Load size measuring apparatus and method

Washing Machine Introduction

[0032]Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, a washing machine (“washer”) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and is generally referred to by reference numeral 10. For purposes of clarity, aspects of washer 10 necessary for understanding of the present disclosure, as well as aspects helpful in understanding the operation of washer 10 are described herein. Washer 10 described herein can be a vertical axis washer 10 as is illustrated in FIG. 1 or a horizontal axis washer 10, as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. One of ordinary skill in the art can perform the exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein using either configuration. Like reference numerals are used in the horizontal and vertical axis washer illustrations.

[0033]Washer 10 includes a motor 12 and a motor control unit 14. Motor 12 is a three-phase alternating current (AC) induction motor and, in some embodiments includes motor contro