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 machine includes a frame, a tub rigidly mounted to the frame, and at least one basket rotatably mounted inside the tub. The basket is an open-lattice sided container having a releasably closable lid. The basket is adapted for holding articles of apparel or other flexible articles substantially stationary relative to the basket as the basket is rotated relative to the tub. A water supply cooperates with the tub for washing and rinsing the articles held in the basket.

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: The invention provides a partial dyed yarn having a partial dyeing applied to a side surface of fibrous raw material and further provides a method for manufacturing thereof. A partial dyed yarn is provided by a dye liquid adhering method and a dye liquid adhering, drying and taking-up device which is capable of accomplishing a high quality dye printing yarn. A continuous fibrous raw material is passed through the dye liquid adhering roll, the dye liquid is partially or continuously adhered to the thread-like side surface of the fibrous raw material, and thereafter it is applied with a heat treatment to cause the yarn to be dyed in a desired color tone efficiently and quickly.

Abstract: An expandable tunnel garment finishing apparatus including a front module having an entrance for receiving garments on hangers for being conveyed through the apparatus, an initial treatment zone downstream from the entrance for treating the garments with steam and heat, a final treatment zone downstream from the initial treatment zone for treating the garments with hot air, and an exit downstream from the final treatment zone and adjacent the entrance through which the finished garments exit the finishing apparatus. The finishing apparatus also includes a rear module communicating with the front module for receiving garments conveyed therefrom. The rear module includes a heating apparatus for heating the garments, and a U-shaped intermediate treatment zone downstream from the initial treatment zone and upstream from the final treatment zone for receiving the garments from the initial treatment zone and for delivering the garments to the final treatment zone and the exit of the front module.

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 washer-dryer having an improved efficiency of drying up; 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 receives a washing is housed in an outer tub. The inner tub is provided with freely rotatable agitating means at the bottom part for agitating the washing. 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: In a washer dryer in which a drum supported by a spider is rotatable in a tub, the rear wall of the tub is contoured such as by providing castellation-like recesses, and water may be fed over this rear wall via a water inlet so that, in a drying mode, when the drum is rotated and moist air is drawn from the drum, the moist air is agitated by being dragged by the rotation of the drum past the tortuous profile over which water is trickled, to promote efficient condensation before the air is heated and returned to the drum in a recirculating path.

Abstract: There are provided an outer tub suspended elastically in an enclosure, an inner tub for containing clothes supported rotatably within the outer tub, and a rotary impeller held rotatably on an inner bottom portion of the inner tub. The inner tub and/or the rotary impeller are driven by a motor. A drying blower delivers air into the inner tub, and a heater heats the air delivered by the blower unit. A controller controls operation of the motor, the drying blower, the heater, and the like, thereby controlling each process of washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction, and drying. In the hydro-extraction process, the controller drives the inner tub while also driving the drying blower to maintain delivery of air into the inner tub.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a sealable pressure vessel and an agitator for agitating an article, such as clothing, in a liquid within the vessel to remove contaminants from the article. A fluid system supplies fresh liquid to the vessel and drains used liquid from the vessel to separate excess contaminated from the article, a portion of the contaminated liquid being retained by the article after this separation. One or more heating elements are activatable to vaporize the retained liquid, and a vacuum system is activatable to reduce the pressure in the sealed vessel while the heating elements are activated, such that the boiling point of the retained liquid is substantially reduced from that at atmospheric pressure. The liquid may be plain, ozonated or carbonated water, or a mixture thereof, and may be cooled by a heat exchanger before being introduced into the sealed vessel. Agitation during washing and drying is minimized for use of the apparatus as an alternative to dry cleaning.

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: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous dyeing of cellulose fibre yarns with reactive dyes and to an apparatus for carrying out this process.The process essentially comprises steps of impregnating yarn which has been continuously unwound at high speed from one or several supports (1) and rewound onto one or several supports (3) with at least one fibre-reactive dye in aqueous solution and at least one alkaline reagent in aqueous solution, andfixing the dye.The invention can be applied especially in the technical field of dyeing cellulose fibres.

Abstract: A low temperature, low bath ratio, tensionless and short-term dyeing method using microwaves, comprises the steps of: immersing dyed goods in a vessel filled with dye solution comprising water present in an amount twice as much as the goods to be dyed, a disperse dye present in a ratio of disperse dye to goods to be dyed of 1:1000, a dispersing agent present in a ratio of dispersing agent to dye of below 1:100, and irradiating the dyed goods with microwaves below 2450 MHZ in order to heat them to a temperature of 100-130.degree. C.

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

Abstract: Artificial filament is washed, rinsed and dried in a portable apparatus. The filament is fed onto a substantially horizontal conveyor for transportation through a washing cycle. A plurality of oscillating spray nozzles provide a washing solution from over the filament material as it is transported on the conveyor. The washed filaments are distributed to an upward sloping conveyor which directs the filaments between two substantially vertical conveyors belts. The filaments are rinsed while being carried upward between the vertical conveyor belts. The filaments are then transported horizontally on a conveyor belt. Drying nozzles direct air across the filaments to dry the filaments. The dried material is then ejected from the apparatus or redirected to the washing conveyor if it is determined that a second cleaning cycle is required.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A combined laundry washing/drying machine wherein the washing and drying means are mounted within a pivoting subassembly. In the washing mode the laundry is washed within a basket oriented vertically. In the drying mode, the pivoting subassembly is moved so that the laundry is tumbled in the basket as it spins on a horizontal axis. The washing mode further employs a perforated washing plate which moves in a reciprocating vertical motion to provide the cleaning action.

Abstract: The door vent of the present invention includes an elongated tube mounted in a lower wall of the door of a horizontal axis washing machine, providing fluid communication between the interior chamber of the door and the interior of the tub, when the door is in a closed position. The tube projects upwardly within the door to form a standpipe, to prevent water from entering and becoming trapped within the door. A fine mesh screen is mounted in the vent to prevent suds from entering the door. A fan may be mounted to a compartment on the detergent receptacle on the washing machine housing, to draw air through the fluid dispensing system and out into the housing of the washing machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous dyeing of cellulose fiber yarns with reactive dyes and to an apparatus for carrying out this process.The process essentially comprises steps of impregnating yarn which has been continuously unwound at high speed from one or several supports (1) and rewound onto one or several supports (3) with at least one fiber-reactive dye in aqueous solution and at least one alkaline reagent in aqueous solution, and fixing the dye.The invention can be applied especially in the technical field of dyeing cellulose fibers.

Abstract: An improved installation system for a stacked washer and dryer appliance assembly having an exhaust vent and a gas system is provided. The exhaust vent system includes an exhaust bracket extending upwardly from the back of the washer. The exhaust bracket is adapted to be connected to a household exhaust duct, with the exhaust pipe of the dryer being automatically sealingly engaged with the exhaust bracket upon positioning of the dryer on the washer. The gas system includes a gas pipe in the washer, and having a rearward end extending out of the back of the washer for connection to a gas source. The forward end of the gas pipe has a shutoff valve, which is adapted to be connected to a gas line operatively mounted in the dryer. All of the connections for the power, water, exhaust, and gas for the stacked appliances can be quickly and easily made, without having to stand behind the appliance assembly after the dryer is mounted on the washer.

Abstract: An improved dry cleaning machine and process which eliminates solvent emissions while simultaneously providing cost and quality benefits. The solvent filtration apparatus and process currently used in typical dry cleaning operations is eliminated and the solvent is instead separated based on the anticipated extent of contamination wherein the less clean solvent is cleaned via a distillation unit.

Abstract: An improved installation system for a stacked washer and dryer appliance assembly having an exhaust vent and a gas system is provided. The exhaust vent system includes an exhaust bracket extending upwardly from the back of the washer. The exhaust bracket is adapted to be connected to a household exhaust duct, with the exhaust pipe of the dryer being automatically sealingly engaged with the exhaust bracket upon positioning of the dryer on the washer. The gas system includes a gas pipe in the washer, and having a rearward end extending out of the back of the washer for connection to a gas source. The forward end of the gas pipe has a shutoff valve, which is adapted to be connected to a gas line operatively mounted in the dryer. All of the connections for the power, water, exhaust, and gas for the stacked appliances can be quickly and easily made, without having to stand behind the appliance assembly after the dryer is mounted on the washer.

Abstract: A wet and/or dry finishing machine for fabrics in rope or open-width form comprising a treatment tank in which a transporting means is installed for the fabric, for example in endless-loop form, the transporting means drawing the fabric from the base of the tank and feeding it against a counteracting fuller element, in proximity to at least one base wall portion of the tank there being positioned a duct provided with apertures and through which an air stream is circulated, a portion of the fabric bearing on the top of the duct. This improves drying and shortens the drying time.

Abstract: A dry-cleaning machine for linen and garments includes a drum (2) containing the garments and/or linen to be washed, rotating inside a washing tank (1). The tank is connected with a solvent circulation system including a device (3) for continuously distilling the solvent heated up with steam produced by an electric heater (11). The tank also communicates with a drying air circulation system, which comprises a heat exchanger (15) installed upstream from air inlet to the tank and using the steam produced inside the distillation device (3) as a heating medium. This results in lower electric power installation requirements and energy saving.

Abstract: A drum type drying/washing machine performs drying without the flow of cooling water during a predetermined period of time or a period of time determined in accordance with an amount of clothes. After the passage of the period of time, the machine starts the flow of the cooling water so as to perform drying with cooling-dehumidication. The drum type drying/washing machine, at the initial stage of the drying operation, also performs not only the heating of clothing, but also the rotating of a drum at a high speed to dehydrate the clothing. A drum type drying/washing machine rotates a drum at an almost a maximum rotational rate at which, in a low speed rotation, materials to be processed can roll over in the drum; or at a rotational rate above which, in the low speed rotation, the materials to be processed as a whole stick to the inner peripheral wall of the drum. Further, the drum is accelerated to a high speed rotation only when an output from an unbalance detecting device is a predetermined level or less.

Abstract: A machine for washing and degreasing with solvents or for drying textile products or the like, including a container that accommodates a drum that can be rotated about its own axis. The container is closed by a door on one of its sides, which is directed towards an axial end of the drum, and a circuit is provided for conveying a stream of drying air, the circuit having a delivery duct leading into the container at the region of the door. The machine comprises a chamber for directing the stream of drying air, in the region where it enters the container, along a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the drum.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for the treatment of an endless web of fabric with a washing liquid and employing a vacuum. The treatment medium is withdrawn from the treatment zone and the withdrawn treatment medium is separated in a cyclone into a gas and a liquid. The liquid is pumped back into the treatment zone. The gas is heated additionally in a vacuum generator and is then returned into the treatment zone.

Abstract: A fabric treatment apparatus for the treatment of a textile fabric, over the full width, with a fluid, which comprises at least one fabric treatment means provided with side walls which form a treatment path which allows fabric to pass through at full width while surrounding it at a narrow spacing and at least one treatment fluid blowing means constructed on at least a section of the side walls which can blow a treatment fluid into the treatment path to cover the entire width of the fabric passing through the treatment path, wherein the narrow spacing of the treatment path is 30 mm or less, and both ends of the treatment path are open to the surrounding atmosphere which is not pressurized. It efficiently performs various treatments on fabric including washing, desizing, scouring, fluff removal, resin impregnation, drying, dewatering, feeling adjustment and dyeing.

Abstract: A machine for the wet and dry treatment of fabric in rope or open-width form of any type and weight has a treatment tank (10) within which the fabric to be treated is conveyed by a belt conveyor (11). The belt conveyor has an upper active conveying branch (15) and a lower return branch (16). The upper branch (15) of the conveyor is surrounded by an air transporter channel (22) with open ends and into which, in the vicinity of its entry end, a compressed air stream is fed to compress the fabric against the conveyor belt without the intervention of mechanical compression means the machine prevents the formation of creases in the fabric and allows treatment at a high effective rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having a bubble feeding device installed at the inner surface of a door of the top of a washing body for feeding air bubbles into a rotatable tub to the top of a washer body. The bubble feeding device comprises a telescopic pipe and a drive device for driving the pipe. The drive device includes a motor and first and second pulleys operatively connected to the motor. The second pulley has gear teeth formed on its circumference and a flexible string having a train of teeth is wound on the second pulley to mesh the train of teeth with the gear teeth. The flexible string extends into an inner telescopic pipe coaxially installed within the telescopic pipe and the end of the string is fixed to the lower end of the inner pipe.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is provided with a tank (2) for the recovery of liquids and a transfer conduit (3) which, by way of a first pump (4) disposed in the conduit, connects the lower portion of the tub (1) to the tank. The lower volume of the tank is connected by way of a suitable conduit (6) and a second pump (7) to a nozzle (8) that discharges into the hydraulic circuit (9) that feeds containers (10) for substances for the washing operation. The machine has one or more of the following properties. The feed pump (7) for the hydraulic distributor (9) and the feed pump (12) for the condenser (11) are replaced by a single pump (17) and by a two-way directional control valve (18) which alternatively feeds respective conduits that feed into the hydraulic distributor and into the condenser. The discharge pump (20) and the transfer pump (4) are replaced by a single pump followed by a further directional control valve (21) which alternatively feeds the transfer conduit or the discharge.

Abstract: Machine for the control and boarding of stockings and tights with automatic loading and unloading of material, comprising a circular transfer type base 1 carrier for the forms 2, which can be fixed with foot inclined between approximately 5 and 15 degrees in relation to its longitudinal axis or articulated with leg extendable in width and pivoting foot 17, and a series of functional stations through which these forms successively pass, the stockings being subjected firstly to a steaming treatment in a double chamber autoclave 7 and to drying in a hot air kiln 8 divided into two parts by inner gates 35, the stockings being deposited directly on to the forms without the intervention of the intermediate transporting elements from the loading supports 13 where they are positioned by hand by the operator.

Abstract: An automatic front-loading washing machine includes a tub having a lower portion, a lowest point and a fill opening with an air inlet neck. A tub drain is connected to the lowest point of the tub. A detergent dispenser has a multiplicity of chambers. A detergent supply line leads into the lower portion of the tub. A closed air recirculation circuit is associated with the tub for drying and includes a waste air conduit leading out of the tub and having a condensation device, a blower, a heating conduit, and an air inlet conduit opening into the air inlet neck to the fill opening of the tub. The waste air conduit and the detergent supply line are one component and dehumidified waste air is carried outside the chambers through the detergent dispenser to the blower.

Abstract: An electric domestic appliance (1) with programmer (5) for washing and/or drying dishes or laundry which uses in its cycles hot water from a central heating system introduced into its interior mixed by a mixer (2) with a predetermined quantity of cold water, and which also includes coil pipes (3) disposed in the vicinity of the section where the washing and/or drying takes place. Such pipes can be connected to the mixer (2) by a diverter (4) which, on command from the programmer, can divert the flow of water emerging from the mixer towards them or towards the interior of the appliance (1). The heat of the coil pipes can also be used to achieve drying via electric fans.

Abstract: A method for controlling the drying process of a vortex-type washing machine capable of accommodating a laundry article for drying therein comprises the steps of (A) heating an ambient air by a heater, (B) driving a motor in a forward direction, (C) driving the motor in a reverse direction to the forward direction, and (D) repeating the steps (B) to (C) until the laundry article become dried to a desired dry level, wherein each of the steps (B) and (C) includes the steps of (a) turning on the motor to rotate the pulsator to spread the laundry article; (b) turning off the motor to pause the rotation of the pulsator to thereby help the settlement of the laundry article; and (c) repeating the steps (a) to (b) at least N number of times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the washing of a medium consistency fibrous slurry, especially a chemical pulp slurry in which the slurry is fed at an inclined angle onto a substantially horizontal portion of circulating filter belt, and then distributed over substantially the entire working width of the filter belt. The distributed slurry is then washed with a washing liquid under localized pressure to produce a slurry having a medium consistency range, i.e., about 8 to 15 percent. In order to increase the consistency to 20 to 40 weight percent, preferably about 30 to about 35 weight percent, the washed slurry is passed to a pressing zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for steam treatment and hot-air treatment of garments hanging on a conveyor by clothes hangers in a housing, into which the garments are introduced through an inlet lock and from which the garments are removed through an outlet lock. There is provided in the housing, after the inlet lock in the conveying direction, a steam treatment section with steam outlet nozzles directed onto the garments on both sides of the conveying path. After the steam treatment section in the conveying direction, a hot-air treatment section with at least one inlet opening is provided, which opening introduces hot air into the housing. At least one outlet opening is also provided, which removes hot air from the housing. The inlet and outlet opening are part of an air-circulation circuit system. At least one outlet opening is also provided, which removes hot air from the housing.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and related dye compositions for dyeing textiles which operates at atmospheric pressure, is open to the atmosphere, and does not require the steaming of the textile to set or fix the dye to the textile; specifically, a dye application structure for applying the dye to the textile having a variable threading configuration allowing a variable dwell time, a variable volume configuration allowing a variable dye bath volume, and a circulation configuration allowing the dye solution to be preheated prior to being introduced to the dye bath and maintained at a constant temperature during dyeing.

Abstract: Apparatus to refurbish cut and/or loop pile products, including carpet tiles, by conveying the product to be refurbished by a high pressure water or cleaning liquid dispensing device which has a high pressure liquid outlet supplying such water or cleaning liquid against the product to be refurbished at a pressure in the range of 200-2000 p.s.i.g.

Abstract: An accessory kit for converting a home dryer into a dry cleaning machine. The dryer has a rotatable drum enclosed in a dryer housing sealable by a door. The dryer housing has a ventilation system vented to an atmosphere and associated electro-mechanical means for actuating rotation of said drum and said ventilation system. The accessory kit includes: cleaning fluid dispenser apparatus engaged to the dryer which includes spray dispensor which sprays a predetermined amount of cleaning fluid vapor into the dryer drum and also actuates both rotation of the drum and the ventilation system for predetermined periods of time, and filter apparatus engaged in an outlet of the dryer ventilation system for separating soil from a mixture of air and soiled cleaning fluid vapor vented from the dryer housing and thereafter precipitating remaining cleaning fluid vapor from air during exhaustion of air through the filter.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of materials in order to modify the texture and appearance. This is created by application of one or more gas jets directed away from the interior curved surface of a cylinder, generating a vortex which rapidly and repeatedly cycles the substrate at low tension past the gas jets. The rapid vibrations generated in the substrate by the jets serve to break apart fiber to fiber bonds caused by finish and loosen up the structure of the yarns and that of the substrate. This creates a desired aged appearance as well as a very soft texture.

Abstract: To permit the use of combustible and potentially explosive solvents used in dry-cleaning operations, based on hydrocarbon compounds, the dry-cleaning machine is formed with an explosion-resistant housing (8) surrounding a perforated, rotatable drum (1) into which the goods are introduced. After carrying out the normal dry-cleaning procedure, and draining of dry-cleaning solvent, a vacuum pump generates an under-pressure, in the order of below 500 mbar, and preferably about 230 mbar, while heating the mixture to effect drying. A cooling coil, located at a lower portion of the machine, provides for condensation of solvent out of the solvent-air mixture and, after the major portion of the solvent has been evaporated, the heat exchanger is switched over to cooling for final condensation of any remanent solvent. The vacuum continues to be maintained, so that the boiling point of solvent, due to the under-pressure, is lowered by at least 40.degree. C., and preferably 50.degree. C.

Abstract: An oxidation intensifier apparatus for continuous warp-chain indigo dyeing machines for dyeing a plurality of adjacent spaced parallel warp threads passing in a traveling path through a plurality of dyeing and squeezing units includes a first oxidation intensifier unit (10A) on one side of said traveling path, a second oxidation intensifier unit on the other side of said traveling path between two dyeing and squeezing units (I and II), and a fan (19) in each unit for blowing air onto opposite sides of the warp threads passing between the units. Each oxidation intensifier unit has an inlet on which the fan (19) is mounted, a diffuser (22) having an air inlet (21) adjacent the output side (20) of the fan and a diffuser outlet (23) in adjacent spaced relationship to the traveling warp threads (12). Each diffuser may contain in its interior a deflector (25) and/or a grille-type conveyor (26) to assure uniform distribution of the air delivered from the fan to the traveling warp threads.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and a device for eliminating lint deposits in the hot-air circuit of clothe washers and dryers. The spiral backflow line (211) of the blower (210) and the air-heating chamber (230) are connected below by a line (220) which, along with the spiral backflow line (211) and the heating chamber (230), is filled with water up to a specific height (H) on the basis of the manometric backflow height (hm) of the blower so as to create a cyclical vortex effect that dislodges the lint deposits when the blower (210) is in operation.

Abstract: A substantially self-contained system and corresponding method provides practical spot cleaning of soiled garments without requiring the use of chlorinated solvents. A soiled garment may optionally be pretreated with either of a water based or petroleum based nonchlorinated cleaner. Thereafter, a relatively high level of vacuum force is applied to the soiled garment to be cleaned, and comprises the flushing agent for both the soil and the pretreatment cleaner. Drying effects obtained with the vacuum force may be augmented by the addition of compressed air directed onto the garment. A self-contained workstation practicing such methodology may optionally include an electric water boiler for generating steam to be applied as a supplement to vacuum and also include an industrial grade vacuum pick-up with a waste collector for generating the relatively high vacuum force, preferably at least about 80 inches of mercury of static pressure.

Abstract: To continuously print polychromatic designs on fabrics, a method is provided for horizontally moving the fabric with predetermined speed and direction, for drawing a prearranged amount of different colored liquid dyes, for applying the dyes of several colors to areas corresponding to predetermined adjacent points of the fabric in such a manner as to obtain particular chromatic effects due to the contemporaneous combination of several colors. The device comprises means for representing, on a video monitor, the image of the pictorial effect to be reproduced.

Abstract: In a unified washing-drying machine, the use of conventional drying means is eliminated and, instead, an electromagnetic heating system is provided at an appropriate place in the unified washing-drying machine as a means to thermally evaporate the remaining moisture in the washed fabrics during the drying cycle. A high-pressure air system with the air nozzle assemblies imbedded on the agitator is installed in the unified washing-drying machine such that the high-pressure air flow from the air nozzle assemblies can float the washed fabrics to have the evaporated steam or water vapor removed efficiently. Also, the high-pressure air flow can have the washed fabrics circulate and tumble well to prevent wrinckles from setting on the washed fabrics. Thus, with the invented unified washing-drying machine contineous, uninterrupted cleaning and drying cycles can be achieved with the additional benefit of saving space by eliminating an extra dryer installment as in a conventional laundry system.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system and method includes having a rotatable basket therein for receiving to-be-cleaned clothing articles. A fluid circulating system provides for the circulation filtering and cleaning of dry cleaning solvent through the cleaning basket and clothes therein. An air circulating system includes a motor driven fan together with a solvent recovery station utilized to pass heated air through the basket and clothing therein to extract the solvent therefrom. A steam injection system is periodically operated during the drying and reduction portions of the dry cleaning cycle to improve the efficiency of solvent recovery and increase the effectiveness of the dry cleaning system.