Abstract: A method for controlling a fabric treatment apparatus including a case that defines treating space, a steam supply device, and a dry air supply device is provided. The method includes a steam mode, a dry mode, and a storing mode. In the steam mode, steam is supplied to the treating space by operating the steam supply device. In the dry mode, dry air is supplied to the treating space by operating the dry air supply device. In the storing mode, a humidity level in the treating space is controlled by operating at least one of the steam supply device and the dry air supply device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine that can prevent as well as remove wrinkles of laundry. A laundry machine includes a drum rotatable in a cabinet; a hot air heater to supply hot air to the drum by heating air; a steam generator to supply steam to the drum; a sensor to sense a laundry amount inside the drum; and a controller to control an amount of steam supplied to the drum based on sensing results of the sensor. In another aspect of the present invention, a controlling method of a laundry machine includes sensing a laundry amount inside a drum and drying the laundry by supplying hot air to the drum. In the drying of the laundry by supplying hot air to the drum, an amount of hot air is adjusted based on the laundry amount sensed in the sensing of the laundry amount inside the drum.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a case that defines a processing space where fabric articles are processed. A steam supply device supplies steam to the processing space, and a dry air supply device supplies dry air to the processing space. The method includes supplying steam to the processing space by operating the steam supply device, and supplying dry air to the processing space by operating the dry air supply device before, after or during operating the steam supply device to increase a temperature of the processing space.

Abstract: A device for washing and drying garments or other items in a single unit. The garments or other items are placed in the device on conventional plastic hangers leaving space in between each item. A manifold with arms extends between the items. The manifold moves up and down so that the arms move up and down the length of the items to be treated. The arms have one set of pipes that spray wash water, rinse water and other washing liquids on the items. The arms have another set of pipes that carry air to the items, drying the items. After the cycle is complete the clothes or other items may be left in the device until needed.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam not a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash course) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam into a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash vourse) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam into a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash course) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water, a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber, a weight sensor outputting a signal responsive to the weight of the steam generator, and a controller coupled to the weight sensor and configured to control a flow of water through the supply conduit based on the signal from the weight sensor. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the weight sensor.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises at least one of a tub and drum defining a fabric treatment chamber, a steam generator having a steam generation chamber and configured to supply steam to the fabric treatment chamber, and a conduit fluidly coupling a water supply to the steam generation chamber. The fabric treatment appliance can also include a flow controller and/or a flow meter fluidly coupled to the conduit to facilitate controlling the supply of water to the steam generation chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the flow controller and/or the flow meter.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water; a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the temperature of the fabric in a fabric treating apparatus.

Abstract: A method of operating a fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generation step and, after the completion of the steam generation step, a draining step comprising draining liquid remaining in a chamber of the steam generator to a tub of the fabric treatment appliance. The steam generator in one embodiment can comprise the chamber, an inlet configured to introduce liquid into the chamber, an outlet configured to exhaust steam from the chamber, and a drain coupling the chamber to the tub and configured to drain liquid from the chamber to the tub.

Abstract: A method of operating a fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generation step and a steam generator cleaning step. In the steam generator cleaning step, a chamber of the steam generator can be flushed by introducing a volume of liquid into the chamber greater than the internal volume. The steam generator cleaning step can also involve thermally shocking scale formed within the chamber.

Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises introducing liquid into the drum to wet the fabric load and spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum prior to the introducing of the liquid.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load and a liquid recirculation system configured to recirculate liquid from the tub to the drum comprises a pre-wash step; a heating step comprising introducing steam into the tub and/or the drum; and a washing step comprising washing the fabric load with a second volume of liquid greater than the first volume of liquid. The pre-wash step can comprise recirculating a first volume of liquid between the tub and the drum without submerging a portion of the drum in the liquid and rotating the drum. In another embodiment, the pre-wash step can comprise recirculating a first volume of liquid between the tub and the drum to achieve a fabric load weight to liquid weight ratio of between about 1:0.5 and 1:2.7.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises a pre-wash step; a heating step comprising introducing steam into at least one of the tub and the drum; and a washing step. The pre-wash step comprises recirculating liquid between the tub and the drum; rotating the drum at a first spin speed to distribute the clothing within the drum; and rotating the drum at a second spin speed greater than the first spin speed to draw the liquid through the fabric load.

Abstract: A garment processing apparatus is disclosed. The garment processing apparatus may include a manifold having a plurality of arms. Each of the arms may be configured to discharge air. A cabinet may be configured to support a plurality of garments with each of the garments positioned between a different pair of adjacent arms. A closed loop air system may include a condenser to remove water from the air discharged from the manifold, and/or a steam generator to inject steam into the air discharged from the manifold. A chemical agent may also be injected into the air discharged from the manifold.

Abstract: Excellent water repellency and Oil repellency are imparted to a textile by a method including (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a water- and oil-repellent agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent comprises at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains a cationic emulsifier and/or a salt.

Abstract: There is provided a garment steamer for domestic use that cooperates with a variety of different attachments to provide a variety of different steam or vapor emitting effects. The garment steamer also has an ionic and/or ozone generating/emitting feature to facilitate neutralizing odor and removing undesirable particulate from a garment. The garment steamer may also have a hanger and rod assembly in which a collapsible hanger selectively cooperates with a telescopic rod, which is connected to a base, such that the hanger can be selectively positioned at any location along the height of the rod and/or disengaged from the rod. The garment steamer also includes a fluid heating assembly enclosed in the base, a separable fluid container in separable fluid communication with the fluid heating assembly, and a separable hose in separable fluid communication with the fluid heating assembly, as well as with the variety of different attachments.

Abstract: The invention is a method for dry cleaning with binary vapor in which articles such as fabrics and the like are subjected to tumbling in a basket or chamber while heated air is circulated through said chamber. While being tumbled, the articles are exposed to binary vapor consisting of water and solvent under pressure which loosens or removes debris and soils from the articles. The debris and soils are carried by the air and binary vapor to a filter where the soils and debris are captured with the binary vapor continuing on to a condenser where the binary vapor is converted to binary liquid. Upon conclusion of the cycle the articles are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A machine for washing and/or cleaning articles comprises a sealable enclosure for containing the articles to which cleaning liquid is to be supplied. The cleaning liquid is heated to a high temperature and forced into the enclosure under high pressure as finely dispersed or diffused droplets forming a mist or vapour. A pressure greater than atmospheric is maintained in the enclosure to force the cleaning liquid into at least the surface if not through and into the very structure of the material from which the articles are formed, so as to assist the cleaning process by producing a quicker and more efficient saturation of the articles by the cleaning liquid. The latter may comprise water and detergent or a dry-cleaning solvent. The cleaning liquid is removed from the articles and the interior of the enclosure by means of a suction pump.

Abstract: A washing method in a steam injection type washing machine in which wash water is heated to generate high-temperature and high-pressure steam while passing through the steam supply unit in the wash or rinse cycle, and the generated steam is injected into the wash tub at the top of the wash tub. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly achieve the wetting of clothes with wash water while achieving an enhancement in sterilization and washing performances. In addition, consumption of water and electrical energy can be reduced.

Abstract: A clothes freshening device includes an enclosure to hold at least one garment to be freshened. A chemical mister is in fluid communication with the enclosure, the chemical mister producing a fog that is circulated around the garment to freshen the garment. If desired, a steam generator can be in fluid communication with the enclosure, the steam generator producing steam that is circulated around the garment to de-wrinkle the garment.

Abstract: Tubular knit goods including natural fibers and synthetic elastomeric fibers are steam treated and then circularly expanded and heat-fixed while being transported vertically downwardly over a circular spreader in a heat fixing chamber. The goods build up a buffer or excess material reserve on the conical feed section of the circular spreader, either by using a greater transport velocity into the feed section than that out of the feed section and along the spreader, or by starting to feed the goods into the feed section for a time before starting to draw the goods out of the feed section and then transporting the goods to and from the feed section at the same velocity. The goods relax in the buffer. Transporting the goods vertically downwardly over the circular spreader during the heat-fixing uses gravity advantageously, and reduces tension in the goods.

Abstract: A personal dry cleaning apparatus having housing, a wetting means, and sources of heat to form steam to be generated.

Abstract: A combined machine for washing and drying textiles comprises a wash liquor tub, which contains an inner drum rotatably provided and supporting the textiles during the washing and drying processes and having a volume adapted to requirements relating to the wash process, water supply means for supplying water into the tub, means for the supply of detergents, water draining means for draining washing and rinsing liquid from the tub, and means for driving a moisture absorbing gaseous medium in a closed loop past the textiles in the inner drum. The moisture absorbing gaseous medium, which consists of dry superheated steam, and compressor means are provided to compress part of the steam diverted from the closed loop and lead it to heat exchanger means provided to condense the compressed steam and return the heat released during the condensing process to the steam in the closed loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparative and reactive dyeing of cellulose material. In order to shorten the process time of conventional preparing agents and continuous operation, to make superfluous neutralizing agents for removing excess peroxy compounds as well as to reduce the mechanical equipment required vis-à-vis prior art and to reduce the use of chemical agents, the cellulose material soaked with the treatment liquor is continuously dried with pulsated air at approximately the same disintegration rate as the peroxy compounds thus used. Alkali remaining in the material from pretreatment which remained in the material is used for dyefixing said material.

Abstract: A low pressure steam jet fabric finisher (10) for steam setting of dyes on fabric during a steaming cycle, having a substantially cuboid housing (12) which defines a water reservoir (70) with a heating element (72) and a cylindrical steaming chamber (88). Steam from heated water rises into the steaming core (80) having an inlet (84) in fluid communication with the water reservoir (70) and thereafter into the steaming chamber (88) through a plurality of holes in the steaming core (80). Dyed fabric is rolled onto a helical coil spring (90) which is inserted over the steaming core (80) and placed in the steaming chamber (88) for dye setting during a steaming cycle.

Abstract: The method of continuous thermal treatment of a textile product with steam simultaneously provides optimum dye fixing and drying of a product web treated with a dye solution. This method includes applying a water solution of a dye to a product web to form a moist product web with the applied dye solution; transporting the moist product web with the applied dye solution through at least one treatment chamber in which the heat treatment takes place; bringing the moist product web with the applied dye solution into contact with a treatment gas including hot steam, preferably at 160-230° C., for preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, to simultaneously perform drying and dye fixing, so that the residual moisture content of the moist product web is less than or equal to its equilibrium moisture content under normal conditions.

Abstract: A of continuous treatment of a textile product web with steam is performed by applying a reactive dye on moist product web of natural fibers; bringing the moist product web with the reactive dye in contact with steam; using the steam in form of hot steam which is overheated water steam, with a temperature of 130-230° C.; transporting the product web during a steam treatment at least partially horizontally through at least one treatment chamber; and blowing the hot steam into the at least one treatment chamber onto the product web by nozzle boxes arranged above and below of the product web. The device is also provided for performing the method.

Abstract: The continuous treatment of a textile product web with steam includes subjecting a moist product web with the reactive dye applied on it to a steam treatment by bringing the moist product web with the reactive dye on it in contact with overheated water steam having a temperature of 130-230° C. for a steam treatment time of preferably 5 to 60 seconds; transporting the moist product web during the steam treatment at least partially horizontally through at least one treatment chamber; and blowing the hot steam into the at least one treatment chamber onto the moist product web by nozzle boxes arranged above and below the product web. The device for performing this method is also described.

Abstract: The use of saturated steam for the steaming of tubular fabric is known. However, this does not produce permanent fixing of the fibers. This only takes place at considerably higher temperatures, where the fibers are damaged, however. If the treatment is carried out rapidly, such as on a rotary screen and using a steam-air mixture, it is possible to carry out advantageous fixing also for elastic fibers at temperatures of e.g. 210° C. without damage. It is advantageous, if the tubular fabric is spread out at ambient temperature and treated in this spread-out state on the rotary screen.

Abstract: Continuous thermal treatment of a textile product web for dye fixing is performed by applying a dying solution on a moist product web, transporting the moist product web with the applied dying solution through at least one treatment chamber, bringing the moist product web with the applied dying solution in the treatment chamber in contact with a treatment gas which contains a hot steam, and using the treatment gas which is substantially composed of hot steam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to regulate the flow of compressed air and steam utilized in treating spots in cloth or clothes with a spotting table having a spotting gun. The method comprises first turning on the steam or compressed air of the spotting table using conventional foot valves and next throttling the steam or compressed air flow to a desired level by manipulating a valve provided on the spotting gun, which valve can be manipulated and set by the spotting gun operator with the same hand holding the spotting gun.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting yarn through a heat setting chamber has a rotatably driven central mast which is equipped with transport belts arranged around the mast in the form of a polygon in cross section. At least one yarn is wound around the transport belts in loops by means of a winding flyer. At the latest when arriving at the heat setting chamber, the loops should have a larger circumference than the polygon formed by the transport belts for the purpose of forming a shrinkage reserve. This is achieved in that auxiliary belts, ending upstream of the heat setting chamber, are arranged in the area of the winding flyer, the speed of which auxiliary belts corresponds to the speed of the transport belts and which enlarge the polygon to the amount of the desired shrinkage reserve.