Abstract: A safety lock-out apparatus for an access door of a pressure vessel which operates automatically without relying on external power sources is provided. The lock-out apparatus includes a locking assembly having a lock member which is supported in a hollow lock chamber for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The lock member and a complementary recess being arranged such that when the lock member is in the extended position it engages the complementary recess so as to prevent the access door from being opened. The lock housing chamber is in fluid communication with the interior of the pressure vessel such that when the interior of the pressure vessel is pressurized, the increased pressure bears on the lock member and moves it counter to the bias of a spring into the engaged position thereby locking the door. When the increased pressure is removed from the pressure vessel, the spring moves the lock member into the retracted position.

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: Disclosed is a method for controlling a heating-washing operation of a washing machine. A microprocessor has many subroutines for providing optimal washing conditions of the washing machine in correspondence to respective temperatures of washing water, through which optimal washing effect is achieved. Washing water is heated until the temperature thereof reaches a set temperature, and the temperature of washing water is measured while heated. The microprocessor performs individual subroutines corresponding to the measured temperature. The subroutines have data about the amount of washing water, rotational velocity of a drum, and a period for changing the rotational direction of the drum. Heating is stopped when the temperature of washing water reaches the set temperature, and the microprocessor performs the washing operation according to the subroutine corresponding to the set temperature. Thus, washing effect is maximized and energy is saved.

Abstract: Impermissibly high scaling is ascertained of an optical measurement section in which the turbidity of a washing liquid is detected in a domestic appliance that is operated with hard water, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. The appliance has an evaluation circuit for the measured signals from the measurement section and a microprocessor for binding the measurement results into the sequence control system of the appliance. The system is suitable for indicating impermissibly high scaling and for taking into account attenuation of the measurement section by chalk deposits during the determination of the turbidity of the washing liquid.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and method of transferring fluids from a set of containers each of which holds a different type fluid to a group of apparatus, such as washing machines, each of which requires that certain types of fluid be delivered to the apparatus in a certain sequence. The system operates under program control both with regard to sequence in which particular fluids are drawn from the containers and with regard to the apparatus to which the selected fluids are delivered. Fluid pressure in the fluid lines leading to the apparatus is sensed by pressure sensors located along these fluid lines in a manner enabling the operator of the system to immediately know which of several containers are empty.

Abstract: A method for forming patterns or to create a Jacquard effect in dyed fabric. A nozzle type is selected. The water pressure is selected. Temperature of the water is selected. The distance between the nozzle and the garment is adjusted. The water is directed to the garment to selectively remove dye from the dyed garment to form a particular pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing shop cloths comprises a hot water storage tank, a washer that washes, rinses, centrifuges and dries, and an evaporator for evaporating effluent from the washer. The washer rotates about a horizontal axis when washing, rinsing, drying and centrifuging, but at different speeds depending on whether it is centrifuging or washing, rinsing or drying. In use, the washer is loaded and then the load is centrifuged to remove fluids present in the cloths. The effluent is discharged to the evaporator. Then the load is washed in hot water from the hot water storage tank and biodegradable degreasers and soaps. After draining the washer to the evaporator, the load is centrifuged. The washer undergoes a rinse cycle, draining the rinse water to the water heater through a filter for reuse, and finally a tumble dry cycle.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser for dispensing concentrated liquid soap to industrial cleaning apparatuses is disclosed. The dispenser includes a receiver and a seal opener. The receiver is comprised of an upper support structure and a lower soap reservoir. The upper support structure defines an interior chamber for receiving and supporting a liquid soap container. The lower soap reservoir defines an opening through which liquid soap is ultimately dispensed. The seal opener is disposed within the receiver at a lower end of the upper support structure.

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 method for maintaining a set temperature of wash water of clothes washer comprises the steps of supplying first cold water into a wash tub, measuring supply time of the first cold water until filling a first target level of the first cold water, measuring temperature of the cold water contained in the wash tub, supplying hot water and second cold water in the wash tub containing the first cold water, measuring supply time of the hot water and the second cold water until filling a second target level of the hot water and the second cold water, measuring temperature of mixed water being comprised of the hot water and the first and second cold water contained in the wash tub, and comparing temperature of the hot water which is calculated on the following four values-supply time of the first cold water, temperature of the first cold water, supply time of the hot water and the second cold water, and temperature of the mixed water with predetermined temperature, and controlling a valve for the cold water and a va

Abstract: A process is provided for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing substrates comprising the steps of: (a) placing the contaminated substrate in a cleaning vessel; (b) contacting the contaminated substrate with dense phase carbon dioxide in liquid form; (c) subjecting the substrate and the dense phase carbon dioxide to ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength within the range of about 180 to 300 nm for a duration and intensity sufficient to produce a photochemical reaction capable of destroying the DNA of microorganisms on the substrate; (d) substantially simultaneously subjecting at least the dense phase carbon dioxide to agitation; and (e) removing the dense phase carbon dioxide from the cleaning vessel and thereby transporting the contaminants from the substrate such that the substrate is cleaned and, in the case of contaminated garments, disinfected or, in the case of medical and dental instrumentation, sterilized.

Abstract: A water level sensing method and apparatus sense a level of water supplied in washing tub of the washing machine. In the apparatus, a key input section generates a water level sensing mode signal so as to select a water level sensing mode. A sensor firstly senses an amount of laundry in a dry state supplied in a washing tub of the washing machine responsive to the water level sensing mode signal from the key input section and secondly senses an amount of the laundry in a wet state. A water supply section supplies the washing tub with water to a predetermined water level to thereby change the washing articles in a dry state into a wet state. A microprocessor determines first and second water levels according to the first and second sensing results of the sensor, respectively, compares the second water level with the first water level and determnines a correct water level based on the comparison result.

Abstract: An infinite temperature control system is used to control the temperature of wash and rinse water in a washing machine. The invention includes a temperature selection switch which operates the water valves for controlling the temperature of water entering the washing machine. The switch has an infinite number of possible temperature settings and includes various contacts for affecting various aspects of the water temperature control.

Abstract: A device, for use in a washing machine filled with water for cleaning surfaces without the use of detergent, comprising a water permeable housing containing a plurality of cation exchange resin beads, a quantity of tourmaline, a quantity of metal alloy such as copper micro-fibre strands, and a quantity of ferromagnetic material. The materials contained within the housing are in fluid communication with the laundry water and function to clean laundry by substantially reducing the quantity of dissolved solids in the water, neutralizing bacteria, germs and algae, and attracting positively charged particles from soiled laundry articles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing durable press garments by inserting garments constructed of a cellulose fiber-containing fabric into an apparatus capable of tumbling the garments about a generally horizontal axis in such a manner as form a tunnel defined by the garments. The method tumbles the garments and injects a durable press resin into the tunnel in the form of a mist to impregnate the garments with the durable press resin. The method dries the impregnated garments and cures the dried garments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the use of carbon dioxide in drying cleaning clothes, garments and other fabrics is disclosed and claimed. The components of the invention include a distillation vessel, a compressor, a warm-up vessel, a cleaning chamber, a condenser, and a carbon dioxide storage tank. A programmable logic controller is utilized to control the apparatus. Several modes of use are disclosed. One mode, the reclaim mode, enables the efficient operation of the apparatus. As the name implies the reclaim mode recovers most of the carbon dioxide gas remaining in the cleaning chamber is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A textile web, for example, a carpet web, is provided with a patterning agent including a thickening agent and subsequently steamed in a steamer. The agent residues remaining on the textile web are at least partially removed by mechanical means, and cleaned and decolorized in a cleaning unit, leaving a virtually pure thickening agent which can be reused for preparing a new batch of patterning agent in the batching tank.

Abstract: An air dome and air pressure sensor of the present invention are adapted to determine the level of water in a wash tub. The air dome is located within the wash tub and positioned such that water left in the sump will not enter and remain trapped in the air dome when the washing machine is tilted. The air dome may be comprised of an angled tube having a downward facing open end and being in communication with a pressure sensor via an air dome hose. The angled tube extends downward into the drain tube of the washing machine in such a way that water will not enter and be trapped in the air dome. The air dome may also be comprised of a downward facing air trap in communication with the air pressure sensor via an air dome hose. The air trap is also located within the wash tub and oriented so that water will not enter and be trapped in the air dome when the washing machine is tilted.

Abstract: A system and method for treating laundry with ozone is provided including a controller that receives a load signal based on a wash load selection. In response to the load signal, the controller transmits a power supply control signal to a variable power supply to vary an output potential to an ozone generator. The controller transmits a dryer control signal to an air dryer to provide desiccated air to the ozone generator. The controller transmits a sparging pump control signal to a sparging pump to pump the ozone generated by the ozone generator to a sparging rod adjacent the drain of a laundry machine where the ozone is dispersed directly into the wash liquor. In a preferred embodiment, an adapter removably secures the sparging rod to the wall of the laundry machine so that the sparging rod may be readily removed for cleaning, repair or replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for treating of textile substrates with a supercritical fluid. The textile substrates are formed as spools of yarn or rolled webs, and the supercritical fluid flows over and/or through them substantially perpendicular to their spool or winding axis. At that, the treatment temperature assumes different values during the treatment period. It is provided that during the treatment period, the treatment temperature values are set by at least two functions of the treatment time, and that the supercritical fluid is conditioned differently at the time the following function takes effect.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning an article with cleaning fluid comprising a liquified gas, preferably carbon dioxide, maintained at a pressure elevated above atmospheric pressure in the wash chamber of a pressure vessel. A basket holding the article is rotated in the wash chamber by a drive shaft passing through a wall of the pressure vessel, and a seal mechanism for this passage prevents escape of the cleaning fluid. The seal mechanism includes a first seal component adjacent to the wash chamber and a second seal component outboard of the first seal component to provide a sealant chamber in which a pressurized sealant fluid is provided such that a pressure differential across the first seal component is substantially less than the pressure differential between the wash chamber and atmospheric pressure The sealant fluid may be a gaseous component or a liquid component of the cleaning fluid. Fluid and control systems are provided for automating washing, rinsing and sealing operations.

Abstract: An improved dry cleaning machine and process which eliminates solvent emissions while simultaneously providing cost and quality benefits. The solvent filtration apparatus and process currently used in typical dry cleaning operations is eliminated and the solvent is instead separated based on the anticipated extent of contamination wherein the less clean solvent is cleaned via a distillation unit.

Abstract: A process and system for impregnating garments with insect repellent, the ocess including the steps of placing the garments in a first machine and tumbling the garments therein, introducing into the first machine a mixture of liquid insect repellent and water so as to spray the mixture onto the tumbling garments, terminating the introduction of the mixture into the first machine and continuing the tumbling of the garments therein, terminating the tumbling of the garments in the first machine, and placing the garments in a second machine and tumble drying the garments therein; and the system comprising a reservoir for a mixture of the repellent in liquid form and water, a first machine for receiving and retaining the garments and tumbling the garments, a spray nozzle in the first machine for directing a spray of the mixture onto the garments during tumbling thereof, a conduit extending from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and a pump in the conduit for flowing the mixture from the reservoir to the spray nozz

Abstract: An improved installation system for a stacked washer and dryer appliance assembly having an exhaust vent and a gas system is provided. The exhaust vent system includes an exhaust bracket extending upwardly from the back of the washer. The exhaust bracket is adapted to be connected to a household exhaust duct, with the exhaust pipe of the dryer being automatically sealingly engaged with the exhaust bracket upon positioning of the dryer on the washer. The gas system includes a gas pipe in the washer, and having a rearward end extending out of the back of the washer for connection to a gas source. The forward end of the gas pipe has a shutoff valve, which is adapted to be connected to a gas line operatively mounted in the dryer. All of the connections for the power, water, exhaust, and gas for the stacked appliances can be quickly and easily made, without having to stand behind the appliance assembly after the dryer is mounted on the washer.

Abstract: Substantial amounts of particulate soils in garments can be removed by agitation in gas-jet in a solvent-free, low-pressure environment. The ability of the present gas-jet agitation system to remove particulate soils from garments and fabrics rivals that of conventional dry-cleaning processes which agitate the garments and fabrics while immersed in solvent. Thus, a dry-cleaning operation may consist of a solvent-immersion step for removing soluble soils and a gas-jet agitation step to remove particulates. Considerable savings in equipment and operating costs may be realized in the practice of the invention, since solvent flow rates need not be boosted to provide necessary agitation for particulate soil removal. The savings achievable by employing gas-jet agitation are even more pronounced in dense phase gas dry cleaning systems, which require pressurized environments to maintain a liquified solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for providing a dose of a liquid or solid to a larger container. More particularly, this invention relates to a dispensing device for providing a dose of substances, such as solid or liquid detergents or bleaches to a wash tub. This is accomplished by the structure of the doser device which provides for an increase and decrease in the volume of the doser during use. In a preferred embodiment, the structure to increase and decrease the volume of the dispenser is one or more bellows which are a part of the surface of the doser.

Abstract: A radially mounted motor is provided in a closed system fluid balance ring for high rotational speed washing machines. The motor is mounted at an orientation of 90.degree. relative to the rotational axis of the washing machine spinner. Such an orientation prevents adverse effects on the motor contacts from centrifugal forces generated by the rotating spinner. A 90.degree. orientation also eliminates deflection of the motor shaft and excessive friction on the motor bearings. The angular orientation of the motor assures proper functioning of the closed system fluid balance ring of the washing machine. The balance system also includes a valve to control movement of fluid within the ring. The valve is mounted at an angle with respect to a tangent of the spinner so as to prevent detrimental effects from the centrifugal forces of the rotating spinner.

Abstract: A lightweight portable steam carpet cleaning machine 10 comprised of two main structures, a handle assembly 45 and the recovery tank 12. Connected to the machine are two hoses, the supply hose 58 which supplies clear water to the machine and the discharge hose 60 which takes dirty water away depositing it in a sanitary disposal. A 27 capacity spray jet 44 is used to apply a high volume of clear water to the carpet. A recovery tank 12 which is less than a cubic foot in volume is used to transport the vacuum from the vacuum motor 24 to the water pick-up 56. During the cleaning process, a channel 84 is used to direct extracted water to the bottom of the recovery tank 12. A float switch 36 is used to automatically activate or deactivate the discharge pump 26 during the cleaning process.

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.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing system controller is used in conjunction with a mechanism for dispensing specified chemicals and a device that transmits trigger signals to the control system for requesting chemicals to be dispensed. The controller receives and accumulates sequences of the transmitted trigger signals. Each trigger signal sequence is preceded and followed by a period of time of predefined duration during which no trigger signals are received. At least some of the trigger signals in some of the trigger signal sequences are not received simultaneously. Also, the number of distinct chemical feed requests that can be communicated using the accumulated trigger signals exceeds the number of distinct trigger signals. The controller maps a first subset of the accumulated trigger signal sequences into chemical feed requests, each of which requests a quantity of a corresponding chemical. The controller enables the dispensing of chemicals in accordance with the chemical feed requests.

Abstract: A system for cleaning fabric-like surfaces, such as carpet, fabric, upholstery, and the like is disclosed. The system includes a Y-type connector for receiving and mixing pressurized air and pressurized cleaning solution to produce a mixture thereof. In addition, the system includes a nozzle in communication with the Y-type connector for atomizing the mixture to produce atomized cleaning solution, which is sprayed onto a fabric-like surface to clean the surface. A supply source for supplying the Y-connector with pressurized cleaning solution is also provided, as well as a pressurized air source for supplying the Y-connector with pressurized air. In addition, the system includes a vacuum generating mechanism for generating suction to remove cleaning solution having been sprayed onto a fabric-like surface.

Abstract: A washing machine for automatically laundering articles of clothing by imparting mechanical actions upon the articles of clothing within a basket of the machine during a washing operation that includes a wash cycle and a preset number of rinse cycles incorporates a control system that functions to alter the mechanical actions imparted upon the articles of clothing during at least the wash cycle, and preferably both the wash cycle and at least one of the rinse cycles, and/or adds a supplemental rinse cycle to the overall washing operation in response to an indication of a high suds level condition in the machine. The control system receives signals indicative of an operating parameter of the washing machine, such as the input torque or operating speed of a motor of the machine, from a detection unit and utilizes these signals to determine the presence of high levels of suds and the need to transfer to a suds reduction mode of operation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for cleaning of a substrate, comprising the steps of (1) adding a molecular oxygen activating system (as defined herein) to an aqueous wash liquor, containing a sufficient amount of molecular oxygen for obtaining observable cleaning, and (2) cleaning the substrate with the thus-formed wash liquor. When using said process, significant substrate cleaning results could even be obtained in the absence of any usually applied active oxygen ingredient such as perborate or percarbonate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively carving textile fabric by selectively applying chemicals containing a liquid repellent either alone or with other chemicals such as dye to a textile fabric and subsequently finishing said fabric. The textile fabric is then rewetted by the application of liquid. The printed areas containing liquid repellant remain dry and the areas without liquid repellent are selectively wetted out. The textile fabric is then subjected to pressurized heated gas which selectively carves the dry areas printed with liquid repellent leaving the wetted areas protected and uncarved. As an alternative embodiment, the yarns that make up a textile fabric can be individually treated with a liquid repellent prior to being formed into a textile fabric.

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, water, 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 may be either one that contains a CO.sub.2 -philic group or one that does not contain a CO.sub.2 -philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane that has a flash point above 140.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved process for applying a treating agent in the form of a foam to fibrous material wherein the improvement comprises applying foam having a blow ratio of from about 2:1 to about 6:1 using equipment designed for the application of liquid treating agents is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for wet washing wool fabric and woolen articles. The process permits wet washing of articles such as aircraft seat covers while substantially eliminating shrinkage and preserving the fire retardant characteristics of the seat covers. The process includes washing the articles in an aqueous solution using a bi-directional intermittent wash cycle. The wash cycle includes agitating in a first direction for about two minutes, pausing agitation for about four minutes, agitating in a second opposite direction for about two minutes, and pausing agitation for four minutes. This wash cycle may be repeated up to three times. The articles are then tumbled dried to a moisture level of about 20 percent. The drying process is completed by static drying the articles without mechanical action until all remaining moisture in the articles is removed. The static drying step is conducted at a temperature between about 280 degrees F and about 300 degrees F.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repeated, automatic metering of precisely metered quantities of a powdered detergent into water-carrying cleaning machines, in particular household dishwashers and household washing machines, include a detergent holder and a metering and dispensing device having a movable metering device with at least one metering receptacle. The interior of the detergent holder and a guide of the metering and dispensing device are acted upon continuously by a stream of compressed air. Therefore, clumping of the highly hygroscopic powdered detergent and an expensive, complex apparatus, which requires a high drive torque and a high air pressure, are avoided. The metering device has only one metering receptacle. The metering and dispensing device has two chambers communicating with one another. The detergent fed into the first chamber is fed gradually, during the motion of the metering device, into the second chamber, which has an opening toward the treatment vessel.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing a load in an upright washing machine. A liquid ballast system is used that includes liquid filling channels with liquid filling slots that fill individual self-contained cells spaced equally around the top rim of the spin drum. The cells are open at the top and filled with liquid, water, by the pre-existing water supply nozzle of the washing machine. In the bottom of each cell is a dump valve to release water from the cell when activated. A stationary ring attached to the frame of the washing machine activates the dump valve. In a mechanical embodiment, a mechanical arm makes contact with the stationary ring when the suspended core of the washing machine leans off center in response to an unbalanced load. In an electrical embodiment, a solenoid valve is activated when a contact point makes electrical contact with a track in the stationary ring as the suspended core of the washing machine leans off center in response to an unbalanced load.

Abstract: A water level detection system and method for automatically controlling in real time the water height in a washing machine to assure the optimum operating level. An ultrasonic transceiver generates a plurality of ultrasonic pulses and detects the corresponding echoes. A microprocessor stores a plurality of ranging signals representing the time period between the ultrasonic pulse and the detection of the corresponding echo. A set of the ranging signals forms a mathematical or graphic signature which changes as the water level rises up through the clothes in the washing machine. The microprocessor detects when a predetermined characteristics occurs in this signature and sends a signal to the standard washing machine controls to stop the flow of water.

Abstract: A method of replenishing liquid carbon dioxide solvent in a liquid carbon dioxide dry cleaning system or other dense phase carbon dioxide cleaning system. The method uses dry-ice or solid carbon dioxide, as a replenishing stock, thus reducing transportation, storage and handling costs. The method disposes solid carbon dioxide blocks in a cleaning chamber after a cleaning cycle. Liquid carbon dioxide solvent is boiled and is used to melt the solid carbon dioxide blocks. Liquid carbon dioxide solvent produced by melting the solid carbon dioxide blocks is pumped from the cleaning chamber into a storage tank to replenish the liquid carbon dioxide solvent.

Abstract: Electrolyzed oxidizing water, or EO water, flows from an EO water reservoir through a regulator and into a line for mixing with conventional tap water. The tap water passes through a strong, permanent magnet which aligns molecules within the water in order to reduce the plating of mineral deposits within the equipment. The combined EO water and tap water solution is supplied to a water pump has another permanent magnet. A water heater heats the solution which flows through a control valve to a carpet cleaning wand. The wand is connected to a vacuum hose for evacuating the solution as it is dispensed into the carpet. The waste water solution flows through the vacuum hose and into a waste water tank. A vacuum is drawn on the waste water tank by a conventional vacuum pump. The waste water solution is circulated in the waste water tank so that any sediment in the solution collects at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A system for treating laundry with ozone including a controller that receives a load signal based on a wash load selection. The controller varies an output potential from a variable power supply to an ozone generator in response to the load signal. The ozone generator produces different levels of ozone corresponding to the output potential. A wash liquor is drawn out of a laundry machine and sent through a filter past an injector adjacent a venturi. The injector entrains ozone from the ozone generator into the wash liquor and the wash liquor is returned to the laundry machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning dryer fabrics and the like comprising an ultra high pressure water jet or jets at reduce water volume.

Abstract: An environmentally safe laundry washing apparatus and method includes a primary solids removal system with an inlet for receiving waste wash water which delivers the water to a separation system and then to a main circulation system which has an ozone source and at least one filter. A final water purification batch treatment system capable of greater than 98% total dissolved solids removal in conjunction with a sterilization device is in fluid communication with the main circulation system, and a washing means is located downstream from the final water purification system. The wash water is recirculated from the washing means after the completion of a wash cycle to an inlet of the primary solids removal system.

Abstract: A device for storing a supply of emergency potable water includes a tank member which is especially configured to store unobtrusively in the home. The tank member is configured to connect into the domestic fresh cold water supply to an automatic clothes washer, and to sit alongside of the clothes washer, possibly in a gap defined between this washing machine and an adjacent clothes dryer machine. The tank member is configured to insure that a circulation of water occurs each time the washing machine draws fresh cold water during operation to wash clothing, and to insure that sediment does not collect in the tank member. Thus, a self-refreshing supply of potable water is provided which is of no significant inconvenience to store in the home. Further, the tank member, or a tray-like member nested atop this tank member, is configured to form a convenient adjunct and continuation of horizontal utility surfaces provided commonly at the top of clothes washers and dryers.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for the treatment of an endless web of fabric with a washing liquid and employing a vacuum. The treatment medium is withdrawn from the treatment zone and the withdrawn treatment medium is separated in a cyclone into a gas and a liquid. The liquid is pumped back into the treatment zone. The gas is heated additionally in a vacuum generator and is then returned into the treatment zone.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine in which a suitable level of water is automatically determined for any particular load size. The machine is operated to first determine an initial estimation of the clothes load and to then fill to a water level suitable to the initial load estimation. The machine is then operated in such a way to check if the estimated water level is actually sufficient for the clothes load, essentially by determining the resulting load on the laundry machine motor. If the water level is found to be insufficient, then more water is added before the checking routine is carried out once again. When the water level is determined to be suitable for the clothes load, washing is commenced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of adaptively filling a washing machine uses a water level signal from an analog pressure sensor to determine the appropriate fill level of the machine. A fuzzy logic knowledge base uses various inputs which are scaled and added together to create an output value. The inputs to the fuzzy logic knowledge base include the current pre-defined level, the Ross input, the last rate difference value, and the peak rate level. The present invention may also be used to determine the fabric type of the clothing in the washing machine.

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.degree. C. and +20.degree. 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.