Abstract: A basket (6) for loading the laundry in a washing machine, washer-drier, drier and the like comprises a innerly hollow body with a longitudinal axis (X) being the basket (6) rotation axis, wherein said body has at least one shaped length (12) the radial distance (r, r14, r15) thereof from the longitudinal axis (X) is increased towards the rear wall (8) such that the barycentre of the inner volume (10) being defined by the hollow body is displaced towards the rear wall (8), wherein in the shaped length (12) there are formed one or more steps (13) extending along a circumpherential direction to the longitudinal axis (X) each providing an increase in the radial distance (r, r14, r15) of the shaped length (12) from the longitudinal axis (X) and wherein the step defines at least two portions (14, 15) having different radial distances (r, r14, r15) from the longitudinal axis (X).

Abstract: A washer and dryer combination is provided including a housing having a fixed casing and a rotating basin rotatably mounted within the fixed casing. Also included is a rotation motor for rotating the rotating basin upon the actuation thereof, a hot air generation assembly for delivering hot air in the rotating basin upon the actuation thereof, an exhaust mechanism for expelling air from the rotating basin, a water delivery assembly for allowing the flow of water into the rotating basin upon the actuation thereof, and a water expelling mechanism including a pump for pumping water from the rotating basin upon the actuation thereof. Next provided is a control panel including a keypad and a display for selectively actuating the rotation motor, the hot air generation assembly, the water delivery assembly, and the pump of the water expelling mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating garments, particularly to impart a "stone-washed" look without using pumice stones, using an elongated drum having an inclined axis and two continuous helical flights placed within the drum. Garments subjected to treatment in the drum with liquids and chemicals normally used in stone-washing operations, but without pumice stones, will have an appearance and feel like that of a normally-formed stone-washed garment. The helical flights may also have projection fins to help the abrading operation. The method is much more economical in terms of both supplies, equipment, and labor than the conventional stone-wash technique.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention allows for efficient and safe decolorizing or dyeing of cloth articles using bleach or dye-impregnated stones or granules. The apparatus includes a cylindrical drum with longitudinal baffles along its inner surface. Liner sheets are attached to adjacent baffles, thereby lining the entire drum. The sheets flex inwardly due to gravity as the drum is rotated, thereby dislodging any residual materials layered thereon. The apparatus also provides for separation of treated articles from stones and re-impregnation of the stones with a bleaching agent or a dyestuff solution or dispersion.

Abstract: A device for pickling meat by mixing under vacuum comprises a tank (1) suitable for being rotated on its longitudinal axis by drive means (7,8), the tank being provided at one of its ends with an opening (4) for filling/emptying suitable for being closed by a cover by which the vacuum is generated and, if necessary, brine is injected, the tank being mounted on a support frame (11).The device comprises, near the rear edge of frame (11) for support of the tank, at least one elastic element (16) inserted between frame (11) and the support surface of the device (12) and made in such a way as to be gradually compressed from a rest position corresponding to the empty state of the tank to a filled position, the elastic element(s) gradually returning to their rest position when the tank is emptied.