Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine is provided. The washing machine control method executes a washing process with a wobbling device. In the method, an operation of causing a washboard to wobble and an operation of rotating a spin-drying tub in the washing process are alternately performed. An operation of causing a washboard to wobble in a wobbling position and an operation of rotating a spin-drying tub in a washing process several times to mix laundry is performed, such that upper laundry and lower laundry can be uniformly washed, thus improving a laundry cleaning performance. Further, entangled laundry can be prevented from being rinsed by causing the washboard to wobble in the wobbling position before rinsing water is supplied.

Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine having a wobbling device. The wobbling device is switched to a leveling position to operate a spin-drying tub and a washboard and to a wobbling position to operate the washboard. The control method of the washing machine includes the steps of detecting the load of laundry, supplying water through a plurality of stages if the detected load of laundry is lighter than a predetermined reference load, and operating a pulsator in each of the stages through which water is supplied.

Abstract: A cabinet is provided containing multiple chemical containment housings mounted on a base portion mounted on an interior panel. Each base portion has a nozzle press fitting into an opening to a flexible bag containing a dry cleaning chemical, the flexible bag mounted within the containment housing. In addition, the base portion has an opening connected to one end of a conduit, with the second end of the conduit connected to a chemical dispensing tube. The dispensing tube is mounted on a front exterior panel of the cabinet, and is held in place by a line under tension connected at one end to the dispensing tube and at its other end to a tension reel mounted within the interior of the cabinet. Squeezing of the dispensing tube while aimed at a garment stain causes the stain removing chemical to flow onto the garment.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a soiled textile product by using a heated cleaning composition. The method includes providing a hand-holdable single vessel with a hand-operable dispenser and a single aqueous non-effervescent cleaning composition within the vessel. The vessel bearing the cleaning composition is placed into a microwave oven and heated for a specified time period to be about 90-160 degrees F., whereupon a quantity of the cleaning composition is dispensed via spraying on the soiled area. Finally, the treated area is blotted by hand with a fibrous towel for removal of cleaning composition and soil.

Abstract: A dissolving device for dissolving a particulate solid in a supercritical or almost critical fluid comprises a circulation loop, in which there is a feed for feeding a feed stream of the supercritical or almost critical fluid, a cyclone, which is in communication with the feed and has a principal discharge for discharging a principal discharge stream of a solution of the particulate solid in the supercritical or almost critical fluid and has an auxiliary discharge for discharging an auxiliary stream of the supercritical or almost critical fluid with solid particles dispersed therein, the auxiliary discharge being in communication with the said feed. A dissolving device of this type has a low pressure drop and a high dissolving rate compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Washing items are washed simultaneously with softening washing water comprising alkali metal ion and at least one of carbonate ion and bicarbonate ion. The washing water before being softened is obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate having a pH of 9.5 or more and an electric conductivity of 150 mS/m or more. The softened washing water has a total hardness of 40 ppm or less.

Abstract: An in-home method for treating a fabric article in need of treatment and a new to the world, in-home, self-contained, stand alone fabric article treating apparatus, such as a “cabinet”-type of apparatus, useful in such method is provided.

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: A method and apparatus provide for an automated fragrance dispenser for the application of a fragrance to dry fabrics during an industrial laundering process. In one embodiment, the fragrance dispenser is positioned outside the dryer, and preferably on the exit side of the steam tunnel in the laundering process. The fragrance dispenser includes a sensor for determining whether the garment passing on the conveyor is the type of garment to which the fragrance is to be applied, for example, a uniform shirt versus pants. The fragrance dispenser also includes a delivery system for applying the fragrance to selected garments. The delivery system also includes a timing device for dispensing the fragrance onto the garment for a controlled amount of time. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, automated application of the fragrance to fabrics is provided in the dryer within the laundering process.

Abstract: A method for creating a pattern by applying varying concentrations of pigment in water to a synthetic fabric and allowing the pigment to bleed and preferably to reverse bleed. A pleated window shade having an Aurora Borealis like pattern is also provided. The preferred method comprises the steps of stretching a pleated synthetic fabric window shade vertically, applying pigment in water to the surface of the fabric and allowing the pigment to bleed, then inverting the fabric so that the pigment in solvent bleeds in the opposite direction. Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the steps of applying the solvent, such as for example water, to the pigmented surface before inverting or after inverting thereby inducing additional bleeding, blending, and dilution of the pigment in the wetted area.

Abstract: A plurality of washing machines each include a washing tub and a chemical tank therein. Each of the chemical tanks is linked by an equalizing conduit at the lower end thereof so as to maintain the same level of fluid within each of the tanks.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-intrusive automatic dosing system for use with existing fabric- and dishwashing machines. The system contains a container house with one ore more containers which can contain a fabric- or dishwashing product or ingredient, said container(s) being connected with a pump, said pump being connected with the water inlet conduit of the machine. The container house also contains means for receiving and transmitting signals. Signals are received from at least one sensor, capable of reading at least one parameter of the washing process or machine when in operation, and cause the transmission of a signal to activate the pump to cause the delivery of the product or ingredient to the water inlet conduit of the machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine with a float type clutch in which a float connects a rotating force from a motor to a spin-drying shaft or disconnects the rotating force from the spin-drying shaft as it is upwardly or downwardly moved in accordance with supply or drainage of wash water, thereby allowing a washing operation or a dehydrating operation to be carried out, while forming an air layer for preventing wash water from reaching gears included in the float type clutch.

Abstract: In the case of a bath-alternating machine which is intended for washing colored and white laundry and, at least in the region of its washing zone, is designed as a double-drum batch-type washing machine, the casing of its inner drum (26), at least in one of the chambers of the washing zone, is of water-permeable design only in a subregion (160) of the circumference. Devices for optionally discharging the washing water are provided at least in that chamber of the washing zone in which the inner drum is designed with said casing which is water-permeable only in a subregion (160).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of cleaning carpets and other large fabric coverings with a product dispensed from a device. The device comprises a reservoir for the product, means for dispensing the product, a spray arm and at least one dispensing opening. The reservoir is a removable non-refillable cartridge. Preferably, the reservoir comprises at least one compartment.

Abstract: A method for measuring soil in a wash liquor or other soil-containing liquid medium, the method comprising:

Abstract: Method for controlling washing in a washing machine including the steps of (a) sensing an amount of laundry in an inner tub and determining a washing water level proper to the amount of laundry, (b) introducing washing water into the inner tub according to the washing water level, and (c) rotating the inner tub in one direction so that the washing water rises along a space between the inner tub and an outer tub and is sprayed into the inner tub again by a centrifugal force during the step (b), whereby carrying out a pre-washing during water supply even if no separate water re-circulating device is provided.

Abstract: Fabrics are cleaned by treating at least a portion of the piece of fabric with a particulating chemical, and agitated by a gas jet of a particle-dislodging gas to dislodge the particulated soil. The particulating chemical loosens embedded non-particulate soil and converts it to a particulate form, which is then separated from the fabric by the particle-dislodging gas.

Abstract: A detergent collection tray is provided at a position spaced above a drain port in the sump area of an outer tub of a washing machine, particularly a horizontal axis washing machine. As detergent enters the washing machine during an initial fill operation, the detergent will be caused to flow into the tray and will be prevented from flowing directly into the drain. Therefore, the tray prevents the loss of detergent into the drain by functioning to capture or collect the detergent for use during the washing operation.

Abstract: A vertical axis clothes washing appliance is configured to meet predetermined energy and water usage factors by establishing a balance between water temperature, water level, and wash performance parameters. In accordance with the overall invention, additional controls for the washing machine enable an energy saving hot wash cycle to be established, with this wash cycle being designed to automatically establish a wash temperature which is intermediate warm and hot water temperature settings.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of rinsing a wash load (42) in a washing machine (10) having a perforated drum (16) which is rotatable about an axis (18) and which is capable of receiving the wash load (42) therein, and having a water inlet (36) which is capable of introducing water to the interior of the rotatable drum (16), the method comprising the steps of: (a) rotating the drum (16) about the axis (18) at a first rotational speed sufficient to retain the wash load (42) stationary with respect to the rotating drum (16); (b) introducing rinse water into the interior of the rotating drum (16) via the inlet (36) so that the rinse water is sprayed from the inlet (36) onto the wash load (42), the volume of rinse water so introduced being less than the volume required to saturate the wash load (42); and (c) increasing the speed of rotation of the drum (16) to a second rotational speed sufficient to spin a significant proportion of the rinse water out of the wash load (42).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of treating carpets and other large fabric coverings with a product dispensed from an appliance. This appliance comprises a reservoir for the product and means for dispensing this product which comprises a detachable and extendible spray arm. Preferably, this appliance is a portable electrical sprayer, and the spray arm comprises a handle, a telescopingly extendible wand connected to this handle, and a dispensing tube that is attached outside the extendible wand, and at least one portion of the detachable and telescopingly extendible wand is arranged inside the handle, when the spray arm is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: To assure the mixing of detergent into a wash solution during an initial portion of a wash cycle in a clothes washing machine, particularly a horizontal axis or tumble-type washing machine, an additional operational step is employed wherein an inner tub or wash basket of the machine is rotated at a higher than normal speed to create a turbulence for the purpose of mixing and distributing the wash solution. Most preferably, this additional step occurs shortly after the washing machine has been filled with water for a programmed washing operation.

Abstract: This invention is a dry cleaning business model algorithm 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 a 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 washing machine includes a control system which regulates a heater based on selected cycle operations and selected cycle operations based on heater related parameters. User cycle selections, along with sensed operating parameters including the level and temperature of a washing medium, are used to control the activation state of the heater to control the washing medium to within a preset range of a target temperature. Preferably, the heater is de-activated after a predetermined period of activation has been reached, whenever a door of the washing machine is opened, and during certain selected operating cycle portions, including a bleach fill and latter time cycle portions.

Abstract: A vertical axis clothes washing appliance is configured to meet predetermined energy and water usage factors by establishing a balance between water temperature, water level, and wash performance parameters. In accordance with the overall invention, additional controls for the washing machine enable an energy saving hot wash cycle to be established, with this wash cycle being designed to automatically establish a wash temperature which is intermediate warm and hot water temperature settings.

Abstract: A dyeing machine includes a beaker and a carrier within the beaker. The carrier includes a perforation and supports a sample. A pump assembly circulates a processing solution to a first side of the carrier. The processing solution passes through the perforation for dyeing the sample from the inside-out. The carrier is substantially a cylinder.

Abstract: A washing appliance includes a spinner basket having a curved labyrinth ring around its outer surface. The labyrinth ring blocks water from leaving the spinner basket during the washing cycle wherein the basket spins in a first direction. The labyrinth ring permits water to exit the spinner basket when it is rotating in the opposite direction during its spinning cycle.

Abstract: A device for dosing rinse conditioner to a drum of a washing machine comprises three chambers connected in series to an interior of a drum of a washing machine. The first chamber receives the composition prior to a start of the wash cycle and includes an outlet through which the composition is transferred to a holding chamber under centrifugal forces generated during a first spin cycle. During a second spin cycle the treatment composition is similarly transferred from the holding chamber to a dispensing chamber from which the composition is delivered onto the fabrics upon completion of the second spin cycle. A washing process employing the device of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drain pump of a washing machine is cyclically activated during a drain operation conducted as part of a spin cycle in a manner which reduces the run time of the pump. At least one dynamic operating parameter of the washing machine is sensed and used to control the operation of the drain pump. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotational speed of the wash tub is sensed and, when a predetermined spin speed is maintained for a prescribed period of time, the drain operation is initiated. Water level, pump power and/or drive motor torque can also be utilized as pump cycling control parameters.

Abstract: A method of washing and rinsing a textile fabric using wash and rinse product comprises:

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the pumpless transfer of liquid carbon dioxide cleaning medium in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning apparatus having a wash vessel, a working vessel, a vapor vessel, and a compressor. The apparatus is preferably overpressurized with an overpressurization gas such as air.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a control system which regulates a heater based on selected cycle operations and selected cycle operations based on heater related parameters. User cycle selections, along with sensed operating parameters including the level and temperature of a washing medium, are used to control the activation state of the heater to control the washing medium to within a preset range of a target temperature. Preferably, the heater is de-activated after a predetermined period of activation has been reached, whenever a door of the washing machine is opened, and during certain selected operating cycle portions, including a bleach fill and latter time cycle portions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting mass transfer in a rotating device or rotating system, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Mass may be transferred from the stationary member to the rotating member. The transfer of the mass from the stationary member to the rotating member may be detected utilizing a sensor. A controller linked to the rotating system thereafter may receive a signal that the transfer of mass has been detected, in response to detecting the transfer of mass, thereby permitting the controller to compensate future mass placements in the rotating system according to measured latencies. The mass may comprise a fluid. The fluid itself may be conductive. A gap is generally configured between the stationary member and the rotating member. At least one wire connected to the sensor may be inserted into a stream of such fluid that is created when injectors are activated.

Abstract: Articles, kits and methods for or reducing the drying time and/or temperature of wetted fabrics and/or improving the environmental impact of the laundry process. The article includes a fabric softening composition and a set of instructions associated with the composition, the set of instructions including an instruction to apply an effective amount of the fabric softening composition to fabric to reduce the drying time and/or temperature of the fabric and/or improve the environmental impact of the laundering process. Related methods for reducing fabric damage due to exposure of the fabrics to heat, for teaching a consumer to conserve energy and/or improve the environmental impact of the laundry process, and for promoting the use of fabric softening compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A detergent collection tray is provided at a position spaced above a drain port in the sump area of an outer tub of a washing machine, particularly a horizontal axis washing machine. As detergent enters the washing machine during an initial fill operation, the detergent will be caused to flow into the tray and will be prevented from flowing directly into the drain. Therefore, the tray prevents the loss of detergent into the drain by functioning to capture or collect the detergent for use during the washing operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for washing in a washing machine, which can measure an accurate washing load before actual washing is carried out. To do this, the present invention provides a method for controlling washing in a washing machine, including (a) introducing laundry into a drum of the washing machine, (b) measuring an initial washing load caused by the introduced laundry, (c) repeating water supply to the drum for a fixed time period for maintaining a minimum water level determined by the initial washing load, taking water absorbed to the laundry into account, (d) after the preset water supply time period, determining a final washing load in the drum based on a number of water resupply times for an elapsed time from the initial water supply, and (e) washing the laundry by a washing method preset according to the determined final washing load.

Abstract: To assure the mixing of detergent into a wash solution during an initial portion of a wash cycle in a clothes washing machine, particularly a horizontal axis or tumble-type washing machine, an additional operational step is employed wherein an inner tub or wash basket of the machine is rotated at a higher than normal speed to create a turbulence for the purpose of mixing and distributing the wash solution. Most preferably, this additional step occurs shortly after the washing machine has been filled with water for a programmed washing operation.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided with a noise reduction and control system which can sense out of balance and pump starvation conditions. More specifically, a microphone is used in connection with an electronic controller to sense an unbalance or pump starvation condition and alter a washing operation of the machine to counteract the unbalance or pump starvation condition. Additionally, the microphone and controller can respond to voice commands to establish the washing operation for the washing machine.

Abstract: Method of checking the aseptic nature of washing before opening at least one door of the washing machine. A washing machine (10) is fitted with at least one door (14) capable of being opened into a clean room (20) at the end of each washing-rinsing-spin drying cycle. So as to avoid this opening operation being performed if the conditions for asepsis of the washing are not ensured, opening is conditional on an opening authorization signal being emitted by a control unit (36). This unit checks, successively, the introduction of water into the tank (22) of the machine, the presence in the tank of detergent products, heating of the water to a minimum temperature and the maintainence of this temperature for a predetermined time interval. If any one of these conditions is not fulfilled, the automatic opening signal is not emitted.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is automatically responsive to indications of high suds level conditions during washing operations to, not only counteract the high level of suds, but effectively educate the user on avoiding the reoccurrence of the conditions. A display, such as an LCD touch screen which is also preferably used to input desired cycle parameters, is integrated into the washing machine for both alerting the user to the occurrence of a high suds level condition and conveying information on how to avoid the development of the situation in the future. In order to avoid prematurely alarming the user, it is preferable to instruct the user only after a predetermined number of high level suds cycles are detected.

Abstract: Microelectronic substrate processing systems include a microelectronic substrate processing chamber that is configured to contain therein at least one microelectronic substrate. A carbon dioxide supply system is configured to supply densified carbon dioxide to the microelectronic substrate processing chamber. A detergent supply system is configured to supply detergent to the microelectronic substrate processing chamber.

Abstract: A laundry appliance comprises a drum for receiving a load of articles. The drum comprises at least two rotatable drum portions and a drive which is capable of rotating the drum so as to cause relative rotation between the drum portions. A controller monitors and controls operation of the appliance. The controller is arranged to determine when there is an overload condition on the drive during a period when the drum portions are being rotated relatively to one another and, in the event of an overload condition, causes the drive to operate in a manner that alleviates the overload condition. The drive can abort the current drum action and begin the next drum action in the sequence and, after a predetermined number of overload conditions, can suspend counter-rotating drum operation. The user may be provided with an indication when an overload condition occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stain removal methods and products associated therewith. The methods of the present invention are especially useful as part of a dry cleaning operation, but can also be used under any circumstances where stain removal from articles, especially fabrics, is desired.

Abstract: A method of rinsing laundries in a washing machine with a tilted washing tub consisting of an outer tub and an inner tub is disclosed. In the method of this invention, a predetermined amount of water is primarily fed to the washing tub while constantly rotating the inner tub at an initial speed of no higher than a predetermined rpm, with the amount of water being predetermined in accordance with the weight of the laundries to be rinsed within the washing tub. Thereafter, a circulation-rinsing step is performed. In this step, the laundries are rinsed while rotating the inner tub at a second speed, with the water repeatedly circulated from the washing tub to a nozzle provided at the upper portion of the washing tub through a water circulation hose, and sprayed under pressure from the nozzle into the washing tub.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is automatically responsive to indications of high suds level conditions during washing operations to, not only counteract the high level of suds, but effectively educate the user on avoiding the reoccurrence of the conditions. A display, such as an LCD touch screen which is also preferably used to input desired cycle parameters, is integrated into the washing machine for both alerting the user to the occurrence of a high suds level condition and conveying information on how to avoid the development of the situation in the future. In order to avoid prematurely alarming the user, it is preferable to instruct the user only after a predetermined number of high level suds cycles are detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for controlling a washing machine according to absorption characteristics of the laundry. The washing machine performs washing, rinsing and spin-drying steps in sequence. In the washing machine control method, first of all, a washing mode for absorption characteristics of laundry is set. A preset plural number of intermittent spin-drying operations are performed in the washing and rinsing steps in accordance with the set washing mode for absorption characteristics of the laundry.

Abstract: A washing machine including an metal-containing bleach activation system and method of operation are disclosed herein. A peroxide generator, in the form of an electrochemical cell, is connected to a water inlet pipe to produce and deliver peroxide molecules into the washing machine. The activation system includes a catalyst which is preferably compounded into structure of the machine, such that when soiled articles contact the peroxide and the catalyst, the bleaching activity of the peroxide is greatly increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking and dispensing starch to laundry machines has a hopper (10) holding dry starch and a stirrer (15) and auger (25) for delivering predetermined amounts of dry starch to a mixing chamber (35) to be mixed with water. The mixing chamber (35) has a circulation pump (60) for circulating the starch and water mixture. A pressure pump (70) delivers starch and water mix from the mixing chamber (35) to a cooking chamber (80). The cooking chamber (80) also receives steam, which cooks the starch and water mix. A programmed computer (100) causes the apparatus to receive a request for starch from a laundry machine and dispense a predetermined amount of cooked starch to the requesting machine through one or more discharge valves (125) connected to a manifold (120). The computer (110) starts and stops the stirrer (15), auger (25), pressure pump (70), a steam valve (100), and discharge valves (125) to particular laundry machines in a programmed sequence.

Abstract: A method for cleaning objects in a pressure vessel with liquefied gases is provided. The gas liquefied under pressure is conducted into the pressure vessel. The temperature of the liquefied gas then, or beforehand, is lowered below the critical temperature of the gas and cleaning is performed at least primarily below the critical temperature and below the critical pressure of the gas. Carbon dioxide at temperatures between −20° C. and +20° C. is especially suitable. The mechanical interactions produced by the increased density and viscosity of the liquefied gas reinforce cleaning. Reduced solvent capacity does not influence the effectiveness of the cleaning. Textiles or components can therefore be cleaned at lower pressure and temperature.