Abstract: There is disclosed a continuous batch type washing machine wherein means are provided for exchanging liquor in one or more of the successive compartments in which individual drums are rotatable in order to avoid injury to the goods due to incompatibilities between the goods and the liquor which would result from transfer of the goods into a compartment containing the liquor and/or circulation of the liquor into a compartment for a drum containing the goods.

Abstract: A continuous tunnel batch washer of modular construction with the number of modules varying depending upon installational requirements and each module including a drum rotatably supported and driven to oscillate in a predetermined manner during the washing cycle and to rotate unidirectionally during transfer of the load from one module to a succeeding module with a unique chute or trough arrangement extending between the modules for transferring the wash load from one module to a next successive module. The drum in each module is roller supported and chain driven from a common shaft with a plurality of independent motors driving the shaft by a belt drive with each module including a reduction gear driven from the shaft and having an output driving the sprocket chain for the oscillatable and rotatable drum. A programmed control device provides continuous control of each batch of articles being laundered as they progress to the successive modules in the machine.