between the first and second containment vessels through the perforations in the second containment vessel. The second containment vessel in this third embodiment is characterized as being reinforced. Reinforcement may be realized by using at least one tensile strength reinforcement member for the second containment vessel. This tensile strength reinforcement member may be disposed about the first reference axis and interface with an outer surface of the second containment vessel (e.g., a cylindrical sidewall of the second containment vessel). Radially outwardly directed forces exerted on the second containment vessel will increase the

tensional stresses within the tensile strength reinforcement member throughout the entirety thereof. These forces will then similarly be distributed about the entire circumference of the second containment vessel by this tensile strength reinforcement member.

A plurality of the above-noted tensile strength reinforcement members may be utilized by spacing the same on the second containment vessel along or relative to the first reference axis. Separately forming the second containment vessel and the tensile strength reinforcement members allows at least one of the tensile strength reinforcement members to include at least one coupling. Separating the tensile strength reinforcement member at its coupling may facilitate access to the second containment vessel, such as when there are tensile strength reinforcement members disposed over an access door to the second containment vessel.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least dry cycle capabilities. The system includes a first containment vessel with a perforated second containment vessel being disposed therein. A liquid-bearing load is contained within the second containment vessel. In the case where the subject fourth aspect is a stand alone dryer, this liquid-bearing load would be transferred into the second containment vessel. Preferably, the fourth aspect is incorporated in a combination washer/extractor/dryer where the liquid-bearing load within the second containment vessel of the subject fourth aspect would be from the end of the previous extraction cycle. No transfer of the load from one machine to another would be required in this instance.

A dry cycle is executed on the liquid-bearing load within the second containment vessel in this fourth aspect of the present invention. The second containment vessel is rotated and the interior of the first containment vessel is heated. Liquids are evaporated from the load from this heat to generate vapors within the second containment vessel. These vapors are in turn condensed using a cooling medium which is isolated from the vapors. No intermixing of the cooling medium with either of the vapors or resulting condensate occurs. Substantially an entirety of the condensation of the vapors occurs in the annular space between the first and second containment vessels.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least dry cycle capabilities. This laundry system includes first and second containment vessels. The second containment vessel is disposed within or is contained inside of the first containment vessel and includes a plurality of perforations. Rotational

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capabilities are provided by interconnecting the second containment vessel with an appropriate rotational drive assembly. Typically, the second containment vessel will be rotated throughout the entirety of the dry cycle when an evaporating assembly associated with the first containment vessel is activated. Heat transfer is addressed by the subject fifth aspect of the present invention to enhance one or more aspects associated with the dry cycle. In one embodiment of this fifth aspect, the first containment vessel defines an at least substantially enclosed space. Evaporation of liquids from a load contained within the second containment vessel generates vapors within this enclosed space. One or more aspects associated with the dry cycle may be enhanced in some manner by including multiple heat transfer characteristics within the structure of the first containment vessel. Different thermal conductivities may be utilized in this regard. For instance, the thermal conductivity of the first containment vessel proceeding in a first direction may be different than the thermal conductivity of the first containment vessel proceeding in a second direction, with the first and second directions being different. Preferably, the thermal conductivity of the first containment vessel progressing outwardly through its wall is less than the thermal conductivity of the first containment vessel proceeding along the wall. In this case, heat from within the first containment vessel during the dry cycle is less likely to be transferred to the environment, and is more likely to be distributed about the first containment vessel to continue with at least assisting in the evaporation of liquids from the load.

In another embodiment of the subject fifth aspect, attempts are made to thermally isolate the laundry system from its surrounding environment. In this regard, at least one thermal isolation member is disposed between at least one interconnection between the first containment vessel and a frame for the laundry system, between at least one interconnection between the second containment vessel and this frame, or both. Preferably, at least one thermal isolation member is disposed between each area of the frame and each of the first and second containment where there would otherwise be a direct, solid heating conducting path between the frame and the first containment vessel and between the frame and the second containment vessel. Low coefficients of thermal conductivity are appropriate for the thermal isolation members of this embodiment of the subject fifth aspect.

Another embodiment of the subject fifth aspect addresses heat transfer by incorporating a baffle between the second containment vessel and a drain associated with the

first containment vessel. This baffle may be used to impede the flow of vapors out of the first containment vessel through the drain during a dry cycle. Retention of at least a substantial portion of the vapors generated by the evaporation of liquid from the load within the second containment vessel is desirable in relation to one or more aspects of the dry cycle, particularly when these vapors are also condensed within the confines of the first containment vessel.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least dry cycle capabilities and addresses reducing the temperature of the laundry system after completion of this dry cycle. A first embodiment of this sixth aspect is embodied in a laundry system which includes first containment vessel. A wash cycle fluid supply system provides wash cycle fluids to the first containment vessel for execution of a wash cycle. Fluids may be removed from the first containment vessel through a drain during one or more times of the wash cycle. The first embodiment further includes a perforated second containment vessel which is disposed within the first containment vessel for rotation via a rotational drive assembly. Both an evaporating assembly and condensing assembly are associated with the first containment vessel. Vapors generated during the dry cycle are condensed and removed from the first containment vessel, possibly through its drain.

Temperatures of the laundry system of the first embodiment of the sixth aspect at the end of a dry cycle are addressed by a multi-functional overflow/evacuation assembly. This overflow/evacuation assembly includes a fan, blower, or the like which is fluidly interconnected with the first containment vessel, as well as a first conduit which in this case is an overflow conduit that presents an alternative exit for fluids from the first containment vessel to the drain described above. Multiple sealing areas may be provided in the overflow conduit for engagement by a movable sealing member disposed therein during the appropriate time of the laundry cycle. One of the sealing areas provided in the overflow/evacuation conduit is a dry cycle sealing area. The movable sealing member engages the dry cycle sealing area during the dry cycle so as to at least substantially preclude the flow of vapors out of the first containment vessel through the overflow/evacuation conduit during the dry cycle. The first sealing member may be biased toward this position, such as by orienting the overflow/evacuation conduit to bias the movable sealing member into engagement with the dry cycle sealing area by purely gravitational forces. Other biasing mechanisms could be utilized, although the gravity-based system is simple and effective.

Another sealing area provided in the overflow/evacuation conduit in relation to this first embodiment of the subject sixth aspect is a vapor evacuation sealing area which is displaced from the dry cycle sealing area. Therefore, the sealing member must be moved within the overflow/evacuation conduit to engage the vapor evacuation sealing area. One way of affecting this movement is to direct flow from the vapor evacuation into the overflow/evacuation conduit at a location which is between the dry cycle sealing area and where the overflow/evacuation conduit penetrates the first containment vessel. Activation of the vapor evacuation fan would then exert fluid forces on the movable sealing member to advance the same into engagement with the vapor evacuation sealing area. Appropriate engagement between the movable sealing member and the vapor evacuation sealing area would at least substantially preclude further flow through the overflow/evacuation conduit downstream of the vapor evacuation sealing area. As such, fluid flow from the vapor evacuation fan would be directed into the first containment vessel and would exit the same through the drain. It may be possible to have the vapor evacuation fan fluidly interface with the first containment vessel other than through the overflow/evacuation conduit to realize the above-noted seal between the movable sealing member and the vapor evacuation sealing area and so as to exhaust the contents of the first containment vessel at the end of a dry cycle.

Overflow conditions will typically develop during the wash cycle when fluids are unable to exit the first containment vessel through the drain at the required flow rate. Relief may be provided by allowing these fluids to exit the first containment vessel through the overflow/evacuation conduit. This may be done even when the above-noted dry cycle sealing and vapor evacuation sealing areas are being used along with the movable sealing member. Increasing the diameter in some way between the dry cycle sealing area and the vapor evacuation sealing area may define a recess for receipt of the movable sealing member during overflow conditions. Overflowing fluids are then able to pass by the movable sealing member and through the vapor evacuation sealing area within the overflow/evacuation conduit in the above-described manner. Fluid pressure generated by the overflowing fluid may be used to move the movable sealing member into this overflow recesses, such as by moving the sealing member away from the dry cycle sealing area and into this recess. A second embodiment of the subject sixth aspect is also embodied within a laundry system which incorporates at least a dry cycle. This laundry system includes a first and second containment vessel. The second containment vessel is disposed within the first

containment vessel, is perforated, and rotates via an appropriate rotational drive assembly. Both an evaporating assembly and condensing assembly are associated with the first containment vessel. Activation of the evaporating assembly during the dry cycle evaporates liquids from a load within the second containment vessel. Evaporation is affected even though no flow from outside the first containment vessel, through the first containment vessel, and back out of the first containment vessel is allowed during the dry cycle (i.e., the laundry system of this second embodiment of the sixth aspect uses non-throughput drying techniques). However, at the end of the dry cycle this type of flow is allowed to appropriately reduce the temperature of the laundry system. This is preferably done before the load is removed from the second containment vessel through opening appropriate doors on both the first containment vessel and second containment vessel.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least extraction cycle capabilities with balancing. The laundry system includes a first and second containment vessel. The second containment vessel is disposed inside of or contained within this first containment vessel for rotation about a first reference axis via a rotational drive assembly, and further is perforated. Imbalances of the laundry system during rotation of the second containment vessel may be addressed by a rotational balancing assembly which includes at least one balancing mass storage compartment assembly. This balancing mass storage compartment assembly is "on" the second containment vessel and appropriately interconnected therewith. Both integral constructions (e.g., forming at least part of the second containment vessel and balancing mass storage compartment assembly from a single piece of material and without any joints therebetween) and separately forming the balancing mass storage compartment assembly and second containment vessel, and interconnecting the same along at least one joint, are encompassed by this seventh aspect. Transferring an appropriate balancing mass (e.g., tap water) to the balancing mass storage compartment assembly is used to address the effects of the imbalance on the laundry system.

A first embodiment of the subject seventh aspect utilizes at least three of the above- noted balancing mass storage compartment assemblies. Multiple compartments are included in each of these three balancing mass storage compartment assemblies. Different amounts of balancing mass may be provided to different portions of a given balancing mass storage compartment assembly so as to address a particular imbalance within the second containment

vessel. One way of characterizing these multiple balancing mass storage compartments per balancing mass storage compartment assembly is by having each of the three subject balancing mass storage compartment assemblies: 1) include a pair of ends which are longitudinally spaced relative to the first reference axis; 2) extend along at least substantially the entire length of the second containment vessel, which is defined as a measurement taken along the first reference axis or an axis at least substantially parallel thereto (e.g., such that the ends of the balancing mass storage compartment assemblies at least generally correspond with the ends of the second containment vessel); 3) be radially spaced about the first reference axis (i.e., the balancing mass storage compartment assemblies are spaced from an end view or looking down the first reference axis); and 4) include at least one partition between their respective ends so as to define at least two separate balancing mass storage compartments.

The rotational balancing assembly of the first embodiment of the subject seventh aspect further includes a balancing mass delivery system which is able to provide balancing mass to each of the balancing mass storage compartments of the three balancing mass storage compartment assemblies. Balancing mass for these compartments originates from a supply which is located off of the second containment vessel. Tanks or other appropriate reservoirs could be utilized for a balancing mass supply, as well as a tap water from a faucet or the like. Nonetheless, only that balancing mass which is actually provided to the balancing mass storage compartments to address an imbalance then need be rotated with the second containment vessel in this case.

A second embodiment of the subject seventh aspect utilizes at least three of the above-noted balancing mass storage compartment assemblies. Multiple compartments are also included in each of these three balancing mass storage compartment assemblies. Different amounts of balancing mass may then be provided to different portions of a given balancing mass storage compartment assembly so as to address a particular imbalance within the second containment vessel. Another way of characterizing these multiple balancing mass storage compartments per balancing mass storage compartment assembly is by having each of the three subject balancing mass storage compartment assemblies: 1) include a pair of ends which are longitudinally spaced relative to the first reference axis; 2) extend along at least substantially the entire length of the second containment vessel, which is defined as a measurement taken along the first reference axis or an axis at least substantially parallel

thereto (e.g., such that the ends of the balancing mass storage members at least generally correspond with the ends of the second containment vessel); 3) be radially spaced about the first reference axis (i.e., the balancing mass storage compartment assemblies are spaced from an end view or looking down the first reference axis); and 4) include at least one partition between their respective ends so as to define at least two separate balancing mass storage compartments. All of the balancing mass storage compartments of the subject three balancing mass storage compartment assemblies are totally contained on the second containment vessel. That is, these balancing mass storage compartments are all disposed radially outwardly from a portion of the second containment vessel which is available for containing at least part of a laundry load. Stated another way, no balancing mass storage compartment of this second embodiment of the seventh aspect extends beyond the longitudinally spaced ends of the second containment vessel.

A third embodiment of the subject seventh aspect provides that there are a plurality of balancing mass storage compartment assemblies. At least two of these balancing mass storage compartment assemblies each include multiple balancing mass storage compartments. The balancing mass storage compartments of a given balancing mass storage compartment assembly may be axially aligned (e.g., end-to-end) and at least substantially isolated from each other such that different amounts of balancing mass may be directed to different, discrete portions of a given balancing mass storage compartment assembly. The balancing mass storage compartments are further constructed such that the maximum distance between any imbalance within the second containment vessel and at least the center of mass of one of the balancing mass storage compartments, measured along the first reference axis, is less than one-half of the length of the second containment vessel as also measured along the first reference axis. An eighth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least extraction cycle capabilities with balancing. A first embodiment of this eighth aspect includes a first containment vessel which is interconnected with the frame such that there is at least substantially no movement therebetween. Wash cycle capabilities are provided by this first embodiment through the inclusion of a wash cycle fluid supply system which provides wash cycle fluids to the first containment vessel. Preferably, the first containment vessel is at least substantially imperforate so as to be able to retain fluids therein for the wash cycle. Discharge of fluids from the first containment vessel may be directed

through a drain associated with the first containment vessel and which may include appropriate valving so as to allow for the above-noted retention of wash cycle fluids within the first containment vessel.

The first embodiment of the subject eighth aspect further includes aperforated second containment vessel which is disposed inside of the first containment vessel and which is interconnected with the frame for rotation about a first reference axis via an appropriate rotational drive assembly. Only rotational movement is allowed between the second containment vessel and the frame, as well as between the second containment vessel and the first containment vessel for that matter. Imbalances are addressed by calculating the amount and location of balancing mass which may be added to the second containment vessel and which will at least theoretically reduce the summation of forces and moments being exerted on the second containment vessel by the rotating imbalance to at least substantially zero.

A second embodiment of the subject eighth aspect is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least extraction cycle capabilities. A perforated second containment vessel is disposed within a first containment vessel for rotation about a first reference axis. Fluids are extracted from this load through rotation of the second containment vessel about a first reference axis via an appropriate rotational drive assembly. Balancing mass is added to the second containment vessel to address an imbalance. Imbalances will typically be due to the uneven distribution of the load within the second containment vessel during the extraction cycle. Rotational speeds for the second containment vessel which are used for this extraction are of a magnitude such a distortion of the second containment vessel is reduced by the addition of the balancing mass. Stated another way, the second containment vessel is constructed so as to distort during extraction when an imbalance exists within the second containment vessel. The magnitude of this distortion is reduced by the addition of balancing mass to the second containment vessel in accordance with this second embodiment of the eighth aspect. Therefore, the provision of balancing mass to the second containment vessel may be viewed as strengthening one or more characteristics of the second containment vessel.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least extraction cycle capabilities. Generally, the ninth aspect relates to having multiple acceleration profiles available for distributing a load within a rotating second containment vessel for subsequent execution of an extraction cycle. Although certain

amounts of fluid may be extracted during the load distribution sequence, the majority of the fluid within the load will be discharged therefrom during the extraction cycle where preferably higher rotational speeds are used. In this respect, the ninth aspect may be viewed as achieving a distribution of the load such that higher extraction speeds may be utilized for the extraction cycle, although such is not a requirement of the ninth aspect.

One way in which the multiple acceleration profiles of the subject ninth aspect may be implemented as a "load distribution protocol" of sorts is the subject of a first embodiment.

This first embodiment includes rotating the second containment vessel up to a certain rotational speed using a first acceleration profile to retain a liquid-bearing load against a wall of the second containment vessel. In cases where the second containment vessel is horizontally disposed with a generally cylindrical sidewall, the load would be retained against this sidewall. Vibrations of the second containment vessel are monitored during this acceleration of the second containment vessel. If vibrations exceed a certain threshold, such as due to an imbalance within the second containment vessel based upon an uneven distribution of the load within the second containment vessel, the rotational speed of the second containment vessel is reduced to a speed at which the load is not continuously retained against a wall of the second containment vessel. The load may then be redistributed within the second containment vessel. Tumbling the load within the second containment vessel at the lower rotational speed may possibly increase the potential of a different distribution of the load against the second containment vessel being subsequently achieved. That is, the rotational speed of the second containment vessel is increased after this "remixing" so as to once again retain the load against a wall of the second containment vessel. How the second containment vessel is accelerated in this second instance may differ from the way that the second containment vessel was accelerated in the first instance which is also believed to change the distribution of the load within the second containment vessel.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a calibration protocol for a laundry system which incorporates at least extraction cycle capabilities with balancing. A perforated second containment vessel is disposed within a first containment vessel. Fluids are extracted from a liquid-bearing load within the second containment vessel by rotating the second containment vessel at appropriate speeds. Imbalances encountered during the extraction cycle are addressed by providing balancing mass to a first balancing mass storage

compartment which is interconnected with the second containment vessel in a manner so as to rotate therewith.

Calibration of the above-described system and in accordance with the subject tenth aspect includes rotating the second containment vessel at a plurality of different rotational speeds. Balancing mass is added to the first balancing mass storage compartment at each of these rotational speeds. Vibrations of the second containment vessel are also monitored. Vibrational data is obtained both before and after the balancing mass is added to the first balancing mass storage compartment. The calibration of the laundry system is based upon this "before" and "after" addition of balancing mass data at each of the plurality of rotational speeds of the second containment vessel. The effect of adding a given amount of balancing mass to the second containment vessel depends upon the rotational speed of the second containment vessel. At slow rotational speeds, the effect of adding a small amount of balancing mass might be very small, whereas the effect of adding the same amount of balancing mass at high rotational speed may be significant. The magnitude of the force generated by a rotating mass is roughly proportional to the square of the rotational speed. The subject "fill curve" is an empirically derived mathematical function that relates the desired amount of balancing mass required to offset a given imbalance to an amount of time to fill a balancing mass storage compartment.

The tenth aspect of the present invention may be used to generate a fill curve for the subject balancing mass storage compartment (and any others as well). "Fill curve" in the context of the tenth aspect equates the rotational speed of the second containment vessel to a magnitude of force associated with the provision of balancing mass to the subject balancing mass storage compartment for a certain unit of time. Assume that it is known that a certain amount of counteracting force should be associated with the provision of balancing mass to the subject balancing mass storage compartment at the current rotational speed of the second containment vessel to address an imbalance condition. Deriving the amount of time that balancing mass should be added to the subject balancing mass storage compartment at the current rotational speed of the second containment vessel to generate this magnitude of counteracting force would then simply entail: 1) finding the current rotational speed of the second containment vessel on the subject fill curve; 2) noting the force associated with this speed; and 3) dividing this force from the fill curve by the magnitude of the counteracting force.

The calibration of the laundry system contemplated by the subject tenth aspect may be used where the laundry system includes a plurality of radially spaced balancing mass storage compartment assemblies which each include multiple balancing mass storage compartments. These balancing mass storage compartment assemblies may extend along the second containment vessel in at least substantially parallel relation to its rotational axis, and with their respective balancing mass storage compartments would be disposed in effectively end-to-end relation. One way to calibrate in this instance is to calibrate one balancing mass storage compartment assembly at a time. At each given rotational speed referred to above, balancing mass maybe added to one of the compartments while noting the effects thereof in accordance with the above. Before reducing the speed of the second containment, balancing mass may be added to another of the balancing mass storage compartments of the subject balancing mass storage compartment assembly while noting the effects thereof in accordance with the above. This would be repeated until balancing mass had been added to each of the balancing mass storage compartments of the subject balancing mass storage compartment assembly. Thereafter the rotational speed of the second containment vessel would be reduced for repetition in accordance with the foregoing.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least extraction cycle capabilities and relates to the way in which imbalances are addressed. The system includes a first containment vessel and a perforated second containment vessel which is disposed inside of and rotatable relative to the first containment vessel. A load is disposed in the second containment vessel for extraction of fluids therefrom through rotation of the second containment vessel. When an imbalance exists and is identified as being of a magnitude which should be addressed at a current rotational speed, attempts are made to balance the second containment vessel for the current rotational speed. If the second containment vessel can be balanced at this current rotational speed, the rotational speed of the second containment vessel could be increased for enhancing one or more aspects of the extraction cycle although such is not required by this eleventh aspect.

Balancing mass is added to one or more locations of the second containment vessel and in an amount so that only the magnitude of the imbalance should be affected in accordance with the subject eleventh aspect of the present invention. There should be no change in the angular position of the imbalance after the addition of the balancing mass. An imbalance which exists in the second containment vessel before a given addition of balancing

mass may be referred to as a first imbalance, and after an addition of the given balancing mass may be referred to as a second imbalance. Nonetheless, any change in the angular position of the imbalance after the addition of balancing mass at the current rotational speed is taken into account if additional balancing mass is added to the second containment vessel at the current rotational speed. So to is the magnitude of the imbalance before the previous addition of balancing mass at the current rotational speed, the magnitude of the imbalance after the previous addition of balancing mass at the current rotational speed, or both.

The eleventh aspect is appropriate for each rotational speed which is used in an extraction cycle and maybe implemented in accordance with a first embodiment. No change in angular position of an imbalance is taken into account the first time that balancing mass is added to the second containment vessel at a given rotational speed to address an imbalance condition in the case of this first embodiment. That is, there may be cases where balancing mass has been added to the second containment vessel, and which sufficiently addressed the imbalance such that the rotational speed of the second containment vessel was increased to enhance the extraction cycle in some manner. Any further addition of balancing mass to the second containment vessel at these higher rotational speeds is not based upon any previous application(s) of balancing mass to the second containment vessel from this same extraction cycle in relation to changes in angular position of the imbalance before and after balancing mass was added at the lower rotational speeds. A twelfth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least extraction cycle capabilities. The laundry system includes a frame which supports the laundry system on an appropriate supporting surface. A first containment vessel is interconnected with the frame and includes a drain for discharging fluids from the first containment vessel. A perforated second containment vessel is disposed within the first containment vessel and is interconnected with the frame. Rotation of the second containment vessel about a first reference axis and relative to at least the frame is provided by a rotational drive assembly. Imbalances which exist within the second containment vessel, such as during an extraction cycle, may be addressed by a rotational balancing assembly. This rotational balancing assembly includes at least one vibration detector which is mounted between the frame and the supporting surface on which the frame is disposed. Vibrational data obtained by this vibration detector on the laundry system may be used to balance the

second containment vessel. One way to balance the second containment vessel is to add balancing mass to the second containment vessel as described herein.

Additional features are contemplated by the subject twelfth aspect. Vibrations of the laundry system may be effectively monitored by mounting the vibration detector on a flexible cantilever from the frame. Flexure of the cantilever due to vibrations of the laundry system which are transmitted through the frame to the cantilever may be read by the vibration detector and used by the rotational balancing assembly in determining if and how these vibrations should be addressed. The flexure may be monitored in this manner by positioning the vibration detector on the cantilever at a location which is between where the cantilever is fixedly interconnected with the frame, and where a support member extends through the cantilever and down to the supporting surface to dispose the frame above the supporting surface.

Multiple vibration detectors may be used by the rotational balancing assembly in the subject twelfth aspect as well. Moreover, at least one vibration detector may be disposed on each side of a longitudinal midpoint of the laundry system in relation to the first reference axis. Decisions regarding how a given imbalance should be addressed by the rotational balancing assembly also may be based upon information from two or more, and more preferably each of the vibration detectors. Load distribution capabilities may also be incorporated into the twelfth aspect to achieve a distribution of the load within the second containment vessel for the extraction cycle. Information provided by the vibration detector(s) associated with the twelfth aspect maybe used in this load distribution procedure as well.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least dry cycle capabilities. In this regard, the laundry system includes a first containment vessel and a perforated second containment vessel disposed therein. Rotation of the second containment vessel is provided by a rotational drive assembly, and will typically be used in the dry cycle to tumble the load within the second containment vessel. Dehumidifying drying techniques are utilized by this thirteenth aspect. Evaporation of liquids from the load within the second containment vessel generates vapors which are condensed. Preferably, vapors passing through the second containment vessel into the space between the first and second containment vessels are condensed within this same space. This alleviates the need for the vapors to flow to a separate condensation chamber.

A first embodiment of the subject thirteenth aspect bases terminating the dry cycle at least in part upon a decrease in a temperature of a cooling medium used to condensed the above-noted vapors. Consider the case where a condenser is disposed within the space between the first and second containment vessels, and where the cooling medium flows through this condenser. Monitoring the temperature of the cooling medium after it exits the condenser may be used to identify the above-noted reduction in the temperature of the cooling medium. A second embodiment of the subject thirteenth aspect bases termination of the dry cycle upon not only the temperature of the cooling medium, but the temperature within the first containment vessel as well. Termination may be based upon the development of a certain differential between these two temperatures.

Further features maybe used in each of the above-noted embodiments of the subject thirteenth aspect. Initially, the temperature(s) which are noted need only be reflective of the subject temperature and not necessarily the actual temperatures itself. For instance, the temperature within the first containment vessel for purposes of this thirteenth aspect could be monitored on an outside wall of the first containment vessel. Additional requirements may be imposed in relation to terminating the dry cycle. For instance, a prerequisite to terminating the dry cycle in accordance with the foregoing may be that the subject temperature(s) must first reach a substantially steady state before a termination can be based upon a declining temperature (first embodiment) or a certain temperature differential (second embodiment).

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least dry cycle capabilities. The system includes a first containment vessel and a perforated second containment vessel which is disposed within the first containment vessel. Rotation of the second containment vessel is provided by a rotational drive assembly. Dehumidifying drying techniques are used for the dry cycle in the subj ect fourteenth aspect. Therefore, the laundry system further includes an evaporating assembly to evaporate liquids from a load within the second containment vessel, as well as a condensing assembly for condensing these vapors.

The fourteenth aspect is more specifically directed to controlling the dry cycle in some manner based upon input from an operator. In this regard, a plurality of objectives relating to the dry cycle are made available for selection by the operator. Once the desired objective(s) are selected, the laundry system calculates at least one operational parameter for

the evaporating assembly, the condensing assembly, or both. Representative objectives relating to the dry cycle include optimizing the dry cycle in relation to its duration (i.e., minimizing the overall dry time), optimizing the dry cycle for energy efficiency (i.e., maximizing one or more efficiencies), achieving a desired temperature or temperature range for cooling medium after being used in the condensation process (e.g., so that the cooling medium may be used for other purposes), achieving a desired temperature or temperature range within the first containment vessel (e.g., to protect sensitive fabrics from high temperatures), or the amount of cooling medium to be used during the dry cycle (e.g., to ensure a source of fluid at a certain temperature for another application, including a subsequent laundry cycle). Various combinations of these features could be simultaneously selected, and the noted calculations may be based upon one or more, and more typically each of the selected objectives.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least dry cycle capabilities. The laundry system includes first and second containment vessels. The second containment vessel is disposed within the first containment vessel for rotation about a first reference axis, and further is perforated. Rotation of the second containment vessel is provided by an appropriate rotational drive assembly. Dehumidifying drying principles are used by this fifteenth aspect. In this regard, the laundry system includes both an evaporating assembly and a condensing assembly. A first embodiment of the subject fifteenth aspect defines a certain relative positional relationship between the evaporating and condensing assemblies. The second containment vessel rotates about the first reference axis as note, and further divides the first containment vessel into first and second side sections. In this first embodiment, the evaporating and condensing assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of the first reference axis and are separated by a large separation angle in the direction of the rotation of the second containment vessel.

A second embodiment of the subject fifteenth aspect relates to separately controllable condensing surfaces. One way in which this may be realized is having multiple flows of cooling medium available for the condensation of the vapors. Multiple flows may be realized by utilizing multiple condensing units with separate flows of cooling medium therethrough. These multiple condensing units may be disposed within the space between the first and

second containment vessels. Alternatively, these condensing units could be disposed on and interface with the outer surface of the first containment vessel.

A third embodiment of the subject fifteenth aspect uses a solid-to-liquid phase change material to condense the vapors from the evaporation occurring within the first containment vessel. Heat from the vapors is absorbed by the phase change material. This condenses the vapors, and also changes the state of phase change material from a solid to a liquid. After the dry cycle is terminated, cooling medium may be directed through the phase change material to return it to its state from a liquid back to a solid. Heat absorbed by this cooling medium may be used for further applications, including in subsequent laundry cycles. Adding wash cycle capabilities to the subject fifteenth aspect would allow this heated cooling medium to be used as a wash cycle fluid in a subsequent wash cycle conducted on this same laundry system. It could also be used by other laundry systems as well.

A fourth embodiment of the subject fifteenth aspect relates to an arrangement for the condensing assembly which facilitates the removal of condensate from the first containment vessel through its drain. In this regard, the cooling assembly includes a plurality of cooling coils which are disposed within the space between the first and second containment vessels. The major axis of these cooling coils is oriented so as to be disposed or extend about the first reference axis. This first reference axis again defines the axis of rotation for the second containment vessel, and in one embodiment is at least substantially horizontal. Primarily, the cooling coils are disposed to be at least substantially vertically extending. Condensate forming on these cooling coils is thereby directed by gravity down the major axis of the cooling coils and generally toward a drain on the first containment vessel.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is embodied in a laundry system which incorporates at least dry cycle capabilities. The system includes a first containment vessel and a perforated second containment vessel which is disposed therewithin. The system further includes an evaporating assembly for evaporating liquids from a load within the second containment vessel, as well as a rotational drive assembly for rotating the second containment vessel during the evaporative process. At least two different rotational patterns for the second containment vessel are used during the dry cycle. Both rotational patterns each include rotating the second containment vessel at multiple speeds.

Further features may be utilized by the sixteenth aspect of the present invention. Each rotational pattern may include rotating the second containment vessel at a certain

rotational speed, thereafter rotating the vessel at slower rotational speed for a certain time period, and thereafter rotating the second containment vessel at a faster rotational speed. The first and last of the noted rotational speeds may be the same for each of the two subject rotational patterns such that effectively the rotational speed of the second containment vessel can be thought of as merely being intermittently reduced in each case, although such is not required. Modifying the length of the time period over which the rotation of the second containment vessel is reduced may be used to define the difference between rotational patterns for the second containment vessel during the dry cycle as well. That is, the rotational velocities at which the second containment vessel is driven may be the same for both rotational patterns contemplated by the subject sixteenth aspect, but the times over which this slower rotational speed is used may differ to provide a difference for the two rotational patterns. One of the rotational patterns may be used in a first part of the dry cycle, and another of the rotational patterns may be used in a second, subsequent part of the dry cycle. Consider a situation where the dry cycle is divided up into two parts. The first part of the dry cycle may be from the start thereof until the temperature of the load within the second containment vessel reaches a certain temperature, and the second part of the dry cycle may be the remainder. In the first part of the dry cycle and in the case where the heat is applied in lower portion of the laundry system, it maybe desirable to use the reduced rotational speed for a longer time period than later in the cycle. Practically, this exposes the load to the heat source for longer periods of time during the first part of the dry cycle, which in turn allows the temperature of the load to reach a steady state temperature at a faster rate. Once this steady state temperature is reached for the load, the time period may be reduced over which the speed of the second containment vessel is reduced. Theoretically, this maximizes the currents within the first containment vessel which reduces the dry time. A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is generally directed to what may be characterized as a laundry processing unit. Components of this laundry processing unit include a housing and a perforated containment that is disposed within this housing. The housing includes at least one housing access (hereafter a first housing access, for instance an upper housing access). The containment is rotatable relative to the housing at least generally about a first axis (hereafter a rotational axis). Furthermore, the containment includes at least one containment access door. There are various embodiments of this seventeenth aspect and

that will now be addressed. Each of these embodiments may be used together in any combination.

A first embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where the housing is interconnected with a frame. The laundry processing unit further includes an upper material transport section that is interconnected with this frame, that includes a plurality of upper rollers that are driven, and that is disposed above the housing. A lower material transport section is also interconnected with the frame, includes a plurality of lower rollers that are driven, and is disposed below the housing. Any appropriate way of driving the upper rollers and of driving the lower rollers may be utilized. In any case, the first embodiment may be characterized as integrating upper and lower conveyor sections with the integrated processing unit. The upper material transport section may be used for transporting a laundry batch for loading in the integrated processing unit, while the lower material transport section may be used for receiving a laundry batch that has been unloaded from the integrated processing unit. Multiple integrated processing units maybe disposed in end-to-end relation, such that a plurality of upper material transport sections are disposed in end-to-end relation to collectively define an upper conveyor and such that a plurality of lower material transport sections are disposed in end-to-end relation to collectively define a lower conveyor.

A second embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where the housing is interconnected with a frame, where a first housing access door is associated with the first housing access of the housing (e.g., for blocking access to the first housing access when the first housing access door is in one position, and for providing access to the first housing access when the first housing access door is in a different position), and where the laundry processing unit further includes an upper material transport section that is also interconnected with the frame. The upper material transport section includes a plurality of upper rollers that are driven, is disposed above the housing, and includes a first and second sections. With the containment access door having been opened and the containment having been rotated to vertically align the first housing access with the opening defined by the open containment access door, and further with the second section of the upper material transport section having been moved relative to the first section of the upper material transport section to provide an opening in the upper material transport section, a laundry batch traveling along the first section of the upper material transport section maybe loaded into the containment.

In one embodiment, the second section pivots to provide the opening through which a laundry batch is directed through the first housing access and through the opened containment access door. This second section of the material transport section may open in the direction that a laundry batch is traveling along the first section of the upper material transport section.

A third embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where the housing includes a second housing access and an associated second housing access door. The first and second housing accesses are vertically aligned with the rotational axis of the containment. Therefore, a laundry batch may be loaded into the containment directly over its rotational axis, and further may be unloaded from the containment directly below its rotational axis.

A fourth embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where the housing includes a second housing access and an associated second housing access door. Each of the first and second housing access doors are movable in a first dimension to either expose or block their corresponding housing access. Furthermore, each of the first and second housing access doors are movable in a second dimension (e.g., orthogonal to the first dimension) to provide a seal in relation to the housing and after already having been moved in the first dimension to block their corresponding housing access. The entirety of the first and second housing access doors may move in the first dimension. Although the entirety of the first and second housing access doors could move in the second dimension as well to provide the noted seal, in one embodiment only part of each of the first and second housing access doors move in the second dimension to provide the desired seal in relation to the housing. Part of the upper housing access door maybe upwardly biased (e.g., by springs) so as to be spaced from the housing and to allow the upper housing access door to move in the first dimension. Gravitational forces may bias part of the lower housing access door away from the housing so as to allow the lower housing access door to move in the first dimension.

A fifth embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where the containment access door is entirely removable from the containment. That is, there is no structural interconnection between the containment access door and the containment when the containment access door has been opened. Any appropriate mechanism may be used for removing the containment access door. In one embodiment: 1 )

the containment access door is movable in parallel relation to the containment's rotational axis; 2) the door remover/installer is movable between first and second positions; 3) with the door remover/installer in its first position, the containment access door may be moved parallel to the containment's rotational axis to be mounted on the door remover/installer; and 4) the door remover/installer may thereafter be moved to its second position to completely remove the containment access door. The reverse of the foregoing may be used to install the containment access door back on the containment.

A sixth embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where the containment includes multiple containment access doors. Any appropriate number of multiple containment access doors may be utilized. Preferably, the containment access doors are equally spaced about the rotational axis of the containment. Multiple containment access doors may be advantageous for various reasons. Having multiple containment access doors allows laundry batches to be loaded into and unloaded from the containment even if one of the containment access doors is stuck. Having multiple containment access doors may also be advantageous for opening/removing a containment access door in an automated fashion.

A seventh embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where a containment registration system is engageable with the containment to dispose the containment in position for opening a containment access door. In one embodiment: 1) the containment includes a plurality of annular reinforcement ribs; 2) the containment access door includes at least one cross rib, for instance disposed orthogonally to the reinforcement ribs; and 3) the containment registration system includes an extendable mount (e.g., mounted on the end of an extendable/retractable shaft) that may interface with and slide along one of the reinforcement ribs until it contacts the cross rib of the containment access door, after which it will rotate the containment to the desired position by being further extended.

An eighth embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where the laundry processing unit further includes a containment door removal/installation system. This containment door removal/installation system may be in accordance with the discussion presented above with regard to the fifth embodiment of the seventeenth aspect.

A ninth embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit where the laundry processing unit includes both a containment registration system (e.g., in

accordance with the above-noted seventh embodiment of the seventeenth aspect) and a containment door removal/installation system (e.g., in accordance with the above-noted eighth embodiment of the seventeenth aspect).

A tenth embodiment of the seventeenth aspect is directed to a laundry processing unit that includes a plurality of axle support frame sections, where the containment has first and second ends between which its rotational axis extends, and where first and second axles are disposed on the first and second ends. First and second bearing assemblies rotatably support the first and second axles, respectively. Each of the first and second bearing assemblies include a housing assembly and a plurality of bearing assembly supports that are disposed about and support their corresponding housing assembly. Each bearing assembly mount is able to slide along a corresponding axle support frame section in response to a movement of the corresponding basket axle that is other than pure rotational motion about the containment's rotational axis. In one embodiment, each housing assembly includes a spherical bearing. In another embodiment, a plate interfaces with and is slidable relative to its corresponding bearing assembly mount in a dimension that is orthogonal to the dimension in which the bearing assembly mount is able to slide along its corresponding axle support frame section. Further in this regard: 1 ) a spherical support may be seated within a spherical depression on the noted plate and may engage the corresponding housing assembly; and/or 2) each plate may be in the form of a simply supported beam, and a strain gauge may be mounted on an unsupported portion of this plate to provide a signal that is used to balance the containment.

An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a laundry system. This laundry system includes at least a sorting station, a processing station, at least one finishing station (hereafter a first finishing station), and a material transport assembly. The processing station includes a plurality of laundry processing units. Each laundry processing unit is able to wash, extract, and dry an individual laundry batch in a common space. The material transport assembly extends between the processing station and at least the first finishing station.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the eighteenth aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The sorting station may be of any appropriate

configuration. Any appropriate way of transporting individual laundry batches from the sorting station to the processing station may be utilized as well. Any appropriate number of finishing stations may be utilized, each such finishing station may b e of any appropriate type (e.g., a small piece folder, a large piece folder, an ironer), and multiple finishing stations may be disposed in any appropriate arrangement or layout. The material transport assembly may be of any appropriate size, shape, configuration, type (e.g., a conveyor), and disposed in any appropriate arrangement or layout.

Each laundry processing unit is preferably of an identical configuration in the case of the eighteenth aspect. In one embodiment, each such laundry processing unit is in accordance with the above-noted first aspect. In another embodiment, each such laundry processing unit is in accordance with the above-noted seventeenth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a combination laundry system.

Figure 2 is another prospective view of the combination laundry system from Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the laundry system of Figure 1 taken perpendicularly to the rotational axis of its second containment vessel or basket. Figure 4A is a perspective view of a frame used by the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 4B is an enlarged, perspective view of the cantilevered interconnection of one support foot for the frame of Figure 4A.

Figure 5 is another perspective view of the frame used by the laundry system of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an access door to a first containment vessel or tub used by the laundry system of Figure 1, with the access door being in its "open" position.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second containment vessel or basket of the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 8 A is another perspective view of the basket of Figure 7. Figures 8B-C are views of patterns/profiles of perforations on a basket sidewall of the basket of Figure 7.

Figures 8D-E are views illustrating the effects of a force applied to the basket sidewall of Figure 7 between a pair of adjacent reinforcement members which are illustrated in Figure 8A.

Figure 9 A is a perspective view of a coupling for the basket reinforcement members illustrated in Figure 8A in its "closed" position.

Figure 9B is a perspective view of the coupling for the basket reinforcement members illustrated in Figure 8A in its "open" position.

Figure 9C is a perspective view of the coupling for the basket reinforcement members illustrated in Figure 8 A in its "closed" position and illustrating both ends of its subject basket reinforcement member.

Figure 10 is a schematic of a laundry fluids handling system for the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-function valve assembly of an overflow/evacuation assembly for the laundry system of Figure 1, and in position for a dry cycle.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-function valve assembly of Figure 11 , having moved to its position to address an overflow condition.

Figure 13 A is a perspective view of that portion of a rotational balancing assembly for the laundry system of Figure 1 which monitors vibrations of the system. Figure 13B is a side view of the assembly presented in Figure 13 A.

Figure 13 C is a top view of the cantilever from the assembly presented in Figure 13 A.

Figure 13D is a perspective view of the assembly from Figure 13 A which includes readout circuitry disposed adjacent to the vibration detector.

Figure 14A is a perspective view of the second containment vessel for the laundry system of Figure 1, and which illustrates balancing mass storage compartments of the rotational balancing assembly.

Figure 14B is another perspective view of the second containment vessel for the laundry system of Figure 1, and which illustrates the balancing mass storage compartments of the rotational balancing assembly. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the component parts of the balancing mass storage compartments presented in Figures 14A-B.

Figure 16 is cross-sectional view of a balancing mass storage compartment from Figures 14A-B which includes a liner for sealing capabilities.

Figure 17 is a top view of stock which may be used to form portions of the basket sidewall. Figure 18 is an end view of the basket which illustrates the profile of the balancing mass storage compartments.

Figure 19 is a prospective view of a balancing mass delivery system for the rotational balancing assembly of the laundry system presented in Figure 1.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the diverter from the balancing mass delivery system of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the flow path through the diverter of Figure 20 for directing balancing mass to one of the balancing mass storage compartments.

Figures 22A-E are various perspective views of the balancing mass axle of the balancing mass delivery system of Figure 19. Figure 23 is a prospective view showing the interface between the balancing mass delivery system of Figure 19 with the various balancing mass storage compartments of the rotational balancing assembly.

Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the compartment balancing mass supply conduits of the balancing mass delivery system of Figure 19 extending through one of the end plates of the basket.

Figure 25 is another perspective view of the interface between the compartment balancing mass supply conduits of the balancing mass delivery system of Figure 19 and one of the end plates of the basket.

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 3, but with various of the components removed therefrom.

Figure 26A is an enlarged view of the vapor transport region illustrated in Figure 26. Figure 27 is a perspective view of a lower section of the tub from the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 28 is a perspective view of evaporating assembly for a dry cycle assembly of the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a condensing assembly for the dry cycle assembly of the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 30 is a view of the condensing assembly of Figure 29 within a cooling coil this recess formed within the tub.

Figure 31 is a view of another embodiment of a condensing assembly for the dry cycle assembly of the laundry system of Figure 1. Figure 32 is aview ofa vapor baffle which is part of a thermal isolation assembly and which is disposed over a main fluid access port on the tub of the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 33 is an exploded, perspective view of insulation assembly of the thermal isolation assembly for the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figures 34A-B are perspective views which illustrate thermal isolation members between the tub and the frame for the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 35 is a perspective view which illustrates thermal isolation members between the basket and the frame for the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-function valve assembly of the overflow/evacuation assembly of the laundry system of Figure 1, in its position for a cool- down procedure.

Figure 37 is a schematic of a waste disposal assembly and a reclamation assembly for the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 38 is a flow chart of a main control unit for the laundry system of Figure 1.

Figure 39 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the laundry cycle module of the main control unit of Figure 38.

Figure 40 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the load distribution module of the main control unit of Figure 38.

Figures 41 A-C are views of various acceleration profiles which may be used by the load distribution module of Figure 40. Figure 42 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the extraction module of the main control unit of Figure 38.

Figure 43 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the balancing module of the main control unit of Figure 38.

Figure 44 is a representative signal from a vibration detector of the rotational balancing assembly.

Figures 45 A-C are views which illustrate a single imbalance within the basket and the effect thereof which may be monitored by the vibration detectors of the rotational balancing assembly.

Figures 46A-C are views which illustrate two imbalances within the basket and the effects thereof which may be monitored by the vibration detectors of the rotational balancing assembly.

Figure 47 is a view of a representative signal from one of the vibration detectors of the rotational balancing assembly and how phase information is retrieved from this signal.

Figure 48 is an end view of the basket which illustrates the effects of providing balancing mass to two of the balancing mass storage compartments to create a balancing mass force vector.

Figure 49 is a view of one embodiment of a fill curve for one of the balancing mass storage compartments of the rotational balancing assembly.

Figure 50 is a view which illustrates angle correction capabilities for the rotational balancing assembly.

Figure 51 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the dry cycle module of the main control unit of Figure 38.

Figure 52 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the dry cycle objectives module of the main control unit of Figure 38. Figure 53 is a view of one rotational pattern which may be used for the basket during a dry cycle.

Figure 54 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the dry time control module of the main control unit of Figure 38.

Figure 55 is a view which illustrates the two temperatures which are used by the dry time control module of Figure 54.

Figure 56 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the cool-down module of the main control unit of Figure 38.

Figure 57 is a schematic of a pod of the type of laundry systems presented in Figure 1. Figure 58 is a schematic of one embodiment of a commercial laundry system that uses a plurality of integrated processing units.

Figure 59 is an alternate embodiment of a sorting conveyor that may be used by the

commercial laundry system of Figure 58.

Figure 60 is a perspective view of one of the integrated processing units used by the commercial laundry system of Figure 58.

Figure 61 is a cross-sectional view of the housing used by the integrated processing unit of Figure 60, taking orthogonally to a rotational axis a basket that is disposed within the housing.

Figure 62 A is a perspective view of an upper material transport section used by the integrated processing unit of Figures 60-61.

Figure 62B is a side view of a portion of the upper material transport section illustrated in Figure 62 A.

Figure 62C is an end view of a portion of the upper material transport section illustrated in Figure 62A, illustrating the mechanism for pivoting a second section of the upper material transport section.

Figure 63 A is a perspective view of a frame and a housing used by the integrated processing unit of Figures 60-61.

Figure 63B is an exploded, perspective view of the housing illustrated in Figure 63 A, illustrating a condenser disposed within the housing.

Figure 63 C is an exploded, perspective view of the housing illustrated in Figure 63 A, illustrating a heater disposed within the housing. Figure 63D is a perspective view of a lower housing access to the interior of the housing illustrated in Figure 63 A.

Figure 63E is a cross-section of a wall of the housing illustrated in Figure 63 A. Figure 64A is a side view of the frame, an upper housing access door, and a lower housing access door that are used by the integrated processing unit of Figures 60-61 , with the upper and lower housing access doors each being in a first position.

Figure 64B is a perspective view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 64 A. Figure 64C is a side view of the frame, upper housing access door, and lower housing access door, with the upper and lower housing access doors each being in a second position.

Figure 64D is a perspective view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 64C. Figure 64E is an end view of the upper housing access door when disposed over its corresponding upper housing access, but prior to providing a seal in relation to the housing. Figure 64F is an end view of the lower housing access door when disposed below its

corresponding lower housing access, but prior to providing a seal in relation to the housing. Figure 64G is an enlarged view of the configuration illustrated in Figures 64F. Figure 64H is an enlarged view of the lower housing access door after providing a seal in relation to the housing. Figure 65 A is a perspective view of a basket used by the integrated processing unit of

Figures 60-61.

Figure 65B is an end view of the basket of Figure 65 A.

Figure 65C is a perspective view of the basket of Figure 65 A with its basket access doors being exploded away from the remainder of the basket. Figure 65D is an enlarged, perspective view of one of the basket access doors in an unlocked position.

Figure 65E is an enlarged, perspective view of one of the basket access doors in a locked position.

Figure 65F is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 65B. Figure 65G is an enlarged, perspective view of an end of the basket of Figure 65A, with one of the gutters being exploded away to illustrate associated air and fill lines for one of the balancing tubes located within the basket.

Figure 66A is an exploded, view of a bearing assembly and an axle assembly for the basket of Figure 65 A-G. Figure 66B is a perspective view of a basket axle used by the axle assembly of Figure

66A.

Figure 66C is a side view of the basket axle of Figure 66B. Figure 66D is a cross-sectional view taken through one of the slots of the basket axle of Figure 66B. Figure 66E is a cross-sectional view of the bearing and axle assemblies of Figure

66 A, taken along the rotational axis of the basket.

Figure 66F is an enlarged, perspective view of the bearing and axle assemblies mounted on the frame.

Figure 66G is an enlarged, perspective view of a bearing assembly mount and its associated strain gauge mount of the type used by each of the bearing assemblies for the basket.

Figure 67 A is a perspective view of a basket registration system as it initially contacts

the basket.

Figure 67B is a perspective view of the basket registration system after it has moved the basket to an intermediate position.

Figure 67C is a perspective view of the basket registration system after having moved the basket into position for removal of one of its basket access doors.

Figure 68 A is a perspective view of the basket within the lower housing section of the housing for the integrated processing unit of Figures 60-61, and illustrating a basket access door positioning shaft used by the basket door latching/unlatching system.

Figure 68B is an enlarged, perspective view of abasket access door positioning shaft used by the basket door latching/unlatching system, prior to its activation.

Figure 68C is an enlarged, perspective view of a basket access door positioning shaft used by the basket door latching/unlatching system, after having been activated to unlatch one of the basket access doors.

Figure 69 A is a perspective view of the basket interconnected with the frame (with the housing removed), to illustrate a basket door removal/installation system.

Figure 69B is an enlarged, end view of the basket door removal/installation system in a disengaged position.

Figure 69C is an enlarged, end view of the basket door removal/installation system in position to remove/install a basket access door. Figure 69D is an enlarged, perspective view of the basket door removal/installation system, in position to remove a basket access door that has not yet been unlocked/unlatched.

Figure 69E is an enlarged, perspective view of the basket door removal removal/installation system, after a basket access door has been unlocked/unlatched and positioned on the basket door removal/installation system. Figure 69F is a perspective view of the basket door removal/installation system, after having completely removed a basket access door from the basket.

Figure 69G is an end view of the basket door removal/installation system, after having completely removed a basket access door from the basket.

Figure 7OA is an end view that illustrates a discharge valve on the lower housing access door of the integrated processing unit of Figures 60-61, as well as a discharge manifold for one of the processing arrays used by the commercial laundry system of Figure

58, where the discharge valve is positioned for directing fluid into the discharge manifold.

Figure 7OB is an enlarged side view of the discharge valve and discharge manifold in the Figure 7OA position.

Figure 7OC is an end view of the discharge valve in the Figure 7OA position.

Figure 7OD is an end view that illustrates the movement of the discharge valve with the lower housing access door.

Figure 7OE is an enlarged side view of the discharge valve and discharge manifold in the Figure 7OD position.

Figure 7OF is an end view of the discharge valve in the Figure 7OD position.

Figure 71 is a schematic of a fluid management system used by the commercial laundry system of Figure 58.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION General Laundry System 4

A laundry system 4 is presented herein which incorporates wash, rinse, extraction, and dry cycle capabilities in a single unit or machine. Conventionally-sized laundry loads may be processed on the system 4 within a time frame which is at least comparable to the combined time when stand-alone units are used (i.e., the combined time for doing wash/rinse, and extraction cycles in a washing machine, and the dry cycle in a separate dryer). Operating costs for the system 4 are believed to be lower in comparison to using a conventional washer and dryer to execute comparable laundry cycles. Material costs for the system 4 are also believed to be at least comparable to the combined material costs for conventional washers and dryers.

Frame 6 Referring first to Figures 1 -5, a primary support structure for the laundry system 4 is a frame 6 which allows the system 4 to be disposed on an appropriate supporting surface 2 (e.g., floor). Very few special considerations are required for the supporting surface 2 in relation to the laundry system 4. For instance, the frame 6 (nor any other portion of the laundry system 4 for that matter) need not be fixed or otherwise pinned to the supporting surface 2 to restrain the laundry system 4 from undesirably "walking" on the supporting surface 2 during operation. "Walking" is a movement of a given laundry machine along its supporting surface when there is an imbalance condition and which typically occurs during

the extraction cycle. Moreover, the supporting surface 2 need not be reinforced or formed from concrete or other structurally strong materials since the laundry system 4 also does not use heavy ballasts or the like to restrain the laundry system 4 from "walking" on the supporting surface 2 during any portion of a laundry cycle. Therefore, the laundry system 4 can be installed over virtually any conventional supporting surface 2 typically used in any type of occupied structure (e.g., homes, apartments, offices).

The frame 6 includes an at least generally rectangular frame base 10. Extending upwardly from spaced locations on the frame base 10 are two at least generally triangular frame ends 14. Each frame end 14 has its own aperture 16 extending therethrough (e.g., Figures 4A, 5). A substantially horizontally disposed first reference axis 138 (i.e., within ± 15 degrees of horizontal) extends through the center of these apertures 16 and is used in various definitions herein as a reference. The term "longitudinal" or variations thereof is used herein in relation to being along or parallel with this first reference axis 138. As such, the pair of frame ends 14 are "longitudinally spaced." The term "lateral" or variations thereof is used herein in relation to being from side-to-side relative to the first reference axis 138 (e.g., along a line substantially perpendicular to the first reference axis 138). As such, the pair of first frame members 11 of the frame base 10 are "longitudinally extending" and "laterally spaced", while the pair of second frame members 12 of the frame base 10 are "laterally extending" and "longitudinally spaced." One frame brace 18 extends between the two frame ends 14 on each side of the frame

6 such that the pair of frame braces 18 are both longitudinally extending and laterally spaced. The frame base 10, frame ends 14, and frame braces 18 may be formed from angle iron or any other sufficiently rigid material. "Sufficiently rigid" in relation to the components of the frame 6 may be defined as not allowing any significant movement between any of the components of the frame 6. Individual components of the frame 6 may be appropriately interconnected, such as by one or more of welds, mechanical fasteners, and the like.

Four support feet 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b engage the frame 6 at four discrete locations to dispose the frame 6 above the supporting surface 2. The pair of support feet 30 are longitudinally spaced on one side of the frame 6 and are threadably interconnected with the frame 6 so that the distance between the frame base 10 and the supporting surface 2 may be adjusted. Rotation of the relevant support foot 30 in one direction will increase the distance between the adjacent portion of the frame 6 and the supporting surface 2, while rotation in

the opposite direction will decrease the distance between the adjacent portion of the frame 6 and the supporting surface 2. The pair of support feet 32 are disposed on the opposite side of the frame 6, are only indirectly interconnected with the frame base 10, and include the height adjustment capabilities referenced in relation to the support feet 30. Indirectly interconnecting the support feet 32 with the frame 6 is a feature relevant to the balancing of the laundry system 4 and which will be discussed in more detail below.

Tub 42

Referring now to Figures 1-3, a first containment vessel or tub 42 is interconnected with and supported by the frame 6 so as to dispose the tub 42 above the supporting surface 2. Primary components of the tub 42 include a pair of tub end walls 118 which are longitudinally spaced relative to the first reference axis 138, and a tub sidewall 114 which is disposed about the first reference axis 138 (e.g., the tub sidewall 114 extends circumferentially around the first reference axis 138). Interconnecting the tub sidewall 114 with each of the tub end walls 118 defines an enclosed space in which all laundry operations are executed by the laundry system 4.

The tub 42 may be manufactured in two parts - an upper section 52 (e.g., an integral or one-piece structure having the upper portions of both tub endwalls 118 and the upper portion of the tub sidewall 114) and a separate lower section 54 (e.g., an integral or one-piece structure having the lower portions of both tub endwalls 118 and the lower portion of the tub sidewall 114) which are detachably interconnected by appropriate fasteners and with an appropriate seal therebetween. Removal of the upper section 52 from the lower section 54 may provide access to the interior of the tub 42 for assembly of the laundry system 4, as well as for performing certain types of maintenance on interiorly disposed components of the system 4. Access to the enclosed space of the tub 42 for laundry operations is provided through a tub access door 110 which is part of the upper section 52 of the tub 42. Currently, the tub access door 110 utilizes a simple hinged connection to allow the tub access door 110 to pivot away from the remaining portion of the upper section of the tub 42 in the direction of the arrow "A" as illustrated in Figure 6. Moreover, the tub access door 110 is separated from the tub sidewall 114 by an offset structure 122 (e.g., Figures 2-3).

Two penetrations exist on the tub 42 for the intentional flow of laundry cycle fluids therethrough. One is a main fluid access port 90 which is on the lower section 54 of the tub

42 for the normal flow of wash/rinse cycle fluids into and out of the tub 42, as well as for discharging condensate from the tub 42 during a dry cycle. Angling, sloping, or other appropriate contouring of the bottom portion of the tub 42 directs fluids to the main fluid access port 90 and thereby facilitates this removal. The other penetration is an overflow/evacuation port 102 which is disposed on the tub sidewall 114 and which directs fluids out of the tub 42 during an overflow condition which will typically develop only during the wash/rinse cycle. Cool-down procedures executed on the laundry system 4 after completion of a dry cycle may also utilize the overflow/evacuation port 102.

Basket 134

A second containment vessel or basket 134 is disposed within the enclosed space defined by the tub 42 as illustrated in Figure 3. Principal components of the basket 134 include a generally cylindrical basket sidewall 142 which is concentrically disposed about the first reference axis 138 to place the basket 134 in an at least substantially horizontal orientation within the laundry system 4, and a pair of longitudinally spaced basket end plates or ends 210. Interconnecting the basket sidewall 142 with each of these basket end plates 210 defines an enclosed space in which a load may be laundered within the system 4.

The basket 134 is supported by the frame 6 for rotation relative to both the frame 6 and the tub 42. Referring to Figures 1-3 and 7, one axle 250 is fixed to one of the basket end plates 210 and is appropriately supported within the aperture 16 of one of the frame ends 14. An appropriate bearing assembly (not shown) fixed within the aperture 16 provides a desired interface. Self-aligning bearings are preferred. Another axle 466 is fixed to the opposite basket end plate 210 and is appropriately supported in the aperture 16 of the opposite frame end 14 and in the above-described manner. The axle 466 is used in the balancing of the laundry system 4 and will be discussed in more detail below.

The basket 134 includes a plurality of balancing mass storage compartment assemblies or fins 154 which are radially spaced on the basket sidewall 142 and extend inwardly therefrom toward but not to the first reference axis 138 as illustrated in Figure 3. Three fins 154 are used in the illustrated embodiment, although more could be used. One of the fins 154 is disposed at the "0" degree position, another of the fins 154 is disposed at the 120 degree position, and third of the fins 154 is disposed at the 240 degree position in the illustrated embodiment to provide an equidistant angular spacing about the first reference

axis 138. Rotation of the basket 134 during both the wash/rinse and dry cycles allows the fins 154 to move the load at least relative to the tub 42 to a degree which is desired. The fins 154 are also hollow such that mass may be directed therein, including in multiple and discrete locations of any particular fin 154. Mass may be added to the basket 134 via the fins 154 for balancing the basket 134 during an extraction cycle. Characteristics of the fins 154 which are directed toward this balancing feature are addressed in more detail below. Mass may also be directed through the fins 154 to cool down the laundry system 4 after a dry cycle and which will also be addressed in more detail below.

Effectively combining the wash/rinse, extraction, and dry cycles into the laundry system 4 is based in large part by the properties or characteristics of the basket 134. One characteristic of the basket 134 which is particularly relevant to performance enhancements of the laundry system 4 in the dry cycle is its low heat mass. Lowering the heat mass of the basket 134 reduces the time and energy required to heat the basket 134 up to a steady state temperature during the dry cycle. More of the energy is then more quickly "absorbed" by the liquid-bearing load within the basket 134 to begin the evaporative drying process. Contributions to the lowering of the heat mass of the basket 134 are made by the structure used for the basket end plates 210 in the illustrated embodiment (Figures 7 and 8A) . Each of the basket end plates 210 includes a central hub 214, perimeter ring 230, and interconnecting first members or spokes 222 which are radially spaced. Areas 234 of each basket end plate 210 bordered by a pair of adjacent spokes 222 and an interconnecting portion of the perimeter ring 230 have a reduced wall thickness than these border-defining members 222, 230 for the end plate sections 234.

Another important characteristic of the basket 134 is its high degree of porosity. Increasing the porosity of the basket sidewall 134 increases the fluid flow therethrough during the dry cycle (e.g., the flow of drying medium into and out of the basket 134). This, also assists in lowering the heat mass of the basket 134. Both of these features may be addressed by including a section 150 on the basket sidewall 142 which is located between each adjacent pair of fins 154, which includes a plurality of perforations 146, and which occupies the entirety of the space between adjacent fins 154. Each perforated section 150 has the following characteristics which relate to one or more of lowering the heat mass and increasing the porosity of the basket 134: 1) the open area (ratio of the surface area of the subject perforated section 150 which is defined by the plurality of perforations 146 to that

which is solid) is at least about 35%, and more preferably is at least about 50%; 2) the perforations 146 may be arranged in a hexagonal, closed pack configuration (Figure 8B) which is advantageous in that this pattern maximizes porosity, although other patterns/perforation shapes maybe appropriate (Figure 8C); and 3) is formed from materials such as Stainless steel, plastic, or any other appropriate material, with stainless steel currently being preferred.

Another way of quantifying by what is meant by a "low heat mass" in relation to the basket 134 is that the basket cools down quickly when exposed to a stream of ambient air.

Certain strength characteristics of the basket 134 in its current form are affected by the way in which the low heat mass and/or increased porosity is achieved for the basket 134 as described above. Each perforated section 150 may be characterized as being flimsy or pliable at least in one direction or in relation to their respective bending strengths. Application of a force of no more than about 10 pounds on the center of any perforated section 150 and in a direction of the first reference axis 138 will deflect the subject perforated section 150 in the direction of the first reference axis 138. Further features are incorporated in the construction of the basket 134 such that these perforated sections 150 will more appropriately respond to forces exerted on the basket sidewall 142 in generally the opposite direction, or as will be encountered with a load in the basket 134 and during an extraction cycle. Reinforcement of the basket sidewall 142 is provided by a plurality of reinforcement members 238 which are illustrated in Figure 8 A. The reinforcement members 238 are disposed circumferentially about and totally encircle the basket sidewall 142, and further are axially spaced along the basket sidewall 142 relative to the first reference axis 138. Preferably, at least about 5 reinforcement members 238 are used with a spacing between adjacent reinforcement members 238 being no more than about 6 inches, depending on the overall size of the basket 134. Increased tensionsal strength ofthe basket sidewall 142 is that which is principally provided by the reinforcement members 238. In this regard, the tensile strength ofthe reinforcement members 238 is at least about 1000 lbs.

Radially outwardly directed forces exerted on discrete locations of the basket sidewall 142 by the presence of a load within the rotating basket 134 are distributed about the entire circumference ofthe basket sidewall 142 by the reinforcement members 238 in the illustrated embodiment (the members 238 are put in tension when "pushed" on by the load). This

increases at least one strength characteristic of the basket 134 which is particularly applicable and used during the extraction cycle. An example of this is illustrated by a comparison of Figures 8D and 8E. Application of a load F ₁ of 10 pounds which is directed toward the first reference axis 138 and perpendicular thereto on any perforated section 150 and between any two reinforcement members 238 (i.e., a radially inwardly directed force per Figure 8D) will deflect the subject perforated section 150 a distance dμ Application of this same load F ₁ at the same location, but in a direction which is directed away from the first reference axis 138 and perpendicular thereto (i.e., a radially outwardly directed force per Figure 8E) will deflect the subject perforated section 150 a distance d ₂ which is less than the distance d ₁ . Stated another way, each perforated section 150 will deflect more radially inwardly than radially outwardly upon application of the same force to the subject perforated section 150, but in opposite directions. Inwardly directly "strength" is not an issue with the basket 134 - outwardly directed strength is. The reinforcement members 238 contribute to this "outwardly directed" strength. Access to the interior of the basket 134 is provided by abasket access door 248 which defines a portion of the basket sidewall 142 (Figure 8A), which also includes a plurality of the perforations 146 and is part of a perforated section 150, and which is movable relative to adjacent portions of the basket sidewall 142. The basket access door 248 slides arcuately along a pair of longitudinally spaced guide rails disposed on the basket end plates 210 (not shown), and further relative to adjacent portions of the basket sidewall 142 generally about first reference axis 138 to both open and close. Based upon the current configuration for the basket access door 248, each of the above-noted reinforcement members 238 are disposed over the door 248 as illustrated back in Figure 8A. As such, each of the reinforcement members 238 includes at least one coupling 240 (i.e., multiple couplings 240 for each reinforcement member 238 could be used by other designs for the members 238). Disengaging the reinforcement members 238 at their respective couplings 240 allows the basket access door 248 to be opened as described. In one embodiment, the reinforcement members 238 are cables which are separately formed from the basket sidewall 142 and are retained in position purely by a fictional interface between the members 238 and engaged portions of the basket sidewall 142. No mechanical or chemical bond exists between the reinforcement members 238 and the basket sidewall 142 in this case. However, such an interconnection could be utilized over at least a portion of the annular extent of the

reinforcement members 238 so long as it did not interfere with opening the basket access door 248 and/or accessing the interior of the basket 134 therethrough. Preferably the entirety of the aperture created when opening the access door 248 is available for transferring loads into and out of the basket 134. One embodiment of a coupling 240 is more specifically illustrated in Figures 9A-C.

A sidewall coupling member 242 is fixed to part of the basket sidewall 142 which is adjacent the access door 248 and has one end of its corresponding reinforcement member 238 appropriately attached thereto. A door coupling member 244 is fixed the basket access door 248 and has the opposite end of the subject reinforcement member 238 attached thereto. When properly aligned, a pin 248 appropriately interconnects the sidewall coupling member 242 with the door coupling member 244, and thereby provides a continuous reinforcement member 238.

Future development work may be directed to integrating the tub access door 110 and the basket access door 248 such that both will be opened by the same single action of the operator, such that the basket 134 will be positioned to align the basket access door 248 when access to the interior of the basket 134 is desired/required, or both. Future development work may also be directed to having the relevant reinforcement members 238 automatically decouple in some manner by or as a result of the opening of one or more of the tub access door 110 and the basket access door 248.

Rotational Drive Assembly 302/Main Control Unit 330

The basket 134 is rotated about the horizontally disposed first reference axis 138 throughout at least a substantial portion of any laundry cycle which may be run on the laundry system 4. Rotational motion is the only substantial movement between the basket 134 and the frame 6, as well as between the basket 134 and the tub 42 for that matter, which is allowed by the laundry system 4 (e.g., the basket 134 is not flexibly suspended from the tub 42 and/or frame 6 by a shock absorption system of the like as is the case with many prior art systems). A rotational drive assembly 302 is illustrated in Figures 1, 3, and 7, and is interconnected with the basket 134 to provide these rotational capabilities. The rotational drive assembly 302 includes a variable speed motor 302 which is appropriately interconnected with and supported by the frame 6. Rotary motion generated by the variable speed motor 302 is transmitted to the basket 134 through a drive pulley 314 which is fixed to

the shaft of the variable speed motor 306, a basket pulley 310 which is fixed to and rotatable with the basket 134, and an interconnecting drive belt 318 or the like. How the basket 134 is rotated by the rotational drive assembly 302 during a given laundry cycle is established by a main control unit 330 (Figure 1). The main control unit 330 is the central nervous system of sorts for the laundry system 4, and is operatively connected with the rotational drive assembly 302 to control the rotation of the basket 134. Other operative interconnections between the main control unit 330 and certain other components of the laundry system 4 exist to control their operation as well as will be discussed in more detail below.

Wash/Rinse Cycle Assembly 266

Wash/rinse cycles typically involve the rotation of the basket 134 within tub 42 while it has sufficient wash/rinse cycle fluids therein, and therefore the basket 134, tub 42, and rotational drive assembly 302 are all part of a wash/rinse cycle assembly 266. These wash/rinse cycle fluids are provided to the tub 42 by a laundry fluids handling system 960 which is schematically presented in Figure 10 and which is also part of the wash/rinse cycle assembly 266. All fluids used in any aspect of any laundry cycle which may be run on the system 4 come from the same laundry fluids supply 962 in the illustrated embodiment. In one embodiment the laundry fluids supply 962 is a pressurized fluid source such as common tap water or the like. Different fluids could be used for at least some of the different fluid- based, laundry-related functions to be described herein. However, using a common fluid is both preferred and advantageous.

Fluids from the laundry fluids supply 962 are directed to a main laundry fluids manifold 966 by a main fluid supply line 964 as illustrated in Figure 10. Three fluid passages are available through the manifold 966 which correspond with three particular fluid- based functions associated the laundry system 4. One of these fluid-based functions is for the execution of a wash/rinse cycle on the laundry system 4. In this regard, a wash/rinse fluids supply conduit or line 968 extends from the main laundry fluids manifold 966 to a tub access conduit or line 980. This tub access line 980 is fluidly interconnected with and extends downwardly from the main fluid access port 90 on the lower section 54 of the tub 42 (Figure 3). Control of the flow from the laundry fluids supply 962 to the tub access line 980 is provided by a wash/rinse cycle fluids valve 970. In one embodiment, this wash/rinse cycle fluids valve 970 is an isolation valve, and thereby either allows flow from the laundry fluids

supply 962 into the tub 42 or precludes such flow. Control of the position of the wash/rinse cycle fluids valve 970 is provided by an appropriate operative interface with the control unit 330 (e.g., the valve 970 may be a solenoid-type).

The main control unit 330 will send an appropriate signal for the opening of the wash/rinse fluid valve 970, and will also signal for the closing of a drain valve 982, at the start of a wash/rinse cycle being run on the laundry system 4. The drain valve 982 is disposed on a lower portion of the tub access line 980. Closing the drain valve 982 precludes fluids from exiting the tub 42 through the main fluid access port 90 and flowing into a drain line 984 positioned on the downstream side of the drain valve 982. Wash/rinse cycle fluids may thereafter be provided to the tub 42 in the above-described manner. These fluids could also be directed through a detergent reservoir (not shown). Multiple locations could also be used for the introduction of wash/rinse cycle fluids into the tub 42, such as through the main fluid access port 90 and a more upwardly (elevation-wise) disposed location on the tub 42 (not shown). In generally any type of wash/rinse cycle, the basket 134 is rotated about the horizontal first reference axis 138 by the rotational drive assembly 302 and as controlled by the main control unit 330. Rotation of the basket 134 relative to the tub 42 "agitates" the load within the wash/rinse cycle fluids which are retained within the tub 42 at this time. Various changes in the rotational direction of the basket 134 may be employed during the wash cycle, rinse cycle, or both. Wash cycle fluids are discharged from the tub 42 at the end of the wash cycle by opening the drain valve 884 and directing the same into the drain line 984, as are the rinse cycle fluids. In some cases this required flow does not happen at all or does not happen at the required rate. Valve failures, computer failures, blockages, and the like can lead to overflow conditions within the laundry system 4. Overflow conditions are addressed by an overflow/evacuation assembly 642.

Referring to Figures 1 -3, and 10-12, the overflow/evacuation assembly 642 includes an overflow line 646 which extends from the overflow/evacuation port 102 on the tub 42, and directs overflow therefrom into the drain line 984 at a location which bypasses the drain valve 982 (i.e., downstream of the valve 982). A first end 650 of the overflow line 646 interfaces with the overflow/evacuation port 102 on the tub 42, while a second end 654 of the overflow line 646 interfaces with the drain line 984. During a normal wash/rinse cycle, there is at least substantially no flow from the tub 42 through the overflow line 646 and into the

drain line 984 via a multi-function valve assembly 664 of the overflow/evacuation assembly 642. The multi-function valve assembly 664 includes a sealing member 666 which is movably disposed within the overflow line 646 and which assumes the position illustrated in Figure 11 during normal wash/rinse cycles. Engagement of the sealing member 666 against a sealing area 670 of the multi-function valve assembly 664 formed within the overflow line 646 sufficiently seals the overflow line 646 from the tub 42 during both normal wash/rinse and dry cycles. Although this type of seal is not particularly relevant or even required for the wash/rinse cycle for that matter, it is for the dry cycle where it at least substantially precludes vapor losses through the overflow line 646. Therefore, the sealing area 670 will hereafter be referred to as the "dry cycle sealing area 670."

Biasing forces are exerted on the sealing member 666 to retain it in the position illustrated in Figure 11 for both normal wash/rinse and dry cycles. Gravity provides the biasing forces in this case. Sloping or angling a floor or base 648 of a first overflow line section 647 of the overflow/evacuation line 646 downwardly toward the dry cycle sealing area 670 generates sufficient gravitational forces to move the sealing member 666 into engagement with the sealing area 670 at the described times. Other ways of biasing the sealing member 666 into this position could be utilized, such as mechanical actuation. However, the gravitational forces used by the illustrated embodiment are an effective way to move the sealing member 666 to the dry cycle sealing area 670 while avoiding the complexities that would be required by many if not all mechanical biasing systems.

Overflow conditions which develop within the tub 42 overcome the biasing forces being exerted on the sealing member 666. Any increase in the amount of wash/rinse cycle fluids within the tub 42 to the level of the overflow/evacuation port 102 on the tub 42 will introduce these fluids into the overflow line 646. Fluid pressure from these rising wash/rinse cycle fluids acts on and is able to move the movable sealing member 666. Sufficient fluid pressure will move the sealing member 666 from the position illustrated in Figure 11 to the position illustrated in Figure 12. Figure 12 illustrates an overflow recess 678 of the multifunction valve assembly 664 which is formed within the overflow line 646 for receipt of the sealing member 666 during an overflow condition. The size of the overflow conduit 646 at the overflow recess 678 is greater than the size of the dry cycle sealing area 670, as well as the size of the sealing member 666. As such, overflowing wash/rinse cycle fluids may advance past the sealing member 666 within the overflow line 646 and to the drain line 984

downstream of the drain valve 982 when the member 666 is retained in the Figure 12 position by the flow of fluids thereby.

Extraction Cycle Assembly 418 Extraction cycles involve the rotation of the basket 134 within tub 42 typically with no wash/rinse cycle fluids therein other than what is retained within the load. Therefore, the basket 134, tub 42, and rotational drive assembly 302 are all part of an extraction assembly 418 associated with the laundry system 4 as well. High rotational speeds are used to generate correspondingly high centrifugal forces to mechanically extract liquids from the load within the basket 134 which may then be discharged from the tub 42 through the main fluid access port 90 and directed into the drain line 984. Imbalances within the basket 134 during an extraction cycle can generate rather significant vibrations. The laundry system 4 addresses imbalances of this type through a rotational balancing assembly 422 of the extraction cycle assembly 418. Uneven distributions of the load within the basket 134 are the typical culprit for imbalance conditions which exist during an extraction cycle. The presence of a load imbalance within the basket 134 causes a rotational imbalance for the basket 134. Rotational imbalances cause the basket 134 to attempt to move other than in a pure rotational manner. Recall that the only movement allowed between the frame 6 and the basket 134 is rotation about the first reference axis 138. Any other type of movement attempted by the basket 134 due to a load imbalance is thereby resisted by the frame 6, and causes a corresponding force to be exerted on both frame ends 14.

How forces are exerted on the frame 6 during a laundry cycle may be monitored to both identify and address an imbalance condition. Generally, the frame 6 is intentionally allowed to move through a limited range by the laundry system 4 when exposed to forces associated with an imbalance. This movement of the frame 6 may be monitored and used to address the imbalance through the rotational balancing assembly 422. In this regard, a pair of longitudinally spaced cantilevers 22 are interconnected with the frame base 10 on the same side of the first reference axis 138, but on opposite ends of the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 as illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 13A-D. One end of each cantilever 22 is appropriately fixed to the frame base 10 in proximity to one of the frame ends 14, and their respective opposite and free ends are disposed at a more inward location of the laundry

system 4 (e.g., disposed more in the direction of the first reference axis 138). Mounted between the free and fixed ends of each cantilever 22 is one of the above-noted support feet 32. These support feet 32 interface with their respective cantilevers 22 again so as to dispose the frame 6 above the supporting surface 2. Threadably interconnecting the support foot 32 with its respective cantilever 22 also again may be utilized to provide height adjustment capabilities. Figures 13A-C illustrate how the support feet 32 may be threadably interconnected with their respective cantilever 22 for movement of the adj acent portion of the frame 6 to a desired position, and then locked in this position through nuts 27 and washers 28. Appropriately interfacing the support feet 32 with their respective cantilevers 22 allows the frame 6 to be cantilevered from each of the support feet 32, and thereby at two discrete locations. Forces exerted on the frame 6 due to an imbalance condition cause the frame 6 to move relative to the support feet 32 based upon their cantilevered interconnection.

Movement of the frame 6 relative to the support feet 32 by a flexing of the cantilevers 22 of sorts is monitored by a pair of vibration sensors 494. Each cantilever 22 has one of these vibration sensors 494 disposed between its corresponding support foot 32 and where the subject cantilever 22 attaches to the frame base 10. Notches 26 may be placed on the cantilevers 22 to focus the strain or to introduce a stress concentration. Slots 24 may also be provided for adjusting the gain of the sensor 494. hi any case, the pair of vibration sensors 494 are thereby spaced longitudinally relative to the first reference axis 138, are disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 through their respective interfaces with the two cantilevers 22, and are disposed substantially adjacent to the frame ends 14. Appropriate types of vibration sensors 494 include strain gauges, load cells, and accelerometers, with strain gauges currently being preferred. Regardless of the type used for the detector 494, movement of the cantilevers 22 by movement of the frame 6 relative to the support feet 32 "generates" a "signal" which many the read/generated by the vibration detectors 494. In the case of a strain gauge, the changes in the strain within a given cantilever 22 through its movement is monitored by its corresponding vibration detector 494, which in turn generates an electrical signal which is reflective of the changing strain conditions within the cantilever 22. Readout circuitry 498 may be located at the vibration sensors 494 (Figure 13D), at the main control unit 330, or other appropriate locations.

Signals from each of the vibration sensors 494 are monitored and used to identify when an imbalance condition should be addressed. Again, this will typically be when the

basket 134 is rotating at relatively high speeds for mechanically extracting liquids from the load within the basket 134. These signals are also used to determine how the imbalance condition should be addressed. Imbalance conditions may be addressed by the laundry system 4 through the addition of balancing mass to the basket 134 during the extraction cycle.

The rotational balancing assembly 422 includes the above-noted plurality of balancing mass storage compartment assemblies or fins 154 which are interconnected and rotate with the basket 134 (Figure 3). These fins 154 are hollow and define at least two at least substantially enclosed spaces which have their respective centers of mass longitudinally spaced such that at least two are oppositely disposed relative to the longitudinal midpoint 36.

Balancing mass may then be added to the basket 134 so to act on at least two discrete longitudinal locations on the basket 134 at certain predetermined radial locations (where the particular fins 154 are located). One way of achieving this configuration for the fins 154 is illustrated in Figures 14-18. Identical configurations are used for each of the fins 154, although multiple configurations for the fins 154 could be used if desired. Each fin 154 includes a first portion or inward extension 200 which extends inwardly from the basket sidewall 142 at least generally toward the first reference axis 138. This inward extension 200 is preferably formed from non-perforated materials. Generally cup-shaped configurations are also preferred with the open portion or concavity of the subject inward extension 200 projecting at least generally away from the first reference axis 138 (Figure 18). Closing off this "open portion" of the inward extension 200 is a back plate assembly 202 of the fin 154. The back plate assembly 202 of a given fin 154 includes a back plate 206 which generally follows and continues with the contour of the basket sidewall 142 (the back plate 206 may be thought of as part of the basket sidewall 142 and may be arcuately-shaped). Non-perforated materials are preferred for the back plate 206. Appropriate interconnections are made between the back plate 206 and the adjacent portions of the basket sidewall 142 which are a pair of the perforated sections 150 (e.g., welding).

Opposing ends of the fins 154 are sealed or closed off by a pair of longitudinally spaced fin ends 158 of the fin back plate assembly 202. These find ends 158 extend at least generally radially inwardly toward the first reference axis 138 from their corresponding fin back plate 206. Integral constructions are contemplated for the back plate 206 and the pair of

opposed fin ends 158 (i.e., no joint therebetween), as well as separately attaching the fin ends 158 to their corresponding back plate 206 to define ajoint (e.g., welding). These ends 158 are nonetheless interconnected with the ends of the inward extensions 200 (e.g., welding) so as to provide an appropriate seal therebetween. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment the basket end plates 210 are notched for receipt of the fin ends 158. Appropriate interconnections are also then made the fin ends 158 and their corresponding basket end plate 210 to establish ajoint therebetween.

The space between the back plate 206 and its corresponding inward extension 200 and fin ends 158 provides the hollow space for the receipt of mass within the fins 154. Positioning balancing mass within the fins 154 puts balancing mass "on" the basket 134 since the fins 154 are part of the basket 134 and rotate therewith. Balancing mass is discharged from the fin 154 by reducing the rotational speed of the basket 134 to a level where the balancing mass is not being retained against the back plate 206 by centrifugal force, and further by sloping the radially inwardmost part of the fins 154 toward the basket ends 210 progressing away from the longitudinal midpoint 36. One gutter 186 is disposed on each end of the subject fin 154 and is appropriately interconnected therewith (e.g., welding). Each gutter 186 is generally triangular-shaped with a gutter bottom wall 190 which interconnects a pair of spaced gutter sidewalls 188. The gutters 186 are "open" to the interior of their corresponding fin 154 to interface with the mass provided therein, and extend beyond their corresponding basket end plate 210 to discharge the balancing mass into the space between the tub 42 and basket 134 at the described time. Discharged mass from the fins 154 thereby does not contact the load within the basket 134.

Balancing mass is added to the fins 154 on the basket 134 in a manner so as to theoretically not introduce any moments into the laundry system 4. Recall that the plurality of fins 154 are radially spaced on the basket sidewall 142 about the first reference axis 138. At least three fins 154 are required to adequately address each location where an imbalance may exist within the basket 134. Equal radial spacings are preferred for the fins 154 (at 0, 120, and 240 degrees when 3 are used), with a perforated section 150 being disposed between. Preferably, the maximum radial or angular distance between adjacent fins 154 is about 120 degrees. The fins 154 also extend longitudinally or axially in at least substantially parallel relation with the first reference axis 138 for at least substantially the entire length of the basket 134 between its two longitudinally spaced basket end plates or ends 210 and as

measured along the first reference axis 138. Preferably, the fins 154 do not extend beyond the basket end plates 210. All portions of the fins 154 are disposed radially outwardly along a reference ray which extends perpendicularly outwardly from the first reference axis 138 at a location of a portion of the basket 134 which may contain a load. Multiple balancing mass storage compartments 170 exist within each fin 154 between its two extreme fin ends 158. At least one balancing mass storage compartment 170a of a given fin 154 has its center of mass disposed between the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 and one of the frame ends 14 (fins 154 _1-3 include compartments 17Oa _1-3 , respectively, in the illustrated embodiment), while at least one other balancing mass storage compartment 170b of the same fin 154 has its center of mass disposed between the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 and the opposite frame end 14 (fins 154 _1-3 include compartments 17Ob _1-3 , respectively, in the illustrated embodiment as well). Adjacent balancing mass storage compartments 170 within a fin 154 are separated and defined at least in part by a fin partition 162 of the fin back plate assembly 202. The number of fin partitions 162 which are used per fin 154 will be one less than the number of balancing mass storage compartments 170 being used per fin 154. One fin partition 162 is used in each of the fins 154 in the illustrated embodiment to define two balancing mass storage compartments 170 per fin 154. The fin partitions 162 are disposed between the two fin ends 158 of their corresponding fin 154 at substantially the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4. As such, the longitudinal extent of each compartment 170 is from one of the fin ends 158 to the fin partition 162, and further the compartments 170 are of at least substantially equal size. The partitions 162 extend radially inwardly from the corresponding back plate 206 of the subj ect fin 154 at least generally toward the first reference axis 138. Abutting engagements are preferred between the fin partitions 162 and their respective inward extension 200. Each fin partition 162 includes a partition hole or aperture 166 such that mass may be provided for all compartments 170 from a single end of the basket 134 as will be discussed in more detail below.

Preferred balancing masses which are provided to the various balancing mass storage compartments 170 of the fins 154 are in liquid form so that the laundry system 4 may use a single laundry fluids supply 962 (e.g., tap water). It may then be correspondingly desirable to include a liner 192 in each balancing mass storage compartment 170 to seal the compartments 170 to at least some degree (i.e., so as to not lose balancing mass during

extraction). Referring to Figure 16, generally cup-shaped configurations are used for the liners 192. In this regard, each liner 192 includes a liner base 194 which interfaces with the fin back plate 206 in the subject balancing mass storage compartment 170. Extending from this liner base 194 radially inwardly at least generally toward the first reference axis 138 is a pair of spaced liner sidewalls 198 which interface with and extend along at least a portion of the corresponding inward extension 200 of the fin 154. Orienting the liners 192 in this manner substantially provides a seal in the direction in which the balancing mass is directed by the centrifugal forces during the extraction cycle. Similar lining material could also be incorporated on those surfaces of the balancing mass storage compartments 170 which are defined by the fin ends 158 and/or the fin partitions 162 (not shown).

Integral construction of the plurality of inward extensions 200 and perforated sections 150 of the basket 134 is contemplated and currently preferred since it is believed to add strength to the basket 134. Separately forming the fins 154 and basket 134 could be used without adversely affecting some aspects of the present invention. Now refer to Figure 17 which illustrates a single sheet of stock 254 which has a plurality of spaced perforated regions 256 which are each separated by a solid region 258 (no holes or apertures). Appropriate contouring operations (e.g., bending, stamping) maybe executed on the single sheet of stock 254 at each these solid regions 258. One inward extension 200 is defined by these operations from one of the solid regions 258 of the stock 254. Rolling operations on the stock 254 between its two ends 260 thereafter defines the desired cylindrical configuration for the basket sidewall 142. Leaving the ends 260 of the stock 254 in spaced relation allows for mounting of the basket access door 248. Therefore, the plurality of radially spaced extensions 200 for the fins 154 of the basket 134 are defined from the solid regions 258 of the single piece of stock 254, and the plurality of radially spaced perforated sections 150 for the basket 134 are defined from the perforated regions 256 of the stock 254. The back plate assemblies 202 may then be installed in the above-noted manner.

The profile of the inward extensions 200 of the fins 154 provides for desirable action of the load within the basket 134 during a laundry cycle, without substantially adversely affecting the space within the basket 134 which is available for a laundry load (e.g., the fins 154 do not extend "too far" into the interior of the basket 134), and further without significantly adversely impacting the desired porosity of the basket sidewall 142 (e.g., the "width" or angular extent of fins 154 is not "too much"). Referring to Figure 18, each inward

extension 200 includes a fin base 174 which is the radially inwardmost part of its inward extension 200 relative to the first reference axis 138. The fin bases 174 are at least substantially planar and disposed at least substantially perpendicular to a reference ray extending perpendicularly outwardly from the first reference axis 138. The fin bases 174 extend from the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 toward the basket ends 210 in non-parallel relation with the first reference axis 138 by progressively moving closer to the axis 138. Sloping the fin bases 174 in this manner, which again is the radially inwardmost part of the fins 154, allows balancing mass to be removed from the compartments 170 at the basket ends 210 when the rotational speed of the basket 134 is reduced to a level at which balancing mass within the compartments 170 is not retained against the fin back plates 206 of the fins 154.

Extending toward the basket sidewall 142 from each of the fin bases 174 is a pair of spaced fin first side sections 178 which are disposed in a symmetrical, mirror image orientation. One fin second side section 182 extends from one of the fin first side sections 178 and to the basket sidewall 142. Another fin second side section 182 extends from the other end of the fin first side sections 178 and to the basket sidewall 142 as well. As such, there are a pair of fin second side sections 182 for each fin 154 which are laterally spaced and which are disposed in a symmetrical, mirror image orientation.

The above-noted configuration of the inward extensions 200 for the fins 154 defines a footprint 176 which is measured along an arc centered at the first reference axis 138 and which defines part of the circumference of the basket sidewall 142. The footprint 176 of each of the fins 154 (or the width of the fin back plate 206) is smaller than it would be if a simple triangular-shaped configuration were used for the fins 154 (not shown). That is, the footprint 176 defined by the spacing between the fin second side sections 182 at the basket sidewall 142 is smaller than it would be if the fin first side sections 178 were extended to intersect with the basket sidewall 142 and which would define the noted triangular-shaped profile. Reducing the size of the footprint 176 of each fin 154 increases the overall size of the area of the basket sidewall 142 which is available for perforations 146 as there are none in any of the fins 154 for discharging fluids extracted from a load contained within the basket 134 as noted. Therefore, the fins 154 do not significantly adversely impact the effectiveness of the basket 134 during dry cycle operations where it is desirable to maximize the flow of

the drying medium through the basket sidewall 142, and which is realized by its high porosity.

Reductions in the amount of space occupied by the fins 154 within the interior of the basket 134 are also realized by the above-noted configuration of their inward extensions 200, all while maintaining an adequate lifting action on the load within the basket 134 through rotation of the basket 134 during various aspects of the laundry cycle. Achieving a reduced fin height 172 (measured along a reference ray which extends perpendicular to the first reference axis 138) is realized through effectively truncating the fins 154 with the corresponding fin base 174. Truncation by the fin bases 174 may be contrasted to, for instance, using a simple triangular configuration for the profile of the fins 154 (not shown).

Mass provided to the various balancing mass storage compartments 170 of the rotational balancing assembly 422 comes from the laundry fluids handling system 960 in the illustrated embodiment. Referring back to Figure 10, fluid from the laundry fluids supply

962 flows into the main laundry fluids manifold 966. Another of the fluid passages available through the main laundry fluids manifold 966 is for providing balancing mass for the rotational balancing assembly 422. Therefore, the same material that is used in the wash/rinse cycle is also used for balancing the basket 134 during the extraction cycle which again is preferred. Separate sources could be used in relation to certain other aspects of the present invention without adversely affecting the same. A balancing mass supply conduit or line 972 extends from the main laundry fluids manifold 966 to the rotational balancing assembly 422 which is associated with the laundry system 4 and which is only generally identified in Figure 10. Control of the flow from the laundry fluids supply 962 to the rotational balancing assembly 422 is provided by both a balancing mass isolation valve 974a and a balancing mass throttle valve 974b. Opening and closing of the balancing mass isolation valve 974a determines whether or not balancing mass is provided at all to the rotational balancing assembly 422. Adjusting the position of the balancing mass throttle valve 974b affects the rate at which balancing mass is provided to the rotational balancing assembly 422. Control of both the balancing mass isolation valve 974a and the throttle valve 974b is established by an appropriate operative interface with the main control unit 330 (e.g., valves 974a, 974b may be solenoid-actuated).

Flow through the balancing mass supply line 972 is directed into a balancing mass delivery system 426 of the rotational balancing assembly 422 which is illustrated in Figures

19-25. The balancing mass delivery system 426 includes a diverter 438. Multiple flowpaths are provided within the diverter 438 so as to allow balancing mass to be directed to each of the balancing mass storage compartments 170 of the fins 154 on the basket 134. The balancing mass supply line 972 interfaces with an inlet port 458 on the diverter 438 which in turn directs the balancing mass into a main feed line or passageway 446 within the diverter 438. AU flow to the various balancing mass storage compartments 170 from the diverter 438 is initiated within this manifold-like main feed line 446. A plurality of compartment first feed lines or passageways 450 intersect with the main feed line 446 and are fluidly interconnected with the balancing mass storage compartments 170 through other structure of the rotational balancing assembly 422. Each balancing mass storage compartment 170hasat least one compartment first feed line 450 associated therewith. Only one compartment first feed line 450 per balancing mass storage compartment 170 exists in the illustrated embodiment. Balancing mass within the main feed line 446 is allowed to flow into the compartment first feed lines 450 at selected times determined by the rotational balancing assembly 422.

Regulation of the balancing mass flow from the main feed line 446 of the diverter 438 into its individual compartment first feed lines 450 is provided by a plurality of flow controllers or plugs 454. One flow controller 454 is provided for each of the compartment first feed lines 450 to individually control the flow from the main feed line 446 into the associated compartment first feed line 450. These flow controllers 454 are movably disposed in their own flow controller passageway 462 within the diverter 438. Fluid interconnection between the main feed line 446 and the individual compartment first feed lines 450 is provided by having the associated flow controller passageways 462 extend within the diverter 438 so as to intersect with each of the main feed line 446 and its corresponding compartment first feed line 450. Movement of the flow controller 454 within its flow controller passageway 462 provides a substantially on/off flow situation through the subject compartment first feed line 450. Flow may be at least substantially blocked by having the flow controller 454 disposed either in the path of the main feed line 446, its associated compartment first feed line 450, or both. Moving the flow controller 454 out of this "blocking" position allows balancing mass from the main feed line 446 to flow into the subject compartment first feed line 450. Solenoids 452 maybe interconnected with the flow controllers 454 to provide these types of movements. Balancing mass maybe provided to the

relevant balancing mass storage compartments 170 simultaneously or sequentially (one at a time). One way to simultaneously provide balancing mass is to sequentially open the flow controllers 454 such that the flow of balancing mass maybe terminated to each compartment 170 at the same time through closure of the balancing mass isolation valve 974a, and yet such that each compartment 170 will have received the appropriate amount of balancing mass. That is, the compartment 170 which needs the most balancing mass is the first to start receiving the flow of balancing mass, followed by the compartment 170 which needs the next-to-most amount of balancing mass, and so forth. Li the illustrated embodiment, the flow controllers 454 are unable to close under pressure to terminate flow, so that closure of the balancing mass isolation valve 974a is required to terminate the flow of balancing mass to the balancing mass storage compartments 170.

Each compartment first feed line 450 extends through the diverter 438 and intersects with an axle aperture 442 formed therein. Axial spacing of the compartment first feed lines 450 along the longitudinal extent of the axle aperture 442 is used to define which compartment first feed line 450 is associated with which balancing mass storage compartment 170. All compartment first feed lines 450 disposed at one axial location on the axle aperture 442 are associated with one of the balancing mass storage compartments 170 in the illustrated embodiment, all compartment first feed lines 450 at another axial location on the axle aperture 442 are associated with a different balancing mass storage compartment 170 in the illustrated embodiment, and so forth. Only one compartment first feed line 450 is used per balancing mass storage compartment 170 in the illustrated embodiment as noted, such that there is only one compartment first feed line 450 at each axial location on the surface defining the axle aperture 442 of the diverter 48. Multiple compartment first feed lines 450 could be disposed at one axial location within the axle aperture 442 for a given balancing mass storage compartment 170, or disposed at more than one axial location (not shown).

The diverter 438 is mounted on the end of the axle 466 of the rotational balancing assembly 422. The axle 466 is again fixed to the basket 134 to rotatably interconnect the basket 134 with the frame 6. Certain movements of the diverter 438 relative to be axle 466 are allowed by flexibly interconnecting the diverter 438 with the frame 6. hi the illustrated embodiment the diverter 438 effectively "floats" on the end of the axle 466.

The end section of the axle 466 rotates inside the diverter 438 as the basket 134 spins. It is important to maintain adequate sealing between the different fluid paths through the

diverter 438 so that balancing fluid is directed only to the desired balancing mass storage compartment 170 and not leak through the seals in the diverter 438 to other balancing mass storage compartments 170. The assembly that includes the basket 134 is somewhat large and it may be impractical to fabricate it such that the axis of rotation of the basket 134 would be perfectly in line with the centerline of the axles 466. Any misaligment generates runout, meaning that the end of the axle 466 extending beyond the support bearing is not stationary with the axis of rotation but rather circumscribes a circular path as it spins. If the diverter 438 were rigidly mounted to the frame 6, the critical spacing between the diverter 438 and the axle 466 necessary for proper sealing would not be maintained. With the diverter 438 floating on the end of the axle 466, issues of runout do not effect the integrity of the seals. It is important that the means for preventing the diverter 438 from spinning with the axles 466 also "float" so that the seals are not compromised.

A shaft 468 of the balancing mass axle 466 extends within the axle aperture 442 of the diverter 438 and includes a plurality of axially spaced and circumferentially extending compartment feed grooves 470 which encircle its outer surface. Axial spacing of the compartment feed grooves 470 along the shaft 468 of the balancing mass axle 466 is used to define which compartment feed groove 470 is associated with which balancing mass storage compartment 170. All compartment feed grooves 470 disposed at one axial location on the shaft 468 of the balancing mass axle 466 are associated with one of the balancing mass storage compartments 170, all compartment feed grooves 470 at another axial location on the shaft 468 are associated with a different balancing mass storage compartment 170, and so forth. Only one compartment feed groove 470 is used per balancing mass storage compartment 170 in the illustrated embodiment, such that there is only one compartment feed groove 470 at each axial location on the outer surface of the shaft 468. Multiple compartment feed grooves 470 could be disposed at one axial location on the diverter shaft 468 for a given balancing mass storage compartment 170, or disposed at more than one axial location (not shown). In any case, o-rings may be disposed about the shaft 468 of the balancing mass axle 466 to provide an appropriate seal between adjacent compartment feed grooves 470 (not shown). Each compartment feed groove 470 on the shaft 468 of the balancing mass axle 466 has at least one compartment second feed line or passageway 474 fluidly interconnected therewith. Only one compartment second feed line 474 is provided per balancing mass

storage compartment 170 in the illustrated embodiment, although more could be implemented. These compartment second feed lines 474 extend through the balancing mass axle 466 to a mounting face 478 of the balancing mass axle 466. The mounting face 478 includes a plurality of mounts 486 such that the balancing mass axle 466 may be detachably interconnected with a basket adapter 294 (e.g., through threaded fasteners), which in turn is fixed to one of the basket end plates 210 of the basket 134. A face 296 of the basket adapter 294 includes a plurality of compartment third feed lines or passageways 298 which are aligned with the compartment second feed lines 474 on the face 478 of the balancing mass axle 466. These compartment third feed lines 298 extend within the basket adapter 294 and then out to its perimeter 300.

Fluid interconnection between the basket adapter 294 and the balancing mass storage compartments 170 of the various fins 154 is provided by a plurality of compartment balancing mass supply conduits or lines 490 of the balancing mass delivery system 426. One compartment balancing mass supply line 490 is provided per balancing mass storage compartment 170 in the illustrated embodiment. More could be utilized as well (not shown). AU compartment balancing mass supply lines 490 which are associated with a particular fin 154 extend radially outwardly away from the basket adapter 294 in the same general direction and in the same general area. These supply lines 490 more specifically interface with a particular compartment third feed line 298 on the perimeter 300 of the basket adapter 294 and extend into the corresponding fin 154. Flow is directed into all balancing mass storage compartments 170 of a given fin 154 from the same end of the fin 154. One of the compartment balancing mass supply lines 490 will discharge into a specific balancing mass storage compartment 170 within the subject fin 154, while the other line 490 will pass through the fin partition 162 into the other balancing mass storage compartment 170. Since these compartment balancing mass supply lines 490 rotate with the basket 134, and do so at high rotational speeds during the extraction cycle, the compartment balancing mass supply lines 490 are recessed on the spokes 222 of the subject basket end plates 210 such that the lines 490 may be at least seated to a degree therein.

Structure of the rotational balancing assembly 422 which is used to identify when an imbalance condition exists has thus far been addressed (i.e., the vibration sensors 494 and the various features/characteristics associated therewith). So too has the general concept of how these imbalance conditions are addressed, namely by the addition of balancing mass to the

basket 134 (i.e., the fins 154 and their balancing mass storage compartments 170, along with the balancing mass delivery system 426). What has not yet been addressed is how determinations are made by the rotational balancing assembly 422 regarding where and how much balancing mass should be added to which balancing mass storage compartment(s) 170. Discussion of these types of issues is reserved for the "Laundry Cycle Operations" section presented below.

Dry Cycle Assembly 546

Sufficient extraction of liquids from the load within the basket 134 (with or without balancing) may be followed by a dry cycle which is executed with a dry cycle assembly 546 of the laundry system 4. AU dry cycle operations are executed within the confines of the tub 42, the liquid-bearing load is contained within the basket 134, and the basket 134 is rotated by the rotational drive assembly 302 during at least part of, and typically throughout the entirety of, the dry cycle. Therefore, the basket 134, tub 42, and rotational drive assembly 302 are all part of the dry cycle assembly 546 as well. Liquids are evaporated from the load within the basket 134 by the dry cycle assembly 546 during the dry cycle to generate vapors within the tub 42. At least a substantial portion of these vapors are condensed entirely within the confines of the tub 42 by the dry cycle assembly 546 as well. No moisture-laden air is intentionally discharged to the environment in which the laundry system 4 is used. Therefore, this particular type of dry cycle will hereafter be referred to as being "dehumidifying."

Evaporation of liquids from the load within the basket 134 during the dehumidifying dry cycle is provided by an evaporating assembly 550 which is part of the dry cycle assembly 546. Referring to Figures 1-3 and 26-28, the evaporating assembly 550 includes a plurality of heaters 554. Appropriate types of heaters 554 include electrical, gas, heating oil, steam, or direct fire hot plate, with electrical being preferred in some applications because it is consistent with not needing an external vent. A heat shield (not shown) may be disposed between an inner wall 46 of the tub 42 and the plurality of heaters 554 to protect the inner wall 46 of the tub 42 and/or to direct heat by the heaters 554 into the interior of the tub 42 and thereby toward the load-containing basket 134. Each heater 554 is generally U-shaped, is disposed in an at least generally horizontal orientation within the tub 42 (e.g., ± 10 degrees of horizontal), and is mounted within the tub 42 via heater holes 76 which extend through the

tub end walls 118. Adjacent heaters 554 have their respective u-shaped ends 556 project toward opposite endwalls 118 of the tub 42.

The heaters 554 of the evaporating assembly 550 are disposed within a heater recess 66 formed on an inner wall 46 of the tub 42 which is illustrated in Figures 26-27. Recessing the inner wall 46 disposes the portion of the inner wall 46 which defines the heater recess 66 further from the first reference axis 138 than other adjacent portions of the inner wall 46. This is advantageous in that this reduces the heaters large impedance to the airflow.

The plurality of heaters 554 of the evaporating assembly 550 are operatively interfaced with the main control unit 330. A number of options exist for how the main control unit 330 maybe set up to control these heaters 554. Each individual heater 554 could be separately controlled through the main control unit 330. Commonly grouped heaters 554 (e.g., abank of heaters 554) could be set up to be controlled by a single signal from the main control unit 330 (i.e., all of the heaters 554 of a given bank would respond to a single signal from the main control unit 330). Finally, all of the heaters 554 could simultaneously respond to a single signal from the main control unit 330. The heaters 554 could be operated as aunit to either provide a controlled amount of heat input into the dryer (power management) or controlled to maintain a certain desired temperature inside the dryer (temperature control). One way to control the heaters 554 could be to power cycle them according to a given duty cycle. Heat generated by the heaters 554 of the evaporating assembly 550 evaporates liquid from the load in the basket 134 for a given dehumidifying dry cycle. Other cycles have use for these same heating capabilities. Energy from operation of the heaters 554 may be used by the laundry system 4 to heat fluids for the wash/rinse cycle after these wash/rinse cycle fluids have been provided to the tub 42 in the above-described manner. Operating the heaters 554 in this manner eliminates the need for the laundry system 4 to be hooked up to a water supply with both hot and cold water capabilities. At least some of the heaters 554 also may be activated during at least part of the extraction cycle. Not only does heating the interior of the tub 42 possibly facilitate the extraction of fluids from the load within the basket 134 by centrifugal force, but it reduces the amount of time required for the dehumidifying dry cycle to start once the extraction cycle ends and when condensate begins to be discharged from the tub 42 during the dry cycle. That is, the heaters 554 may be used to preheat the laundry system 4 for a dehumidifying dry cycle, and this preheating may be initiated during the

extraction cycle. Preferably, the temperature within the tub 42 is controlled to prevent damage to the dryer or the linen.

Vapors generated during the dehumidifying dry cycle are intended to be condensed entirely within the confines of the tub 42. At least some of the these vapors are transported for condensation through the space between the basket sidewall 142 and the tub 42 which is "downstream" of the heaters 554 or the vapor transport region 564. "Downstream" means in the direction of rotation of the basket 134 in this case, which is in the direction of the arrow B in Figure 26. Located "downstream" of the vapor transport region 564 is that part of the dry cycle assembly 546 which condenses these vapors. One embodiment of an appropriate structure for condensing vapors within the tub 42 is illustrated in Figure 26 and Figures 29-30 and is in the form of a condensing assembly 566. The condensing assembly 566 includes two or more cooling coil banks 570 (two being illustrated in Figures 29-30). Each of these cooling coil banks 570 are disposed in the space between the tub 42 and the basket 134 within a cooling coil recess 70 which is formed in the inner wall 46 of the tub 42 and which is illustrated in Figures 26-27. What is effectively an opposing relationship exists between the heater recess 66 and the cooling coil recess 70 in that they are disposed on opposite sides of the first reference axis 138. They are also separated by a relatively large angular distance in the direction of the rotation of the basket 134 which is identified as a separation angle 562 in Figure 26. Each of the cooling coil banks 570 includes a continuous cooling coil 574 through which cooling medium flows such that the cooling medium is isolated from both the vapors and the condensate which exist within the tub 42 during a dehumidifying dry cycle. The laundry fluids handling system 960 makes this flow of cooling medium available to the cooling coil banks 570.

Fluid from the laundry fluids supply 962 (e.g., tap water) is directed through the main fluid supply line 964 and into the main laundry fluids manifold 966 again as illustrated back in Figure 10. There this flow is directed into a cooling medium supply line 976 which extends from the main laundry fluids manifold 966 to that portion of the dry cycle assembly 546 which provides the condensing function, or in the current case the condensing assembly 566. Flow to the condensing assembly 546 through the cooling medium supply line 976 is controlled by a main cooling medium supply valve 978. Operatively interfacing the main cooling medium supply valve 978 with the main control unit 330 allows the main control unit 330 to control the position of the main cooling medium supply valve 978. In one

embodiment, the main cooling medium supply valve 978 is for isolating the laundry fluids supply 962 from the subject condensing assembly, and would then be moved between "on" (i.e., flow) and "off (i.e., no flow) positions through the main control unit 330.

Cooling medium from the cooling medium supply line 976 is directed into a cooling medium inlet manifold or fitting 580 of the condensing assembly 566 as illustrated back in

Figure 29. This flow is then split and directed to each of the cooling coil banks 570. One cooling medium inlet tube assembly 582 is provided for each of the cooling coil banks 570 to interconnect the cooling coil inlet manifold 580 with an inlet end 584 of the cooling coil 574.

Either the inlet end 584 of the subject cooling coil 574 may extend through one of the cooling coil holes 72 extending through the wall of the tub 42 for interconnection with its associated cooling medium inlet tube assembly 582, or vice versa (e.g., Figure 27). Flow through the cooling coil banks 570 is individually controllable by the inclusion of a cooling medium flow control valve 592 which could be disposed in their corresponding cooling medium inlet tube assembly 582 (not shown) and/or in their corresponding cooling medium outlet tube assembly 586. An appropriate operative interface between the cooling medium flow control valves 592 and the main control unit 330 allows the main control unit 330 to control the position of the valves 592 (e.g., solenoid actuated), and thereby the flow therethrough (e.g., throttling the flow).

Cooling medium which has flowed through the entirety of one of the cooling coil banks 570 within the tub 42 exits the corresponding cooling coil bank 570 through its own outlet end 588 and flows into its own cooling medium outlet tube assembly 586. Either the outlet end 588 of the cooling coil 574 may extend within one of the cooling coil holes 72 through the wall of the tub 42 for interconnection with its associated cooling medium outlet tube assembly 586, or vice versa. Regardless, the cooling medium outlet tubes 586 from the cooling coil banks 570 connect to a common cooling medium outlet manifold 590. The cooling medium outlet manifold 590 directs flow from each of the cooling coil banks 570 into the cooling medium discharge line 598, which in turn directs this flow into the drain line 984 at a location which is downstream of the drain valve 982 (e.g., Figure 10).

The illustrated embodiment has the two cooling medium inlet ends 584 more centrally disposed such that the two cooling medium outlet ends 588 are disposed closer to the tub end walls 118. As such, the flow of cooling medium through the cooling coil banks 570 is from a "longitudinally inward" location to a more "longitudinally outward" location.

Stated another way and in the case where two cooling coil banks 570 are used, the flow of cooling medium through their respective cooling coils 574 is generally away from each other. The opposite configuration could also be utilized, hi this case the two cooling medium inlet ends 584 would be disposed closer to the tub endwalls 118, with their corresponding cooling medium outlet end 588 being more centrally disposed (not shown). Flow of cooling medium through the two cooling coils 574 would then be generally toward each other.

Exterior surfaces of each cooling coil 574 in the space between the tub 42 and basket sidewall 142 define a condensing surface 594. All or substantially all of the condensation which occurs within the tub 42 during the dehumidifying dry cycle will be on these condensing surfaces 594 which collectively define a condensation zone 600 within the tub

42. Vapors are believed to principally flow at least generally parallel with these condensing surfaces 594 for condensation due to the currents induced by the rotation of the basket 134.

Condensate which forms on the condensation surfaces 594 by the flow of cooling medium through the cooling coil banks 570 is removed from the tub 42. Although the condensate could be retained within the tub 42 until termination of the dehumidifying dry cycle, preferably condensate which flows to the main fluid access port 90 is able to exit the tub 42 throughout the entirety of the dehumidifying dry cycle, hi this case the drain valve 982 would be open throughout the dehumidifying dry cycle, and this also puts the interior of the tub 42 at least at substantially atmospheric pressure for the dehumidifying dry cycle. Certain aspects of the condensing assembly 566 facilitate this removal of the condensate from the tub 42.

Cooling coil segments 576 of the cooling coils 574 generally define a major axis 578.

The major axes 578 are disposed at least generally about the first reference axis 138to direct the flow of condensate toward the main fluid access port 90 on the lower section 54 of the tub 42. This also directs the primary flow of cooling medium through the coils 574 in a direction which is at least generally parallel with the direction of rotation of the basket 134. Stated another way, the major axis 578 of each of the cooling coil segments 576 is generally vertically disposed to direct the flow of condensate along the cooling coils 574 toward the lower section 54 of the tub 42 through gravitational forces. Vapors are also believed to flow past the condensing surfaces 594 at least substantially parallel thereto.

Condensate forming on the cooling coils 574 will separate therefrom typically somewhere within the cooling coil recess 70 of the inner wall 46 of the tub 42. The cooling

coil recess 70 is shaped to direct this condensate to the main fluid access port 90 over a predetermined area of the inner wall 46 of the tub 42. In this regard, a base or floor 74 of the cooling coil recess 70 is defined by a first sloped wall 78 and a second sloped wall 82. Walls 78 and 82 each slope downwardly toward the main fluid access port 90 and toward each other to define an apex 86 which is at least substantially at the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system for. Condensate will collect in the well defined by the apex 86 and will flow therefrom to the main fluid access port 90 for removal from the tub 42 through the tub access line 980, drain valve 982 and drain line 984. Lengths of the individual cooling coil segments 576 within the cooling coil recess 70 vary depending upon the longitudinal position of the segment 576 as illustrated in Figure 30. With the upper extremes of the cooling coils 574 being disposed at least at substantially the same elevation and with the lower extremes of the cooling coils 574 following the taper of the walls 78, 82 of the cooling coil recess 70, the length of the cooling coil segments 576 increase progressing toward the longitudinal midpoint 36. Another embodiment of an assembly which is appropriate for providing the condensing function for the dry cycle assembly 546 is illustrated in Figure 31 and is in the form of a condensing assembly 734. The condensing assembly 734 operates based upon phase change principles to provide the energy for cooling the vapors to form condensate therefrom. Solid-to-liquid phase change materials 738, such as specialty salts developed for the storage of solar energy, may be appropriate. The phase change material 738 is retained within an encasement 740 which is attached to the outer wall 44 of the tub 42. Preferably, the phase change material 738 directly interfaces with the outer wall 44 of the tub 42 to enhance heat transfer, although it may also be totally contained within the encasement 740. Seals between the encasement 740 and the outer wall 44 of the tub 42 maybe required in the former configuration (not shown). That portion of the inner wall 46 of the tub 42 which corresponds with that portion of the outer wall 44 of the tub 42 which is "acted on" by the phase change material 738 principally defines the condensation zone within the interior of the tub 42 in this case. That is, condensation will principally occur over that portion of the inner wall 46 of the tub 42 which is aligned with that portion of the outer wall 46 acted upon by the phase change material 738.

One or more cooling coils 742 extend through the encasement 740 and the phase change material 738 contained therein (one shown in figure 742 which may serpentine

through the phase change material 738). An inlet end 746 of each cooling coil 742 is fiuidly interconnected with the cooling medium supply line 976 to receive cooling medium from the laundry fluids supply 962 in the above-described manner (Figure 10). An outlet end 750 of each cooling coil 742 is fiuidly interconnected with the cooling medium discharge line 598 which directs this flow into the drain line 984 at a location downstream of the drain valve 982 (Figure 10).

The phase change material 738 is in the solid state at the start of the dehumidifying dry cycle. As the material 738 removes energy from the vapors within the tub 42 to condense the same, the phase of the material 738 changes from its solid state to a liquid or liquid-like state. Typically at the termination of the dehumidifying dry cycle, a flow of cooling medium will be directed through the cooling coils 742 within the encasement 740 to remove heat from the phase change material 738. Sufficient removal of heat from the material 738 changes the same from the liquid or liquid-like state back to the solid state. Heat is thereby transferred to this flow of cooling medium through the material 738 which elevates the temperature of the cooling medium. Cooling medium could flow through the phase change material 738 throughout the dehumidifying drying cycle as well to continually remove heat from the material 738 as it heats up via the vapors within the tub 42. Currently, the preferred mode of operation is to begin the drying cycle with the phase change material fully solidified. As heat is removed from the dryer to effect the formation of condensate, the phase change material would melt.

There are a number of key points relating to the dehumidifying dry cycle as thus far described. No moisture-laden air is exhausted to the environment in which the laundry system 4 is used. Cooling medium used in the condensation process is not intermixed medium with either the vapors within the tub 42 or the resulting condensate. Evaporation and condensation each also occur within the confines of the tub 42, and actually coexist within the same general space.

The inner wall 46 of the tub 42 defines the contour of the interior of the tub 42 and is disposed about the first reference axis 138 in a manner such that any reference ray extending perpendicularly from the first reference axis 138 to the inner wall 46 intersects the inner wall 46 only once (e.g., Figure 26). Stated another way, the inner wall 46 is contoured such that it defines only a single chamber 50 within the tub 42. "Chamber" as used herein means an at least substantially enclosed space with a boundary between any two chambers including at

least one flow restriction. Evaporation and condensation processes which define the dehumidifying dry cycle used by the laundry system 4 each occur/coexist within this single chamber 50 of the tub 42. Vapors are not removed from one chamber of the tub 42 and pumped or forced to flow to another chamber of the tub 42 (i.e., through a flow restriction) to be condensed in the case of the laundry system 4, but which is the case in many prior art laundry systems. Room air is also not drawn in from outside the laundry system 4, directed through the laundry system 4, and exhausted back out of the laundry system 4 to provide the "drying" function, but which is the case of may prior art laundry systems.

All of the "whys" and "hows" of the above-described dehumidifying dry cycle are not presently totally understood. Contributions to the successful operation of the dehumidifying dry cycle are believed to come from a number of areas. One is the relatively large angular spacing between the heaters 554 of the evaporating assembly 550 and the condensation surfaces within the tub 42, measured in the direction of rotation of the basket 134. hi the case of the condensing assembly 566, the separation angle 562 again is defined between the last heater 554 in the direction of rotation of the basket 134, and the first portion of the cooling coils 574 within the tub 42 which is encountered in the direction of rotation of the basket 134 (Figure 26) after "leaving" the last heater 554. Heat thereby tends not to go from the heaters 554 directly over to the cooling coils 574, but instead the "flow" of heat is believed to tend to follow the direction of rotation of the basket 134. Another factor which is believed to contribute to the successful operation of the dehumidifying dry cycle by the laundry system 4 is the spacing between the basket sidewall 142 and the inner wall 46 of the tub 42, particularly in the vapor transport region 564 (Figure 26 and 26A). Vapors generated by the evaporative process are believed to collect in this vapor transport region 564 and "flow" to be condensed within the tub 42 with this small spacing and through the rotational speeds used for the basket 134. Moreover, in one embodiment the rotational speed of the basket 134 throughout the dehumidifying dry cycle is cycled between a low speed and a slightly faster speed. The low speed is used to mix the laundry within the basket 134. This speed is much less than 1 G and is maintained for a relatively short period of time (on the order of 15 seconds). The faster speed is just below 1 G in the basket 134 so that the laundry is nearly stuck to the sidewall 142 of the basket 134. This speed is maintained for a much longer period of time (on the order of 90-120 seconds). The faster speed provides for increased air flow around the dryer and thereby increases the

vapor transfer to the cooling surfaces. The slower speed effectively mixes the load so that other surfaces of the laundry are exposed to the heating surface. A fan could be included within the tub 42 to enhance the flow of vapors to the condensation zone (not shown). Sufficient performance has been achieved without such a fan in a prototype. Certain operating temperatures are also believed to contribute to the successful operation of a dehumidifying dry cycle on the laundry system 4. One pertinent operating temperature is that within the drying chamber and which may be characterized as an evaporation zone. Another pertinent operating temperature is that of the condensing surface(s) within the tub 42. Generally, it is believed to be desirable to maintain the temperature of the condensing surfaces only slightly below that of the temperature within the evaporation zone so as to avoid or reduce the potential for convective heat losses. In one embodiment, the temperature of the condensing surfaces is about 130 ⁰ F and the temperature within the drying chamber near the cooling coils of the cooling coil banks 570 is about 14O ⁰ F. The difference in the two temperatures may vary according to a number of factors such as the size and moisture content of the load, the power being supplied to the heaters 554, the rotational speed of the basket 134, and the amount of liquid flowing through the cooling coils of the cooling coil banks 570. An indication of the "sensitivity" of the thermal balances within the tub 42 is that it has been found that increasing the flow rate of cooling medium above a certain level actually decreased the flow rate of condensate out of the tub 42 during a dehumidifying dry cycle.

Measures are taken to attempt to fluidly isolate the single chamber 50 from the surrounding environment in which the laundry system 4 is disposed which is also believed to contribute to the success of the type of dehumidifying dry cycle available on the laundry system 4. Only two ports are provided on the tub 42 for the intentional passage of laundry- related fluids therethrough as noted above. One is the overflow/evacuation port 102 through which fluids maybe discharged from the tub 42 during an overflow condition. However, the overflow/evacuation assembly 642 at least substantially seals this passage during the dehumidifying dry cycle through its multi-function valve assembly 664. More specifically and referring back to Figure 11, the movable sealing member 666 engages the dry cycle sealing area 670 within the overflow conduit 646 so as to not let any appreciable amount of vapors pass thereby. Another of the ports on the tub 42 is the main fluid access port 90 on its lower section 54. Fluids exiting the tub 42 through the main fluid access port 90 are directed

into the tub access line 980 and then to the drain valve 982 (Figure 10). Typically the drain valve 982 will be open during the dehumidifying dry cycle to allow condensate to be discharged from the tub 42 versus being retained therein. This also increases the potential for vapors exiting the tub 42 through the main fluid access port 90. Measures are taken to reduce the potential for this type of vapor flow.

Impediments to the flow of vapors out of the tub 42 during a dehumidifying dry cycle are provided by a vapor baffle 94 which is disposed over and above the main fluid access port 90 as illustrated in Figure 32 . Spacing the perimeter of the vapor baffle 94 from the inner wall 46 of the tub 42 defines a passage 98 to allow fluids to flow past the vapor baffle 94 and into the main fluid access port 90. Two factors reduce the potential for the flow of vapors in this manner. One is that the main fluid access port 90 is located in a lower portion of the tub 42 versus an upper portion thereof where rising vapors would be more prone to collect. Another is that the size of the passage 98 between the perimeter of the baffle 94 and the inner wall 46 of the tub 42 is relatively small to effectively provide a flow restriction. Finally, attempts are also made to thermally isolate the single chamber 50 from the environment in which the laundry system 4 is used, and which is also believed to contribute to the success of the dehumidifying dry cycle available on the laundry system 4. All evaporation and condensation processes associated with the dehumidifying dry cycle are executed within the confines of the single chamber 50 of the tub 42 as noted above. Components which address heat transfer characteristics of the laundry system 4 may be grouped to define a thermal isolation assembly 278. The thermal isolation assembly 278 includes an insulation assembly 282 which at least substantially encases the tub 42 and which is illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 33. Separate and appropriately contoured insulation pieces 284 may be used as needed to provide the desired encasement function. Multi-directional heat transfer characteristics are also formed into the structure of the tub 42. Certain distributions of the heat from operation of the heaters 554 are believed to contribute to the successful execution of the dehumidifying dry cycle by the laundry system 4. The thermal conductivity or heat transfer coefficient of the tub 42 in a first direction is different from the thermal conductivity or heat transfer coefficient of the tub 42 in a second direction which is different in at least one way from the first direction. Preferably, the heat transfer coefficient when extending from the inner wall 46 of the tub 42 to its outer wall 44 (e.g., radially outwardly from and perpendicular to the first reference axis 138), is less than the heat

transfer coefficient extending about the first reference axis 138 within the wall of the tub 42 (e.g., about the tub sidewall 114). This has the effect of retaining heat within the tub 42 and/or reducing the potential for heat transfer from the tub 42 to the environment in which the laundry system 4 is used. Another way to characterize the different heat transfer characteristics of the tub 42 is to say that the heat transfer coefficient progressing outwardly through the wall of the tub 42 and relative to the first reference axis 138 is no more than about 50% percent of the heat transfer coefficient progressing along the wall of the tub 42 about the first reference axis 138.

The above-noted types of multi-directional heat transfer characteristics for the tub 42 may be realized by forming the tub 42 from multiple layers of glass filaments which generally extend about the first reference axis 138, and with the filaments of the adjacent layers being disposed in non-parallel relation to each other to define a fiberglass or polymer- based composite structure. Poor layer-to-layer heat transfer exists in this case, while heat is able to readily flow along the "length" or extent of the filaments. Different materials could be used for the various layers as well to realize certain heat transfer characteristics.

Both the tub 42 and basket 134 are also thermally isolated in some manner from the frame 6. A thermal isolation member 286 of the thermal isolation assembly 278 is disposed between the frame 6 and tub 42 at least at one location where there would otherwise be direct contact between the frame 6 and tub 42, and more preferably in all of these areas. Figures 34A-B illustrate thermal isolation members 286 between each load-bearing interconnection of the frame 6 and tub 42. Appropriate materials for the thermal isolation members 286 include Mycarta, stainless steel, and silicone rubber.

Thermal breaks are also included in the interconnection of the basket 134 with the frame 6. Axles 250 and 466 again rotatably interconnect the basket 134 with the frame 6. Disposed between each of these axles 250, 466 and the frame 6 is an appropriately configured/contoured thermal isolation member 288 (e.g., Figure 35). The above-described basket adapter 294 used by the rotational balancing assembly 422 may be formed from materials such that it also functions as the thermal isolation member 288 for the axle 466. Nonetheless, the thermal isolation members 288 have the same type of thermal characteristics as the thermal isolation members 286 and may be formed from the same types of materials.

Dry Time Control Assembly 702

Operation of the heaters 554 of the evaporating assembly 550 during the dehumidifying dry cycle is terminated through a dry time control assembly 702 of the laundry system 4. Two different temperatures are monitored by the dry time control assembly 702. One is the temperature within the evaporation zone or within a basket 134, and the other is the temperature of the cooling medium after it has been affected in some manner by the condensation process. These temperatures may be directly or indirectly monitored. For instance, the temperature within the basket 134 may be monitored by a temperature sensor 710 of the dry time control assembly 702 which is disposed on and interfaces with the outer wall 44 of the tub 42 at the hottest point in the drying chamber, which is typically located near the top end of the evaporation assembly 554 and its plurality of heaters 554. This temperature should change as the temperature within the basket 134 changes and be sufficiently reflective thereof for purposes of the dry time control assembly 702. Cooling medium temperatures could be monitored by monitoring the outer wall of one or more of the cooling coils 574 within the tub 42 which should change in temperature as the temperature of the cooling medium therein changes during the condensation process, and further should be sufficiently reflective thereof for purposes of the dry time control assembly 702. The effects of the condensation process on the cooling medium may also be monitored after the cooling medium exits the condensation zone, or after it exits the tub 42 in the case of the condensing assembly 566. For instance, a cooling medium temperature sensor 706 may be disposed on the exterior surface of the cooling medium outlet manifold 590 or discharge line 598 (Figure 29). Again, this temperature should change along with that of the cooling medium flowing therethrough and is sufficiently reflective of this temperature for purposes of the dry time control assembly 702.

How the two temperatures noted in relation to the dry time control assembly 702 are used to terminate the dehumidifying dry cycle will be discussed below in the "Laundry Cycle Operations" section.

Cool-Down Assembly 758

Relevant temperatures are reduced at the end of the dehumidifying dry cycle by the laundry system 4, and preferably prior to removing the load from the basket 134. One way is

through the above-described overflow/evacuation assembly 642 which again fluidly interfaces with the overflow/access port 102 on the tub 42. Power to the heaters 554 may be terminated through the above-described dry time control assembly 702. This in turn may cause the main control unit 330 to activate the evacuation fan 658 through an appropriate operative interface therebetween. The evacuation fan 658 draws air in from the environment in which the laundry system 4 is used and directs these fluids into the overflow line 646 at a location which is between the center of mass of the sealing member 666 and the dry cycle sealing area 670 (Figure 11 which is the position in which the sealing member 666 is biased).

Fluid pressure from the evacuation fan 658 exerts a force on the sealing member 666 to move the same within the overflow line 646 to the vapor evacuation sealing area 674 which is illustrated in Figure 36. At least an initial portion 649 of the overflow line 646 which extends from the vapor evacuation sealing area 674 toward the drain line 984 is disposed in an at least substantially vertical orientation in the illustrated embodiment. Forcible engagement of the sealing member 666 against the vapor evacuation sealing area 674 by the noted fluid pressures within the overflow line 646 at least substantially precludes this flow from entering the drain line 984 through the overflow line 646, and thereby directs this flow into the tub 42 through the overflow/evacuation port 102. The drain valve 982 would be in its open position through the operative interface with the main control unit 330 at this time. Building fluid pressures within the tub 42 will thereby direct a flow out of the tub 42 through the main fluid access port 90, where it is in turn directed past the drain valve 982 and into the drain line 984.

Relevant temperatures of the laundry system 4 may also be reduced by directing fluids from the laundry fluids supply 962 through the balancing mass storage compartments 170 of the rotational balancing assembly 422. In this case the fluids provided to the compartments 170 of the basket fins 154 would not be for balancing the basket 134, but would be to "absorb" heat from the laundry system 4. Heat can be removed from the system 4 by flowing fluids through the compartments 170 of the fins 154 and directing these fluids into the drain line 984 in the manner described above in relation to balancing operations. Preferably, both the evacuation fan 658 and flow of fluids through the compartments 170 of the basket fins 154 are used by the cool-down assembly 758, although the use of only one of these systems is contemplated as well.

Reclamation Assembly 598

Various flows are directed into the drain line 984 during various types of laundry cycles available on the laundry system 4. Where these fluids are thereafter directed maybe established/controlled by an operator of the laundry system 4. One option is to direct these fluids into a waste disposal assembly 632 which is fluidly interconnected with the drain line 984 and is illustrated in Figure 37. The waste disposal assembly 632 includes a waste disposal line 634 which directs flows therethrough to an appropriate waste disposal 640 (e.g., sewer, holding tank). Flows through the waste disposal line 634 are controlled by a waste disposal valve 638. Operatively interfacing the main control unit 330 with the waste disposal valve 638 allows the position of the valve 638 to be controlled through the main control unit 330, likely between a "flow" and "no-flow" position. Water-based cleaning solutions drained from the tub 42 and into the drain line 984 from the wash cycle will typically be directed from the drain line 984 to the waste disposal assembly 632, although these fluids could be directed through a filtering/processing system for reuse in some manner. In this regard, fluids discharged into the drain line 984 may also be directed to a reclamation assembly 614 which is also illustrated in Figure 37.

The reclamation assembly 614 includes a reclamation line 626 and a plurality of reclamation line valves 630 which control the flow to one or more storage tanks or vessels 618, one or more applications 622 (i.e., further uses), or both. An operative interface between the reclamation valves 630 and the main control unit 330 may be used to control the respective flows thereby. Generally, the reclamation assembly 614 contemplates re-using the fluids directed thereto in some manner. Fluids may be directed into one or more of the storage vessels 618 for use at a later time. Fluids may also be provided directly to an application 622 for a more immediate use. Representative applications 622 include the same laundry system 4 from which the fluids were previously discharged, another laundry system 4 such as one "networked" with the system 4 from which fluids were discharged, or other applications having use for the discharge.

Different fluids made available to the reclamation assembly 614 may be useful for one or more different purposes. Rinse cycle fluids may be directed through the opened reclamation line valve 630a and into the storage vessel 618a. Multiple uses exist for this "used" rinse water. One would for a subsequent wash cycle where a detergent or the like could be added thereto and since the rinse water is clean enough to be used in a subsequent

wash cycle. Another would be to use the rinse cycle fluids in a subsequent extraction cycle as a balancing mass, or in a dehumidifying drying cycle as a cooling medium. Fluid which is discharged from the tub 42 during/following an extraction cycle (rinse fluids which are retained within the load but removed therefrom during extraction, balancing mass provided to the balancing mass storage compartments 170 to address an imbalance) may also be directed to the reclamation assembly 598 and used in the same manner.

Condensate which is discharged from the tub 42 during the dehumidifying dry cycle may also be directed into the reclamation assembly 614 from the drain line 984, as maybe cooling medium which has been used by the dry cycle assembly 546. These fluids may be directed through the opened reclamation line valve 630b and into the storage vessel 618b. Filters maybe used since the condensate maybe contaminated to a degree, or condensate and "spent" cooling medium may be directed to different vessels 618. Since both the condensate and "spent" cooling medium are at an elevated temperature, it may be desirable to thermally insulate the storage vessel 618b to retain this heat as much as possible. Fluids from the storage vessel 618b could be reused in another wash cycle where a detergent or the like would be added thereto. In this case the wash/rinse cycle fluids would not require the same degree of heating since the condensate/cooling medium is already heated to a degree. This condensate/cooling medium could also be used in a subsequent extraction cycle as a balancing mass although the heating value benefits would not be utilized in this case.

Laundry Cycle Operations

All laundry-related operations available through the laundry system 4 are controlled by the main control unit 330, which again is the central nervous system of sorts for the laundry system 4 and which is schematically illustrated in more detail in Figure 38. The main control unit 330 includes a data entry device 334 to allow an operator to enter/select various options relating to laundry cycles which may be executed on the system 4, as well as a display 332 for visually conveying information to the operator. The main control unit 330 also includes a central processing unit (CPU) 336 for providing various processing and signaling capabilities used by the system 4. Finally, the main control unit 330 includes a laundry cycle module 338 which controls the various individual cycles for a laundry application. Representative cycles which may be controlled/selected through the laundry cycle module 338 and their corresponding modules include: 1) a washing module 340 for

controlling the wash/rinse cycle; 2) a load distribution module 344 for distributing the load within the basket 134 for an extraction cycle; 3) an extraction module 342 for controlling the extraction cycle and which has access to a balancing module 850 to reduce the effects of undesired imbalances which maybe encountered during extraction; 4) a drying module 354 which controls the dehumidifying dry cycle and which has access to a dry cycle objectives module 400 to allow an operator to tailor the dehumidifying dry cycle to meet or produce certain objectives, as well as a dry time control module 700 which identifies when the dehumidifying dry cycle maybe terminated; and 5) a cool-down module 826 which reduces the temperature of the system 4 after the dehumidifying dry cycle such that the load may be removed from the basket 134 in a relative cool environment.

The laundry cycle module 338 of the main control unit 330 controls the type of laundry cycle which will be executed by the laundry system 4. One or more types of laundry cycles 802 may be accessed through the laundry cycle module 338 as illustrated in Figure 39.

A laundry cycle 802 may include any one or more of a wash/rinse cycle, a load distribution cycle, an extraction cycle with or without balancing, and a dry cycle. Operation of the system 4 will be described in relation to the laundry cycle 802a of Figure 39 which includes each of these functions such that in this case the laundry system 4 functions as a combination washer/extractor/dryer. However, it should be appreciated that the system 4 maybe used as a stand alone washer, a stand alone washer/extractor, a stand alone extractor, a stand alone dryer, or a stand alone extractor/dryer as well, using one or more of the above-described assemblies and the protocols which will now be discussed.

Laundry cycle 802a of Figure 39 starts with step 806 which causes the execution of a wash/rinse cycle. Fluids for the wash/rinse cycle are provided to the tub 42 from the laundry fluids supply 962 which is illustrated back in Figure 10. The appropriate flowpath through the laundry fluids handling system 960 is established by having the wash/rinse fluids isolation valve 970 in its "open" position, and the balancing mass isolation valve 974a, main cooling medium supply valve 978, and drain valve 982 in their respective "closed" positions. Valve positions again may be controlled through the main control unit 330 sending appropriate signals to their respective controllers (e.g., solenoids). Laundry fluids enter the tub 42 in this case through the main fluid access port 90, and for the wash cycle these fluids may be characterized as a water-based cleaning solution which may be achieved by flowing tap water through a reservoir having an appropriate detergent therein (not shown). Once the

desired level of fluid has been reached within the tub 42 and as identified by an appropriate sensor(s), the flow of fluid into the tub 42 is terminated by closing the wash/rinse fluids isolation valve 970.

The basket 134 is rotated relative to the tub 42 and frame 6 during the wash/rinse cycle, and its direction of rotation may be changed one or more times. Inclusion of the fins 154 on the interior of the basket 134 allows this rotation to agitate the load within the water- based cleaning solution to some degree to enhance the cleansing effect. Rotation of the basket 134 may be terminated and wash/rinse cycle fluids may be discharged from the tub 42 and directed into the drain line 984 through the drain valve 982. Main control unit 330 may signal the controller for the drain valve 982 to move from the "closed" position to its "open" condition to affect this flow. Further wash/rinse cycle fluids from the laundry fluids supply 962 may be introduced into and removed the tub 42 in the above-described manner as needed to complete the wash/rinse cycle. Typically no detergent will be introduced into the flow for the rinse portion of the cycle. Features are incorporated into the laundry system 4 so as to allow overflowing fluids to exit the tub 42 through the overflow/evacuation port 102. Overflow conditions will typically develop during the wash/rinse cycle. Any increase of the fluid level within the tub 42 above a certain amount will move the sealing member 666 of the overflow/evacuation assembly 642 into the overflow recess 678 of the overflow conduit 646. More specifically, fluid pressure acting on the sealing member 666 through the overflow/evacuation port 102 will unseat the sealing member 666 from the dry cycle sealing area 670 (Figure 11) and forcibly move the member 666 into the overflow recess 678 (Figure 12). The larger diameter or size of the overflow recess 678 in relation to adjacent portions of the overflow conduit 646 allows fluid to flow by the sealing member 666, through the remainder of the overflow line 646, and into the drain line 984 at a location which is downstream of the drain valve 982 for direction to either the waste disposal assembly 632 or the reclamation assembly 614 (Figure 37).

Fluids are extracted from the load within the basket 134 at the end of the wash/rinse cycle by centrifugal force in an extraction cycle. Increasing the amount of fluids extracted from the load reduces the amount of fluids which must be removed from the load by the dehumidifying dry cycle executed subsequent to the extraction cycle, and typically reduces the overall duration of the laundry cycle. The higher the extraction speed, the more fluid that

is removed by centrifugal force. Preparations for the extraction cycle include achieving an appropriate distribution of the load within the basket 134. First the load will be tumbled within the basket 134 by rotating the same at a rotational speed such that the load "falls" away from the basket sidewall 142 at least at some point in time (e.g., exposure of the load to less than 1 G). Next the basket 134 is rotated up to a speed where the load is retained against the basket sidewall 142 by centrifugal force in an at least substantially fixed position (e.g., exposure to at least IG). Distribution of the load within the basket 134 for the upcoming extraction cycle is accomplished through the execution of step 810 of the laundry cycle 802a of Figure 39. Step 810 of the laundry cycle 802a of Figure 39 "calls" the load distribution module

344 of the main control unit 330 for execution of a load distribution cycle. The main control unit 330 again is operatively interconnected with the rotational drive assembly 302 which in turn is interconnected with the basket 134 to rotate the same. The load distribution module 344 includes a load distribution protocol 766 whose logic is presented in Figure 40. Other load distribution protocols may be appropriate, but the protocol 766 is currently preferred.

Step 768 of the load distribution protocol 766 of Figure 40 selects an acceleration profile which is available to the load distribution module 344. Acceleration profiles of the load distribution module 344 control the manner or way in which the rotational drive assembly 302 rotates the basket 134 up to some typically predetermined speed. Various embodiments of acceleration profiles which may be used by the load distribution module 344 are presented in Figures 41 A-C. Although each of the acceleration profiles 346a-f terminate at the same rotational speed for the basket 134, this need not be the case. Time could also be used as the factor to terminate the increase in speed of the basket 134 for purposes of the load distribution protocol 766. However, it is preferred that each of the acceleration profiles 346 made available to the load distribution protocol 766 terminate when a certain rotational speed of the basket 134 is reached. This provides a benchmark of sorts at which the vibration level may be checked to see if an extraction cycle should be executed using the current load distribution.

Referring back to Figure 40, step 770 of the load distribution protocol 766 directs the rotational drive assembly 302 to rotate the basket 134 in accordance with the acceleration profile 346 selected from step 768. At this rotational speed the load is retained against the basket sidewall 142. Forces on the load of at least about IG are required to achieve this

effect. The level of imbalance of the laundry system 4 at the rotational speed resulting from full execution of the selected acceleration profile 346 is checked at step 772 of the load distribution protocol 766 through use of the two vibration sensors 494. How imbalances are identified from the signals provided by these vibration sensors 494 will be addressed below in relation to balancing operations . Suffice it to say for present purposes that if the imbalance of the laundry system 4 is above a predetermined threshold input for use by step 774 of the load distribution protocol 766, step 778 of the protocol 766 will cause the rotational drive assembly 302 to reduce the rotational speed of the basket 134. Lower rotational speeds are those which allow the load to once again be tumbled or "remixed" within the basket 134 (i.e., so that the load is not retained against the basket sidewall 142 by centrifugal force, or such that the load is exposed to forces of less than 1 G). Changes in the rotational direction of the basket 134 could also be utilized, but are not required. Thereafter, a different acceleration profile 346 is selected at step 780 and the protocol 766 returns to step 770 for repetition of at least steps 770-774 as described. So long as a distribution of the load within the basket 134 is achieved that produces vibrations below the threshold associated with step 774, the load distribution protocol 766 will proceed from step 774 to step 776. There control is returned to the laundry cycle module 338 of Figure 39. hi the case of the laundry cycle 802a, control is more specifically returned to its step 814. Step 814 of the laundry cycle 802a causes the execution of an extraction cycle through the extraction module 342. The logic for one extraction cycle is set forth in the extraction protocol 786 presented in Figure 42. Other protocols may be appropriate, but the protocol 786 is currently preferred.

Step 788 of the extraction protocol 786 of Figure 42 directs that the rotational speed of the basket 134 be increased by having an appropriate signal sent to the rotational drive assembly 302 (e.g., from the main control unit 330). Imbalances of the laundry system 4 are monitored at step 790. If the imbalance is determined to be below a predetermined threshold associated with and determined by step 792 (e.g., no more than the amount known to be "balancable" by the capacity of the balancing fins 154), the protocol 786 proceeds to step 793 where a determination is made as to whether the maximum extraction speed for the extraction cycle has yet been reached, hi one embodiment, the maximum extraction speed for the extraction cycle produces G forces of up to about 350 G on at least part of the load in the basket 134. Reaching the maximum extraction speed will direct the protocol 786 to

proceed from its step 793 to step 798 which monitors the overall length of the extraction cycle. When the extraction cycle "times out," the extraction protocol 786 proceeds to step 800 where control is returned to the laundry cycle module 338 of Figure 38 and the particular laundry cycle 802 being used, hi cases where the maximum extraction speed has not yet been reached, the extraction protocol 786 proceeds from step 793 back to step 788 for repetition in accordance with the foregoing.

Vibrations will often reach an unacceptable level during an extraction cycle and which will correspond with the threshold input or programmed into step 792 of the extraction protocol 786 of Figure 42. Meeting or exceeding this threshold directs the extraction protocol 786 to proceed from its step 792 to step 794 instead of step 793 as described above. Step 794 of the extraction protocol 786 of Figure 42 transfers control to the balancing module 850 of the main control unit 330 illustrated in Figure 38. One balancing logic which may be used by the balancing module 850 is the balancing protocol 852 presented in Figure 43. Other logics may be appropriate, but the logic of the balancing protocol 852 is currently preferred. First, the fundamental logic of the balancing protocol 852 will be addressed, followed by a more detailed discussion of the nature of the imbalance data and how the same is used in the various calculations required to address imbalances within the basket 134 through the balancing protocol 852.

Two signals are used to address an imbalance of the basket 134 associated with one end of the basket 134 and a signal associated with the other end of the basket 134. It should be appreciated that any appropriate signal processing technique may be used in relation to each of these two signals. For instance, data stacking may be utilized (taking several waveforms over a certain number of cycles, and "data stacking" or averaging the same). Each signal can also be Fast Fourier Transformed (FFT). Data on the imbalance of the laundry system 4 from step 790 of the extraction protocol 788 is used by the balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43 to identify at least one balancing mass vector which will theoretically reduce the summation of moments and forces experienced by the basket 134 to zero at the current rotational speed of the basket 134. Balancing mass vectors of this type are actually derived through a balancing algorithm set 906 which is incorporated into the balancing module 850, which in turn is part of the rotational balancing assembly 422. Adding balancing mass to one or more balancing mass storage compartments 170 having their respective centers of mass at the same longitudinal

location can be defined by a single balancing mass vector. In most cases the number of balancing mass vectors which will need to be "derived" by the balancing protocol 852 will be equal to the number balancing mass storage compartments 170 per fin 154. There are two compartments 170 per fin 154 in the illustrated embodiment, so typically 2 balancing mass vectors will be defined by the protocol 852. One of these balancing mass vectors will be located longitudinally at the center of mass of the balancing mass storage compartments 170a on one side of the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 in the illustrated embodiment. The other of these balancing mass vectors will be located longitudinally at the center of mass of the balancing mass storage compartments 170b on the opposite side of the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 in the illustrated embodiment.

Like all vectors, the balancing mass vectors have both a magnitude and a direction. Step 854 of the balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43 directs that the angle be calculated for the balancing mass vector(s) which will again be created by the provision of balancing mass to certain of the balancing mass storage compartments 170 in accordance with a certain ratio. This angle is defined relative to the first reference axis 138 and is derived through the balancing algorithm set 906 which will be discussed in detail below. Completion of the calculation of the angle for each of the balancing mass vectors transfers control from step 854 to step 856 of the balancing protocol 852. There the angle(s) calculated from step 854 is/are adjusted if necessary. No adjustments will be made the first time that balancing mass is provided to the balancing mass storage compartments 170 at a certain rotational speed in an extraction cycle. However, if balancing mass has previously been added to one or more of the balancing mass storage compartments 170 in accordance with the protocol 852 at a current rotational speed, and the angle of the imbalance "changed" after the addition of the balancing mass to the basket 134, a correction factor would be applied at step 856 of the balancing protocol 852. Angle correction capabilities available through the execution of step 856 will be discussed in more detail below as well in relation to the balancing algorithm set 906.

The angle(s) from one or more of steps 854 and 856 is used by step 858 of the balancing protocol 852 to next calculate the magnitude of each of the balancing mass vectors, again through the balancing algorithm set 906. Step 860 determines the amount of balancing mass which should be provided to the various balancing storage mass compartments 170 which will then generate the balancing mass vectors having the angle calculated from step(s)

854, 856, as well as the magnitude calculated from step 858 at the current rotational speed of the basket 134. If these amounts were introduced to the balancing mass storage compartments 170 at the current rotational speed, the summation of both forces and moments experienced by the basket 134 theoretically should be zero. However, various factors could have an effect on the accuracy of the actions required by one or more of steps 854, 856, 858, and 860 of the balancing protocol 852. Therefore, step 862 of the balancing protocol 852 basically provides that only a portion of the balancing mass from step 860 should be added to the selected balancing mass storage compartments 170 on the basket 134. The current balancing mass reduction factor being used by step 862 is about 50%. Balancing mass is added to the relevant balancing mass storage compartments 170 in accordance with step 862 only if it has been determined that those which are designated to receive balancing mass are not yet "full." Monitoring of the amount of balancing mass in the compartments 170 is accomplished through execution of step 864 of the balancing protocol 852. Step 864 could appear in the balancing protocol 852 in the position illustrated in Figure 43 or really anywhere within the protocol 852 for that matter. One way in which levels of balancing mass within the particular balancing mass storage compartments 170 may be "monitored" is through knowing the volume of the individual compartments 170 and keeping track of how much balancing mass has been provided thereto during the subject laundry cycle. Other ways of identifying the remaining volume of a particular balancing mass storage compartment 170 which is available for receipt of balancing mass may be used as well.

If none of the balancing mass storage compartments 170 were determined to be "full" from step 864 of the balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43, balancing mass is provided to the relevant compartments 170 through execution of step 866 of the balancing protocol 852 and in the above-described manner. Thereafter, control is returned by step 868 of the balancing protocol 852 to step 792 of the extraction protocol 786 of Figure 42. Effects of the addition of the balancing mass in accordance with the balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43 are evaluated at step 792 of the extraction protocol 786 of Figure 42. More specifically, a determination is again made at step 792 regarding if the addition of balancing mass to the basket 134 reduced the imbalance below the threshold associated with step 792. If not, the balancing module 850 is once again "called" for a repetition of the foregoing procedure. Multiple executions of the balancing mass protocol 852 may and typically will be required to

reduce the level of imbalance below the desired threshold in some instances at a given rotational speed. In some cases it may not be possible to achieve a "balanced" condition, and the system 4 accounts for this potential.

One or more of the balancing mass storage compartments 170 may reach a "full" capacity before the imbalance is reduced below the threshold associated with step 792 of the extraction protocol 786 of Figure 42. In this case the balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43 proceeds from step 864 to step 870 instead of step 866 as described above. A number of options maybe pursued through execution of step 870. One option would be for step 870 to return control of the current laundry operation to step 810 of the laundry cycle 802a of Figure 39. There the rotation of the basket 134 could be terminated or at least its speed reduced for repetition of the load distribution and extraction cycles as thus far described. Another option would be to reduce the rotational speed of the basket 134 until the imbalance was below the threshold associated with step 792 of the extraction protocol 786 of Figure 42, and to then use this speed for the remainder of the extraction cycle. Currently, if the top speed reached is within 15% of the desired maximum speed, the time at the top speed is increased. If the top speed reached did not make it to within 15% of the desired maximum speed, the basket 134 is slowed and the load redistributed.

The balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43 is called by the extraction protocol 786 of Figure 42 when the monitoring of the imbalance of the laundry system 4 during an extraction cycle indicates that the degree of imbalance is above a predetermined threshold (steps 790 and 792 of the extraction protocol 786). Imbalance in turn is equated with a certain degree of vibration of the laundry system 4. Vibrations of the laundry system 4 are monitored through the above-noted vibration sensors 494 (e.g., Figures 1-5). There are a number of important points to keep in mind when considering the data provided by these vibration sensors 494 and how this data is used by the balancing protocol 852 to calculate that amount of balancing mass which may be applied to the basket 134 to at least theoretically reduce the summation of forces and moments experienced by the basket 134 to zero. Initially, the two vibration sensors 494 are longitudinally spaced relative to the first reference axis 138. One of the vibration sensors 494 is disposed on one side of the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 (e.g., between one of the frame ends and the longitudinal midpoint 36), and the other vibration sensor 494 is disposed between the longitudinal midpoint 36 and the other frame end 14.

Limited movements of the frame 6 relative to the supporting surface 2 are also allowed by the design of the laundry system 4. Movements of the frame 6 in turn are used by the rotational balancing assembly 422 to determine how to address the imbalances which are causing these movements. The vibration sensors 494 are positioned to monitor these movements and thereby the imbalance. Each frame end 14 of the frame 6 has its own bearing assembly fixedly interconnected therewith (not shown). The basket 134 is rotatably supported by these longitudinally spaced bearing assemblies through the axles 250 and 466 which rotate with the basket 134. Vibrations of the laundry system 4 are thereby transferred from the basket 134, to the axles 250 and 466, to their respective bearing assemblies, and then to the frame 6. Both vibration sensors 494 are disposed between the frame 6 and the supporting surface 2 on which the laundry system 4 through the cantilevers 22. Positioning the vibration sensors 494 between their corresponding support foot 32 and where their corresponding cantilever 22 is fixed to the frame 6 allows the vibration sensors 494 to monitor the movement of the frame 6 through flexure or other movement of the cantilevers 22. Movement of the frame 6 is again induced by and thereby indicative of the imbalance within the basket 134.

Information about the magnitude of the imbalance within the basket 134 and the radial location of the same is derived from the signal generated by the vibration sensors 494 and is provided to the balancing module 850 for use in the balancing protocol 852. Accelerations are ignored by the balancing protocol 852. Although the frame 6 is allowed to move relative to the supporting surface 2 in a limited manner, only rotational movement of the basket 134 relative to both the frame 6 and the tub 42 is allowed by the laundry system 4 (e.g., the system 4 does not flexibly support the basket 134 relative to either the tub 42 or the frame 4). Therefore, the vibration sensors 494 need not provide information about an acceleration of the basket 134 for purposes of the rotational balancing assembly 422.

A representative vibration signal 884 which maybe output by either of the vibration sensors 494 is presented in Figure 44. This vibration signal 884 is in the form of a sine wave, is generated by a voltage signal in the case where the corresponding vibration sensor 494 is a strain gauge, and in effect is a measurement of the vertical component of the rotating resultant imbalance vector at the bearing assembly associated with the signal 884. Three characteristics or features of the vibration signal 884 are used by the balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43 to calculate the amount and location of the balancing mass which will

theoretically reduce the summation offerees and moments on the basket 134 to zero by the addition of balancing mass to one or more discrete locations on the basket 134. First is the amplitude of the vibration signal 884 which is proportional to the magnitude of the resultant imbalance force vector at the bearing assembly associated with the signal 884. Second is the frequency of the vibration signal 884 which is equal to the frequency at which the basket 134 is currently rotating. Remember that the rotational speed of the basket 134 is incrementally increased and that the basket 134 may need to be balanced at one or more of the incremental speeds. Third is the phase of the vibration signal 884 relative to a reference point or reference signal which provides information as to the angular or radial position of the imbalance within the basket 134.

Each imbalance within the basket 134 contributes to the single vibration signal 884 which is output by each of the vibration sensors 494, although the effects of an imbalance within the basket 134 may and typically will show up differently in each of these two signals 884. Consider the situation presented in Figures 45A-C where there is a single imbalance 874 within the basket 134 (includes those situations which may be represented by a single imbalance 874). Rotation of the mass of this single imbalance 874 creates an imbalance force vector 876 which has both a magnitude and a direction. The magnitude of the imbalance force vector 876 is directly proportional to the weight of the imbalance 874 and the square of the current rotational speed of the basket 134 in accordance with the equation F=mrω ² , where "r" is Vi the diameter of the basket 134. The imbalance force vector 876 rotates at the frequency at which the basket 134 is currently rotating, and its radial position within the basket 134 may be defined relative to a baseline 878. This angular or radial position hereafter will be referred to as an imbalance angle 880 which in Figures 45A-C is about 330 degrees. The signals 884 generated by the two longitudinally spaced vibration sensors 494 from the imbalance 874 will be different in one respect since the imbalance 874 is not disposed at the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4 in the Figures 45 A-C example. The amplitude of the vibration signal 884 from the vibration sensor 494 associated with the bearing assembly which is longitudinally closest to the imbalance 874 will be larger than the vibration signal 884 from the vibration sensor 494 associated with the bearing assembly which is longitudinally furthest from the imbalance 874. Assume that the imbalance 874 of Figure 45A is located at a distance of 1/3 of the length of the basket 134

from one of the basket end plates 210 as measured along the first reference axis 138. Two- thirds of the magnitude of the imbalance force vector 876 of this imbalance 874 should then appear in the signal 884 from the vibration sensor 494 associated with the bearing assembly which is longitudinally closest to the imbalance 874 and which is represented by the resultant imbalance force vector 882a in Figure 45B. One-third of the magnitude of the imbalance force vector 876 of this imbalance 874 should then appear in the signal 884 from the vibration sensor 494 associated with the bearing assembly which is longitudinally furthest from the imbalance 874 and which is represented by the resultant imbalance force vector 882b of Figure 45C. As can be seen through a comparison of Figures 45B-C, the magnitudes of the resultant imbalance force vectors 882a, 882b are in the above-noted proportions and the resultant imbalance force vectors 882a and 882b have the same imbalance angle 880 (i.e., the signals 884 from the two vibration sensors 494 will be "in phase" with each other).

Now consider a more complex case where there is a first imbalance 888 and a second imbalance 894 within the basket 134 and which is presented by the example of Figures 46 A- C. Neither first imbalance 888 nor second imbalance 894 is located at the longitudinal midpoint 36 of the laundry system 4. As such, the imbalance force vector 890 associated with the first imbalance 888 will have a greater contribution to the signal 884 from the vibration sensor 494 associated with the bearing assembly which is longitudinally closest to the imbalance 888 than to the signal 884 from the vibration sensor 494 associated with the bearing assembly which is longitudinally furthest from the imbalance 888 (reflected by a comparison of the length of imbalance force vectors 890a and 890b in Figures 46B-C). The same concept applies to the second imbalance 894 which has a greater contribution to the signal 884 from the vibration sensor 494 associated with the bearing assembly which is longitudinally closest to the imbalance 894 than to the signal 884 from the vibration sensor 494 associated with the bearing assembly which is longitudinally furthest from the imbalance 894 (reflected by a comparison of the length of imbalance force vectors 896a and 896b in Figures 46B-C).

A single signal 884 is generated by each of the vibration sensors 494 and which is the cumulative result of all imbalances within the basket 134. In the case presented by Figures 46A-C, the imbalance force vector 890a at its imbalance angle 892a is added with the imbalance force vector 896a at its imbalance angle 898a to define a resultant imbalance force vector 902a at a resultant imbalance angle 904a. The amplitude of the vibration signal 884

for the vibration sensor 494 associated with Figure 46B will be defined by the magnitude of the resultant imbalance force vector 902a, while any phase shift in relation to the rotational speed of the basket 134 will be defined by the resultant imbalance angle 904a. Similarly, the imbalance force vector 890b at its imbalance angle 892b is added with the imbalance force vector 896b at its imbalance angle 898b to define a resultant imbalance force vector 902b at a resultant imbalance angle 904b. The amplitude of the vibration signal 884 for the vibration sensor 494 associated with Figure 46C will be defined by the magnitude of the resultant imbalance force vector 902b, while any phase shift in relation to the rotational speed of the basket 134 will be defined by the resultant imbalance angle 904b. The amplitude of each of the vibration signals 884 from the two vibration sensors 494

(the "x" component of the resultant imbalance force vector 902a and 902b) is used by the balancing protocol 852 in the calculation of the balancing mass which will theoretically reduce the summation of forces and moments on the basket 134 to zero by applying the balancing mass directly to the basket 134 and for the current rotational speed of the basket 134. The units in which the amplitude of the signals 884 is expressed is irrelevant to the balancing algorithm set 906 which is used by the balancing protocol 852. Moreover, the amplitude may be read directly from the signals 884 for use in the balancing algorithm set 906. This is not the case with the resultant imbalance angle 904 which defines the phase of the signal 884 and which is also required by the balancing algorithm set 906 to calculate the desired "theoretical" balancing masses to add to the basket 134.

Phase information on the vibration signal 884 from each of the vibration sensors 494 is determined in relation to a reference signal which defines the baseline 878 referred to in Figures 45A-C and Figures 46A-C. One photo diode sensor (not shown) is mounted on the frame 6. Another photo diode sensor (not shown) is mounted on the drive pulley 314 which is interconnected with the basket 134 to rotate the same via the rotational drive assembly 302.

These photo diode sensors collectively generate a reference pulse 910 which is illustrated in

Figure 47. One reference pulse 910 is generated every time the photo diode sensor on the drive pulley 314 passes the photo diode on the frame 6, and corresponds with one complete revolution of the basket 134. The vibration signal 884 from each of the vibration sensors 494 is processed to allow for an identification of the phase of the signal 884 in relation to the reference pulse 910. In this regard, the sine wave vibration signal 884 is sent through a zero point detector. Output

from the zero point detector is in the form of a vibration signal 914 which is a square wave version of the original sine wave vibration signal 884 and which is illustrated in Figure 47. The CPU 336 of the main control unit 330 reads a time difference 926 between the reference pulse 910 and the rising edge of the vibration signal 914 (the time when the vibration signal 914 changes from a horizontal segment 918 to a vertical segment 922) . This time difference 926 is divided by the period of the rotation of the basket 134, and is then multiplied by 360 degrees. Adding 90 degrees to this identifies the resultant imbalance angle 904. The magnitude of the resultant imbalance angle 904, in degrees, is then used by the balancing algorithm set 906 to calculate the amount and location of balancing mass which will theoretically reduce the summation of forces and moments on the basket 134 to zero.

Balancing mass which is added to the balancing mass storage compartments 170 on the basket 134 between one of the frame ends 14 and the longitudinal midpoint 36 generates a balancing mass vector which is longitudinally disposed at their respective centers of mass, which is assumed to be at the same longitudinal position for each of these compartments 170. Figure 48 illustrates a situation where a balancing mass 948 has been added to each of the balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa ₁ , 17Oa ₂ . Different amounts of balancing mass 948 have been added to these compartments 17Oa ₁ , 17Oa ₂ . The result of this introduction of balancing mass 948 is depicted in the form of a balancing mass vector 950. The magnitude of the balancing mass vector 950 is dependent upon the amount of balancing mass 948 added to each of the balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa ₁ , 17Oa ₂ and the current rotational speed of the basket 134. The balancing mass vector 950 is disposed at a balancing mass angle 952 which is defined in relation to the baseline 878. The magnitude of the balancing mass angle 952 will be dependent upon the relative amounts of balancing mass 948 added to the compartments 17Oa ₁ , 17Oa ₂ . Magnitudes and angular positions of balancing mass vector(s) 950 of this type are what is derived from a first part of the balancing algorithm set 906 so as to theoretically reduce the summation of forces and moments experienced by the basket 134 to zero. From this information the amounts and locations at which balancing mass should be applied to the basket 134 are derived by a second part of the balancing algorithm set 906. Equations 1-25 set forth below are that part of the balancing algorithm set 906 which derives the magnitudes and angles for the balancing mass vectors. Variables used in these equations have the following definitions:

F _L = the resultant imbalance force vector at the bearing assembly associated with one of the frame ends 14, having a certain magnitude and direction (e.g., resultant imbalance force vector 902a in Figures 46A-C);

I F _L I = the magnitude of the resultant imbalance force vector F _L ; Θ _L = the resultant imbalance angle of the vector F _L (e.g., the resultant imbalance angle 904a in Figures 46A-C);

F _R = the resultant imbalance force vector at the bearing assembly associated with the other of the frame ends, having a certain magnitude and direction (e.g., resultant imbalance force vector 902b in Figures 46 A-C); I F _R I = the magnitude ofthe resultant imbalance force vector F _R ;

Θ _R = the resultant imbalance angle of the vector F _R (e.g., the resultant imbalance angle 904b in Figures 46A-C);

F _A , _L ⁼ the balancing mass vector which would be defined by the addition of balancing mass to one or more of the balancing mass compartments 170a (i.e., those located between one of the frame ends 14 and the longitudinal midpoint 36) so as to reduce the summation of forces and moments experienced by the basket 134 to zero (having both a magnitude and direction) (e.g., balancing mass vector 950 in Figure 48);

I FA, _L I ⁼ the magnitude of the balancing mass vector F _A,L ; Θ _A , _L = the balancing mass angle of the balancing mass force vector F _A , _L (e.g., balancing mass angle 952 in Figure 48);

F _A , _R = the balancing mass vector which would be defined by the addition of balancing mass to one or more of the balancing mass compartments 170b (i.e., those located between the other of the frame ends 14 and the longitudinal midpoint 36) so as to reduce the summation of forces and moments experienced by the basket 134 to zero (having both a magnitude and direction);

I F _A , _R I ⁼ the magnitude of the balancing mass vector F _A , _R ; ΘA, _R = the balancing mass angle of the balancing mass force vector FA _,R ; L = the distance between the bearing assembly associated with one of the frame ends 14 and the bearing assembly associated with the other of the frame ends 14, as measured along the first reference axis 138;

X _L = the distance from the bearing assembly associated with one of the frame ends 14 to the center of mass of the balancing mass storage compartments 170a; and

X _R = the distance from the same bearing assembly referred to in relation to X _L , but instead to the center of mass of the balancing mass storage compartments 170b.

A number of the above-noted variables will be "knowns" for purposes of Equations 1 -

25 of the balancing algorithm set 906. The magnitude ( | F _L | ) of the resultant imbalance force vector (e.g., 902a of Figure 46B) will be the amplitude of the vibration signal 884 from one of the vibration sensors 34 which will be read by the main control unit 330. The magnitude ( | F _R | ) of the resultant imbalance force vector (e.g., 902b of Figure 46C) will be the amplitude of the vibration signal 884 from the other of the vibration sensors 34 which will be read by the main control unit 330. The distance "L" between the bearing assemblies can be measured. The distance X _L between the relevant bearing assembly and the center of mass of one of the balancing mass storage compartments 170a (all compartments 170a can be assumed to have their respective centers of masses at the same longitudinal location relative to the first reference axis 138) can be determined a number of ways. Initially, this distance

X _L can be measured since the center of mass of any of the balancing mass storage compartments 170a should be at its longitudinal midpoint. The distance X _L can also be calculated by rotating the basket 134 at a known rotational speed, adding a known quantity of balancing mass to any the balancing mass storage compartments 170 on the first section 130 of the basket 134, and reading the amplitude of the vibration signal 884 from one of the vibration sensors 494. The distance X _L can also be arbitrarily selected from the above-noted measurement and calculation. The value for the distance X _R can be similarly determined.

Equations 1 and 2 are a summation of the moments about the first bearing assembly associated with one of the frame ends 14 and the bearing assembly associated with the other of the frame ends, respectively. Each of these equations are set equal to zero, and are manipulated so as to be able to solve directly for | F _A , _L | , ®u | FA, _R | , and Θ _R using the above-noted "knowns."

Eq. (1):

0FL+(XL/L)F _A)L +(X _R /L) F _A , _R + F _R = 0 Eq. (2):

F _L +(X _R /L)F _A,L +(X _L /L) F _A , _R +0F _R = 0 Eq. (3) = Eq. (1) x (X _R /L):

0FL+(X _R /L)(X _L /L)F _A>L +(X _R /L)(X _R /L) F _A,R +(X _R /L) F _R = 0 Eq. (4) = Eq. (2) X (XJL):

0 Eq. (5) = Eq. (4) - Eq. (3):

(X _L /L)F _L +[(X _L ² /L ² )-(X _R ² /L ² )]F _A;R -(X _R /L)F _R = 0 Eq. (6) = a rearrangement of Eq. (5): F _A,R = [(X _R ZL)F _R - (X _L /L)F _L ]/[(X _L ² /L ² ) - (X _R ² /L ² )]

Let C1=(X _R /L)/[(X _L ² /L ² )-(X _R ² /L ² )]; and Let C2=(X _L /L)/[(X _L ² /L ² )-(X _R ² /L ² )] Eq. (7):

C1-LX _R /(X _L ² -X _R ² ) and C2=LXL/(X _L ² -X _R ² ) Eq. (8) = a combination of Eq. (6) and Eq. (7):

F _A>R = C1F _R - C2F _L Eq. (9) = the x-component of Eq. (8):

I F _A) R I COS(Θ _A , _R ) = Cl I FR I COS (ΘR) - C2 | F _L | COS(Θ _L ) Eq. (10) = the y-component of Eq. (8): I F _A)R I sin(Θ _A , _R ) = Cl I F _R I sin (Θ _R ) - C2 | F _L | sin(Θ _L )

Eq. (11):

C3=[C1 I F _R I cos (Θ _R )-C2 | F _L | COS (Θ _L )]; and C4=[C1 I F _R I sin(Θ _R )-C2 | F _L | sin(Θ _L )] Eq. (12) = a combination of Eq. (9) and Eq. (11): I F _A , _R I cos (Θ _A , _R ) = C3

Eq. (13) = a combination of Eq. (10) and Eq. (11):

| F _A>R | sin (Θ _A,R ) = C4 Eq. (14):

Θ _A)R = ARCTAN {sin(Θ _A)R )Zcos(Θ _A) R)} (by definition) Eq. (15) = a combination of Eq. (14), Eq. (12), and Eq. (13):

Θ _A , _R = ARCTAN {C4ZC3} Eq. (16) = a rearrangement of Eq. (12):

I F _A> R I = C3Zcos(Θ _A)R ) Eq. (17) =a rearrangement of Eq. (1): F _A) L = -(XR/XL)F _AJ R - (L/X _L )F _R

Eq. (18) = the x-component of Eq. (17):

I F _A> L I cos(Θ _A>L ) = -(XR/XO I FA,R | COS (Θ _A; R)-(L/X0 | FR | COS (ΘR)

Eq. (19) = the y-component of Eq. (17):

I F _A ,L I sin(Θ _A ,L) = -(XR/XL) | F _A ,R | sin (Θ _A , _R )-(L/X _L ) | F _R | sin (Θ _R ) Eq. (20):

C5 = [-(XR/X _L ) I F _A ,R | COS (Θ _A) R)-(L/X _L ) | F _R | COS (Θ _R )]; and C6 = [-(XR/XL) I F _A)R I sin (Θ _A ,R)-(L/X _L ) | F _R | sin(Θ _R )]

Eq. (21) = a combination of Eq. (18) and Eq. (20):

I F _A)L I cos(Θ _A;L ) = C5 Eq. (22) = a combination of Eq. (19) and Eq. (20):

I F _A ,L I sin(Θ _A , _L ) = C6 Eq. (23):

Θ _A , _L = ARCTAN {sm(Θ _A)L )/cos(Θ _AJL )} (by definition) Eq. (24) = a combination of Eq. (23), Eq. (21) and Eq. (22):

Θ _A;L = ARCTAN {C6/C5} Eq. (25) = a rearrangement of Eq. (21): I FA,L I = C5/cos(Θ _A;L )

Solving for | F _A;L | and Θ _A , _L in accordance with the above defines the magnitude and direction, respectively, of the balancing mass force vector which needs to be created by the addition of balancing mass to the balancing mass storage compartments 170a to reduce the summation of forces and experienced by the basket 134 to zero at its current rotational speed. Solving for | F _A;R | and Θ _A;R in accordance with the above defines the magnitude and direction, respectively, of the balancing mass force vector which needs to be created by the addition of balancing mass to the balancing mass storage compartments 170b to reduce the summation of forces and moments experienced by the basket 134 to zero at its current rotational speed. Each of these balancing mass vectors was derived from both signals from the vibration sensors 494.

The second part of the balancing algorithm set 906, namely Equations 26-29 set forth below, are used to identify how much balancing mass should be introduced into certain of the balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa _1-3 , 17Ob _1-3 to replicate the above-noted balancing mass vectors. However, those balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa _1-3 , 17Ob _1-3 which will actually receive the balancing mass first must be identified. Generally, the balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa _1-3 , 17Ob _1-3 to which balancing mass is added are those two balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa _1-3 , 17Ob _1-3 between which the corresponding

balancing mass force vector 950a, 950b extends, and any two such compartments 170 will be referred to as the first balancing mass force vector compartment 938 and the second balancing mass force vector compartment 942. Consider the example presented in Figure 48 which is an end view of the basket 134 and the three balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa _1-3 . Note that the radial reference baseline 878 corresponds with the radial location of the balancing mass storage compartment 17Oa ₁ . Compartment 17Oa ₁ is thereby disposed at the 07360° mark, compartment 17Oa ₂ at the 120° mark, and compartment 17Oa ₃ at the 240° mark. The balancing mass angle Θ _L of the balancing mass force vector F _A , _L is 60 degrees such that it extends between the balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa ₁ and 17Oa ₂ . Therefore, the balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa ₁ and 17Oa ₂ are the first balancing mass force vector compartment 938a and the second balancing mass force vector compartment 942a which will received balancing mass to define the balancing mass force vector F _A , _L - This same type of protocol would be employed for constructing a balancing mass vector from the balancing mass storage compartments 17Ob _1-3 . Having identified the first balancing mass force vector compartment 938 and the second balancing mass force vector compartment 942 for each of the balancing mass force vectors F _A,L and F _A,R , the next step is to determine how much balancing mass must be added to these compartments 938 and 942 to define the subject vectors FA, _L and F _A ,R at the current rotational speed of the basket 134. A two-step approach is currently being used. First the amount of force required in each of the first and second balancing mass force vector compartments 938a, 942a and 938b, 942b is calculated. Next, that amount of balancing mass which may be added to each of these compartments 938a, 942a, 938b, 942b so as to generate these forces at the current rotational speed of the basket 134 is identified.

Equations 26-29 of the balancing algorithm set 906 are used to calculate the amount of force which must be generated by the addition of balancing mass to the first and second balancing mass force vector compartments 938, 942 to define each of the balancing mass force vectors | FA, _L | and | FA, _R | . Set "a" is for the balancing mass force vector | FA,L | , and set" b" is for the balancing mass force vector | FA,R | . The new variables presented by these equations are defined as follows: ®ι = the angle between the radial reference baseline 878 and the first balancing mass force vector compartment 938;

0 ₂ = the angle between the radial reference baseline 878 and the second balancing mass force vector compartments 942;

I A I = I F _A , _L I in relation to each of the balancing mass force vector compartments 938a and 942a, and is equal to | F _A , _R | in relation to each of the balancing mass force vector compartments 938b and 942b;

Θ _A ⁼ Θ _A , _L in relation to each of the balancing mass force vector compartments 938a and 942a, and is equal to Θ _A,R in relation to each of the balancing mass force vector compartments 938b and 942b;

I 1 I = the amount of force required to exist within the first balancing mass force vector compartment 938; and

I 2 I = the amount of force required to exist within the second balancing mass force vector compartment 942.

The amount of force to exist within each of the first and second balancing mass force vector compartments 938a, 942a and 938b, 942b are each solved separately in accordance with the following Equations 26-29 of the balancing algorithm set 906: Eq. (26) = the x components which is:

I A I COS(Θ _A ) = 1 1 1 cos (Q ₁ )+ I 2 I cos (Θ ₂ ) Eq. (27) = the y component which is:

I A I sin(Θ _A ) = 1 1 1 sin (Q ₁ )+ | 2 | sin (Θ ₂ ) Solving these equations for 1 1 1 and | 2 | yields: Eq. (28):

1 1 1 ={ I A I cos (QA)SUI(Q ₂ ) - | A | sin(Θ A)COs(Q ₂ )IZ(COs(O ₁ )Sm(Q ₂ ) - Sm(Q ₁ )COs(Q ₂ )) Eq. (29): I 2 I ={ I A I sin (QA)COS(Q ₁ ) - | A | COs(Q _A )Sm(QO)Z(COs(Q ₁ )Sm(Q ₂ ) -

COs(Q ₂ )Sm(Q ₁ ))

Solving Equations 28 and 29 identifies the amount of force which must exist within the balancing mass force vector compartments 938, 942 by the addition of balancing mass thereto for purposes of replicating each of the balancing mass force vectors F _A , _L and F _A , _R at the current rotational speed of the basket 134. The amount of balancing mass which will generate these forces is identified from a fill curve which exists for each of the balancing mass storage compartments 170. One representative fill curve 946 is presented in Figure 49

for one of the compartments 170 (i.e., each compartment 170 has its owns fill curve). Generally, the fill curve 946 equates the addition of a balancing mass to the subject compartment 170 for a fixed time period with a force magnitude at each of a plurality of rotational speeds for the basket 134. Identifying the amount of time over which balancing mass should be added to the subj ect compartment 170 thereby entails : 1 ) identifying the force magnitude from the fill curve 946 at the current rotational speed of the basket 134; and T) taking the balancing mass force which is required to exist within the subject balancing mass storage compartment 170 through solving the above-noted equations, and dividing this by the force magnitude read from the fill curve 946 which then identifies how long balancing mass should flow into the subject balancing mass storage compartment 170.

There is a fill curve 946 for each of the balancing mass storage compartments 170. Generally, each fill curve 946 is calibrated both in terms of amplitude and phase (e.g., accounts for resonances/phase shifts). One way in which each of these fill curves 946 may be derived is generally to note the effect of adding a "known" amount of balancing mass to the compartment 170 over a plurality of rotational speeds for the basket 134. Increased validity of the fill curves 946 are believed to be realized by first rotating the basket 134 up to a relatively high rotational speed (e.g., 200 G's) and then undertaking any balancing (e.g., through the balancing module 850 and in accordance with the balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43). Preferably there is no load within the basket 134 at this time, although fill curves 946 could be derived in accordance with the following having a preferably dry load in the basket 134. With the basket 134 in a balanced condition at the noted "high" rotational speed, the rotational speed of the basket 134 is reduced and maintained at a certain level. Imbalance magnitudes are noted/recorded from both of the sensors 494 at the current rotational speed after this reduction. A "known" amount of balancing mass is then introduced into the balancing mass storage compartments 17Oa ₁ from one of the fins 154. Imbalance magnitudes are once again noted/recorded from both of the vibration sensors 494. A differential in the imbalance magnitudes is taken from the two signals (before/after) from one of the vibration sensors 494; as well as for the two signals (before/after) from the other of the vibration sensors 494. The absolute value of these two differentials are then added together and are plotted to start the derivation of the fill curve 946 for the compartment 17Oa ₁ (i.e., a data point is plotted whose position on the "x" axis is the current rotational speed and whose position on the "y" axis is the noted summation). Next a "known" amount of balancing mass

is introduced into the other balancing mass storage compartment 17Ob ₁ of the same subject fin 154. Imbalance magnitudes are once again noted/recorded from both of the vibration sensors 494. A differential in the imbalance magnitudes is taken from the two signals (before/after) from one of the vibration sensors 494, as well as for the two signals (before/after) from the other of the vibration sensors 494. The absolute value of these two differentials are then added together and are plotted to start the derivation of the fill curve 946 for the compartment 17Ob ₁ (i.e., a data point is plotted whose position on the "x" axis is the current rotational speed and whose position on the "y" axis is the noted summation). This process is repeated for each of a plurality of rotational speeds and by reducing the speed of the basket 134 to complete the derivation of the fill curves 946 for the compartments 17Oa ₁ , 17Ob ₁ of the subject fin 154. Fill curves for each of the compartments 170a ₂ , 17Ob ₂ and 17Oa ₃ , 17Ob ₃ of the remaining two fins 154 can be separately done in this manner (one fin 154 being done on each execution of the noted protocol).

Introducing the amount of balancing mass to the relevant balancing mass storage compartments 170, derived in accordance with the foregoing, should theoretically reduce the summation offerees and moments experienced by the basket 134 to zero. Various factors could influence the accuracy of these determinations such that this may not necessarily end up being the case. For instance, any difference between the actual longitudinal location of the center of mass of any one or more of the balancing mass storage compartments 170 and that which is used in the balancing algorithm set 906 will introduce an inaccuracy. Significant information is also obtained from the signal from each of the two vibration sensors 494 which is processed and used by the balancing algorithm set 906. Each of these signals are processed such that they may not in fact reflect the true nature of the vibration of the laundry system 4. Based upon these and other factors, only a percentage of the derived amount of balancing mass is actually provided to the relevant balancing mass storage compartments 170. In one embodiment, only from about 50% percent to about 90% of the amounts derived in accordance with the foregoing are actually provided to the relevant balancing mass storage compartments.

Another way to selecting a reduced amount of balancing mass which will be added to the basket 134 is to "normalize" the relative amounts of balancing mass for the first balancing mass force vector compartment 942a and second balancing mass force vector compartment 946a, and for the first balancing mass force vector compartment 942b and

second balancing mass force vector compartment 946b, before going to their respective fill curves 946. That is, the ratio between the forces for the relevant balancing mass storage compartments 170a and compartments 170b will remain the same, but the largest force will be assigned a value of "1." "Normalizing" in this manner thereby keeps the direction of the balancing mass vectors 950 to add to the basket 134 the same, but reduces the magnitude of these vectors 950. The amount of balancing mass which will generate this revised magnitude of force may then be determined in accordance with the foregoing through the relevant fill curves 946. The times read from the fill curves 946 for adding balancing mass to the relevant balancing mass storage compartment could be used to address the imbalance, or these values could be further reduced by a predetermined percentage as well.

Adding only a portion of the balancing mass to the relevant balancing mass storage compartments 170 derived from the balancing algorithm set 906 and through their corresponding fill curves 946 should only reduce the magnitude of the resultant imbalance force vectors 902a and 902b (e.g., Figure 46B-C) - it should not have any effect on their corresponding resultant imbalance angles 904a, 904b, respectively. In practice this is not always the case. One way of addressing the case where there is a change in one or more of the resultant imbalance angles 904a, 904b after the addition of a balancing mass to the basket 134 is to modify the information on the resultant imbalance angles 904 which is used by the balancing algorithm set 906. Once again, the resultant imbalance angles 904a and 904b are measured from the vibration signal 884 provided by the two vibration sensors 494. Generally, an adjustment angle is added to or subtracted from the relevant resultant imbalance angle 904a, 904b, as the case may be, and these adjusted resultant imbalance angles 904a, 904b are then what is used by the balancing algorithm set 906.

Two steps are undertaken in relation to the adjustment angle for each of the resultant imbalance angle 904a and the adjustment angle for the resultant imbalance angle 904b. The magnitude of each of the adjustment angles must be determined, as well as whether these adjustment angles should be added to or subtracted from their corresponding resultant imbalance angle 904a, 904b. How the magnitude is calculated is illustrated in Figure 50. The resultant imbalance force vector 902a before the addition of the balancing mass to the basket 134 is represented by the "i" superscript, as is its corresponding resultant imbalance angle 904a. The "ii" superscript identifies the resultant imbalance force factor 902a after the addition of a balancing mass to the basket 134, as is its corresponding resultant imbalance

angle 904a. Reference numeral 950 represents the vector which results from the addition of the balancing mass 948 as seen at the bearing assembly associated with one of the frame ends 14. The angle α is the angle between the resultant imbalance vector 904a ¹ and the resultant imbalance vector 904a ¹¹ . The angle β is the angle between the resultant imbalance vector 904a ¹ and the balancing mass vector 950 and is the above-noted adjustment angle which will be applied to the resultant imbalance force vector 904a ¹¹ before being used by the balancing algorithm set 906.

The magnitude of the adjustment angle β is determined according to equations 30-33 : Eq. 30: (sin α/balancing mass vector 950) = (sine β/resultant imbalance force vector 904a ¹¹ ), where α is the absolute value of the angle difference between the resultant imbalance force vector 904a ¹ and 904a", and which is the law of sines;

Eq. (31): (balancing mass vector 95O) ² = (resultant imbalance force vector 902a ¹ ) ² + (resultant imbalance force vector 902a ¹¹ ) ² - 2(resultant imbalance force vector 902a ¹ )(resultant imbalance force vector 902a ^u )(cos α), which is the law of cosines; and Eq. (32): β = sin ^"1 {(resultant imbalance force vector 902a ¹¹ x sine α)/((resultant imbalance force vector 902a ¹ ) ² + (resultant imbalance force vector 902a ¹ ) ² - 2(resultant imbalance force vector 902a ¹ )(resultant imbalance force vector 902a")(l - sinα ² )' ^/2 )' ^/2 }, which is the result of the combination of Equations 30 and 31 , as well as the identity sin ² + cos ² = 1.

The magnitude or absolute value of the adjustment angle (β) obtained from solving equations 30-32 is "added" to the resultant imbalance angle 904a ¹¹ for the next execution of the balancing algorithm set 906 if the angle 904a ¹¹ is less than the resultant imbalance angle 904a ¹ . Similarly, the magnitude or absolute value of the adjustment angle β is "subtracted" from the resultant imbalance angle 904a ¹¹ if the angle 904a ¹¹ is greater than the resultant imbalance angle 904a ¹ . "Added" and "subtracted" are in quote marks since consideration will have to be given if the line for 07360° will be crossed when doing the adding/subtracting. For instance, if the adjustment angle β was 5° and was to be "subtracted" from a resultant imbalance force angle 904a ¹¹ having a magnitude of 2°, the imbalance force angle 904a ¹¹ which would actually be used by the balancing algorithm set 906 would be 297° since the 0° line would be crossed in this case. A new adjustment angle βa, βb will be calculated in accordance with the foregoing each time the balancing algorithm set 906 is executed with the basket 134 at a current rotational speed. Once the vibrations are reduced below the threshold level associated with

step 792 of the extraction protocol 786, balancing is no longer needed for continued use of the current rotational speed of the basket 134, and control of the laundry operations is returned step 793 of the extraction protocol 786. If the balancing module 850 is once again called at a higher rotational speed, the adjustment angle βa and βb will be 0 for the first execution of the balancing algorithm set 906.

Additional factors should also be taken into account when balancing the basket 134 in the above-described manner. Resonant frequencies may be encountered which could adversely affect the balancing protocol 852 of Figure 43 set forth above. Vibration signals 884 from the vibration sensors 494 will have at least their magnitude affected by encountering a resonant frequency. This should be accounted for by the balancing protocol

852. Resonant frequencies may be identified by rotating the basket 134 through a plurality of rotational speeds, and noting/recording output from the vibration sensors 494 at each of these speeds. The vibration signals 884 from each of the sensors 494 maybe Fourier transformed.

Review of the Fourier transforms should identify a resonant frequency by noting a particular frequency which increases in amplitude as the frequency of the basket 134 rotation approaches the same. Having identified the resonant frequencies, amplitude information from a vibration detectors 494 maybe adjusted accordingly if balancing is undertaken at the subject resonant frequency.

Balancing in accordance with the foregoing allows higher extraction speeds to be used, which increases the amount of fluids which are extracted, and which in turn reduces the amount of fluids which must be removed from the load by the dry cycle. Completion of the extraction cycle in accordance with Figure 42 as described above returns control to the laundry cycle module 338 through execution of step 800 of the extraction protocol 786. In the case of the laundry cycle 802a of Figure 39, control is more specifically returned to its step 818. Step 818 directs the laundry cycle 802a to execute a dehumidifying dry cycle through the dry cycle module 354. The logic for one dry cycle is set forth in the dry cycle protocol 374 presented in Figure 51. Other protocols maybe appropriate, but the protocol 374 is currently preferred.

Execution of step 378 of the dry cycle protocol 374 activates the dry cycle assembly 546 (e.g., condensing assembly 566, condensing assembly 734). Execution of step 386 relates to various dry cycle options 386. These options could be programmed into the dry cycle protocol 374, be available for selection/input by the operator, or a combination thereof.

One option relating to the dry cycle through step 386 is selecting/designating how one or more of the fluid discharges associated with the dry cycle are to be handled, or more specifically what is to be done with the condensate and the cooling medium after it has completed its condensing function (e.g., to the waste disposal assembly 632 and/or the reclamation assembly 614). Another dry cycle option 386 which maybe related to step 386 are objective(s) of the dry cycle, and step 386 may call the dry cycle objectives module 400 which is illustrated in Figure 52. Desired objectives or results relating to the dry cycle may be entered by an operator or selected from a listing through execution of step 402 of the dry cycle objectives module 400 and further through use of the data entry device 334 associated with the main control unit 330 (Figure 38). Representative objectives or end results which may be entered/selected through step 402 of the dry cycle objectives module 400 include optimizing the dry cycle to minimize the amount of time required to complete the same, optimizing the dry cycle to maximize the energy efficiency associated with the dry cycle, the temperature desired for the cooling medium after being used by the dry cycle assembly 546, the amount of cooling medium to be used by the dry cycle assembly 546, the maximum temperature experienced by the drying chamber, the maximum temperature experienced by the laundry, and the amount of cooling fluid used. Calculation of the requisite operational parameters based upon step 402 will then be undertaken through execution of step 406 and the main control unit's CPU 335. Typical operational parameters which may be calculated include the flow rate of cooling medium through the relevant part of the dry cycle assembly 546, the amount of heat generated by the heaters 554 of the evaporating assembly 550 (which heaters 554 should be on and for how long), or some combination thereof. These operational parameters are then implemented for the relevant laundry cycle through execution of step 410, and control is returned to the dry cycle protocol 374 by execution of step 414, specifically to step 390 of the dry cycle protocol 374 of Figure 51.

Step 390 of the dry cycle protocol 374 of Figure 51 is directed to controlling the manner in which the basket 134 rotates during the dehumidifying dry cycle through the operative interface between the main control unit 330 (and thereby the dry cycle module 354 which is part thereof) and the rotational drive assembly 302. In one embodiment the rotational speed of the basket 134 is intermittently reduced throughout the dehumidifying dry cycle. Li another embodiment one or more rotational speeds are used which will expose at least a portion of the load in the basket 134 to at least 0.9 Gs in at least one part of the dry

cycle, and one or more rotational speed are used which will expose at least a portion of the load in the basket 134 to no more than about 0.5 Gs at the lower speed and in another part of the dry cycle. Typically one "higher" speed will be used for a fixed first time period, followed by rotation at a "lower" speed for a fixed second time period, and followed by a return to the rotation at the "higher" speed. However, this need not be the case as the magnitudes of one or more of the rotational speeds, the duration of the rotation at one or more of the speeds, or any combination thereof may be implemented for step 390.

Multiple rotational patterns may also employed in one embodiment and for step 390 of the dry cycle protocol 374 of Figure 51. In this case, a first rotational pattern may be used in a first portion of the dehumidifying dry cycle, and a second rotational pattern may be used in a subsequent, second portion of the dehumidifying dry cycle which differs in at least one respect from the first rotational pattern. One rotational pattern for the basket 134 is illustrated in Figure 53. The rotational pattern 358 for the basket 134 includes using a first rotational speed 358 for a time Tl, thereafter using a second rotational speed 366 a time period T2, and thereafter returning to the first rotational speed 358 for repetition in accordance with the foregoing. The duration of the time period T2 may be changed from the first portion of the dehumidifying dry cycle to the second portion of the dehumidifying dry cycle, and this is to be construed herein as using a different rotational pattern. In the first portion of the dehumidifying dry cycle, the duration of the time period T2 maybe longer than it is during the second, subsequent portion of the dehumidifying dry cycle. During the first and second portions of the dehumidifying dry cycle, the duration of the time period T2 remains constant. Using a longer duration for the time period T2 during the first portion of the dry cycle exposes the load in the basket 134 to the heaters 554 more frequently in the first portion than in the second portion. This is believed to allow the temperature of the load within the basket 134 to increase more rapidly to a substantially steady state temperature. Reaching a substantially steady state temperature for the load in the basket 134 may then be used to define the first and second portions of the dehumidifying dry cycle. The first portion would be that time from the start of the dry cycle to when the substantially steady state temperature was reached for the load in the basket 134, and the second portion would be the remainder of the dehumidifying dry cycle. The steady state temperature of the load is determined by taking a number of successive readings over time and when the difference

between a series of the most current readings varies less than 10%, the chamber has reached a steady state.

Control of the duration of the dehumidifying drying cycle is available through step 398 of the dry cycle protocol 374 which calls the dry time control module 700. One logic for terminating the dry cycle is set forth in the dry time control protocol 720 of Figure 54. Termination of the dehumidifying dry cycle is based upon both the temperature within the basket 134 or the evaporation zone, as well as the temperature of the cooling medium after it has been used to condense vapors within the single chamber 50 of the tub 42. Step 722 of the dry time control protocol 720 directs that the temperature T _c within the chamber 50 be monitored, and step 724 thereby directs that the temperature T _cm of the cooling medium also be monitored, typically right after exiting that portion of the condensing assembly which is available for condensing vapors. These temperature may be continuously monitored, or monitored intermittently.

Deactivation of the evaporating assembly 550 is undertaken when the temperature differential between the temperatures T ₀ and T _cm exceeds a certain threshold, but only after each of these temperatures have previously reached a substantially steady state. Steady state temperatures for both T _c and T _cm are determined by taking a number of successive readings over time, and when the difference between a series of the most current readings varies less than 10%, the chamber has reached a steady state. Step 726 of the dry time control protocol 720 provides for the continued monitoring of the temperatures T _c and T _cm until their corresponding steady states are reached. Once the desired steady state temperatures have been reached, the evaporating assembly 550 is deactivated when the temperature differential between the temperature T ₀ and the temperature T _cm meets or exceeds a certain threshold value. Figure 55 illustrates the temperature T ₀ within the chamber 50, the temperature T _cm of the cooling medium, and the ΔT for one embodiment. The "y" axis is temperature and the "x" axis is minutes into the dehumidifying dry cycle.

Other protocols may be appropriate for the dry time control module 700, but the protocol 720 is currently preferred. For instance, termination of the dry cycle could be based upon when the temperature of the cooling medium began to decrease, alone or in combination with an increase in temperature in the chamber 50.

Control is returned from the dry time control module 700 of Figure 54 to the laundry cycle module 338 of Figure 39 through execution of step 730 of the dry time control protocol

720. In the case of the laundry protocol 802a of Figure 39, control is more specifically returned to its step 822. Step 822 of the laundry protocol 802a calls the cool-down module 826 to initiate a cool-down cycle to reduce the temperature of within the tub 42 prior to removing the load from the basket 134. One logic for executing such a cool-down cycle is set forth in the cool-down protocol 830 presented in Figure 56. Other protocols may be appropriate, but the protocol 830 is currently preferred.

Two systems are available for reducing the temperature of the laundry system 4 at the end of the dehumidifying dry cycle, and the basket 134 may continue to be rotated during operation of one or more of these systems. One is the evacuation fan 658 which is activated through execution of step 834. Activation of the evacuation fan 658 directs the sealing member 666 away from the dry cycle sealing are 670 (Figure 11) and seats the same on the vapor evacuation sealing area 674 (Figure 36). The fan 658 is then able to flush or force vapors from within the tub 42 through the main fluid access port 90, past the open drain valve 982, and into the drain line 984 where it is directed to either the reclamation assembly 614 or the waste disposal assembly 632. Positioning the overflow/evacuation port 102 "behind" the heaters 554 (e.g., Figure 3) allows this flow of air from the fan 658 to enhance the rate at which the temperature of the interior of the laundry system 4 is reduced.

Another system which is activated through execution of step 838 of the cool-down protocol 830 of Figure 56 utilizes the balancing mass delivery system 426 of the rotational balancing assembly 422. Step 838 of the cool-down protocol 830 more specifically directs that the balancing mass isolation valve 974a be opened (Figure 10). Fluids from the laundry fluids supply 962 are thereby directed through the main fluid supply line 964 and the main laundry fluids manifold 966, past the balancing mass isolation valve 974a, into the diverter 438, through each of the balancing mass compartments 170, back within the tub 42 along its inner wall 46 so as to not dampen the load within the basket 134, and out the main fluid access port 90 with the vapors being exhausted from the tub 42 by the evacuation fan 658. Monitoring of the temperature T ₀ in the tub 42 is executed through step 842 with one or both of the above-noted systems being activated. Once the temperature T _c in the tub 42 reaches or drops below a certain level, step 846 of the cool-down protocol 830 directs that the evacuation fan 658 be deactivated and that the balancing mass isolation valve 974a be shut to terminate the flow of mass through the balancing mass storage compartments 170. The compartments 170 are allowed to sufficiently drain. Control is then transferred by step 848

of the cool-down protocol 830. In the case of the laundry cycle 802a, more specifically control is returned to step 824 which defines the end of the cycle 802a of Figure 39. Step 824 returns control to the laundry cycle module 338 such that further laundry cycles 802 may be initiated on the laundry system 4.

Laundry System Pods 762

A plurality of the above-noted laundry systems 4 maybe grouped into a collection or pod 762 and interconnected in some way as illustrated in Figure 57. Each laundry system 4 of a pod 762 may use a common reclamation assembly 598. Fluids reclaimed from one system 4 could then be used in another laundry system 4. In fact, it may be possible to time the operation of the various laundry systems 4 of a pod 762 such that the number of storage vessels 600 of the reclamation system 598 could be reduced or eliminated altogether. In this case, fluids reclaimed from one or more laundry systems 4 may satisfy the needs of another laundry system 4 of the pod 762 such that the reclamation assembly 598 would simply be conduits to direct the reclaimed fluids to another laundry system 4 of the pod 762, together with appropriate valving.

Another way of "interconnecting" the laundry systems 4 of a pod 762 would be to "network" the main control units 330 of the laundry systems 4. Networking of the main control units 330 could entail implementing a central control unit 764 that would be operatively interfaced with each laundry system 4 through its associated main control unit 330. Operations information/data from the individual laundry systems 4 could be provided to, displayed by, and/or recorded through/using the central control unit 764. The central control unit 764 could also be used to control the operation of each laundry system 4 within the pod 762 by sending appropriate signals to the individual main control units 330.

Laundry System 1000 (Figure 58):

One embodiment of a laundry system 1000 is illustrated in Figure 58. The laundry system 1000 includes a sorting station 1010, an optional laundry batch que 1100 for storing individual laundry batches, one or more processing stations 1200, one or more finishing stations 1550, a material transport assembly 1575 extending from the processing station 1200 to each of the various finishing stations 1550, and preferably a facility controller for controlling one or more aspects of the operation of the laundry system 1000. Generally, laundry is sorted at the sorting station 1010 and may be stored in the laundry batch que 1100 if desired/required, for instance by laundry type (e.g., towels, sheets, wash cloths), by wash formula, or by finishing requirements (e.g., ironing, folding). This separation of the individual laundry batches is preferably maintained as they pass through the laundry system 1000. Individual batches of laundry may be retrieved from the laundry batch que 1100 and provided to the processing station 1200 (exactly how laundry batches are transported from the sorting station 1010 to the processing station 1200 is not the subject of this description). Washing, extracting, and drying functions may be made available at the processing station 1200. The material transport assembly 1575 transports the individual laundry batches from the processing station 1200 to the relevant finishing station 1550 if desired/required. Representative finishing stations 1550 include without limitation a large-piece folder, a small-piece folder, and an ironer, and any number of finishing stations 1550 may be used by the laundry system 1000. The facility controller may be configured to operatively interface with each of the sorting station 1010, the laundry batch que 1100, the processing station 1200, each finishing station 1550, and the material transport assembly 1575. As will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Figures 71 A-B, the laundry system 1000 also includes a fluid management system 1600 for providing fluids to and removing fluids from the processing station 1200.

Sorting Station 1010 (Figure 58):

Laundry may be provided in any appropriate manner or form to the laundry system

1000. One typical protocol will be for the laundry to be unloaded from a truck or the like and deposited on the floor within the laundry system 1000, but more preferably directly into one or more laundry carts 1004. Although it is possible that the laundry may already have been sorted prior to its arrival at the laundry system 1000, such will not typically be the case.

Each laundry cart 1004 is in any case appropriately transported to the sorting station 1010. In one embodiment, each laundry cart 1004 is on rollers, wheels, or the like such that a laborer may simply push a loaded laundry cart 1004 to an appropriate position at the sorting station 1010. Any appropriate number of laborers may work at the sorting station 1010, and any appropriate number of sorters or sorting conveyors 1012 may be utilized by the sorting station 1010. Each of the sorting conveyors 1012 maybe inclined for purposes of loading sorted laundry into the laundry batch que 1100, although such may not be required in all instances. The sorting station 1010 may be configured in any appropriate manner through the facility controller, specifically to provide a single type of laundry or multiple types of laundry to the laundry batch que 1100. That is, at a given point in time, all sorting conveyors 1012 may be dedicated to one laundry type. Another option would be for each sorting conveyor 1012 to be dedicated to its own laundry type at a given point in time, or for there to be one or more groups of sorting conveyors 1012 that are each dedicated to a different laundry type at a given point in time (where each group includes one or more sorting conveyors 1012, and where each group is dedicated to a particular laundry type at a given point in time). For instance and in the latter case, three sorting conveyors 1012 may be dedicated to towels, one sorting conveyor 1012 maybe dedicated to wash cloths, and three sorting conveyors 1012 maybe dedicated to sheets. In the illustrated embodiment, each sorting conveyor 1012 is in the form of an inclined conveyor for transporting laundry disposed thereon by a laborer into what may be characterized as a loading area of the laundry batch que 1100.

Laborers deposit specific laundry types on the appropriate sorting conveyor 1012. When the desired size of laundry batch has been provided to a given loading area of the laundry batch que 1100 by a particular sorting conveyor 1012, operation of the sorting conveyor 1012 may be suspended (e.g., automatically through the facility controller or manually by a laborer) until this loading area of the laundry batch que 1100 is ready to receive another laundry batch from this particular sorting conveyor 1012. In the meantime, a laborer may of course continue to deposit laundry items on this sorting conveyor 1012 so long as it is not "overflowing." Different sorters may be used by the sorting station 1010. One possible variation is illustrated in Figure 59 in the form of a horizontal sorting conveyor 1020. In contrast to the sorting conveyors 1012 that proceed in the direction of or toward the laundry batch que 1100

(by being disposed perpendicular to the length dimension of the laundry batch que 1100 in the illustrated embodiment, although other setups maybe appropriate) so as to move sorted laundry toward designated loading areas of the laundry batch que 1100, the sorting conveyor 1020 extends generally along the length dimension of the laundry batch que 1100 (parallel in the illustrated embodiment). Generally, laundry may be deposited from a laundry cart 1004 onto the sorting conveyor 1020. A laborer retrieves individual laundry items from the sorting conveyor 1020 and deposits them manually into a relevant loading area of the laundry batch que 1100. Since it may be possible that the laundry batch que 1100 may be configured to have a number of different loading areas, for instance to accommodate receiving multiple laundry types, the sorting conveyor 1020 may be manually operated by a laborer through a controller so as to advance laundry on the sorting conveyor 1020 closer to the relevant loading area of the laundry batch que 1100.

Processing Station 1200 (Figures 60-70F): Figure 58 illustrates that the processing station 1200 of the laundry system 1000 include multiple processing arrays 1202 that may be located immediately downstream of the laundry batch que 1100. Any number of processing arrays 1202 may be utilized, including a single processing array 1202 or multiple processing arrays 1202 as shown. Each processing array 1202 includes a plurality of integrated processing units 1204 that are disposed in end- to-end relation, and each integrated processing unit 1204 is preferably of the same configuration. Washing, extracting, and drying operations may be performed within each integrated processing unit 1204 without having to transfer a laundry batch to one or more other devices (e.g., each integrated processing unit 1204 may be characterized as a combination washer/extractor/dryer). Therefore, the above-noted features of the laundry system 4 are equally applicable to and may be used by each integrated processing unit 1204 (e.g., the above-noted discussion on washing operations is equally applicable to each integrated processing unit 1204; the above-noted discussion on extracting operations is equally applicable to each integrated processing unit 1204; the above-noted discussion on balancing operations is equally applicable to each integrated processing unit 1204; and the above-noted discussion on drying operations is equally applicable to each integrated processing unit 1204).

Details regarding one embodiment of an integrated processing unit 1204 are

illustrated in Figures 60- 7OE. The integrated processing unit 1204 includes a frame 1206 of any appropriate configuration and formed from any material or combination of materials. Although not required, the frame 1206 may be anchored to the floor in any appropriate manner. Based upon the balancing capabilities of individual integrated processing units 1204, the integrated processing units 1204 should not move during extraction operations, even when they are not bolted to the floor. In any case, adjacent integrated processing units 1204 in a given processing array 1202 are disposed in abutting relation. Preferably, the frames 1206 of adjacent integrated processing units 1204 in a given processing array 1202 are also appropriately interconnected (e.g., bolted together), although such may not be required in each instance. It may be desirable to include one or more vibration dampers of any appropriate type between adjacent integrated processing units 1204.

Each of the various components of the integrated processing unit 1204 are directly or indirectly supported by the frame 1206. Major components of the integrated processing unit 1204 include an upper material transport section 1220a, a lower material transport section 1220b, an outer containment, a "first containment," or housing 1250, and an inner containment, a "second containment," or basket 1300 that is disposed within the housing 1250 and that is rotated by a motor 1216 of any appropriate type (e.g., a variable speed motor, so that the basket 1300 may be rotated at different speeds for purposes described herein). The housing 1250 includes an upper housing access door 1264, as well as a lower housing access door 1278. The basket 1300 includes one or more removable basket access doors 1330 - each access door 1330 may be removed entirely from the remainder of the basket 1300 so as to be free from contact therewith.

Generally, individual laundry batches that are provided in any appropriate manner to the processing station 1200 are transported by the upper material transport section 1220a of the various integrated processing units 1204 to the "target" or "destination" integrated processing unit 1204. The upper material transport section 1220a includes a section 1228 that "opens" to direct this laundry batch through the upper housing access 1254 (with the upper housing access door 1264 of the housing 1250 having been opened) and into the basket 1300 through an aperture defined by the prior removal of one of its basket access doors 1330. Thereafter, the basket access door 1330 is repositioned to once again enclose the basket 1300. Washing, extracting, and drying operations may be performed on a given laundry batch within the integrated processing unit 1204 without ever removing this laundry batch

from the basket 1300. Once processing of the laundry batch is completed, one of the basket access doors 1330 is once again removed, the lower housing access door 1278 of the housing 1250 is opened, and the laundry batch is deposited on the underlying lower material transport section 1220. Its rollers 1222 maybe rotated in a common direction to advance the laundry batch to the material transport assembly 1575.

Material Transport Sections 1220a, 1220b (Figures 60-62C):

Details regarding the upper material transport section 1220a and the lower material transport section 1220b are illustrated in Figures 60 through 62C. The upper material transport section 1220a includes a first section 1226 and a second section 1228 that are each supported by and appropriately interconnected with the frame 1206 of the integrated processing unit 1204. Both the first section 1226 and the second section 1228 include a plurality of rollers 1222. A drive pulley or gear 1224 is associated with each of the rollers 1222 to rotate each of the rollers 1222 in the same direction. This reduces the potential for an individual laundry item being caught between adjacent pairs of rollers 1222. Any way of driving each roller 1222 may be utilized. A pair of laundry shields 1238 extend along both sides of each of the first section 1226 and the second section 1228 to retain the laundry batches on the rollers 1222.

The first section 1226 is maintained in a fixed position relative to the frame 1206. The second section 1228 is movably interconnected with the frame 1206 so as to in effect function as a valve for the upper material transport section 1220a. hi this regard, a vertical support or stanchion 1232 extends vertically upwardly from the frame 1206. A collar 1234 is mounted on and is able to slide relative to the support 1232. An air cylinder 1240 includes a movable (extendable/retractable) shaft 1242. A pin 1244 is fixed to this shaft 1242, and this pin 1244 is fixed to the collar 1234. A pin 1246 is also fixed to the collar 1234, and extends within a slot 1230 formed within the second section 1228. When the air cylinder 1240 is operated to move its shaft 1242 to an extended position (Figures 62 A-C), the pin 1246 exerts an upwardly directed force on the second section 1228 and moves along a slot 1230 to pivot the second section 1228 about an axis 1236. This then allows a laundry batch traveling in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 62A to enter the housing 1250 and basket 1300 in the above-noted manner. Once the laundry batch has been deposited within the basket 1300, the air cylinder 1240 may be operated to retract the shaft 1242 and move the second section 1228

from the position of Figure 62 A back to the position of Figures 60-61. Any appropriate drive may be used in place of the air cylinder 1240 and such may be integrated in any manner so as to move the second section 1228 of the upper material transport section 1220a in the above- noted manner. Generally, this manner of loading a laundry batch in the basket 1300 (e.g., by the noted operation of the second section 1228 of the upper material transport section 1220a) reduces the "vertical profile" of the integrated processing unit 1204. hi one embodiment, the uppermost portion of the second section 1228a of the upper material transport section 1220a will be less than 10 feet from the floor when in its open position. This significantly reduces the "facility requirements" for a commercial laundry facility that uses an integrated processing station 1204 (e.g., a commercial-scale integrated processing unit 1204 would be fully operational in a room having only a ten foot ceiling).

The lower material transport section 1220b is generally the same as the upper material transport section 1220b, except that it is uses a single section of driven rollers 1222 (e.g., one section does not "open" relative to another section in the manner noted above with regard to the upper material transport section 1220a). Stated another way, the rotational axes of the various rollers 1222 (which are driven in a common direction) of the lower material transport section 1220b remain within a common reference plane. As illustrated, the lower material transport section 1220b also includes a pair of spaced laundry shields 1238 to retain laundry batches on the rollers 1222 of the lower transport section 1220b. Based upon the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the various integrated processing units 1204 in a given processing array 1202 collectively define both an upper and lower "conveyor system" when adjacent integrated processing units 1204 are appropriately positioned. Laundry batches within the processing station 1200 may be transported along one or more upper material transport sections 1220a until reaching the desired integrated processing unit 1204. Similarly, laundry batches that are deposited on the lower material transport section 1220b of any integrated processing unit 1204 may be transported along one or more lower material transport sections 1220b to reach the end of the corresponding processing array 1202 for transfer to the material transport assembly 1575.

Housing 1250 ( ^" Figures 63 A-E):

The housing 1250 is appropriately interconnected with and supported by the frame 1206. Reference maybe made to Figures 60 and 61, as well as Figures 63A-E. The housing

1250 maybe of any appropriate shape, and maybe formed from any appropriate material or combination of materials. Generally, the housing 1250 defines a single chamber in which washing, extracting, and drying operations may each be performed without having to remove a laundry batch from the basket 1300 (e.g., evaporation and condensation occur within the same common space during a drying operation - moisture being evaporated from the laundry batch within the basket 1300 by the addition of heat and the resulting vapors being condensed for removal from the housing 1250). One characterization of a "single chamber" is that it is an at least substantially enclosed space where the boundary between any two chambers includes at least one flow restriction. Another characterization of a "single chamber" is that it is one where an inner wall of the outer containment structure (collectively the housing 1250, the upper housing access door 1264, and the lower housing access door 1278 to be discussed in more detail below) is disposed about the rotational axis of the basket 1300 and is contoured/configured such that any reference ray that extends orthogonally from the noted rotational axis will only contact one point on this inner wall (e.g., the inner wall is not contoured to have a separate pocket that is spaced outwardly from a main chamber area, with some type of a flow restriction therebetween).

In one embodiment, the housing 1250 is formed from what may be characterized as a "structural insulation." One possible configuration in this regard is illustrated in Figure 63E. Multiple layers 1251a-c are used for the configuration of the housing 1250 presented in Figure 63E. Generally, layer 125 Ib is a foamed resin that is located between resinous layers 1251a and 1251c. Layer 1251a defines an interior surface of the housing 1250, and thereby should be suitable for the conditions that will be encountered during laundering operations (e.g., direct exposure to certain elevated temperatures; direct exposure to liquids used in laundering operations). Layer 1251c defines an exterior surface of the housing 1250, and is used to provide some level of protection for the foamed insulation layer 1251b from the environment side of the housing 1250. Although preferably each of the layers 1251a-c are insulators, foamed insulation layer 1251b will typically be abetter insulator than each of the layers 1251a, 1251c.

Any appropriate type of resin may be used by the various layers 1251a-c. One or more "fillers" may be included in one or more of the layers 1251a-c as well and for any appropriate purpose. For instance, layer 1251a may include glass. Although it may be possible for the entirety of the housing 1250 to be formed solely from a foamed resin (e.g.,

Ill

layer 1251b), typically the housing 1250 will include at least the inner layer 1250a and the foamed layer 1251b.

The housing 1250 uses a multi-part construction for ease of assembly of the various components therein. In this regard, the housing 1250 includes an upper housing section 1252 and a lower housing section 1258. The lower portion of the upper housing section 1252 and the upper portion of the lower housing section 1258 each may include a flange 1261. These flanges 1261 may be disposed in interfacing relation and may be appropriately interconnected (e.g., by a plurality of nuts and bolts, not shown). It may be desirable to include an appropriate seal between these flanges 1261 as well. The upper housing section 1252 of the housing 1250 includes an upper housing access 1254 which is vertically aligned with a rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300. An annular upper housing access seal 1256 of any appropriate type is disposed about the perimeter of the upper housing access 1254 ("annular" meaning that the seal 1256 extends a full 360° about a common reference point, and does not require the same to be circular). Similarly, the lower housing section 1258 of the housing 1250 includes a lower housing access 1260 which is also vertically aligned with the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300.

This lower housing access 1260 is formed on an end 1262 of the lower housing section 1258 that is mounted on and appropriately sealed to a sealing section 1208 of the frame 1206 (e.g.,

Figure 63D). In one embodiment, the end 1262 of the lower housing section 1258 is fixed to the sealing section 1208 of the frame 1206 by an appropriate adhesive. Based upon the foregoing, laundry batches are both loaded into and discharged from the basket 1300 in vertical alignment with its centerline or rotational axis 1301.

A number of components are disposed within the housing 1250. One is the above- noted basket 1300. In addition and referring to Figures 61 and Figures 63B-C, a plurality of cooling surfaces such as cooling coils 1290 (more generally, a condenser of any appropriate type or a "condensing assembly") are disposed within the housing 1250 on one side thereof, while an appropriate heater 1292 (more generally an evaporator of any appropriate type or an "evaporating assembly") is disposed on the opposite side of the housing 1250. A heat shield 1294 is disposed between the heater 1292 and the adjacent portion of the housing 1250 to reduce the potential for undesired heating of the housing 1250 during operation of the heater 1292. As illustrated in Figures 63B-C, both the heat shield 1294 and heater 1292 extend beyond the end of the lower housing section 1258 that interfaces with the upper housing

section 1252. Any appropriate size, shape, configuration, and/or type of condenser and evaporator may be used by the integrated processing unit 1204.

The heater 1292 may be used to heat a liquid within the housing 1250 during awash and/or a rinse cycle. The heater 1292 may also be operated during an extraction cycle. Finally, the heater 1292 is of course used during a dry cycle. Generally, liquids are evaporated from the laundry batch contained within the basket 1300 during a dry cycle to generate vapors within the single chamber collectively defined by the housing 1250, the upper housing access door 1264, and the lower housing access door 1278. At least a substantial portion of these vapors are condensed entirely within the confines of this single chamber - little or no moisture-laden air is discharged to the environment in which an integrated processing unit 1204 is used, hi this regard, this type of dry cycle may be referred to as "dehumidifying."

The cooling coils 1290 and heater 1292 are collectively used to reduce the moisture content of a laundry batch within the basket 1300 and while the housing 1250 is sealed bythe upper housing access door 1264 and the lower housing access door 1278. Generally, the heater 1292 is operated to evaporate moisture from the laundry batch. An appropriate cooling medium (e.g., a liquid - preferably water) is directed through the cooling coils 1290 to condense the resulting vapors. This condensate may be continually removed from the housing 1250. hi one embodiment, the cooling medium that is directed through the cooling coils 1290 may be isolated from both the vapors and condensate within the chamber collectively defined by the housing 1250, the upper housing access door 1264, and the lower housing access door 1278. This cooling medium may be reused by the laundry system 1000, particularly when the cooling medium is in the form of water. For instance, cooling medium that has been heated may be used for a subsequent wash and/or rinse cycle to recover heat. A discharge valve 1283 associated with the integrated processing unit 1204 will typically remain open during a dry cycle to accommodate a continuous discharge of condensate out of the integrated processing unit 1204. Although vapors could also of course exit the integrated processing unit 1204 through this same opened discharge valve 1283, a baffle or the like could be used to impede the flow of vapors out of the integrated processing unit 1204 through the discharge valve 1283.

Housing Access Doors 1264, 1278 (Figures 64A-H):

An upper housing access door 1264 and a lower housing access door 1278 are provided for sealing the upper housing access 1254 and the lower housing access 1260, respectively. Reference may be made to Figures 60-61 , as well as Figures 64A-H. Both the upper housing access door 1264 and the lower housing access door 1278 are able to move along the frame 1206 between at least generally two different positions. When aligned with the corresponding access 1254, 1260, both the upper housing access door 1264 and the lower housing access door 1278 include a portion that may be moved toward and away from the housing 1250 to seal the corresponding access, 1254, 1260. The upper housing access door 1264 includes an upper frame 1266 having a plurality of rollers 1274 that mate with and that move along a pair of upper housing door tracks 1212 of the frame 1206 (as well as along the upper housing door tracks 1212 of an adjacent integrated processing unit 1204 when the door 1264 is in its fully open position (Figure 64C)). This allows the upper housing access door 1264 to move between the two positions illustrated in Figures 64A/64B and 64C/64D. A lower frame 1268 of the upper housing access door 1264 is disposed between the upper frame 1266 and the housing 1250, and is able to move away from and toward the upper frame 1266. In this regard, the upper housing access door 1264 includes a plurality of springs 1270, as well as a bellows or bladder 1272 that is disposed between the upper frame 1266 and the lower frame 1268. When the bladder 1272 is in a contracted position or condition, the springs 1272 pull the lower frame 1268 toward the upper frame 1266 so as to provide a small space between the lower frame 1268 and the upper housing access seal 1256 (Figure 64E). This then allows the upper housing access door 1264 to move along the upper housing door tracks 1212 of the frame 1206 (e.g., between the positions of Figures 64A/B and 64C/D). When the upper housing access door 1264 is appropriately aligned with the upper housing access 1254 (Figures 64 A-B), an appropriate fluid (e.g., air) may be directed into the bladder 1272 to expand the same. Expansion of the bladder 1272 moves the lower frame 1268 away from the upper frame 1266 to forcibly engage with the upper housing access seal 1256 to thereby seal the upper housing access 1254. Other ways of moving the lower frame 1268 of the upper housing access door 1264 into and out of engagement with the upper housing section 1252 may be utilized.

The lower housing access door 1278 includes a lower frame 1280 having a plurality of rollers 1286 that mate with and that move along a pair of lower housing door tracks 1214

of the frame 1206 (as well as along the lower housing door tracks 1214 of an adjacent integrated processing unit 1204 when the door 1278 is in its fully open position (Figure 64C)). This allows the lower housing access door 1278 to move between the two positions illustrated in Figures 64A/64B and 64C/64D. An upper frame 1282 of the lower housing access door 1278 is disposed between the lower frame 1280 and the housing 1250, is able to move away from and toward the lower frame 1280, and includes an annular seal 1288 of any appropriate type and that is fixed to the upper frame 1282. In this regard, the lower housing access door 1278 includes a bellows or bladder 1284 that is disposed between the upper frame 1282 and the lower frame 1280. When the bladder 1284 is in a contracted position or condition, the weight of the upper frame 1282 moves the upper frame 1282 toward the lower frame 1280 so as to provide a sufficient space between the annular seal 1288 of the upper frame 1282 and the sealing section 1208 of the frame 1206 (Figures 64F-G; also, recall that the lower housing section 1258 is mounted on and sealed to the sealing section 1208 of the frame 1206). This then allows the lower housing access door 1278 to move along the lower housing door tracks 1214 of the frame 1206 (e.g., between the positions of Figures 64A/B and 64C/D). When the lower housing access door 1278 is appropriately aligned with the lower housing access 1260 (Figures 64A-B), an appropriate fluid (e.g., air) maybe directed into the bladder 1284 to expand the same. Expansion of the bladder 1284 moves the upper frame 1282 away from the lower frame 1280 to forcibly engage the annular seal 1288 (associated with the upper frame 1282) against the sealing section 1208 of the frame 1206, to thereby seal the lower housing access 1260 (e.g., Figure 64H). Other ways of moving the upper frame 1282 into and out of engagement with the sealing section 1208 of the frame 1206 may be utilized.

Based upon the foregoing, each housing access door 1264, 1278 is movable in generallytwo dimensions. The housing access doors 1264, 1278 maybe moved to block and seal their corresponding housing access 1254, 1260, respectively, when vertically aligned therewith (a movement at least generally toward the housing 1250 to seal the same for a wash cycle, extraction cycle, or dry cycle). As illustrated in Figures 64C and 64D, each housing access door 1264, 1278 may also be moved to expose their corresponding housing access 1254, 1260, respectively (to load a laundry batch in the basket 1300 in the case of the upper housing access door 1264; to dump a laundry batch from the basket 1300 in the case of the lower housing access door 1278). As previously noted, the upper housing access door 1264

of one integrated processing unit 1204 may be supported not only by its own integrated processing unit 1204 when in the open position, but by an adj acent integrated processing unit 1204 as well. The same is true in relation to the lower housing access door 1264.

Basket 1300 (Figures 65 A-G):

The basket 1300 is disposed inside the housing 1250, and is rotated about an at least generally horizontally disposed rotational axis 1301 byamotor 1216 or any other appropriate drive that is able to rotate the basket 1300 at different speeds as desired/required (e.g., more generally a "rotational drive assembly"). It may be desirable to include a brake (not shown) for the basket 1300. This brake could be used: 1 ) to terminate rotation of the basket 1300 for any appropriate purpose; 2) to maintain the basket 1300 in a fixed, stationary position for any appropriate purpose; and/or 3) to provide resistance to rotation of the basket 1300 for any appropriate purpose (e.g., to allow the basket 1300 to rotate in a controlled manner by providing an opposing biasing force via the brake). Reference may be made to Figures 60-61, as well as Figures 65 A-G for details regarding the basket 1300. The basket 1300 includes a pair of end plates 1302 that are disposed in spaced relation, as well as an annular, cylindrical sidewall 1306 that extends between these end plates 1302 in a fully assembled condition. The sidewall 1306 is collectively defined by a plurality of fixed sections 1308 and a plurality of basket access doors 1330 in the illustrated embodiment. Those portions of the sidewall 1306 that are not defined by a basket door 1330 are in the form of a fixed section 1308. Preferably the basket 1300 includes multiple basket access doors 1330 that each may be removed from the basket 1300 to gain access to its interior, although any appropriate number may be utilized (including having a single basket access door 1330). Three basket access doors 1330 are provided in the illustrated embodiment. Having multiple basket access doors 1330 may reduce the complexity of positioning the basket 1300 in proper position for door removal operations, may provide redundancy in that access may be gained to the interior of the basket 1300 even if one of the basket access doors 1300 becomes stuck, or both. The structure of the basket doors 1330 that allows for the removal thereof will be discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a single fixed section 1308 located between each basket access door 1330. Stated another way, eachbasket access door 1330 is disposed between an adjacent pair of spaced fixed sections 1308.

The fixed sections 1308 and the basket access doors 1330 each include a plurality of reinforcement ribs 1312 that are spaced along the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 by an appropriate amount and extend at least generally about the rotational axis 1301 along a circular path. Opposing ends of each reinforcement rib 1312 are fixed to a cross rib 1324. In the illustrated embodiment, each cross rib 1324 is disposed perpendicular to its corresponding reinforcement ribs 1312. Other relative positionings may be appropriate. When all basket access doors 1330 are appropriately installed, the basket 1300 is in effect annularly or circumferentially reinforced at a plurality of locations that are spaced along its rotational axis 1301. The fixed sections 1308 and the basket access doors 1330 each also include a perforated sheet section 1310. In one embodiment, the "open area" of each fixed section 1308 and basket access door 1330 is at least about 50% (the ratio of the cumulative area of the perforations over a region collectively defined by a group of perforations, to the total surface area of this region). The perforations through the sections 1310 may be of any appropriate size and disposed in any appropriate pattern. In one embodiment, the perforations are circular and are disposed in a hexagonal, closed pack pattern. Fluid (liquid and gases) thereby may pass through the sidewall 1306 of the basket 1300 during laundering operations, as required. It should be noted that the sidewall 1306 of the basket 1300 is rigid in one embodiment (not subject to any significant deflection or distortion during laundering operations, specifically during an extraction cycle). However, the basket 1300 could be more pliable in the manner discussed above with regard to the laundry system 4.

Each basket access door 1330 is detachably interconnected with an adjacent pair of fixed sections 1308 in the case of the basket 1300. A plurality of latching pin receivers 1326 are disposed along each of two opposing edges of each fixed section 1308, and are mounted on the corresponding cross rib 1324. Each latching pin receiver 1326 includes ahole 1328. A plurality of latching pin mounts 1332 are disposed along each of two opposing edges of each basket access door 1330, and are mounted on the corresponding cross rib 1324. Each latching pin mount 1332 includes a latching pin 1331. It should be appreciated that each latching pin mount 1332 on the basket access door 1330 could include a hole, and that the corresponding latching pin receiver 1326 on the corresponding fixed sections 1308 could include a pin (not shown, but the "reverse" of the configuration described herein).

Generally, a given basket access door 1330 may be disposed relative to its

corresponding pair of the fixed sections 1308 such that each of its latching pins 1331 is aligned with a hole 1328 of a latching pin receiver 1326 of the corresponding fixed section 1308 (Figure 65D). The basket access door 1330 may then be moved parallel with the rotational axis 1301 ofthe basket 1300 to direct each latching pin 1331 ofthe basket access door 1330 into an aligned hole 1328 of a latching pin receiver 1326 ofthe corresponding fixed section 1308 (Figure 65E). At this time, each reinforcement rib 1312 of each basket access door 1330 will be aligned with its own reinforcement ribs 1312 for each of the corresponding pair of fixed sections 1308. This thereby annularly or circumferentially reinforces the basket 1300 at a plurality of locations spaced along its rotational axis 1301. That is, this zipper-like attachment of the basket access doors 1330 maintains a sufficient tension or tensile strength for the basket 1300.

A latch 1336 is provided for each basket access door 1330 to retain the same in the fully engaged or installed position of Figure 65E during any relevant operation (e.g., during a wash cycle, during an extraction cycle, during a dry cycle). Each latch 1336 is mounted on one of the end plates 1302 and is biased toward its latching position by a spring 1338. When a particular basket access door 1330 is to be removed in a manner that will be discussed in more detail below, the relevant latch 1336 is moved from the position illustrated in Figure 65E to the position illustrated in Figure 65D. This then allows the basket access door 1330 to be moved parallel with the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 from the position illustrated in Figure 65E to the position illustrated in Figure 65D to disengage the basket access door 1330 from its corresponding pair of fixed sections 1308 (to unlock or unlatch this particular basket access door 1330). Thereafter, the basket access door 1330 maybe moved generally away from the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 by a basket door removal/installation system 1480 in a manner that will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Figures 69 A-G. Generally, each basket access door 1330 includes one or more door removal mounts 1333 that are fixed to a reinforcement rib 1312, and that are engaged by the basket door removal/installation system 1480. Each door removal mount 1333 includes a hole 1334.

A plurality of balancing fins or tubes 1314 are disposed within the interior of the basket 1300, have a length dimension that extends at least generally parallel to the rotational axis 1301 ofthe basket 1300, and extend inwardly within the basket 1300 at least generally toward its rotational axis 1301 (Figure 61; Figure 65F). It may be desirable to position a skirt

1320 over each balancing tube 1314 (Figure 61) to reduce the potential for a laundry item being caught at the area of intersection of the balancing tube 1314 with the corresponding perforated sheet section 1310. This skirt 1320 may be attached to the corresponding perforated sheet section 1310 in any appropriate manner. Three balancing tubes 1314 are equally spaced about the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 in the illustrated embodiment. Other numbers of balancing tubes 1314 may be utilized as well. However, preferably at least three balancing tubes 1314 are utilized and are disposed in equally spaced relation about the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the balancing tubes 1314 is disposed at the "0" degree position, another of the balancing tubes 1314 is disposed at the " 120" degree position, and the third of the balancing tubes 1314 is disposed at the 240 degree position proceeding about the rotational axis 1301.

The balancing tubes 1314 may be used to rotationally balance the basket 1300 for/during an extraction cycle. In this regard, the balancing tubes 1314 are also hollow such that an appropriate balancing mass (preferably in the form of a liquid, and even more preferably in the form of water) may be directed therein, including in multiple and discrete locations of any particular balancing tube 1314. However, the balancing tubes 1314 are also used for the wash/rinse and dry cycles. Rotation of the basket 1300 during both the wash/rinse and dry cycles allows the balancing tubes 1314 to move the laundry batch contained within the basket 1300 at least relative to the housing 1250 to a degree by "catching" and "lifting" corresponding portions of the laundry batch. The balancing tubes 1314 each extend from one end plate 1302 to the opposite end plate 1302, and are appropriately anchored to the perforated sheet section 1310 of the corresponding fixed section 1308 of the basket 1300. A plurality of access ports 1304 extend through each end plate 1302 in alignment with the adjacent end of a particular balancing tube 1314. That is, there is a separate access port 1304 through the relevant end plate 1302 for each end of each balancing tube 1314. Therefore, an appropriate balancing mass may be directed into and removed from each balancing tube 1314 at both ends thereof by passing through the corresponding access port 1304.

Each balancing tube 1314 includes a partition 1316 that is disposed midway between the end plates 1302 of the basket 1300. This thereby defines two separate compartments or chambers 1318a, 1318b for each balancing tube 1314 (Figure 65F). The chamber 1318a of each balancing tube 1314 may be characterized as being disposed on one side of the

"longitudinal midpoint" of the basket 1300 ( ¹ A the distance between its two end platesl302 being the longitudinal midpoint, which should be the same as ¹ A the distance between the two bearing assemblies 1350 that rotatably support the basket 1300), while the chamber 1318b of each balancing tube 1314 is disposed on the opposite side of this longitudinal midpoint. It should be appreciated that more than one partition 1316 could be disposed within each balancing tube 1314. What is desirable is for there to be at least one chamber on each side of the longitudinal midpoint of the basket 1300 for each balancing tube 1314. As such, the maximum distance between any imbalance within the basket 1300 and at least one of the chambers 1318a, 1318b of the various balancing tubes 1314, measured along or parallel to the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300, is less than one-half of the length of the basket 1300 as also measured along the rotational axis 1301. Stated another way, a maximum distance that is measured along or parallel to the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 between any imbalance within the basket 1300 and a center of mass of at least one of the chambers 1318a, 1318b of the various balancing tubes 1314 is less than one-half of the length of the basket 1300, as also measured along the rotational axis 1301.

The cross-sectional profile of the balancing tube 1314 changes along its length dimension (proceeding from the partition 1316 to each ofthe end plates 1302). Generally, at the partition 1316 the balancing tube 1314 has a circular configuration, while at each end plate 1302 the balancing tube 1314 has an elliptical configuration. The portion of the balancing tube 1314 that is the closest to the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 (section 1322 in Figure 65F) is disposed at a slight angle to the rotational axis 1301 of the basket

1300 to facilitate the flow of fluid within the balancing tube 1314 toward the corresponding end plate 1302 ofthe basket 1300. That is, the end of each section 1322 at an end plate 1302 is closer to the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 than at the partition 1316. Stated another way, each balancing tube 1314 slopes at least generally toward the rotational axis

1301 of the basket 1300 progressing from the partition 1316 to an end plate 1302 of the basket 1300.

An axle assembly 1340 is provided for the basket 1300. The axle assembly 1340 allows the basket 1300 to rotate within the housing 1250. Another function of the axle assembly 1340 is to separately provide an appropriate balancing mass at the appropriate time to any of the chambers 1318a, 1318b of the balancing tubes 1314 through the associated access port 1304 in an end plate 1302. The general approach discussed above regarding

balancing the laundry system 4 is equally applicable to balancing each integrated processing unit 1204. That is, the theory or protocol presented above for addressing a rotational imbalance may be implemented for each integrated processing unit 1204. This discussion need not be repeated. The fundamental advantage for addressing an imbalance of the basket 1300 is in relation to where vibrational imbalances are sensed. Once this vibrational imbalance data is retrieved, it may be implemented in the same manner discussed above to address the imbalance.

A flow channeling housing 1396 is mounted in any appropriate manner on each end plate 1302 of the basket 1300 (e.g., by welding). Generally, one flow channeling housing 1396 provides a balancing mass to the chambers 1318a of the balancing tubes 1314 on a common side of the corresponding partition 1316. The other flow channeling housing 1396 provides a balancing mass to the chambers 1318b of the balancing tubes 1314 on a common, opposite side of the corresponding partition 1316.

Each flow channeling housing 1396 includes a port 1398 for each balancing tube 1314 (more specifically either for the chambers 1318a, or for the chambers 1318b). Each port 1398 extends from the end of the flow channeling housing 1396, into the flow channeling housing 1396, and to a side of the flow channeling housing 1396 where it interconnects with a tube fill line 1400 for the corresponding chamber 1318a or 1318b of a particular balancing tube 1314. Each tube fill line 1400 extends from the flow channel housing 1396, through the corresponding access port 1304, and into the corresponding chamber 1318a or 1318b of the corresponding balancing tube 1314. A gutter 1404 is disposed over the tube fill line 1400 and is attached to the corresponding end plate 1302 of the basket 1300. An appropriate seal 1406 may be disposed between the gutter 1404 and the end plate 1302. Each gutter 1404 is open on the end that is proximate the flow channeling housing 1396, but is closed at the end that is disposed beyond the corresponding fluid access port 1304 through the end plate 1302. The tube fill line 1400 extends through the open end of the gutter 1404 and into the space defined between the gutter 1404 and the end plate 1302 to reach its corresponding access port 1304.

An air line may also be provided for each chamber 1318a, 1318b of each balancing tube 1314. Each such air line could extend from a location that is close to, but spaced from, the flow channeling housing 1396, into the space between the corresponding gutter 1404 and end plate 1302, and into the corresponding access port 1304 through the end plate 1302 (and

thereby into the interior of the corresponding chamber 1318a or 1318b of a particular balancing tube 1314). Air lines of this type may facilitate draining of the corresponding chamber 1318a or 1318b of a balancing tube 1314. A plurality of float diverting gutters 1408 are disposed about each flow channeling housing 1396. Each gutter 1408 is disposed to direct the flow out of the open end of one of the gutters 1404 (that which is disposed over a tube fill line 1400) away from the flow channeling housing 1396.

Axle Assembly 1340 (Figures 66A-G):

The basket 1300 is able to rotate relative to the housing 1250 by the axle assembly 1340 as noted above. Reference maybe made to Figures 65B, 65F, 65G, as well as Figures 66 A-G. A flow channeling housing 1396 is again mounted on each end plate 1302 of the basket 1300 on its rotational axis 1301. The flow channeling housings 1396 thereby rotate along with the basket 1300. An axle 1342 is provided for each flow channeling housing 1396. The axles 1342 are appropriately interconnected with their corresponding flow channeling housing 1396 and thereby rotate therewith. Each axle 1342 is supported by a separate bearing assembly 1350 that is interconnected with the frame 1206. A gear orpulley 1218 is mounted on one of the axles 1342. This gear 1218 is interconnected with and rotated by a motor 1216 that is appropriately supported by the frame 1206. Once again, preferably the motor 1216 is able to rotate the basket 1300 at more than one rotational speed. The bearing assembly 1350 for each axle 1342 in effect "floats" relative to the frame

1206 based upon various portions thereof being movable in multiple dimensions. Only one of the bearing assemblies 1350 will be described, as they are of the same configuration. Three bearing assembly mounts 1352 are mounted on and able to slide relative to the frame 1206 (see the double-headed arrows in Figure 66F). More specifically, the frame 1206 includes three axle support frame sections 1210 for each axle 1342. The three axle support frame sections 1210 for each axle 1342 are maintained in a stationary position relative to each other and are arranged to collectively define a triangle about the corresponding axle 1342 - one being at least generally horizontal (the uppermost axle support frame section 1210), and the other two being disposed at an angle. Therefore, the bearing assembly mounts 1352 are able to move along the corresponding axle support frame sections 1210 in the directions indicated by the double-headed arrows in Figures 66F.

Each bearing assembly mount 1352 is of the same configuration. The bearing

assembly mount 1352 includes a slot 1354 on the end that faces the corresponding basket axle 1342. A pair of end supports 1356 are provided at each end of the slot 1356, and are separated by a recess 1358. A plate in the form of a strain gauge mount 1360 is received within the slot 1354. The strain gauge mount 1360 is thereby supported generally at two displaced locations (those portions interfacing with the end supports 1356 - a simply supported beam) and is un-supported between these two displaced locations (that portion of the strain gauge mount 1360 that is disposed over the recess 1358 in the bearing assembly mount 1352). The strain gauge mount 1360 is able to slide relative to the bearing assembly mount 1352 along an axis corresponding with the double-headed arrow in Figure 66G. The axis along which the strain gauge mount 1360 may move relative to the bearing assembly mount 1352 is disposed at an angle relative to the axis along which the bearing assembly mount 1352 may move along its corresponding axle support frame sections 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, the direction that the strain gauge mount 1360 may move relative to its corresponding bearing assembly mount 1352 is orthogonal to the direction that this bearing assembly mount 1352 may move relative to its corresponding axle support frame section 1210.

A spherical depression or cavity 1361 is formed on the side of the strain gauge mount 1360 that faces the axle 1342. A strain gauge 1362 is mounted on the opposite side of the strain gauge mount 1360. Deflection of the strain gauge mount 1360 within the recess 1358 by forces exerted on the strain gauge mount 1360 by the axle 1342 causes a strain within the strain gauge mount 1360. The amount of this strain may be determined by the strain gauge 1362 and used for balancing purposes (e.g., determining which chamber(s) 1318a, 1318b of the balancing tubes 1314 should receive a balancing mass (preferably in the form of a liquid, and most preferably water), and the amount of the balancing mass that should be provided thereto). A single signal that is indicative of strain (and thereby an imbalance) is associated with each bearing assembly 1350 and is used for balancing the basket 1300 in the above- noted manner (i.e., there will be two signals - one associated with each bearing assembly 1350). A single strain gauge 1362 could be used for each of the two bearing assemblies 1350 to generate these two signals. This would most likely be a strain gauge 1362 associated with one of the bearing assembly mounts 1352 that is disposed "under" its corresponding axle 1342 (i.e., one of the two bearing assembly mounts 1352 for each bearing assembly 1350 that are disposed on one of the two angled axle support frame sections 1210).

Two signals are used to address an imbalance of the basket 1300 - a signal from a strain gauge associated with one of the bearing assemblies and a signal from a strain gauge associated with the other bearing assembly 1350. It should be appreciated that any appropriate signal processing technique may be used in relation to each of these two signals. For instance, data stacking may be utilized (taking several waveforms over a certain number of cycles and "data stacking" or averaging the same). Each signal can also be Fast Fourier Transformed (FFT).

One side of a ball bearing or spherical support 1364 (member 1364 is not intended to rotate) is seated within the spherical depression 1361 of the strain gauge mount 1360 of the corresponding bearing assembly mount 1352. The opposite side of the ball bearing 1364 is disposed in a spherical depression or cavity 1367 on a housing or pillow block 1368 of a spherical bearing 1366. The spherical bearing 1366 further includes an outer race 1372a and an inner race 1372b that are disposed within and supported by the pillow block 1368. A plurality of roller bearings 1370a, 1370b are disposed between the races 1372a, 1372b. The outer race 1372a and inner race 1372b are shaped to dispose the sidewalls of the roller bearings 1370a at a different angle than the sidewalls of the roller bearings 1370b. The sidewalls of the roller bearings 1370a and 1370b are disposed in non-parallel relation with the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300.

A housing assembly 1374 is disposed about an end portion of each axle 1342 and is defined by multiple components that are appropriately interconnected in the illustrated embodiment. A plurality of roller bearings 1376 are disposed between this housing assembly 1374 and the axle 1342. The sidewalls of the roller bearings 1376 are parallel with the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300. A thrust bearing 1378 of any appropriate configuration is disposed between adjacent parts of the housing assembly 1374. A plate 1388 is disposed on an end of the axle 1342, and is thereby located between the axle 1342 and the flow channeling housing 1396 that is again fixed/attached to an end plate 1302 of the basket 1300. A plurality of appropriate fasteners are directed from within the basket 1300, through the flow channeling housing 1396, through the plate 1388, and into the axle 1342 so that the axle 1342 rotates along with the corresponding flow channeling housing 1396 and the basket 1300. The plate 1388 is intended to provide a thermal break between the corresponding flow channeling housing 1396 and the axle 1342, and thereby should have a lower thermal conductivity than that of both the flow channeling housing 1396

and the axle 1342.

The axle assembly 1340 again is also used to provide a balancing mass to chambers 1318a, 1318b of the balancing tubes 1314. One axle 1342 provides fluid to the chamber 1318a of each balancing tube 1314, while the other axle 1342 provides fluid to the chamber 1318b of each balancing tube 1314. That is, one axle 1342 provides a balancing mass to the basket 1300 on one side of its longitudinal midpoint (the longitudinal dimension coinciding with the rotational axis 1301), while the other axle 1342 provides a balancing mass to the opposite side of its longitudinal midpoint. The axle 1342 will be described in relation to providing a balancing mass to the chambers 1318a of the balancing tubes 1314. This discussion is equally applicable to the other axle 1342 providing a balancing mass to the chambers 1318b of the balancing tubes 1314. Hereafter, the balancing mass may be characterized as a balancing liquid, as such is preferred.

Figures 66B-C illustrate that the end portion of the axle 1342 that is disposed within the housing assembly 1374 includes at least one slot 1344 for each chamber 1318a. Each chamber 1318a of the balancing tubes 1314 is fluidly interconnected with a single slot 1344 in the illustrated embodiment. The slots 1344 are spaced along the length dimension of the axle 1342. The slot(s) 1344 for the different chambers 1318a are separated (fluidly isolated) by an annular seal ring 1380. A port 1346 extends through the end of the axle 1342 to one of the slots 1344. At least one port 1346 is provided for each slot 1344. A balancing liquid may be separately provided to the slot(s) 1344 associated with each of the chambers 1318a. At least one inlet port 1382 extends through the housing assembly 1374 so as to be fluidly connectable with the slot(s) 1344 associated with a particular chamber 1318a. Each slot 1344 is associated with at least one inlet port 1382. One inlet port 1382 is provided for each slot 1344 in the illustrated embodiment. Any appropriate number of inlet ports 1382 may be associated with each slot 1344.

An inlet line 1384 is fluidly connected with each inlet port 1382. Each inlet line 1384 may be fluidly interconnected with the fluid management system 1600 (specifically the balancing mass source 1630 - again preferably in the form of a liquid and most preferably water) or any other appropriate balancing mass source, hi one embodiment, there are two valves associated with each inlet line 1384 - one that provides a high flow rate to the corresponding inlet line 1384 and another that provides a low flow rate to the corresponding inlet line 1384. Closing both valves for a certain inlet line 1384 will of course terminate any

flow to the corresponding inlet line 1384. Typically, the same high flow rate and the same low flow rate will be used for each inlet line 1384, although such may not be required in all instances.

Balancing liquid maybe directed through an inlet line 1384, into the corresponding inlet port 1382, and into the corresponding slot 1344 as it rotates into alignment with this inlet port 1382. At least one port 1346 extends from each slot 1344 to the end of the axle 1342. There is one port 1346 per slot 1344 in the illustrated embodiment. Any number of ports 1346 could be utilized. Each port 1346 on the end of the axle 1342 is aligned with a port 1390 through the plate 1348 (the thermal break between the axle 1342 and the flow channeling housing 1396 on the end plate 1302 of the basket 1300), that in turn is aligned with a port 1398 on the end of the corresponding flow channeling housing 1396. Therefore, it should be appreciated that in the case of the illustrated embodiment, a flow through an inlet line 1384 is directed into a single slot 1344 on the axle 1342, and flows through the port 1346 in the axle 1342, through the aligned port 1390 in the plate 1388, through the aligned port 1398 in the flow channeling housing 1396, through a fill line 1400 that is interconnected with this port 1398, and into the chamber 1318a of one of the balancing tubes 1314. Once again, balancing liquid may be provide the chamber 1318a of each balancing tube 1314 in this manner (using this same axle 1342, but a different one of the slots 1344), as well as to the chamber 1318b of each balancing tube 1314 in this same manner (using the other axle 1342). It should be appreciated that the rotation of a basket axle 1342 could cause its corresponding diverter housing assembly 1374 to rotate as well. It may be desirable to at least limit the rotation of the diverter assembly housing 1374. Figure 66F illustrates that a pair of brackets could be mounted on the frame 1210 and disposed relative to the diverter assembly housing 1374 such that no or only a limited amount of rotation of the diverter housing assembly 1374 will occur before this rotation will be terminated by one of the flanges. This could adversely affect the imbalance signal associated with this axle 1342, and which is used to balance the basket 1300. An approach that has potentially a smaller adverse effect on this imbalance signal would be: 1 ) to mount one or more flanges on one of the axle support frame sections 1210 so as to be spaced from the diverter housing assembly 1374; 2) to mount or interconnect a stop on the diverter assembly housing 1374 (e.g., using a band clamp or the like), where this stop (e.g., the end of a bolt or the like) will contact a portion of an appropriate abutment surface of one of the noted flanges (e.g., a flat surface) when the

di verier assembly housing 1374 rotates a certain amount, and where this stop will be then still able to move along this abutment surface and remain in contact therewith during anticipated movements of the axle 1342. Having the stop move at least somewhat unconstrained along an appropriately shaped abutment surface should not adversely affect the imbalance signal to an undesired degree.

Basket Registration System 1420 (Figure 67 A-CV.

One of the basket access doors 1330 is removed when access to the basket 1300 is desired, for instance to introduce/load a laundry load/batch into the basket 1300 or to discharge/unload a laundry load/batch from the basket 1300. The integrated processing unit 1204 includes a basket registration system 1420 to dispose the basket 1300 in a proper rotational position for removal of one of its basket access doors 1330. The basket registration system 1420 includes an actuator 1424 (e.g., a pneumatic cylinder) that is pivotally interconnected with the frame 1206 in any appropriate manner. The actuator 1424 includes an extendable and retractable shaft 1428. A mount 1430 is disposed on the end of the shaft 1428, and includes a recess (e.g., a slot) for capturing at least some portion of the basket 1300, for instance an upper portion of one of the reinforcement ribs 1312 of the basket 1300.

The shaft 1428 of the actuator 1424 is extended into housing 1250 when removal of a basket access door 1330 is desired (e.g., after the upper housing access door 1264 has been moved to its open position — Figures 64C and 64D). At this time, an appropriate brake or braking mechanism may be activated to resist rotational movement of the basket 1330. The shaft 1428 will extend to eventually dispose the mount 1430 on one of the reinforcement ribs 1312 of the basket 1300. The mount 1430 will "ride along" this reinforcement rib 1312 by continued extension of the shaft 1428 until the mount 1430 contacts one of the cross ribs 1324 of the basket 1300 as illustrated in Figure 67 A. Typically the basket 1300 will not rotate until the mount 1430 contacts one of the cross ribs 1324, although such may not always be the case. The force used to extend the shaft 1428 is sufficient enough to overcome the braking force such that continued extension of the shaft 1428 with the mount 1430 in contact with a cross rib 1324 will rotate the basket 1330 (compare the positions illustrated in Figures 67A and 67B). Once the shaft 1428 has extended to the position illustrated in Figure 67C, one of the basket access doors 1330 will now be in position for removal from the

remainder of the basket 1300. Engagement of the mount 1430 with a reinforcement rib 1312 in the noted manner also provides resistance to movement of the basket 1300 in a direction that is at least generally parallel with its rotational axis 1301. Forces that are at least generally parallel with the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 are exerted on a basket 1300 by a basket door latching/unlatching system 1450.

Basket Door Latching/Unlatching System 1450 (Figures 68A-Q:

After the basket 1300 has been disposed in a proper position for removal of one of its basket access doors 1330 by the basket registration system 1420, this particular basket access door 1330 is ready to be unlatched. This is done by a basket door latching/unlatching system 1450, one embodiment of which is illustrated in Figures 68A-C. The basket door latching/unlatching system 1450 maybe of any appropriate configuration that exerts one or more forces on the basket access door 1330 to move the same between the latched and unlatched positions. Components of the basket door latching/unlatching system 1450 in the illustrated embodiment include a plurality of air cylinders 1450. Each air cylinder 1450 has an extendable and retractable shaft 1454, and is appropriately supported (directly or indirectly) by the frame 1206. At least one air cylinder 1450 is associated with each end of the basket 1300 in the illustrated embodiment, and at a location so as to be able to exert the required force on a basket access door 1330 when the basket 1300 has been positioned by the above- noted basket registration system 1420 for either latching or unlatching operations. Typically the basket door latching/unlatching system 1450 will exert a force on the basket access door 1330 at one or more locations. Each such force will be in a direction that is preferably at least generally parallel with the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300, and furthermore in a manner such that the pair of cross ribs 1324 along the two opposing edges of the basket access door 1330 being removed are maintained at least substantially parallel with the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300 as the door 1330 is moved between its latched and unlatched positions.

The shaft 1454 of each air cylinder 1452 extends through an aligned portion of the housing 1250. Figures 68B-C illustrate using a single air cylinder 1452 to unlatch a basket access door 1330, and such may be referred to as an "unlatching" air cylinder 1452. Any number of "unlatching" air cylinders 1452 could be utilized, hi the illustrated embodiment

where a single "unlatching" air cylinder 1452 is utilized, it may be desirable for the shaft 1452 of this "unlatching" air cylinder 1452 to act on the end of the relevant basket access door 1330 at a central location (the same would apply to any single "latching" air cylinder 1452, that will be discussed below). "Central location" means half way between the two opposing edges (corresponding with or along which the cross ribs 1324 run) of the basket access door 1330 having the latching pins 1331.

The shaft 1454 of the "unlatching" air cylinder 1452 is retracted in Figure 68B. This is the position that the shaft 1454 of each air cylinder 1452 may be in during normal laundering operations, and may correspond with a "home" position. The shaft 1454 of the "unlatching" air cylinder 1452 in Figure 68C has been extended to engage the end of the basket access door 1330 (specifically the adjacent "end" reinforcement rib 1312) and move the basket access door 1330 to unlatch the same from the remainder of the basket 1300. That is, the latching pins 1331 on the cross ribs 1324 (again, which extend along the two opposing edges of the basket access door 1330) have been disposed out of the hole 1328 of their corresponding latching pin receiver 1326. This then allows the basket access door 1330 to be moved away from the remainder of the basket 1300 in a manner that will be discussed in more detail below in relation to a basket door removal/installation system 1480 (Figures 69A-G). Once the basket access door 1330 has been removed, it may be desirable to retract the shaft 1454 of each "unlatching" air cylinder 1452 back to the position illustrated in Figure 68B.

The air cylinder(s) 1452 on the opposite end of the basket 1300 (not shown) would be used to latch the basket access door 1330 in the same general manner as already discussed, and each may be referred to as a "latching" air cylinder 1452. Generally, each such "latching" air cylinder 1452 wouldbe operated to move the basket access door 1330 from the position illustrated in Figure 68C back to the position illustrated in Figure 68B. More specifically, the shaft 1454 of the "latching" air cylinder(s) 1452 on the opposite end of the basket 1300 would be extended to engage the end of the basket access door 1330 (specifically the adjacent "end" reinforcement rib 1312) and move the basket access door 1330 to latch the same to the remainder of the basket 1300. The latching pins 1331 on the cross ribs 1324 (extending along the opposing edges of the basket access door 1330) would thereby be disposed back into the hole 1328 of their corresponding latching pin receiver 1326. Thereafter and in accordance with the foregoing, it may be desirable to retract the

shaft 1454 of the "latching" air cylinder(s) 1452 at this time.

Basket Door Removal/Installation System 1480 ( ^" Figures 69 A-G):

A basket access door 1330 is physically separated from a remainder of the basket 1300 by a basket door removal/installation system 1480 after it has been unlatched in the manner discussed above in relation to the basket door latching/unlatching system 1450. One embodiment of such a basket door removal/installation system 1480 is illustrated in Figures 69A-G. Components of the basket door removal/installation system 1480 include a shaft 1484 that is rotatably supported by a pair of shaft supports 1482 that are appropriately interconnected with and supported by the frame 1206. The shaft 1484 may be rotated in any appropriate manner and by any appropriate source. One or more swing arms 1486 are mounted on the shaft 1484. There should be one swing arm 1486 for each door removal mount 1333 on the basket access door 1330. Each swing arm 1486 includes a pin 1488 that properly "mates" with an aligned hole 1334 in a door removal mount 1333 on the basket access door 1330. It should be appreciated that each swing arm 1486 could include a hole, and that the corresponding door removal mount 1333 could include a pin (not shown, but the "reverse" of the configuration described herein).

The shaft 1484 of the basket door removal/installation system 1480 maybe moved from the position illustrated in Figure 69B (the position for when the basket 1300 is rotating) to the position illustrated in Figure 69C (the position for door removal/installation operations). That is, the shaft 1484 has been rotated to dispose the ends of the swing arms 1486 having the pins 1488 closerto the basket 1300. This then disposes the pins 1488 on the swing arms 1486 in alignment with the corresponding hole 1334 of a door removal mount 1333 on the basket access door 1330 that is to be removed. Thereafter, the basket door latching/unlatching system 1450 maybe activated to move the basket access door 1330 from the position illustrated in relation to Figure 68B to Figure 68C (also, from the position of Figure 65E to the position of Figure 65D) to unlatch the basket access door 1330 from its corresponding pair of fixed sections 1308. This samemotion of the basket access door 1330 also "mounts" the basket access door 1330 on the basket door removal/installation system 1480. Specifically, the motion of the basket access door 1330 by the basket door latching/unlatching system 1450 moves the basket access door 1330 from the position illustrated in Figure 69D to the position illustrated in Figure 69E so as to dispose the pin

1488 of each swing arm 1486 into the aligned hole 1334 of a door removal mount 1333 on the basket access door 1330. Thereafter, the shaft 1484 of the basket door removal/installation system 1480 maybe rotated to move the basket access door 1330 away from the remainder of the basket 1300 to the position illustrated in Figures 69F-G. At this time, the basket 1300 may be rotated to dump a laundry load^batch from the basket 1300 through the resulting aperture left by the removed basket access door 1330 (with the lower housing access door 1278 being in the open position- Figures 64C and 64D). Typically the basket 1300 will be rotated so that the center of this aperture is directly below the rotational axis 1301 of the basket 1300. After a load/batch has been dumped from the basket 1300 and typically after another laundry batch has been loaded in the basket 1300 (where the opening associated with the removed basket access door 1330 faces upwardly to receive the next laundry batch), the basket registration system 1420 rotates the basket 1300 back to the position illustrated in Figure 69G so as to be properly aligned with the basket door removal/installation system 1480. That is, Figure 69G is also the position that the basket 1300 should be in for installation of a basket access door 1330. Thereafter, the shaft 1484 of the basket door removal/installation system 1480 is rotated from the position illustrated in Figure 69G back to the position illustrated in Figure 69E. This disposes each latching pin 1331 on the basket access door 1330 in alignment with a hole 1328 of a latching pin receiver 1326 on one of the fixed sections 1308 of the basket 1300. Thereafter, the basket door latching/unlatching system 1450 may be activated to move the basket access door 1330 from the position illustrated in relation to Figure 68C to Figure 68B (also, from the position of Figure 65D to the position of Figure 65E) to latch the basket access door 1330 to its corresponding pair of fixed sections 1308. This same motion of the basket access door 1330 also "dismounts" the basket access door 1330 from the basket door removal/installation system 1480. Specifically, the motion of the basket access door 1330 by the basket door latching/unlatching system 1450 moves the basket access door 1330 from the position illustrated in Figure 69E back to the position illustrated in Figure 69D to remove the pin 1488 of each swing arm 1486 from its corresponding hole 1334 of a door removal mount 1333 on the basket access door 1330. Thereafter, the shaft 1484 of the basket door removal/installation system 1480 may be rotated back to the position illustrated in Figure 69B (and without a basket access door 1330 being mounted thereon).

Discharge Valve 1283 ( ^" Figures 70A-D:

Various fluids (most typically in the form of a liquid) will be introduced into and discharged from the integrated processing unit 1204 at various times for a laundering operation. Fluids that are used to clean a laundry batch within the integrated processing unit 1204 may be introduced into the housing 1250 at any appropriate location and in any appropriate manner (e.g., by a port that passes through the wall thickness of the housing 1250). These fluids, as well as fluids that may be provided to any of the balancing tubes 1314 associated with the basket 1300 (again, also preferably in the form of a liquid, and most preferably water), are discharged from the integrated processing unit 1204 utilizing the lower housing access door 1278 of the integrated processing unit 1204.

Referring back to Figure 64B, the lower housing access door 1278 includes a wall 1279 that interfaces with an interior of the housing 1250. This wall 1279 includes a discharge port 1281 that may be disposed at any appropriate location and through which fluids may be directed. Preferably, at least a portion of the wall 1279 slopes toward the discharge port 1281, including having the entire wall 1279 slope toward the discharge port 1281. A discharge valve 1283 is mounted on the lower housing access door 1278 and is fluidly connected with this discharge port 1281 to control the discharge from the integrated processing unit 1204 in a manner that is illustrated in Figures 70A-F. Figures 70A-C illustrate the lower housing access door 1278 in its closed position, while Figures 70D-F illustrate the lower housing access door 1278 in its open position. A comparison of Figures 70A-C with Figures 70D-F illustrates that the discharge valve 1283 moves along with the lower housing access door 1278.

The discharge valve 1283 may be any appropriate two-way valve - namely one that either allows a flow or terminates a flow, hi one embodiment, the discharge valve 1283 is a ball valve. The discharge valve 1283 extends downwardly from the lower housing access door 1278 toward a discharge manifold 1620 of the fluid management system 1600. The fluid management system 1600 will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Figure 7 IA-C. More specifically, the discharge manifold 1620 includes an access port 1621 for each integrated processing unit 1204. This access port 1621 is always open in the illustrated embodiment and is spaced from its corresponding discharge valve 1283.

With the lower housing access door 1278 being in the "closed" position illustrated in

Figures 70A-C, the discharge valve 1283 is aligned with its corresponding access port 1621 of the discharge manifold 1620. The discharge valve 1283 may be opened at this time to discharge fluid (typically all in the form of a liquid) from within the housing 1250. This fluid will pass through the discharge valve 1283, through a small open space, and then into the access port 1621 of the discharge manifold 1620. It should be appreciated that the discharge valve 1283 also may of course remain closed when the lower housing access door 1278 is in the position illustrated in Figures 70A-C (e.g., for a wash/rinse cycle). This will then retain fluid within the housing 1250. The discharge valve 1283 maybe either open or closed when the lower housing access door 1278 is moved from the position illustrated in Figures 70 A-C to the position illustrated in Figures 70D-F, for instance to discharge a laundry batch from the integrated processing unit 1204.

Fluid Management System 1600 (Figure 71):

The laundry system 1000 includes a fluid management system 1600 as noted above. Reference may be made to Figure 71 with regard to a representative fluid management 1600.

The various components of the fluid management system 1600 are fluidly interconnected by any appropriate piping or conduit 1604. Generally, the fluid management system 1600 controls the flow of fluids (again, all typically in the form of liquids) to/from each integrated processing unit 1204 of the processing station 1200. The fluid management system 1600 also recovers heat to at least some extent, and furthermore recovers at least some fluids that were previously used by the integrated processing units 1204 in the processing of laundry. Generally, the fluid management system 1600 may be characterized as including: a wash cycle liquid supply system (for providing one or more liquids, along with any appropriate chemicals/detergents (e.g., water-based cleaning solution) to each integrated processing unit 1204 in accordance with the desired wash cycle (including liquids that are used to wash the laundry batch, as well as liquids that are used to rinse the laundry batch)); a balancing mass delivery or balancing mass liquid supply system (for delivering a balancing mass, preferably in the form of a liquid (e.g., water) to one or more balancing tubes 1314 of the basket 1300); and a cooling medium supply system (for delivering an appropriate cooling medium, preferably in the form of a liquid (e.g., water) to the cooling coils or other condenser).

Referring to Figure 71, the fluid management system 1600 includes a water source 1602 in any appropriate form (e.g., "tap" water). The water source 1602 is connected with a

freshwater tank 1608, a reclamation water tank 1610, and a reuse water tank 1612 by conduit 1604. Valves 1607 maybe included in the conduit 1604 to separately control the flow from the water source 1602 into each of the tanks 1608, 1610, and 1612. Both the reclamation water tank 1610 and reuse water tank 1612 may receive flows from other sources. Water may be directed into the reclamation water tank 1610 after being processed by a filtration system 1650 of any appropriate size, shape, configuration and/or type. Water may be directed into the reuse tank 1612 from a number of other sources. One such source is the water that has been directed through the cooling coils 1290 of the integrated processing units 1204. The temperature of water that is directed through the cooling coils 1290 is of course increased by passing through an integrated processing unit 1204 during a drying operation. This then provides a desired recovery of heat in that less energy is required to heat water from the reuse water tank 1612 prior to providing the same to the integrated processing units 1204 for a washing and/or rinsing operation. Another source for the reuse water tank 1612 is water that was provided to any of the integrated processing units 1204 for use by its balancing tubes 1314 for balancing the basket 1300 for an extraction cycle.

Each of the freshwater tank 1608, the reclamation water tank 1610, and the reuse water tank 1612 discharge into a common intake manifold 1614 (also a conduit 1604) that is fluidly interconnected with each of the integrated processing units 1204 of a particular processing array 1202. Although the common intake manifold 1614 could service multiple processing arrays 1202, more preferably each processing array 1202 includes its own intake manifold 1614 for each of its integrated processing units 1204. A chemistry management system 1616 also discharges into the common intake manifold 1614 at an appropriate location that is upstream of the first integrated processing unit 1204 that is being serviced by the common intake manifold 1614. This chemistry management system 1616 may be of any appropriate configuration and provides the proper chemicals or combination of chemicals that are used with water by the integrated processing units 1204 to process laundry in the desired/required manner. Although there are certain benefits to having a common intake manifold 1614, a direct fluid connection could be provided from each of the tanks 1608, 1610, 1612 to each individual integrated processing unit 1204 of a given processing array 1202, and a direct fluid connection could be provided from the chemistry management system 1616 to each of these integrated processing units 1204 as well.

In one embodiment, only gravitational forces are used to direct the flow from the

tanks 1608, 1610, 1612 to the integrated processing units 1204 of a given processing array 1202 through the common intake manifold 1614. In this case, the freshwater tank 1608, the reclamation water tank 1610, and the reuse water tank 1612 should of course be elevated. In one embodiment, the tanks 1608, 1610, 1612 are elevated, but still fit within a space having only a 10 foot ceiling. This allows the laundry system 1000 to occupy only light industrial space.

A flow from either of the tanks 1608, 1610, or 1612 may only be directed to a single integrated processing unit 1204 being serviced by the intake manifold 1614 at any given time. A diverter valve 1606 is provided in relation to each integrated processing unit 1204 so as to provide a flow path to the associated integrated processing unit 1204 or to any downstream integrated processing unit 1204. The flow through the common intake manifold 1614 may also be directed to the sewer 1618 (e.g., such as when flushing the intake manifold 1614 for any appropriate reason).

Each of the integrated processing units 1204 of a common processing array 1202 also may discharge into a common discharge manifold 1620 (also a conduit 1604). Fluid entering the common discharge manifold 1620 may be fluid that has been used to process laundry (e.g., wash, rinse) or to balance a basket 1300 (fluid provided to balancing tubes 1314). Fluid within the discharge manifold 1620 may proceed along a number of routes by operation of an appropriate diverter valve 1606. One option is for the discharge manifold 1620 to direct the fluid to the sewer 1618. Another option is for the discharge manifold 1620 to direct the fluid to a tank 1622a. This will typically be wash water. An output from the tank 1622a is directed to the filtration system 1650, and an output from the filtration system 1650 is directed either to the sewer 1618 or back to the reclamation water tank 1610. Yet another option is for the discharge manifold 1620 to direct the fluid to a tank 1622b. This will typically be rinse water. An output from the tank 1622b is directed back to the reuse water tank 1612. It should be appreciated that this fluid may be appropriately processed before ultimately being directed back into the reuse water tank 1612 (e.g., filtered).

The fluid management system 1600 also includes a cooling coil medium source 1624. The preferred cooling medium is water. This cooling coil medium source 1624 is interconnected with each integrated processing unit 1204 in any appropriate manner (e.g., directly or through a common intake manifold) to provide a flow through its cooling coils 1290. Cooling medium in the form of water that has been directed through the cooling coils

1290 of any integrated processing unit 1204 may be directed back to the reuse water tank 1612 in any appropriate manner (e.g., directly or through a common discharge manifold). Other cooling mediums could be utilized and as previously noted. This cooling medium could be directed through the integrated processing unit 1204 to condense vapors (where the temperature of this cooling medium would then increase). Cooling medium that exits the integrated processing unit 1204 could then be used to heat other fluids used by the integrated processing unit 1204 (e.g., by being directed through the reuse water tank 1612 to increase the temperature of the water therein, and which will decrease the temperature of the noted cooling medium). It should be appreciated that various valves and other flow-controlling devices may be used for providing a cooling medium to the various cooling coils 1290. It should also be appreciated that any "piping layout" may be used for providing a cooling medium to the various cooling coils 1290.

The fluid management system 1600 also includes a balancing mass source 1630. The preferred balancing mass is water. This balancing mass source 1630 is interconnected with each integrated processing unit 1204 in any appropriate manner to provide a flow to the various balancing tubes 1314 of each integrated processing unit 1204. It should be appreciated that various valves and other flow-controlling devices may be used for providing a balancing mass to each of the various balancing tubes 1314 of each integrated processing unit 1204. It should also be appreciated that any "piping layout" maybe used for providing a balancing mass to each of the integrated processing units 1204. For instance and as noted above, both a low flow rate and a high flow rate may be made available for each compartment of each balancing tube 1314 of each integrated processing unit 1204.

Conclusion: There are a number of benefits associated with the laundry system 1000 that are based upon using one or more integrated processing units 1204. One is that the integrated processing units 1204 are both modular and autonomous. If a problem developed with an integrated processing unit 1204 in a particular processing array 1202, this integrated processing unit 1204 could be removed from the array 1202 and replaced with a functional spare integrated processing unit 1204. Maintenance could then be done on the removed integrated processing unit 1204 without having to keep its processing array 1202 shut down.

Disposing adjacent integrated processing units 1204 in at least generally abutting

relation also provides an "upper conveyor" and a "lower conveyor" for laundry batches. Changing the number of integrated processing units 1204 in a processing array 1202 would not require a reengineering of a conveyor system for providing laundry batches to the processing array 1202 or a reengineering of a conveyor system for transporting laundry batches from within the processing array 1202 to the material transport assembly 1575. Each integrated processing unit 1204 in a given processing array 1202 itself provides a portion of both in upper and lower conveyor system.

The design/configuration of the integrated processing unit 1204 also allows the same to be used in what is commonly referred to as "light" commercial or industrial space. As previously noted, a commercial-scale integrated processing unit 1204 could be located in a space having a 10 foot ceiling. Reinforced concrete also should not be required to support a commercial-scale integrated processing unit 1204. Finally, it also should not be necessary to bolt a commercial-scale integrated processing unit 1204 to the floor to keep the same from "walking" during operation (e.g., based upon the balancing capabilities used by the integrated processing unit 1204).

Yet another benefit associated with the above-described integrated processing unit 1204 is that there is no need to vent a discharge from the integrated processing unit 1204 during a drying operation. This means that there is no need for lint traps, filters, or the like. Finally, washing, extracting, and drying take place in each individual integrated processing unit 1204 — laundry batches need not be transferred from one machine to another to provide different laundering functions. Although the dry cycle for the integrated processing unit 1204 is at least generally in accordance with the dry cycle for the laundry system 4, some of the points bear repeating since it is not necessarily intuitive that evaporation and condensation can simultaneously occur in a common space (the space collectively defined by the housing 1250, the upper housing access door to 1264, and the lower housing access door 1278) for a dry cycle.

Substantially no moisture-laden air is exhausted to the environment in which the integrated processing unit 1204 is used. Cooling medium used in the condensation process is not intermixed with either the vapors within the single chamber (collectively defined by the housing 1250, the upper housing access door 1264, and the lower housing access door 1278) or the resulting condensate. Evaporation and condensation each also occur within the confines of this single chamber, and actually coexist within the same general space.

Vapors are not removed from one chamber and pumped or forced to flow to another chamber (i.e., through a flow restriction) to be condensed in the case of the integrated processing unit 1204, but which is the case in many prior art laundry systems. Room air (nor any other form of makeup air) is also not drawn in from outside the integrated processing unit 1204, directed through the integrated processing unit 1204, and exhausted back out of the integrated processing unit 1204 to provide the "drying" function, but which is the case of may prior art laundry systems.

Contributions to the successful operation of the dehumidifying dry cycle are believed to come from a number of areas. One is the relatively large angular spacing between the heater 1292 and the cooling coils 1290, measured in the direction of rotation of the basket 1300 (counterclockwise in the view presented in Figure 61). This separation angle may be defined between the uppermost portion of the heater 1292 and the uppermost portion of the cooling coils 1290. This separation angle is at least about 90° in one embodiment, and is at least about 120° in another embodiment. Heat thereby tends not to go from the heater 1292 directly over to the cooling coils 1290, but instead the "flow" of heat is believed to tend to follow the direction of rotation of the basket 1300.

Another factor which is believed to contribute to the successful operation of the dehumidifying dry cycle by the integrated processing unit 1204 is how vapors are believed to be transported to the cooling coils 1290 or a condensation zone. Generally, vapors generated from the laundry batch within the basket 1300 pass through the plurality of perforations in the basket 1300 and into the space between the basket 1300 and the outwardly disposed structure (the housing 1250, the upper housing access door 1264, or the lower housing access door 1278). Thereafter, these vapors do not have to pass through a substantial flow restriction to reach the cooling coils 1290 or more generally the condensation zone. Further in this regard, the basket 1300 rotates counterclockwise in the view illustrated in Figure 61 , which tends to move the vapors in a counterclockwise direction as well (e.g., over the top of the basket 1300 while rotating). Vapors generated by the evaporative process are believed to collect in the space disposed beyond the sidewall of the basket 1300 and "flow" to be condensed by the cooling coils 1290. In one embodiment the rotational speed of the basket 1300 throughout the dehumidifying dry cycle is cycled between a low speed and a slightly faster speed. The low speed is used to mix the laundry within the basket 1300. This speed is much less than 1 G and is maintained for a relatively short period of time (on the order of 15

seconds). The faster speed is just below 1 G in the basket 1300 so that the laundry is nearly stuck to the sidewall of the basket 1300. This speed is maintained for a much longer period of time (on the order of 90-120 seconds). The faster speed provides for increased airflow around the perimeter of the basket 1300 and thereby increases the vapor transfer to the cooling surfaces. The slower speed effectively mixes the load within the basket 1300 so that other surfaces of the laundry are exposed to the heating surface. A fan could be included within the housing 1250 to enhance the flow of vapors to the condensation zone (not shown), although such is not believed to be required from a performance basis.

Certain operating temperatures are also believed to contribute to the successful operation of a dehumidifying dry cycle for the integrated processing unit 1204. One pertinent operating temperature is that within the drying chamber and which may be characterized as an evaporation zone. Another pertinent operating temperature is that of the condensing surface(s) within the housing 1250. Generally and if energy efficiency is an issue, it is believed to be desirable to maintain the temperature of the condensing surfaces only slightly below that of the temperature within the evaporation zone so as to avoid or reduce the potential for convective heat losses. The difference between the two temperatures may vary according to a number of factors such as the size and moisture content of the load, the power being supplied to the heater 1290, the rotational speed of the basket 1300, and the amount of liquid flowing through the cooling coils 1290. The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.