Dry Cleaning Patents (Class 8/142)
  • Patent number: 11560659
    Abstract: A washing machine of the present disclosure includes: a tub in which water is stored; a drum which is rotatably provided in the tub, and accommodates laundry; and a detergent supply device which supplies a liquid additive to the tub, wherein the detergent supply device includes: a cartridge which contains the additive; a pump which extracts the additive contained in the cartridge; an outlet flow path pipe which is connected to the cartridge, and through which the extracted additive flows toward the tub; and a flow path pipe sensor which is installed in the outlet flow path pipe, and detects an existence of the additive in the outlet flow path pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyosoon Chae, Hyundong Kim, Sooyoung Oh, Jaeyong Jeong
  • Patent number: 11313069
    Abstract: A stain removal accessory that cooperates with a stain removal device for treating a stained area is attached to a front head of the stain removal device, namely to a water and/or steam venting face of the stain removal device. The stain removal accessory includes a container like a pad, a cartridge, a sachet, or a capsule provided with a permeable external layer, for containing a stain removing material, and a flap-flip piece including a holder for holding the container, whereby the stain removal accessory is adapted to release the stain removing material on the stained area when cooperating with the stain removal device by facing a flow of water and/or steam generated by the stain removal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Kannan Udayappan Praveen, Yile Liao, Shenghuai Calvin Lin, Chien-Ping Adrian Koh, Lihong Zhao, Yong Jiang
  • Patent number: 10883071
    Abstract: A cleaning solvent composition comprises from about 0.2 to 15 weight percent of mono- or di-phosphate ester in free acid form, and from about 85 to 99.8 weight percent of one or more halogenated hydrocarbon solvents. Other cleaning solvent compositions further comprise one or more alcohols. For example, such alcohol-containing compositions may comprise from about 0.2 to 15 weight percent of mono- or di-phosphate ester in free acid form, from about 2 to about 25 weight percent of one or more alcohols, and from about 25 to about 97.8 weight percent of one or more halogenated hydrocarbon solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ZYNON TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wells Cunningham, Elizabeth P. Norwood, Venesia L. Hurtubise
  • Patent number: 10836985
    Abstract: A solid composition contains (a) from 30 to 65% by weight of a polyethylene glycol, (b) from 0 to 40% by weight of a C8-C22-alkyl polyalkoxylate including at least 40 alkoxylate units, (c) from 0.5 to 15% by weight of free fragrance, (d) from 0.1 to 15% by weight of encapsulated fragrance, and (e) from 1 to 35% by weight of an alkaline metal salt, alkaline earth metal salt or salt of an inorganic or C1-C6-alkyl organic acid, or mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TAKASAGO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Olivier Anthony, Stuart Fraser, Jonathan Warr, Barbara Renoud
  • Patent number: 10676858
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drying chamber (condenser) including a container having a steam intake opening, the condenser liquefying steam taken from the steam intake opening into the container, and the drying chamber including a cooling pipe which is disposed in the container and through which coolant circulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: IHI CORPORATION, IHI MACHINERY AND FURNACE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Katsumata, Masatoshi Mitsuzuka, Osamu Sakamoto, Takahiro Nagata
  • Patent number: 9920280
    Abstract: This invention relates to non aqueous non-volatile alkylated siloxane compositions having low VOC and vapor pressure of about 31 millimeters of mercury at 20° C. consisting essentially of a mixture of a linear or open-chain methyl alkylated siloxane having two silicon atoms and a siloxane having three silicon atoms alkylated with methyl groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: El Sayad Arafat
  • Patent number: 9822232
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a dispersion comprising black polymer particles, such black polymer particles prepared by the process, the use of the dispersion and the black polymer particles in electrophoretic fluids, and electrophoretic display devices comprising such fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: Merck Patent GmbH, The Queen's University of Belfast
    Inventors: Louise D. Farrand, Sarah Norman
  • Patent number: 9803307
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the cleaning of a soiled substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate with a non-polymeric solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the treatment being carried out in an apparatus comprising a drum comprising perforated side walls and having a capacity of between 5 and 50 liters for each kg of fabric in the washload, wherein the solid particulate cleaning material comprises a multiplicity of non-polymeric particles at a particle to fabric addition level of 0.1:1-10:1 by mass, each of the particles being substantially cylindrical or spherical in shape, and wherein the drum comprising perforated side walls is rotated at a speed which generates G forces in the range of from 0.05 to 900 G. The non-polymeric particles may comprise particles of glass, silica, stone, wood, or any of a variety of metals or ceramic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Xeros Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Derek Jenkins, Frazer John Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9297108
    Abstract: A dry cleaning machine for articles such as garments and the like, comprises: a rotary drum for containing the articles; means for feeding a solvent into the drum; means for draining a solvent out of the drum; a closed circuit for circulating air for drying the articles inside the drum, comprising at least one air movement fan, means for driving the fan, a heating device for heating the air to be fed into the drum, an air cooling device for condensing the solvent contained in the air flowing out of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: F.M.B. FABBRICA MACCHINE BOLOGNA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Cuppini, Fulvio Nuzzo
  • Patent number: 8882853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent for cleaning textiles or clothes. The present invention provides a solvent for cleaning which has a specified formula that is safe on the human body and environment, as well as good cleaning ability against oil-based and water-based contaminants and can be quickly dried. The solvent of the present invention and a composition comprising the same can be effectively used to water clean or dry clean textiles or clothes at home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: LG Household & Health Care Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong-Kil Son, Kyoung-Hee Oh, Hyo-Seon Kim, Jung-Jin Choi, Sug-Youn Chang
  • Publication number: 20140259451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dry cleaning system and method thereof. According to the present invention, the dry cleaning system and method provide more economical, safe, convenient, and/or eco-friendly washing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jay Sean Lee, Deok Yun Lee, Deok Myung Lee
  • Patent number: 8801807
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for chemically cleaning textile, leather, or fur goods, wherein the goods to be cleaned are brought into contact with a cleaning agent, wherein the cleaning agent comprises at least one solvent, wherein according to the invention a cleaning agent is used comprising a compound of the general formula (I) as a solvent, wherein x is a whole number from 1 to 10 and R1, R2, R3, and R4 are selected independently of each other from H, a C1- to C22-alkyl radical or alkenyl radical, a polyalkylene oxide, a C3- to C6-cycloalkyl radical, a carbo- or heterocyclical C3- to C6-cycloalkenyl radical, and an aryl radical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chemische Fabrik Kreussler & Co., GmbH
    Inventors: Cord Meyer, Helmut Eigen, Manfred Seiter
  • Patent number: 8769840
    Abstract: The recirculating dryer includes a housing having an operator control panel and a locking door mounted to a side of the housing. A rotating tumbler for holding the laundry to be dried is mounted inside the housing. Heated air is introduced through an inlet of the tumbler, and the outlet is kept closed by a flap. The heated air is recirculated and recycled through the tumbler. The air is reheated back to a predetermined temperature if the temperature falls below a level suitable for drying. A layer of moisture-absorbent material surrounds the tumbler to absorb the moisture gathered in the air from the drying process. At drying completion, the flap is opened to vent the used air. A control system controls various features with data from a thermostat and a moisture detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Memhet Dondurur, Ahmet Z. Sahin
  • Patent number: 8701309
    Abstract: A dryer and a control method thereof, in which load of an object to be dried is detected using a sensor which has less risk of contamination and an anticipated drying time based on the detected load is accurately determined and displayed. The dryer includes a rotatable drum to accommodate the object, a front support installed at an entrance of the drum to support the drum, a rear support installed at an opposite side of the entrance of the drum to support the drum, an exhaust hole formed in the front support, through which interior air of the drum is discharged, and a humidity sensor installed to the front support at a position adjacent to the exhaust hole, the humidity sensor being located upstream of the exhaust hole in a rotating direction of the drum to detect humidity of the air to be introduced into the exhaust hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee Beom Park, Phil Soo Chang, Hyung Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20130345107
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent for cleaning textiles or clothes. The present invention provides a solvent for cleaning which has a specified formula that is safe on the human body and environment, as well as good cleaning ability against oil-based and water-based contaminants and can be quickly dried. The solvent of the present invention and a composition comprising the same can be effectively used to water clean or dry clean textiles or clothes at home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD.
    Inventors: Seong-Kil Son, Kyoung-Hee Oh, Hyo-Seon Kim, Jung-Jin Choi, Sug-Youn Chang
  • Patent number: 8613804
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dry cleaning articles using siloxane solvents are provided. In the systems and methods according to the present invention, the siloxane solvent suspends impurities extracted from the articles being cleaned, and the system filters off the impurities, thereby cleaning the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Greenearth Cleaning, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Douglas, Wolf-Dieter R Berndt
  • Publication number: 20130198973
    Abstract: A dry cleaning machine for articles such as garments and the like, comprises: a rotary drum for containing the articles; means for feeding a solvent into the drum; means for draining a solvent out of the drum; a closed circuit for circulating air for drying the articles inside the drum, comprising at least one air movement fan, means for driving the fan, a heating device for heating the air to be fed into the drum, an air cooling device for condensing the solvent contained in the air flowing out of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: F.M.B. FABBRICA MACCHINE BOLOGNA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Cuppini, Fulvio Nuzzo
  • Publication number: 20130180057
    Abstract: A densified fluid barrier cleaning system is disclosed in which a pressure vessel encases a movable basket positioned so as to cross a barrier such that one opening of the pressure vessel resides in a first environment and a second opening of the pressure vessel resides in a second environment. A tubular basket within the pressure vessel is positioned such that its central longitudinal axis is aligned with both the first and second opening of the pressure vessel. Responsive to the successful completion of a cleaning cycle, soiled articles that are introduced to the basket via the first opening from the first environment can be removed through the second opening and into the second environment thus bridging the barrier without fear of introducing contaminants from the first environment to second environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Co2Nexus, Inc.
    Inventor: Co2Nexus, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8470053
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for wet-cleaning, in professional or household washing machine equipment, and subsequent drying in a tumbler dryer, of garments made of protein-fibers (animal based fibers) such as wool, cashmere, silk and other sensitive fibers. Using water and certain additives instead of organic solvents, these compositions enable the cleaning, including oil stains removal, and subsequent drying without incurring dimensional changes, shrinkage, surface damages, dye or color loss of dry clean only labeled garments or other delicate garments labeled for special care.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Fariborz Dawudian
  • Patent number: 8468718
    Abstract: A home laundry drier (1) comprising an outer box casing (2) and, inside the casing, a laundry drying container (3) for housing the laundry to be dried, a hot-air generator (7) for circulating a stream of hot air inside said laundry drying container (3), and a steam generator (20) for feeding steam into said laundry drying container (3); the steam generator (20) comprising a steam-generating boiler (21) designed to receive water and convert it into a stream of low-pressure steam whose pressure is higher than external pressure, a steam injection nozzle (22) structured for projecting jets of low-pressure steam directly inside the laundry drying container (3), and a steam exhaust manifold (23) connecting the outlet of the steam-generating boiler (21) to the steam injection nozzle (22) for feeding the low-pressure steam produced by the steam-generating boiler (21) directly to said steam injection nozzle (22); the steam injection nozzle (22) being located over the steam-generating boiler (21), and said steam exhaus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Ugo Favret, Flavio Noviello
  • Patent number: 8460396
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, and/or device adapted for washing and drying a product via a continuous forward flow of product and a reverse flow of aqueous content. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an auger, a rotating paddle wheel, a spiral drum, a cylindrical drum, and/or a ram press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Eastern Bioplastics, LLC
    Inventors: Cecil E. Meyerhoeffer, Jr., Aaron L. Showalter
  • Publication number: 20130117946
    Abstract: The present invention proposes compositions and methods to use for the removal of stains and particularly of those that are notoriously difficult to remove such as deodorant, perspiration and ink stains from all kinds of garments, including water sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere or silk without incurring surface damage or dye/color loss. The compositions of the present invention are preferentially applied as spot cleaning compositions to the stained area of garments without scrubbing before a unique cleaning cycle at low temperature in professional wet- or dry cleaning process or a regular household laundry cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Fariborz Dawudian
  • Patent number: 8407914
    Abstract: A device for refreshing fabrics by reducing malodors and/or wrinkles without requiring that the fabrics to be put through an entire standard laundry process. The device comprises an extractable drawer which is pulled out of the device to allow for loading of a fabric into a receiving region. The extractable drawer can then be closed transporting the fabric into the interior of the device. A fabric treatment composition is sprayed or otherwise dispensed onto the fabrics when the device is operated. The device comprises an air flow path and a heating element which allows for the fabrics to be treated during use and comprises a passive heat management system within the shell to minimize formation of hot spots and direct air flow away from the side walls. The extractable drawer of the present invention can be positioned to extract laterally or vertically out of the shell of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stefan Hubert Hollinger, Christof Kleemann, Markus Sabisch, Oliver von Sartori-Montecroce, Stephan James Andreas Meschkat, Heiko Ullrich, Robert Hans-Joachim Damaschke, Ulrich Alexander Bublitz, Brian Joseph Roselle
  • Patent number: 8398721
    Abstract: Dry cleaning and fabric-treatment compositions, methods and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in drying machines, such as hot air drying machines found in households, apartments, and laundromats, which are normally adapted to dry wet garments and the like from a washing machine. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one organic solvent, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition also may include water and/or at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific composition. In some embodiments, the article includes a dispenser from which the composition is selectively dispensed onto a dry garment or other object to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an internal chamber containing the composition, and the composition is dispensed onto objects prior to placing the objects in a drying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Dry, Inc.
    Inventor: Rayvon E. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20120329349
    Abstract: A fabric treatment composition including a sizing agent and a silicone solvent is provided. The sizing agent is a hydrogenated rosin ester. The silicone solvent is a volatile silicone solvent. Optionally, co-solvents and dispersing agents may be included. A method of treating a fabric article and the treated fabric article are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Fabritec International Corporation
    Inventors: Harold E. Mains, Laura R. Pero
  • Publication number: 20120304401
    Abstract: A dry cleaning system arranged for washing articles employing a cleaning solution. The dry cleaning system includes a wash tank (2) for washing an article to be washed with a cleaning solution. The wash tank (2) is arranged for washing the article at an increased pressure compared to atmospheric pressure. The dry cleaning system includes a fluid displacement device (1), such as a pump, connected to the wash tank (2) and is arranged for transferring the cleaning solution through the dry cleaning system in a first operational mode. The fluid displacement device is arranged to reduce the pressure in the wash tank towards atmospheric pressure in a second operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: CO2Nexus INC.
    Inventor: Ernst-Jan Siewers
  • Patent number: 8308821
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for decreasing and/or drying skins which comprises contacting the skins to be degreased and/or dried with one or more extractor solvents which are able to dissolve both fat and water. Preferably, the extractor solvent is selected from the group consisting of dimethyl ether (DME), methylal, dioxolane, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ketone, ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol. Most preferably, the extractor solvent is DME.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignees: Akzo Nobel N.V., Gases Research Innovation and Technology S.L.
    Inventors: Hermanus Johannus Berkhout, Jose Ramon Garcia Del Rio
  • Publication number: 20120260435
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dry cleaning articles using siloxane solvents are provided. In the systems and methods according to the present invention, the siloxane solvent suspends impurities extracted from the articles being cleaned, and the system filters off the impurities, thereby cleaning the articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GREENEARTH CLEANING, LLC
    Inventors: James E. DOUGLAS, Wolf-Dieter R. BERNDT
  • Patent number: 8286289
    Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of an adsorbent comprising particles comprising an amorphous phase and a crystalline phase for the purification of dry cleaning solvents. The present invention furthermore relates to a filter unit containing such an adsorbent. It also refers to a dry cleaner containing a filter according to the invention. Additionally, the present invention refers to a process for dry cleaning textiles, wherein an adsorbent according to the invention is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sud-Chemie AG
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Ortiz Niembro, Eric Thomassiny Villaurrutia, Jorge Bello, Darren James Litle
  • Patent number: 8276290
    Abstract: A washing and drying machine includes a water tank, a rotary drum, an irradiating light source and control means. The rotary drum is rotatably supported in the water tank. The irradiating light source is for emitting a light beam including ultra-violet ray to the inside of the rotary drum. The control means controls the irradiating light source such that the light beam including the ultra-violet ray is emitted to the inside of the rotary drum after the end of the drying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroko Uhara, Shinya Takagi, Masahiro Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8262741
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluorinated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A. Estes, Daniel C. Conrad, Mark Bradley Kovich, Tremitchell L. Wright
  • Patent number: 8261467
    Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid storage container and a clothes dryer having the same. The clothes dryer comprises: a body; a front supporter which forms a part of a front surface of the body, and configured to fix the drum; a door installed at the front supporter; a liquid storage container comprising a reservoir configured to store liquid therein, and an inlet unit through which liquid is introduced into the reservoir; and a remaining amount indicator configured to indicate a remaining amount of the liquid stored in the reservoir, wherein the remaining amount indicator is installed on a rear surface of the front supporter, and is exposed to the front surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hun Bae, Min-Ji Kim, Ye-Ji Um, Myung-Shik Kim, Young-Soo Ha
  • Patent number: 8182551
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, and/or device adapted for washing and drying a product via a continuous forward flow of product and a reverse flow of aqueous content. Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an auger, a rotating paddle wheel, a perforated spiral drum, a perforated cylindrical drum, and/or a hydraulic ram press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Eastern Bioplastics, LLC
    Inventors: Cecil Meyerhoeffer, Jr., Aaron Showalter
  • Publication number: 20120084928
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for chemically cleaning textile, leather, or fur goods, wherein the goods to be cleaned are brought into contact with a cleaning agent, wherein the cleaning agent comprises at least one solvent, wherein according to the invention a cleaning agent is used comprising a compound of the general formula (I) as a solvent, wherein x is a whole number from 1 to 10 and R1, R2, R3, and R4 are selected independently of each other from H, a C1- to C22-alkyl radical or alkenyl radical, a polyalkylene oxide, a C3- to C6-cycloalkyl radical, a carbo- or heterocyclical C3- to C6-cycloalkenyl radical, and an aryl radical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Chemische Fabrik Kreussler & Co GmbH
    Inventors: Cord Meyer, Helmut Eigen, Manfred Seiter
  • Patent number: 8123819
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dry cleaning articles using siloxane solvents are provided. In the systems and methods according to the present invention, the siloxane solvent suspends impurities extracted from the articles being cleaned, and the system filters off the impurities, thereby cleaning the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GreenEarth Cleaning, LLC.
    Inventors: James E. Douglas, Wolf-Dieter R. Berndt
  • Patent number: 8110009
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for dry cleaning garments. The present invention provides a petroleum based processed detergent for dry cleaning and methods of use. The present invention provides methods of using the petroleum based processed detergent for dry cleaning wherein use of the detergent decreases the proliferation of bacteria and microbes in the detergent, and reduces the opposite pollution ratio of the detergent following a dry cleaning cycle. Additionally, the petroleum based processed detergent maintains a stable conductivity during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Teruo Higa, Hirosi Kita, Masahiro Mizukami
  • Publication number: 20120017381
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. A laundry treating apparatus includes a casing (10), a tub (15) provided in the casing (10), rotatable drum (20) provided in the tub (15), a water supply part (40, 45) provided in the casing (10) to supply water to the rotatable drum (20) and a solvent supply part (70, 71, 72, 73) supplying dry-cleaning solvent to the rotatable drum (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sang Wook Hong, Jae Won Chang, Sun Young Park, Bon Kwon Koo, Ki Young Kang, Ji Hee Kim
  • Publication number: 20110271462
    Abstract: Fatty branched polyalkoxylates, particularly of the formula: R1O(AO)mR2 (I) where R1 is C8 to C30 aliphatic hydrocarbyl or acyl; AO is predominantly branched alkyleneoxy, particularly propyleneoxy; m is from 2 to 50; and R2 is H or a is C1 to C4 aliphatic hydrocarbyl or acyl, are used as fabric conditioners in CO2 based dry cleaning systems. The cleaning medium may include detergent surfactant and/or non surfactant cleaning additive or may be free from such additives in which case the treatment can be provided in a rinse cycle in a cleaning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Croda International PLC
    Inventors: Harold Russell Motson, Derek John Irvine, Steven Huntley
  • Patent number: 8042283
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Nakiri
  • Patent number: 8037618
    Abstract: Device for dewatering and drying solids, especially plastics granulated under water, in form of a centrifuge dryer comprising a housing (1) having an inlet opening (2) for the solid material with adhering water and an outlet opening (3) for the dehydrated solid material, a screen cylinder (4) fixedly disposed inside the housing (1), a rotor (5) arranged inside the screen cylinder (4) and wings (6) attached to the rotor at a distance from one another, a water drain (7), and arrangements (8, 8?) for the introduction and removal of an air stream passing vertically through the device. It is distinguished on the one hand in that the inlet opening (2) is arranged tangential to the screen cylinder (4, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ECON Maschinenbau und Steuerungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Hehenberger, Johannes Remili
  • Publication number: 20110209293
    Abstract: A method for treating laundry in a clothes dryer having a rotating drum defining a treatment chamber that includes applying a treating chemistry, which may include a treating chemistry that benefits from uniform distribution, on the laundry and drying the laundry after the applying of the treating chemistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KAUSTAV GHOSH, THOMAS A. LATACK, KARL D. MCALLISTER, ROBERT J. PINKOWSKI, PRITHI A. RAO
  • Patent number: 8003591
    Abstract: Fatty branched polyalkoxylates, particularly of the formula: R1O(AO)mR2 (I) where R1 is C8 to C30 aliphatic hydrocarbyl or acyl; AO is predominantly branched alkyleneoxy, particularly propyleneoxy; m is from 2 to 50; and R2 is H or a is C1 to C4 aliphatic hydrocarbyl or acyl, are used as fabric conditioners in CO2 based dry cleaning systems. The cleaning medium may include detergent surfactant and/or non surfactant cleaning additive or may be free from such additives in which case the treatment can be provided in a rinse cycle in a cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Croda International PLC
    Inventors: Harold Russell Motson, Derek John Irvine, Steven Huntley
  • Patent number: 7997006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a control method thereof. The control method includes supplying steam, generated by a steam generator, into a drum, and supplying hot air into the drum to dry clothes wetted by the steam. According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively removing wrinkles on clothes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Woo Son, Sang Hun Bae, Chul Jin Choi, Dong Hyun Kim, Young Bok Son, Heung Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 7984568
    Abstract: A condensation washer-dryer, in particular, the air-guiding process. The base module is used to receive function parts and components of the air guide and is closed on the rear side by means of a process air cover and forms a plastic, stable support structure for the washer-dryer. The connecting surfaces are large and extend, preferably, over the entire width of the washer-dryer. Due to said embodiment, air guiding channels are formed in a simple manner on the rear side of the base module and the housing of the process air ventilator is closed on the rear side. Sealing elements are no longer required due to said welding of said type of connection and an exceptionally high mechanical rigidity is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Dittmer, Holger Löffler
  • Publication number: 20110162153
    Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of an adsorbent comprising particles comprising an amorphous phase and a crystalline phase for the purification of dry cleaning solvents. The present invention furthermore relates to a filter unit containing such an adsorbent. It also refers to a dry cleaner containing a filter according to the invention. Additionally, the present invention refers to a process for dry cleaning textiles, wherein an adsorbent according to the invention is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Ortiz Niembro, Eric Thomassiny Villaurrutia, Jorge Bello, Darren James Litle
  • Patent number: 7964094
    Abstract: A solvent filtration and recovery system for filtration and recovery of a solvent-based liquid used in dry cleaning includes filtration tank having filter chamber with motor-driven spin filters which are selectively operated. A valve and conduit arrangement allows the liquid from dry cleaning to enter the filter chamber for filtering and flows out as filtered liquid while the spin filters are not rotating. The arrangement allows initial at least partial draining of the solvent-based liquid in the filter chamber after such filtration procedure. A recovery tank is in communication with the filtration tank through a main drain. A motor drives the spin filters during a recovery procedure, in which centrifugal force caused by the rotating spin filters for a predetermined amount of time removes by-product from the spin filters, which is drained off from the filtration tank. A reservoir stores the solvent-based liquid and receives the liquid from both the recovery tank and the filtration tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Jim's Formal Wear Co.
    Inventors: Todd Sudholt, Daniel Sims
  • Patent number: 7959686
    Abstract: Dry cleaning and fabric-treatment compositions, methods and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in drying machines, such as hot air drying machines found in households, apartments, and laundromats, which are normally adapted to dry wet garments and the like from a washing machine. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one organic solvent, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition also may include water and/or at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific composition. In some embodiments, the article includes a dispenser from which the composition is selectively dispensed onto a dry garment or other object to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an internal chamber containing the composition, and the composition is dispensed onto objects prior to placing the objects in a drying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Dry, Inc.
    Inventor: Rayvon E. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7867288
    Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Eminent Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Schulte, Timothy L. Racette, Gene R. Damaso
  • Publication number: 20100306928
    Abstract: A commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is configured to use steam instead of dry-cleaning chemicals or water as a primary cleaning agent for garments rotating in a drum of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. In one embodiment of the invention, a steam injector at least partially exposed to an inner surface of the drum is configured to provide a MCU-controlled fresh steam injection into the drum during a cleaning cycle of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. The fresh steam into the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is from an outtake of a standalone boiler system which is typically used for a variety of fabric treatment machines in a commercial laundry operation. A debris and clean steam/air separation chamber periodically or continuously separates and/or filters debris, chemicals, and/or other undesirable elements from the drum and evacuates clean or cleaned-up air and moistures to an air-out duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: GREEN SOLUTION, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Kimm, Kenneth D. Lee
  • Publication number: 20100293723
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and to methods of using the cleaning compositions for cleaning of various substrates and to processes for making such cleaning compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: EMINENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy L. Racette, James E. Schulte, Dylan M. Klopfenstein, Gene R. Damaso