Abstract: A laundry system comprises a first laundry appliance, a second laundry appliance, and a vertical laundry module. The vertical laundry module can have a housing with a width less than the width of each of the first and second laundry appliances and a stain treatment assembly. The stain treatment assembly can include a screen slidable mounted to the housing of the vertical module for supporting a fabric item and a wand extendable from the housing for applying a stain treatment agent to the fabric item on the screen.

Abstract: A toilet (13) has a nappy holder mounted thereon. The nappy holder (15) contains a nappy ((1),also known as a diaper) of the type comprising a main body portion (3) and a tongue portion (5) for collecting excreta from a baby. The nappy holder (15) is so arranged that the tongue portion is positioned away from the main body portion of the nappy, such that when the toilet is flushed, the flush washes over the tongue portion and washes excreta (such as faeces and urine) off the tongue portion and into the toilet bowl. The nappy holder may have a wire frame.

Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises at least one laundry appliance and a module adjacent to the at least one laundry appliance. The module comprises a vertically oriented housing and a shelf assembly comprising a shelf and movably mounted to the housing. The shelf can move between a first position, where the shelf is vertically oriented and at least partially received within the housing, and a second position, where the shelf is horizontally oriented and located exteriorly of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a fabric or other sheet-like porous material. The apparatus comprises a manually driven pump for pumping a cleaning substance through a local area of the material. The pump further comprises an elastic member with a force acting oppositely to the direction of the manual pumping action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to regulate the flow of compressed air and steam utilized in treating spots in cloth or clothes with a spotting table having a spotting gun. The method comprises first turning on the steam or compressed air of the spotting table using conventional foot valves and next throttling the steam or compressed air flow to a desired level by manipulating a valve provided on the spotting gun, which valve can be manipulated and set by the spotting gun operator with the same hand holding the spotting gun.

Abstract: A device for removing stains from fabric is a household laundry appliance that mechanically removes stains or spots from fabric. A piston/nozzle assembly lowers from a piston housing in the device until it contacts the non-stain side of the fabric. Multiple nozzles force cleaning solution through the stained fabric at a high pressure, thereby exculpating the particles causing the stain. The cleaning solution flows through the fabric, through a screen below and into a reservoir in the hollow base of the device. The cleaning solution may be recycled for later use.

Abstract: A machine for directing a high pressure reciprocating spray of cleaning liquid against a shirt collar; comprising a frame, a work table, reciprocating spray suspended above, and pointing downwardly at the work table, a reservoir of cleaning liquid, a pump to supply the cleaning liquid to the nozzle at high pressure, and a means to move the spray in a reciprocating manner.

Abstract: A substantially self-contained system and corresponding method provides practical spot cleaning of soiled garments without requiring the use of chlorinated solvents. A soiled garment may optionally be pretreated with either of a water based or petroleum based nonchlorinated cleaner. Thereafter, a relatively high level of vacuum force is applied to the soiled garment to be cleaned, and comprises the flushing agent for both the soil and the pretreatment cleaner. Drying effects obtained with the vacuum force may be augmented by the addition of compressed air directed onto the garment. A self-contained workstation practicing such methodology may optionally include an electric water boiler for generating steam to be applied as a supplement to vacuum and also include an industrial grade vacuum pick-up with a waste collector for generating the relatively high vacuum force, preferably at least about 80 inches of mercury of static pressure.

Abstract: A two-part, hand-held portable cleaning system provides the ability for washing and vacuum cleaning printing stencil screens and the like in-situ in an environmentally safe manner. The system includes a vacuum-assisted drip pan and an applicator brush with a specially designed low-pressure, solvent-dispensing nozzle. The drip pan is held beneath the stencil or screen while the applicator brush floods the area to be cleaned with solvent, thus dislodging the accumulated printing medium by the mechanical action of the brush. Much of the contaminated solvent flows through the stencil or screen into the drip pan below. Vacuum hoses attached to both the drip pan and the applicator brush remove the liquid solvent and any solvent vapor in the vicinity. A separation chamber is located in the air vacuum circuit between the blower and the hoses and is positioned above the reservoir connected thereto by a gravity-feed drain line.

Abstract: A substantially self-contained system and corresponding method provides practical spot cleaning of soiled garments without requiring the use of chlorinated solvents. A soiled garment may optionally be pretreated with a water base, nonchlorinated cleaner. Thereafter, a relatively high level of vacuum force is applied to the soiled garment to be cleaned while steam is directed onto the spot. The steam comprises the main cleaner when no pretreatment is used, and comprises the flushing agent whenever a water-based pretreatment cleaner is used. Drying effects obtained with the vacuum force may be augmented by the addition of compressed air directed onto the garment. A self-contained workstation practicing such methodology may include an electric water boiler for generating steam and an industrial grade vacuum pick-up with a waste collector for generating the relatively high vacuum force, preferably at least about 80 inches of mercury of static pressure.

Abstract: The area which is to be cleaned is intially subjected to a pulsating jet of a liquid which penetrates through the area and which liquid contains a cleaning agent. Thereafter the area is rinsed by a pulsating jet of water which also penetrates through the area. Accordingly, the dirt gets dissolved and a mechanical working of the respective area is achieved simultaneously with a rinsing away of the dirt. Immediately thereafter the now wet area is penetrated by a hot pressurized air jet such to achieve a driving away of the dampness and accordingly a complete drying. If necessary, above sequence is repeated. Due to the speedy drying a forming of rings at the cleaned area is prevented and it is immediately possible to see if a visually complete cleaning has been achieved.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning a fabric workpiece, e.g., a so-called spotting machine, operates with a suction nozzle having a screen on which the workpiece is supported. The machine is portable, its casing containing a combination air blower and vacuum pump for generating the suction, and a water tank and pump assembly that provides water under controlled pressure and volume to an applicator tool whereby such water is applied to the workpiece. The size of the screen is restricted to enhance the suction effect, and the pressure of water to the tool is restricted to prevent the splashing of water and dislodged stain particles by controlling the impact velocity. These factors also ensure rapid withdrawal of the water by the suction nozzle and inhibit spreading of the water in the workpiece beyond the area to which it is applied. This process is aided by the shape of the tool which has a flat face for engaging the workpiece and forming a shield around the orifice from which the water flows.