Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous dyeing of warp ends, in particular cotton warp ends, with indigo or other dyestuff groups which, after impregnating and squeezing out, require oxidation or thermal treatment for fixing. The method eliminates the disadvantages of traditional methods for the continuous dyeing of warp ends. In particular, the required bath amount is considerably reduced by this method. By using a new dyeing reactor (1), the residence time of the warp ends in the dyeing installation can be varied without having to increase the bath volume. The option of heating or cooling the dyeing bath enables a fixing temperature between below room temperature and over 100° C. to be chosen. Optimal conditions can thus be created for all dyeing methods which are habitual for warp ends.

Abstract: A washing machine lid includes a fluid chamber with a fill opening and a dispensing opening. A removable valve is within the dispensing opening. The lid includes a lid frame and a housing detachably mounted to one another. A fill cap with bristles is removably mounted in the fill opening. The laundry can be pretreated by scrubbing with the bristles, after the laundry is wetted with water and/or detergent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the dosing of detergent in multiple stage washing machines having at least one separate detergent tank per washing stage. The entry of water into a detergent tank of the washing machine releases, without intervention in the washing control system, the single dosing of a predetermined amount of detergent into the detergent tank, the release of further dosages being prevented until a renewed activation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device for dosing detergents in washing machines in accordance with one of the above methods.

Abstract: A manually operated washing device which functions by a hydropneumatic principle involving compression of a volume of air and water trapped in the interior of the device. The device includes an inner and an outer housing which are slidable relative to one another, the inner housing being positioned at least partially within the interior of the outer housing. A spring is positioned inside the outer housing between an upper end of the inner housing and an upper end of the outer housing. The spring is compressible so that the outer housing is slidable over the inner housing. A pressurized jet is created through compression and expansion and the pressurized jet is expelled through a perforated portion of the device against a mass of submerged clothing in order to effect washing of the clothing.

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 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 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 system and method for optimizing performance of a consumer appliance, including: a consumer appliance; a work piece identifier; a director in communication with the consumer appliance; a data store in communication with the director; an identification device in communication with the director; and an optimization module in communication with the director, having executable instructions for determining optimized operating conditions of the consumer appliance. One exemplary embodiment is a method of optimizing processing conditions based on environmental conditions. The method comprises the steps of providing a consumer appliance having one or more sensors in communication with a director and sensing one or more environmental conditions from the sensors. The sensors might then communicate the environmental conditions to the director and to an optimization module in communication with the director.

Abstract: The invention provides a partial dyed yarn having a partial dyeing applied to a side surface of fibrous raw material and further provides a method for manufacturing thereof. A partial dyed yarn is provided by a dye liquid adhering method and a dye liquid adhering, drying and taking-up device which is capable of accomplishing a high quality dye printing yarn. A continuous fibrous raw material is passed through the dye liquid adhering roll, the dye liquid is partially or continuously adhered to the thread-like side surface of the fibrous raw material, and thereafter it is applied with a heat treatment to cause the yarn to be dyed in a desired color tone efficiently and quickly.

Abstract: A compact, portable clothes washer and dryer system requires no direct water connection or drain line and includes a feed reservoir for holding hot or cold water; a basket for receiving clothes and said water from said feed reservoir; a filtration membrane unit that generates permeate for rinsing said clothes and retentate; a motor for operating said basket; a pump for circulating water from said feed reservoir through said membrane unit and to said basket; and a heating assembly for drying said clothes in said basket. The system reduces water usage and gray water generation for washing clothes. The system is particularly useful in dormitories, small apartments, or other remote dwellings where water is scarce or where there are no water feed lines or drains.

Abstract: A washing machine lid includes a fluid chamber on its lower surface. The fluid chamber has a fill opening and a dispensing opening. A removable valve is within the dispensing opening. The lid includes a lid frame and a housing detachably mounted to one another.

Abstract: An adjustable liquid temperature control system for a washing machine regulates the temperature of washing liquid established in a washing tub in an accurate and economical manner without the use of a dedicated temperature sensor. Preferably, numerous default mixing ratios for hot and cold fill water are preset in the washing machine. The system is designed to enable the washing machine operator to adjust one or more of the default mixing ratios in order to selectively fine tune the system. In accordance with one embodiment, the operator can directly input a desired mixing ratio. In another embodiment, the operator can indirectly establish a mixing ratio by entering a desired washing temperature.

Abstract: The object is to avoid contaminating the washing conversely by contaminated detergent and provide a dry cleaning machine and dry cleaning method, solving hygienic issues.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning apparatus and system for the control thereof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a wash vessel, a working vessel containing a carbon dioxide cleaning medium and operatively associated with the wash vessel, a pump operatively associated with the wash vessel, a condenser connected to the working vessel, a still operatively associated with the working vessel (which still may be a separate still or incorporated into other system components as explained below), a compressor operatively associated with the wash vessel, and a pressure release valve operatively associated with said working vessel. At least one filter is included in the system, but the filter and still may be consolidated together in a single vessel.

Abstract: A washing method and apparatus characterized by employment of the electric form of energy in addition to the traditional three forms of energy (kinetic energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy) to do the work of cleaning, thereby reducing the requirement for and dependency on the traditional three forms of energy. Electric charge is employed to do work of cleaning by various physical phenomena. The phenomena include, but are not limited to effecting the physical characteristics of surface chemistry, the physical characteristics of water, and the chemical characteristics of water, Such characteristics include but are not limited to surface tension, agitation, hydrolization, and adhesion. Such effects of the physical or chemical characteristics are temporary, and are not detectable after the washing water is discarded so as to have minimal polluting effect on the environment.

Abstract: A process for washing laundry in a washing machine employs a receptacle for dispensing a detergent tablet. The receptacle is substantially rigid and includes a number of apertures which have an average dimension equivalent to a mesh size of between 1 and 10 mm. A solid detergent in the form of a tablet is placed in the dispensing receptacle, the latter then being placed into a washing machine along with laundry to be washed and a washing operation is carried out. After the washing operation, the device is removed from the machine and stored for subsequent use. Moreover, the invention relates to a dispensing device for carrying out this process.

Abstract: A bulk dispenser includes a dispensing chamber having an open upper end. A storage chamber is fitted within the dispensing chamber and includes a dispensing opening spaced above the bottom of the dispensing chamber. A valve is within the dispensing opening and is movable from a closed position preventing fluid from leaving the storage chamber to an open position permitting fluid to flow through the dispensing opening into the dispensing chamber. A spring biases the valve to its closed position.

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 compact, portable clothes washer and dryer system requires no direct water connection or drain line and includes a feed reservoir for holding hot or cold water; a basket for receiving clothes and said water from said feed reservoir; a filtration membrane unit that generates permeate for rinsing said clothes and retentate; a motor for operating said basket; a pump for circulating water from said feed reservoir through said membrane unit and to said basket; and a heating assembly for drying said clothes in said basket. The system reduces water usage and gray water generation for washing clothes. The system is particularly useful in dormitories, small apartments, or other remote dwellings where water is scarce or where there are no water feed lines or drains.

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 method and apparatus for sensing the water level and vibration for a washing machine are disclosed.

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 method of cleaning a soiled carpet by first prespraying the carpet with a preselected liquid chemical sprayed through a nozzle at a preselected specific pressure/flow rate to obtain an optimized spray droplet size which penetrates deep into the carpet while utilizing only a minimum volume of chemical solution and preventing overwetting of the carpet. After the prespray chemical has had sufficient time to chemically react with soil in the carpet, then the carpet is rinsed with pure water. The final step in the process is the extracting, by use of a vacuum, the prespray chemical and pure water from the carpet.

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: A method and arrangement for computer-assisted determination of clusters recognizes foaming in a washing machine. The following quantities are measured during a washing process in the washing machine; a pressure in the washing machine, a temperature in the washing machine, and an amount of water in the washing machine. Application vectors are formed from the measured quantities, and fuzzy affiliation values for predetermined clusters are identified for the application vectors. A foam formation is recognized based on the fuzzy affiliation values.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning of materials in which vibrating plates are used in close contact with a material to be cleaned. The material is placed in a shallow liquid and the vibrator of the plates eliminate dirt or contaminating substances from the material by cavitation of the liquid. The vibrating plates are flexurally vibrated at a frequency which correspond to its resonant frequency and is one of a sonic or ultrasonic frequency. The acoustic field created by the oscillation of the plates and in cleaning the material. A pledging system may also include ultrasonic vibrating plates to assist in expelling water.

Abstract: A process for introducing a textile treatment material into a textile treatment system, particularly a supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (SCF-CO2) treatment system. The process includes the steps of providing a preparation vessel in fluid communication with a textile treatment system; loading a textile treatment material into the preparation vessel; dissolving or suspending the textile treatment material in near-critical liquid carbon dioxide or supercritical fluid carbon dioxide in the preparation vessel; and introducing the dissolved or suspended textile treatment material into the textile treatment system. The textile treatment material can be selected from a group including a brightening agent, a whitening agent and a dye. A system suitable for use in carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bellows (44) for a front loading washing machine (10) having a front panel (13) providing a first channel (46) having opposed sidewalls (50), an opening (19) and a door (20) carried thereby, and further carrying a stationary drum (25), providing a second channel (48), having opposed sidewalls (52) and a rotatable drum (30), the bellows comprising an annular body portion (45) terminating in first and second fastening means (54, 56); the first fastening means (54) provided an axially extending rib (65) having opposed first and second surfaces (66, 68) and engagable with one of the sidewalls of the first channel; and the second fastening means (56) provided an axially extending rib (70) having opposed first and second surfaces (74, 75) and engagable with one of the sidewalls of the second channel and a radially extending lip (80) engagable with the door; whereby the stationary drum is sealed to the front panel of the washing machine.

Abstract: Wastewater from a commercial laundry is treated by adding coagulant directly to the wastewater from each load of items washed. The amount of coagulant is administered using a controller. The controller in turn is programmed with an amount of coagulant which should be added based on the type of item being washed. The same controller can be used to inject the detergent into the washing apparatus. Thus the operator of the laundry simply enters the type of item being washed into the controller. This will automatically control both the amount of detergent added to the laundry as well as the amount of coagulant added to the wastewater discharged from the washing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for disposing of the washing liquid in a machine for washing items and the washing machine that implements the method. The machine comprises a chamber for washing the items, means for supporting at least one item in the washing chamber, means for storing the washing liquid, means for bringing the washing liquid into contact with the item to be washed, and means for eliminating the washing liquid from the machine. According to the method, to eliminate the washing liquid from the machine, the washing liquid is evaporated, thus reducing the volume of liquid to be eliminated.

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 being dry 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. A still is disposed within one of the storage tanks and receives soiled liquid carbon dioxide as it is returned from the chamber. The pressure in the storage tank causes the soiled liquid carbon dioxide in the still to boil off. The gas is communicated to a third tank. The third tank may be used to initially pressurize the cleaning chamber. The system also includes a dispenser for the injecting solvent additives into the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing cloth items in an automatic washer is provided wherein the automatic washer includes a wash basket defining a wash chamber and an impeller located within the bottom of the wash chamber. The method includes loading cloth items into the wash chamber and then supplying a quantity of wash liquid into the wash chamber sufficient to moisten the cloth items but insufficient to cause the cloth items to lose frictional engagement with the impeller as the impeller oscillates. The impeller is oscillated to apply a drag force to the cloth items in contact with the impeller such that the cloth items in contact with the impeller move angularly along an arc-like path. Angular movement of the cloth items disposed along the bottom of the wash chamber beyond the outer periphery of the impeller is impeded such that relative angular motion is created between the cloth items disposed along the periphery of the impeller and the cloth items disposed immediately above the impeller.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, a surfactant, and an organic co-solvent. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. The surfactant is preferably one that does not contain a CO2-philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane and has a flash point above 140° F.

Abstract: A waste-water treatment and recycling process that reduce water, energy and chemical consumption in commercial laundry operations. A portion of the warm waste water from each wash cycle is first passed through a vibrating shaker screen to remove particles larger than 70 microns and then filtered through a 1-5 micron medium in a tubular filtration unit. The clear-water filtrate is then heated to operating temperature and recycled to the wash cycle of the process through the hot-water feed system. Only unheated fresh water is used for the rinse cycle, thereby also providing make-up water to the system. For operations requiring low total dissolved solids, a nanofiltration unit is added downstream of the tubular filtration unit.

Abstract: An area-rug cleaning method has steps of air spray (1) for removing dry-extractible dirt with angularly directed air pressure; immersion shampoo (9) for removing immersion-extractible dirt with immersion-shampooing that does not molest rug fibers; scrub wash (16) for removing adhered dirt such as stains, odors and urine with rotational scrub washing; vacuum extract (18) for removing wash fluid with dry vacuum extraction; water rinse (20); cool dry (23); dry clean (24) for removing wash-resistant dirt; acid condition (25) for neutralizing base cleaning agents with an acid-based catalyst; and pad rub (26) for rubbing nap of the area rugs with a cloth pad to provide a shine finish.

Abstract: A wash liquid inlet nozzle is provided for directing wash liquid against a bottom wall and a side wall of a vertical axis basket of an automatic washer. The inlet nozzle has a body with a rear wall, a front wall and a top wall connecting the rear wall and front wall. An inlet passage extends through the rear wall for directing a flow of wash liquid into the inlet nozzle. The front wall is arranged and configured in a first area to direct wash liquid against the basket bottom wall and a lower region of the basket side wall and in a second area to direct wash liquid against a middle and an upper region of the basket side wall. With such an inlet nozzle, wash liquid is directed in a sheet against the entire height of the basket wall to wet all of the clothes in the basket.

Abstract: A shrinkage prevention agent for water washing of clothing that would conventionally have been dry cleaned. The shrinkage prevention agent is compromised of a steam or vacuum dry-distilled liquid of two or more plants selected from sagebrush, beefsteak plant, tea, plantaginales, aloe, chrysanthemum, pine, cedar, cypress. The shrinkage prevention agent is used in a wet cleaning system that includes water washing.

Abstract: A liquified gas dry-cleaning system including a storage tank containing a liquified gas derived from a liquifiable gas, a pressure vessel for containing a liquid bath derived from the liquifiable gas, and a circulating system for transporting the liquified gas between the storage tank and the pressurized vessel. The pressurized vessel includes a compressor mounted in a wall structure of the vessel for use in evacuating a gaseous form of the liquifiable gas released from the liquid bath during a cleaning cycle. Positioning of the compressor in this manner allows heat generated during each compression stroke of the compressor to be directed to the interior of pressure vessel to minimize the effects of a temperature decrease incident to the gaseous evacuation.

Abstract: Stained areas (2) of fabric are separately treated with a non-aqueous cleaning composition, followed by an aqueous cleaning composition, and by using a hand-held device (1) which is rocked back and forth on said stained areas (2). The fabric (3) is then placed in a bag or other container, together with a sheet substrate releasably containing an aqueous cleaning composition. The bag is tumbled in a hot air clothes dryer to clean and refresh the entire fabric (3).

Abstract: A system and method for providing flow rate compensation in a washing machine. This invention provides flow rate compensation by monitoring the flow rate of the inlet liquid and the agitator load while agitating. A controller uses a flow rate compensation algorithm to compensate for the varying flow rate of the inlet liquid and an adaptive fill algorithm to determine an optimal level of liquid to be added to the washer basket and washer tub during a wash cycle operation.

Abstract: An automatic washer including an automatic liquid temperature control system having a control panel which includes selector means for selecting between a normal wash cycle and a soak cycle. The control panel further includes means for selecting a desired wash water temperature in the soak cycle and means for selecting a desired wash water temperature during the normal wash cycle. The temperature selection means for the normal wash cycle is independent from the temperature selection means for the soak cycle. The temperature selection means for the normal cycle limits the maximum temperature setting during the normal wash to less than the maximum temperature setting for the soak cycle. The reduced temperature wash system is further combined with a spray rinse process. Specifically, after the wash step, the clothes load is rinsed by a plurality of recirculating spray rinse steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pattern dyeing of textile substrates in which the dyeing is done in two stages. In the first stage, a dye is uniformly applied in a manner that allows the dye to fix on contact. The uniformly dyed substrate is then moved under a series of spaced arrays, each array being associated with a separate color and being comprised of a plurality of individually controlled liquid dye applicators. Liquid dye of a given color is selectively applied through one or more dye applicators as the substrate passes under the array associated with that color. The applied dye remains unfixed until the substrate passes under all the arrays and the patterning is complete, whereupon all dye applied by the dye applicators is fixed by steaming or other appropriate application of energy to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of reducing the microbial population on a textile in a washing machine. The washing machine has an outer shell for containing fluids and an internal assembly for containing textiles. The method includes introducing a wash liquor into the internal assembly, thus contacting the textile with the wash liquor and wetting the textile. The wash liquor is then removed from the internal assembly and the outer shell at a first point. At a second point, a combination of ozone gas, oxygen and/or oxygen enriched air is mixed into the wash liquor being removed from the outer shell to form an ozonated wash liquor. This ozonated wash liquor is re-introduced into the outer shell and internal assembly thus contacting the textile with the ozonated wash liquor for a period of time.

Abstract: A piece of soiled fabric is cleaned by contacting it with a jet of an ionized soil-dislodging gas to dislodge the soil therefrom. The ionized gas and the use of an oppositely charged electrostatic filter aid in preventing redeposition of the soil onto the fabric. The fabric may be agitated while it is contacted with the gas jet. A portion of the piece of fabric may be treated with an electrostatic spotting compound that enhances the effect of the ionized gas and may also enhance the removal of the soil. An apparatus for accomplishing the cleaning includes a container having an interior in which the fabric is received, a gas jet nozzle directed into the interior of the container, a source of a pressurized gas communicating with an inlet of the gas jet nozzle, a gas jet manifold extending from the source to the gas jet nozzle, and a gas ionizer disposed to ionize the pressurized gas passing through the gas jet nozzle.

Abstract: A method for operating an upright wet extractor having a base and a handle. The base includes a floor cleaning tool and has a hand held cleaning tool permanently attached thereto. A motor fan unit is operated to generate a suction force and this suction force is selectively communicated to a suction inlet of one of the hand held cleaning tool and the floor cleaning tool. When the suction force is communicated to the hand held cleaning tool suction inlet, pressurized cleaning fluid is also supplied to that tool, and when the suction force is supplied to the suction inlet of the floor cleaning tool, a brush unit is rotated in the floor cleaning tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a load with dyeliquor includes a pump/motor set, a dyeliquor circulating system holding the load and directing all the dyeliquor pumped by the pump to flow through the load, a motor current measurement device to measure current consumed by the electric motor while driving the pump, and a throttle valve adjusted to create a flowrate of the dyeliquor through the dyeliquor circulating system based on the current measured by the motor current measurement device. The flowrate of the dyeliquor increases linearly in proportion with increases in the current consumed by said electric motor while driving said pump. The apparatus also has a low system resistance to fluid flow allowing variations in a load resistance of the load to fluid flow to produce corresponding variations in the current of the electric motor measurable by the motor current measurement device.

Abstract: A method for cleaning or sterilizing objects in a liquid fluid cleaning system comprising a high-pressure storing/working vessel, a cleaning chamber, and a low-pressure supply vessel, the method comprising the steps of loading the cleaning chamber with objects to be cleaned or sterilized; supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber from the low-pressure supply vessel by means of pressure difference; supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber from the high-pressure storing/working vessel; cleaning the objects in the cleaning chamber with the cleaning fluid; transferring cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber to the high-pressure storing/working vessel; and unloading the cleaned objects from the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing method and apparatus for an automatic vertical axis washer. The washer includes a tub ring having a louvered area creating a drop zone through which wash additives are directly dispensed into the wash tub. In addition, the washer further includes a tub ring splash shield and D-ring splash shield. The tub ring and D-ring splash shields, along with the tub ring with the louvered area, act to direct wash additives into the wash tub and to further prevent wash fluid from escaping from the wash cycle.

Abstract: A washing machine having a hybrid sensor and a control method therefor simplify the inner structure of the washing machine by using one hybrid sensor for sensing a laundry weight, a feed water weight, and a dynamic unbalance of a washing tub. In a washing machine including a main body; a water tub provided to inside of the main body; a washing tub rotatably mounted to inside of the water tub; and at least one suspension bar having an upper end coupled with an inner wall of the main body and a lower end coupled with an outer wall of the water tub, and supporting the water tub, the washing machine includes: a hybrid sensor which is mounted to the upper end of the suspension bar and generates signals corresponding to a laundry weight, a water level and a dynamic unbalance on the basis of ascending or descending displacement of the suspension bar when the suspension bar is moved up and down by load variation or unbalance rotation of the water tub.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for bleaching of a substrate which includes adding a molecular oxygen activating system to an aqueous wash liquor and bleaching the substrate with the molecular oxygen activating system in the aqueous wash liquor. Significant substrate cleaning results can be obtained by molecular oxygen obtained from air even in the absence of any usually applied active oxygen ingredients such as perborate or percarbonate.