Importance

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Abstract

A control system for a washing machine having a plurality of selectable functions, with each function including a plurality of predetermined operational steps, providing a control element for controlling the performance of each operational step, an input to the control element for selecting one of the functions, circuitry for interfacing the control element with the apparatus for allowing direct control of the operational steps by the control element, and an instruction program located within the control element for effecting the control function of the control element, the instruction program including a first instruction group for distinguishing a selected function from the other selectable functions, a second instruction group for registering the function distinguished by the first instruction group, a third instruction group for initiating performance of the predetermined operational steps of the registered function and for registering a period of performance for the initiated operational step, and a fourth instruction group for decrementing the registered period during performance of the initiated operational step and for signalling the third instruction group when the registered period equals zero for enabling the initiating and registering of the instruction group. The third instruction group tests for the existence of flood conditions for at least four consecutive seconds and for affecting the operation of the washing machine in response to the tested existence of the flood conditions for at least four consecutive seconds.

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First Claim