Abstract: An additive dispensing device including a container, adapted for use with an appliance such as a washing machine. The container has an interior additive receiving space formed in part by side wall means with at least a portion thereof formed with a curved surface. A water inlet spout is adapted to discharge water into the interior space generally tangentially to the side wall curved surface. The spout is located in axial alignment with the space outlet which is in turn in direct fluid communication with a siphon inlet. The space outlet includes a water flow guide portion. Upon water being discharged from the spout the guide portion operates to divert a quantity of the water flow creating a stall-like condition adjacent the space outlet. As a consequence a first portion of the flow is directed into the space outlet and a second portion of the flow enters the space and impinging on the wall curved surface to induce a swirl-like diluting flow therein.

Abstract: The solenoid operated water valve has a Venturi on its outlet which aspirates air through the pressure sensing side of a pressure switch until the water level in the washing machine reaches the end of the tube connected to the system through the selection valve. This prevents further aspiration and the Venturi rapidly lowers the pressure in the pressure switch to actuate the switch. The check valve prevents venting the pressure switch to atmosphere long enough for the associated timer to continue the machine program.

Abstract: The cycles of an oscillator varying in frequency in proportion to the changing level of a monitored liquid are counted over a fixed period of time. A derived submultiple of the count is compared relative to an electronically stored table of numbers indicative of known liquid levels. Predetermined relationships between the count and the table initiate control functions for maintaining or varying the level of monitored liquid during a programmed series of operations such as, for example, the programmed cycles of a microcomputer controlled clothes washing machine.

Abstract: Washing process for textiles in an automatic washing machine, with application of active washing substances, structural substances and bleaching agents, involving loading of the textiles in the washing machine, adding water, agitating the textiles in the washing solution, pumping off the washing solution, and sequential rinse cycles, wherein the following active substances or combination of active substances are maintained in pumpable form in separate containers and added to the mixture in pumpable form before or during the washing process:1. Active washing substances,2. Structural substances,3. A stabilized bleaching agent, if required,4. A catalyst which accelerates the bleaching process, if required, and5. A soft rinse agent, if required. After loading of the textiles to be laundered, the water is added in the ratio of 1:4 to 1:30 of kg. dry textile to liters water, 0.5 to 3.5 g of active washing substances per liter washing mixture are added, 2 to 6.

Abstract: A fluid bearing for supporting, independently of each other, a plurality of webs. The bearing comprises a housing, for containing a fluid within its interior, having an outer surface for cooperating with a surface of each web of the plurality of webs. A guide flange is provided on the outer surface, defining with the outer surface a support channel. The guide flange maintains the plurality of webs within the boundaries of the defined support channel. A fluid outlet and a fluid inlet are provided for passing the fluid from the interior of the housing through the outer surface, within the channel, to form a fluid layer thereover having a fluid spike therein, for independently supporting each web.

Abstract: A rinse or detergent additive dispenser for use in a laundry appliance hangs inside a spin basket and has a first compartment to hold and retain additive during a wash portion of a cycle, and a second compartment communicating with the first compartment which is filled by centrifugal force imparted to the additive in the first compartment during a spin portion of a wash cycle. An opening in the bottom of the second compartment allows gravitational draining of the additive therein when the centrifugal force is removed when rotation of the spin basket ceases, allowing the additive to be dispensed. The first compartment and the automaic washer water inlet are constructed and disposed in registry so that as the dispenser passes under the water inlet during the spray rinse spin of the cycle, the dispenser is rinsed clean.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine in which an initial filling time required for filling a tub with water to a predetermined level at the start of a washing process is measured and stored in a memory, whereby time required for rinsing process is automatically determined on the basis of the measured initial filling time. Means is provided for determining the rinsing time duration on the basis of a preset rinsing time stored in the memory in place of the measured filling time when the latter is abnormally short, thereby to assure an adequate rinsing action.

Abstract: The disclosure is of apparatus and its use to treat textiles with fluids such as dyes, resist chemicals and like agents. The apparatus is particularly useful for space-dyeing textiles such as skeins of textile yarn. The apparatus comprises an enclosure having an opening and defining a treatment chamber, a closure, means for introducing predetermined measures of the treating agent and means for compressing the textile within the treatment chamber. By the method of the invention, textiles are disposed in the treatment chamber and compressed. While compressed, the fluid agent is uniformly dispersed under pressure in portions of the interior of the body of the compressed yarn and in a proportion just sufficient to effect the desired treatment. The apparatus and method of the invention are more efficient than prior art methods and apparatus, reduce water requirements and reduce the potentially undesirable impact of a textile treating process on the environment.

Abstract: A float support includes a guide sleeve extending upwardly from a dishwasher chamber sump for slidable reception of a float stem. The support includes a hollow standpipe having an upper portion, partially defined by an external wall of the guide sleeve along part of its axial height, and a lower portion extending down through the sump in an offset manner. The inverted cuplike float includes a plurality of cavities at least one of which is adapted to entrap air to provide buoyance to the float. A remaining one of the cavities defines a combined float damping and overflow cavity which conceals the upper portion of the hollow standpipe such that the standpipe establishes an air break path between the overflow cavity and atmosphere thereby damping the vertical travel of the float.

Abstract: An apparatus for the wet treatment of fibrous materials includes a container filled with a treatment liquid, a liquid-permeable support for the material arranged with a supporting surface at least partially underneath a first liquid level within the container, and means for providing a second liquid level extending uniformly along the entire length of the immersed supporting surface and underneath said supporting surface of the support.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine which recirculates wash or rinse water from a surrounding tub into a clothes holding basket to reduce the quantity of water required for wash and rinse cycles. The fill level is controlled by an adjustable pressure-sensitive switch which senses the pressure level at the drain outlet located in the bottom of the tub in order to control water fill levels at the beginning of each wash and rinse cycle. The pressure-sensitive switch is reset preparatory to the initiation of each wash or rinse cycle of the tub by the low pressure existing in the tub bottom after the tub has been drained at the end of each wash and rinse cycle.

Abstract: A liquid additive dispensing device, including interconnected receiving and storage containers, adapted for use with an appliance such as a washing machine with the additive storage container located remotely in the washer cabinet from the additive pour-in or receiving container readily accessible to the operator. The receiving container has a generally funnel-like configuration operative, upon additive being poured into its top inlet, to cause the additive to gravity flow by means of a connecting tube into the first of a series of reservoir portions of the storage container. The storage container is separated into upper and lower chambers with the lower having an outlet discharging gravitationally into conduit means in communication with the treating zone of the appliance. The receiving container has additive level indicating means in the form of stepped surfaces disposed at predetermined descending additive storage levels corresponding to their associated storage container reservoirs.

Abstract: A device is provided for the continuous treatment of relatively wide textile webs in a treatment medium, wherein the web and the treatment medium move through a trough having squeezing rollers associated therewith for intensifying the treatment of the web with the treatment medium and wherein a funnel-shaped diffuser is disposed at the entrance end of the trough for introducing the web of material into the trough. The device includes squeezing means which are disposed adjacent to the diffuser means and which include a pair of coacting, rotatable squeeze rollers which define therebetween a squeezing nip disposed beneath the surface of the treatment medium and through which the web passes prior to introduction into the diffuser. Deflection means are also provided which are disposed adjacent to the discharge end of the nip of the rollers for facilitating removal of the web from engagement with the circumferential surface of the rollers and for guiding the web into the trough.

Abstract: A dispenser for use on an agitator-type washing machine is provided. Means are provided for mounting the dispenser on various machines by means of an adapter. The dispenser has a body of generally cylindrical shape which may be mounted on the agitator. The dispenser includes a measuring chamber for containing a volume of liquid such as bleach, soap, etc. Also included are dispensing and timing means for dispensing the liquid in the chamber a predetermined time after the initiation of agitator action. In this manner, liquid is not dispensed until after filling of the machine has occurred. In the first embodiment, the dispensing and timing means includes a double siphon arrangement. In a second embodiment, a single siphon arrangement is used.

Abstract: Chemical distribution system having a pressurized tank for causing flow of chemical to a plurality of appliances and having an apparatus for introducing a chemical into the tank from bulk storage and maintaining the pressure at a constant, predetermined value.

Abstract: A receptacle such as a dishwasher tub having an improved control for effecting filling of the tub to a preselected full level and protecting the apparatus against undesirable overfill in the event the normal flow control malfunctions. The flow control includes a control valve having two valve elements for cooperatively preventing such undesirable overfill. One of the valve elements may be controlled by an electrically operated solenoid, and the other valve element may be controlled by mechanical control structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically controlled valve element is controlled by a timer, and the mechanically controlled valve element is controlled by a float.

Abstract: A continuous water washing apparatus for cloth, includes first multi-layer guide rolls which pull up the cloth being processed and shift it in the horizontal direction, over the guide rolls which are provided in a staggered and opposing manner above a pre-washing tank containing a set of second multi-layer guide rolls and pressurized air blow out pipes. A water receptacle is provided for each of the first guide rolls arranged in a pair of spaced vertical columns, and a cleaning water supply mechanism is connected to the uppermost water receptacle. A sag prevention mechanism holds the cloth in a horizontally shifting manner and includes a tension detection mechanism. Further, a shifting speed detection mechanism is provided for the cloth, and includes a cloth width detection mechanism and a water filling up volume adjusting mechanism for the water receptacles operated by the cloth width detection mechanism.

Abstract: An improved additive dispensing system for sequentially dispensing a plurality of treating agents into the wash tub of an automatic fabric washing machine at predetermined times during the washing cycle. A plurality of compartments are provided for retaining the various laundry additives to be dispensed into the wash tub. A liquid flow diversion arrangement having a diverter for selectively diverting liquid into pre-selected dispenser compartments is provided and includes a pivotal body with a liquid inlet at one end connected to a water inlet and a nozzle at the other end in liquid flow communication with the dispenser.

Abstract: An automated laundry system is disclosed which includes a washer operative to advance through a plurality of operating cycle stages, an injector having a plurality of liquid additive reservoirs and associated timed control valves operative to selectively inject liquid additives into the washer, and an adaptor connected to the washer and injector for controlling injection of the additives into the washer in predetermined sequence throughout each operating cycle of the washer. The adaptor establishes sequential program signals to the injector for a washer which does not have a built-in programmed signal producing means for the injector.

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: Disclosed is a device for adding and/or removing fluid media in a rotatable drum, such as a rotating washing machine drum, comprising a pair of flanges attached to the outer periphery of the drum and spaced apart to define an annular space extending around the drum, an elastically yielding sealing member attached to each flange and extending inwardly into the annular space where their sealing lips abut to form a seal in a generally radially extending sealing plane, fluid passageways extending through the wall of the drum in the region between the flanges, and means positioned in the sealing plane for spreading the sealing lips apart, preferably a flat tapered conduit or one or more tapered disks. In another embodiment a sealing device is disclosed having only one flange and one elastically yielding sealing member in association with an annular plate fixed to a partition wall through which the drum extends.

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: An apparatus for washing and scouring fabrics by means of a washing liquid, comprising a tub filled with washing liquid and a cylinder rotatable inside the tube and forming the driving means for the fabric. The latter, passing in the space between the cylinder and the bottom of the tub, is subjected to opposite jets of washing liquid impulsively emitted by opposite pairs of ejectors, whereby a continuous motion of the fabric is caused to take place and the washing liquid is continuously vibrating.

Abstract: An improved liquid flow mechanical diverter valve of the stream interaction type is provided. The valve includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid from a liquid source, a pair of first channels communicating with the inlet, each having an exit port, an interaction chamber, a pair of converging second channels between the exit ports and the interaction chamber, three exit areas directed away from the interaction chamber and two flapper assemblies, each having a first portion large enough to seat against and cover a first channel exit port, a second portion at an angle to the first portion and rigidly secured thereto, a pivot at the junction of the first and second portions, the second portions being spaced from and directed toward each other.

Abstract: An endless net conveyor is suspended from a drive wheel which is mounted at an upper part of the apparatus, hanging into a treating bath, and a metal gauze member is extended along the outer periphery of the net conveyor thereby forming a U-shaped path between the net conveyor and the metal gauze member. One upper opening part of the U-shaped path constitutes an introduction side for insertion of the fabric to be treated, and the other upper opening part of the U-shaped path constitutes an exit side for the treated fabric, both upper openings serving to convey the fabric continuously therethrough during treatment. Injection pipes are provided in the bath on both exterior sides of the U-shaped path, namely on an inside side and on an outside side of the path, the injection ports of the pipes being alternatingly directed toward the path.

Abstract: This application relates generally to the provision of an apparatus for the dispensing of a laundry additive into an automatic washing machine at the proper interval. More specifically, the present application relates to the provision of an apparatus that will introduce a laundry additive into the rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine, which apparatus is disposable upon completion of use.

Abstract: A process for the wet treatment of fibrous material especially synthetic fiber strands or cables, wherein the material is conveyed on a liquid-permeable conveyor support while being carried by a liquid bath; the liquid layer is provided above the conveyor support and is maintained, with the liquid flowing by the effect of gravity through the material lying on the support. The flow of liquid takes place uniformly over the supporting surface of the conveyor support.

Abstract: A domestic clothes washer incorporating a system for dispensing predetermined amounts of liquid treating agents wherein an add-on storage tank reservoir is mounted on the washer control console. User operated valves provide gravity flow of the agents from the reservoir into dispensing vessels on the console. The vessels include calibrated viewing windows allowing the user to manually fill the vessels with wash agents to selected levels prior to each washing load for subsequent automatic emptying and passage into the washer during predetermined operations. Means are also provided to flush at least one of the emptied dispensing vessels to the washer drain by diverting a portion of the washer rinse water therethrough.

Abstract: A method for minimizing setting of wrinkles in fabrics, particularly permanent press fabrics, during a liquid extraction cycle by adding moisture to the fabrics while they are being centrifuged to maintain their level of moisture content above a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuously carrying out washing, raising milling, scouring, bleaching and dyeing, of fabric. In carrying out the aforesaid operations, it is essential for the fabric to be carried forward in a stabilized and relaxed state accurately and continuously in a treating fluid and on the other hand the treating fluid should move vigorously without a hitch and come into contact with the fabric uniformly. In the present invention the stabilized posture of the fabric particularly in a treating space is emphasized and at the entry of the treating space the fabric is folded in the wavy form in good order resulting in the more uniform contact between the treating fluid or liquor and the fabric. Further jet or blowing angles of jet nozzles have been arranged to make jets of the treating liquor accurately strike the fabric.

Abstract: A treating agent dispenser system for an automatic washing machine of the top loading type having an outer tub and a basket spaced inwardly therefrom. There is a dispenser adapted to be mounted above the machine's wash tub and having a plurality of compartments for receiving treating agents to be dispensed into the wash tub at predetermined times in a cycle of the washing machine by liquid being introduced into the machine. One of the compartments has a channel with a drain opening in liquid flow communication with a stationary holding tank. The holding tank has means for evacuating the dilute agent mixture after liquid flow into the tank is terminated. Liquid flowing from the holding tank is directed to the space between the tub and basket. The treating agent dispenser system provides for diluting the treating agent and flushing it from its compartment with fresh incoming liquid and dispenses it into the wash water and not onto the fabrics to be washed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing randomly or space dyed skeins of yarn and which comprises an open vat adapted to be filled with a liquid dye bath, a rack for supporting a plurality of skeins, and means for selectively lifting the rack such that the rack and skeins may be translated between a fully lowered position in the dye bath and a plurality of raised positions.

Abstract: An appliance programmer, in particular an automatic washer programmer, employs a memory circuit and a sequence control for establishing a predetermined program. Included in the programmer are a safety circuit and a water level sensing circuit whose function is to detect malfunction in the filling and draining operations of the appliance. Thus, when the machine has progressed to a washing operation during which the wash tub normally has a sufficient amount of water to perform the washing operation, the sensing circuit will sense a low water level condition and will reenergize the water fill valve solenoid to bring the water level up to the desired point. The programmer logic permits the safety circuit to reenergize the fill valve solenoid twice in response to low water level indications after which the logic will interrupt the program in response to a third low water level indication and will deenergize the appliance.

Abstract: A continuous relaxing apparatus for textile fabrics which comprises, in combination: a treating vessel; a lower open conveyer having numerous openings formed thereon and circulating along a closed lower path; an upper open conveyer having numerous openings formed thereon and circulating along a closed upper path, a narrow path for relaxing the fabric being formed between an upper portion of the closed lower path and a lower portion of the closed upper path; numerous nozzles for jetting a treating liquid therethrough, located outside of the narrow relaxing path; a feed roller for the fabric; a delivery roller for the fabric, and; recycling means for the treating liquid from the treating vessel to the nozzles; and includes the improvement which comprises, in combination: (1) an overflow vessel for containing the treating liquid therein, located above the treating vessel; (2) treating liquid recycling means from the treating vessel to the overflow vessel, and; (3) a duct for feeding the fabric into the narrow re

Abstract: Yarn is wound back and forth around a given axis to form a tightly wound package, whereupon dye is fed into the bottom of the package, with the axis thereof vertically arranged, and forced to flow radially outwardly through the bottom turns of the package to take up the dye and color at least the lower end of the package. Alternatively, water will first be similarly fed through the package adjacent the bottom thereof, the wicking action of the yarn carrying the water to a level above the top level to which dye is then fed through the yarn in the manner stated. The wicking action of the water prevents the application of the dye from extending above the top level at which the dye is supplied to the package, thus giving a sharp color cut off, whereas with the unwatered package, the application of the dye is such that the wicking action carries the dye to a higher point, the intensity of the color progressively diminishing upwardly.

Abstract: A treating agent dispenser system for an automatic washing machine of the top loading type having an outer tub and a basket spaced inwardly therefrom. There is a dispenser having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion adapted to be mounted above the machine's wash tub and has a plurality of compartments for receiving treating agents to be dispensed into the wash tub at predetermined times in a cycle of the washing machine. One of the compartments is for a bleach agent and has a surrounding upstanding wall and a channel in the bottom thereof with a drain opening therein. A sealing gasket is provided between the upstanding wall and upper housing portion. Ribs outside the compartment converge toward each other and terminate at an opening in communication with the adjacent compartment for directing any bleach leaking from the bleach compartment into the adjacent compartment for subsequent diluting before being dispersed onto the clothes.

Abstract: An improved liquid flow diversion arrangement for use with an additive dispensing system in an automatic washer. Included is a liquid flow diverter of the transverse pressure differential type having control ports coupled to atmosphere by tubes whose open ends terminate at the machine sequence control timer. Means are provided associated with the timer for closing the open ends of the tubes and thereby the control ports at predetermined times to effect liquid flow diversion. A check valve is provided at the outer end of each control port for preventing liquid from escaping from the fluid diverter. A chamber is coupled by a segment of the tubing between each control port and the timer for accumulating liquid that may bypass the check valves and further, for preventing audible sonic oscillations which may occur in the liquid flow diversion arrangement due to the inherent ability of the diverter to amplify resonance in the system.

Abstract: An improved liquid flow diversion arrangement for use with an additive dispensing system in an automatic washer. Included is a liquid flow diverter of the transverse pressure differential type having control ports coupled to atmosphere by tubes whose open ends terminate at the machine sequence control timer. Means are provided associated with the timer for closing the open ends of the tubes and thereby the control ports at predetermined times to effect liquid flow diversion. A check valve is provided at the outer end of each control port for preventing liquid from escaping from the fluid diverter. A chamber is coupled by a segment of the tubing between each control port and the timer for accumulating liquid that may bypass the check valves and further, for preventing audible sonic oscillations which may occur in the liquid flow diversion arrangements due to the inherent ability of the diverter to amplify resonance in the system.

Abstract: An automatic clothes washing machine of a single-tub construction with water level sensing and liquid extraction features includes scoop conduits arranged symmetrically within the sump chamber of a reversely tapered tub i.e., divergent from top to bottom. Each scoop conduit has an opening in its end adjacent the outer wall of the sump chamber and is connected to a discharge line along the axis of the tub. When the tub spins, liquid is forced radially outwardly and downwardly and exits through the scoop conduit openings into the discharge line while maintaining a dynamic balance of the tub. Liquid level control is regulated by a pressure sensitive valve means communicating with an air dome in an agitator portion of the tub.

Abstract: An improved additive dispensing system for sequentially dispensing a plurality of treating agents into the wash tub of an automatic fabric washing machine at predetermined times during the washing cycle. A plurality of compartments are provided for retaining the various laundry additives to be dispensed into the wash tub. A channel is in liquid flow communication between one compartment and a liquid supply means arranged for directing liquid into the channel. An aperture is provided in the bottom of the channel for effectively removing contaminating lint from the liquid prior to introduction of the liquid into the compartment.

Abstract: In combination with a washing machine of the type including a cylindrical drum mounted for rotation about the axis thereof and having a washing fluid inlet and a washing fluid outlet, a recirculating pump having an inlet and an outlet, a recirculating suction line extending from the washing machine outlet to the pump inlet, and a supply tank having an outlet, and a main inlet line extending from the pump outlet to the washing machine inlet, the supply tank outlet being connected to the suction line such that flow to the pump inlet from the washing machine will cause chemicals from the supply tank to be drawn into the pump and be mixed with flow from the pump to the main inlet line.

Abstract: This invention provides a control injection system for adding a chemical and/or water from a metering device to a programmed drycleaning machine for a predetermined time interval. The control injection system comprises an automatic reset electrical timer having a dial which is setable for the predetermined time interval, a load terminal in communication with one or more metering devices, and receiving and relaying means for receiving a signal from the programmer of the drycleaning machine and relaying the signal to start the timer and energize the load terminal to actuate the metering devices to admit the chemical and/or water into the drycleaning machine for the time interval set on the timer. The timer being arranged to de-energize the load terminal at the end of the time interval independent of the length of the signal from the programmer.

Abstract: A dual-acting free body automatic dispenser for dispensing laundry additives into automatic washing machines. The dispenser comprises an assemblage of three major elements: a hollow, spherical container provided with an orifice; a resilient valve seated within the orifice and a rigid stempiece extending axially through the valve. The valve is positioned on the stempiece such that when seated a portion of the stempiece protrudes outwardly beyond the exterior of the container. A mass is attached to the interiorly extending end of the stempiece.The consumer operates the dispenser by filling it with laundry additive, manually seating the valve and placing the dispenser in the washing machine's basket. The dispenser is triggered during the first spin cycle. If the dispenser is oriented with the protruding portion of the stempiece in contact with the basket, centrifugal force causes the container to be forced outwardly relative to the stempiece, thereby unseating the valve.