Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.

Abstract: An improved solvent cleaning process of cleaning a non-aqueous solvent used in a dry cleaning process for fabrics including consecutive wash cycles for washing respective fabrics batches, including a basic solvent refining cycle and a first advanced solvent refining cycle, the basic solvent refining cycle including a step of separating solvent into a first solvent fraction and a second solvent fraction which is less clean than the first fraction, wherein the basic and first advanced solvent refining cycles are independently effected when solvent to be cleaned fulfils a respective predetermined condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling and in particular provides novel filtering, reclamation and recycling methods and apparati.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.

Abstract: An automatic washer having a wash tub in which a rotatable wash basket is disposed. A wash plate is rotatably mounted in the wash basket and is capable of independently rotating or co-rotating with respect to the wash basket. The wash plate has at least two ripples integrally formed in its surface whereby upon the rotation of the wash plate, any clothing in contact with the ripple will be directed vertically to impart mechanical energy to the clothing instead of carrying the clothing with the wash plate as it is rotated.

Abstract: A vertical axis washer is provided with a rotatable wash basket that has one or more inwardly directed baffles, but no central agitator structure. Surfaces are provided in association with the baffles, which may be in the form of ramps on the bottom wall of the basket, to cause the fabric load within the washer to move up the side of the basket wall and to slide along the baffles in a swirling motion as the basket is accelerated and decelerated during the washing cycle, which causes the fabric to be flexed and rearranged in the basket. This washer construction is particularly suited to be used in conjunction with a concentrated detergent solution wash cycle.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a rinse process which can be used with any wash cycle, but which has particular utility following a wash cycle have a highly concentrated detergent solution.The method of rinsing fabric provided by the present invention is useful in a washer having a wash chamber rotatable about a horizontal axis. The steps undertaken in the method begin with loading fabric to be washed into the wash chamber of the washer. The fabric is then washed in a detergent solution while rotating the wash chamber about its horizontal axis for a first period of time. Next the detergent solution is drained from the wash chamber. The fabric is then rinsed by adding water to the wash chamber while spinning the wash chamber at a speed to effect less than a one gravity centrifugal force on the fabric such that the fabric will tumble within the wash chamber as it spins. Finally, the wash chamber is drained of the rinse water.

Abstract: An improved wash process is provided wherein during a low speed spin portion of the wash process, the wash chamber or wash basket is rotated about its horizontal axis at a spin speed to effect less than a one gravity centrifugal force on the fabric such that the fabric will tumble in the wash chamber. During this tumbling action a recirculating spray of highly concentrated detergent solution, preferably in the range of at least 0.5% to 12% by weight is directed onto the fabric for a first period of time. After the first period of time, the detergent solution is diluted somewhat, although the concentration remains above a normal concentration of 0.06 to .28%. The wash chamber will again be spun to effect less than a one gravity centrifugal force on the fabric such that the fabric will tumble in the wash chamber. The lesser concentrated detergent solution will then be recirculated on to the fabric during a second time period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of rinsing fabric in a washer having a wash chamber rotatable about a vertical axis. Water is added to the wash chamber while rotating the wash chamber about its vertical axis a number of revolutions sufficient to cause the fabric, rinse water and wash chamber to rotate at approximately the same speed. The wash chamber is periodically decelerated to cause the fabric and rinse water to move relative to the wash chamber due to rotational inertia of the fabric and rinse water. The fabric is caused to tumble within the wash chamber as the wash chamber decelerates by impinging the fabric on structures in the wash chamber as the fabric is moving relative to the wash chamber. A spray of rinse water is directed onto the fabric during a first period of time as the fabric is rotating with and tumbling in the wash chamber. The rinse water is then drained from the wash chamber. Finally, the rinse water is removed from the fabric by spinning and draining the wash chamber.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric in a washer having a wash chamber rotatable about a vertical axis and charged with a detergent solution is provided. The wash chamber is rotated about its vertical axis a number of revolutions sufficient to cause the fabric and detergent solution within the wash chamber to rotate at a speed approximately the same as the wash chamber. The wash chamber is periodically decelerated to cause the fabric and detergent solution to move relative to the wash chamber due to rotational inertia of the fabric and detergent solution. The fabric is caused to tumble within the wash chamber by impinging the fabric on structures in the wash chamber as the fabric is moving relative to the wash chamber. The steps of rotating, decelerating, and tumbling are repeated for a predetermined first period of time. A recirculating spray of concentrated detergent solution is directed on to the fabric during the first period of time as the fabric is rotating with and tumbling in the wash chamber.

Abstract: An improved wash process is provided for a horizontal washer wherein a concentrated detergent solution is applied to a spinning wash load, the load is spun to effect a greater than one gravity force to maintain the clothes load against the basket wall, and the concentrated detergent solution is recirculated through the clothes load for a first period of time. After the first period of time, the detergent solution is diluted somewhat, although the concentration remains above a normal concentration of 0.06 to 0.28%. The wash chamber will then be spun to effect less than a one gravity centrifugal force on the fabric such that the fabric will tumble in the wash chamber. The lesser concentrated detergent solution will then be recirculated on to the fabric during a second time period.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a rinse process which can be used with any cycle, but which has particular utility following a wash cycle have a highly concentrated detergent solution.The method of rinsing fabric provided by the present invention is useful in a washer having a wash chamber rotatable about a horizontal axis. The steps undertaken in the method begin with loading fabric to be washed into the wash chamber of the washer. The fabric is then washed in a detergent solution while rotating the wash chamber about its horizontal axis for a first period of time. Next the detergent solution is drained from the wash chamber. The fabric is then rinsed by adding water to the wash chamber while spinning the wash chamber at a speed to effect more than a one gravity centrifugal force on the fabric such that the fabric will not tumble within the wash chamber as it spins. Finally, the wash chamber is drained of the rinse water.