US2030394A - Method of and apparatus for washing fabrics - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 11, 1936. L. PIERCE 7 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS Filed Jan. 4, 1930 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR M? ATTORNEY Feb.11,1936. 1 PIERCE 2,030,394

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHINGFABRICS Filed Jan. 4, 1930 I 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 50 v 3 TF2 I HENTORI g 'ATTORNEY. v

Feb. 11, 1936. 1.. PlERCE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS Filed Jan. 4. 1930 1o sheets-sh et 5 IN VEN TOR. M 9

1 m TTORNEY.

Feb. 11, 1936. L. PIERCE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS Filed Jan. 4, 1930 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 55 4 IgVENTOR:

ATTORNEY.

Feb. 11, 1936. L. PIERCE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABR ICS Filed Jan. 4, 1930 "TE J1 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 20 25 3O 55 4O 45 5O 5 noTwA'rE|2[ v I45 OFF COLD WATER OFF SODA ASH CLOSED STEAM 7 sPRAY OPEN J soAP CLOSED SPRAY -OPEN I BLEACH 5/ CLOSED CONTROL CLUTCH myENTol3= ikmrronuzv- .Feb. 11, 1936. L. PIERCE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS 10 Shee ts-Sheet 6 Filed Jan.- 4. 1930 IEVENTORP #:kA roRNEY.

Feb. 11, 1936. L. PIERCE A 2,030,394

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS Filed Jan. 4, 1930 10 Sheets-S heet 7 DVQA TTORNEY Feb. 11, 1936.

L. PIERCE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS Filed Jan. 4, 1930 10 Sheets-Sheai a v r A TTORNEY Feb. 11, 1936. L. PIERCE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Jan. 4, 1930 #JATTORNEY;

Feb. 1-1, 1936.

L. PIERCE METHOD OF AND APPLRATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS Filed Jan; 4, 1950 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 swim/1.

aao

OII

COL D4 DRAIN I 335 j STEAM BLEACH OPEN BLUE.

OPEN CLOS LEVE

LEVEL CONTROL 359 CLUTCH aUT AUTOMATIC FLOAT VALVE.

WATTORNEY.

Patented Feba 11, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING FABRICS Application January '4, 1930, Serial No. 418,518

9 Claims.

.This invention relates to the washing of fabrics and has for its particular objects the expeditious and efficient washing of such fabrics, as well as the provision of a simple, inexpensive and sturdy mechanism that is adapted to be attached to the standard washer such for example of the type employed in so-called domestic or'power laundries.

Heretofo re, as I am well aware, it has been piration of each stage of the washing cperation.

My investigations have led to the discovery that 20 the washing operation can be effected in a .re-

markably eflicient, expeditiousand economical manner through the employment of the hereinafter described continuous flow method ofopera-.-

tion and the automatic mechanism for effecting the control of the various stages in the washing operations, such method and mechanism being set forth and described in detail in the following description and drawings forming a part thereof in which ing machine equipped with my improved automatic mechanism for automatically controlling the washing operation at every stage thereof;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation, partly in section, of -"-'i the mechanism shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section, on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, showing the piping arrangement;

Fig. 4 is a. vertical cross section of an injector mechanism such as is preferably employed;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section on the line 5-5 ofFig.1;

6 is a partial section on the line 66 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary rear elevation of the 7 bottom portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 88 of Fig. 1;

Fig. '9 is a sideelevation of a clutch member associated with the .cam shaft;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation, partly diagrammatic, ofthe starting mechanism;

Fig. 11 1s a diagrammatic development of the controlling" cams shcwing their relation to each other, wherein the vertical lines indicate specifled time intervals in minutes; and Fig. 12 is a Figure 1 is a plan view of a commercial washview similar to Fig. 11 but illustrating the cams used in a modified form of mechanism;

Fig. 13 to Fig. are side elevations of the various controlling cams, as indicated bythe reference numerals; 5

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary end elevation of a modified form of dispensing receptacle for a washing compound;

Fig. 22 is an enlarged vertical section throug the upper portion of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is an end elevation and Fig. 24 a plan view of a washing machine showing a modified arrangement of cam controlled float valve;

Fig. 25 is an end elevation of a washing machine with amodified form of drain pipe; 15

Fig. 26 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, of the drain ,pipe in its raised position Fig. 27 is a section on the line 21- 2! of Fig. 26; Fig. 28 is a plan view of the mechanism shownin Fig. 25;

Fig. 29 is a front elevation showing a modified form of intake manifold;

Fig-30 is a front elevation of an adjustable form of cam which may. be used;

Fig. 31 is a section on, the line 3l-3 l of Fig. 25

30; and

Fig, 32 is a diagrammatic development showing the controlling cams and their relation to each other when employing a modified method of washing. I

Referring to the drawings and the construction shown therein, the numeral I 0 represents the cylindrical outer casing of a commercial washing machine of the horizontal cylinder type such as is commonly used in domestic laundries, which 35 machine is conventionally shown in the drawings since the construction thereof is well known. The wash-wheel or inner perforated cylinder II which is within the casing and which contains the fabrics to be washed may be rotated by any 40,

desired means such as the motor l2 and appropriate gearing (not shown). While the washing machine as above stated does not of itself constitute any part of my invention, nevertheless, both the washing machine and my improved con-.

trolling mechanism are intimately associated mechanically and functionally.

The mechanism constituting the subject mat ter of my invention is supported upon suitable framework and as illustrated, it comprises a platform 20, one edge of which is secured by welding or otherwise to the said outer casing Ill. The platform 20 serves to support the various rocker shafts, cam shaft and associated mechanism, as hereinafter-set forth, the same being secured at 5 7 its ends by uprights 2| which are secured to the which all water and washing compounds must pass before entering the washing machine proper,

is attached to the said channel beam 22 adjacent the center thereof. Extending from the rear wall (left in Fig. 2) of the chamber 24, is a system of piping which constitutes an intake manifold. As embodied, this comprises a horizontal reach.

of piping 25 from which depend four droppipes 26, 21, 29 and 29 respectively, these latter delivering directly into the interior of the washing machine at properly spaced points. It is preferable that the manifold 25 bedisposed lat- .erally symmetrical with respect to the chamber 24 so that a proper distribution of the various ingredients will,occur prior to the entrance thereof into the washing machine.

end sections of the manifold 25.

In Fig. 29, a modified form of intake or distributing manifold is illustrated, the same comprising a horizontal reach of pipe 29 that communicates centrally thereof with the mixing chamber 24 while each end leads respectively into the center of branch distributing pipes 2| and 32. The ends of the pipes 2| and 32 lead through drop- pipes 22, 24, 25, 29, respective1y, and deliver into the interior .washing machine. The pipes 2| and 32 are preferably slightly less in diameter-than pipe 22 in order to better secure proper distribution of materials therethrough.

Into the top wall of. the mixing chamber 24 is tapped the lower end of an injector which latter consists of a cross 42, having screwed therein two suction pipes 4| and 42, and injector pipe 42 whose lower end 44 extends below the entrance of the two suction pipes, and an exit pipe 45. As shown, the pipe "is larger in diameter than the pipe 43 and consequently, 88 water under pressure enters the injector through the latter and passes.

on through pipe into the chamber, a par.-

tial vacuumis created in pipes 4| and 42, so that if there is any residual material of any sort in.

these pipes it will be drawn into the injector wherein it will be commingled with a stream of water and pass with the latter into the chamber 24 where it is thoroughly mixed before it passes on into the intake manifold 22 and thence into the washing machine.

Water of a proper temperature is delivered to the machine by controlling the mixing of a supply of both hot and cold water. The hot water supply, as illustrated, enters through a pipe 46, passes through a hand valve 41, thence through an automatically controlled valve 42- toa T 49, at which point it meets the supply of cold water that enters the system through a pipe 50, passes through a hand operated valve 5|, thence through an automatically controlled valve 52 to the said T 49, where togetherwith the hot water it passes downwardly through a valve 52, which is controlled by a-fioat positioned 1 in the outlet drain hereinafter described, into the injector 42 and thence, as previously described, into the machine.

Conveniently located within reach of an operator, are a plurality of containers for temporarily To this end also Y there is a slight reduction in the diameter of the.

storing the-various washing compounds employed in the washing operation, such assoda, soap, bleach and bluing. I preferably provide four containers, rather than one or two, so that the particular compound to be used may be placed in each at thebeginning of a run, whereas if a lesser number were used, it would be necessary to empty each container during the course of a run before the next compound in order could be placed therein. This use of four or more (depending upon the number of compounds used) enables an operator to give his attention only" once to the filling of the containers at the beginning of a run.

The washing compound containers 60, 6 I, 62, 92

each comprise a tank with a capacity of about to I2 are successively opened, the particular compound contained in the respective tank will pass into either pipe 4| or 42 and thence into the injector and on into the machine along with the water which is also entering, the water and compound having been first thoroughly mixed in the chamber 24. Both gravity and the influence of the partial vacuum contained in pipes 4|, 42

serve to insure the movement of the compoundalong its course. Inasmuch as some of the compounds used are corrosive and might damage the apparatus if left standing therein or tend to. become viscid and hence clog the pipes, it is advantageous to provide some means for immediately cleansing each of the containers $9 to 93 after; its 1" or this purpose there is provided for each container a spray pipe I4, which projects just inside the rim of the container. The end of thepipe I4 is slit obliquely so as to produce a strong fan-shaped spray which will reach practically the entire inner surface of the con-' tainer and flush same free of any washing compound. In order that the spray only be applied at predetermined intervals, each of the pipes I4 is provided with an automatically controlled valve I! which is interconnected with each of nected through a header IS with the T 49 where the hot and cold'watersupplies meet. As is evident, the header I6 will have a pressure of water therein corresponding to the head of water which is flowing through the T 49, and will supply each of the spray pipes I4 with water at whatever temperature it may be supplied tothe T 49 at that particular moment;

As is well known, it often becomes necessary at certainv stages during the washing of a batch ofclothes, to raise the temperature of the water which is in the machine over that at whichit entered and for this purpose steam is the medium usually employed. In my apparatus I have pro-- vided header 22 (Fig. ,7) located in back of the machine from which a plurality of take-off pipes 2| communicate with the interior thereof at a point well below the water level. From the header 22 a steam. pipe 82 leads up to the top of the machine, first through a thermostatically controlled steam valve 33, thence along the vthe valves" to I2. The spray pipes I4 are contop of the machine to an automatically controlled valve 84 and thence'to anysource of supply through a pipe'85. The thermostatically controlled valve83 may be any of the well known forms and as illustrated, consists of an actuating mechanism 86 and flexible tubing 81 whichlatter leads downwardly to a thermostat bulb 88 contained in a well 89 secured on the under side of the outer cylinder. This well opensinwardly so that water contained in the machine is always in contact with the thermostat bulb 88 and consequently its temperature will control the amount of steam flowing through pipe 82 and when enough steam has passed through the take-off pipes 8| to raise the water in the machine to a predetermined temperature the valve 83 automatically closes, reopening again when the temperature drops below this point.

In the preferred method of operating my invention there is a continuous stream of liquid flowing through the machine with the various washing compounds injected at predetermined intervals and the dump valve is only utilized to empty the washer at the finish of the washing operation on a batch of clothes. Since, however, it is advantageous to have the washing done in a substantially constant level of water, means have been provided whereby this level can be j maintained at any desired predetermined level selected by the operator. Due to the fact that city water pressures vary at different times and as varying demands are made upon it, it is necessary to so design the various piping and overflows that the incoming supply is, even at its minimum flow, more than sufiicient to maintain the selected level andfor this t purpose I utilize a float valve arrangement. As embodied this consists of a drain chamber 95 having a telescoping top portion 96 that may be secured in any selected position by a set screw 91. The top 96 has at one side a pitcher-shaped spillage edge 98 which carries the overflow into a gutter 99 running along the floor in back of the machine. A

. float I88 is slidably secured in the cylindrical portion of the top 96 by having its upper and lower stems I8I supported in a strap I82 and spider ribbing I83 respectively. Connected to the upper stem MI is a slide rod I84 slidably supported at its upper end in a bracket [85 and pivotally connected at I88 to a lever I81 which is fixed on a rock shaft I88. The rock shaft I88 extends along the top of the machine being supported in suitable brackets, and has fixed on its inner end a lever I89 whose connecting rod H8 is pivotally attached to the end of a valve lever III. The lever III is. fixed upon the end of the valve stem in the float-controlled valve 53 previously described and is so arranged that a rotation of its valve-stemwill allow more, or lesswater to flow through as the case'may be. As a consequence, if too much water is flowing into the machine the level within the same rises and at the same time the level in the drain chamber rises over the spillage edge 98 and causes the float I88 to move upwardly whereby through its slide rod I84 and levers I81 and I89 the stem of the valve 53 is rotated to retard the flow of water into the machine.

Provision is made for varying the desired level of water to be used and as embodied comprises the telescoping top' 96 of the drain chamber and an adjustable pivotal connection I86 between slide rod I84 and lever I81, which connection (see Fig. 5) consists of a stud II2 that is rotatably secured by means of a'nut I I3 and washer H4 in a hole in lever I81. The other end of stud 2 passes through a slot H5 in slide rod I84 and is adapted to be clamped in any desired position therein by means of thumb screw I I6 and washer H1. I

The drain chamber 95 is secured to the end'of an outlet manifold I28 located beneath the ma- The drain chamber 9515 provided with a hand operated dump valve in the bottom thereof and as embodied it consists of a valve I23 having guiding fins I24 on the bottom and a stem I25 on the top which has fixed therein a pin I28. 'A forked lever I21 spans the stem I25 and serves by means of its slotted connection therewith to unseat the valve I23'when rocked upwardly. The lever I21 is fixed on one end of a rocker shaft I28, the other end of which carries a lever I29. The shaft I28 is supported in a bearing formed in the wall of the drain chamber in such'fashion that the one end of the shaft is within the chamber and the other is external thereto. A rod I83 connects the upper end of the lever I29 to the lower end to allow the guide fins I24 to leave the hole in the drain chamber in which they are positioned, although it must, of course, rise sufficiently high to allow a quick escape of the liquid contents of the machine.

The bottom of the drain chamber with its dump valve I23 is directly over a gutter I34 formed in the floor beneath the machine. This gutter I34 and the aforesaid gutter 99 deliver into the sewer and preheater respectively, the latter being adapted to carry a continuous run of sub-" stantially hot water and the former dumping the relatively cold water from the end of the run.

Referringnow to the means'for automatically operating the various valves, comprising motorstarting-and-stopping switch for the machine and the cam-shaft stopping-clutch, a horizontally disposed cam shaft F48 is provided, the same beingrotatably supported in bearing brackets I4I attached to. platform 28. The driving means for the cam shaft I48 comprises a three step cone pulley I42 rotatably mounted thereon midway of its length and a belt I43 which encircles the pulley 60 I and is driven from any convenient source such as a counter shaft (not shown). In the form of apparatus illustrated, one revolution of the cam shaft I48 carries out the steps necessary tot'completely wash one batch of clothes. By providing the cone pulley I42 with three steps and driving same from a constant speed counter-shaft, the operator is enabled to select one of three speeds for the cam shaft, which will give either a quick wash for moderately clean fabrics such as hotel and hospital linens, an average length wash for so called family trade, or a slow wash for particularly dirty fabrics such as rugs or mechanics clothing. I

Fixed at various points along cam shaft I48, are peripheral cams which (reading from left to right Fig. 1) are designated as soda cam I44, hot

water cam I45, soap cam I45, steam cam I41, bleach cam I48, cold water'cam I49, motor cam I58, blue cam I5I.

Attached to the left end of the cam shaft (see Fig. 1) ,,is a sprocket I52 which is connected by means of a chainl 53 to another sprocket I54 fixed the cam shaft by means of a semi-automatic clutch, the hub I58 of the pulley being provided with teeth to form one member of the clutch.

The other member of the clutch comprises a toothed collar I59 slidably mounted on the cam shaft but secured against rotation thereon by a key I58 (see Fig. 8). One of the brackets I4I forms a stop against movement of the collar I59 in one direction and the clutch member I58. stops its movement in the other. The said clutch collar I59 is adapted to be moved in either direction by a hand lever and in one direction (1. e. from engaged to disengaged) "by a cam action of the following mechanism viz: a collar I 59, having a relatively wide groove I H formed .midway-of its length, one side of which is parallel to the end face of the collar and the other side of which groove is provided with a projection I52 which acts as a cam to disengage .the clutch as hereinafter explained. Co-operatively engaged within the groove I5I is a roller I 53 which is preferably of a diameter slightly less than one-half of the width of the groove I5I and is carried upon one arm of a bell crank lever I54 that is pivotally mounted in a bracket I55 secured to the platform 28. The other arm I55 of the bell-crank lever'is connected by a rod I51 to a hand bell-crank lever I58 pivotally attached at I59 to the'channel beam 22 within reach of the operator. Carried-within the bracket I55, is a heavy spring I18 which co-acts with a projection on the bell crank lever I 54 to" maintain the latter either to one or the other side of a center thus serving to hold the collar I59 either in orout of engagement.

The operation of the clutch when the machine is run in its preferred manner is as follows:-

the operator first rotates the cam shaft slightly by means of the hand wheel I55 so that the projection I52 in collar I59 is not opposite the roller I53 (it being opposite same when "machine stops from previous run). He then throws the handle I58 to the left (Fig. 1) the first part of this movement being lost motion due to the width of the groove I5I but the final 'part of the movement causing the collar I59 to move to the right and to engage with the hub I58 of the rotating cone pulley I42 which, of course, then drives the'cam shaft.- As the shaft approaches the end of its one revolution the" projection I52 in the collar I59 contacts with the roller in the lever I54 and slowly forces the latter to the left. (Fig. 1) until, as the high point of the projection reaches the roller, such lever slightly passes the center point of its full movement. At this point Ehejeeth of the clutch are still fully engaged, bu "as the center .is passed the heavy spring forces the lever I54 to complete the rest of its movement to the left, which movement fully disengages the clutch and operation of the to If at any time during-the machine the operator should find it necessary stop the cam mechanism, it is only necessary throw the hand lever I58 to disengaged position which causes the machine to continue operating at whatever step it then happens to be until the operator returns the handle to the engaged position at which time the operation will continue to the end of its automatically timed run, the same as if never interrupted. I

The various automatically controlled valvespreviously'referredto including valve 48 in the hot water line, valve 52 in the cold water line, valves 18, H, 12, 13 in the lines from the compound containers, valves in the spray lines, and valve 84 in the steam line are all mechanically similar to each other and may be of any -well known form wherein the valve stem reciprocates to open and clo'se the valve, the valve being maintained in a closed position bya'self.-contained spring.

Since the operation and construction" of the connections between cams I44, I45, I48, I5I and the washing compound valves 18, H, 12, 13 are substantially alike, it is deemed that the following description of but one system of levers will be suillcient, viz: I

,There' is provided a fulcrum rod I15, supported in brackets I 15 attached on platform 28, rotatably mounted upon this rod is the cam actuated lever I11, one end of which carries a cam roller in contact with the periphery of its respective cam while the other end (see Fig. 2) connects by means of a short link I18 to the end of a valve operating lever I19. This latter lever is fulcrumed by means of a link I88 to a member carried by the valve in the compound container tact with the cam.

Operatively associated with each of the valves 18, 1|, 12 and 13 is the-spray valve 15 which is directly above each of these valves and operated from'the same lever I19 which operates them. .To this purpose an actuating yoke member I83 termed herein an actuator, is provided, the lower forked end of which is pivotally attached at I84 to the lever I19 at a point near the point of attachment of the valve stem. The upper portion of I the actuator I83 passes along each side of the spray valve 15 and isjoined together at the top by means of a spacer bolt i85 (Fig. 6). The stem of the valve 15'has attached transversely thereto a long pin I85 which is in operative engagement with slots I81 in the actuator I83.

When both valves 18 and 15 are in their closed povalve for a selected length of time sufllcient to thoroughly flush the compound container and piping.

'I'he'two automatically controlled valves 48 and 52 in the hot and cold water lines respectively are operated in a manner substantially like that just described for the washing compound valves. The cams I45 and I49 have cam levers I98 and I9I associated with them which are supported on fulcrum rod I15 and are connected by .means of links I92 and I93 to the valve-actuating levers I94 and I95. These levers are fulcrumed at I95 on members carried on the valve bodies and are 'pivotally secured to the valve stems as at I91.

Thesteam valve 84, though smaller in size, is similarin all respects to the other automatically conrtrolled valves just described. The cam 'I4'l co-operates with a lever I99 carried on fulcrum rod I15. A link 200 connects the lever I99to the valve-actuating lever 20I which latter is mounted similar to and operates substantially like those switch 208, which is interposed in the machine;

motor circuit, serves to start the beginning of the run. The operation of the above described apparatus may be accomplished in several different ways, for example, when the cylinder is empty all the valves are closed except the float valve 53, while the dump valve I23 is open and also the switches 205 and 208 are open and the clutch I59 is disengaged. The needle valves 55 are opened by the operator to an amount suflicient to allow the wash compound to slowly flow through at a machine at the speed that will empty a container of its respective charge in'about the time necessary to complete the particular step taking place. Thus, if a soaping of ten minutes is desired and for this treatment about 8 quarts of liquid soap is to be used, the needle valve 55 is so set as to allow the 8 quarts to flow through in about ten minutes. The two hand operated valves 41 and in the hot and cold water lines respectively are set so that the union of the two streams produces the desired washing *temperature. The adjustable spout 96 of the drain chamber is set at the desired level to insure the proper depth of water in the machine. These various settings are ones which it is only necessary to make at infrequent intervals, being, changed only whenthe temperature of the mainwater supply varies or when "a greater quantity'of washing compound is employed or a different washing level is needed.

After an operator has introduced the requisite charge of the respective washing compounds'into the particular washing compound containers '50.

5|, 62 and 63, such charge'being sufiicient for one wash, charging door of the machine is opened to receive the batch of clothes it is desired to wash. Just previous to loading the clothes into the machine, the operator throws the hand lever III back so as to close the dump valve. I23 and at the same time gizves a slight turn-or partial rotation td the hand wheel I55 which movement in turn imparts rptary motion through the chain I53 to the cam shaft I40, whereby all the cams aforesaid are rotated a corresponding amount.

In the timing diagram (see Fig.,11), the vertical line 3 designates the point to which the cams are moved by the aforesaid partial rotation of the hand wheel I55. It will be noted that bytms initial movement, the said control'clutch I59 and the three of the cams, i. e., the switch-cam I50, thehot water-cam I45, the cold water-cam I49 will operate the respective mechanisms which are controlled by these cams. As a consequence,

the automatic switch 205 is closed, the hot and cold water valves are opened, thus allowing water to enter the machine and the tooth or projection I 52 in the clutch I59 is moved out of the path of the hand lever actuated roller I59. I

' During the period that. the water is thus en-' tering the machine, the operator proceedsto load vthe clothes into the inner cylinder I I after which the doors are closed and the machine is ready to be started on its automatic operation. To ac- I complish this it is only necessary for the operator to close the hand switch 209, thus starting the machine motor I2 and to then throw the handle I59 to the left (Fig. 1) which will cause engagement of the clutch members I59, I59 and thereby effect rotation of the cam-shaft I40. From this point until the washing has been completed, the entireoperation is automatic and in the particular example selected for illustration (see Fig. 11) takes place as follows:

At a point between the three minute line 3 and five minute line 5, the proper level of water will have been reached and the float I00 will have operated to adjust the inflow to the-out-' flow of liquid asit will then continue to do until the end of the run.

At the line 5, the soda ash cam I44 effects the opening of the valve 10 and allows the soda to flow into the machine along with the water. At the end of about five minutes, the 'second rise on the cam I44 effects the opening of the spray valve on the soda container and flushes the same for about one or two-minutes after which the cam drops to its original position, closing the two valves and thus completing its part of the operation. At the line I0, or as the soda cam ends its operation, the cold water is shut off by cam I49 and the steam cam-I41 opens the valve 84 to allow steam to enter the machine and raise the I temperature of the water for the next step. Also at the line I0, the soap cam I46 begins to act and opens the valve II, allowing liquid soap to flow from the container 52 into the machine to perform the main cleansing operation. This continues for about I0 minutes (or to the line when the spray valve is opened by thesecond rise on the cam I45 and cleans out the soap container. As the soap operation is completed (at line 20), the bleach cam I48 opens the valve 12 and permits the bleach compoundto enter and act for about 10 minutes (at the line From the line 30, when the bleach valve 12 closes, to the line-50, or about twenty minutes, a thorough rinsing takes place, while the temperature of the water is gradually reduced, first by the steam being shut off at line 35, then by the cold water being turned on (at line and finally by thehot water being turned oil (at line At the end of this twenty minute period, or at line 50, the bluingcam I5I opens the valve II and allows the blue to enter and then opens the spray valve 15 for the cleaning operation, this being accomplished in about 4 minutes (near line After the bluing has been injected, the process is substantially completed and at line 55 the following actions take place: A

The switch 205, opens, breaking the machine motor circuit, allowing the hand switch 209 to open and stopping the machine. The cold water valve then closes, thus completely shutting of! all the water. The control clutch projection I52 actuates the bell crank I54 and disengages the clutch membersl58, I59, thus bringing the cam shaft I40 to a stop and thereupon the entire machine is at rest with about four or five inches of bluing water contained therein.

Whenever theoperator desires to remove the clothes, which are now clean, it is merely necessary to open the dump valve I23, which entirely empties the machine, open the doors in the outer and inner cylinders and lift the batch oi wash out, alter which the machine is ready for the next batch.

In Figs. 21 and 22 I have shown a modified form of washing compound container wherein the container is connected to a large storage tank of a particular supply and means are provided to limit the amount of material flowing from the storage tank into the container. As embodied, a feed line 220 leads i rom the storage tank 22l into the compound container 222. A shut-off valve 223 is provided so that the line can be sealed when not in use.

The container 222 carries in its upper portion an adjustable plunger 224 which is vertically slidable therein by means of a threaded rod 225 rotatably attached to the plunger 'by a plate 226. A cover plate 221 on the container has a threaded boss in the center thereof that carries the rod 225 to which a hand wheel 228 is secured, the rotation of which handwheel efiects the vertical movement of plunger 224 within the container 222 and thereby serves to vary the amount oi.

In certain methods or systems space available therein for washing compounds. The plunger 224 carries a self-closing check valve which consists of a. ball-valve 229 and vent hole 230, as well as a spray nozzle 23! which has contained therein a second self-closing check-valve 232. The plunger is made air and liquid tight in the usual manner by means of packing and packing ring 233. 'Threaded into the upper portion or the plunger is the spray pipe 14 which communicates with the nozzle 23! through a hole 234. The

upper end of the pipe 14 has attached thereto a flexible hose connection. 235 which leads to the automatically controlled valve 15 (not shown in Figs. -21 and 22) which arrangement allows the reciprocation oi the plunger 224 without disturbing the rest of the mechanism. An automatically controlled valve 236 is located in the feed line 220 just outside of the container 222,

the same being operatively connected to the valve 10 through its actuating lever 231 being connected by the link at 236 to the lever I19 which operates the valve 10. These two valves 10 and 236, are connected in such a waythat when one is opened the other closes and vice versa.

The operation 01! this automatically measuring container is as iollows:--the operator first sets the plunger 224 at a point which will give the desired quantity of compound by turning the hand wheel 226. The valve 223 is then opened and the liquid material flows into the container through thevalve 236, which is open, the air meanwhile being vented through ball valve,226.

When the liquid reaches the plunger 224 the ball valves 229v and 232 close and prevent the escape of the liquid through the air passage 230 or spray pipe '14. At this point the liquid ceases to flow into the container since the spaceis entirely When the time comes for the material in the container to be used the valve 10 is automatically opened as previously described, while the valve 236 is closed, thus preventing any more material from flowing into the container while it is being emptied through the valve 10. Immediately, however, that ithe valve 10 closes the valve 236 opens and allows the container to refill ready for the next cycle.

of washing, it

is customary to employ a different depth or level oi water for some of the various steps. For instance the application oi the soda, soap and bleach may be done in a depth of four inches of ing automatically, I have shown in Figs. 23 to 28 amodifled form of drain chamber and float control valve tor the incomingliquid.

A drain pipe 240 of relatively large diameter is attached by means of a swivel joint 24! to the end of the outlet manifold 242. L Midway of the length of the'pipe 240 is a bracket 243 to which is secured one end of a cable 244, the other end of which is fastened to a segment 245. The segment is fixed on a stub-shait-246 rotatably secured in a bracket 241 bolted to the endwall of the outer cylinder of the machine. Also fixed on the stub shaft 246 is a pinion 243 which meshes with a rack 249 carriedin two brackets 250 on the machine end wall. Back 246 is actuated by a lever 25l to which. it is pivotally attached at 252.

The lever 25| is mounted upon the end of a rock of a lever 253, which is fixed on the stub shaft 246, serves to balance the weight or the drain pipe 240'and relievethe strain upon the cam and levers which serve to raise it. Thus it will be, seen that as the cam is rotated the system of levers and the rack and pinion serve to rotate the segment 2.45 and raise the drain pipe 240 to any predetermined height compatible with the level of water desired for washing.

To the end that the flnal dump of the cool water from a wash will not go into the gutter 256 which leads to a preheater (not shown) I have provided the drain pipe 240 with a dump gate 350 which-automatically opens when the drain pipe is lowered to its final position and allows the water to flow into the gutter I34 which is connected to the sewer. gate 300 is hinged on a rod 30I which rotates in projections cast upon the pipe 240. The rod 301 projects through the wallet the pipe 240 and has a lever arm 302 fastened to its exterior end upon which a weight 303 is movably secured for the purpose of urging or maintaining the gate 300 in a closed position. An arm 354 secured to a the under side of the gate 300 and projecting through the large exit orifice 305 serves to open the gate when it is lowered into co-operati've en gagement with a bracket 306 mounted upon the floor of the wash room.

v In Figs. 24 and 23 I have showna float and associated mechanism to control the, inflowing liquidin the system of washing where different As embodied the flapper dead'levels and flow levels of water are used.

As embodied, this comprises a float chamber 260 located in back of the machine and connected with the interior thereof by a pipe 26L A float 262 contained within the chamber 260 carries a.

' rod' 263, the upper end 01 which is supported in a bracket 264 extending outwardly from the platform 20. 'Adjustably fixed in a slot 265 in the upper end of rod 263 is astud 266 which forms a pivot to operate within a slot 261 in one arm of a float lever'268. The fulcrum 263- lor the float lever m iscarried in the end oi! a cam 15 215 on the bracket 212, has one end slotted and end of the lever 2161s connected by a link 218 which is pivoted to the in engagement with a stud 216 fixed in the end of the arm 211 of the float lever 268. The other to the valve lever 19 valve stem at 288 a d fulcrumed at 28l on a link 282 carried on member secured to the valve body 283.

The operations of t se modified forms of drain chamber and float mechanism is as follows:-

The cam 256 (Fig. 25) first raises drain pipe 248 to a point which will give a level of water in the machine suitable for the first step in the process, for instance inches, the float valve 283 is, of course, open due to the float 262 being in its lowermost position. At the time the drain pipewas raised, the water. was'turned onand flowed into the machine until a level of 5 inches was reached. indicated by line b in the drawings, when the float acts through its lever system to shut the valve 283. This leaves a dead level of about 5 inches of water in the machine which remains until the cam 256' lowers the drain pipe a short distance and allows the water to drain off to about a 4 inch level a. The float 262 then drops and. opens the valve 283, allowing water to flow in. The drain pipe being too low to retain enough water to raise the float and close the valve 283 a flow level" i. e. enough water flowing into balance that flowing out, is maintained. When, however, it is necessary to raise the drain pipe to a high point for a 15 inch depth of water, it is,

also necessary to raise the float a corresponding distance so as to shut off the water at the 15 inch level and not at the 5 inch level as in the previous steps. This is accomplished automatically by means of the peculiar lever system illustrated in Figs. 23 and 24. Thus it will be seen that as the high point284 on the cam 213 advances it willraise the lever 218 as is indicated in dot and dash lines in the drawings, and carry with it the fulcrum stud 269 of the float lever 268. Due to the weight of the float 262 and the rod 263, the lever 268 will tend to rotate anti-clockwise (Fig. 23)

which will openvalve 283. This rotation then being stopped by the seating of the valve, the pivot 216 becomes a fulcrum about which the whole lever 268, 211 rotatesin a clockwise direction, due to the action of the cam lever 210, and raises the rod 263 and float 262- to the proper height for operation. The valve then being open allows water to flow in until a height of 15 inches as at dis reached at which time it is shut by the action of the float asin the previous case. This constitutes a 15 inch dead level whereas a slight lowering of the drain pipe will act to produce a 14 inch flo-w level,'as at c and the final drop of the drain pipe to its lowermost position will enof some of the various steps in the washing process without changing all of them. This can be done either by changing the individual cams'or by having some or allot the cams adjustable. I have shown one form of adjustable cam which may be used for this purpose. As embodied (Figs. 30 and 31) the cam disc 3) has a cut-away portion 3| l extending a distance greater thanwould ever be desired for actuating purposes. The cen-v tral portion of this cut away partforms the low v 7 run of the cam while the large diameter of the cam disc forms, partially, the high run. The adjustable feature consists of two segments 3l2 and '3l3 circularly slidable on the cam disc 3H! and seen that if a longer dwell is desired on the low part of the cam, all that is necessary to obtain this is to loosen the bolt and slot connection M5 and slide the segments around the disc to the proper place and re-tighten the bolts 3 I 5. WhileI have described my invention as applying to a continuous and semi-continuous system of washing it may at times be necessary or ex,- pedient to wash in the manner it is done at present, i. e. entering the water and washing compound in a short period of time, holding same within the machine for flve or ten minutes while the clothes are -agitated therein and then entirely dumping the water after each of the various steps 'matically.performing the necessary steps in this form of washing. In Fig. 32 I have shown diagrammatically the form of cams to be used and their relation to each other in radial alignment,

for completing a wash as it is at present carried out in most laundries. It will be seen that as the machine is started the drain pipe 240 is first drawn up to a predetermined height by cam 333 and then the hot and cold water and soda valves are opened by cams 33l, 332, 334. The spray. valve associated with each of the compound valves is operated as already described. The-machine motor is, of course, started by cam 330. At the end of perhaps two minutes the water has reached the proper level and the float valve 34! closes ,after which hot and cold water and soda valves close.

The next five. minutes, called the break, the clothes are properly agitated in the soda water after which the drain pipe is fully lowered and empties the machine, causing the float valve to reopen. As the drain pipe is again raised to its previous position, the hot and cold water, steam and soap valves are operated and quickly flll the cylinder with hot soapy water which, after the valves are closed, is held for a minute soaping operation. At the end of this period the*drain pipe is again fully lowered and entirely empties the machine. The following operations are similar to the ones just described except that each time a difierent compound valve is operated or perhaps none at all if a rinsing operation is 8 minutes; dump 2 minutes; soap 10 minutes;

dump2 minutes; bleach 8 minutes; dump 2 minutes; rinse 8 minutes;dum'p 2'minutes; blue 13 to 18 minutes; dump 2 minutes, a total of 60 minutes. F v While I preferably employ the herein described apparatus for performing a continuous washing 1 operation without intermediate dumping of the washwheel, I may, if desired, conduct a semi-continuous operation in which case the washwheel is dumped after certain of the stages or may conduct an intermittent washing operation as now commonly employed in which the water is periodically supplied to and periodically dumped from the wash wheel at each stage of the operation.

When washing fabrics in accordance with my improved method, not only is considerable undue I friction and excessive tumbling avoided due to the fact that the periodic dumping and refilling of the wash wheel at each stage of the washing operation is rendered unnecessary since in my process the machine is not durnped until the end of the washing 'operation, but also due to the fact that the fabrics are supported by the water during the entire process and therefore unnecessary wear and lint is avoided with the con sequence that the fabrics are not onlyconserved, but the much smaller amount of lint produced is more readily removed in the rinsing operation.

Furthermore, when washing in accordance with my improved method the tendency of the fabric to snarl and knot is lessened with the result'that the tendency for the fabric to tear in the washin and in the removal operation and in the unsnarliing of the same is also reduced.

Another advantage of my improved continuous washing method is thatthe continuous supply of fresh water facilitates the removal of the soil from the fabrics as there is less tendency for the soap to become neutralized by the foreign matter or soil in the goods due to the constant removal of such foreign matter and soil by the continuous flow of water through the goods whereby the washing operation itself is'more effective and the fabrics are more expeditiously cleaned. In other words, the fabrics are continuously submerged in water which is constantly becoming cleaner and more effective because there is less foreign matter in the soil contained therein to impair or new tralize the cleansing action of the soap or other washing materials. I Y My improved process, even when operated manually, 1s considerably-simpler than the ordinary washing operation as at present conducted, since approximately six openings and six closings ,of the dump valve are eliminated and even the dump valve itself, which is a constant source of annoyance due to the leakage and expensefor maintenance, is eliminated. Furthermore, the water inlet valves are not required to be operated at such frequent intervals.

Among the additional advantages flowing from my invention are the simplification of the equipment due to the elimination of gate valves, water level dial and the smaller sizes of the pipes and fittings and water manifold thereof required in my improved apparatus, the more effective preheating of the supply water, the reduction in the machine hours required for a washing operation due to the greater efiiciency of the washing operation, as well as the elimination of many of the manipulations now required in other automatic washing machines, the effective distribution of the supply water through the manifold attachment whereby preferably the'water is, ad-

mitted through four different openings in the top of the machine and also the extreme simplicity of the control devices employed.

Various other modifications within the scope of the appended claims may be made without de set forth.

1. In a machine for laundering fabrics, the sub-combination comprising a wash wheel, a main water supply valve, draining means providing a continuous overflow of waste wash water from the wash wheel during the washing opera- -tion while maintaining a predetermined level of water therein, means for' maintaining the water supply valve in a predetermined position to continuously admit a predetermined quantity of water into the machine during the washing operation, receptacles for respectively containing different laundering agents, a cam shaft-and a plurality of cams carried thereby and a plurality of .valveswespectively associated with the outlets of saidlaundering receptacles, means operated by the, cams and associated with such latter valves to admit predetermined quantities of the respectinuously during the period of such washing action withdrawingwaste wash water from the main body of water and at intervals during washing sequentially introducing measured quantities of different laundering agents without interrupting the continuous inflow of water to and outflow of water from said main body of water; and then finally draining the water from the batch of fabrics.

3. In a machine for laundering fabrics, the

sub-combination comprising a washwheel having an inlet and a drain outlet, the latter comprising a movable drain pipe adapted to optionally maintain water at a predetermined level in said washwheel while permitting of the constant overflow of water thereinto, a cam shaft operatively associated with said washwheel, a cammounted on said shaft, said cam having a cam face of predetermined contour, anarm operatively associated with said cam face, the free end of said arm being adapted to ride on said cam face and means connecting said latter arm with said movable drainpipe whereby the position thereof can be changed at predetermined intervals.

4. In a machine for laundering fabrics, the combination of a washwheel, a manifold adjacent the top thereof, means for affording communication between said washwheel and said manifold at a plurality of different locations longitudinal ly of said washwheel, a main delivery conduit for supplying water to said manifold, a valve for controlling such main conduit, means intermediate said valve and said manifold for introducing into said supply conduit a plurality of different washing materials, means for supplying hot water, cold water or steam to said water supply conduit, a plurality of washing compound receptacles mounted adjacent the top of said machine and beinglOcated successively at intervals longitudinall'y thereof, means affording communication between the respective receptacles and the aforesaid water supply conduit in advance of the aforesaid main'manlfold, valve controlled conduits affording communication between the upper portions of said receptacles and the main water supply conduit adapted to supply controlled amounts of water at predetermined temperatures to such receptacles, valves for controlling the amount of water introduced in the main delivery pipe, the

intervals at which washing compounds are introduced into the respective receptacles and discharged therefrom into the washwheel, the

amount of steam introduced into the water supply and the control of the drainage from the machine.

5. In an automatic washing machine, a washwheel having an inlet and an outlet for fluids and a movable overflow conduit controlling the amount of drainage from said machine and serving to maintain the level of the wash water therein at diiierent predetermined intervals during the washing operation, means to cflect through said conduit a quick dumping of the water in such washwheel and cam-controlled means for automatically controlling the podtion of suchconduit',

6. In an automatic washing machine, a washwheel having an inlet and an outlet roifluids and a swinging overflow conduit controlling the amount of drainage from said machine and serving to maintain the level of the wash water therein at different predetermined intervals during the washing operation, means to effect through said conduit a quick dumping of the water in such washwheel and cam-controlled means for automatically controlling the position of such conduit.

7. In an automatic washing machine, a washwheel having an inlet and an outlet and a movable drainage conduit in communication with such outlet and located externally of such washwheel, said conduit having a valve intermediate theends thereof, there being a discharge opening provided in said conduit and controlled'by saidvaive and ,washing fluid into amain'body z 9 means for opening said valve when the said conduit approaches its lowermost position; whereby water can be discharged through said la' tter openply of additional water to said maii lbodmperiod ically introducing diflerent compounds into said additional water in advancejof its entrance into said main body of water into which such additional water is so intr' a subjecting a batch of fabrics to be the washing action of said main body OfIwater effecting the I continuous withdrawal of 'in' the main body of water and then following, of the washing operation with compounds. rinsing the fabrics and draining the water therefrom. n

9. The method of washing fab which comprises continually introducing asupply'fiof aqueous a jwater during the rotary agitation thercof' fil 'd subjecting a batch of fabrics to be washedfto snewashing action of said main body of introducing at intervals into'said wash water the washing operation measured quantities of diflerent laundering agents, maintaining main body of water throughout certain of the] various stages of soaping. bleaching and bluing at a predetermined but different level from thatmaintained in a preceding stage while continually withdrawing water from the main bodyotwater throughout certain of said stages andatonce prior to the removal of the fabrics main body of water, draining the the batch 'e. completion

Images