Abstract: Dried load detector, for dry-cleaning machines, adapted to be arranged on the duct connecting a steam condensing assembly to a separator of the solvent and the water contained in the steam. The dried load detector is constituted by a case having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit and defining at least one inlet chamber and one outlet chamber separated by a partition having a solvent aperture and a water aperture located at different heights. A solvent level detector is provided between the solvent aperture and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: Garments contaminated with radioactive, toxin, biological and/or chemical contaminants are deposited in a cleaning drum and the drum is agitated during a wash cycle. A dry cleaning solvent is added to the drum during the initial wash cycle and then drained to a distillation means. Within the distillation means, there is a neutralizing agent which deactivates the biological and toxin contaminants and chemically breaks down the chemical contaminants removed with the dry cleaning solvent from the cleaning drum. Dry cleaning solvent is then continuously added to the drum during the secondary wash cycle and continuously removed from the drum. After the dry cleaning solvent is removed from the drum, and before it is pumped back to the drum, the dry cleaning solvent is filtered to remove remaining trace particulate contaminants. The dry cleaning solvent is also passed through an absorber where remaining trace chemical contaminants dissolves in the dry cleaning solvent are removed.

Abstract: Garments contaminated with radioactive, toxin, biological and/or chemical contaminants are deposited in a cleaning drum and the drum is agitated during a wash cycle. A dry cleaning solvent is added to the drum during the initial wash cycle and then drained to a distillation means. Within the distillation means, there is a neutralizing agent which deactivates the biological and toxin contaminants and chemically breaks down the chemical contaminants removed with the dry cleaning solvent from the cleaning drum. Dry cleaning solvent is then continuously added to the drum during the secondary wash cycle and continuously removed from the drum. After the dry cleaning solvent is removed from the drum, and before it is pumped back to the drum, the dry cleaning solvent is filtered to remove remaining trace particulate contaminants. The dry cleaning solvent is also passed through an adsorber where remaining trace chemical contaminants dissolves in the dry cleaning solvent are removed.

Abstract: An industrial laundry washer/extractor unit is provided with an integral water and heat reclaim system which includes a pair of water reclaim tanks supported in an elevated position on the unit's body section above the washing drum. A single pipe water transfer system is connected between the elevated tanks and the drum and has a pump operatively installed therein at or somewhat below the water operating level of the drum. The transfer system is controlled by a microprocessor to transfer used rinse water at different temperatures from the drum to the tanks and then re-transfer tank water to the drum for re-use as wash water in subsequent wash cycles of the unit. The temperatures of the reclaimed rinse water in the tanks closely match the wash temperatures in subsequent wash cycles so that a significant water heating cost savings is achieved together with reduced water and cleaning agent usage.

Abstract: The dry cleaning apparatus includes a heat and cold generating unit for heating a heating liquid such as diathermic oil and cooling a cooling liquid such as antifreeze. A heating liquid circuit operates during a dry cleaning solvent regeneration phase to evaporate the solvent following clothes cleaning. A cooling liquid circuit operates during this phase to condense the solvent following evaporation. During a subsequent cleaning phase the heating liquid circuit heats the air circulating through a barrel including the clothes being cleaned. Simultaneously, the cooling liquid circuit cools a heat exchanger provided in a duct for the circulating air so as to condense solvent from the heated circulating air and return it to the barrel. The heating liquid circuit is actually split with a heating resistor provided in one subcircuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously thermally treating an elongate textile product such as a slide fastener stringer tape having oil includes a housing having a preheated chamber for preheating the textile product and a main heating chamber for heating the elongate textile product after it has been preheated to give off an oily smoke. Part of the oily heated air in the main heating chamber is discharged out of the housing through a heat exchanger which supplies heated air of lower temperature to the preheating chamber. To remove a tar deposit from the heat exchanger, the supply of cold air to the heat exchanger is cut off and the heat exchanger is heated by the heated air discharged from the main heating chamber. The tar deposit is then melted and collected by a tar collector. The main heating chamber has inlet and outlet slots for the elongate textile product, the inlet slot opening into the preheating chamber and the outlet slot opening into an outlet chamber communicating with the preheating chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to machines for dry-cleaning clothes, and the like, and in particular, concerns an apparatus for the treatment of solvents by recycling carried out in the machine. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a predistillation unit (8), located between the main distillation chamber (2) and condenser (3) and consisting of a tank (9) in direct receipt of mingled water and solvent from the cleaning cycle, which it discharges into the chamber in controlled fashion, and a heat exchanger (10) located within the tank, in receipt of vapor from the chamber which it channels into the condenser. Connection between the tank and the condenser is direct, in order that vapor produced by pre-distillation may be exhausted straight into the condenser.

Abstract: A system containing beds of polymeric material containing antimicrobial agents are used to adjust the antimicrobial agent concentration of treatment streams used for treating fibers with antimicrobial agents. The adjustment step is performed by passing the stream through a bed which contains the agent in a concentration different than that of the stream.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wool washing arrangement whereby the washings are divided into a wool-wax containing line and two sludge-containing lines of which the first sludge containing line contains wax-bearing sludge and the second contains wax-free sludge, the first sludge is treated for separation of the wax and the sludge and the second for separation of the sludge, the supernatant liquor from the latter being mixed with at least a portion of a flow containing a high concentration of soluble salts.

Abstract: A clothing drycleaning machine of the so-called closed circuit type, has a pneumatic circuit for the drying and solvent recovering air which is always closed on the drum wherein clothing articles to be cleaned are introduced. The circuit comprises at least one air circulation fan, at least one evaporator of a refrigerating equipment for cooling the air coming from the drum and condensing the solvent therein contained, and at least one condenser in the refrigerating equipment arranged downstream of the evaporator for heating the air to be recirculated in the drum.

Abstract: A mixture of air and solvent vapor is sucked from a distillation vessel before or while the door closing the discharge opening of the distillation vessel is opened and the mixture is purified and then exhausted as exhaust air. In the apparatus, the distillation vessel is connected by conduits and controllable valves to the drying fan, by which the solvent-containing air that has been sucked is exhausted into the open through a purifying and/or recovering system.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating heavy solids from an effluent, for example wool scouring effluent, comprising a tank having a solids discharge outlet at its base and an ultra-sonic sensor located at a predetermined distance from this outlet. Means responsive to the output of the sensor, for example a solonoid controled valve, are provided for opening the discharge outlet when the solids concentration exceeds the preset limit. Preferably, a secondary settlement tank immediately below and directly communicating with the main tank is provided and the discharge outlet, controlled by a suitable valve, is at the base of the secondary tank. The secondary tank has a zone offset from the main solid flow in which the sensor may be located in order that large aggregates of solids do not lead to spurious operation of the sensor.

Abstract: By measuring the volume of return flow of cleaning liquid, such as perchlorethylene, from the still, reclaimer and sniffer portions of a dry-cleaning system to the main or reserve cleaning-agent storage tank thereof, the efficiency of the system's use of the cleaning agent can be continuously audited and the steam-heating of the still, reclaimer and sniffer portions can be limited in time to those times when such heating produces a flow of re-claimed cleaning fluid to the main or reserve tank, thus limiting the consumption of the energy consumed in the steam generation process while conserving dry-cleaning liquid and assuring optimum system operation.

Abstract: A device for discharging an electrostatic field in a dry cleaning washer positions a source of radioactive material from which electrons flow in a fluid path in said washer, a grounded receiving antenna is arranged in spaced relation to said radioactive material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously controlling of the cleaning of suede and leather garments comprising a plurality of tanks each containing a slightly different cleaning fluid. Each of the tanks is preferably continuously filtered for soluble impurities and is selectively communicable to a washing device into which is introduced the garments. An additional amount of cleaning fluid is added to the wash device approximately equal in weight to the weight of the garments to be washed. A further additional amount of cleaning fluid is added which is approximately proportional to the weight of the garments being washed. After washing, the remaining liquid is returned to the original tank. In this manner the tank will be refilled to the original level and will overflow through an overflow aperture in an amount approximately equal to the further added cleaning liquid.

Abstract: Garments are deposited in a cleaning drum and the drum is agitated during a wash cycle. A dry cleaning solvent is continuously added to the drum during the wash cycle and continuously removed from the drum during the wash cycle to flush the radioactive particulate material separated from the garments into a sump. The solvent is pumped from the sump for addition to the drum during the wash cycle and the pumped solvent is filtered to remove substantially all of the radioactive particulate material suspended in the solvent.The apparatus for decontaminating the radioactive garments comprises a sump for supporting a dry cleaning solvent. A drum for supporting the radioactively contaminated garments during a wash cycle which separates the radioactive particulate material from the garments means are provided for continuously pumping the dry cleaning solvent from the sump to the drum and for continuously removing the solvent and separated particulate material from the drum into the sump.

Abstract: A process for heat-treating and, in particular, for drying and/or fixing a continuously moved fabric web in a treatment unit comprising at least two treatment zones through which the fabric web successively passes, using a hot gas stream recirculated in the treatment unit, a certain quantity of waste gas being continuously removed from the treatment unit and freed from constituents present in it and some of the waste gas thus treated being returned to the treatment unit after reheating, the rest of the waste gas being released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for reducing the pollutant concentration of effluent liquor from wool-scouring operations. The suint concentration of scouring liquor is allowed to build up to a point where suspended dirt and grease particles are destabilized and hence more efficiently removed by centrifugation. The centrifuged liquor is then recycled for further wool-scouring. Apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: This installation for the treatment of a fabric impregnated with a liquefied gas comprises a treatment tank containing a treating bath, means for conveying the fabric through the treating bath, means for heating the treating bath over all or part of the path of travel of the fabric and a degassing device independent of the treatment tank and connected thereto by pipes for the circulation of the treating bath.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the solvent content of air, especially for detecting the presence of perchloroethylene or trichloroethylene in association with a drycleaning plant, for measuring the concentration of the solvent and/or for triggering an alarm in the event a solvent concentration exceeds a predetermined limit. The sensor comprises a metal oxide semiconductor electrically heated to a predetermined temperature and having a surface exposed to the solvent molecules in the air so that its electrical resistance or conductivity changes as a function of the solvent concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of fabric cleaning utilizing a solvent emulsion which effectively combines the dissolving and suspending power of water for hydrophilic substances with the dissolving power of organic compositions for hydrophobic substances. The factor lending economic practicability to the process is the breaking of the emulsion after it has performed its cleaning function whereby only the organic fraction thereof undergoes distillation cleansing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for washing rugs and the like which includes conveying a rug upwardly along an inclined path, with the nap of the rug facing upwardly, then compressing the rug, preferably by a roller, at a location extending transversely to the inclined path of the rug. A jet of water and detergent is then directed toward the rug as it is conveyed past the compressing roller to thereby form a pool of water and detergent that is dammed by the roller, such pool of water and detergent being continuously agitated by the directed jet to clean the rug. A cleaning brush may also be added ascensionally to the directed jet, and compartmentalized collection means may be provided for collecting the water and detergent mixture separately from the cleaner rinse water, with the rinse water being recirculated through the washing system to reduce the water requirements of the washing operation.

Abstract: In a heat fulling and water washing apparatus hot fluid is injected onto both surfaces of cloth from hot fluid injection nozzles being placed in upper and lower rows to sandwich the passing path of the cloth in such manner that the positions of nozzles in the upper row alternate with those of nozzles in the lower row, in a process of passing cloth through an opening between upper and lower net conveyors in such state as immersing the cloth in cleaning liquid, so that both cleansing effect and fulling effect are given to the cloth.

Abstract: Petroleum solvent vapors which discharge from a dry cleaning dryer in a heated gaseous mixture of vapors and air are condensed and recovered, and heat energy is recovered for productive use elsewhere. The gaseous mixture of vapors and air is sprayed with relatively cool water to condense the solvent vapors. The resulting liquid mixture of water and solvent is withdrawn from the spray chamber and is subjected to gravitational separation. Water reclaimed in the separation process is reused in the spray chamber. Recovered solvent is reused in a dry cleaning washer. The gravitational separation process is preferably carried out in a series of gravitational separators, and heat is withdrawn from at least one of the separation units for productive use in a heat consuming device.

Abstract: A dry cleaning machine has a purifier bypass conduit and an associated control valve connected between an air exhaust line of the dry cleaning machine and an outlet line leading to atmosphere through an end filter. The outlet end of the air exhaust line is immersed in cooled water held in a closed vessel of a purifier apparatus and the outlet line is in direct fluid communication with the purifier at a point above the water. During opening and ventilation of the dry cleaning machine, the control valve is opened to provide a low pressure fluid flow path that bypasses the purifier. In one embodiment several exhaust lines, each connected to a separate dry cleaning machine, are immersed in a common purifier. Control valves in the bypass conduits connected between each air exhaust line and the outlet line together with adjustments in the vertical displacement of each exhaust conduit to change its immersion depth in the water accommodate variations in the size and operating cycles of each machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed cycle apparatus for the rapid, continuous and waterless dyeing of a textile or plastic material with a dyestuff dissolved or suspended or dispersed in a high boiling solvent (such as glycol or glycol ether or other members of the alcohol family) for carrying out the dyeing step, after which the dyed textile or plastic material subsequent to cooling is washed with a low boiling liquid (such as methanol or ethanol) and then dried. The apparatus is constructed so as to operate under non-aqueous or substantially non-aqueous conditions with the complete or substantially complete recovery and recycling of the used dyestuff, the used high boiling solvent and the used low boiling wash liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning textiles, leather and furs by means of organic solvents as well as for working up the solvent, which comprises a cleaning drum with casing connected to a solvent cycle and a feed-back of solvent vapor including vapor liquefaction. The solvent cycle of the apparatus is provided with a pump, a filter, the cited distillation vessel and a solvent supply vessel containing a cooling cycle. The solvent vapor feed-back of the apparatus is provided with a sieve, a compressor, a condenser, a feed-back to the cited distillation vessel (drum casing) between compressor and condenser, and a duct from the condenser to the solvent supply vessel via a gas expansion device. The vapor feed-back is provided with a heat exchanger being part of the cooling cycle on the secondary side and a subsequent stop valve. The cooling cycle is provided with a compressor with subsequent heat exchanger being part of the feed-back on the primary side and a condensing coil being part of the solvent supply vessel.

Abstract: A treating liquid in form of a preferably highly concentrated solution or dispersion is entrained in a stream of gas, and the thus-entrained finely divided particles of liquid are sprayed against a material to be treated.

Abstract: An ambient air intake system for a dry cleaner is disclosed which draws room air through the access opening when the door to the machine is open and vents this air to an outlet without passing it through the interior tubs which contain residual solvent vapor laden air. To accomplish this an air duct is interposed between the access opening of the cabinet housing the dry cleaner and the open end of the interior tubs, with the duct effectively sealed about the periphery of the cabinet opening and the open end of the outer tub and having aligned openings therethrough to define a passageway through which the clothes are inserted and removed. The duct is connected to an electrically actuated normally closed valve which in turn is connected to the inlet of a motor driven fan, the outlet side of which leads to an exhaust pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing and drying plant for dry cleaning machines.The plant in question is formed by two concatenated circuits, one of which for the washing and the other for the drying of the treated garments and both terminate at a washing tank positioned at a level higher than that of the rest of the plant.Once the cycle has ended and the access door to the washing tank has been opened, it is possible in this way to prevent, without the intermediary of any isolating valve, the solvent gases built up during the operating cycles which, on account of their weight, remain inside the plant, from issuing therefrom.

Abstract: The invention is directed to process and apparatus for automatically restoring to usefulness spent cleaning and/or drying liquids comprising an aqueous phase and an oil phase, the latter comprising 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, as the principal component, and a surfactant, said process and apparatus characterized in that electrical conductometric means, liquid level sensing means and time programmed means cooperate and automatically direct separation and removal means in the separation and removal of the aqueous phase from the oil phase, said process further characterized in that, optionally, at least one of the group consisting of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, surfactant and water is added to the oil phase, the amount of water added being insufficient to produce an aqueous phase, to restore the oil phase to usefulness as a cleaning and/or drying liquid.

Abstract: An ambient air intake system for a dry cleaner is disclosed which draws room air through the access opening when the door to the machine is open and vents this air to an outlet without passing it through the interior tubs which contain residual solvent vapor laden air. To accomplish this an air duct is interposed between the access opening of the cabinet housing the dry cleaner and the open end of the interior tubs, with the duct effectively sealed about the periphery of the cabinet opening and the open end of the outer tub and having aligned openings therethrough to define a passageway through which the clothes are inserted and removed. The duct is connected to an electrically actuated normally closed valve which in turn is connected to the inlet of a motor driven fan, the outlet side of which leads to an exhaust pipe.