Abstract: A washing machine lid having a lid frame is provided with the lid frame including a forward edge, a rear edge, at least first and second opposite side edges, and upper surface and a lower surface. A housing is detachably mounted to the lid frame by a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly retentively engages the lid frame. At least one securing member retentively engages the housing and also retentively engages the bracket assembly for attaching the housing to the lid frame.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and method for mixing liquid carbon dioxide with an additive or surfactant and then forcibly dispersing the mixture into a cleaning chamber full of liquid carbon dioxide. Valving controls the process of admitting a liquid additive into a two liter reservoir and then admitting liquid carbon dioxide into the two liter reservoir under pressure thus filling the reservoir. The mixture is then admitted to the cleaning chamber under pressure. A nozzle, a plurality of nozzles, or a pipe having apertures therein is used to disperse the mixture inside the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A household washing machine includes a common plastic line-routing body in which all water-conducting and air-conducting lines that are routed on a rear wall of the washing machine are integrated. Supply line openings of the line-routing body are sealingly connected through elastic sealing sleeves to inlet locations and outlet locations, such as solenoid valves and a detergent dispenser, and mechanically retained.

Abstract: A dosing device for dispensing a highly viscous liquid includes a frame and a flexible sheet. The frame has an open top and an open bottom. The sheet is suspended from the open top of the frame for retaining the liquid within the sheet.

Abstract: A dispenser for a washing machine integrates a bubble generator, an ozone generator, and a radical generator. In the dispenser for a washing machine, a housing has a gas mixing chamber therein. A bubble generator is disposed in the housing and generates air for generating air bubbles and ozone and pumping to the gas mixing chamber. An ozone generator is disposed in the gas mixing chamber and applies high voltage to the air introduced in the gas mixing chamber from the bubble generator in order to produce ozone. A radical generator has a ceramic catalyst for decomposing the ozone from the ozone generator into an oxygen for generating air bubbles and a generating oxygen to be reactive with a hydrogen ion in washing water in order to generate a radical. The dispenser sterilizes bacilli such as bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, or algae which live in washing water or clothes. The dispenser also improves washing effect of a washing machine by oxidizing and bleaching actions of ozone and radical.

Abstract: A chemical washing system is presented including a chemical dispensing system. The chemical dispensing system includes a container for storing a liquid chemical, a dispensing unit coupled to the container for dispensing the liquid chemical, and a conduit for conveying the liquid chemical from the dispensing unit to a receptacle of a machine which uses the liquid chemical during normal operation. The container, the dispensing unit, and the receptacle may be enclosed within one or more service areas separate from a "user interface area" containing a portion of the machine with which a user interfaces during normal operation. In order to prevent airborne particulates and other contaminants within the one or more service areas from entering the user interface area, a positive air pressure differential is maintained between the user interface area and the one or more service areas. The chemical washing system includes a textile laundering appliance (e.g.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a dose of washing material, especially a detergent tablet, into the interior of a washing apparatus such as a machine dishwasher. In one preferred form, the device comprises:a chamber for containing the dose of washing material to be delivered, the chamber including at least one opening for allowing communication between the interior of the chamber and the outside of the device;closure means for selectively closing or opening the at least one opening in the chamber; andtemperature sensitive actuation means constructed and arranged for causing the closure means to move from their closed condition to their open position at a point or stage in the wash cycle of the apparatus at which a predetermined temperature within the interior of the apparatus is reached. The temperature sensitive actuation means preferably comprises a temperature sensitive actuation element, e.g.

Abstract: A process for treating liquids to improve their usefulness without the use of traditional soaps or detergents, primarily through the treatment of a solution by the use of a holding tank and agitator, and treatment therein by a non-soap, non-detergent device such as activated ceramic filled floating containers, floating structured water filled containers, a magnetic liquid treatment pipe, electrodes, and/or other chargers. The liquid is then transported by way of a hose A to a pressure pump, then to hose B, and to a spray wand; or to a container for later use. Cleaning of on-site carpets and upholstery, floors and the like are taught.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system transfers fluids from a set of containers each of which holds a different type fluid to a group of apparatus, such as washing machines, each of which requires that certain types of fluid be delivered to the apparatus in a certain sequence. The system operates under program control both with regard to sequence in which particular fluids are drawn from the containers and with regard to the apparatus to which the selected fluids are delivered. Fluid pressure in the fluid lines leading to the apparatus is sensed by pressure sensors located along these fluid lines in a manner enabling the operator of the system to immediately know which of several containers are empty.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and method of transferring fluids from a set of containers each of which holds a different type fluid to a group of apparatus, such as washing machines, each of which requires that certain types of fluid be delivered to the apparatus in a certain sequence. The system operates under program control both with regard to sequence in which particular fluids are drawn from the containers and with regard to the apparatus to which the selected fluids are delivered. Fluid pressure in the fluid lines leading to the apparatus is sensed by pressure sensors located along these fluid lines in a manner enabling the operator of the system to immediately know which of several containers are empty.

Abstract: A wash ball comprises an upper and an lower case half both of which have a semi-spherical shell body with openings formed thereon. The connecting end of the upper case half is provided on the end surface with a plurality of cavities and on the peripheral surface with outer screw threads. The lower case half is also provided with openings on the shell body and a plurality of embossed round dots on the end surface and an annular flange around the connecting end. The annular flange has internal screw threads formed on the inner wall surface. With such an arrangement, the upper and the lower case half can be put together to enclose solid detergent therein by means of the engagement of screw threads. When the upper case half links with the lower case half to form a wash ball, each embossed round dot extends into a cavity to prevent the ball from loosened in water. The wash ball has the advantages of simplified structure and assembling processes.

Abstract: A rotary barrel-type washer-extractor is provided with at least one slotted or apertured metal panel. The panel contains raised apertures or slots that protrude about 0.2 to 1 cm and have an opening about 0.3 to 1 cm in width. A method is also provided for desizing and abrading fabrics and garments utilizing at least one of the metal panels.

Abstract: A safety circuit for washing machines prevents an accidental simultaneous feed of bleach and sour due to a malfunction of the machine's controller, by interposing a normally open contact and a normally closed contact of a relay, respectively, in the sour pump power line and the bleach pump power line. The coil of the relay is powered by the controller's power output for the pump in whose power circuit the normally open contact is located.

Abstract: A container for dispensing detergent for an automatic washing apparatus includes a straight, inwardly tapered side wall which has an open top and a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes an integral screen which includes a water inlet. Detergent is placed in the container and snap-on covers are positioned over the top and bottom of the container. To dispense detergent from the container, the bottom cover is removed and the container placed in a dispensing unit which sprays water through the bottom. Dissolved detergent is collected and flows to the washing apparatus. The container is easy to manufacture, easy to fill, easy to ship and use.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser for dispensing concentrated liquid soap to industrial cleaning apparatuses is disclosed. The dispenser includes a receiver and a seal opener. The receiver is comprised of an upper support structure and a lower soap reservoir. The upper support structure defines an interior chamber for receiving and supporting a liquid soap container. The lower soap reservoir defines an opening through which liquid soap is ultimately dispensed. The seal opener is disposed within the receiver at a lower end of the upper support structure.

Abstract: The door vent of the present invention includes an elongated tube mounted in a lower wall of the door of a horizontal axis washing machine, providing fluid communication between the interior chamber of the door and the interior of the tub, when the door is in a closed position. The tube projects upwardly within the door to form a standpipe, to prevent water from entering and becoming trapped within the door. A fine mesh screen is mounted in the vent to prevent suds from entering the door. A fan may be mounted to a compartment on the detergent receptacle on the washing machine housing, to draw air through the fluid dispensing system and out into the housing of the washing machine.

Abstract: A device, for use in a washing machine filled with water for cleaning surfaces without the use of detergent, comprising a water permeable housing containing a plurality of cation exchange resin beads, a quantity of tourmaline, a quantity of metal alloy such as copper micro-fibre strands, and a quantity of ferromagnetic material. The materials contained within the housing are in fluid communication with the laundry water and function to clean laundry by substantially reducing the quantity of dissolved solids in the water, neutralizing bacteria, germs and algae, and attracting positively charged particles from soiled laundry articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously treating a web of fabric in a first treatment section and a second treatment section through which the web of fabric passes. The first treatment section includes a desizing station. The desizing station includes an application stage having a plurality of spray nozzles, a dwell stage, a mechanical liquid removal device and a wash stage. A first return conduit fluidly connects the wash stage to the application stage. The method includes applying a size containing size carrier on the web of fabric to desize the web of fabric. The size containing size carrier is removed from the web of fabric after the size carrier has taken effect upon the web of fabric. At least a portion of the removed size containing size carrier is added to the size carrier solution before the solution is applied to an upstream portion of the web of fabric.

Abstract: A boot drain for horizontal axis washing machines includes an elongated hollow tube with a forward end disposed within a lower portion of the boot, and a rearward end disposed within the tub to drain fluid from the lower portion of the boot into the tub. Preferably the tube has an inverted U-shape which creates a siphon to remove pooled liquid within the boot and to transfer the liquid to the tub.

Abstract: This invention is to be put in the washing machine vat with clothing and finely dividing hydro molecule cluster of the washing water by which the washing water permeates into the fiber of the clothing a generally disk shaped vessel main body is configured to be raised at its upper and lower surfaces where numerous water passing holes or perforations are formed for passing water there-through, a shock absorber is attached on the vessel main body at its side periphery face; a float is attached on the main body at its upper center, and a ceramic ball, tormaline resin, magnet and copper fiber are contained in the vessel main body.

Abstract: An improved front loading washing machine is provided with additive dispensers located in the shroud. The dispensers are integral with the shroud so as to have large upwardly disposed mouths for receiving additives, such as fabric softener and bleach. The dispensers are covered by the door when the door is closed, and thereby hidden from view. The position of the dispensers adjacent the front and top of the washing machine provides for easy access for filling the dispensers with desired additives.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling input of textile softener in a washing machine, wherein a textile softener input function is provided by arranging the textile softener input function in a washing course selection displayer disposed on an operation panel to be performed as an independent course or to be associated with other washing courses. A method for controlling input of textile softener in a washing machine comprising the steps of: halting operation of the washing machine after water-supply is completed in the last rinsing stroke; sounding a buzzer n-times after halting the operation of the washing machine; waiting for a predetermined time after completion of the buzzer sound; and performing a rinsing and dehydration strokes only when the textile softener is put in a washtub and the washing machine is re-operated, or waiting continuously when the washing machine is not re-operated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for providing a dose of a liquid or solid to a larger container. More particularly, this invention relates to a dispensing device for providing a dose of substances, such as solid or liquid detergents or bleaches to a wash tub. This is accomplished by the structure of the doser device which provides for an increase and decrease in the volume of the doser during use. In a preferred embodiment, the structure to increase and decrease the volume of the dispenser is one or more bellows which are a part of the surface of the doser.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine has a sewage disposal apparatus using electrolysis for removing polluted matter such as surfactants, suspended solids and organic matter contained in the waste water. The electrolytic sewage disposal apparatus includes a sewage water processing tank having an inlet for receiving waste water, a processing chamber for processing the waste water, and an outlet for processed (purified) waste water. At least one pair of an anode and cathode is disposed in the processing chamber and is supplied with electric power.

Abstract: A spherical container for a chemical solution is disclosed which is used in a washing machine. The spherical container maximizes the surface which interacts with the clothing being washed in the washing machine, yet there are no sharp edges or surfaces to damage the clothing. The sphere is sealed with the solution therewithin, and vapor, gas and/or charged particles are emitted which perform the cleaning function.

Abstract: A commercial starch cooking and dispensing apparatus comprises means for preparing a starch suspension of uncooked starch in water and discharge means for discharging the starch suspension to a starch cooking valve for cooking the uncooked starch suspension to form a starch solution which is dispensed to one or more commercial laundry machines. A method of cooking laundry starch utilizes a starch cooking valve that dispenses cooked starch as it is cooked to one or more commercial laundry machines.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling input of textile softener in a washing machine, wherein a textile softener input function is provided by arranging the textile softener input function in a washing course selection displayer disposed on an operation panel to be performed as an independent course or to be associated with other washing courses. A method for controlling input of textile softener in a washing machine comprising the steps of: halting operation of the washing machine after water-supply is completed in the last rinsing stroke; sounding a buzzer n-times after halting the operation of the washing machine; waiting for a predetermined time after completion of the buzzer sound; and performing a rinsing and dehydration strokes only when the textile softener is put in a washtub and the washing machine is re-operated, or waiting continuously when the washing machine is not re-operated.

Abstract: A dosing and dispensing device for liquid detergent has a hollow body and a dispenser. The hollow body has an opening for receiving liquid detergent. The dispenser spreads the liquid detergent onto a fabric to pretreat the fabric. The dispenser has a cavity and a ball positioned within the cavity. The cavity has a mouth, lips, and an orifice. The ball is retained by the lips and communicates with the orifice. The diameter of the mouth is at least slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball such that the ball protrudes partly outside of the mouth. In addition, the ball rotates freely in all directions within the cavity.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a detergent dispenser having at least one fresh-water connection, a free air course disposed downstream of the at least one fresh-water connection, and a detergent chamber. A water guide conduit supplies fresh water to the detergent chamber. A fresh-water diversion line is connected to the water guide conduit downstream of the free air course.

Abstract: A wash additive dispensing system for an automatic washer wherein the wash additive dispenser system includes a cup for receiving the additive, a tray pivotally supporting the cup for movement between an upright orientation for retaining the wash additive in the cup and a dumping orientation in which the additive in the cup is dispensed. The tray is disposed along the rear portion of an access opening provided in the cabinet enclosure and is slidable supported by a housing between a first position for adding wash additive to the cup and a second position for dispensing wash additive from the cup. When disposed in the second position, a handle portion of the tray forms part of the rear surface of the washer access opening.

Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 99a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gravity based dispensers for washing machines that incorporate at least one storage reservoir and at least one dispersement chamber, wherein the dispersement chamber is adjusted by a user to regulate the amount of a liquid or granular material that is dispensed by the device. The device is controllable to allow a predetermined amount of the stored material to be dispensed into the dispersement chamber. The material is then flushed or dispersed from the chamber by the introduction of a fluid that is under pressure into the dispersement chamber.

Abstract: A water supply apparatus 120 of a clothes washer is comprised of an extractable water supply guider 140 from a housing 121. In the initial state that the water inlet 146 is blocked by the plug 131, the pressure of the water is applied to the flange 142 so the water supply guider 140 extracts near the center of the clothes access opening 118. The water running through a water supply passage 141 drops into the clothes basket through a water outlet 143.

Abstract: A method of delivering a liquid detergent product which may be caustic, is described. In particular, a predetermined volume of water is dosed into a container using a flow meter, a valve means, and, optionally, a water supply pump means. A pump means is activated to deliver the liquid detergent product into the container until it is completely filled as controlled by a level sensor located in the container. The contents of the container are then delivered. A device for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing and dispensing device for granular detergent. The device comprises a pliable bag-shaped sleeve and a maintaining means. The maintaining means plunges into the bag, of which one end is fastened in the region of the opening. Said maintaining means are collapsible and resilient. Therefore the dosing and dispensing device according to the present invention can be brought into a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: An automatic washer with a removable dispenser cup for dispensing wash additives. The cup is removably mounted for use as a scoop or measuring cup. When mounted, the cup aligns with a water inlet to ensure a complete flushing of the cup to prevent wash additive buildup.

Abstract: A washing method performed in a washing machine having a wash basket for containing wash water and a wash load includes the step of attaching a tile 10 of a ceramic material to the inside of the wash basket 12 so that the tile 10 is exposed to the wash water in the wash basket 12. A laundry tile 10 of ceramic material for use in the method is provided. It comprises a front side 14 and a rear side 18, wherein the front side 14 is at least partially unglazed. In one embodiment attachment strips 20,22 are provided for attaching the tile 10 by its rear side 18 to the inside of the wash basket 12 of a washing machine.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a wash tub and a dispenser compartment which is connected to the wash tub. The washing machine further includes a valve assembly having a housing and a rotatable valve member, the housing having (1) a water inlet port defined therein which is connected to a main water line, and (2) a first water outlet port defined therein which is connected to the dispenser compartment, the rotatable valve member (1) disabling a flow of water from the water inlet port to the first water outlet port when the rotatable valve member is positioned at a first valve position, and (2) enabling the flow of water from the water inlet port to the first water outlet port when the rotatable valve member is positioned at a second valve position.

Abstract: A bleach liquor recovery system for a commercial bleaching apparatus. The recovery system includes a bleaching tank for bleaching loads of textile fabric items with a predetermined batch volume of bleach liquor and a bleach liquor supply system for providing fresh bleach liquor to the bleaching tank. The bleach liquor supply system includes a chemical mixing system for generating the fresh bleach liquor and a bleach liquor injection line for delivering the fresh bleach liquor from the chemical mixing system to the bleaching tank. A bleach liquor recirculation system is connected to the bleaching tank for reclaiming at least a portion of the bleach liquor from the bleaching tank after bleaching a load of textile fabric items and for recycling the reclaimed bleach liquor into successive loads of textile fabric items in the bleaching tank. In the preferred embodiment, a collection tank stores the reclaimed bleach liquor between the successive loads of textile fabric items.

Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 98a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A washing machine cleaning agent is enclosed within a porous shell which in turn is enclosed between two semi-spherical halves of a housing that are welded together, whereby the porous shell containing the agent is permitted to roll around within the housing and dissolve in the wash water.

Abstract: An improved rinse water additive dispenser for an automatic washer has a substantially rigid body having a resilient portion and an internal volume. The dispenser further includes an opening therein and a valve for sealing the opening closed so that the rinse water additive is maintained within the dispenser until the valve is acted upon by centrifugal force applied to the dispenser during a spin cycle of the automatic washer to unseat the valve. The resilient portion provides for volumetric expansion and contraction of the dispenser when the dispenser is placed in variable temperature water. The volumetric expansion and contraction substantially relieves an air pressure differential between ambient and the internal volume so that the centrifugal force unseats the valve without interference from the pressure differential. The opening may be in the resilient portion or in the substantially rigid body.

Abstract: An automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensing system for use with a washer with cold and hot water input lines which are opened upon the actuation of associated solenoidal valves. The present invention includes a pair of cylindrical tanks. The tanks each have an output conduit each connected at first end thereof to a bottom of the associated tank and a second end thereof in communication with the washer. The pair of tanks consist of a detergent tank with an associated detergent pump situated in communication with the corresponding output conduit. Such pump is adapted to effect the transmission of detergent to the washer only during the receipt of an activation signal. Associated therewith is a fabric softener tank with an associated fabric softener pump situated in communication with the corresponding output conduit. Similar to the pump of the detergent tank, the present pump is adapted to effect the transmission of fabric softener to the washer only during the receipt of an activation signal.

Abstract: A container for institutional detergents, preferably tablets, includes a rigid large screened base and a flexible plastic film sidewall heat bonded to the peripheral surface of the base. The container is filled, preferably from its top portion, with tableted detergent and closed with a single heat seal along the top surface of the wall of the container. The screen surface is then closed with a removable, peel-off seal or removable cap. The upper portion of the container will include a handle which makes it easy to transport the container and place it into a dispenser for use. In use, a water nozzle will spray upwards onto the surface of the screen base through the holes in the screen, dissolving detergent and allowing the solution to pass downwardly to a drain, which directs it to a ware washing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for prediluting chemical solutions before the chemical solutions are injected into a wash tub of a washing machine comprises a wash tub, a chemical solution conduit, at least one dilution conduit, a mixing conduit, and a junction. The wash tub has an interior volume and a first opening in communication with the interior volume. The chemical solution conduit transports the chemical solutions into the wash tub of the washing machine. The chemical solution conduit has a first opening therein to receive the chemical solutions. The dilution conduits transports dilution solutions into the washing machine. The dilution conduits have at least one opening therein to receive the dilution solutions. The mixing conduit has a first end and a second end. The second end is in liquid communication with the opening in the wash tub to transport liquids into the wash tub.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repeated, automatic metering of precisely metered quantities of a powdered detergent into water-carrying cleaning machines, in particular household dishwashers and household washing machines, include a detergent holder and a metering and dispensing device having a movable metering device with at least one metering receptacle. The interior of the detergent holder and a guide of the metering and dispensing device are acted upon continuously by a stream of compressed air. Therefore, clumping of the highly hygroscopic powdered detergent and an expensive, complex apparatus, which requires a high drive torque and a high air pressure, are avoided. The metering device has only one metering receptacle. The metering and dispensing device has two chambers communicating with one another. The detergent fed into the first chamber is fed gradually, during the motion of the metering device, into the second chamber, which has an opening toward the treatment vessel.

Abstract: A package assembly for a granular product. The package assembly has a container for storing a granular product and an external surface to which is releasably attached a separate device for dispensing a granular product in an automatic washing machine. The separate device has no communication with the internal volume of the container storing the granular product. The container for storing the granular product has a removable lid attached by means of a hinge device.

Abstract: An assembly for the selective supply of detergents or the like to the washing drum of a washing machine comprising a drawer (23) for holding detergents having a fixed body (32) and a mobile portion (33) provided with at least a first and a second compartment (34, 35) for containing a respective detergent, said fixed body (32) having at least a first and a second inlet member (34a, 35a) for a flow of liquid for removing the detergent from a respective compartment (34, 35) which is then discharged enriched with detergent into the washing drum of the washing machine, and a valve device (38) comprising a collector pipe (39) for collecting the flow of liquid for removing the detergent and at least a first and a second valve element (44, 45) each having a respective bowl (44a, 45a) leading into said collector pipe (39) and a respective outlet member (44d, 45d) for emission of a respective flow of liquid towards a corresponding inlet member (34a, 35a) of the detergent drawer (23).

Abstract: A detergent dissolving device for a clothes washing machine includes a receptacle for powdered detergent, and a cover for covering the top of the receptacle. The cover has a water supply opening. A water jet is provided for discharging a jet of water through the water supply opening along a direction inclined with respect to vertical and horizontal. The water jet is freely rotatable about a vertical axis and includes blades arranged to contact a water flow entering the water jet, whereby the water jet is rotated by the force of the water flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking a single batch of starch solution and dispensing the solution to a commercial laundry machine utilizes a single batch reservoir. The reservoir is substantially filled with water, the water in the reservoir agitated while adding dry starch to form a starch suspension. The starch suspension is heated to cook the starch to form a starch solution. The entire batch of starch solution is dispensed to a commercial laundry machine while water is sprayed into the reservoir to clean residual starch from the reservoir.