Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles provides a washer extractor having a reservoir for holding fabric articles and a washing liquid. A washing liquid is pumped from the reservoir to the washer extractor interior. The ratio of pounds (or kilograms) of washing liquid to pounds (or kilograms) of fabric articles is about 4 to 1, plus absorbed water. Fluid is pulse flowed to the textile articles at a volume of between about 0.5 to 2 gallons (2 to 8 liters) per pound (kg) of fabric articles for a selected time interval. Washing chemicals are added to the washer extractor. Water is transmitted to the washer extractor at the rate of 0.35 to 0.6 gallons (1.33 to 2.3 liters) of water per pound (kg) of fabric articles within a selected time interval.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is increased. The increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to either an intermediate rinse or a pre-rinse depending upon which module or zone the goods occupy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: A press for pressing batches of fabric articles to remove excess fluid therefrom utilizes a specially configured frame having upper and lower plates. The frame supports a vessel having an interior that receives a batch of fabric articles therein. A press having a ram and a disk is supported at the lower end portion of the ram. The disk engages an upper surface portion of the batch of articles. The ram and disk move between upper and lower positions, the lower position being a pressing position that engages the disk with the fabric articles. The frame includes a plurality of rods that connect to the upper and lower plates, spacing the plates apart. The rods each have upper and lower end portions, each with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a central portion of said rod that is positioned in between the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is resumed or increased. In the wash zone, this is considered an intermediate rinse. After the wash zone(s), the increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to a pre-rinse.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing lint from air that is discharged from a clothes dryer uses a lint filtration housing mounted on the frame of the clothes dryer, the filtration housing having an interior that contains a filter for removing lint from the dryer exhaust air flow stream. The housing provides an influent fitting for transmitting heating exhaust air from the drying chamber to the housing interior. An ambient air supply enables ambient air to be added to the filtration housing interior. One or more vanes is provided that create an annular vortex within the filtration housing interior. The flow of the annular vortex within the filtration housing interior can be between about 500 and 3,000 cubic feet per second. A flow line transmits pre-heated air from the filtration housing interior to the dryer interior.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is increased. The increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to either an intermediate rinse or a pre-rinse depending upon which module or zone the goods occupy.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. A dual use zone includes multiple of the modules or sectors. In a dual use zone, a module or modules can be used to both wash and thereafter rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head.

Abstract: A textile articles dryer provides a chassis or housing supporting a rotating drum. A main air inlet enables air to enter the rotating drum. A main air outlet enables air to exit the rotating drum. A vacuum blower pulls a main airflow stream in between the main air inlet and the main air outlet. A heater is in communication with the main airflow stream for heating the air in the main flow stream. A controller maintains a generally constant vacuum in the rotating drum by lowering blower speed responsive to a blockage or near blockage of the main air outlet by one or more textile articles that are being dried.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is resumed or increased. In the wash zone, this is considered an intermediate rinse. After the wash zone(s), the increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to a pre-rinse.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles provides a washer extractor having a reservoir for holding fabric articles and a washing liquid. A washing liquid is pumped from the reservoir to the washer extractor interior. The ratio of pounds of washing liquid to pounds of fabric articles is about 4 to 1, plus absorbed water. Fluid is pulse flowed to the textile articles at a volume of between about 0.5 to 2 gallons (2 to 8 liters) per pound (0.45 kg) of fabric articles for a selected time interval. Washing chemicals are added to the washer extractor. Water is transmitted to the washer extractor at the rate of 0.35 to 0.6 gallons (1.33 to 2.3 liters) of water per pound (0.45 kg) of fabric articles within a selected time interval.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is increased. The increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to either an intermediate rinse or a pre-rinse depending upon which module or zone the goods occupy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is resumed or increased. In the wash zone, this is considered an intermediate rinse. After the wash zone(s), the increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to a pre-rinse.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is increased. The increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to either an intermediate rinse or a pre-rinse depending upon which module or zone the goods occupy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing lint from air that is discharged from a clothes dryer uses a lint filtration housing mounted on the frame of the clothes dryer, the filtration housing having an interior that contains a filter for removing lint from the dryer exhaust air flow stream. The housing provides an influent fitting for transmitting heating exhaust air from the drying chamber to the housing interior. An ambient air supply enables ambient air to be added to the filtration housing interior. One or more vanes is provided that create an annular vortex within the filtration housing interior. The flow of the annular vortex within the filtration housing interior can be between about 500 and 3,000 cubic feet per second. A flow line transmits pre-heated air from the filtration housing interior to the dryer interior.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering clean fiberglass and urea formaldehyde from urea formaldehyde treated waste fiberglass, which involves the use of a continuous batch tunnel machine comprising end to end modules in each of which a perforated basket is rotatable and of such construction as to transfer goods within each basket to subsequent baskets and out the end of the basket at the exit of the machine. The waste fiberglass is introduced into the basket at the entrance to the machine to pass the fiberglass out the end of the machine, during which it passes through acid and wash loops in which the recovery takes place.

Abstract: There is disclosed a textile treating machine having an outer shell in which textile treating liquids may be contained, and a perforated drum for receiving textiles to be treated and having a shaft extending through an opening in one end of the shell. A bearing assembly is mounted on the other side of the shell and supports the shaft for extension through it so that the shaft and drum may be rotated to cause treatment liquid to be circulated through the textiles, and a seal assembly is releasably connected to the shell to sealably surround the shaft adjacent the shell opening inboard of the bearing assembly so as to prevent leakage of the liquid from the shell into the bearing assembly. The shaft includes a main section which extends through the seal and bearing assemblies and a bushing which is releasably connected over a tapered inner end of the main shaft section, and the drum has an opening in one end which surrounds the inner end of the shaft and is of a size to pass the seal assembly therethrough.