Abstract: A textile spreader apparatus, comprising: a first spread carriage and a second spread carriage, each configured to respectively receive opposing corners of a leading edge of a textile and to respectively convey the opposing corners in substantially opposing directions toward an extended position, such that the leading edge of the textile travels along a predetermined path; a catch arranged in the predetermined path of the leading edge, such that the catch intercepts the leading edge; and a sensor configured to detect when the catch intercepts the leading edge, wherein the catch is configured to retract from the path of the leading edge upon the sensor detecting a pressure applied to the leading edge, exceeding a threshold, wherein the threshold is reduced as the first spread carriage and the second spread carriage convey the opposing corners toward the extended position.

Abstract: A textile spreader apparatus, comprising: a first spread carriage and a second spread carriage, each configured to respectively receive opposing corners of a leading edge of a textile and to respectively convey the opposing corners in substantially opposing directions toward an extended position, such that the leading edge of the textile travels along a predetermined path; a catch arranged in the predetermined path of the leading edge, such that the catch intercepts the leading edge; and a sensor configured to detect when the catch intercepts the leading edge, wherein the catch is configured to retract from the path of the leading edge upon the sensor detecting a pressure applied to the leading edge, exceeding a threshold, wherein the threshold is reduced as the first spread carriage and the second spread carriage convey the opposing corners toward the extended position.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an industrial washer permitting operation only when secured. In exemplary embodiment, a body including a cylinder is located inside a stationary tub weldment, the cylinder defines a plurality of inner compartments and including a plurality loading openings, each loading opening is dimensioned to permit the placement of laundry within a respective inner compartment of the plurality of inner compartments; a cylinder door is configured to move between an open position and a closed position within the stationary tub weldment, the cylinder door covering at least one the plurality of loading openings in the closed position; a sensor is disposed on the stationary tub weldment; a sensor target bracket is mounted on the cylinder door; and a sensor target is positioned on the sensor target bracket such that the sensor only detects the sensor target when the cylinder door is in the closed position.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a washer that will not start the wash sequence until each door is securely fastened shut. In exemplary embodiment, the washer may include at least one door having a locking mechanism that has at least one locking pin. The locking pin may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the door is shut, the locking pin may be received in a locking pin slot that is disposed in the body of the washer. The locking mechanism may also include a locking bracket that may be engaged with a locking hasp only when the locking pin is in the locked position. The washer may also include a sensor in communication with the controller. The controller only permits the operation of the washer when the sensor detects the locking bracket is engaged with the locking hasp.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a washer that will not start the wash sequence until each door is securely fastened shut. In exemplary embodiment, the washer may include at least one door having a locking mechanism that has at least one locking pin. The locking pin may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the door is shut, the locking pin may be received in a locking pin slot that is disposed in the body of the washer. The locking mechanism may also include a locking bracket that may be engaged with a locking hasp only when the locking pin is in the locked position. The washer may also include a sensor in communication with the controller. The controller only permits the operation of the washer when the sensor detects the locking bracket is engaged with the locking hasp.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a washer that will not start the wash sequence until each door is securely fastened shut. In exemplary embodiment, the washer may include at least one door having a locking mechanism that has at least one locking pin. The locking pin may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the door is shut, the locking pin may be received in a locking pin slot that is disposed in the body of the washer. The locking mechanism may also include a locking bracket that may be engaged with a locking hasp only when the locking pin is in the locked position. The washer may also include a sensor in communication with the controller. The controller only permits the operation of the washer when the sensor detects the locking bracket is engaged with the locking hasp.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a washer that will not start the wash sequence until each door is securely fastened shut. In exemplary embodiment, the washer may include at least one door having a locking mechanism that has at least one locking pin. The locking pin may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the door is shut, the locking pin may be received in a locking pin slot that is disposed in the body of the washer. The locking mechanism may also include a locking bracket that may be engaged with a locking hasp only when the locking pin is in the locked position. The washer may also include a sensor in communication with the controller. The controller only permits the operation of the washer when the sensor detects the locking bracket is engaged with the locking hasp.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a washer that will not start the wash sequence until each door is securely fastened shut. In exemplary embodiment, the washer may include at least one door having a locking mechanism that has at least one locking pin. The locking pin may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the door is shut, the locking pin may be received in a locking pin slot that is disposed in the body of the washer. The locking mechanism may also include a locking bracket that may be engaged with a locking hasp only when the locking pin is in the locked position. The washer may also include a sensor in communication with the controller. The controller only permits the operation of the washer when the sensor detects the locking bracket is engaged with the locking hasp.

Abstract: An industrial washer/extractor with an automated step, components thereof, and applications thereof. The industrial washer/extractor can include at least one opening within which goods are loaded to be washed, and an automated step positioned underneath the at least one opening. The automated step can be structured, configured, or programmed to: automatically move from a first retracted position to a second extended position upon a first predetermined interval; and automatically move from the second extended position to the first retracted position upon a second predetermined interval.

Abstract: A manually operated laundry load apparatus including a base unit, a conveyor assembly interconnected to the base unit and having a conveyor belt that is driven by a motor to move in an upwardly inclining direction, and a fork truck with a handle that is interconnected to the base unit to permit movement of the load chute.

Abstract: A conveyor shuttle having a conveyor belt for conveying textiles across a wash alley from a washing machine (selected from among a plurality of washing machines) to a drying machine (selected from among a plurality of drying machines). The shuttle travels along the work alley among and between the washing machines and the drying machines. Some embodiments further include guide hardware to help guide soiled laundry into the washing machine. Some embodiments include an operator platform and an operator control system so that a human user can ride on the shuttle and help control various wash alley functions.

Abstract: A manually operated laundry load apparatus including a base unit, a conveyor assembly interconnected to the base unit and having a conveyor belt that is driven by a motor to move in an upwardly inclining direction, and a fork truck with a handle that is interconnected to the base unit to permit movement of the load chute.

Abstract: A chute for a laundry system having an inwardly tapered body extendng from an open top area towards a closed bottom end. The top edge of the chute is laterally spaced from the dryer unit and vertically spaced above the opening of the dryer's load door, while the bottom edge is connected to or abutting the dryer unit at a position vertically spaced just coincident with or below the load door. Side walls enclose the sides of the chute relative to the dryer. The door is equipped with a motor and mechanism for automatically opening and closing during loading and operation, respectively. The door may form the bottom trough portion of the chute. A programmable logic controller synchronizes the opening and closing of the door with the sling type rail system that drops the garments through the chute to eliminate the need for operator involvement with regard to the door.

Abstract: A conveyor shuttle having a conveyor belt for conveying textiles across a wash alley from a washing machine (selected from among a plurality of washing machines) to a drying machine (selected from among a plurality of drying machines). The shuttle travels along the work alley among and between the washing machines and the drying machines. Some embodiments further include guide hardware to help guide soiled laundry into the washing machine. Some embodiments include an operator platform and an operator control system so that a human user can ride on the shuttle and help control various wash alley functions.

Abstract: A modular lint collection system for a fabric dryer, comprising a lint collection frame having a plurality of lint screen retaining members associated therewith, and a plurality of lint collection screens connected to respective lint screen retaining members and arranged in a zigzag pattern. The lint collection screens are oriented in respective vertical planes with adjacent screens lying in intersecting relation to one another, such that the air flow being drawn through the dryer generally impinges the screens at an oblique angle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a washing machine with improvements to the hardware for direct steam injection. One improvement is a steam delivery tube (herein called a sparge tube) that penetrates a side wall above the water level, but releases steam below the water level. One improvement is a steam delivery tube (herein called a sparge tube) that penetrates a rotating side wall above the water level, but releases steam below the water level. Another improvement is the use of a curved sparge tube that can conform within and between the contours of (typically cylindrical) rotating side walls. Another improvement is a sparge tube that releases steam in a direction at least substantially parallel to the central axis of the washing chamber. Another improvement is a temperature probe that penetrates a rotating side wall above the water level, but extends and measures temperature below the water level. A controller controls the open/shut status of steam valve.

Abstract: A modular lint collection system for a fabric dryer, comprising a lint collection frame having a plurality of lint screen retaining members associated therewith, and a plurality of lint collection screens connected to respective lint screen retaining members and arranged in a zigzag pattern. The lint collection screens are oriented in respective vertical planes with adjacent screens lying in intersecting relation to one another, such that the air flow being drawn through the dryer generally impinges the screens at an oblique angle.

Abstract: An improved method for dyeing materials in a wet process dye extractor is shown in which the dyeing material is injected into a vessel containing a rotating perforated basket both through the center shaft of the rotating basket and also at a rear entry port in the vessel. The dual injection of dye material speeds up and improves the process of dyeing and allows dyeing from the "inside-out" as well as the "outside-in".

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dyeing materials in a wet process dye extractor is shown in which the dyeing material is injected into a vessel containing a rotating perforated basket both through the center shaft of the rotating basket and also at a rear entry port in the vessel. The dual injection of dye material speeds up and improves the process of dyeing and allows dyeing from the "inside-out" as well as the "outside-in".

Abstract: A dryer for extracting moisture from goods and recirculating at least a portion of the air withdrawn from a tumbler cylinder located within the dryer. The dryer includes an air distribution system for supplying heated air to the tumbler cylinder, withdrawing air from the cylinder, and recirculating at least a portion of the air withdrawn from the cylinder. The air distribution system includes a burner tube and a heating passageway disposed about a portion of the burner tube, the passageway being connected for directing recirculated air about the burner tube to heat the recirculated air. The air circulating system also includes an air flow tube concentric with a portion of the burner tube for directing ambient air about the burner tube for cooling the burner tube.