Abstract: A washing machine and steam washing method thereof are disclosed. The method includes performing primary steam washing by supplying steam to laundry, performing a washing cycle by supplying wash water to the laundry, performing a rinsing cycle, performing a spin-dry cycle to remove the wash water from the laundry, and performing secondary steam washing by supplying steam to the laundry. The washing machine has improved sterilizing effects by sterilizing bacteria and fungi with hot steam.

Abstract: A washing machine in which the poor heat-resistant laundry is sufficiently wet so that a plurality of water curtain layers are formed at the laundry, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam. According to the present invention, cold water is supplied simultaneously with injection of the steam so that the real temperature of the steam contacting the surfaces of the laundry is lowered, thereby preventing the laundry from being stained and damaged when the laundry contacts the steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for wet-processing strand-shaped textile good, includes a closed container, a transport nozzle array to which a gaseous transport medium can be supplied, and a device for applying a liquid treatment agent in atomized form to the moving strand of goods in the region of the transport nozzle arrangement. The device for the application of the treatment agent is designed to apply the treatment agent to the strand of goods in two sections (I, III), which are at a distance from each other in transport direction of the strand of goods, in a form enclosing the strand of goods at least partially in a ring-shaped manner. In so doing, the gaseous transport medium is applied to the strand of goods in an intermediate region (II) located between said two sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a time period display at the steam spray type washing machine with a steam generator for washing laundry by using a high temperature steam, in which a preliminary set time required for display in the steam spray cycle is determined, not only with reference to a set temperature, but also with reference to a laundry amount, to minimize an error between the time displayed and an actual time. According to this, since a difference between the preliminary set time displayed in the steam spray cycle and the actual time reached to the set temperature is small, there will be no error which is liable to make the user misunderstood that the washing machine is out of order, According to this, reliability of the product, and convenience of the user is enhanced.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a drum; a discharging duct communicating with the drum, and discharging inner air of the drum; a supplying duct communicating with the drum, and supplying external air into the drum to make a flow direction of the external air pass across that of the inner air; and a heat exchanger connected to the discharging and supplying ducts, in which a first air flow path which passes therethrough the inner air discharged outward through the discharging duct and a second air flow path which passes therethrough the external air supplied into the drum through the supplying duct cross each other. The washing machine may also include a humidity regulating part which reduces the humidity of the inner air as it is discharged. Thus, the washing machine improves efficiency of heat exchange between the inner air and the external air through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is disclosed. The method for controlling a washing machine having a steam generator includes a step of automatically discharging water of the steam generator outside of the steam generator during the operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: A device for washing and drying garments or other items in a single unit. The garments or other items are placed in the device on conventional plastic hangers leaving space in between each item. A manifold with arms extends between the items. The manifold moves up and down so that the arms move up and down the length of the items to be treated. The arms have one set of pipes that spray wash water, rinse water and other washing liquids on the items. The arms have another set of pipes that carry air to the items, drying the items. After the cycle is complete the clothes or other items may be left in the device until needed.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. A method for washing laundry with the washing machine enhances washing performance and enables sterilization of the laundry by using steam while preventing damage of cloth due to the steam. The method comprises primarily supplying water into a tub, and supplying steam by heating the water using a heater installed in the tub to generate the steam.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam into a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash vourse) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing contaminants from a solvent based cleaning fluid. An article cleaning apparatus comprises an ultrafiltration filter having a pore size of about 0.01 microns to about 0.2 microns. A method for performing a solvent based cleaning process using an article cleaning apparatus comprises passing a solvent based cleaning fluid through an ultrafiltration filter having a having a pore size of about 0.01 microns to about 0.2 microns.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus suitable for decolorizing a textile product using ozone. The apparatus of the present invention enables the decolorization rate to be adjusted by adjusting the water content of the textile product and controlling the ozone concentration to achieve uniform decolorization. The decolorization apparatus for a textile product of the present invention includes an airtight container, a rotary drum which rotates in the airtight container, an ozone generator connected with the airtight container through an automatic valve, a water supply unit, and a blower unit which includes an air heater and supplies hot air and cool air to the airtight container. The ozone concentration inside the airtight container is maintained at a desired level by measuring the ozone concentration using an ozone analyzer and controlling the ozone generator.

Abstract: A method for revitalizing a fabric load with a revitalization system comprises selecting a revitalization program from a plurality of programs and operating the revitalization system in accordance with the selected revitalization program. The programs can include at least one of a fluid insertion step; a fabric relative motion step; a fluid extraction step; a fabric refreshing step; a fabric reshaping step; a light cleaning step; a water extraction operation, a relative motion operation; a fabric air flow operation; a cooling operation; a fluid insertion operation; and a fabric fluid absorption operation.

Abstract: A device for washing and drying garments or other items in a single unit. The garments or other items are placed in the device on hangers leaving space in between each item. A manifold with arms extends on each side of the items. The manifold moves up and down so that the arms move up and down the length of the items to be treated. The arms have one set of pipes that spray wash water, rinse waters, and other washing liquids on the items. The arms have another set of pipes that carry air to the items, drying the items. After the cycle is complete, the clothes or other items may be left in the device until needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a lipophilic fluid contained in an emulsion of water and lipophilic fluid. The process includes the steps of pretreating the emulsion, removing lipophilic fluid from the emulsion, and purifying the lipophilic fluid to remove at least a portion of the impurities collected during the use of the emulsion. Method options are provided for each of the aforementioned steps.

Abstract: A method for conserving carbon dioxide vapor in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution to clean articles, where the method includes removing carbon dioxide vapor from a wash tank to a vapor tank, storing the carbon dioxide vapor in the vapor tank; and charging the wash tank with carbon dioxide vapor from the vapor tank. The method may be performed as part of a wash cycle that includes filling the wash tank with cleaning solution, washing articles to be cleaned in the wash tank, and emptying the cleaning solution out of the wash tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a lipophilic fluid contained in an emulsion of water and lipophilic fluid. The process includes the steps of pretreating the emulsion, removing lipophilic fluid from the emulsion, and purifying the lipophilic fluid to remove at least a portion of the impurities collected during the use of the emulsion. Method options are provided for each of the aforementioned steps.

Abstract: A method for treating a fabric article with the following steps: placing the fabric article in a container having an opening and at least one wall that defines an interior void space. Then the temperature and relative humidity of the air within the interior void space of the container are raised to a predetermined first temperature and a predetermined first relative humidity for a predetermined first period of time. Finally, at least one of the temperature or the relative humidity of the air within the interior void space of the container are changed at the end of the first period of time to a predetermined second temperature and a predetermined second relative humidity for a predetermined second period of time.

Abstract: Compositions for treating fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linens and drapery, wherein the compositions provide improved cleaning of soils from and/or care of and/or treatment of fabric articles, especially while providing superior garment care for articles sensitive to water as compared to conventional fabric article treating compositions, are provided.

Abstract: A machine for washing and/or cleaning articles comprises a sealable enclosure for containing the articles to which cleaning liquid is to be supplied. The cleaning liquid is heated to a high temperature and forced into the enclosure under high pressure as finely dispersed or diffused droplets forming a mist or vapour. A pressure greater than atmospheric is maintained in the enclosure to force the cleaning liquid into at least the surface if not through and into the very structure of the material from which the articles are formed, so as to assist the cleaning process by producing a quicker and more efficient saturation of the articles by the cleaning liquid. The latter may comprise water and detergent or a dry-cleaning solvent. The cleaning liquid is removed from the articles and the interior of the enclosure by means of a suction pump.

Abstract: In the process for continuously dyeing a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yarn carpet an aqueous dyeing solution is applied to a continuously moving poly(trlmethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yarn carpet at a temperature of 45° C. to 100° C., and then the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yam carpet is steamed, rinsed and dried. Before applying the aqueous dyeing solution the carpet is heat-set at 120 to 150° C. The carpet is steamed with saturated steam at 102 to 150° C. for 5 to 10 mm. The aqueous dyeing solution does not include an anti-frosting agent. The process also advantageously includes heating the carpet with a dry heat of 140 to 300° C. for 30 to 60 sec after steaming the carpet and before rinsing it.

Abstract: A washing method in a steam injection type washing machine in which wash water is heated to generate high-temperature and high-pressure steam while passing through the steam supply unit in the wash or rinse cycle, and the generated steam is injected into the wash tub at the top of the wash tub. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly achieve the wetting of clothes with wash water while achieving an enhancement in sterilization and washing performances. In addition, consumption of water and electrical energy can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the compression crimping of a synthetic multifilament yarn, said device comprising a transport nozzle and a compression chamber. Said transport nozzle comprises a yarn channel by which means a yarn is guided to a compression chamber. Said compression chamber forms a section having a gas-permeable chamber wall, between a yarn inlet and an enmeshment outlet. According to the invention, the gas-permeable chamber wall comprises a friction surface consisting of material which is resistant to wear, on the inner side facing the yarn enmeshment. The constancy of the braking action produced by the friction on the yarn enmeshment can thus be significantly improved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hand-held cleaning device, as well as an associated method of cleaning a garment. The device comprises: a handle section having an interior and a garment cleaning solution reservoir located within the interior. The device further comprises a main section having a housing that defines an inner chamber, as well as a motor positioned within the inner chamber of the housing. The device also comprises a pump coupled to and powered by the motor, as well as a dirty fluid reservoir located at the bottom of the inner chamber. The device further includes a plurality of tubes connected to the pump and extending forwardly from the pump and terminating a plurality of solution dispensing spray jets. The device yet further includes a fan located in the inner chamber of the housing for creating a pressure differential to draw the dirty fluid material into the dirty fluid reservoir. Significantly, the handle section is removably coupled to the main section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fabrics, floor coverings, and bare floor surfaces utilizing a soil transfer cleaning medium is disclosed. A method of mechanically removing soil from a surface intended to be cleaned includes the steps of successively and repeatedly: wetting a portion of a cleaning medium with a cleaning liquid; extracting any soil and at least some of the cleaning liquid from the previously wetted portion of the cleaning medium; and wiping the surface intended to be cleaned with the portion of the cleaning medium so as to transfer soil from the surface intended to be cleaned to the cleaning medium. Portable and vehicle-based devices may be utilized to practice the method of cleaning.

Abstract: A clothes freshening device includes an enclosure to hold at least one garment to be freshened. A chemical mister is in fluid communication with the enclosure, the chemical mister producing a fog that is circulated around the garment to freshen the garment. If desired, a steam generator can be in fluid communication with the enclosure, the steam generator producing steam that is circulated around the garment to de-wrinkle the garment.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a cloth comprises a moisture controlling step S1 of adding water to the cloth and a thermal pressing step S2 of thermally pressing the water-added cloth. The water added in the moisture controlling step is vaporized to cover up the entire cloth and therefore the cloth can be heated uniformly. When temperature of the cloth increases, the moisture works as a lubricant, enabling to release internal stress of the cloth efficiently. By thermally pressing, a structure of the cloth under the heated state is fixed by the pressure applied in the pressing operation, making possible to stabilize the cloth while preventing excessive shrinkage of the cloth and increasing smoothness of cloth surfaces.

Abstract: A process of cleaning textiles, including textiles that are labeled dry clean only, without the use of large quantities of environmentally hazardous dry cleaning fluids such as those containing perchloroethylene or petroleum. The process uses hand treatment of soiled areas with a cleaning agent, with subsequent washing in water, followed by washing in ozonated water to remove the cleaning agent and the water. The textile is dried using a process that does not depend on tumbling of the textile in the presence of heat to dry the textile.

Abstract: Methods of using ozone have been developed which sterilize instruments and medical wastes, oxidize organics found in wastewater, clean laundry, break down contaminants in soil into a form more readily digested by microbes, kill microorganisms present in food products, and destroy toxins present in food products. The preferred methods for killing microorganisms and destroying toxins use pressurized, humidified, and concentrated ozone produced by an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A combined machine for washing and drying textiles comprises a wash liquor tub, which contains an inner drum rotatably provided and supporting the textiles during the washing and drying processes and having a volume adapted to requirements relating to the wash process, water supply means for supplying water into the tub, means for the supply of detergents, water draining means for draining washing and rinsing liquid from the tub, and means for driving a moisture absorbing gaseous medium in a closed loop past the textiles in the inner drum. The moisture absorbing gaseous medium, which consists of dry superheated steam, and compressor means are provided to compress part of the steam diverted from the closed loop and lead it to heat exchanger means provided to condense the compressed steam and return the heat released during the condensing process to the steam in the closed loop.

Abstract: A slenderized crimped animal fiber with a fixed slenderized form having a lowering rate of tensile strength for undyed spun yarn of no less than 10%, fiber contraction in boiling water of no more than 1%, an alkali solubility of no more than 22% by weight and a UB solubility of no more than 35% by weight, wherein the slenderized crimped animal fiber is prepared by being drawn by practically 1.20 to 1.60 times after an anisotropic swelling is given to the animal fiber consisting of bilateral structure using swelling plasticization with base.

Abstract: A woven fabric formed of dyed blended cotton/polyester warp yarns and polyester stretch fill yarns is finished by passing the fabric through a brusher and singer and then through a finishing pad box to apply the finish. Immediately after application of the finish to the yarns, the fabric is passed over pre-drying cans and set by attaching the fabric to an unheated tenter chain for width control. The fabric is then passed over steam drying cans to reduce the moisture level to 8-10%. Subsequently, the fabric is passed through a first compressive shrinking machine, a scrubbing operation and then through a final compressive shrinking machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for space-dyeing yarns, particularly fine denier yarns, including the steps of wrapping a plurality of feed yarns with a sacrificial wrapper yarn to form a composite yarn bundle, space-dyeing the composite yarn bundle, removing the wrapper yarn from around the feed yarns, and separating the feed yarns into individual yarns for further processing. An intermediate yarn product for passing through the space-dyeing machine is disclosed, as well as the end product fine denier yarns after being separated from the bundle in which dyeing took place.

Abstract: The method of continuous thermal treatment of a textile product with steam simultaneously provides optimum dye fixing and drying of a product web treated with a dye solution. This method includes applying a water solution of a dye to a product web to form a moist product web with the applied dye solution; transporting the moist product web with the applied dye solution through at least one treatment chamber in which the heat treatment takes place; bringing the moist product web with the applied dye solution into contact with a treatment gas including hot steam, preferably at 160-230° C., for preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, to simultaneously perform drying and dye fixing, so that the residual moisture content of the moist product web is less than or equal to its equilibrium moisture content under normal conditions.

Abstract: A of continuous treatment of a textile product web with steam is performed by applying a reactive dye on moist product web of natural fibers; bringing the moist product web with the reactive dye in contact with steam; using the steam in form of hot steam which is overheated water steam, with a temperature of 130-230° C.; transporting the product web during a steam treatment at least partially horizontally through at least one treatment chamber; and blowing the hot steam into the at least one treatment chamber onto the product web by nozzle boxes arranged above and below of the product web. The device is also provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A pressurized pretreatment process for removal of stains on fabrics prior to washing employing means for delivering a stain pretreating solution under the pressure of water or air or a combination of water and air. Stains are effectively removed on such fabrics as polyester/cotton blends and cotton, and a washing machine having delivery means for delivering a stain pretreating solution under pressure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a carbohydrate group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant has a hydrocarbon group that is more solvent-philic than a carbohydrate group, and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The continuous treatment of a textile product web with steam includes subjecting a moist product web with the reactive dye applied on it to a steam treatment by bringing the moist product web with the reactive dye on it in contact with overheated water steam having a temperature of 130-230° C. for a steam treatment time of preferably 5 to 60 seconds; transporting the moist product web during the steam treatment at least partially horizontally through at least one treatment chamber; and blowing the hot steam into the at least one treatment chamber onto the moist product web by nozzle boxes arranged above and below the product web. The device for performing this method is also described.

Abstract: Continuous thermal treatment of a textile product web for dye fixing is performed by applying a dying solution on a moist product web, transporting the moist product web with the applied dying solution through at least one treatment chamber, bringing the moist product web with the applied dying solution in the treatment chamber in contact with a treatment gas which contains a hot steam, and using the treatment gas which is substantially composed of hot steam.

Abstract: A process of cleaning textiles, including textiles that are labeled dry clean only, without the use of large quantities of environmentally hazardous dry cleaning fluids such as those containing perchloroethylene or petroleum. The process uses hand treatment of soiled areas with a cleaning agent, with subsequent washing in water, followed by washing in ozonated water to remove the cleaning agent and the water. The textile is dried using a process that does not depend on tumbling of the textile in the presence of heat to dry the textile.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a carbohydrate group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant has a hydrocarbon group that is more solvent-philic than a carbohydrate group, and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous dyeing of warp ends, in particular cotton warp ends, with indigo or other dyestuff groups which, after impregnating and squeezing out, require oxidation or thermal treatment for fixing. The method eliminates the disadvantages of traditional methods for the continuous dyeing of warp ends. In particular, the required bath amount is considerably reduced by this method. By using a new dyeing reactor (1), the residence time of the warp ends in the dyeing installation can be varied without having to increase the bath volume. The option of heating or cooling the dyeing bath enables a fixing temperature between below room temperature and over 100° C. to be chosen. Optimal conditions can thus be created for all dyeing methods which are habitual for warp ends.

Abstract: The invention provides a partial dyed yarn having a partial dyeing applied to a side surface of fibrous raw material and further provides a method for manufacturing thereof. A partial dyed yarn is provided by a dye liquid adhering method and a dye liquid adhering, drying and taking-up device which is capable of accomplishing a high quality dye printing yarn. A continuous fibrous raw material is passed through the dye liquid adhering roll, the dye liquid is partially or continuously adhered to the thread-like side surface of the fibrous raw material, and thereafter it is applied with a heat treatment to cause the yarn to be dyed in a desired color tone efficiently and quickly.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, a surfactant, and an organic co-solvent. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. The surfactant is preferably one that does not contain a CO2-philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane and has a flash point above 140° F.

Abstract: A continuous fabric rinsing process and apparatus utilizing hot water applied in a rotating cylindrical rinsing roller device, for use in conventional steaming apparatus chambers where the preparation, dyeing and/or printing of fabric typically occurs. The fabric rinsing apparatus has an innermost perforated pipe along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical rinsing roller that serves as a source of hot water which traverses rotating apertures present on the rinsing roller. The rinsing roller also contains external curvilinear rotor blades which propel the hot water outward through a rotating net cylinder, in order to clean a pretreated, dyed and/or printed fabric sheet continuously moving along an endless net belt. At least two steam injectors, appropriately located within the same steam chamber, are positioned in opposite directions in order to uniformly remove, by a steam-stream action, the undesirable contaminants, as well as partially dry the rinsed fabric sheet.

Abstract: A method for cleaning objects in a pressure vessel with liquefied gases is provided. The gas liquefied under pressure is conducted into the pressure vessel. The temperature of the liquefied gas then, or beforehand, is lowered below the critical temperature of the gas and cleaning is performed at least primarily below the critical temperature and below the critical pressure of the gas. Carbon dioxide at temperatures between −20° C. and +20° C. is especially suitable. The mechanical interactions produced by the increased density and viscosity of the liquefied gas reinforce cleaning. Reduced solvent capacity does not influence the effectiveness of the cleaning. Textiles or components can therefore be cleaned at lower pressure and temperature.