Evolution of H-Axis Washing Machines From Semi to Fully Automatic

[foraloysius]

Staber has often been discussed here. With the search function you can easily find them.

 

[agiflow]

Whirlpool had a circulation spray system in the 50s. That was decades before Zanussi.

 

[phillymatt53]

Know of Staber since its first introduction

I've seen mixed reviews of that brand.

 

[appnut]

Yes that Whirlpool circulation spray system was the foundation of the Kenmore & Whirlpool washer dryer combination units.

 

[DADoES]

I believe it was Jetcone (Jon Charles) who had a Staber at one of the early group gatherings. I recall it was in need of repair so not runnable at the time, and he wasn't impressed with it as I also recall.

 

[me]

Whirlpool had a circulation spray system in the 50s. That was decades before Zanussi.

An H-axis machine?

I assume Zanussi's patents related to the recirculation spout / "jet" passing through the door seal. Monotub's Titan, which also had a recirculation system, was first released around 2000, however it pumped the water though a hollow drum shaft and sprayed it out of the holes in the paddles, so presumably didn't infringe whatever patents Zanussi still held.

BBC News | BUSINESS | Shares in washing machine firm plunge

This must be the relaunched model, from after Monotub folded.

 

[foraloysius]

Yes, an H-axis machine

 

[me]

Italian advert for Hoover "Keymatic" . Note visuals on how Keymatic tub and washing action differed from then traditional front loaders.

Here's a nice video of the keymatic doing a wash, showing the clutch mechanism as well.



I guess Samsung's Quickdrive is the modern version, although doesn't look like it does much.



Their addwash doors seem a bit pointless to me aswell, and it must weaken the door glass. I'd rather have a machine with an instantaneous lock, so I can pause the machine and open the door without waiting if it hasn't filled above the door seal.

Textured drums, diamonds, honeycomb or whatever, with smaller holes to reduce bobbling and the wear on fabric, plus make the drum stiffer, was another innovation that I don't think has been mentioned yet.