Abstract: A rotating drum tumbler for loosening damp, entangled cloths or sheets is disclosed which includes a frame, a cylindrical drum rotatably supported by the frame for rotation about a horizontal axis thereof and having an opening in each of the opposite ends thereof, and drive means for rotating the drum, and which is characterized in that a conveyer is secured within the drum for rotation therewith and operable to discharge the loosened cloths or sheets placed thereon through one of the openings when the drum is maintained in a predetermined position with the conveyer being horizontally positioned.

Abstract: A top-loading horizontal axis automatic washer with improved accessibility to the wash basket interior and improved operating convenience of the basket doors. The washer cabinet is provided with an access opening extending partially along the front surface and top surface of the washer cabinet, providing the operator with improved access to the basket interior through an aligned tub opening and basket opening. A lid is provided on the cabinet top for selectively opening and closing the access opening. First and second door flaps are provided on the back and front edges, respectively, of the basket opening, serving as doors for selectively opening or closing the basket opening. The second door flap has an arc length approximately one-third the size of the first door flap. Both flaps are arranged so that, when opened, they are out of the path of loading and unloading clothes items from the basket.

Abstract: Decontamination laundering facilities and methods are disclosed including a washer area, a filtering area automatically monitoring and controlling cleaning fluid quality discharged to the environment, a clean area, automatic monitoring and controlling air quality in the washer area, in the filtering area, in the clean area, and as discharged to the outside environment, and apparatus and methods for automatically timing waste water sampling, exhaust air sampling, and containment area air sampling. Automatic timing includes controlling and actuating the date and time of day for taking a sample and the duration of the timing cycle, and relay means for closing and opening various circuits connected electrically to timer contacts for energizing components of the waste water sampling, exhaust air sampling, and containment area air sampling.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes a drum having an opening through which launderable items may be delivered into and withdrawn from and a hopper unit that defines an internal passage between first and second open ends thereof. The hopper unit is pivotally attached to the laundry machine between an in-use position in which the second open end of the hopper unit is aligned with the drum opening for loading the machine and a non-use position in which the hopper unit is positioned remote from the drum opening to permit unloading of the drum. The hopper unit includes a closure member, mounted within the internal passage, that is movable between an open position wherein launderable items can freely pass through the internal passage and a closed position wherein the closure member closes the internal passage.

Abstract: This invention consists of a method and means for laundering clothing contaminated with asbestos fibers and/or with lead, herein called the contaminants. The method and means employed by this invention decontaminates the clothing in an environmentally contained, controlled and safe facility. The facility and the method described in association therewith permits contaminated clothing to be brought into the containment area, laundered and dried within the same contained, environmentally controlled, safe area. Clean clothing is then removed for further sorting, repairs, folding, counting and storing operations in another separated room of the facility. The facility and the method described in association therewith protect the health of the laundry operator and prevent the contaminants from being released into the atmosphere by the process itself. It also prevents contaminants from being carried from the interior of the facility by the person conducting the laundry operation.

Abstract: Laboratory-scale dyeing of samples of lengths of material must correspond to the continuous process conditions as executed in practice in order to obtain comparable dyeing results. For this purpose, the provision is made of joining the sample piece into a tube and of pushing same onto a roll which revolves continuously during dyestuff application as well as during the steaming procedure. For performing this laboratory dyeing-steaming cycle, it is advantageous to arrange the dyeing roll on a rocking lever pivotable from a dyeing position below the dyestuff applicator into a steaming position below a steamer hood. The steamer hood, for steaming purposes, need merely be moved downwards to immerse the dyeing roller in total into the steam atmosphere.

Abstract: The jigger apparatus is used for the treatment of textile materials in sealed reservoirs under pressure and comprises a cover mounted on a base, a hollow housing movable in relation to the cover along the longitudinal axis thereof, and a frame of the housing carrying production equipment. The frame is made of two parts, the first part being connected to the cover by a hinge whose axis is horizontal and normal to vertical axial plane of the hollow housing, while the second part is provided with supporting rollers resting on longitudinal projections available inside the hollow housing and a cross arm connected to said second part of the frame by a hinge whose axis plane of the hollow housing, the supporting rollers being installed at the ends of the cross arm.

Abstract: A washing tub and an outer tub are inclined together by a tub posture tilting mechanism. The tub posture tilting mechanism is constituted of a link mechanism structure. One of the tub posture tilting mechanism comprises mainly a pair of beams mounted integrally on the outer tub, a pair of bases mounted turnable on the beams, a crank mounted turnable on a rear base and an arm mounted turnable on the crank and mounted on a motor. The motor is mounted integrally on the rear base and drives the tub posture tilting mechanism. Another of the tub posture tilting mechanism comprises mainly a pair bases mounted turnable on the outer tub, a crank mounted turnable on a rear base and an arm mounted turnable on the crank and mounted turnable on a motor. The motor is mounted integrally on the outer tub and drives the tub posture tilting mechanism. A delicate washing clothes is washed softly in a triangular washing region at a uniform inclined state of the washing tub.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system wanting to accelerate dyeing time mechanizing the loading and unloading procedure of dyeing machines and consists in folding-up the fabric to be dyed outside the machine using a device capable of folding the fabric in a perforated vat reproducing both the size and shape of the kier of the dyeing machine, that is the part of the machine containing the fabric during dyeing time, and introducing the vat loaded with the fabric into the machine where the dyeing is carried out, the latter being equipped with a water-tight introduction door having previously joined the fabric to be dyed to the pass; in drawing out said vat from the machine after the dyeing procedure substituting it with a second vat containing other fabric to be dyed already folded-up.

Abstract: A method and means for laundering contaminated clothing comprising a facility which is generally divided into a wash side and a dry side with several other rooms being associated therewith. The facility and the method described in association therewith permits contaminated clothing to be brought into the wash side of the facility, laundered and passed into the drying side of the facility. Once in the drying side of the facility, the clothes may be dried and then bagged for subsequent removal. The method prevents contaminants from being released into the atmosphere or carried from the interior of the facility by the person conducting the laundry operation.

Abstract: A steam setting system for steam setting a plurality of bobbins reduced by a fine spinning frame in which a steam setting apparatus comprising at least a pair of independent steam setting mechanisms is provided on the way of a bobbin feeder line connecting a fine spinning frame with a winder.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging and discharging yarn cheeses from cheese frames. A frame has a locking rod extending downwardly therefrom. The frame also supports a vertically traversing carriage. The carriage mounts a pair of gripping arms which extend downwardly therefrom and which are disposed about, and rotatable about, the locking rod. The free end of the locking rod may be expanded to hold yarn cheeses thereon, and the free ends of the gripping arms have grippers to raise or lower a yarn cheese onto or off of the locking rod. Rotation of the arms allows them to be placed within spaces adjacent closely packed yarn cheeses. The entire frame is movable in two directions to properly place the locking rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for expressing liquid from a load of laundry has an upwardly open vessel having upright side walls and a floor and adapted to contain the load to be dewatered. Liquid can be drained from this vessel and a piston is vertically displaceable into and out of the vessel toward and away from the floor thereof. A relatively soft cushion is carried on the piston and has a downwardly concave lower face engageable against the laundry load on the vessel floor. The piston can be displaced vertically between an upper position with the lower face above and outside the vessel and a lower position with the lower face pressing the load against the vessel floor. The cushion has an outwardly concave side surface. The cushion can be hollow and filled with a liquid. In addition it is so soft that when compressed with a pressure of 20 bar to 30 bar it is of generally half the volume it has when at ambient pressure.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring textile articles laden with solvent from a solvent cleaning machine to a solvent reclaiming machine in a manner that significantly reduces the emission of solvent vapor to the atmosphere. An enclosed transfer vehicle includes a transportable basket, a flexible shroud covering the basket and a pair of sealed gloves for manipulating the machine access doors and the articles being transferred. A frame to which the shroud is attached includes an opening configured to match-up with the access opening of the cleaning/reclaiming machine and a closure for the opening. A collet is attached to either the transfer vehicle or each of the machines in a manner to be positioned between the vehicle opening and the machine access door to seal the interface. The collet is connected with a vapor recovery unit to recover vapors emitted by the articles while being transferred to the vehicle.

Abstract: The washing machine has a prewash chamber (11), a clear wash chamber (2), and a rinse chamber (3) in a tube (4). The chambers are separated from each other by separating walls (5, 6) having transfer openings. During the cycle period, which is defined by successive transfers of the laundry from one respective chamber (1, 2, 3) to the next, the rinse water in the rinse chamber (3) is changed more than once. The first rinse water is collected in a tank (47) and heated to the clear wash temperature during the cycle period. Before the end of the cycle the prewash water is drained from the prewash chamber (1) and the preheated clear wash water is filled into the prewash chamber (1). At the end of the cycle, the prewashed laundry together with the clear wash water passes into the clear wash chamber (2). This chamber can be heated via a steam connector fitting (43).

Abstract: The apparatus comprises two basins (1 and 2), baskets (3) which rotate in the interior of the basins. The baskets support loaders (4) which carry the reels. The loaders are actuated by a carousel conveyor (10) which is guided in its movement upwardly and downwardly by a central column (13). The carousel conveyor may rotate an 180.degree. angle. The apparatus permits loading of the reels with yarns to be treated and unloading of reels having yarns which have alreadly been treated, thus eliminating the dead time of the different phases of operation. The apparatus is hydraulically operated, including the motion of the baskets (3) actuated by motor (18) by means of the hydraulic gearbox and electric control panel (26). The latter controls automatically by means of a logical circuit all the necessary operations for good functioning of the apparatus.

Abstract: A commercial/industrial washing machine is provided with a body section which is pivotable between a loading and washing position in which the body section is horizontal, and an unloading position in which the body is forwardly inclined at an angle of approximately 7.5.degree.. The body section carries a washing drum which is rearwardly and downwardly inclined at an angle of approximately 2.5.degree. relative to the body section and is provided with internal breaker ribs inclined at an angle of approximately 15.degree. relative to the drum axis. A loading chute is pivotally connected to the upper end of the body section and is movable between a raised position in which the chute is spaced apart from the drum opening, and a lowered position in which the chute outlet communicates with the interior of the drum, the chute being provided with a counterweight system to counterbalance the weight of the chute.

Abstract: A method and installation are provided for the treatment in an appropriate apparatus of bodies of textile material introduced into and/or removed from the apparatus by means of a material carrier on which the bodies are loaded, the treatment such as washing, bleaching, dyeing or similar being carried out with a fluid flowing through the bodies in a circuit flowing in and out of the apparatus by the bottom thereof and established by matching sealing means provided on the carrier and the apparatus.

Abstract: In a combination appliance comprising a dryer mounted above an automatic washer wherein access to the basket of the washer is limited, the basket of the washer tilts forward automatically to improve access as the lid is opened by the user. The basket is located within a tub that in turn is mounted on a resiliently supported frame. A cable connected between the lid and a lower portion of the rear of the tub is maintained in tension by a pulley that is spring-mounted to the interior of the cabinet. As the lid is opened, the cable is pulled along the pulley to tilt the basket forward on the resiliently supported frame for improved access by the user to the interior of the basket.

Abstract: A laundry press includes an approximately hemispherical, circumferentially perforated pressing basket and a cover which is placeable on the basket in a pressure-tight manner. A diaphragm is mounted on the cover. A pressure medium can be introduced in the space between cover and diaphragm. The water pressed out of the laundry is collected and discharged from a vessel. The cover and the pressing basket are displaceable independently from one another. The pressure medium is introduced initially by means of a quickly delivering pump and the actual pressure for pressing out the laundry is provided by a piston pump.

Abstract: Power spray parts washing machine having mounted therein a perforated rotating drum which rotates on a horizontal axis and is provided with air operated means for projecting a door of the drum outwardly of the door opening of the machine for loading or unloading the parts into the drum. Sprays of hot water containing detergent are located above and below the drum.

Abstract: A wall adapter that can be incorporated in a wall that separates a soiled laundry room and a clean laundry room. The adapter is constructed in such a manner that it coacts with the tilting action of a tilt type washer-extractor machine whereby the latter can be utilized in a hospital laundry.

Abstract: Installation for the centrifugal spin-drying or combined spin-drying and drying of fibrous or porous materials comprising, in combination, a spin-drier and a material carrier adapted to receive at least one pile of spools or similar of fibrous or porous materials, said material carrier being formed from a plurality of supports each adapted to receive a pile of spools or similar, disposed along at least one ring about a common axis formed by a central caisson, said spin-drier being equipped with a basket comprising a plurality of pockets or similar each adapted to receive a pile of spools or similar carried by a support of the material carrier, said supports being designed to be each housed in a pocket of the basket of said spin-drier and the common axis about which said supports are disposed in a ring being formed by a hollow central caisson adapted to fit into the central pivot of the centrifugal spin-drier.

Abstract: A top loading clothes washer adapted for installation under a fixed or stationary upper structure such as a stacked dryer or countertop wherein the washer is pivotable to a forward tilt-out position providing access to its top. The bottom front of the washer is truncated and the pivot axis which is defined by a stable base is behind the truncation and in front of the center of gravity of the washer. A latch is provided to lock the washer in its upright washing position. The latch is releasable by an operator actuated control provided the water level in the tub is below a predetermined level. Accordingly, forward tilting of a full tub is prevented. Also, the operator actuable control energizes a mechanism which assists in the forward tilting of the washer thereby reducing the pull force required of the operator. More specifically, a biased hinge creates a backward torsion on the washer to provide increased stability during a spin cycle and the mechanism functions to counteract the torsion.

Abstract: A top loading clothes washer adapted for installation under a fixed or stationary upper structure such as a stacked dryer or countertop wherein the washer is pivotable to a forward tilt-out position providing access to the top and wherein a washer lid in sliding engagement with the top is automatically opened as a result of the tilt-out movement of the washer. Apparatus connected to the lid restrains its forward movement so that it is prevented from moving out from under the dryer or countertop as the top of the washer tilts forward.

Abstract: A top loading clothes washer pivotally supported so that it can be installed underneath a stationary structure and tilted forward for loading and unloading clothes. The pivotal support is provided by a stable base which also includes apparatus such as a hook for preventing forward tilting past a predetermined loading and unloading tilt-out position. The front of the washer is truncated and the tilt axis is backward from the truncation but forward from the washer center of gravity. In the upright washing position, rear feet on the washer provide support for the washer and also engage the base to horizontally secure the washer to the base for stability during spin dynamics. A biased hinge covering the front truncation provides backward torque about the tilt axis so that the washer feet carry a significant amount of the washer weight.

Abstract: Dry-cleaning apparatus comprises washing and drying drum housings pivotably mounted in the frame of the apparatus about parallel axes extending transversely to the drums at the side of the base. The washing drum is so disposed above the drying drum that the axes of the drums are substantially in registry when swung through an acute angle. Between a discharge opening in the washing drum housing and an oppositely disposed filling opening in the drying drum housing, there are conveyor means which connect these two openings.

Abstract: A washing and extracting machine includes a frame assembly on which a cylindrical housing is rotatably and pivotally mounted. The housing is connected to the frame assembly by releasable connectors each including a pin secured to the housing and a toggle latch mechanism mounted on the frame and actuated by a actuator. A hydraulic motor is secured to the housing to rotate it relative to the frame. An extensible cylinder is mounted on the frame and to a bracket secured to the cylindrical housing. Upon actuation, the extensible cylinder pivots the housing relative to the frame. The bracket includes a slot in which an end of the extensible cylinder is slidably positioned. A toggle latch is mounted on the bracket to lock the end of the extensible cylinder in the slot during pivoting of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for batch continuous laundry processing involves a system for continuously centrifugally extracting fluids from sequentially received batches of washed laundry. The discrete batches of laundry are continuously received by a conveying apparatus that automatically loads the batches into the discrete compartments defined within the segmented drum of the extractor. While the extractor is rotating, the conveying apparatus arranges a plurality of laundry batches to be quickly loaded into the extractor upon completion of the processing of the previous batches so that the conveying and processing is completely continuous and automatic. The conveying apparatus is vertically, laterally and longitudinally translatable to receive the batches from a washer at one level, to arrange the batches in two rows, and then to automatically feed them, for example two at a time, into the compartments of the segmented extractor.

Abstract: A dehydration apparatus for separating water deposited on articles charged in a dehydrating vessel by centrifugal force resulting from rotation, in which the bottom plate of said dehydrating vessel is constructed so as to be openable such that the articles in the dehydrating vessel are caused to drop down by opening said bottom plate and can be easily taken out.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating textile material for example bleaching or dyeing woven or knitted fabric in rolls or yarn on reels, comprises a horizontal autoclave tank having a removable cover at one end. The tank is divided into a treatment compartment and an expansion compartment and an expansion compartment by a partition of which the height is adjustable to vary the amount of liquid in the treatment compartment. The material to be treated is placed on a horizontal perforated cylindrical holder which is closed at one end and at the other end has a pump impeller on a shaft driven by an external motor to force liquid into the cylindrical holder whereupon it flows out through the material being treated. An injection impeller on the same shaft draws from the expansion compartment liquid which has passed over the partition.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for extracting liquid from cloth goods, such as laundry from a washing machine, wherein a dome having a diaphragm across its lower end is mounted above a press plate which is reciprocable beneath the dome between an upper position adjacent the diaphragm, whereby the diaphragm may be inflated by fluid pressure supplied to the dome in order to press a batch of goods received on the press plate, and a lower position to permit the pressed goods or cake to be moved laterally off the press plate and another batch to be received thereon at the start of a subsequent press cycle, and a basket is mounted for shifting vertically between an upper position to form with the press plate a container for the goods which are received thereon, and a lower position beneath the top side of the press plate as the press plate is raised to its upper position as well as upon lowering of the press plate to permit removal of the cake.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vessel to hold fiber to be dyed, the vessel being formed of a gas tight pressure resisting sealed construction and having a lid member to seal the vessel, the lid member being provided with a pressure control valve to control the internal pressure of the vessel, and the vessel being formed in cylindrical shape and being provided with a ring body integrally on its outer periphery; a flatcar for mounting the vessel which includes a pair of rotary shafts on an underframe, and the rotary shafts being rotatably connected to an output shaft of a geared motor by means of a chain, and the rotary shaft having a slip stop ring to position the rotary ring body of the vessel; and a microwave oscillating device having a radiation chamber connected to a microwave oscillator by means of a waveguide, and the internal pressure of the vessel being set at pressure above one atmosphere of pressure, and the microwaves are used to generate heat and the fiber is dyed by a boiling phenomenon at a boiling te

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for the wear of an electrode tool during machining by EDM of an electrode workpiece by the electrode tool. During penetration of the electrode tool into the electrode workpiece, relative displacement of the electrodes is stopped as soon as it reaches a predetermined reference position corresponding for example to a machining depth limit data entered in a control buffer memory. The reference position data is corrected as a function of the actual wear of the electrode tool which is measured by comparing the positions taken by the electrode tool when one of its active surfaces reaches the same reference position before and after a machining pass. The correction of the reference position data may be obtained either by successive approximations, or by a single calculation step effected after the first machining pass.

Abstract: A wet treatment machine, notably for dyeing or bleaching of fabrics in rope form, is equipped with a dyeing system and includes means for circulating, storage and folding, and fabric unloading means.

Abstract: A method is provided, along with apparatus for practice of the method, wherein laundry, such as linen or the like, is treated, following a washing operation applied thereto, by applying centrifugal force to extract rinsing liquid from a saturated laundry batch and then applying to the exterior of the laundry batch a pressurized fluid flow as a further treatment step, which is withdrawn from the laundry work batch from a point generally within the batch whereby rinsing liquid is withdrawn in a direction countercurrent to the preceding centrifugal extraction step. A suction may be applied at a point within the batch to either establish or enhance the liquid extraction operation.The apparatus of the invention includes a perforated spin-drying drum within a housing such that a circumjacent space is defined between the drum and the housing, and a remotely located blower in conduit communication with the housing generates a pressurized flow to the circumjacent space.

Abstract: A continuous tunnel batch washer of modular construction with the number of modules varying depending upon installational requirements and each module including a drum rotatably supported and driven to oscillate in a predetermined manner during the washing cycle and to rotate unidirectionally during transfer of the load from one module to a succeeding module with a unique chute or trough arrangement extending between the modules for transferring the wash load from one module to a next successive module. The drum in each module is roller supported and chain driven from a common shaft with a plurality of independent motors driving the shaft by a belt drive with each module including a reduction gear driven from the shaft and having an output driving the sprocket chain for the oscillatable and rotatable drum. A programmed control device provides continuous control of each batch of articles being laundered as they progress to the successive modules in the machine.

Abstract: A cleaning chamber and a separate spaced-apart drying chamber are provided, which communicate with one another. Articles are cleaned in the cleaning chamber while the same is out of communication with the drying chamber. Then the communication between the chambers are established and the cleaned articles are transported from the cleaning chamber into the drying chamber with a stream of air circulating in a closed path. After this, the communication between the chambers is interrupted and the thus-transported articles are dried in the drying chamber. A transport conduit communicates the chambers with one another, and a flap located in the former is operative for closing and opening the transport conduit. An air passage additionally communicates the chambers with one another, and an air impeller causes air to travel into the cleaning chamber to thereby transport the articles from the same, and to travel into the drying chamber to thereby dry the articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for dyeing a bundle of fibers, such as a sliver, wool top or a synthetic-fiber tow. A bundle of fibers is accumulated into a dyeing can, comprising a main can and an auxiliary can, and, then, the bundle of fibers in the auxiliary can is pressed from above to pack the bundle of fibers in the main can in the compressed condition. Thereafter, the auxiliary can is separated from the main can. Next, a plurality of full packaged main cans are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship which conforms to the layout of the main cans in a dyeing bath and the full packaged main cans are charged into the dyeing bath while maintaining their prepared positional relationship. Then, the dyeing operation is carried out. After completion of the dyeing operation the main cans are taken out from the dyeing bath and are turned over so as to take out the packed bundle of fibers therefrom.

Abstract: A wholly automatic commercial laundry in which soiled laundry is automatically routed to available washing machines, is automatically unloaded, conveyed, and loaded into one of several dryers which is available, or is conveyed directly to a finishing station when drying is not required. A unique programmable selector permits selecting any of several preprogrammed washingcycles, and modifying these cycles in accordance with the laundry to be washed. The selector also provides the necessary information for routing of the batches of laundry from the washing machines to the dryers, for selecting one of several drying cycles, and for routing the laundry to a desired finishing station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dyeing a bundle of fibers, such as a sliver, wool top or a synthetic-fiber tow. A bundle of fibers is accumulated into a dyeing can, comprising a main can and an auxiliary can, and, then, the bundle of fibers in the auxiliary can is pressed from above to pack the bundle of fibers in the main can in the compressed condition. Thereafter, the auxiliary can is separated from the main can. Next, a plurality of full packaged main cans are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship which conforms to the layout of the main cans in a dyeing bath and the full packaged main cans are charged into the dyeing bath while maintaining their prepared positional relationship. Then, the dyeing operation is carried out. After completion of the dyeing operation the main cans are taken out from the dyeing bath and are turned over so as to take out the packed bundle of fibers therefrom.

Abstract: A unit for automatically cleaning items such as laundry or the like comprises a plurality of reciprocating plungers mounted to engage the items within a tank containing the items and a cleaning liquid. Each plunger comprises a piston mounted within a canister. The piston is mounted within the canister in an arrangement which permits a limited relative movement between the piston and canister, thus developing a bi-directional pumping action. With each stroke of the plunger, the piston forces liquid through the items to be cleaned, first in one direction and then the other, by virtue of the limited movement of the piston relative to the canister, the latter serving to assist in holding the items to be cleaned in a position for encountering the liquid being driven by the piston. The combined rotary reciprocating action of the plungers not only serves to clean the items in the tank but also to slowly propel them from the inlet to the outlet end of the tank so that a continuous cleaning process is performed.

Abstract: A drum-equipped apparatus for the wet treatment of batches of material has a horizontally oriented rotatably supported drum including a drum shell bounded by end walls and including a central inlet opening and a central outlet opening provided in the one and the other end wall, respectively. The apparatus further has a drive for selectively rotating the drum in a treating direction and in an opposite, conveying direction. A lifting wall is secured to the drum in the inside thereof for displacing the material batch radially with respect to the rotary axis of the drum during the rotation thereof in the treating direction. Further, a slide is secured to the drum in the inside thereof for displacing the material batch in the axial direction of the drum towards the outlet opening during the rotation thereof in the conveying direction. The drum is supported in an external vessel which receives treating liquid into which the drum is partially submerged.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved washing machine having an outer wash tub adapted to be filled with water to a desired predetermined level. An inner perforated washtub is mounted in a concentrically spaced relationship to said outer wash tub and is adapted to receive the clothes to be washed. A compressor unit is adapted to reciprocate from the top to the bottom of said wash tub to briefly agitate the clothes and then to squeeze the water from them from the inside out.

Abstract: A drum-type machine for thermal dry or wet treatment of textile material including a rotatable, approximately horizontal drum surrounded by a fixed housing and connected with a drive mechanism via a traction device, the drum being charged and unloaded axially. Two radially externally disposed bearings are provided at an axial spacing at the drum with the traction device being placed about the drum between the bearings in order to transmit driving force to the drum. The traction device contacts the drum along the outside surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laundry machine comprising a washing drum which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis; the generated surface of the drum being formed with apertures through which washing liquid can flow. The drum is supported, preferably by an endless retaining element, such that an outer surface of the drum is spaced apart from an inner surface portion of a casing. At least one partition extends substantially radially inside the drum thereby dividing the drum into discrete segments. The partition has an aperture and conveyor means are disposed inside the drum for conveying laundry from one segment of the drum to an adjacent segment thereof via the aperture. A flange extends substantially radially outwardly from the drum, and from between each pair of adjacent segments thereof, thereby dividing the gap between the drum and the casing into pockets or chambers, means being provided for obtaining a fluid-tight seal between each flange and the casing.

Abstract: Drum for washer-extractor machines comprising: two end plates; connecting means between these plates; and a shell consisting of a series of panels hinged with their longitudinal sides one to another, the first panel of the series being anchored to a component of said connecting means and the last panel being fitted with locking means cooperating with said component of said connecting means.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder which are telescoped with respect to one another to define between them an annular treatment chamber in which materials, such as textiles, are treated with a fluid medium. The ends of the annular chamber are closed by radial flanges on one of the cylinders, and clearances are sealed by pressurized seals. Material to be treated is wound onto the inner cylinder, and fluid medium is circulated through the chamber while one cylinder is rotated and the other remains stationary. At the conclusion of treatment, one of the cylinders is moved axially with respect to the other so as to expose the inner cylinder for unloading and reloading. Novel T-shaped seals of rubberlike material are mounted within annular grooves in the cylinder flanges, with the head of the T forming a diaphragm and the leg of the T projecting toward the other cylinder.

Abstract: A washing machine comprises two frames each mounting a plurality of tubular wash receptacles and arranged to oscillate on a support in opposite directions. Connecting rods resiliently affixed to each frame interconnect the two frames and constitute an oscillating system with the frame and receptacles mounted thereon. A crank drive oscillates the system in the range of the natural frequency thereof. Wash and wash liquid is preferably continuously delivered to each receptacle.