Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a top transfer type continuous batch washing machine comprising an intermediate outer housing and an additional outer housing at each end thereof, with each outer housing having one or more bath sections, and a continuous elongate inner housing made up of cylindrically shaped drums having their inlets and outlets connected to one another. Rollers are mounted on the outside of the outer housings in position to support tubular members which extend between adjacent sections of the inner housing to suspend the lower portion of each drum of an intermediate section in a bath section of the intermediate outer housing and the lower portion of each drum of each outer section in a bath section of an additional outer housing.

Abstract: A conventional tunnel-type continuous batch washer modified for use as a commercial bleaching machine. The washer is modified by (1) lowering the rotational oscillation angle and speed of the machine's inner drum structure relative to its normal washing settings; (2) altering the water counterflow positioning and characteristics; (3) maintaining the water in the various inner drum section modules at essentially identical, relatively high levels; and (4) modifying the bath temperature characteristics of the machine. When utilized as a commercial bleaching machine the modified tunnel washer has a bleach zone disposed at its inlet end and into which a hydrogen peroxide bleaching solution is injected, a finish zone disposed at its outlet end and into which a softening agent is injected, and a water-only rinse zone positioned between the bleach and finish zones. Each of these three zones is defined by one or more inner drum structure modules which may be tandem or single batch modules.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for dyeing textiles, whereby textiles are loaded with a dye liquor containing dye in diluted form; several mutually separate dye compartments (dye containers) being provided and mounted in a zone above the dyeing chamber receiving the textiles to be treated. Several textile pieces are processed simultaneously in the dyeing chamber of which the base zone comprises supply lines with upwardly directed supply apertures for steam and for the dye liquor. Thus, it possible to deposit colors structured as pictures across wide areas and differing from each other on a variety of textiles. Furthermore, uniform dye soaking of the textiles is achieved in spite of such image designs. For that purpose, the invention provides that the dye liquor is made to pass from below to above through the textiles using pressurized transport media at raised pressure.

Abstract: A washing method by a continuous washing machine including a drum having a charge port of a wash at one end and a discharge port thereof at the other end, partitions for dividing the drum into a plurality of chambers, and a scoop for scooping up the wash with the rotation of the drum and sequentially transferring it from a chamber on the side of charge port to a chamber on the side of discharge port, in which the normal rotation of the drum without transfer in the transfer direction and the reverse rotation without transfer are repeated several times to oscillate the wash several times, and then by the reverse rotation of the drum of one complete turn or more, the raising/dropping motion of the wash is performed by the scoop at least once, whereby washing is carried out by the combination of several oscillating motions and at least one raising/dropping motion.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing washing machines, and controlling laundry chemical dispensers. The system enables a user to choose controls, such as: automatically select, change, increment and monitor formulations used in a specific washing machine, or in a group of machines; flush out chemicals to the washing machine in conjunction with a low level indicator; select a specific washing machine out of a group of machines for a different operation; a power reset following a spike detection, power surge or a brownout; readings for: hot and cold water consumption, drain output, and steam output; the use of a plurality of machines to perform a series of washings using a sequence of chemicals; and, print-out times, and dates associated with the operation of each machine in a series of machines. The control system is regulated by an input keyboard, and specific operations may be recorded by a printout, viewed on a screen, or both.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a main washing/spin-dry tub and an auxiliary tub in which clothes can be boiled. The auxiliary tub has its own water supply and a heater for heating the water. The auxiliary tub can be permanently attached to the main washer housing or it can be removable therefrom. A rotary drum can be disposed within the auxiliary tub, which drum can serve as a clothes dryer when free of water and with the heater actuated.

Abstract: A conventional tunnel-type continuous batch washer is modified for use as a commercial bleaching machine by (1) lowering the rotational oscillation angle and speed of the machine's inner drum structure relative to its normal washing settings; (2) altering the water counterflow positioning and characteristics; (3) maintaining the water in the various inner drum section modules at essentially identical, relatively high levels; and (4) modifying the bath temperature characteristics of the machine. When utilized as a commercial bleaching machine the modified tunnel washer has a bleach zone disposed at its inlet end and into which a hydrogen peroxide bleaching solution is injected, a finish zone disposed at its outlet end and into which a softening agent is injected, and a water-only rinse zone positioned between the bleach and finish zones. Each of these three zones is defined by one or more inner drum structure modules which may be tandem or single batch modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating textile yarn in package form is disclosed having a kier for supporting yarn packages for treatment therein, a pump connected to the kier for pumping treating liquor to the kier to treat yarn packages supported therein, an expansion tank connected to the kier for receiving treating liquor from the kier and connected to the pump for passage of treating liquor from the expansion tank to the pump for recirculation to the kier, a device for supporting yarn packages in the expansion tank, valving operable for alternatively using the expansion tank as a kier and the kier as an expansion tank. The kiers and expansion tank are of differing capacities to accommodate varying load sizes at minimum liquor ratios. The heat exchangers are also of differing capacities for more efficient operation of the system.

Abstract: A scoop-up portion of scoop means is of a flat plate shape so that water is drained by letting a wash rest on the scoop portion during the transferring operation. The wash is scooped surely in raise/drop washing so that the wash is not caught between the inner peripheral surface and one edge of the scoop-up portion. Also, an auxiliary plate is installed on the back surface of transfer portion of the scoop means to prevent the wash from dropping into the preceding vessel in raise/drop washing. Thus, the crumple washing and beat washing are performed efficiently, and cleanliness is improved.

Abstract: An improved flow configuration interconnecting first and second textile dyeing machines and their associated first and second pump assemblies such that dye circulated through the first dyeing machine by the first pump assembly is homogeneously intermixed with dye circulated through the second dyeing machine by the second pump assembly. The flow configuration includes a first elongated pipe and two baffle plates extending partially therewithin such that dye from the first pump assembly enters one portal of the pipe and flows along a first conduit partially formed by one of the baffle plates to encounter an opposing stream of dye circulated by the second pump assembly through an opposing portal in the pipe. The two streams meet within a mixing chamber defined intermediate the baffle plates and create a turbulent flow therein that blends the two dyes into a homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: There are disclosed alternate embodiments of a top transfer type continuous batch washing machine each comprising an inner housing made up of cylindrically shaped drums having inlets and outlets in their end walls connected to one another, and an outer housing having walls in its lower portion to form individual bath sections in which the lower portions of perforated outer walls of the drums are suspended. Scoops within the drums enable the drums to oscillate or rotate in one directional sense to permit the circulation of liquid through the goods and rotate in the opposite directional sense to transfer the goods through the outlet and into the inlet of the adjacent drum.

Abstract: In a rotary dyeing system for dyeing hosiery articles, a rotary cylinder is divided into a plurality of compartments for receiving bundles of dry articles therein. Each compartment is provided with a pivotable plate means which, upon wetting of the articles and shrinkage thereof, is forced during the dyeing cycle against the articles to maintain them compact and stationary to prevent tangling thereof.

Abstract: In order to improve the mounting of the drums 15 in drum-type washing machines, a bearing ring 31 which is at least partially exchangeable through an opening in the housing 13 of the washing machine is arranged between the cylindrical bearing connection piece 29 of the drum 15 and a bearing shell 26 fixed on the housing.

Abstract: A dyeing apparatus for dyeing or otherwise treating an elongate fabric material includes a cylindrical vessel and a beam mounted concentrically therein and removable therefrom the beam having a plurality of chambers isolated one from another and a dye frame unit rotatably mounted on a driven shaft extending axially through the beam, a first motor rotating the driven shaft and a second motor operatively associated with a mechanism for moving the driven shaft axially toward and away from the first motor, and away from the driven shaft to adjust the overall diameter of the dye frame unit on which the fabric material is wound.

Abstract: An archimedian screw washing machine is adapted for washing denim garments which have to be stone washed. The screw is adapted in that it is provided with lifter panels which cause the denim garments, and wash liquor supplied with the garments, to tumble and cascade as the screw is rocked back and forth. The invention also is a method of washing garments using the screw and supplying various washing compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dyeing and bleaching yarns and textile products in general, which comprises: a substantially cylindrical treatment tank with a substantially vertical axis and a structure for supporting the items to be treated which can be upwardly extracted from the treatment tank. The support structure comprises a support framework and a plurality of drawers suitable for containing the products to be treated; the drawers are stacked one on top of the other and can be extracted from the support framework, and an impeller provided for circulating a treatment liquid in one direction through the drawers, which are permeable to the treatment liquid, and, in the return direction, through an interspace which is defined between the inner wall of the treatment tank and at least one side portion of the support structure.

Abstract: A washing machine has a generally cylindrical drum extending along and centered on a horizontal drum axis and a helicoidal auger-like wall centered on an auger axis offset radially from and extending substantially parallel to the drum axis. At least one longitudinally extending rib on an inner surface of the drum is relatively closely spaced to a plane including the drum and auger axes and the rest of the drum inner surface is substantially free of such ribs. This construction allows the machine to operate with substantially higher capacity. During washing oscillation the ribs are lowermost and a much larger load can be accommodated since the drum axis lies between tbe auger axis and the ribs. Normally two such ribs are provided on the drum inner surface closely flanking the plane.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the flow and the temperature of wash water when washing out contaminations from fabric webs in textile processing methods upon employing of an open-width washing machine, whereby replacement factors are calculated at different temperatures and the costs of the wash water flow and steam consumption are consequently calculated and the corresponding wash water flow and the corresponding steam delivery are set for minimizing these costs.

Abstract: A high temperature dyeing apparatus of the type operating in an open chamber on an endless rope of fabric to be dyed, the rope being drawn by mechanical and hydraulic devices, wherein within a cylindrical body (4) having curved end walls (4a) there is disposed an even number of open treatment and storage chambers (25), cylindrical body (4) having at the top thereof in one of its upper sectors a cylindrical turret (26). In the interior of turret (26) is mounted horizontally a drive winch (2) having a cylindrical core (38) and two circular flanges (39) between which are disposed pairs of rods (34) covered on the upper side with a nonslip material (34a) having a knurled configuration.Inside turret (26) below winch (2) is provided a low pressure jet (22) inside a closed cavity (35) comprised by two spaced truncated cones (36), (37) and flow divider walls or thereon.

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 invention relates to a batch washing machine (1) with at least one rotatably supported and driven cylinder (2, 3), wherein several washing compartments are formed, through which the laundry is passed step by step. For this purpose, the cylinder (2) is supported by rollers (6, 7) at its two ends (4, 5) and is also driven at one or both support points. In the construction of a batch washing machine with a twin-shell cylinder, the outer cylinder (3) is stationary, while the inner cylinder (2) extends at both ends (4, 5) over the outer cylinder (3) and is supported and driven at this projection (23). Therefore, on the projection (23) a stepped annular flange (10) is fastened, which has an annular groove (11) for guiding the support rollers (6, 7) and immediately next to it a sprocket wheel (12) for the chain (9).

Abstract: In a batch washing machine which is divided by a screw conveyor into a plurality of wash chambers (I. . .IV) a bath level reduction can be provided in the final wash chamber by perforating the screw conveyor (and/or the wash trommel) in a region overlapping the reversing angle of 300.degree. for the wash motion of the wash trommel. One rotates the wash trommel as the need requires in the vicinity of the perforations. Water can escape in the desired amount in the final chamber in the sector with the perforations according to the extent of the rotation.

Abstract: A double drum batch washing machine comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, an inner helical transfer screw with the inner cylinder and an outer helical transfer screw within the space between the inner and outer cylinders. The inner helical transfer screw has a pitch in one direction and the outer helical transfer screw has a pitch in the other direction so that the compartments formed by the transfer screws within the inner cylinder and the space between the inner and outer cylinders define areas of overlap on the surface of the inner cylinder. The areas of overlap have holes formed therein so that fluid interchange is established between each outer compartment and only the corresponding overlapping inner compartment. Laundry is placed in the inner compartments and wash water is placed in the outer compartments such that it communicates with the inner compartments and the laundry contained therein. Laundry is washed by oscillating the washing machine through a predetermined angular arc.

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

Abstract: The washing machine functions according to a new principle and contains the washable items, particularly washable textiles, in stacked layers in a mesh cage which is fixed in position at a drum rotatably mounted in a casing. Wash water as well as drying air flows through the preferably stationary or slowly rotating drum containing the washable items, is pumped off at an outlet of the casing, and returns again by way of a recirculation pipe to an inlet of the casing. Intermittent rotation of the drum, for example, by 180.degree., is also possible. In this manner, the wash water or drying air passes through the washable items first from one side and then from the opposite side. All switching procedures are electronically controlled according to a preselected program schedule. The washable items no longer can be damaged by catching on the drum, the wash cycle is more effective and thus shorter than before, and electric energy and chemicals are saved.

Abstract: When both colored and white wash are to be laundered together, one has the problem that pigment particles are transported from the colored pieces to the white pieces and the white pieces are discolored. This problem will be eliminated in a novel counterflow cycling washing machine by providing additional components besides the control components for the counterflow which produce a reversal of the usual counterflow to concurrent flow when a colored piece of wash is in the machine or the washing zone. For concurrent flow operation switchover of the valves permits the head of the washing liquid in the upstream compartment of the washing zone to cause the flow through this zone to the downstream compartment where the concurrent flow liquid is discharged.

Abstract: This invention relates to automatic clothes washing machines, and more particularly to an improved structure in such machines for affecting the washing of very small loads of clothing in a high detergent concentration. The clothes washing machine has wash, rinse and spin extraction operations including an outer imperforate tub, an agitator, a first basket within the tub, a second smaller basket disposed within the first basket and positioned on the agitator for movement therewith. There is also a water supply for feeding water into the machine, drive system for operating the agitator to effect washing of clothes and for rotating the basket to centrifugally extract water from the clothes. Water is allowed to flow from the basket to the tub and then recirculated through a filter and into the baskets. The recirculation system is controlled wherein only a predetermined volume of water is transferred from the outer tub to the small basket by the recirculation system.

Abstract: This invention relates to automatic clothes washing machines, and more particularly to an improved structure in such machines for affecting the washing of very small loads of clothing in a high detergent concentration. The clothes washing machine has wash, rinse and spin extraction operations including an outer imperforate tub, an agitator, a first basket within the tub, a second smaller basket disposed within the first basket and positioned on the agitator for movement therewith. There is also a water supply for feeding water into the machine, drive system for operating the agitator to effect washing of clothes and for rotating the basket to centrifugally extract water from the clothes. Water is allowed to flow from the basket to the tub and may be recirculated from the tub into the baskets. The improvement is a controlled recirculation system wherein only a predetermined volume of water is transferred from the outer tub to the small basket by the recirculation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the wet treatment of a continuous length of textile material, containing a plurality of chambers through which the length of material flows in succession, in which a fluid connecting channel through which the length of material passes in counterflow to the treatment solution is provided in the region between adjacent chambers. This results in a significant improvement in the exchange of material between the solution and the length of material.

Abstract: When both colored and white wash are to be laundered together, one has the problem that pigment particles are transported from the colored pieces to the white pieces and the white pieces are discolored. This problem will be eliminated in a novel counterflow cycling washing machine by providing additional components besides the control components for the counterflow which produce a reversal of the usual counterflow to concurrent flow when a colored piece of wash is in the machine or the washing zone. For the case of concurrent flow operation the counterflow pump is shut off and the counterflow discharge outlet valve and the counterflow input tube valve are closed, while the valve in the concurrent flow discharge outlet positioned near the counterflow input tube and the valve in the concurrent flow input tube positioned near the counterflow discharge outlet are opened.

Abstract: A continuous flow laundry system and method incorporates a fluid flow control, temperature control, and heat recovery systems. Steam is injected into the system to derive appropriate temperatures for washing laundry; rinse water is provided at a predetermined elevated temperature by passing fresh water through a heat exchanger to derive heat from designated outflows of the system. As soiled laundry enters the system to flow counter to the washing fluid flow, it is subjected to a flushing section provided with flush water at a reduced elevated temperature; the laundry is then passed through a washing section where it is subjected to water at an elevated temperature for the washing cycle. The washed laundry is passed to a rinse section and subsequently to an extractor section for removal of excess water therefrom.

Abstract: A continuous batch laundry system is disclosed which utilizes a plurality of longitudinally aligned modules with an inlet chute at one end and a discharge chute at the other end. Each module includes a stationary shell and a rotatably supported drum or cylinder within the shell. A plurality of support bearings are suspended from within the stationary shell and serve to support each cylinder for oscillatory and rotary movement about a horizontal axis. By utilizing suspended bearings variations in length and alignment due to thermal expansion and contraction may be easily accommodated. Individual cylinders each include a large opening in both spaced apart end walls for receiving and transferring articles between adjacent cylinders. A transfer chute associated with each cylinder is utilized to retain articles within a cylinder during oscillation and to transfer articles into an adjacent successive cylinder in response to rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: A laundry heat recovery system includes a heat exchanger associated with each dryer in the system, the heat exchanger being positioned within the exhaust system of the dryer. A controller responsive to the water temperature of the heat exchangers and the water storage for the washer selectively circulates the water through a closed loop system whereby the water within the exchangers is preheated by the associated dryers. By venting the exhaust air through the heat exchanger, the air is dehumidified to permit recirculation of the heated air into the dryer.

Abstract: In a pass-through washing machine, use is made of three-minute rinse cycles. Accordingly, only two chambers are required for four rinsing stages during two wash cycles. The warm first rinse water of the pre-heated, pre-washed laundry is mixed to save time and energy required to heat the liquid mixture. The pass-through washing machine can thus be constructed in a compact form on a frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed a continuous batch type washing machine wherein means are provided for exchanging liquor in one or more of the successive compartments in which individual drums are rotatable in order to avoid injury to the goods due to incompatibilities between the goods and the liquor which would result from transfer of the goods into a compartment containing the liquor and/or circulation of the liquor into a compartment for a drum containing the goods.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the simultaneous laundering of different laundry items, for example white and multicolored laundry batches, in a continuous washing machine, as well as a continuous washing machine appropriate therefor, comprising a washing drum whose washing compartments are separated from each other and are in each case connected to another washing compartment by a countercurrent conduit, whereby the countercurrent conduits (10) in each case are connected to a shut-off means (4) controllable with regard to their opening and closing condition, the washing compartments (23 C to K) moreover are connected in each case via a conduit section (10) having a controllable shut-off means (2) to a common connecting conduit section (12) which in each case are provided between two adjacent connecting conduits (11) with a correspondingly controllable shut-off means (3), and whereby a program-controlled control installation is present by means of which the shut-off means (2, 3, 4) are to be actuated i

Abstract: Continuous laundering apparatus having a continuous conveyor carrying the goods to be laundered through the apparatus. Devices additional to, and separate from, the conveyor are provided for agitating the goods as they are carried by the conveyor. The conveyor positively carries the goods, including in one form, opposed elements confining the goods therebetween and in another form a single element on which the goods rest. The agitating means includes selectively (a) rollers which are free turning, and turn by engagement therewith by the conveyor and compress the goods between the rollers and a reaction plate; (b) plungers or pushers which are positively driven against the goods, compressing them against the reaction plate; and (c) grippers on opposite sides of the conveyor gripping the conveyor, and thus the goods, between them. A plurality of laundering units are arranged in serial attitude to accommodate different kinds of laundering steps in a continuous operation.

Abstract: Energy saving systems for a commercial laundry utilizing a plurality of machines wherein a simple diverter valve directs the effluent from the machines to either a waste area or a recycle tank. In one embodiment a system of troughs in the floor of the laundry are provided to collect the effluents from the different machines are directed to one or the other by the diverter valve. In the second embodiment, a self-contained modular device is provided, but again with separate diverter valves to control the effluent of each machine. Numerous optional features and many combinations of the features are possible.

Abstract: Continuous laundering apparatus having a continuous conveyor carrying the goods to be laundered through the apparatus. Devices additional to, and separate from, the conveyor are provided for agitating the goods as they are carried by the conveyor. The conveyor is a single mesh or web, surrounding or enclosing the goods, and holding them in suspended form, and the agitators engage the conveyor, and the goods, at the sides. In one form the agitators are on opposite sides of the conveyor, engaging the conveyor against each other, and in another form, on one side and engaging it against the wall of the tank through which the goods are carried. A plurality of units provide different kinds of steps, such as washing and rinsing, and the conveyor assumes a bag shape and carries the goods between the units.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous wet treatment of moving textile webs, commonly called a horizontal washer. Two vertical columns of horizontal rollers are provided horizontally spaced from each other with a textile web entry at a lower portion of one side of a chamber containing the rollers, and an exit of the web at the opposite side of the chamber. A treatment liquid introducing structure is provided at the top of the chamber, and in order to provide additional treatment capacity (especially for heavy, tight fabrics) a treating liquid introducing structure is provided at an intermediate portion of the chamber vertically between the web entry and the top liquid introducing struture. The intermediate liquid introducing structure comprises a liquid seal which provides the web exit, troughs extending from either side of the liquid seal to provide drain off into the seal and overflow from the seal onto a portion of the moving web.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for operating a multi-stage process. The stages of the process are carried out in a plurality of modules arranged in sequence to receive individual batches of goods to be processed. Formulas may be devised whereby particular process steps may be effected in the various modules on particular batches of goods which determine the choice of formula. In a particular embodiment disclosed, a controller operates a continuous batch washing system according to formulas devised to operate the modules of the washing system to accommodate particular wash requirements of the batches of goods. Continuous access to the controller is provided for modification of the formulas.

Abstract: A separate sequence controller is connected to each washer within a multiple washer laundry system for controlling the sequential operations of that washer. Each of the controllers has an intercommunication channel to every other one of the controllers. The controllers are operable to intercommunicate by signals through those channels to operate together on the basis of those signals to permit only one washer at a time to perform a common function that is to be performed by only one washer at a time.

Abstract: A spray washing system for garments including at least three spray stations for spraying garments passing through the spray stations. Each spray station has a liquid tank and a pump which has an inlet located in the associated tank. Liquid is introduced into the tank of the first spray station. Pipes interconnect the tanks of the first spray station and the second spray station, and the tanks of the second spray station and the third spray station for feeding liquid sequentially from the first spray station to the third spray station. The sequential flow of liquid between the tanks of the spray stations is opposite to the sequence of passage of the garments through the spray stations. Liquid is introduced continuously in the tank of the first spray station, and liquid is fed continuously to the sequentially interconnected spray stations. The pipes interconnecting the spray stations are overflow pipes.

Abstract: A portable thread dyeing kit comprises, preferably, a plurality of separate compartments each containing a liquid dye with an integral felt piece inside the compartment, the felt piece reaching into the dye and being soaked with same. Near the top of each compartment is a pair of orifices in opposite side walls of the compartment for transversely passing a needle through the container and through the respective felt piece. Accordingly, as a white thread is passed through the appropriate felt piece, the thread is dyed to the respective color. The device is extremely simple and thus inexpensive to produce as it avoids split arrangement of absorbent pads used for the same purpose in prior art.

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 batch washing machine comprises an imperforate drum open at both ends and mounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis. A conveyor worm having an imperforate helical surface is rigidly mounted in the interior of the drum to divide same into a plurality of individual chambers. Washing media is fed to the chambers by means of a pipe disposed on a central axis of the drum, the pipe being sub-divided into individual pipe portions by the helical surface of the conveyor worm, with each pipe portion including at least one outlet aperture communicating with a respective one of the chambers. At least one emptying aperture is provided in the drum for each chamber and through which washing media can be discharged from the chamber. During washing, each chamber is separated from the other chambers, so that the machine can wash different types of washing at the same time.

Abstract: A machine for dyeing, bleaching and drying pieces of fabric includes a generally circular, rotatable vat, an overflow box to which treating liquid is pumped from the bottom of the apparatus, the overflow box being positioned above the rotating vat, optionally a guiding and impregnation tube for carrying the fabric and treating liquid between the overflow box and the rotating vat, a roller for carrying the fabric to be treated and for recirculating such fabric between the vat and the overflow box, and a safety device for stopping movement of travel of the fabric when knotting or bunching occurs between the roller and the overflow box.

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: A laundry dryer source of heat for providing warm gas to dry laundry is utilized to heat water for laundry washers use, and is particularly suited for coin operated laundries. In the illustrated embodiment each dryer has a gas burner and a water coil is in the flame area of the burner, the coils being connected in circuit between a cool water outlet and a heated water inlet of a typical automatic water heater tank. A pump circulates cool water from the tank through coils and returns heated water from the coils to the tank whenever any of the dryers are in operation. Since most laundry is promptly placed in a dryer after washing, during high or low capacity operation of the laundry, the quantity of heated water is automatically regulated by dryer operation to the overall demand for hot water by the washers, the automatic water heater tank providing heated water during sudden surges in washer operation before the dryers are in operation sufficiently to supply the hot water.

Abstract: A tunnel-type commerical-duty washing machine has a horizontally elongated housing subdivided by a succession of partitions into a succession of compartments each provided with a generally cylindrical foraminous drum. Each drum is provided with a respective foraminous scoop formed from a first generally cylindrical section having an edge attached to the outer wall and extending between the end walls of the drum and a second generally frustoconical section forming a continuation of the cylindrical section and having a side edge joined to one of the end walls over a major arc of the periphery of an aperture in one of the end walls. Thus the drums may be oscillated back and forth to agitate clothing, but when rotated through greater than a predetermined angle the scoop will pick up the articles of clothing in the drum and displace them axially out of the drum.