US Patent:
20110041561, Feb 24, 2011
Inventors:
Adam Apel - Boca Raton FL, US
International Classification:
D06F 33/00
F16K 51/00
G05D 23/13
F17D 3/01
US Classification:
68 1202, 137215, 236 1212, 137 3
Abstract:
A washing machine with a single input hose for both hot and cold water. The solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly has a direct attachment to the hot and cold water supply valves. A flexible hose connects the washing machine to the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly. When the washing machine fill cycle begins, the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly is turned on and the water is output to the flexible hose. When the washing machine fill cycle ends, the water supply is turned off. The hot and cold water are mixed prior to input to the flexible hose, and as a result, only one flexible hose is required to supply water to the washing machine. The flexible hose is attached to the output of the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly and therefore is not under water pressure unless the washing machine is in a fill cycle. A vacuum breaker can be attached to the output of the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly to prevent backflow into the building water supply from the hose connection.