Combined Patents (Class 68/13R)
  • Patent number: 6148644
    Abstract: A system for dry cleaning soils from fabrics comprising densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO.sub.2. The densified carbon dioxide is in a temperature range of about -78.5.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure range of about 14.7 to about 10,000 psi. At least 0.1% by volume of a modifier is preferably present. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide or a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Harriott Jureller, Judith Lynne Kerschner, Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6138308
    Abstract: A process and a system for dyeing a textile web according to the cold-pad batch process includes a device for defined application of a dye liquor to the textile web and a winding device for rolling the textile web provided with the dye liquor onto a fabric roll. On the winding device, a supply roll with a plastic film web is mounted, which can be wound around the finished fabric roll in a wrap, using the same winding device. The end of the wrap is sealed together with the plastic film web and the plastic film web is cut off. In this way, it is easier to wrap the fabric roll, as is necessary for several hours of dwell time on the fabric roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunther Dusterwald, Rosemarie Schroder
  • Patent number: 6131421
    Abstract: A system for dry cleaning soils from fabrics comprising densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO.sub.2. The densified carbon dioxide is in a temperature range of about -78.5.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure range of about 14.7 to about 10,000 psi. At least 0.1% by volume of a modifier is preferably present. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide or a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Harriott Jureller, Judith Lynne Kerschner, Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6128931
    Abstract: A system and method are presented for laundering textiles (e.g., clean room garments) within a clean room facility. The textile laundering system may be used to launder clean room garments. The system includes a washing machine, a dryer, and means for measuring the number and sizes of particulates present within laundered textiles. The washing machine has two opposed sides, a loading side and an unloading side, and at least one portion which allows access to mechanical and/or electrical equipment (i.e., an equipment access portion). The washing machine is positioned within a sealed opening in a vertical partition separating a first laundering area from a second laundering area such that the loading side is located within the first laundering area and the unloading side is located within the second laundering area. The washing machine uses only "ultrapure" water, substantially free of ions, minerals, and organic material, to launder the textiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Woods
  • Patent number: 6085555
    Abstract: A palm-top fabric leading edge detector adapted to be incorporated in a high temperature or regular temperature, L-configured or U-configured dyeing machine includes a detector body which is releasably connected to a sensor mounted in the dyeing machine via a cable to receive a fabric leading edge detection signal from the sensor when the leading edge of a fabric that is moved through the dyeing machine for dyeing passes through the sensor. The detector processes the fabric leading edge detection signal and provides the detection result on a display on the detector body. The detector is driven by an internal power source which may be primary cells or secondary cells rechargeable by means of external power source. Visual indicator and audio signal generation device are provided to indicate the detection of the fabric leading edge in a visual and audio manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: China Textile Institute
    Inventors: Jong-Fu Wu, Kun-Lin Cheng, Feng Biau Lin, Li-Jen Kuo, Li-Jen Wang, Yu-Cheng Wang, Cheng-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 6056209
    Abstract: A process for treating liquids to improve their usefulness without the use of traditional soaps or detergents, primarily through the treatment of a solution by the use of a holding tank and agitator, and treatment therein by a non-soap, non-detergent device such as activated ceramic filled floating containers, floating structured water filled containers, a magnetic liquid treatment pipe, electrodes, and/or other chargers. The liquid is then transported by way of a hose A to a pressure pump, then to hose B, and to a spray wand; or to a container for later use. Cleaning of on-site carpets and upholstery, floors and the like are taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Jose E. Rivera
  • Patent number: 6035473
    Abstract: A dye scavenging article is provided for use in scavenging extraneous random dyes from the wash and rinse waters during a laundry process. The dye scavenging article is constructed to prevent its being trapped or commingled with the clothing items by including a buoyant or floatation member. A stiffening member may also be provided which maintains the dye scavenging article in an open state during the washing process. This construction allows the dye scavenging article to be exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters during the laundry process to enhance effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Dye Magnet Industries
    Inventors: Philip S. Felstead, Stephen Ziskind
  • Patent number: 6006387
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of reducing the microbial population on a textile in a washing machine. The washing machine has an outer shell for containing fluids and an internal assembly for containing textiles. The method includes introducing a wash liquor into the internal assembly, thus contacting the textile with the wash liquor and wetting the textile. The wash liquor is then removed from the internal assembly and the outer shell at a first point. At a second point, a combination of ozone gas, oxygen and/or oxygen enriched air is mixed into the wash liquor being removed from the outer shell to form an ozonated wash liquor. This ozonated wash liquor is re-introduced into the outer shell and internal assembly thus contacting the textile with the ozonated wash liquor for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Cyclo3pss Textile Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Cooper, Allyson T. Toney, John B. McParlane
  • Patent number: 5996155
    Abstract: A process is provided for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing substrates comprising the steps of: (a) placing the contaminated substrate in a cleaning vessel; (b) contacting the contaminated substrate with dense phase carbon dioxide in liquid form; (c) subjecting the substrate and the dense phase carbon dioxide to ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength within the range of about 180 to 300 nm for a duration and intensity sufficient to produce a photochemical reaction capable of destroying the DNA of microorganisms on the substrate; (d) substantially simultaneously subjecting at least the dense phase carbon dioxide to agitation; and (e) removing the dense phase carbon dioxide from the cleaning vessel and thereby transporting the contaminants from the substrate such that the substrate is cleaned and, in the case of contaminated garments, disinfected or, in the case of medical and dental instrumentation, sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Sidney C. Chao, Robert W. Beach, Nelson W. Sorbo, Edna M. Purer
  • Patent number: 5968205
    Abstract: A textile web, for example, a carpet web, is provided with a patterning agent including a thickening agent and subsequently steamed in a steamer. The agent residues remaining on the textile web are at least partially removed by mechanical means, and cleaned and decolorized in a cleaning unit, leaving a virtually pure thickening agent which can be reused for preparing a new batch of patterning agent in the batching tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Hartmann, Alfred Keller, Bernd Pesch
  • Patent number: 5964950
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking a starch solution and then dispensing that cooked starch solution to a commercial laundry washer provides a vessel with an interior surrounded by a wall for holding a volume of liquid, a water supply inlet for supplying water to the vessel interior, an opening for adding dry starch to the vessel interior, and a steam supply inlet for adding steam to the vessel interior so that the volume of liquid within the vessel can be heated. A level controller controls the level of fluid within the vessel in between the minimum and maximum levels. A recirculation flow line has an inlet and outlet that each communicate with the vessel interior. A gear pump mounted in the recirculation flow line pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet in a recirculating fashion, the pump having a geared portion that breaks up starch lumps flowing in the recirculation flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: David W. Boling
  • Patent number: 5960501
    Abstract: A system and method for treating laundry with ozone is provided including a controller that receives a load signal based on a wash load selection. In response to the load signal, the controller transmits a power supply control signal to a variable power supply to vary an output potential to an ozone generator. The controller transmits a dryer control signal to an air dryer to provide desiccated air to the ozone generator. The controller transmits a sparging pump control signal to a sparging pump to pump the ozone generated by the ozone generator to a sparging rod adjacent the drain of a laundry machine where the ozone is dispersed directly into the wash liquor. In a preferred embodiment, an adapter removably secures the sparging rod to the wall of the laundry machine so that the sparging rod may be readily removed for cleaning, repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Envirocleanse Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Burdick
  • Patent number: 5960649
    Abstract: A system and method for treating laundry with ozone is provided including a controller that receives a load signal based on a wash load selection. In response to the load signal, the controller transmits a power supply control signal to a variable power supply to vary an output potential to an ozone generator. The controller transmits a dryer control signal to an air dryer to provide desiccated air to the ozone generator. The controller transmits a sparging pump control signal to a sparging pump to pump the ozone generated by the ozone generator to a sparging rod adjacent the sump of the laundry machine where the ozone is dispersed directly into the wash liquor. In a preferred embodiment, an adapter removably secures the sparging rod to the wall of the laundry machine so that the sparging rod may be readily removed for cleaning, repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Envirocleanse Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Burdick
  • Patent number: 5951130
    Abstract: A stacked appliance assembly includes a lower unit, such as a clothes washing machine, and an upper unit, such as a clothes dryer. A support member is secured on top of the lower unit within the perimeter thereof. A base member is secured to the bottom of the upper unit within the perimeter thereof. The base member of the upper unit is adapted to slide upon the support member of the lower unit and to be secured thereto without the use of external mounting brackets. The support member and base member mounting arrangement provides automatic self-centered alignment of the upper unit on the lower unit. A plurality of tabs on the support member of the lower unit are received within slots on the base member of the upper unit so as to interlock the units together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Braunschweig, Daniel F. Wunderlich, Thomas C. Magilton
  • Patent number: 5950458
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing and cleaning device, which is placed or can be placed in a washing vessel with a washing liquid. During the cleaning process the washing and cleaning device is surrounded on the outside by items to be cleaned. It comprises a housing unit with liquid inlet and outlet holes on its surface. Inside the housing at least one rotating element, which also exhibits liquid inlet and outlet holes on its surface, is accommodated. During the cleaning process, the rotating element is rotated relative to the housing unit by means of a driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Dieter Meyer, Hans-Peter Braun
  • Patent number: 5937677
    Abstract: A washing machine having a spraying nozzle assembly which not only evenly sprays a circulated washing liquid onto articles to be washed, but also effectively dissolves a detergent, thereby improving the washing efficiency. The spraying nozzle assembly has a hollow annular frame for receiving the washing liquid circulated by a circulation pump, a plurality of spraying ports for spraying the circulated washing liquid onto the article, and a plurality of impeller units dispersing the washing liquid sprayed by the spraying nozzles. The spraying ports extend downward by a predetermined length. The impeller unit has a bent suspension bar having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, and an impeller rotatably coupled to the vertical portion of the bent suspension bar. A conical tip for rotatably supporting the impeller is integrally formed at an end of the vertical portion. The washing machine uniformly washes the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Yoll Lee
  • Patent number: 5921113
    Abstract: A clothes washing machine has a sewage disposal apparatus using electrolysis for removing polluted matter such as surfactants, suspended solids and organic matter contained in the waste water. The electrolytic sewage disposal apparatus includes a sewage water processing tank having an inlet for receiving waste water, a processing chamber for processing the waste water, and an outlet for processed (purified) waste water. At least one pair of an anode and cathode is disposed in the processing chamber and is supplied with electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Young Lee, Hyung Kyun Kim, Jung Soo Chin, Cheol Tae Lee
  • Patent number: 5881412
    Abstract: A dye scavenging article is provided for use in scavenging extraneous random dyes from the wash and rinse waters during a laundry process. The dye scavenging article is constructed to prevent its being entrapped or commingled with the clothing items. This construction allows the dye scavenging article to be exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters during the laundry process to enhance effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Dye Magnet Industries
    Inventor: Stephen Ziskind
  • Patent number: 5853014
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning a device using ozonated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Med-O-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Rosenauer
  • Patent number: 5832750
    Abstract: A new Combination Washer-Drier System for providing a combination washer and drier that can be mounted in various areas of a building, thereby allowing utilization of an existing fixture such as a toilet or a washbasin for supplying water to the present invention and for draining wash water from the present invention. The inventive device includes a power source, a compact combination washer-drier means connected to the power source, a water supplying means connected to the combination washer-drier means, a controller means electronically connected to the combination washer-drier means, an existing fixture such as a toilet or a washbasin connected to the combination washer-drier means, a mounting means securing the combination washer-drier means to a wall, and a draining means engaging the combination washer-drier means draining waste water from the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Keiko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5826289
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a wet processing system wherein a wet roped knitted fabric is treated to achieve a finished product that is flat and open and accomplished by moving the fabric so that it is transported through the various processing steps in a manner that minimizes distortion and elongation of the fabric. Advantage is also provided by utilizing a J-scray that is moveably disposed in the system to fine tune the accumulation of wetness and control the speed of delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Catallo
  • Patent number: 5822818
    Abstract: A method of replenishing liquid carbon dioxide solvent in a liquid carbon dioxide dry cleaning system or other dense phase carbon dioxide cleaning system. The method uses dry-ice or solid carbon dioxide, as a replenishing stock, thus reducing transportation, storage and handling costs. The method disposes solid carbon dioxide blocks in a cleaning chamber after a cleaning cycle. Liquid carbon dioxide solvent is boiled and is used to melt the solid carbon dioxide blocks. Liquid carbon dioxide solvent produced by melting the solid carbon dioxide blocks is pumped from the cleaning chamber into a storage tank to replenish the liquid carbon dioxide solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Sidney C. Chao, Edna M. Purer
  • Patent number: 5815867
    Abstract: A first yarn (21) undergoes a pretreatment process (22) for saturation with a pretreatment solution. In the pretreatment process, the first yarn is supplied to continuously travel through a first bath (100.sub.2) and a second bath (100.sub.3) of the pretreatment solution. The first bath has a volume (V.sub.2) which is less than a volume of the second bath (V.sub.3). Between the first and second baths the pretreatment solution is impressed into the continuously moving first yarn. After the second bath only excess pretreatment solution is removed from the moving yarn, thereby keeping the yarn saturated when it enters a heat treatment (42) for locking the pretreatment solution into the yarn. The first yarn can be subsequently dyed in the same operation or maintain its original appearance (either colored or non-colored). The first yarn can be a warp yarn or weft yarn which, together with either a second yarn (weft or warp yarn, treated or untreated), is woven into a fabric piece (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas J. Keasler, Allen V. Hardy, III, Darren K. Barnes, Tony M. Leonard, Larry W. Strickland
  • Patent number: 5815868
    Abstract: A manufacturing process of an elastic & extensile fabric provided with fine elasticity and extensibility longitudinally and transversely, especially of a duplex brushed fabrics knitted with polyester, the breakthtough of the present invention is that by increasing spandex (also called o.p.) during knitting of the fabric and by the brandnew manufacturing process thereof, the fabric can be extended to about 1.8 to 2 times of its original lengths longitudinally and transversely, and it can be durable for water cleansing in high temperature and has the effect of keeping warm, thus is applicable in gloves, mufflers etc. with a nature of being volume reducible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Irene Lee
  • Patent number: 5806120
    Abstract: A system for treating laundry with ozone including a controller that receives a load signal based on a wash load selection. The controller varies an output potential from a variable power supply to an ozone generator in response to the load signal. The ozone generator produces different levels of ozone corresponding to the output potential. A wash liquor is drawn out of a laundry machine and sent through a filter past an injector adjacent a venturi. The injector entrains ozone from the ozone generator into the wash liquor and the wash liquor is returned to the laundry machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Envirocleanse Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis H. McEachern
  • Patent number: 5784905
    Abstract: An improved liquid carbon dioxide dry cleaning system containing an improved dry cleaning fluid. The dry cleaning fluid contains an antistatic agent for dissipating static charge on members or garments generated by friction during cleaning thereof. The concentration of the antistatic agent is typically less than 1 percent. Static charge present on the members or garments that are cleaned is transferred through the dry cleaning fluid to ground. This transfer of charge minimizes static charge buildup on the members or garments and suspended soil redeposition onto the members or garments. An odorizing agent or fragrance, and/or a deodorizing agent may be added to the cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Carl W. Townsend, Sidney C. Chao, Edna M. Purer
  • Patent number: 5765403
    Abstract: A water treatment method and apparatus is described for generating a supply of activated water containing oxidants, including hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroperoxy radicals, but excluding ozone. The apparatus includes a generator having ultraviolet lamps to which air is exposed to create activated air. To suppress the generation of ozone in the activated air, the air subjected to the ultraviolet lamps is maintained at a relative high humidity. Also, the activated air is generated in the presence of a catalyst and using 254 nm light, both of which are believed to aid in the destruction of any ozone generated by the exposure of the air to other wavelengths of the uv light. The catalyst also provides additional oxidants in the air. The activated air is entrained in the water using an injector to thereby produce the activated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Tri-Mark Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip A. Lincoln, Jessie E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5728977
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a plurality of soiled towels and determining the quantity of the towels comprises removing any foreign objects from the soiled towels, saturating the soiled towels with a liquid that prevents the evaporation of any volatile compounds, compressing the saturated towels to remove unabsorbed liquid, then weighing the compressed towels and calculating the approximate number of towels present by dividing the weight of the soiled compressed towels by the known weight of a soiled compressed towel. An apparatus for performing the method also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas W. Juday, Mervyn H. Edwardsen, James M. Leef, David B. Leef
  • Patent number: 5706678
    Abstract: The laundry dresser includes (a) a dresser frame having two segments arranged horizontally; (b) a flat table plate extending horizontally over the two segments; (c) a hollow portion disposed in a first segment beneath the table plate for receiving a drum rotation-type washing machine; (d) a washbowl mounted to the dresser frame; and (e) a drain pipe having (i) an upright portion rotatable around a vertical axis thereof, and (ii) a slightly slanting, horizontal portion connected to a lower end of the upright portion and having an exit opening at a lower end thereof, the direction and length of the horizontal portion being determined such that the exit opening of the horizontal portion is fitted into a drain opening of a floor, the drain pipe receiving a drain hose of the washing machine and a drain hose of the washbowl through the upper opening to allow drainage from the washing machine and the washbowl to flow into the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Meico Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5653129
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having a bubble feeding device installed at the inner surface of a door of the top of a washing body for feeding air bubbles into a rotatable tub to the top of a washer body. The bubble feeding device comprises a telescopic pipe and a drive device for driving the pipe. The drive device includes a motor and first and second pulleys operatively connected to the motor. The second pulley has gear teeth formed on its circumference and a flexible string having a train of teeth is wound on the second pulley to mesh the train of teeth with the gear teeth. The flexible string extends into an inner telescopic pipe coaxially installed within the telescopic pipe and the end of the string is fixed to the lower end of the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Kew Jang
  • Patent number: 5566433
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous treatment of webs of fabric having upright pile comprised of wetting the fabric to at least 50% saturation, heating the fabric to approximately 225.degree. to 350.degree. Fahrenheit and then brushing the fabric in both the pile and counter-pile directions. The presence of liquid and steam plasticize and lubricate the fibers, thereby allowing an easier, more complete return to the uncrushed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Franklin S. Love, III, Robert S. Brown
  • Patent number: 5520027
    Abstract: An apparatus for wet processing of textile fabric in endless rope form is disclosed which basically comprises a processing vessel, dual oppositely-extending fabric travel paths within the vessel for lengthwise movement of the fabric in successive alternation through the two travel paths, and dual lifter reels and jet nozzles between the adjacent entrance and exit ends of the respective travel paths, providing more positive continuous fabric traveling movement, increased fabric processing capacity, and reduced fabric processing time in comparison to conventional wet processing operations utilizing a single lifter reel, jet nozzle, and fabric travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Guilford Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip D. McCartney, Arne Nielsen, Majid Moghaddassi
  • Patent number: 5491858
    Abstract: In a method for continuously dyeing textile yarns (14), the yarns travel continuously in front of a succession of stations (15a, 15b, 15c) for applying dyes of different colors, each station applying a series of spots onto the yarns (14), so that each yarn includes a succession of spots forming a pattern extending over a certain length (L) of the yarn (14) and which is continuously repeated. The stations (15a, 15b, 15c) for applying the dye are commanded individually in order to corrupt the repetitiveness of the successive patterns. The method is useful for improving the quality of carpets obtained from textile yarns (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Superba
    Inventors: Philippe Massotte, Hubert Tretsch
  • Patent number: 5488842
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for deodorizing and refreshing petroleum group solvent used in a dry cleaning apparatus, and a dry cleaning apparatus using such a method, which can maintain the circulating solvent in a fresh condition for a long time, eliminate a bad smell of the solvent, provide highly stable cleaning ability and good cleaning finish, and prevent ignition and explosion of the solvent to ensure safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Yukiko Nishioka, Ichiro Kamiya, Ryoichi Shinjo, Yoshihiro Ishii, Koichi Kosaka
  • Patent number: 5469720
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for dyeing fabrics wound up into cords using the overflow or jet system, comprising two or more overflow or jet units arranged in series in a single tank, in which the speed of the various reels of each overflow or jet device is synchronised with respect to a driving reel by affixing permanent magnets to the fabric and appropriate sensors on the machine so that possible slipping of the fabric can be corrected by a microprocessor drive control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Paggi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Roberto Paggi
  • Patent number: 5409616
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to restore grey water resulting from a cleaning activity such as laundry using ozone as a cleaning agent in a closed loop system for recycling to preserve water, to reduce system size, and to enhance the efficiency of the cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Ozact, Inc.
    Inventors: Cornelius D. Garbutt, Douglas A. Moxley
  • Patent number: 5404732
    Abstract: An automatic clothes washing machine includes an outer housing, a tub mounted in the housing, and a perforated basket mounted in the tub. An ozone generator generates ozone which is conducted to water in the tub for sterilizing, bleaching and deodorizing clothes being washed. The ozone is conducted through a double-wall pipe to a perforated ozone distributor disposed between the tub and basket. The ozone generator comprises a flexible tube which is intermittently compressed by an electromagnetically controlled actuator for directing air toward an ozone-producing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 5402658
    Abstract: The fabric (1), which is pre-treated wet and is supplied in strand form, is inflated to form a balloon (15, 15', 15", 15'") by means of a gaseous medium, is then combined again to form a strand and in strand form is guided through an overflow pipe (17, 17', 17", 17'"). Subsequently, these process steps are repeated a plurality of times in analogous sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Solipat AG
    Inventor: Christian Strahm
  • Patent number: 5381592
    Abstract: Method to refurbish cut or loop pile carpet products including carpet tiles by passing the product under a high pressure water or liquid dispensing head projecting a stream of water against the subject product at a pressure in the range of 200-2000 p.s.i.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5359743
    Abstract: A device for continuously treating a textile fabric web comprises at least one application devices for applying one or more treatment liquors to the fabric web. After applying the liquors, the fabric web exhibits a total moisture content in the range of 100 to 220% of the weight of the dry fabric. The fabric web with the moisture is fed into a tower-like heating zone of an ager, in which the fabric web is guided over a path consisting of a plurality of horizontal loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Von Harten, Walter Keller, Johannes Kutz, Bernhard Benz, Christian Meyer, Wolfgang Kurschatke
  • Patent number: 5313811
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for laundering and treating garments or fabrics with an oxidizing agent. The apparatus includes a housing having a chamber containing a barrel mounted for rotation. A door is provided for placing the garments or fabrics into the chamber. Associated with the housing is a venturi mixer for introducing an oxidizing gas and a liquid into the chamber and a value for removing liquid from the chamber. Controls are is provided to selectively permit a washing, extracting and abrading cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Eric Wasinger
    Inventors: Eric Wasinger, David Hall
  • Patent number: 5311626
    Abstract: The fabric (1), which is pre-treated wet and is supplied in strand form, is inflated to form a balloon (15, 15', 15", 15"') by means of a gaseous medium, is then combined again to form a strand and in strand form is guided through an overflow pipe (17, 17', 17", 17"'). Subsequently, these process steps are repeated a plurality of times in analogous sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Solipat AG
    Inventor: Christian Strahm
  • Patent number: 5309739
    Abstract: A clothes washing machine comprises a water container and a washing tub disposed in the water container to form a space therebetween for containing wash water. A tourmaline ceramic coating is applied to an outer bottom surface of the washing tub or to an inner surface of the water container for reacting with the wash water to form hydroxyl ions therein which reduce surface tension of the water. An ultrasonic vibrator is mounted on the water container across from the coating to generate waves in the water to accelerate the reaction between the coating and wash water. Alternatively, the tourmaline ceramic coating could be applied to an agitator disposed in the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ok K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5307650
    Abstract: This invention in its most basic form is a reservoir container that is adapted to hold the rinse water from the final rinse cycle of a washing machine and a means for conveying the rinse water after being used in the final rinse cycle of the washing machine into the reservoir and the means for returning that water to the wash machine for the beginning of the wash cycle of the next load. The reservoir in the preferred embodiment for a household wash machine holds approximately twenty-five gallons. It is hooked to the washer drain through a two way valve. During the wash cycle this two way valve allows the water to flow out of the washer and into the drain. But for the final rinse cycle the valve directs the water from the washer into the reservoir. The reservoir is also hooked to the incoming water source of the washer by a two way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Future Water, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Mertz
  • Patent number: 5284035
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring the application of dye to a traveling web of textile material. The apparatus includes a color characteristic detecting assembly which is movable between an initial detecting position in which it detects a color characteristic of the textile material web shortly after the web has emerged from a dye liquor bath and a post-drying detecting position in which it detects a color characteristic of the textile material web after the web has been handled in a drying device. The post-drying detection of the textile material web enables the apparatus to detect an out-of-limits color characteristic situation which may not appear or be detectable until after the web has been subjected to the drying process. The color characteristic detecting assembly is connected to a control unit which controls the nip pressure of a pair of nip rollers which remove excess moisture from the textile material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: A. Monforts GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Pabst, Kurt van Wersch
  • Patent number: 5241720
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of washing laundry without hot water and detergent using a closed-loop ozonated wash water system wherein wash water maintained in a storage tank is ozonated by an ozone generator prior to use in the washing machine. The ambient air used in the ozone generator to generate the ozone is undried and temperature controlled. The system includes a novel injector including a vacuum pump for entraining ozone into the water in the storage tank. The spent wash water is collected, filtered and reused, thereby eliminating waste water disposal problems, resulting in considerable water and energy savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Tri-O-Clean Laundry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Engel, John B. Gallo, Donald H. Bladen, Richard B. Engel, Jr., Keith R. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5220813
    Abstract: In a unified washing-drying machine, the use of conventional drying means is eliminated and, instead, an electromagnetic heating system is provided at an appropriate place in the unified washing-drying machine as a means to thermally evaporate the remaining moisture in the washed fabrics during the drying cycle. A high-pressure air system with the air nozzle assemblies imbedded on the agitator is installed in the unified washing-drying machine such that the high-pressure air flow from the air nozzle assemblies can float the washed fabrics to have the evaporated steam or water vapor removed efficiently. Also, the high-pressure air flow can have the washed fabrics circulate and tumble well to prevent wrinckles from setting on the washed fabrics. Thus, with the invented unified washing-drying machine contineous, uninterrupted cleaning and drying cycles can be achieved with the additional benefit of saving space by eliminating an extra dryer installment as in a conventional laundry system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventors: Haw-Renn Chen, Feichu H. Chen
  • Patent number: 5205305
    Abstract: A color changing system for spray dyeing comprises a pair of washing tubs and a pair of spraying units. Each of the spray units includes a nozzle/nozzles, a feed pipe and a movable pipe. The spraying units are alternately operated to spray dye liquid onto a fabric strip, and are washed in the washing tubs to prepare for spraying new dye liquid onto the fabric strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Yoshimichi Yamakita
  • Patent number: 5181399
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing laundry without hot water and detergent using a closed loop ozonated wash water system wherein wash water maintained in a storage tank is ozonated by an ozone generator prior to use in a washing machine. The spent wash water is collected, filtered and reused thereby eliminating waste water disposal problems an resulting in considerable water and energy savings. The ozone generator includes a unique air flow configuration to maximize ozone generation resulting in a high efficiency washing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Tri-O-Clean Laundry Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Engel, John B. Gallo, Donald H. Bladen, Virginia F. Engel
  • Jig
    Patent number: 5172444
    Abstract: Method for operating a machine intended for dyeing textile webs wherein the fabric to be dyed is passed through a dyeing bath and is wound onto a tractive roller. The instantaneous angular speed of the tractive roller is controlled during the operation of the machine and the speed regulated so as to maintain constant or substantially constant the centrifugal acceleration at the point where the fabric winds onto the tractive roller. Application is to machines of the Jig type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Charles M. A. Penet