Abstract: The air pressure sensor of the present invention functions to control the water level in a washing machine tub and to vary the fill volume relative to the clothes load. The sensor or switch is mounted on the drain pump on the base of the washing machine cabinet, so as to be independent from the washing machine tub. An air dome extends between the switch and the water inlet line of the pump. The switch is set to be actuated at a predetermined pressure. As the water level increases in the tub, the air pressure within the air dome increases, until eventually the switch is actuated. The switch is mounted directly to the air dome in an angular orientation, thereby minimizing or eliminating condensation problems in the switch. The switch will also be activated by water pressure, in the event of an air leak in the air dome, so as to preclude water overflow of the tub.

Abstract: Handling of a washing apparatus is facilitated, and the before- and after-washing operation ability of the washing apparatus may be improved. The washing apparatus comprises a driving side base (7) and a washing tank (1). The washing tank mounted on the driving side base can be separated from the driving side base. The driving side base is furnished with a rotary drive unit. An opening is formed at the upper portion of the washing tank. The washing tank has a stirring blade (2), shaft (5), and first transfer joint (6). The stirring blade is rotatably installed in the washing tank, and serves to stir the laundry such as clothes. The shaft is disposed piercing through the bottom of the washing tank. The stirring blade is fitted on the shaft. A first transfer joint for the transfer of a rotational drive is fitted on the shaft positioned outside the washing tank. The driving side base has a second transfer joint 10 disposed at top of the driving side base.

Abstract: The dyeing apparatus for carrying out laboratory tests comprises a dyeing chamber which can be sealingly coupled to at least one portion of the fabric to be dyed, means being additionally provided for displacing the dyeing liquid, adapted to carry out a sequence of alternate passages of the dyeing liquid through said fabric to be dyed.

Abstract: An apparatus that prevents an undesirable chemical reaction between different liquid chemical streams in a dispenser comprising a dispenser having a common manifold leading to a use locus. The common manifold has a pumping station directed to the common manifold and the pumping station has at least two chemical input lines. The dispenser is controlled by an electromechanical controller that prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams in sequence without an intervening water flush and prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams simultaneously. The liquid inputs to the pumping station are keyed such that the inputs can be connected only to containers that fit the keyed inputs.

Abstract: A washing machine has a partial washing apparatus 5, which has a supersonic resonator 12 driven by an oscillator 17 to generate supersonic vibration and a supersonic vibration horn 13. A washing liquid is fed to the partial washing apparatus 5 so as to be agitated by supersonic waves and then fed to an article 30 to be washed to achieve partial washing thereof. The partial washing apparatus 5 is detachably fitted to the washing machine proper 1 at approximately the center of the lid 3 thereof. The partial washing apparatus 5 may be used as a handy-type partial washing apparatus when held at the grip portion 11a thereof.

Abstract: The invention is an improved washing machine and hose for a washing machine, which helps prevent water damage to homes or businesses. The fitting can comprise of a modified male coupling of the type used with PEX tubing and fittings in combination with a modified threaded female garden hose end. A washer could optionally be placed inside the fitting for improved watertight seal. The modified coupling is installed inside the end of a PEX tubing, and in combination with an adjustable PEX ring, forms a very strong sealed joint between the coupling and the tubing.

Abstract: A dirt and oil removing apparatus that is placed in the tub of a household or industrial washer for reducing or eliminating the need for detergent. The dirt and oil removing apparatus includes a water permeable receptacle made of a lipophilic fiber, which absorbs oil or oil like liquids. The receptacle holds pieces of inorganic material for absorbing or adsorbing dirt and pieces of lightweight material for decreasing the density of the apparatus as a whole. Preferably, the density of the apparatus as a whole is about 0.90 to about 0.93.

Abstract: A method and system for isolating water pressure from appliance water connections provides protection from structural damage due to bursting of flexible hoses that connect an appliance to a rigid plumbing water supply. The system includes at least one electrically controllable valve, a connection for coupling the valve to a water supply connection, a connection for attachment to the appliance water supply hoses and an interface for receiving a signal from the appliance control system. An appliance may provide an interface connection for coupling to a control connection on the system, or the system may be connected to existing electrical terminals within a standard appliance that control internal solenoid valves. The system and method isolate water pressure from the flexible hoses supplying water to the appliance, automatically shutting off the supply connections when the appliance does not require water flow.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus and method that greatly increases the efficiency and flexibility in using ozone in the laundry process by permitting an operator to set the level of dissolved ozone concentration delivered to the washing machines, depending upon the amount and type of soil on the laundry. Furthermore, the present invention ensures that there is enough dissolved ozone available in the wash water to meet the demand of the washing apparatus. Lastly, the present invention monitors and maintains the desired amount of dissolved ozone to be delivered to the washers.

Abstract: A washing machine having improved cleaning efficiency by adding a generator of functional water such as ozone water or electrolyzed water to a full-automatic washing machine, and a washing method thereof, are provided. The washing machine includes a water supplier for supplying washing water, a washing tub containing the washing water supplied from the water supplier and a laundry, a functional water generator installed inside the washing tub, and an agitator for agitating the washing water and the laundry contained in the washing tub. When the washing water supplied to the washing tub reaches a predetermined level, the functional water generator is operated to generate ozone water or electrolyzed water, which is then mixed by the agitator. Thus, partial decolorization or damage of the laundry can be prevented.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus and method that greatly increases the efficiency and flexibility in using ozone in the laundry process by permitting an operator to set the level of dissolved ozone concentration delivered to the washing machines, depending upon the amount and type of soil on the laundry. Furthermore, the present invention ensures that there is enough dissolved ozone available in the wash water to meet the demand of the washing apparatus. Lastly, the present invention monitors and maintains the desired amount of dissolved ozone to be delivered to the washers.

Abstract: A water supply safety valve kit for an appliance in which the kit includes an individual solenoid actuated normally closed valve unit for each water supply line to the appliance and a control unit that plugs into a conventional electrical female household outlet. The control unit has a first outlet at the household line voltage and into which the power cord of the appliance plugs and a second lower voltage outlet responsive to current flow to the first outlet. A count down timer circuit and a low voltage output are activated by the current flow to the first outlet and lines connect that low voltage output to the solenoid valve unit to open the same. The count down timer terminates the low voltage output after a preselected time period.

Abstract: Detergent solution is discharged by means of a pump (10) at the bottom of a washing handling space (1) and is fed back to the handling space (1) via a pipeline (9) above the washing (3) located in the handling space. The washing machine is also connected to a fresh-water supply line (5) which can be opened and closed by a valve (7) which is controllable by a sensor device (12) suitable for establishing a volumetric flow present in the pumping direction of the pump (10). It is possible to dispense with a separate sensor element for controlling the fresh-water supply by a body (13) which can be actuated by the volumetric flow prevailing in the pipeline (9) being arranged along the pipeline (9) and, depending on the presence or absence of volumetric flow, protruding into or releasing the measuring section (18) of a turbidity sensor (17). Finally, the valve (7) is controlled by the turbidity sensor (17) so as to assume its opening or closed position.

Abstract: A washer-dryer has an improved efficiency of drying; namely, the drying time is shortened and the unevenness of drying is alleviated. Furthermore, vibration during operations, especially during spin-drying, is reduced. An inner tub of approximately cylindrical shape rotating around a substantially vertical axis and for receiving a wash load is housed in an outer tub. The inner tub is provided with freely rotatable agitating means at the bottom part for agitating the wash load. A motor rotates the inner tub or the agitating means. The air to be supplied through a hot air supply channel into the inner tub is heated by heating means, which air is advanced by a drying air blower into the inner tub. Control means controls each of the washing, rinsing, spin-drying and drying processes by controlling respective operations of the motor, the heating means, the drying air blower, etc.

Abstract: A washing appliance having a thermally actuated diverter valve to allow for the diversion of water through the water holding receptacle of the washing appliance, where control means controls the turning on and off of an inlet valve and energizing of the thermally actuated diverter valve. A method of controlling a thermally activated valve in the cycle of the washing appliance is also disclosed. This method provides for the operation of a thermally actuated diverter valve during a recirculation wash phase in a washing appliance. The present invention allows for the thermally actuated diverter valve's “on time” life to be conserved, particularly in situations where the flow of water into the appliance is low, for example when the appliance is used in areas where water pressure is low, or when valves or pipes are blocked or obscured.

Abstract: A liquified gas dry-cleaning system having a pressure vessel for containing a liquid wash bath and a perforated basket rotatably supported within the pressure vessel for containing items during cleaning. For enhancing cleaning and the removal of solid particulate matter on the items to be cleaned, the basket has a plurality of radial mixing baffles fixed to the periphery of the rotary basket and a plurality of gas jet manifolds fixed to the baffles which are operable for directing pressurized jet streams of liquified gas into the basket for agitating the contained items and wash bath simultaneously with physical agitation by the mixing baffles.

Abstract: A washing machine lid includes a fluid chamber with a fill opening and a dispensing opening. A removable valve is within the dispensing opening. The lid includes a lid frame and a housing detachably mounted to one another. A fill cap with bristles is removably mounted in the fill opening. The laundry can be pretreated by scrubbing with the bristles, after the laundry is wetted with water and/or detergent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the dosing of detergent in multiple stage washing machines having at least one separate detergent tank per washing stage. The entry of water into a detergent tank of the washing machine releases, without intervention in the washing control system, the single dosing of a predetermined amount of detergent into the detergent tank, the release of further dosages being prevented until a renewed activation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device for dosing detergents in washing machines in accordance with one of the above methods.

Abstract: A washer-dryer has an improved efficiency of drying; namely, the drying time is shortened and the unevenness of drying is alleviated. Furthermore, vibration during operations, especially during spin-drying, is reduced. An inner tub of approximately cylindrical shape rotating around a substantially vertical axis and for receiving a wash load is housed in an outer tub. The inner tub is provided with freely rotatable agitating means at the bottom part for agitating the wash load. A motor rotates the inner tub or the agitating means. The air to be supplied through a hot air supply channel into the inner tub is heated by heating means, which air is advanced by a drying air blower into the inner tub. Control means controls each of the washing, rinsing, spin-drying and drying processes by controlling respective operations of the motor, the heating means, the drying air blower, etc.

Abstract: A supply tube isolation system for use with a chemical delivery system includes a feedback tube connected between the manifold and each of the supply tubes connected between the chemical supply containers and the chemical pumps of the chemical delivery system. A controllable valve means is provided at or near the junction of the feedback tube and the supply tube so as to effectively segment the supply tube into first and second portions, where the first supply tube portion is that which is connected between the valve means and the manifold, and the second tube portion is that which is connected between the valve means and the chemical supply container. During delivery of the chemical to one or more destinations within the delivery system, the valve means is positioned so as to close the feedback tube and connect the first and second portions of the supply tube.

Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: A pressurized pretreatment process for removal of stains on fabrics prior to washing employing means for delivering a stain pretreating solution under the pressure of water or air or a combination of water and air. Stains are effectively removed on such fabrics as polyester/cotton blends and cotton, and a washing machine having delivery means for delivering a stain pretreating solution under pressure.

Abstract: An adjustable liquid temperature control system for a washing machine regulates the temperature of washing liquid established in a washing tub in an accurate and economical manner without the use of a dedicated temperature sensor. Preferably, numerous default mixing ratios for hot and cold fill water are preset in the washing machine. The system is designed to enable the washing machine operator to adjust one or more of the default mixing ratios in order to selectively fine tune the system. In accordance with one embodiment, the operator can directly input a desired mixing ratio. In another embodiment, the operator can indirectly establish a mixing ratio by entering a desired washing temperature.

Abstract: A washing machine lid includes a fluid chamber on its lower surface. The fluid chamber has a fill opening and a dispensing opening. A removable valve is within the dispensing opening. The lid includes a lid frame and a housing detachably mounted to one another.

Abstract: A compact, portable clothes washer and dryer system requires no direct water connection or drain line and includes a feed reservoir for holding hot or cold water; a basket for receiving clothes and said water from said feed reservoir; a filtration membrane unit that generates permeate for rinsing said clothes and retentate; a motor for operating said basket; a pump for circulating water from said feed reservoir through said membrane unit and to said basket; and a heating assembly for drying said clothes in said basket. The system reduces water usage and gray water generation for washing clothes. The system is particularly useful in dormitories, small apartments, or other remote dwellings where water is scarce or where there are no water feed lines or drains.

Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: Plant for supplying machines with dyes for the continuous dyeing of textile materials, comprising means for preparing a dyeing bath, the dyeing bath consisting of a mixture of dyeing products, chemicals and/or auxiliary products in aqueous solution, said means comprising an apparatus (12, 13, 14) for the preparation of dyeing solutions in preset strengths starting from said dyeing products, a plurality of tanks (1) for said chemicals and/or auxiliary products to which one or more pumps (6; 10) are associated for the removal of respective products, and an array of conduits for water supply. The outlets of said means are connected to a manifold (26) downstream of which is a dyeing machine (M) to be supplied, and to which manifold (26) means (27) are associated for mixing the products arriving thereat: the means for the preparation of the dyeing bath being associated to a programmable electronic unit (U). (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A compact, portable clothes washer and dryer system requires no direct water connection or drain line and includes a feed reservoir for holding hot or cold water; a basket for receiving clothes and said water from said feed reservoir; a filtration membrane unit that generates permeate for rinsing said clothes and retentate; a motor for operating said basket; a pump for circulating water from said feed reservoir through said membrane unit and to said basket; and a heating assembly for drying said clothes in said basket. The system reduces water usage and gray water generation for washing clothes. The system is particularly useful in dormitories, small apartments, or other remote dwellings where water is scarce or where there are no water feed lines or drains.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a wash tub, a water-supply mechanism for supplying water into the wash tub, and a disposition section in which a solid antimicrobial agent containing an organic compound having a nitrogen-halogen atomic combination is disposed. The disposition section is provided in the water-supply mechanism. The antimicrobial agent is brought into contact with water thereby to release hypohalogenous acid into the water.

Abstract: A pressurized pretreatment process for removal of stains on fabrics prior to washing employing means for delivering a stain pretreating solution under the pressure of water or air or a combination of water and air. Stains are effectively removed on such fabrics as polyester/cotton blends and cotton, and a washing machine having delivery means for delivering a stain pretreating solution under pressure.

Abstract: A washing machine has a container for containing detergent to be supplied into a washing tub and a device for applying a magnetic field to water to be supplied into the detergent container. The device includes a permanent magnet and a magnet casing for accommodating the permanent magnet. A passage part is formed on a central portion of the magnet casing, through which the water to be supplied into the detergent container passes. The magnet takes the shape of a ring surrounding the passage part. When water is supplied into the device, the magnetic field is applied to the water while the water is passing through the passage part, whereby metallic impurities such as calcium ion or magnesium ion are eliminated. The magnetized water is supplied into the detergent container, and thereby the detergent is effectively dissolved by the water.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cleaning chemical dispenser is provided. The dispenser includes bowl assemblies accommodating inverted containers with solid cast cleaning chemicals. The chemical dispenser generates cleaning chemical solutions by spraying a solvent such as water onto the solid cast concentrates. Concentrates from two of the containers are blended together, but are kept separate from the concentrate from the other container. All concentrate solutions are then further diluted in a venturi containing separate paths for each of the blended and separate solutions. The diluted solutions are then separately routed to the use container.

Abstract: A washing machine including an outer tub disposed within a body of the washing machine, a rotating wash tub disposed within the outer tub for being rotated to wash and spin-dry the laundry, and a pulsator disposed on an inner bottom floor of the rotating wash tub for alternatively rotating left and right, the washing machine having a plurality of ducts mounted on a periphery of the rotating wash tub for the washing water contained in between the outer tub and the rotating wash tub to be induced and ejected into the rotating wash tub when the rotating wash tub is rotated, such that the washing water disposed in between the rotating wash tub and the outer tub is ejected into the rotating wash tub via a duct during washing and rinsing processes, thereby enhancing washing and rinsing efficiency due to formation of new water current and its collision with laundry.

Abstract: A device as well as a method for the treatment of ready-to-wear, textile apparel parts, particularly for the pretreatment and/or dyeing are described, according to which the ready-to-wear, textile apparel parts to be treated are arranged in cylindrical or cylinder-like fabric carrier being arranged in a preferably closable vessel, where the parts are brought into contact with a treatment bath, whereby the fabric carrier is moved within the apparatus during the treatment. Hereby the ready-to-wear, textile apparel parts are arranged in the fabric carrier as a heap of ready-to-wear, textile apparel parts. During the treatment the vessel is filled with the bath only to such an extent and the treatment bath is pumped through the fabric carrier in that way that the ready-to-wear apparel parts are displaced and particularly intermingled by the treatment bath streaming through the fabric carrier.

Abstract: Device for housing washing agents which can be used in a washing machine, preferably in a machine for washing laundry, comprising a body of the device having one or more vessels for housing washing agents and one or more conduits for conveying respective flows of water to each of said vessels for housing the washing agents to remove the agent contained therein and the subsequent feeding of the same to the washing tub of the machine. The body of the device comprises at least one portion defining directly at least part of said conveying conduits or a portion for access to said conduits. Said portion being attached in a removable or openable manner to the remaining part of the body of the device.

Abstract: A wash liquid inlet nozzle is provided for directing wash liquid against a bottom wall and a side wall of a vertical axis basket of an automatic washer. The inlet nozzle has a body with a rear wall, a front wall and a top wall connecting the rear wall and front wall. An inlet passage extends through the rear wall for directing a flow of wash liquid into the inlet nozzle. The front wall is arranged and configured in a first area to direct wash liquid against the basket bottom wall and a lower region of the basket side wall and in a second area to direct wash liquid against a middle and an upper region of the basket side wall. With such an inlet nozzle, wash liquid is directed in a sheet against the entire height of the basket wall to wet all of the clothes in the basket.

Abstract: Outlets of a contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzle type are formed in an air bubble-generating plate from which fine air bubbles are generated. The outlets are constituted with outer outlets and inner outlets. The outer outlets are formed along edge portions of the air bubble-generating plate and the inner outlets are formed in the inner portions of the air bubble-generating plate. Each of the outlets has a flow-in portion, a contraction portion, and a flow-out portion which are aligned in a coaxial line and have different diameters, so that each of the outlets are formed in a shape of a contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzle type. A diameter of the flow-out portion is smaller than a diameter of the flow-in portion, but larger than a diameter of the contraction portion. A height of the contraction portion is larger than a height of the flow-out portion, but smaller than a height of the flow-in portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having a device for eliminating hydrophobic substances contained in washing water, such as oil or hydrophobic groups of detergent. The device comprises a part for generating bubbles by spraying washing water, a part for separating the bubbles containing hydrophobic substances from the sprayed washing water, and a part for collecting the hydrophobic substances by drawing the separated bubbles. The washing water in which the hydrophobic substances have been eliminated is circulated into a tub. The circulated washing water contains detergent having only hydrophilic substances, so the washing operation is effectively performed, water contamination caused by the drained washing water is prevented, and laundry is effectively rinsed.

Abstract: A household washing machine includes a common plastic line-routing body in which all water-conducting and air-conducting lines that are routed on a rear wall of the washing machine are integrated. Supply line openings of the line-routing body are sealingly connected through elastic sealing sleeves to inlet locations and outlet locations, such as solenoid valves and a detergent dispenser, and mechanically retained.

Abstract: An apparatus for dyeing textile materials is provided that includes one or more chambers for dyeing and one or more storage baskets. The apparatus has a first station with a container hydraulically connected with the chamber. The first station is for the drawing and metering of dyeing solutions and for the admission of the dyeing solutions into the container to feed the chamber for dyeing the material disposed inside the storage basket. A second station has a stirrer. The basket is connected in a stable but removable way to the stirrer. The basket is located in correspondence with the chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser for a washing machine integrates a bubble generator, an ozone generator, and a radical generator. In the dispenser for a washing machine, a housing has a gas mixing chamber therein. A bubble generator is disposed in the housing and generates air for generating air bubbles and ozone and pumping to the gas mixing chamber. An ozone generator is disposed in the gas mixing chamber and applies high voltage to the air introduced in the gas mixing chamber from the bubble generator in order to produce ozone. A radical generator has a ceramic catalyst for decomposing the ozone from the ozone generator into an oxygen for generating air bubbles and a generating oxygen to be reactive with a hydrogen ion in washing water in order to generate a radical. The dispenser sterilizes bacilli such as bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, or algae which live in washing water or clothes. The dispenser also improves washing effect of a washing machine by oxidizing and bleaching actions of ozone and radical.

Abstract: A chemical washing system is presented including a chemical dispensing system. The chemical dispensing system includes a container for storing a liquid chemical, a dispensing unit coupled to the container for dispensing the liquid chemical, and a conduit for conveying the liquid chemical from the dispensing unit to a receptacle of a machine which uses the liquid chemical during normal operation. The container, the dispensing unit, and the receptacle may be enclosed within one or more service areas separate from a "user interface area" containing a portion of the machine with which a user interfaces during normal operation. In order to prevent airborne particulates and other contaminants within the one or more service areas from entering the user interface area, a positive air pressure differential is maintained between the user interface area and the one or more service areas. The chemical washing system includes a textile laundering appliance (e.g.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing method and apparatus for an automatic vertical axis washer. The washer includes a tub ring having a louvered area creating a drop zone through which wash additives are directly dispensed into the wash tub. In addition, the washer further includes a tub ring splash shield and D-ring splash shield. The tub ring and D-ring splash shields, along with the tub ring with the louvered area, act to direct wash additives into the wash tub and to further prevent wash fluid from escaping from the wash cycle.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a wash-and-dewatering sink 4, a motor 6 rotating the wash-and-dewatering sink 4, a detergent fluid supply device 12 supplying detergent fluid to clothes in the wash-and-dewatering sink 4, and control unit controlling both the motor 6 and the detergent fluid supply device 12 in such a manner, when the wash-and-dewatering sink 4 is rotated by the motor 6, detergent fluid is supplied to the clothes in the wash-and-dewatering sink 4 by the detergent fluid supply device 12.

Abstract: A valve member position sensor for continuously monitoring the position of the valve member of a flow-control valve in a dry-cleaning apparatus using CO.sub.2 as the cleaning fluid. The valve member position sensor includes a potentiometer with its shaft connected to the drive shaft of the valve such the resistance of the potentiometer changes with the valve member position. The resistance value of the potentiometer is detected by passing a constant current through the potentiometer to produce a voltage drop across the potentiometer. The voltage drop is measured by a controller to determine the valve position.

Abstract: A rotary barrel-type washer-extractor is provided with at least one slotted or apertured metal panel. The panel contains raised apertures or slots that protrude about 0.2 to 1 cm and have an opening about 0.3 to 1 cm in width. A method is also provided for desizing and abrading fabrics and garments utilizing at least one of the metal panels.

Abstract: A safety circuit for washing machines prevents an accidental simultaneous feed of bleach and sour due to a malfunction of the machine's controller, by interposing a normally open contact and a normally closed contact of a relay, respectively, in the sour pump power line and the bleach pump power line. The coil of the relay is powered by the controller's power output for the pump in whose power circuit the normally open contact is located.

Abstract: A dry-cleaning system operable for selectively controlling agitation of items during cleaning, rinsing, and draining cycles. The dry-cleaning system includes a pressure vessel for containing a liquid gas dry-cleaning solvent and a rotary basket disposed within the vessel for containing items to be cleaned. Controlled agitation is achieved by the combination of (1) driving the basket by a directional, variable speed motor and (2) a simultaneously selectively operable gas jet system having a plurality of nozzles rotatable with the basket for directing pressurized jet streams into the liquid wash bath.

Abstract: 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.