Abstract: The present invention teaches a washing machine having improved cleaning efficiency by adding a generator of functional waster such as ozone water or electroylzed water to a full-automatic washing machine. The washing machine includes a water supplier for supplying washing water, a washing tub containing the washing water and a laundry, a functional water generator inside the washing tub, and an agitator for agitating the washing water and the laundry. When the washing water supplied to the washing tub reaches a predetermined level, the functional water generator generates ozone water or electrolyzed water, which is then mixed by the agitator. Thus, partial decolorization or damage of laundry can be prevented. Also, since ozone water or electrolyzed is maintained in the washing tub in a constant concentration, the laundry can be sterilized, disinfected, bleached and deodorized without being heated, which avoids damage to the laundry.

Abstract: A system for the operation of a number of commercial washing machines and automatically feeding liquid chemicals to the washing machines. The system has chemical reservoir pods with a pressure sensor and an output valve on each. The chemical pods are supplied with liquid chemical by refill pumps. The quantity of chemical in a chemical pod, and the quantity of chemical dispensed from each chemical pod is calculated from information received by a controller from the pressure sensor to determine when to open and close the valve. A further pressure sensor is provided in the supply pipe to each washing machine to verify and measure flow quantity of water and chemical to the machine.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A system for the controlled addition of detergent formulations and the like to a carbon dioxide cleaning apparatus comprises: (a) a high pressure wash vessel; (b) an auxiliary vessel; (c) a drain line connecting the auxiliary vessel to the wash vessel; (d) optionally but preferably, a separate vent line connecting the auxiliary vessel to the wash vessel; (e) a detergent reservoir; and (f) a detergent supply line connecting the detergent reservoir to the auxiliary vessel. An advantage of this apparatus is that, because the detergent formulation can be pumped into the auxiliary vessel in a predetermined aliquot or amount, which predetermined aliquot or amount can then be transferred into the wash vessel where it combines with the liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution, the detergent formulation can be added to the cleaning solution in a more controlled or accurate manner.

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 device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, said device comprising at least one absorbent means for absorbing at least some of said composition from the fabric wherein the ratio of the working surface and the thickness or height of the absorbent means is preferably lower than 3000 mm. In a method of use, the liquid cleaning composition is applied to the fabric and some of the composition so applied is absorbed into the absorbent means.

Abstract: A device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, the device comprising a reservoir for holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric and absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the composition from the fabric. In a method of use, the liquid cleaning composition is applied to the fabric with the applicator and some of the composition so applied is absorbed into the absorbent means.

Abstract: A pressurized pretreatment process for removal of stains on fabrics prior to washing employing means for delivering a stain pretreating solution under the pressure of water or air or a combination of water and air. Stains are effectively removed on such fabrics as polyester/cotton blends and cotton, and a washing machine having delivery means for delivering a stain pretreating solution under pressure.

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: The Dry to Dry Wet Cleaning System employs the use of distilled water, ultra-sonic micro bubbles, ionized water and ionized air in the washing and drying cycles of a cleaning machine system for the cleaning of fabrics.

Abstract: A process by which dithering techniques and in situ blending techniques may be used to reproduce a desired multi-colored dyed pattern on a substrate using precisely delivered quantities of liquid colorants that are available in only a relatively few colors. Specific preferred process colors, as well as procedures for expanding the range of reproduced colors using such process colors, are presented Optionally, specific actuation instructions for a specific dye injection machine capable of patterning a moving textile substrate may be generated.

Abstract: An economically viable process and system for centrally processing multiple loads of laundry with minimum environmental impact. A system and method of laundering whereby successive loads of laundry may be washed while continuously providing effective soil removal comprising at least partially recycled wash water from at least one previous wash cycle. The system and the method of using the same comprises filtering wash water with at least one filter to form wash retentate and wash permeate. The use of wash permeate in successive washes provides for reuse of chemicals and water recovery. A similar arrangement may be used with regard to the rinse water. Advantageously, one embodiment of the invention provides for the use of rinse retentate as make up water in the wash loop which increases water recovery and chemical recovery. Ultimately, the invention can reduce the production of gray water and recover chemicals used in the laundering process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a carbohydrate group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant has a hydrocarbon group that is more solvent-philic than a carbohydrate group, and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus that prevents an undesirable chemical reaction between different liquid chemical streams in a dispenser comprising a dispenser having a common manifold leading to a use locus. The common manifold has a pumping station directed to the common manifold and the pumping station has at least two chemical input lines. The dispenser is controlled by an electromechanical controller that prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams in sequence without an intervening water flush and prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams simultaneously. The liquid inputs to the pumping station are keyed such that the inputs can be connected only to containers that fit the keyed inputs.

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: This invention concerns a ozone injector system for injecting ozone into a dry cleaning machine after a solvent cycle has completed while recirculating solvent residual gas that has gravitated outside the dry cleaning machine. The invention comprises an ozone generator, an ozone injection assembly and a controller. The ozone generator is slideably positioned next to the dry cleaning machine while the ozone injection assembly is flexably connected to the ozone generator. The ozone injector assembly comprises a solenoid solvent valve and a solenoid ozone valve which are connected to each other by fixtures and communicate with each other via the controller to inject ozone after the solvent flow. The ozone generator further recirculates heavier than air solvent gas which gravitates outside the dry cleaning machine upon opening after the ozone cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling waste water treatment is disclosed. A feed-forward controller adjusts chemical injection pumps in response to signals from the contaminant zone, while delays to accommodate the time required for the contaminated water to reach the reaction or DAF tank are provided. Flow rate information from downstream of an equalization tank, but upstream of the chemical injection pumps, is monitored. By using both the data from the contamination points and the flow meter, the chemical injection pumps more accurately provide the necessary amount of chemicals to accommodate both volume of contaminated water and contaminant concentrations in the waste water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluoronated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.

Abstract: Laundry items washed and, if necessary, aftertreated in the tunnel washing machine (10) are, upon leaving the tunnel washing machine (10), freed from a portion of the liquid clinging to them (bound liquor) in a hydroextraction press (21). The remaining portion of the bound liquor is removed from the laundry items by subsequent drying, a process which consumes much time and energy.

Abstract: A system for the operation of a number of commercial washing machines and automatically feeding liquid chemicals to the washing machines. The system has chemical reservoir pods with a pressure sensor and an output valve on each. The chemical pods are supplied with liquid chemical by refill pumps. The quantity of chemical in a chemical pod, and the quantity of chemical dispensed from each chemical pod is calculated from information received by a controller from the pressure sensor to determine when to open and close the valve. A further pressure sensor is provided in the supply pipe to each washing machine to verify and measure flow quantity of water and chemical to the machine.

Abstract: An magnetic/electromagnetic apparatus and process for for laundering garments in an industrial, commercial or residential application with the steps of: Application of permanent magnetics or electromagnetism to the interior or exterior of a washing machine to elevate the normal cleaning ability of water via increasing solvency by magnetic influence to clean laundry without the use of chemical laundry detergents; magnetic apparatus is submerged in washing water inside drum of machine, affixed to the exterior of the drum where water is contained, or to the incoming water line to the machine; a plurality of shapes and sizes whereby the magnetic apparatus may be placed within or permanently installed on/in either a commercial or residential sized washing machine; apparatus is within a close proximity to the wash water whereby the magnetic emittance may effectively induce eddy currents to affect the water; a plurality of magnetic apparatuses may be necessary for any washing machine exceeding 5 pound laundry capaci

Abstract: In the case of continuous-process washing machines (10), the treatment liquid used is conducted together with the items of laundry (11) through a drum (12) in the treatment direction (17), and in the process the items of laundry (11) are transferred together with the treatment liquid from, for example, a washing chamber (18) to a rinsing chamber (19). This leads to some of the washing liquid being mixed with the rinsing liquid, which has a disadvantageous effect on the rinsing process.

Abstract: The present invention is a fully automated modified batch dyeing process that provides a process that reduces water consumption, reduces environmental pollution, and reduces the energy and chemical consumption of the conventional batch dyeing process through efficient reuse of spent dyebath. The invention provides a holding tank which stores the spent dyebath, and an analysis system which allows for the analysis of the dyebath in the holding tank so that the dyebath may be reconstituted and used in the batch dyeing process.

Abstract: A method and system for isolating water pressure from appliance water connections provides protection from structural damage due to bursting of flexible hoses that connect an appliance to a rigid plumbing water supply. The system includes at least one electrically controllable valve, a connection for coupling the valve to a water supply connection, a connection for attachment to the appliance water supply hoses and an interface for receiving a signal from the appliance control system. An appliance may provide an interface connection for coupling to a control connection on the system, or the system may be connected to existing electrical terminals within a standard appliance that control internal solenoid valves. The system and method isolate water pressure from the flexible hoses supplying water to the appliance, automatically shutting off the supply connections when the appliance does not require water flow.

Abstract: Actuators on a control panel for entering single functions of an individual operating program cycle which can be invoked under a given name and can be properly executed under microprocessor control are also used for setting particular operating program sequences or particular parameter values of program functions. The actuators can be actuated in at least one sequence of function entries such that the sequence of function entries is a code for particular update functions.

Abstract: A novel carpet extractor is disclosed having a first cleaning liquid conduit that communicates a supply reservoir with a cleaning liquid distributor via a first valve and a second cleaning liquid conduit that communicates the supply reservoir with the liquid distributor via a second valve. The first valve is actuated by a main trigger and the second valve is actuated by a surge button, both of which are conveniently located in the hand grip on the handle of the machine for propelling the machine over a floor surface. A first normal flow of cleaning liquid is obtained for normal cleaning by depressing the trigger and a second greater flow of cleaning liquid is obtained by depressing the button and the trigger simultaneously. A mechanism is preferably included that will open the first valve in the event an operator depresses only the surge button.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus and method that greatly increases the efficiency and flexibility in using ozone in the laundry process by permitting an operator to set the level of dissolved ozone concentration delivered to the washing machines, depending upon the amount and type of soil on the laundry. Furthermore, the present invention ensures that there is enough dissolved ozone available in the wash water to meet the demand of the washing apparatus. Lastly, the present invention monitors and maintains the desired amount of dissolved ozone to be delivered to the washers.

Abstract: A washing machine having improved cleaning efficiency by adding a generator of functional water such as ozone water or electrolyzed water to a full-automatic washing machine, and a washing method thereof, are provided. The washing machine includes a water supplier for supplying washing water, a washing tub containing the washing water supplied from the water supplier and a laundry, a functional water generator installed inside the washing tub, and an agitator for agitating the washing water and the laundry contained in the washing tub. When the washing water supplied to the washing tub reaches a predetermined level, the functional water generator is operated to generate ozone water or electrolyzed water, which is then mixed by the agitator. Thus, partial decolorization or damage of the laundry can be prevented.

Abstract: A process and system for controlling respective agitator motion patterns in a washing machine having a motor drive coupled to energize a motor that drives the agitator is provided. The process allows for selecting a desired agitator motion pattern based on one or more pattern selection signals. The process further allows measuring one or more parameters indicative of the actual agitator motion pattern. A comparing step allows for comparing the actual agitator motion pattern against the desired agitator motion pattern, and an adjusting step allows for adjusting one or more control signals supplied to the motor drive for correcting deviations between the actual agitator motion pattern and the desired motion pattern.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus and method that greatly increases the efficiency and flexibility in using ozone in the laundry process by permitting an operator to set the level of dissolved ozone concentration delivered to the washing machines, depending upon the amount and type of soil on the laundry. Furthermore, the present invention ensures that there is enough dissolved ozone available in the wash water to meet the demand of the washing apparatus. Lastly, the present invention monitors and maintains the desired amount of dissolved ozone to be delivered to the washers.

Abstract: A process of cleaning textiles, including textiles that are labeled dry clean only, without the use of large quantities of environmentally hazardous dry cleaning fluids such as those containing perchloroethylene or petroleum. The process uses hand treatment of soiled areas with a cleaning agent, with subsequent washing in water, followed by washing in ozonated water to remove the cleaning agent and the water. The textile is dried using a process that does not depend on tumbling of the textile in the presence of heat to dry the textile.

Abstract: Method for controlling a full automatic washing machine, the method comprising a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle, wherein the washing or the rinsing cycle includes the step of rotating an inner tub at a high speed higher than a preset speed in one direction, thereby making a centrifugal force caused by high speed rotation of the inner tub, to push laundry against a wall of the inner tub, to enforce washing water in the inner tub to penetrate through the laundry at a speed higher than required to make the washing done, and to pump the washing water penetrated through the laundry and discharged into an outer tub upward, to recirculate to the inner tub.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a combination of at least one dense phase fluid and at least one dense phase fluid modifier which can be used to contact substrates for electronic parts such as semiconductor wafers or chips to remove photoresist materials which are applied to the substrates during manufacture of the electronic parts. The dense phase fluid modifier is one selected from the group of cyclic, aliphatic or alicyclic compounds having the functional group: wherein Y is a carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur atom or a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a halogen or halogenated hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, silicon or a fluorinated silicon group; and wherein R1 and R2 can be the same or different substituents; and wherein, as in the case where X is nitrogen, R1 or R2 may not be present.

Abstract: Method for controlling washing during spinning in a tilt-type washing machine for attenuation of vibration, including (a) a main rotation step for exerting a centrifugal force to the laundry gathered to a center of the inner tub for spreading the laundry to an inside wall of the inner tub before the water discharging step, (b) a laundry disentangle alternately rotating step for alternately rotating the inner tub for a preset times to disentangle the laundry spread to the inside wall of the inner tub, and (c) a supplementary rotating step for rotating the inner tub at a preset RPM to keep the laundry in the tilted inner tub spread evenly during the water discharge step, or alternatively (a) a laundry disentangle alternately rotating step for alternately rotating the inner tub to eliminate the eccentricity of the laundry in the inner tub before the water discharge step, and (b) a determining step either for carrying out a control pattern to eliminate the eccentricity of the laundry if the eccentricity of the la

Abstract: A method for conserving carbon dioxide vapor in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution to clean articles, where the method includes removing carbon dioxide vapor from a wash tank to a vapor tank, storing the carbon dioxide vapor in the vapor tank; and charging the wash tank with carbon dioxide vapor from the vapor tank. The method may be performed as part of a wash cycle that includes filling the wash tank with cleaning solution, washing articles to be cleaned in the wash tank, and emptying the cleaning solution out of the wash tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a carpet with a liquid composition having a residuality index of less than 40% after vacuum cleaning, said method comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A dyeing process comprising a number of liquid treatment steps such as washing and rinsing, after the application of the dyeing liquor to the textile, the fabric being centrifuged after each treatment step; and a centrifuge adapted for carrying out the centrifugation.

Abstract: A process for washing laundry using a hand-held container having a mixing volume, friction means and dispensing means, the process comprising a first step of preparing a mixture by inserting a detergent composition and water in the mixing volume, a second step of cleaning the laundry by dispensing at least part of the mixture onto the laundry and by scrubbing the laundry with the friction means, the process being characterised in that the second step is directly followed by a rinsing step.

Abstract: A laundering process for a laundering machine, the machine comprising a tank (1), for containing a washing liquid, and a perforated basket (2), for containing the clothes and which is internal to the tank (1), the laundering process comprising a soaking step, a washing step and generally a centrifugal step, a control unit commanding the operation of the laundering machine. The soaking step comprises the following phases: feeding the tank (1) with the washing liquid, until reaching a determined soaking level (L2), which is lower than a respective washing level (L1) selected among a plurality of washing levels, and submitting the load of clothes immersed in the washing liquid, alternately, to a resting condition during a resting period (Tr), and to an agitation condition, during at least one agitation period (Ta1, Ta2), which is shorter than the resting period (Tr), until the soaking step has been completed.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus comprising a drum for containing and agitating an article, wherein the drum comprises at least two rotatable drum portions in rotatable connection with one another, a rotator member in connection with each rotatable drum portion for rotating the drum portion about an axis. The apparatus is preferably a washing machine, and the method of operating the apparatus comprises inserting at least one article, preferably a plurality of articles, into the drum; and rotating each rotatable drum portion independently of one another to agitate the article or articles.

Abstract: A washing appliance having a thermally actuated diverter valve to allow for the diversion of water through the water holding receptacle of the washing appliance, where control means controls the turning on and off of an inlet valve and energizing of the thermally actuated diverter valve. A method of controlling a thermally activated valve in the cycle of the washing appliance is also disclosed. This method provides for the operation of a thermally actuated diverter valve during a recirculation wash phase in a washing appliance. The present invention allows for the thermally actuated diverter valve's “on time” life to be conserved, particularly in situations where the flow of water into the appliance is low, for example when the appliance is used in areas where water pressure is low, or when valves or pipes are blocked or obscured.

Abstract: A drawer-type washing machine and process of washing laundry using the washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine has a housing opened at its front to form a cavity. A cabinet, opened at its top, is received in the cavity of the housing such that the cabinet is movable forward or backward relative to the housing. A washing tub unit, consisting of an outer tub and an inner tub, is set within the cabinet. This washing tub unit contains washing water therein, and carries out both a washing operation and a spin-drying operation for laundry contained therein. A drive unit is installed at a position under the outer tub of the washing tub unit, and rotates the inner tub of the washing tub unit. A suspension unit supports the washing tub unit within the cabinet while performing a damping function of attenuating operational vibrations of the washing tub unit.

Abstract: A control device for a laundry appliance storing an operation program inputs information about washing and adjusts the operation program of the laundry appliance on the basis of the input washing information.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a carbohydrate group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant has a hydrocarbon group that is more solvent-philic than a carbohydrate group, and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for washing laundry and a wash path for laundry in bath change and/or counterflow operation, in which the laundry to be washed when passing through said wash path moves through different treatment zones with chambers 1 to 16, wherein the individual baths are composed of fresh water and waste water of other baths, wherein the waste water of at least one bath without intermediate storage and directly is at least partly supplied to another bath, and wherein no waste water is intermediately stored in the water circulation during washing.

Abstract: A delay start method of washing laundry allows laundry to be placed in the spin basket of a washing machine, with liquid detergent added to the fabric softener dispenser. After a selected time delay has expired, the basket is spun so as to discharge the detergent onto the laundry. A wash cycle is then started and operated in a normal manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a dry cleaning machine to clean laundry that reduces environmental impacts by the substitution of ozone for the hazardous solvents traditionally used in the dry cleaning washing process. The apparatus and method for dry cleaning includes the steps of filtering the water whereby any debris present in the water is removed, measuring the dissolved ozone concentration of the water, recirculating the water between the tank and the water purifier until a desired ozone concentration is realized ensuring that the desired dissolved ozone concentration of the water is attained prior to the start of the cleaning process and continuously recirculating the water through the dry cleaning washing machine, the water purifier, and the tank during the cleaning process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine comprising a heating tank accommodating the washing and washing water; a heating part heating the washing water in the heating tank; and a circulation pump circulating the washing water in the heating tank. With this configuration, the present invention provides the circulation pump circulating washing water in the heating tank, thereby preventing the washing from oxidizing, improving a washing efficiency especially improving a washing efficiency according to washing material, and saving washing water. Further, water supply and drain can be easily performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a barrier laundry including a room (10) through which soiled laundry (16) enters and a clean room (12) separated from room (10) by a sealed barrier (14), an apparatus (19) is provided in barrier (14) for hermetically transferring the laundry. The apparatus (19) is used to introduce the soiled laundry (16) from the reception room (10) in leaktight bags (24) located in the clean room (12) without at any time breaking the leaktightness of the sealed barrier (14). The closed leaktight bags (24) full of laundry are routed into a washing machine (26) located in the clean room. The bags are designed to release the laundry at the start of the washing cycle.