Abstract: A bleaching apparatus has an immersing vessel for immersing clothes in a chemical liquid, and a light source for irradiating the clothes immersed in the immersing vessel with light. The chemical liquid may include an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent in a concentration of 3 to 30% owf. The illumination intensity of the light is 10,000 to 70,000 lx.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry treatment apparatus configured to directly heat a drum containing laundry therein. The laundry treatment apparatus comprising: a cabinet forming an external appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus; a tub provided in the cabinet; a drum configured to rotate within the tub and to contain laundry therein, the drum being formed of a metallic material; an induction module provided at an outer surface of the tub and configured to heat the drum within the tub via induction by generating a magnetic field; and wherein the outer surface of the tub comprises at least one mounting portion that is configured to mount the induction module, with at least part of the at least one mounting portion being arranged radially closer to a rotational axis of the drum than a remaining portion of the outer surface of the tub.

Abstract: A front-load laundry appliance includes a drum that is rotationally operable within a tub about a generally horizontal rotational axis. A plurality of lifters are coupled to an interior surface of the drum. A fluid delivery path is at least partially defined within the drum and the plurality of lifters. A fluid delivery system delivers fluid into the fluid delivery path in a direction parallel to the generally horizontal rotational axis.

Abstract: A method for washing of the present invention comprises: a water supply step of supplying water into a tub; a motor actuating step of actuating the motor for rotating a drum provided inside the tub; and a spray step of spraying water into the drum through a gasket nozzle by actuating a pump for circulating the water inside the tub, when the motor stops.

Abstract: Provided are a washing method and washing machine. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing method including: performing a balancing process where washing water is sprayed to a laundry loaded in the drum and the laundry is evenly distributed by repeatedly accelerating the drum, constantly maintaining a constant RPM of the drum, and reducing the RPM of the drum; and performing a laundry treating process where the drum rotates such that at least a portion of the laundry is pressed against an inner wall of the drum and the wash water is sprayed into the drum.

Abstract: Provided are a washing method and washing machine. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing method including: performing an eco-rinsing process where a drum rotates in a state where at least a portion of a laundry is pressed against an inner wall of the drum and wash water is sprayed into the drum; performing an intermediating process for reducing an RPM of the drum to an RPM at which at least a portion of the laundry is pressed against an inner wall of the drum; and performing an eco-rinsing process where the drum is accelerated and the wash water is sprayed into the drum.

Abstract: A laundry machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, to receive laundry, a washing heater provided at the tub, to heat wash water, a first wash water passage for supplying the wash water from an external water supply source to the drum via a detergent box, a second wash water passage for supplying the wash water from the external water supply source to an interior of the tub while preventing the wash water from passing through the drum, a course selector for selecting one of a plurality of washing courses, and a controller for selectively opening the first wash water passage or the second wash water passage in accordance with the course selected through the course selector.

Abstract: A method is provided for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine having a washing tub external to a rotatable washing drum into which the laundry to be washed is loaded.

Abstract: A wall-mounted drum-type washing machine includes a rear panel mounted on a wall surface; a tub containing wash water, supported by the rear panel; a front panel having an opening formed therein and installed on the tub; a control unit installed in the front panel; and a bypass unit bypassing wash water away from the control unit.

Abstract: A water soluble bag for containing soiled textiles, said bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, said bag made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds and does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, and said bag being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container and a water soluble bag. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container, a sling, and a water soluble bag.

Abstract: A method of collecting soiled textiles to be cleaned, comprising the steps of providing a container having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, providing a sling having an open end, a second end, and sides extending therebetween disposed in and supported by said container, providing a water soluble bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween and made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds, does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles, and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons, wherein said bag is disposed in and supported by said sling, and wherein soiled textiles deposited in said container are contained in said bag.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning delicate textiles, comprising a motorized and rotating drum housed in a fluid tight basket, at least a water inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a first container for a first chemical composition, and a heating means. According to the invention, the first container is appropriate to contain a warm mixture of water and the said first chemical composition, the apparatus comprises at least a conduit cooperating with a circulating means for mixing and circulating the said warm mixture between said first container and said circulating means, a means for injecting or spraying said mixture into said drum and over dry textiles, said circulating means having an inlet for said warm mixture and at least an outlet cooperating with at least a first end of a conduit opening at its second end into the drum. The invention further relates to a method implemented by such an apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for detecting a belt-cutoff of a dryer. The apparatus comprises a drying drum accommodating a laundry therein; a motor applying a rotational force to the dry drum; a belt wound around the drying drum and a rotating shaft of the motor; and a belt cut detecting unit provided adjacent to the motor in order to sense the belt-cutoff, wherein the belt cut detecting unit is pressed as the motor is rotated by a turning moment when the belt is cut off.

Abstract: A blower 31 has a blower fan 35, a fan motor 36 for driving the blower fan 35 into rotation, and a shaft 52 having one end portion coupled to the blower fan 35 and the other end portion coupled to the fan motor 36. Washing liquid fed into the water tank during washing process or rinsing process is intruded inside the fan case 34, and the one end portion of the shaft 52 is immersed in the washing liquid.

Abstract: A system and method of determining the temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine, such as an electric motor or generator. A temperature calibration parameter is calculated based on the temperature of an object situated close to the motor, such as a motor drive connected to the motor, and a first resistance value of the winding. In exemplary embodiments, the motor drive and first resistance value are determined only after the motor has been idle for some predetermined time period. Once the calibration parameter is calculated, the processor uses it along with subsequent resistance measurements to calculate the temperature of the motor.

Abstract: A multi-drum washing/drying machine includes a main rotating housing supported within a cabinet. The housing supports multiple drums that are rotatable independent of the rotating housing. The rotating housing rotates about a main axis to increment each of the drums through a washing station and a drying station to provide washing of multiple different loads of laundry with only one initial loading operation.

Abstract: A method of treating laundry in a washing machine having a substantially rotatable drum disposed in a suds container. The method includes heating the drum wall with a heater during a laundry smoothing cycle and rotating the drum during the smoothing cycle at a first speed so as to lift the laundry in the drum to a height at which the laundry slides down the drum wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine, and the washing machine includes a drum rotatably installed in a cabinet, an air heater for heating air, to supply hot air to the drum, a steam generator for generating steam, and supply the steam to the drum, and a water supply unit including a nozzle for spraying the steam generated by the steam generator to an interior of the drum, and a nozzle holder having a coupler at a rear surface of the nozzle holder, to separably mount the nozzle at a position adjacent to the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for dyeing and/or washing delicate garments includes a body equipped with a dyeing bath containment basin. Within the dyeing basin, there is a drum hinged to a rotational hollow shaft provided with a lot of bath movement paddles. Internal to the drum, there is a basket whose rotational axis is housed inside the hollow shaft of the drum where a pulley is keyed to the rotational hollow shaft of the drum and a pulley is keyed to the rotational axis of the basket. Each pulley is conventionally moved by belts with independent electric motors in such a way that the movement of the drum and the movement of the basket are independent.

Abstract: A controlling method of a laundry machine is disclosed. The controlling method includes supplying wash water into a tub up to a predetermined water level, and controlling On/Off of a steam heater and a tub heater until a temperature inside the tub or a drum reaches a predetermined temperature at the predetermined water level. By using both the tub heater and steam heater in conjunction with a controlling of a water supply valve in order to acquire the predetermined water level and predetermined tub temperature, the controlling method is advantageous to improve energy efficiency of the laundry machine.

Abstract: A washer has a structure to prevent overheating of a heater. The washer includes a tub to contain wash water, a rotating drum provided in the tub, a heater to heat water in the tub, and a circulation unit to supply water in the tub to the rotating drum. A circulation hole is formed at a height same as or greater than a mounting height of the heater to allow water to flow into the circulation unit. This prevents the height of water from becoming less than the mounting height of the heater even when the circulation unit is in operation, thereby preventing overheating of the heater.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a laundry appliance (10) comprising an outer casing (12) and a drum (50) rotatably mounted within the outer casing (12), the drum (50) having at least two rotatable portions (60, 70) which are capable of being rotated in either a synchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode, the method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing water to the interior of the drum (50); (b) heating the water to a desired temperature; (c) rotating the drum (50) to effect a washing action; and (d) spinning the drum (50) at a relatively high speed so as to remove water therefrom. In one aspect, the drum (50) is rotated in the non-synchronized mode either during or immediately after the step of introducing water to the interior of the drum (50). This helps to distribute the washing liquid throughout the wash load.

Abstract: A drum type washing and drying machine includes a rotary drum, a water tub including therein the rotary drum, a water supply member for supplying cooling water into the water tub, a heater for heating air, a blower for blowing the heated air into the water tub to evaporate moisture from laundry articles in the water tub and a dehumidification means for cooling and dehumidifying air containing the evaporated moisture by the cooling water. The dehumidification means is provided in a space between the water tub and the rotary drum.

Abstract: A foreign objects trap is provided for an automatic washer, wherein the washer has a wash tub with an outlet leading to a recirculation pump and drain pump. The trap comprises a container having a water inlet in communication with said tub outlet for defining an initial flow path for water from said wash tub into said container. The trap also includes a first wall positioned in an impact orientation relative to the initial flow path downstream of said inlet, at least one quiet zone downstream of the first wall, at least one baffle downstream of the quiet zone, the baffle extending substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of said water, an outlet leading to the drain pump downstream of the baffle, and an outlet leading to the recirculation pump downstream of the baffle. A heater can be inserted in the trap as can an air dome and pressure sensor. A second quiet zone and baffle, between the first baffle and the outlets may also be provided.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a control system which regulates a heater based on selected cycle operations and selected cycle operations based on heater related parameters. User cycle selections, along with sensed operating parameters including the level and temperature of a washing medium, are used to control the activation state of the heater to control the washing medium to within a preset range of a target temperature. Preferably, the heater is de-activated after a predetermined period of activation has been reached, whenever a door of the washing machine is opened, and during certain selected operating cycle portions, including a bleach fill and latter time cycle portions.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a control system which regulates a heater based on selected cycle operations and selected cycle operations based on heater related parameters. User cycle selections, along with sensed operating parameters including the level and temperature of a washing medium, are used to control the activation state of the heater to control the washing medium to within a preset range of a target temperature. Preferably, the heater is de-activated after a predetermined period of activation has been reached, whenever a door of the washing machine is opened, and during certain selected operating cycle portions, including a bleach fill and latter time cycle portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine comprising a heating tank accommodating the washing and washing water; a heating part heating the washing water in the heating tank; and a circulation pump circulating the washing water in the heating tank. With this configuration, the present invention provides the circulation pump circulating washing water in the heating tank, thereby preventing the washing from oxidizing, improving a washing efficiency especially improving a washing efficiency according to washing material, and saving washing water. Further, water supply and drain can be easily performed.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system and method, in which specially designed or modified machinery is used in conjunction with a specific solvent which is derived from an organic/inorganic hybrid (organo silicone). In this class of organo silicones is a group known as cyclic siloxanes. The cyclic siloxanes present the basis for material composition of the solvent chemistry which allows this dry cleaning system to be highly effective. The cyclic-siloxane-based solvent allows the system to result in an environmentally friendly process which is, also, more effective in cleaning fabrics and the like than any known prior system. The siloxane composition is employed in a dry cleaning machine to carry out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A liquified gas dry-cleaning system including a storage tank containing a liquified gas derived from a liquifiable gas, a pressure vessel for containing a liquid bath derived from the liquifiable gas, and a circulating system for transporting the liquified gas between the storage tank and the pressurized vessel. The pressurized vessel includes a compressor mounted in a wall structure of the vessel for use in evacuating a gaseous form of the liquifiable gas released from the liquid bath during a cleaning cycle. Positioning of the compressor in this manner allows heat generated during each compression stroke of the compressor to be directed to the interior of pressure vessel to minimize the effects of a temperature decrease incident to the gaseous evacuation.

Abstract: An electric domestic appliance (1) with programmer (5) for washing and/or drying dishes or laundry which uses in its cycles hot water from a central heating system introduced into its interior mixed by a mixer (2) with a predetermined quantity of cold water, and which also includes coil pipes (3) disposed in the vicinity of the section where the washing and/or drying takes place. Such pipes can be connected to the mixer (2) by a diverter (4) which, on command from the programmer, can divert the flow of water emerging from the mixer towards them or towards the interior of the appliance (1). The heat of the coil pipes can also be used to achieve drying via electric fans.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a main washing/spin-dry tub and an auxiliary tub in which clothes can be boiled. The auxiliary tub has its own water supply and a heater for heating the water. The auxiliary tub can be permanently attached to the main washer housing or it can be removable therefrom. A rotary drum can be disposed within the auxiliary tub, which drum can serve as a clothes dryer when free of water and with the heater actuated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a removable heat exchanger for a fabric treating machine. The machine generally includes a perforated spin tub and an imperforate outer shell. In one embodiment the heat exchangers, which are removably mounted to an inner surface of the outer shell, are guided during installation and removal by guide clips. Spacers maintain the heat exchangers a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the outer shell. Retainer clips are provided to releasably retain the heat exchanger in position relative to the spin tub during operation of the machine. In a second embodiment the heat exchangers, which are mounted within side pockets provided by the outer shell. In both the first and second embodiments, the heat exchangers are held in place by jacking bolts. The removable heat exchanger of the present invention improves upon welded-in-place internal heat exchangers and external heat exchangers.

Abstract: An enzyme bath maintenance system is provided for use in such textile treating fields as stonewashing, laundry, cleaning and dyeing, including the use of enzymes as the active agent, in which the enzymes are utilized within narrowly controlled ranges of pH and temperature. As a means for providing heat for controlling the temperature, a heat exchanger in which the heat source is hot water at a temperature not more than 12 .degree. C. higher than that of the desired temperature, is disposed within the apparatus. The heat exchanger and the apparatus as a whole are designed to avoid pockets which allow the enzyme to become entrapped therein. The apparatus further includes automated means for detecting, monitoring and reporting bath parameters such as pH and temperature, with output for manual or automatic control thereof, and means for agitating the enzyme bath to maintain uniform distribution of the enzyme.

Abstract: A cleaning machine, such as a washing machine, is provided in the bottom region of its wet chamber with an outlet and an intake connected thereto immediately above a feed pump, adjacent to which a heating section with an electric heating element located outside the wet region is provided, in such a way that a circulating duct is formed which leads through the wet chamber, the outlet and back to the inlet to the inlet side of the feed pump, in which the washing solution is carried in circuit form under thermosiphonic effect, so that the washing solution is heated and portions of the cleaning agent added to the washing solution and which tend to sink are dissolved.

Abstract: The washing machine has a prewash chamber (11), a clear wash chamber (2), and a rinse chamber (3) in a tube (4). The chambers are separated from each other by separating walls (5, 6) having transfer openings. During the cycle period, which is defined by successive transfers of the laundry from one respective chamber (1, 2, 3) to the next, the rinse water in the rinse chamber (3) is changed more than once. The first rinse water is collected in a tank (47) and heated to the clear wash temperature during the cycle period. Before the end of the cycle the prewash water is drained from the prewash chamber (1) and the preheated clear wash water is filled into the prewash chamber (1). At the end of the cycle, the prewashed laundry together with the clear wash water passes into the clear wash chamber (2). This chamber can be heated via a steam connector fitting (43).

Abstract: An electric water heater for preformed spas and baptismal pools includes an elongated horizontally disposed tubular heat exchanger having a water inlet in a first end wall and a water outlet adjacent the opposite second end wall and defining a water flow path provided with an electric heating element extending longitudinally therethrough from the first end wall for heating the water. A pump having an inlet communicating with the flow path through the second end wall has a first outlet directing some of the water from the flow path to the heat exchanger outlet in a direction away from the heat exchanger to provide a venturi action causing additional water to flow directly out the heat exchanger outlet without passing through the pump and a second outlet which directs a small counterflow of water into the heat exchanger towards the first end wall to break up and keep in circulation scale and sediment.

Abstract: An industrial laundry washer/extractor unit is provided with an integral water and heat reclaim system which includes a pair of water reclaim tanks supported in an elevated position on the unit's body section above the washing drum. A single pipe water transfer system is connected between the elevated tanks and the drum and has a pump operatively installed therein at or somewhat below the water operating level of the drum. The transfer system is controlled by a microprocessor to transfer used rinse water at different temperatures from the drum to the tanks and then re-transfer tank water to the drum for re-use as wash water in subsequent wash cycles of the unit. The temperatures of the reclaimed rinse water in the tanks closely match the wash temperatures in subsequent wash cycles so that a significant water heating cost savings is achieved together with reduced water and cleaning agent usage.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine includes a wash tub, a basket for receiving laundry and mounted for rotation within the wash tub, a recirculating duct extending from the bottom of the wash tub to an upper portion thereof, and a pump for recirculating the washing liquid through the duct from the bottom of the wash tub to the upper portion thereof. A housing is attached to the top of the wash tub to define a chamber, and the duct extends into the housing such that the washing liquid pumped by the pump through the duct is discharged into the chamber. Heater elements are located within the chamber to thereby heat the washing liquid discharged into the chamber. The interior of the chamber communicates with the interior of the wash tub through an overflow weir. The machine further may include an air drying circuit whereby air is recirculated through an air duct by means of a fan from the bottom of the wash tub to the chamber, wherein the recirculated air is heated by the heating elements.

Abstract: A controlling device controls the operation of a clothes washing machine having a tub, a washing liquid collector, a heating element and two thermostats within the collector, and an electric pump for circulating the washing liquid from the collector to the tub. Three pressostats or pressure switches allow washing liquid to be filled to two different levels in the machine and for controlling the working condition of a filtering element within the collector. The controlling device allows both "intensive" washing programs with only a low level of liquid in the collector and "delicate" washing programs with normal levels of liquid in the tub. Different types of laundry can be washed under the best conditions with low consumption of water, detergents and electric power.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a seal for addition and/or removal of gaseous or liquid media in a tunnel washing machine, with which two sealing gaskets are arranged on a fixed trough for the receiving of units.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine includes a washing tub, a washing drum for containing laundry to be washed, a collector for collecting washing liquid, and a recirculation pump connected to the collector and to the tub for recirculating the washing liquid from the collector to the tub and to spray it onto the laundry. The collector has therein at least one heating element and a thermostatic sensor for heating the washing liquid and for thermostatically controlling the temperature thereof, respectively. Level sensors and controls are provided for carrying out "intense" and "gentle" laundering programs for washing the laundry in a conventional manner, and with further sensors and controls for carrying out "intense" laundering programs at reduced filling levels of the washing liquid within the tub by repeatedly recirculating the liquid to the tub.

Abstract: A tunnel-type batch washing machine has an outer tunnel-forming housing tube centered on a horizontal axis and provided internally with a helical wash screw rotatable in the tube about the axis and having a plurality of flights defining axially spaced compartments. A generally cylindrical sleeve is fixed to this screw and is coaxially received within the tube between the screw and the tube. A treatment liquid is flowed axially in one direction through the housing and respective batches of articles to be washed are held in the compartments between the flights. For washing the screw is oscillated back and forth about the axis through substantially more than 360.degree. to agitate the articles in the liquid. Periodically the screw is rotated about the axis through substantially more than 720.degree. in a rotation direction to advance the batches axially opposite the direction of liquid flow.

Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatus and process for laundering textiles based upon utilizing quantities of an aqueous liquid wash liquor in the wash step ranging from, at least, just enough to be substantially evenly and completely distributed onto all portions of the textiles to, at most, about 5 times the dry weight of the textiles to be laundered. This results in an extremely efficient use of the detergent composition. The present invention also comprises novel wash liquor and detergent compositions for use in said apparatus and process.

Abstract: A tunnel-type batch washing machine has an outer tunnel-forming housing tube centered on a horizontal axis and provided internally with a helical wash screw rotatable in the tube about the axis and having a plurality of flights defining axially spaced compartments. A generally cylindrical sleeve is fixed to this screw and is coaxially received within the tube between the screw and the tube. A treatment liquid is flowed axially in one direction through the housing and respective batches of articles to be washed are held in the compartments between the flights. For washing the screw is oscillated back and forth about the axis through substantially more than 360.degree. to agitate the articles in the liquid. Periodically the screw is rotated about the axis through substantially more than 720.degree. in a rotation direction to advance the batches axially opposite the direction of liquid flow.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine having a double-section tank to provide a space between the sections through which works water is passed so that the works water is preheated by the water contained in the tank before this latter water is discharged to the sewer system. It is thus possible to recover and save thermal energy.

Abstract: In a laundry system including a washer, a dryer, and a water heater, the improvement of using a heat pipe to recover waste heat, whether it be from the hot air exhaust of the dryer or from the conductive losses from the dryer and to transfer that heat to the feed water of the water heater.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches a process and machine particularly suited for dyeing at a low liquid to goods ratio synthetic fibers, such as polyesters, orlon, and nylon, or blends of such with cotton, where further there are minimal risks of thermal shock, cracking, or bruising during cool down.The disclosed apparatus has a tub enclosing the dye bath, spaced air inlet and outlet openings for the tub, and a blower for forcing air through these openings and in close proximity to the dye bath and its surface. This forced venting of the dye bath enclosure with air effectively cools the dye bath quickly but uniformly during the cool down phase of the dye cycle.Preferably, dampers at the inlet and outlet openings can be closed to minimize the unwanted escape of vapors from the dye bath during the heat up and/or boil phases of the dye cycle; and further can be opened controlled amounts for varying the volume of airflow over the dye bath during cool down.

Abstract: A washing machine comprises a rotatable washing drum divided by an internal screw conveyor into a number of separate washing and rinsing zones. A chamber mounted on the external surface of the drum in the area of the principal washing zone communicates with the principal washing zone and contains a partition which defines a liquid-containing pocket. This pocket is at least partially filled with liquid throughout rotation of the drum and contains a heating device which acts to heat the liquid.

Abstract: A clothes-washing machine comparable to those of the automatic type, which incorporates a device for the formation and circulation of an induced airflow in order to effectuate the drying of clothes which are present in the drum of the machine. The device comprises a single resistor for carrying out the functions of heating the washing water and heating the air for drying, so as to result in a simplification in the structure and composition of the machine. Similarly, a motor which actuates a turbine for producing the induced flow of drying air is the same motor which, at the appropriate operating stage drives the water-circulating pump, also in this manner, to simplify the structure of the machine.