Using Filter Patents (Class 68/18F)
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Patent number: 6145350Abstract: A washing machine having a sub-pulsator, the washing machine including a pulsator rotating in the left/right directions by a driving source during the washing process and guide duct mounted in a wash/spin-dry tub for guiding the washing water agitated by left/right rotations of the pulsator to the upper side of the wash/spin-dry tub, wherein the washing machine comprises:a hydraulic turbine disposed in the guide duct; anda sub-pulsator arranged in the wash/spin-dry tub to mesh with the hydraulic turbine, such that a side water current is formed at an intermediate section of the wash/spin-dry tub without recourse to input of separately added power to thereby improve the washing performance.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin-sung Hwang
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Patent number: 6123838Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying separator waste water from a dry cleaning process. The present invention utilizes 3 stages of purification. In Stage one, highly contaminated separator waste water is put into a solvent separator tank. Liquid solvent settles out of the separator waste water, sink to the bottom of the solvent separation tank where it accumulates below the separated water. In Stage 2 air bubbles are introduced through the separated water, stripping out much of the solvent which is dissolved in the separated water and reducing the dissolved solvent concentration. This air stripping process dramatically extends to useful life of the granulated carbon in the granulated eaton filter. Stage 3 takes the air stripped water and filters it through a granulated carbon filter, which results in the carbon purified water having a dissolved solvent of less than 0.7 parts per million. The carbon purified water can then be safely and economically disposed of without harming the environment.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Evaporation Technology International, Inc.Inventor: Bruce Grossman
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Patent number: 6086635Abstract: A system and method are provided for separating water from a solvent during dry cleaning. Included is an inlet capable of receiving a mixture of dry cleaning fluid and water from a basket of a dry cleaning apparatus. The dry cleaning fluid includes a siloxane composition. Also provided is a flow controller for urging a flow of the mixture received from the outlet. Coupled to the flow controller is a coalescent media that receives the mixture urged by the flow controller. A chamber is coupled to the coalescent media for receiving the mixture from the coalescent media to separate the water and the dry cleaning fluid. Also coupled to the chamber is an outlet to remove the dry cleaning fluid from the chamber in the absence of the water.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: GreenEarth Cleaning, LLCInventors: Wolf-Dieter R. Berndt, John McLeod Griffiss, James E. Douglas
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Patent number: 6082150Abstract: Method and system of rejuvenating pressurized fluid solvents used for cleaning a substrate in a pressurized vessel. A primary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent is continuously cycled from the pressurized vessel through a series of filters to remove insoluble and soluble contaminants, and then returned to the pressurized vessel. A secondary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent, preferably equivalent to less than about 40% of the primary flow, is directed either continuously or intermittently during the cleaning operation to an evaporator to evaporate the pressurized fluid solvent of the secondary flow into a vapor and to separate contaminants therefrom. The vapor from the evaporator is then either liquified by a compressor or condenser to create rejuvenated pressurized fluid solvent and redirected to the pressurized vessel for further use, or vented to atmosphere and replaced by new pressurized fluid solvent from a supply tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: R.R. Street & Co. Inc.Inventor: John F. Stucker
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Patent number: 6076378Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed. The filter includes a check valve fixed to the lower side of a rear panel of a pocket type filter for confining the flow of the washing water introduced into the pocket type filter. The check valve has a fixing portion which is fixed to the lower side of the rear panel by being inserted into a fixing recess formed at the lower side of the rear panel, a moving plate which is extended from the fixing portion to be inclined toward the front panel and opens/closes the space between the front panel and the rear panel, and a connecting portion for connecting the fixing portion to the moving plate and having a thickness thinner than the moving plate in order to reliably move the moving plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-soo Shin
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Patent number: 6073292Abstract: A method for cleaning or sterilizing objects in a liquid fluid cleaning system comprising a high-pressure storing/working vessel, a cleaning chamber, and a low-pressure supply vessel, the method comprising the steps of loading the cleaning chamber with objects to be cleaned or sterilized; supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber from the low-pressure supply vessel by means of pressure difference; supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber from the high-pressure storing/working vessel; cleaning the objects in the cleaning chamber with the cleaning fluid; transferring cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber to the high-pressure storing/working vessel; and unloading the cleaned objects from the cleaning chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: AGA ABInventors: Kenneth Lindqvist, Orvar Svensson
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Patent number: 6059845Abstract: A system and method are provided for dry cleaning articles utilizing a siloxane solvent. The system includes a cleaning basket for receiving articles therein and a one or more tanks for containing a siloxane solvent. Coupled between the tank and the cleaning basket is a pump for immersing the articles in the cleaning basket with the siloxane solvent. Also included is a still for distilling the dirty siloxane solvent to recover the pure siloxane solvent. A condenser is coupled to the cleaning basket and/or the still for recovering condensed vapors. For decanting any water in the siloxane solvent received from the condenser, a separator is coupled to the condenser. A fan is coupled to the cleaning basket for circulating air past the condenser, then the heater coils and into the cleaning basket for drying and cooling the articles.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: GreenEarth Cleaning, LLCInventors: Wolf-Dieter R. Berndt, John McLeod Griffiss, James E. Douglas
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Patent number: 6029479Abstract: A lint filter having a succession of mesh screens which are arranged in parallel in a tank which receives lint-containing water from a laundry facility. The mesh screens are positioned so that the lint-containing water must pass through the screens in order to leave the tank. The lint-containing water is sprayed evenly on one side of the tank and proceeds across the tank toward the mesh screens. The mesh screens are angled so that lint and particles contained in the lint-containing water are allowed to fall to the bottom of the tank. Multiple exits allow lint-filtered water to leave the lint filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Harley J. Pattee
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Patent number: 6009585Abstract: An apparatus for washing shop cloths comprises a hot water storage tank, a washer that washes, rinses, centrifuges and dries, and an evaporator for evaporating effluent from the washer. The washer rotates about a horizontal axis when washing, rinsing, drying and centrifuging, but at different speeds depending on whether it is centrifuging or washing, rinsing or drying. In use, the washer is loaded and then the load is centrifuged to remove fluids present in the cloths. The effluent is discharged to the evaporator. Then the load is washed in hot water from the hot water storage tank and biodegradable degreasers and soaps. After draining the washer to the evaporator, the load is centrifuged. The washer undergoes a rinse cycle, draining the rinse water to the water heater through a filter for reuse, and finally a tumble dry cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventor: Richard G Middleton
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Patent number: 5989418Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-soo Shin
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Patent number: 5970554Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the use of carbon dioxide in drying cleaning clothes, garments and other fabrics is disclosed and claimed. The components of the invention include a distillation vessel, a compressor, a warm-up vessel, a cleaning chamber, a condenser, and a carbon dioxide storage tank. A programmable logic controller is utilized to control the apparatus. Several modes of use are disclosed. One mode, the reclaim mode, enables the efficient operation of the apparatus. As the name implies the reclaim mode recovers most of the carbon dioxide gas remaining in the cleaning chamber is removed therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stephen H. Shore, Larry R. Rosio
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Patent number: 5960501Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Envirocleanse Systems, Inc.Inventor: Alan Burdick
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Patent number: 5937675Abstract: Method and system of rejuvenating pressurized fluid solvents used for cleaning a substrate in a pressurized vessel. A primary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent is continuously cycled from the pressurized vessel through a series of filters to remove insoluble and soluble contaminants, and then returned to the pressurized vessel. A secondary flow of the pressurized fluid solvent, preferably equivalent to less than about 40% of the primary flow, is directed either continuously or intermittently during the cleaning operation to an evaporator to evaporate the pressurized fluid solvent of the secondary flow into a vapor and to separate contaminants therefrom. The vapor from the evaporator is then either liquified by a compressor or condenser to create rejuvenated pressurized fluid solvent and redirected to the pressurized vessel for further use, or vented to atmosphere and replaced by new pressurized fluid solvent from a supply tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: R.R. Street & Co. Inc.Inventor: John F. Stucker
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Patent number: 5931028Abstract: Disclosed a filter for a washing machine including a filter case attached to an inner lower portion of a dehydrating tub of the washing machine for forming a predetermined space with the dehydrating tub; and a pocket type filter including a front panel attached with a mesh net to one side thereof for filtrating fluff intermingled in the washing water, a rear panel for forming a predetermined space with the front panel by being coupled to the front panel by means of a hinge shaft to be opened/closed while being attached with a mesh net for filtering the fluff intermingled in the washing water to one side thereof, and a check valve fixed to the lower side of the rear panel for confining the flow of the washing water introduced into the space between the front panel and the rear panel. The filter is attached to the inner lower side of the washing machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-soo Shin, Chang-young Lee
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Patent number: 5931027Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-soo Shin
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Patent number: 5863423Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed. The filter includes a waterfall discharging portion. The waterfall discharging portion has a penetrating hole formed at upper portion of a front panel of a pocket type filter and discharges the washing water introduced via a guide passage into the interior of a dehydrating tub. The waterfall discharging portion includes a first protrusion protruded from lower portion of the penetrating hole having a semi-spherical shape and a second protrusion extended from rear upper portion of the penetrating hole. Accordingly, a part of the washing water discharged from the pocket type filter is guided upwardly by the guide passage and discharged into the interior of the dehydrating tub to strike the laundry in the dehydrating tub after the flow speed of the washing water is increased by the first and second protrusions. The washing efficiency against the laundry is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-soo Shin, Ki-pyo Ahn
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Patent number: 5858220Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed. The filter includes a pocket type filter which filters fluff intermingled in washing water and has a front panel. The front panel is provided with a mesh net abutted to an inner surface of reinforcement member of the front panel. In addition, a filter case receives the pocket type filter therein and is provided with a washing water accelerating part at lower rear side. The washing water accelerating part gradually decreases the sectional area of the space defined by the filter case and a dehydrating tub so that the washing water is accelerated and introduced into the interior of the pocket type filter. The fluff attached to the mesh net is prevented the washing water to be easily flew so that the efficiencies of the filter and a washing machine are enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-soo Shin
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Patent number: 5849182Abstract: A filter for a washing machine is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-soo Shin
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Patent number: 5829275Abstract: A monitoring arrangement for the filter of a washing machine is disclosed wherein the user is warned of the clogged filter when an actual clogging condition occurs. Control elements that are normally used in washing machines, such as an analog pressure switch (13) and an electronic control circuit (14), are utilized. The control parameter for detecting clogging is the variation of the water pressure before and after the priming of the drain pump (12) or the recirculator pump (17) of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Electrolux Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.p.A.Inventors: Piero Babuin, Silvano Cimetta
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Patent number: 5827423Abstract: A filtering device for use in a washing machine is disclosed. The filtering device has a filtering web disposed so that a planar direction thereof is equal with a flowing direction of the washing water in the pipe in which washing water circulates, and many ribs disposed on the filtering web to form a lattice. Longitudinal directions of the ribs have a predetermined angle against the flowing direction of the washing water. The washing water flowing in the pipe during a draining operation is guided toward the edge areas of the filtering web, so it is distributed to be in uniform contact with the filtering web. The dirt having been adhered to the filtering web during the washing operation is efficiently removed by the washing water guided by the ribs during the draining operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Am-Kyu Lee
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Patent number: 5806120Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Envirocleanse Systems, Inc.Inventor: Dennis H. McEachern
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Patent number: 5787734Abstract: A machine for the wet treatment of fabrics, having one module with two containers, each container having two vessels. Each module contains two pairs of alternately operating hydraulic drive means, comprising a fixed structure attached by a hinge to a cover movable between a closed position and an open position. There is, further, a fixed restraining member, situated above the cover and an air bag, comprised between the cover and the fixed member. The air bag may alternately be in an inflated position, in which it urges the cover to remain in the closed position, and a deflated position, in which it releases the cover towards the open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Turbang Prototips, S.L.Inventor: Jaume Anglada Vinas
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Patent number: 5775136Abstract: A spray dyeing apparatus includes a fabric storage tank and a fabric guide tube disposed above and connected to the fabric storage tank to define a continuous loop for fabric. A pump and a blower are provided to pressurize and convey dye and air into the fabric guide tube via spray nozzles disposed on upper side of the fabric guide tube and directing nozzles arranged on a bottom support plate of the fabric guide tube. The bottom support plate has a support surface having a sufficient width to allow the breadth of the fabric to be substantially fully expanded in moving through the fabric guide tube. The directing nozzles are provided on the support plate in a spaced manner to generate high speed air streams in the downstream direction which are confined above the support plate to have the fabric floating above the support plate and moving in the downstream direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Inventor: Chiang Chao-Cheng
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Patent number: 5664443Abstract: A machine is described for the pretreatment, dyeing and/or aftertreatment of textile goods, with an autoclave for reception of the textile goods and a treatment liquor, a circulating system for the liquor equipped with at least one transport pump for the liquor and a filter system through which the treatment liquor flows, whereby the filter system is situated within the autoclave.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1995Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Thies GmbH & Co.Inventor: Willi Abbenhaus
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Patent number: 5661989Abstract: An automatic clothes washing machine comprises a water container, a washing basket mounted inside the water container to rotate about a vertical axis, and an agitator having a plurality of radial vanes for rotating about the vertical axis to radially propel the water into vertical channels arranged on the inside of the side wall of the washing basket. The channels discharge the propelled water vertically along the side wall. Each vertical channel has a water inlet at the lower end, for receiving radially propelled water, and a plurality of vertically spaced water outlets for discharging the water back into the washing basket. At least one of the water outlets is disposed below a vertical center of its respective channel, and a filter is mounted at the lowest water outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1996Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yong Byeong Jeon, Hyeong Reol Lee
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Patent number: 5660063Abstract: Disclosed is a filter installed in a water-flowing path of a washing machine. The filter improves the washing effect and protects the water-flowing path in the washing machine. The filter can be easily assembled and disassembled outside the washing machine. The filter has a body being fixed to and penetrating through the housing of the washing machine, a mesh member inserted in the body to filter the washing liquid passing therethrough, a locking lid assembled integrally with and relatively rotatable to the mesh member, and an annular packing tightly wound on the mesh member to prevent leakage between the body and the mesh member. A user can insert the mesh member into the body, and then rotate the locking lid so that the first locking protuberances of the locking lid are engaged with the second locking protuberances, thereby the mesh member is assembled in the body.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seung Jun Lee, Chung Sik Jung
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Patent number: 5573677Abstract: A cloudy water recovery and recycling apparatus and method of use. The apparatus recovers cloudy water defined as water recovered from the rinse cycle of a clothes washing machine. The apparatus is comprised of an electronic controller, a storage tank, a trap having a lint screen, a pumping means, and a pressurized storage container. Water from a clothes washing machine is separated into rinse water and wash water by an electronic controller. The wash water is disposed of and the rinse water is strained to remove lint, collected in the storage tank, treated with dye and bactericide, pumped from the storage tank to a pressurized container and then utilized to flush at least one toilet.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventor: Edward Dembrosky
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Patent number: 5565097Abstract: A micro-screen filter device for a dry cleaning fluid flow system in a dry cleaning machine, having a cage to receive garments to be cleaned, a main filter with a plurality of filter elements and optional carbon cores, a main filter outlet valve, a main filter bypass valve, a solvent pump, a solvent holding tank, a tank inlet valve, a tank outlet valve, a button trap housing, a button trap inlet pipe, a button trap outlet pipe and a button trap outlet valve. The micro-screen filter device comprises a filter support assembly to be inserted into the button trap housing. A micro-screen filter bag is convoluted over the filter frame body, to remove fine particulates from dry cleaning fluid solvent in the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Inventor: William A. Hayday
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Patent number: 5531891Abstract: A pre-septic tank or washing machine output filter apparatus for the improved removal of contaminants from pre-septic fluids. A filter apparatus defining a fluid filter chamber has an input port and an output port. A fluid deflector or disperser is mounted to deflect substantially all of the contaminated fluid entering the filter apparatus. A filter is mounted within the filtering chamber and has a closed lower portion and an upper portion for receiving the fluid dispersal apparatus. Fluid entering the input port is dispersed by the deflector apparatus through an upper portion of the filter, thence through the fluid filter chamber to the fluid output port. Contaminants collected in the upper portion of the filter from the deflected fluid will eventually be caused by gravity to fall to the lower, closed portion of the filter where these contaminants will remain collected until the filter is emptied.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Inventor: James J. vonMeier
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Patent number: 5525213Abstract: A system for decontaminating waste water produced during dry cleaning operations which contains dry cleaning solvent and particulate contaminants. The system may preferably include a storage tank having an inlet through which waste water is introduced into the storage tank and a settling chamber having a bottom sediment zone; a particulate filter for removing substantially all of the particulate contaminants remaining in partially decontaminated waste water removed from the tank to provide particulate free waste water; a solvent filter for removing substantially all of the dry cleaning solvent remaining in the particulate free waste water to provide decontaminated waste water; a pump, located between the particulate filter and the solvent filter; an evaporator for evaporating the decontaminated waste water; and a recovery device for recovering the evaporated decontaminated water.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Air Quality CorporationInventor: Alan J. Phillips
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Patent number: 5520028Abstract: An activated carbon filter system for a clothes cleaning apparatus of the type using cleaning fluid for cleaning dirty clothes. The system comprises a receptacle unit. A structure is for fluidly connecting the receptacle unit to the clothes cleaning apparatus, so as to allow the cleaning fluid to travel therethrough. A prefilter is within the receptacle unit for separating large contaminant dirt particles from the cleaning fluid during a first state washing cycle. A filter assembly is within the receptacle unit for separating small contaminant dirt particles from the cleaning fluid after the cleaning fluid passes through the prefilter during a second state washing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventors: Eric Kim, Jong H. Kim
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Patent number: 5509283Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a water container, a spin-drying basket disposed in the container, and an oscillatory agitator disposed at the bottom of the basket. A plurality of upright water passages are formed in a vertical wall of the basket for conducting an upward flow of water generated by the agitator. Each passage includes vertically spaced first and second water outlets disposed above a water level in the basket. The second outlet is disposed below the upper outlet and has a lint filter. A third water outlet is formed in each passage and is disposed below the water level.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae C. Lee, Do W. Kim
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Patent number: 5501792Abstract: An energy and water conservation laundry mechanism which includes a plurality of automatic washing machines, a rinse water storage tank, plumbing which connects the storage tank to the each of the washing machines, and electrical controls which are tied into the existing control circuitry of the washing machines for selectively directing the flow of rinse water between the storage tank and the washing machines. The plumbing includes pumps and valves which enables rinse water, as stored in the storage tank, to be delivered to each washing machine at the beginning of a wash cycle and waste water from the wash cycle to be discharged into a conventional sewer line. Rinse water from each washing machine at the end of each rinse cycle, is pumped to the storage tank for reuse for subsequent wash cycles of the machines. The invention also includes a filter for the rinse water which includes a toroidal shape filter element.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: Hydrokinetics, Inc.Inventor: John D. Carroll, Jr.
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Patent number: 5493745Abstract: A washing machine recirculation and draining system including two bottom drains in a wash tub, the drains connected by a tubing manifold having a reversible pump. A two-way valve opens one drain and closes a drain line during recirculation; the pump rotating in a first direction to pump wash water through a recirculation line. For draining, a second two-way valve opens the second drain and the first two-way valve closes the first drain and opens the drain line; the pump rotates in a second direction to drain the tub out through the drain line.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Dennis W. Hauch
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Patent number: 5488842Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Yukiko Nishioka, Ichiro Kamiya, Ryoichi Shinjo, Yoshihiro Ishii, Koichi Kosaka
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Patent number: 5461887Abstract: A method and container are provided for pre-treating soiled fabrics, such as clothes, to enhance cleaning thereof upon subsequent laundering such as in a domestic washing machine. The soiled fabrics are moisturized and stored in the container which is sealed airtight to retain the moisture in the fabrics. Preferably, the soiled fabrics are moisturized to provide a minimum moisture content of about 7% based on the weight thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Inventor: Douglas J. VonPless
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Patent number: 5431031Abstract: The machine comprises: two or more modules, each having two containers and each container having two vertical vessels with respective open upper ends; a bottom portion places the vessels in communication with each other. Each module has two, alternately operating, hydraulic fabric drive means, situated above the open upper ends of the vessels; for each module a pumping means draws liquor from the containers, forces it through a filter and sends it to the hydraulic drive means. A fan blows air to a guide means for leading the fabric from one container to another and the guide means is provided at the top thereof with a cylindrical configuration having a horizontal generating line allowing the air through and forming an air cushion between the fabric and the guide means.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Jaume Anglada Vinas, S.A.Inventor: Jaume A. Vinas
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Patent number: 5426803Abstract: The present invention is a method for processing dye-liquors, in particular dye-liquors for textile dyeing and post-treatment facilities. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to minimize the waste portion, and even entirely eliminate dyeing accessories, while textiles are treated in one or more subsequent dyeing chambers with heated dye liquors. The textiles to be treated are pulled in continuous transit, in one direction, through the associated equipment. Direction-reversing systems ensure a plurality of lengths of said textile are simultaneously in the dyeing chamber while the dye liquor is constantly cleaned and replenished by an apparatus which removes and reintroduction the dye-liquor in the dyeing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1993Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Inventor: Hans-Jorg Hamann
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Patent number: 5409616Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 1994Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Ozact, Inc.Inventors: Cornelius D. Garbutt, Douglas A. Moxley
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Patent number: 5374337Abstract: A halohydrocarbon solvent recovery process. The process in one embodiment includes heating a gross mixture including solvent, fatty-acid impurities and water in a bath to vaporize at least a portion of the solvent and the impurities. A portion of the vapor is then condensed in a reflux condenser to form a condensate mixture. After drying and impurity absorption, a solvent product of at least 99% purity may be recovered. In one embodiment, the gross mixture is obtained from steam stripping dry-cleaner filter cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Technichem Engineering, Ltd.Inventors: Mark J. Ng, Bruce T. Maeda
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Patent number: 5327751Abstract: A dry cleaning clothes machine includes a washing barrel having an inlet, an outlet and a door to sealingly close the barrel. A preheating condensation chamber of distilled solvent is coupled to a first cooling circuit for the distilled vapors of the solvent arriving from a second container tank. A cooling chamber for the solvent comprises a section of a second circuit. The solvent is delivered from a third tank to the cooling chamber. An outlet of the second circuit is connected to a separation chamber and an outlet of the separation chamber is connected to the first and third tanks. The cooling chamber further includes the section of a third through circuit inside of which a refrigerating liquid flows.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1993Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Assignee: Firbimatic S.r.l.Inventor: Gino Biagi
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Patent number: 5307650Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 1992Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Future Water, Inc.Inventor: John C. Mertz
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Patent number: 5285665Abstract: A washing machine is arranged to reuse and accordingly recycle rinse water for a laundry procedure, wherein a plurality of solenoids are operative and in cooperative relationship relative to one another to arrange for initial directing of rinse water into a recycling tank and subsequently directing the rinse water from the recycling tank back to the washing machine tub permitting subsequent drainage of the rinse water subsequent to its reuse.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Inventor: Carl L. Hetrick, Jr.
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Patent number: 5285664Abstract: An automatic washing machine having an improved structure. The sprinkling member for repeatedly sprinkling the washing water into the dehydrating tub comprises a removable washing tub lid, an adapter for permitting the washing water to be fed therethrough and a guide member forming, in cooperation with the washing tub lid, a sprinkling nozzle through which the washing water is sprinkled into the dehydrating tub. The lint filter filters off lints generated in the washing cycle and permits the filtered lints to be automatically removed therefrom so as to be drained off the washing machine along with the drained water. The circulation pump circulates the washing water and is connected to the washing tub and the sprinkling member in such a manner that it permits the washing water in the washing cycle to be drawn up to the sprinkling member through the lint filter and also permits the used washing water in the draining cycle to downwardly pass through the filter so as to be drained off the washing machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1993Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Assignee: Tong Yang Cement Corp.Inventors: Suk-Kyu Chang, Sung-Bum Cho, Yong-Bum Shim
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Patent number: 5267455Abstract: A dry cleaning system particularly suited for employing supercritical CO.sub.2 as the cleaning fluid consisting of a sealable cleaning vessel containing a rotatable drum adapted for holding soiled substrate, a cleaning fluid storage vessel, and a gas vaporizer vessel for recycling used cleaning fluid is provided. The drum is magnetically coupled to a motor so that it an be rotated during the cleaning process. The system is adapted for automation which permits increased energy efficiency as the heating and cooling effect associated with CO.sub.2 gas condensation and expansion can be channeled to heat and cool various parts of the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1992Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Thomas G. Dewees, Frank M. Knafelc, James D. Mitchell, R. Gregory Taylor, Robert J. Iliff, Daniel T. Carty, James R. Latham, Thomas M. Lipton
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Patent number: 5248393Abstract: A compact solvent reprocessing system for use in a limited physical area. Solvents to be reprocessed is contacted by deionized water in a water wash column and delivered to a distillation column where waste solvent is separated from materials that boil at a higher temperature than the waste solvent. Distilled solvent is delivered to a drying column and final filters for removal of any other foreign materials. The modular solvent reprocessing system to reclaim/recycle high purity solvents on-site at a manufacturing facility. A system includes a pumpless pressurized tank solvent transfer units, storage tanks, liquid-liquid extraction column, distillation columns, submicron filtration units, and water and acid adsorption columns arranged as necessary to produce ultra-high purity solvents from waste solvent streams. The systems are packaged in modular assemblies with secondary containment to meet U.S. EPA requirements.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1990Date of Patent: September 28, 1993Assignee: S&K Products International, Inc.Inventors: J. Randolph Schumacher, Gregory E. Carr, Martin J. Striefler
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Patent number: 5241720Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 1992Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: Tri-O-Clean Laundry Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard B. Engel, John B. Gallo, Donald H. Bladen, Richard B. Engel, Jr., Keith R. Schneider
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Patent number: 5236580Abstract: A device and a related method are provided for reclaiming or recovering dry cleaning solvent from otherwise disposable fluid contained within a separator or other suitable receptacle of a dry cleaning machine. The device includes an evaporator and a fluid transfer mechanism for transporting fluid evaporated by the evaporator through a filter that removes substantially all of the solvent present within the evaporated fluid. Alternatively, a filter can be interposed between the separator or other suitable receptacle and the evaporator so that solvent is filtered before reaching the evaporator. Consequently, the device substantially reclaims or recovers dry cleaning solvent that may still be present within the fluid that is to be otherwise disposed of from the separator or other suitable receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1992Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Kelleher Equipment Co., Inc.Inventor: John H. Kelleher
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Patent number: 5213594Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for capturing solvent vapors from around the access opening of dry cleaning apparatus. The method and apparatus include the use of one or more collars positioned adjacent to the access opening. Vapors from the access opening are drawn through apertures in the collar(s) by suction. Condensed water is received in a reservoir and then atomized.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Vic ManufacturingInventors: Thomas E. Cannon, Stephen L. Harris, Robert J. Kendig, Ward D. Komonosky
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Patent number: 5181399Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 1992Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Tri-O-Clean Laundry Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard B. Engel, John B. Gallo, Donald H. Bladen, Virginia F. Engel