US2355508A - Dry cleaning system - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 8,1944. M B

DRY CLEANING SYSTEM 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Sept. 29, 1939 INVENTCR.

MA R10 B U S1 Aug. 8, 1944.

4 M. BUS] DRY CLEANING SYSTEM Original Filed Sept. 29, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 iry i m @HEE@@ @EEWE INVENTOR. MARIO BUS] I Amway.

Aug. 8, 1944. M. BUS] DRY CLEANING SYSTEM Original Fii'ed Sept; 29, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 IIIIIIII'IIIJIII'IIIIIIIJI IIll'l'l 'IIIIIIIII'II I n u o u a I a l q I t O l O a a I II QIII IN V ENTOR. MA RIO E US! ATTORNEY.

Aug. 8 1944. M. BUS] DRY CLEANING SYSTEM e Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Sept. 29, 1939 INVENTOR.

MARI 0 BUS] A TTORNEY.

Aug. 8, 1944. M. BUSI DRY CLEANING SYSTEM Original Filed Se t. 29,

1939 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 PLUGS 2 12 E5 THERMOSTAT r 214 FANS DOOR IN VENTOR. 4

MARIO BUS] ATTORNEY SAFETY SWITCH v Patented Aug. 8, 1944 Marlo Busi, New Yoi-k, N. Y., assignor to The ,Sil-

' ver Globe Corporation,

poration of New York Original application Sep edandthis New York, N. Y., a cortember 29, 1939, Serial No. 297,070, now Patent No.

' April 13, 1953. Divid August 21, 1940, Serial No. 353,547

2,316,669, dated application 3 Claims. 01. 68-143) This patent application is a division of my copending patent application Serial No. 297,070, filed September 29, 1939, now Patent 2,316,669. That parent case is directed to a method of dry cleaning and to dry cleaning apparatus utilizing the step of circulating heated air through the 800ds in order to recover residual solvent, the apparatus including means for this purpose. It is also directed to certain features of casing structure and to a method of dry cleaning wherein a filtering mechanism with a plurality of filterin sections is utilized. Thispresent applifor-the partition or partitions in the rotatable washer or tumbler element, which partitions are so designed as to secure theutilization of an entirely new method of washing and drying. The

attainment of this new and improved washing method, wherein the goods are cleansed by the action of the volatile solvent, this method involving the use of imperforate partitions of novel and improved design, constitutes an important aimoi this invention.

f Various objects and-advantageous features of my invention, inaddition to those specifically cation is directed to an improved dry cleaning apparatus and method of dry cleaning wherein a washing tumbler provided with a generally Z-shaped partition is utilized, said Z-shaped partition, in cooperation with other parts of the apparatus, serving to eflect a new and improved method of dry cleaning. 7

This invention relates to a new and improvedmethod for the treatment of garments and fabrics, andis more particularly directed to an improved method of dry cleaning in which a volatile solvent is utilized. ,The solvent may be benzene, carbon tetrachloride, perchlorethylene, trichlorethylene, etc. but I prefer to use perchlor ethylene.

This invention also relates to a new and. improved dry cleaning apparatus wherein a volatile solvent is utilized for cleaning the fabrics and garments. While this apparatus is particularly adapted for usein solvent dry cleaning operations, it might of course also be used for washing operations wherein a solvent not normally considered as a volatile solvent, such as water or water containing various cleansingagents such as soa might be employed. This new and improved apparatus provides not only for washing the garments or fabrics with the dry cleaning solvent, but also includes means for recovering the volatile solvent from the garments and tabrics after they have been cleaned; The arrangement of my new and improved dry cleaning apparatus is so designed as to provide for a unit capable of handling commercial load capacities at a minimum operating and constructional cost. In other words, the design 01' my improved dry cleaning machine has been reduced to a simple and inexpensive construction which can be manufactured commercially and sold at prices much lower than those at which units of equivalent capacity now known to the industry are marketed.

Still other objects of my invention include the provision oi a new andimproved construction set forth in the foregoing summary, will be apparent from the following description. A preferred mbodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding Parts and wherein:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view-of the improved dry cleaning machine and associated solvent purification and solvent treatment system, together with the conduits communicating between the diflerent portions of the system. Certain pertions 01' the dry cleaning machine and lint trap are cutaway in order to show interior constructions, and fans, cooling coils and heating coils are not shown in the upper part of the casing l5.

Fig. 2 isa cross-sectional view taken generally .on the, bent line 2-2 of Fig. 3, some parts being 7 parts being shown in section, 01' one of the inthe washing container or J terior doors located in tumbler 25. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view, some parts being shown in elevation, taken along the line 8-001 Fig. 7. r

Fig. 91s a schematic diagram indicating an alternate form ior the interior partition or baille member in the washing container or tumbler.

Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the improved" dry cleaning unit, showing the control switches and the power inlet connections for supplyin power for operating the fans.

, Referring specifically to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, it is apparent that my improved dry cleaning apparatus (represented generally by the numeral l4) involves certain operating members, all positioned within a unitary casing represented by the numeral l5. This casing, which may be formed of sheet steel or other metal, is divided into a lower compartment or solvent sump tank represented by the nuineral'i8by means of the bent partition II. In the upper portion IQ of the compartment 23 there are positioned fans,- cooling coils and heating coils. A bent supporting bracket 28 provides a supporting means for this equipment positioned in the; upper part of the single compartment 23 in which all essential operations including washing, drying, and solvent recovery are carried out. This bracket is provided with a perforated portion 22 through which air currents may circulate. As shown, there are provided gage glass I33 and hand hole l2 (for affording access to the sump) in the sump compartment 15.

The compartment 23, which comprises that part within the casing locatedabove the partition l'l', contains the rotating cylindrical washer element, garment container, or tumbler 25. As previously stated, in its upper portion I! there are provided heating means, cooling means, and fans, all more fully described below. This wash-v er element is provided withtwo doors, located at flattened portions 24 of the cylindrical container, which doors are represented generally by the numerals 28. These doors include certain newand improved locking elements which will be hereinafter more fully described. Access may be gained to either of doors 28 through doors 28 and 23 positioned in the external casing I5.

The rotatable cylindrical washer element 25, rotating in the direction represented by the arrow, is provided with an internal partition member 38 which is generally Z-shaped in form and which is provided with V-shaped bent portions forming a generallydiamond-shaped or rhomboidal-shaped protective member. 3! over the driven shaft 32. The rotatable washer is mounted for rotation with the driven shaft 32. The driving means for rotating the washer 25 includes electric driving motor of any suitable form 34, driving belt which may be generally V- it is only necessary to remove plate 58 which, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, is bolted to the casing I5.

It will be apparent that fans 43 are surrounded by ring-shaped members 5|, while fans 44 are plates, in turn, support the rings 5| and 52 surrounding fans and 44. These straps 55 may rest on the bent-over portion 88 of supporting bracket 28. It will be apparent that cooling coil 48 and heating coil 4! are securely supported at either end by the straps 55, these strips, in turn,

beingsupported from plates 81 which are rigidly attached to and in fact form an extension of casing l5.

As shown, cooling fluid flows into the cooling coil 48 through conduit 8|. The cooling liquid, after flowing through the'various portions of this coil 40, emerges through conduit 82, in which is positioned thermostat 83. This thermostat controls the thermostatically controlled valve 85 positioned in outlet conduit 88, and so regulates the rate of flow of water, brine, or other cooling fluid through the cooling coil 40.

Heating fluid such as live steam is supplied to the heating coil 4! through inlet conduit 10, in which is positioned the control valve H. After flowing through the various portions of this coil the steam, or other heating fluid, emerges through.

a point adjacent the lateral center of the casing.

shaped in cross section 38, and driven pulley 38. I

A metal grille or other belt guard 31 may sur-" round the belt 38.

The upper portion I! of the unitary compartment 23 into which casing I5 is divided by partition l1 and supporting bracket 28, contains.

finned cooling coils 40 and heating coils 4|. Air is circulated through these coils by means of fans 43 and 44 driven respectively by electric motors 48 and 41. As shown, both cooling coil. 40 and heating coil 4! are provided with flns to secure more satisfactory'radiation. It is apparent that ,these elements are all positioned in the unitary single compartment 23 in which all essential dry cleaning and solvent recovery operations are carried out.

. Driving motor 48 for fan 43 is securely held, as.

This low point ineflect forms a sump for condensed vapors of dry cleaning solvent, which sump is drained by conduits Tl, one conduit extending, as shown, each side of the dry cleaning apparatus. These conduits lead to a water separator, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The driving connection between pulley 38 and rotatable washer element 25, as shown in Fig. 3,

comprises bearing 18 securely held in place by collar 88. As this driving connection may be of any standard form, it is unnecessary to describe it in further detail.

Spray pipe or solvent distributor pipe 83 is provided within the compartment 23 closely adjacent rotatable washer 25. As will be more fully apparent hereinafter, liquid solvent is forced out through a plurality of spray nozzles in this pipe.

into contact with the fabrics or garments being cleaned within the rotatable washer 25 through the perforated walls of the latter.

The operation of the dry cleaning apparatus and of the associated solvent recovery and solvent treatment equipment will now be described, with. particular reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 4. As shown particularly in Figs. land 4, liquid solvent which is iorcedinto the central or washing compartment 23 through solvent spray pipe 83, after flowing through the clothes within the washer 25, may collect to form a layer of a few inches depth supported by'the bent partition l1. It is of course possible to control the rate at which solvent is supplied to the spray pipe 83 by the pump 91 so that no pool of liquid solvent collects on partition plate I i1. From the lowermost portion of this to corrosion. In addition to removing the lint which may be present in the solvent as the result of treating fabrics with that solvent, the solvent may be treated in said lint trap 9| with solvent treatment agents, which may conveniently be placed within the perforated basket and the solvent brought into contact therewith.

After flowing through the perforated removable basket 92 of lint trap 9|, thesolvent fiows through conduit 94 into the sump chamber I0, this sump 'chamber constituting the lowermost compartment of casing I5, the compartment positioned below partition I1. The removalof solvent from this sump compartment I is accomplished by means of conduit 90 leading to pump 91. This line 94 is controlled by valve 99 and check valve I00, which check valve, while permitting solvent to flow out from the sump to the pump 91, prevents solvent flowing back into the sumpin the reverse direction.

The solvent removed from the sump. I6 is pumped by pump 91 through conduit I02 to either filter I 03 (filter No. 1) or filter I 04 (filter No. 2). The purpose and operation of these filters, which may be of leaf type and of which two are shown but a greater number may be present if desired, are more fully described hereinafter. Access to filter I03 is afiorded through conduit I00 controlled by valve I 08, while access to filter I04 is through conduit I00 controlled by valve I09. Either valve I09 or valve I09 maybe closed, thus allowing the solvent to be forced to either filter I03 or filter I04, as desired.

. As shown, there is also provided conduit III controlled by valve I I2 and extending. from conduit I02 to lint trap.9I. g The purpose of this by-,- pass line H0, and its operation in the solvent recovery and purification operations, will be made more fully apparent hereinafter. a

After passing through filter I09 the filtered solvent emerges through conduit H4 provided with check valve H5. Similarly, after filtration in filter I04, the solvent emerges through line H6 provided with check'valve II1. These check valves, while permitting solvent to fiow out of the filters and thus to conduit III, prevent the fiowing of solvent back into the filters. As shown, there are also provided outlet conduits HI and I23 from filters I03 and I04 respectively, these outlet conduits being provided with quick opening valves I22 and I24. These conduits serve. to permit complete drainage of the solvent in the filters, as desired, the drained solvent returning to lint trap 9| through conduit I20. As shown more particularly in connection with the representation of filter No. 1 (I03) in Fig. 4 of the drawings, when solvent is withdrawn through outlet In (or through outlet I23 in connection with filter I 04), it isnot filtered but serves to wash down the filter aid material and associated impurities removed during the filtration from filterelements represented generally by the numeral. I 01. a

After fiowing intoconduit III the solvent is returned to either the lint trap 9| or to the dry cleaning machine represented generally by-the numeral I 4, as desired. Conduit H9 is provided with sight glass I21, through which the clarity of eilluent side of the sight glass there is provided a branched conduit, conduit I29 provided with valve I30 permitting return of the solvent to the spray pipe 93, while conduit I32 provided with valve I33 permits return of the solvent to the linttrap9l.

It is thus apparent that used solvent which finds its way into the sump I6 via conduit 90,

lint trap 9| provided with brass basket for holdthe filtered solvent may be observed. On the sump it through conduit ing treatment agent 92, and conduit 94, maybe circulated through either filter No. 1 or filter No. 2 as desired, until solvent passing through sight glass l21shows clear and of suificient purity to permit its retumto the spray pipe 83. This is readily accomplished by keeping valve I30 closed and valve I39 open. The solvent, after leaving the sump It will, in this case, now through conduit I02 to either filter No. 1 or filter No. 2, whichever filter is in the circuit (this being controlled by operation of valves I05 and I09), and thence, after filtration, back through line IIO, sight glass I21, and conduit I92 again to the lint trap 9|. After flowing through the lint trap and coming in contact with treating agent which may be' cuit, by pump 91 and conduit I 02. When the solvent passing through the sight glass I21 shows sufiiciently clear, valve I33 may be closed and valve I30 opened. This will result in the solvent, which hasgbeen pumped from sump It by pump 91 through either filter No. ing directly into the dry cleaning machine I4 through the spray pipe 83, instead of being again recirculated for further treatment through the lint trap 9| and whichever filter happens to be in the circuit. After emerging from the nozzles of the spray pipe 99 the solvent will fiow through the clothes present in the rotatable washer 25, collect on one ofthe two angled or V-shaped portions formed by the partition 30, collect on bent partition I1, and will again-be returned to the 90, lint trap 9| with perforated basket 92, and conduit 94.

It is apparent that filter No. 1 and filter No. 2

can be used alternately, valve I00 or valve I09 being closed as required. If under any circumstances it should be desired, both valves IOIi=and we may be simultaneously opened, at which time both filters I03 and I04 are simultaneously utilized. When the used or impure solvent is employed for washing down accumulated .filter aid and impurities present in either filter, the used or impure solvent flowing in through conduit I05 or conduit I00, instead of passing into the interior of the filtering elements represented generally by the numeral I01 positioned within filters I03 and I04, flows over the. outside of these elements, washing down accumulated filter aid and impurities present thereon, and is permitted to emerge from filter I03 or. filter I04 through conduit I2I or conduit I23. This is accomplished by opening valves I22 or I24, a the case may be, the impure solvent flowing back to lint trap 9I through conduit I25. I

After washing operations are complete, the used or impure solvent is allowed to collect in sump I 6, pump 91 being of course not operated to remove the solvent from this sump. The solvent remaining in the garments, fabrics, or other goods present in the rotatable washer 25 is removed therefrom by means of high speed operation of the washer 20, as will'be more fully described hereinafter. This serves to' extract by centrifugal action the residual quantities of solvent remaining in the goods. This solvent as extracted from the garments collects within the compartment 23 on divided partition I1 and flows into the sump I6 through conduit 90, lint trap 9|, perforated basket 92 and conduit 94.

Even after high speed rotation of the rotatable container 25 containing the garments which have I been washed or dry cleaned, there remain in these goods substantial quantities of residual solvent.

This residual solvent is removed from the garments by means of a current of heated air which is circulated through compartment 23 .(Figures.

2 and 3), through perforated portion 22 of supporting bracket 20, cooling coil 40, heating coil 4|, and back as shown through the blades of fan 44 into the compartment 23. The arrows in Fig. 2 indicate the direction of this current of circulated air. In order to secure this air circulation at the end of extraction operations, or if desired at other times such as during solvent extraction operations, fans 43 and 44 are operated by starting motors 46 and 41. Fans 43 serve to pull the air within the perforated container 25, through perforated portion 22, and thence through the space surrounding cooling coils 40. Fans 44, arranged to force a current of air in the direction shown by the arrows in Fig. 2, serve to pull the air through the space surrounding heating coils H and thence return it to the compartment 23. The air, warmed by contact with the heating coils 4I (ordinarily to a temperature not in excess of 100 F.), picks up residual solvent in the form of vapor. This vapor'is removed from the air stream by condensation when that air stream is cooled by contact with cooling coils 40. During this portion of the solvent recovery operation cooling liquid such as water, brine, etc. is permitted to now through cooling coils 40, while steam or other heated fluid flows through heating coils 4I. It is apparent that by rapid heating of the air stream in contact with coil 4| and by rapid removal of picked-up vapors by condensation when the current of air flows through cooling coil 40, the residual solvent can be remoyed from the fabrics or garments within the washer 25 to a very complete degree.

As shown particularly in Figs. 2 and 3, the

solvent removed by condensation when the cirv culated air stream comes in contact with cooling coils 4b collects at the low point 50 of the bent supporting bracket 20. From this low point the.

condensed solvent is removed via conduits 11, one of these conduits being positioned at either end of the apparatus. The condensate may contain substantial quantities of water, and it is thereafter permitted to flow to a water separator ISI.

This water separator is of conventional type,-

the water being separated from the solvent used (such as carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene or perchlorethylene), by gravity separation. The water emerges from the water'separator I3I through water outlet I33, while the dry cleaning solvent with the water present therein removed 'flows out through conduit I34. As shown, there may be provided valved outlet I36 to permit removal of the condensed solvent freed from water at this point if desired. This outlet permits ready draining of solvent fromthe system when the system is to be drained.

However, after leaving the water separator I3 I in normal operation the condensed solvent will flow back to lint trap 9| through conduit I34.

cleaningapparatus will now be apparent.

ments. Asfshown, return line I34 is provided with anair and vapor vent I38, so that no difliculty with displaced air is experienced in returning the condensate to the lint trap 9| via conduit 4..

The operation of my new and improved dry In order to carry out the washing or dry cleaning step of operation, container 25 is rotated until either of doors 28 is in registry with either door 22 or door 25. Door 28 or door 29 is then opened, affording access to either of doors 25, which is likewise opened. The container is filled by placing therein an equal weight of garments in each compartment of the rotatable washer into which the washer is divided by imperforate Z-shaped' partition 20. Itis desirable to have approximately the same weight of clothes or fabrics in each compartment in order to avoid the development of excessive stresses due to lack of balance during high speed operations.

Pump 91 is now started and solvent, collected from previous dry cleaning operations in sump I6, is circulated through conduit I02. either through filter I03 or filter I04, through conduit II8, sight glass I21, and thence in either one of two directions: either back to the filter via conduit I32 controlled by valve 2 I8, and lint trap 9|; or, if the solvent shows sufiiciently clear in sight glass I21, into the spray pipe of the dry cleaning apparatus 83 through conduit I29 controlled by'valve I30. After the pump is started in practice the olvent is forced through either filter IM or I04, as desired, and the solvent recirculated through the filter via conduit I32, lint trap SI and conduit 94, returning back to sump I6, until the solvent as viewed through the sight glass appears to be clear and sufllciently pure to permit its use-for dry cleaning. When the clarity of the solvent is sufficiently high, valve I 30 is opened and valve I33 is closed, the clarified solvent being then forced through conduit I29 into spray pipe 83.

When the solvent is sufliciently pure to permit of its being forced through spray pipe 83 and utilized for dry cleaning, the rotatable washer 25 is caused to rotate about the axis defined by shaft 32 by starting motor 34. It has been found that with oontainer25 having a diameter of about 40 inches, the container should be rotated at a speed of 32 to 65 revolutions per minute. Under these conditions, the solvent being continuously forced in through spray pipe 83 by the agency of pump 91, there will collect liquid solvent at two levels; part on the V-shaped portions of the Z-shaped partition 30 having the diamond shaped portions 3|; and part on the dividing partition l1. The rotating tumbler is thus caused to move through this reservoir of dry cleaning solvent, part of the solvent being picked up by imperforate partition 30- and being positively forced through the garments. Of course it is not necessary to pump solvent at such a rate that a pool of solvent collects on partition I1, as the liquid sprayed in trap 9i, through the perforated basket in the lint trap containing solvent treatment materials wherein it is purified to a substantial extent, and

then back into sump I 8 through pipe 84. From,

this sump it is again recirculated through whichever filter is in the circuit and back through sight glass I21 into spray pipe ll. In this way the washing operation may be continued asjlong as desired. In practice it is carried out for a sum- 'clent length of time to thoroughly remove all ever, the garments or fabrics withinthe container 25 still contain substantial quantities of liquid solvent, and a large part of this liquid solvent is removed from the fabrics or garments by high speed rotation of the container 25, this high speed rotation serving to remove the solvent by centrifugal extraction In order to secure 'thishigh speed rotation, the motor 34 is caused to operate at a higher speed thanthe speed employed during washing operations. I have found that with a washer ,of about 40 inches diameter, speeds ranging from 150 to 6001 revolutions per minute will accomplish the desired extraction of solventfrom the fabrics or garments within from three to five minutes. In order to secure rotation at fairly low speeds for washing and rotation at substantially higher speeds for extraction or solvent recovery, I have found that the use of an ordinary shunt-wound electric motor, wherein the speed of rotation is controlled by means of a resistance in the-field circuit of the motor, is to be preferred. Of course, my invention is not restricted to the use of such electricmotor, as

any other means for securing low speed rotation for washing and higher speeds of rotation for extraction may advantageously be adopted. The

solvent extracted from the goods by centrifugal extraction will collect on partition plate I1 and is thence returned to sump It via conduit 80, lint trap SI, and conduit 84.

At the end of the extraction operations, which will in commercial machines usually require-approximately from three to five minutes for the usual-type of fabrics encountered in commercial dry cleaning operations, there stillzremain considerable quantities of solvent in the. fabrics or garments. Accordingly, rotation of the container 25 is now returned to low speed, and fans ll and 44 are started. As previously explained, air is heated by means of heatingooils ll, is circulated via fan 44 through the garments positioned within container 28 and thence, through perforated portion 22 of bracket 20, fan 43, and cool-' ing coils 40, back to the heating coils II. when the heated air passes through the garments it .picks up considerable quantities of the solvent .in the form of vapor, and these vapors are conremoved from the garments, which garments can then be taken out of container 2| in absolutely dry condition. The condensed solvent passes out During this drying period the process of solvent purification, involving treatment of the solvent tageously carried out. It is evident that by purifying the solvent during the drying period, or period of operation wherein the residual solvent is vaporized and removed from the; garments,

considerable timein the complete 'dry cleaning I and solvent" recovery process is saved. In addition to this important saving in time, boththe space required by the complete unit and the numberof individual parts 'orelements needed to carry out dry 'cleaninga'nd solvent purification operations are reduced to a minimum. 1

I After the washing and extraction steps and during the drying period the solvent purification process is-. carried out by the introduction into thelint basket 820i trap SI of a suitable amount of a chemical composition adapted to, purify the drycleaningsolvent. It is not necessary to touch any of ,the valves orequipment which regulate orcontrol the washing or, extraction operations, the solventfiowing fromsump it through pipe 8 8, valvesfland I00, and pump 91 into conduit I02. The .pump 91 is operated,'which, of course, does not in any way interfere with the drying process then taking place within the dry cleaningimachine I4. I

On entering the conduit I02, the solvent may pens to be in circuit, if eithervalve I08 or I llll is open. Eitherfvalve I22 or valve I24 being open, the solvent may then flow into the trap ,II through conduit I 25. However, it is not necessary that the solvent go through either of .70 through conduits TI, to water separator Ill, and

thence through lint trap ll back to sump II.

by chemical and mechanical action, is advan- 76 the filters, as when valve H2 is opened the solvent will iiow through conduit H0 into the trap II, wherein it comes into contact with the solvent purification composition present in the basket l2. The solvent then flows back into sump I8 through conduit. The result is that at the same time a load of fabrics or garments is drying in compartment 23, the solvent undergoes a process of mechanical and chemical purification in compartment IS. The continuous agitation and mixture of compoundand solvent will cause the absorption, in proportion to the extent of the agitation, of all deleterious impurities such as dirt, oils, coloring matters, acids, etc. present in the solvent. In this way the solvent is maintained constantly in the pure state, this purification taking place without'any loss of time during the drying step, thus rendering unnecessary the stopping of the continuous operations-carried out in my dry cleaning unit for distillation of the solvent It will be appreciated that by avoiding thenecessity for distilling the solvent, not only is considerable time saved in continuous dry cleaning operations, but alsov the cost attendant distillation isentirely eliminated.

It is evident that by positioning all elements essential for cleaning, extracting residual solvent, drying and recovering residual solvent withinthe single compartment 23 of the casing I! it is possible to control the air circulation and the moisture removal in a novel and improved manner. Because the rotatable washer 25, fans 13 and 44, cooling coils l0 and'heating coils 4| are all positioned within a singlecompartment it is apparent that no vacuumor pressure can be created therein, regardless of the amount of air in'circulation. It is also possible to have the air forced into circulation by eitherthe front fans 43, the back fans 44, or ..by both sets of fans together. This permits the precise control of conditions of humidity and heating. For example, if the front fans 43 are operated alone with moderate heating, the natural humidity will not be extracted from the fabrics. The air is not, under these circumstances, positively forced through the fabrics or garments. At the same time, it is possible to control exactly the amount of air which is circulated. If the back fans 44 are operatedalone, a greater degree of heating is applied directly to the fabrics or garments and the drying period thus reduced and a greater amount of humidity removed from the garments. If all fans are operated, a balanced condition is created. Under such circumstances, a maximum amount of air is circulated, which greatly shortens the drying period, without, however, excessive removal of the moisture present in the garments.

At the conclusion of washing, extraction, and

, to place the filter (say filter No. 1) in condition for further operations, and this may even be done while utilizing filter No. 2 (previously treated to refit it for further use) for filtering solvent to be used in the dry cleaning.

when reconditioning filter No. l, for example, for further use, the used solvent, instead of bein8 filtered therein and withdrawn through conduit I I4 and valve I II,-is drawn out by opening quickopening valve I22. The solvent, containing the washed-down filter aid material suspendedtherein, flows out through conduit I2I and back'to the lint trap 9I via conduit I25. After passing into the lint trap, it comes into contact with the solvent treatment material held in perforated basket 92 and is subieced to purification. After purification, it fiows back to sump I through conduit 94 and is reused'for dry cleaning. It is of course evident that used solvent may be permitted to wash down accumulated filter aid and other impurities present, for example, in filter No. 1, while filter No. 2 is simultaneously being utilized for the filtration of the solvent and even while the filter solvent is being forced through spray pipe 83 in dry cleaning operations carried out within the machine. When so utilizing the used or impure solvent to wash down the accumulated filter aid material, valves -I00 and I09 are both open. Valve I22 is similarly'opened, while valve I24 is closed. Accordingly, used or impure solvent is passed downwardly through filter No. 1 (I03) and fiows-out through conduit I2I back to lint trap 9 I. Solvent is also simultaneously fiowing into filter No. 2 (I04) through conduit I00, but since valve I24 is closed, this solvent is forced through the filter elements I01 of filter No. 2 (I04) and fiows out through conduit H6 in filtered conditiom' After flowing through conduit H6, it is of course returned to sight glass I21 via conduit H9 and may, as desired, either be recirculated by further filtration in filter No. 2 (I04) via lint trap 9|, or it may be permitted to fiow into .the dry cleaning machine through spray pipe 03 and employed for washing operations. It is thus evident that I may simultaneously utilize one filter for filtering solvent, this solventbeing repeatedly .reflltered and treated with material in perforated basket 92 until sufilciently clarified before beingallowed to pass into spray pipe u of the dry cleaning apparatus, while the other filter is simultaneously being prepared, by washing down the accumulated filter aid material and adsorbed impurities therein, for later reuse. Eachfilter can therefore be alternately used for filtering operations, the previously used filter being simultaneously washed down and prepared 7 for later reutilization.

The construction or doors 20 and 20 positioned in the external casing Il is-shown in detail in Figs. 5

and nuts I42,

The bolts I40 are provided at one end with a ring-shtped portion which encircles the bolt I, while at the other end there are provided screw threads. There are two of these bolts mounted for pivotal movement about the pin I, one at either side of the door which is represented generally by thenumeral I41. There is provided a hand wheel I49 ateither end, which hand wheel is designed to screw down tightly on the bolt I40. Thishand wheel bears against the bracket members I53. It is evident that when it is desired to release the door 1,. it is merely necessary to loosen hand wheels I40 until bolts I40 can be moved laterally out of the slot IBI formed in the bracket members I03. These bracket members I53 are rigidly secured to the door I41 and in eifect constitute .lugs or extension ears on that When it is desired to open the door, hand wheels screwed down after bolts 0 are seated in slots iii of lugs IN.

The door I41 may be formed of metal, but is also preferably provided with a cork gasket Ill, which forms a tight seal between the door I41 and the extension portion I" of easing I! in which is positioned the opening into the casing constituting the door. The cork Basket III may be held in place by means of a metal plate I00. 7

By opening either of the external doors "or 2!, access is gained to the doors 29 positioned in the inner rotating cylindrical washer element. These doors are shown in detail, together with their locking means, in Figs. 7"and 8.

As shown, there are attached to the perforated wall of the cylindrical washer element 20 bracket members I10, which stifien the bent-over portions I12 of the wall of the washer element. An extension of the casingof this washer element, represented by the numeral I12, provides a door bearing extending entirely around the periphery of the door opening. It isagainst this bearing that which angle portion is rigidly attached to and forms a handle by which the door may be held for opening or closing. This door I" is mounted r in position,

for pivotal movement around the axis defined by the rod I18.

The members I88 are generally T-shaped in cross-section, formed with an upstanding flange, and are positioned one at either end of the door structure. These members I88 are rigidly secured to the casing of the cylindrical washer element 2 5. As shown, there is provided a curved slot I82 in the upstanding leg of each of these T-.

I shaped members. Into this slot operating rod I84 fits for the purpose of securely locking the door Bronze housing members I85 are rigidly secured as by brazing or bolting to the perforated door I15. Each of these housing members I85 is adapted to retain a reciprocable rod I88 which operates against the action of spring I88. As shown, there are two of these bronze housing members, each provided with a spring I88 against which reciprocable bolt I86 may be pressed. As shown, in each of the bolts I86 there is provided a projection I81 adapted to travel in slots I88 in the bronze housing members I85. In this way the travel of the bolts I88 in the housing members I85 may be controlled.

As shown more particularly in Fig. 7, the rod I84, which is employed as a handle when the door is locked or unlocked, is securely attached by means of sleeves I8I to the reciprocable rods I85. It is evident that when it is desired to open the door the rod I84 is pulled downwardly, thus pressing bolts I88 downwardly against the action of springs I88 and permitting the rod I84 to be withdrawn from the curved slot I82 in the T- shaped members I88. This permits the angle I11 to be grasped and the door I15 to be opened, this door rotating with the rod I18 as a pivot. On the other hand, when the door is to be closed, rod I84 is pressed downwardly, reciprocable rods I88 being pressed downwardly against the action of springs I88, until the rod I84 is seated in the slot I82. It is there held in spring-pressed engagement, and forms a positive locking means, P ieventing the door from opening no matter at what speed the inner container 25 is rotated, until it is desired to open'the door. In this waythe danger of the door I15 being opened unexpectedly during washing or extraction operations is avoided, and the door will withstand pressure during extraction operations.

As shown, the housings I85 may be secured by bolts I83 to the rod I18 which serves as a bearing for the door I15 when it is rotated during opening or closing. This rod I18, as well as operating rod I84, may be provided at its ends with nuts It is evident I that the construction shown provides asimply which are screw-threaded in place.

constructed, efl'icient door-operating mechanism, which prevents undesired opening of the door during washing or extraction operations, but which is readily operated manually when it is I desired to open the doors 28 to gain access to circumference of the washer As shown, the three termini 281 of these portions 288 of the partitions I85 are spaced at substantially 128 from each other around the circumference of the element 25. As shown, there is also Provided a timer 2I1, by which the period of rotation of the tumbler at any speed of rotation may be controlled.

The process of drycleaning carried out inthe washer or tumbler 25 provided with imperforate Z-shaped partition 38 may be briefly described as follows. This process results in improved cleaning action and constitutes a distinct advance over those washing methods now practiced in washing and dry cleaning operations.

It is evident from the construction of the Z- shaped partition itself that the garments or clothes within the tumbler 25 are dropped twice during each revolution of the container. The projections formed by the rhomboidal or diamond-shaped partition 8i prevent the garments from sliding downtheimperforate surface of the partition, and thus insure the free dropping of the garmentsin each compartment of the rotary washer. a

Since partition 88 is without perforations, it is evident that the garments receive two saturationswith solvent during each revolution of the rotary drum 25. The garments are first saturated with pure filtered solvent in the form of spray, which filtered solvent flows from the solvent spray pipe 88 and into the rotary washer through the perforations in the walls thereof. As solvent collects on the partition I1, it is evident that during the downward motion or movement of the partition 88 through this layer, of solvent, solvent is scooped up through the perforated wall of the container 25, this scooping action occurring during that phase of the rotation of the washer wherein the motion of the partition is changed from a downward motion to upward. motion. Solvent in the form of spray is thus brought into contact with the clothes during one phase of the rotatioinwhile solvent is forced over the garments by the scooping action of the Z-shaped partition (solvent being scooped up from the layer which accumulates on the partition plate I1), during the other half of the rotation.

My improved washing method thus insures two drops of the clothes for eachcomplete revolution of the rotary drum, these drops being practically the full diameter of the drum. Sliding of the clothes down the partition is of course prevented by the diamond-shaped patrition 8| The clothes are brought into contact with solvent twice durin! each revolution of the drum, first with pure filtered solvent issuing from the solvent spray pipe 88, and then with solvent collecting on the partition I 1 as th result of the positive scooping action of the Z-shaped partition 88. It is evident that by providing two drops Der revolution, and two saturations of the goods with solvent during each complete rotation, the maximum washing action is secured. This action constitutes a distions now known in the art, whether that washing action be secured with a vertical agitator such as is used in certain types of domestic washing machines, by means of a drum provided with inner ribs, or by means of a'drum provided with a partition which is not of Z-shaped form. When a vertical agitator is utilized, not only is satisfactory washing action not obtained, but the amount of agitation necessary to secure even a small degree of washing emciency is extremely harmful to fabrics possessing a high pile such as velvet and camel's hair. The common drum provided with a number of inner ribs secures its maximum cleansing action only when reversing, and then only when the number of reversals does not exceedtwo or three per minute. In addition to poor washing action, the necessity for periodic reversal makes for relatively inefiicient mechanical action. When a partition is provided in the dropping of the garments or fabrics through the compartment of the washing container and the solvent therein is not secured. Mere sliding action does not result in positive dropping such as is attained by the use of my improved Z-shaped partition with a diamond-shaped central portion. Sliding of the fabrics on the partition, characteristic of those methods now in use not utilizing a Z-shaped'partltion, is not capable of efiective washing. It is of course evident that if more than two partitions are present in the drums of this character now known to the art the mechanical action is correspondingly reduced to a drop since the clothes ar restricted to a distance of not exceeding the radius of the drum, instead of to a drop substantially equivalent in distance to the diameter.

When employing my improved Z-shaped partition, it is sometimes possible, as shown in Fig. 9,

tlnct improvement over the types of washing acresult of the scooping action of the partitions more effective washing action is secured, and it is therefore possible in some instances to operate with less drop than is provided by the form of rotary drum shown in Figure 2.

The construction shown in Figure 9 is practical for load capacities of '75 pounds and over. When constructing a 50 pound washer (a washer capable of handling 50 pounds of garments per load), the diameter may be approximately onehalf that of a 300 pound washer, while the ratio of the respective volumes of the rotary drums in each instance will be approximately as 1 is to 6.

To those skilled in the art many modifications and widely different embodiments and applications of my invention in the general fields of washing and dry cleaning fabrics and/or garments will be readily apparent. The descriptions of my improved dry cleaning machine, dry cleaning system and-dry cleaning methodas given herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive, since various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. It is intended that the invention is not to be restricted to specific embodiments, specific details, or specific modes of operation other than as necessitated by the prior art and appended claims.

I claim: I

1. In dry cleaning apparatus of the character described, an outer casing, a rotatable washer element positioned in said outer casing, means supporting said rotatable washer element for rotation in said outer casing, a stepped imperforate Z-sha'ped partition dividing said rotatable washer into two similar compartments, said ro- 4. its periphery.

to provide more than one partition and still insure dropping the clothes an effective distance.

This is attributable to the improved characteristics of the Z-shaped partition and to the improved washingaction secured during dry clean ing operations in the improved process. This results in the securement of more efiicient'washing with less drop than is attained with those machines now in use in the industry which do the distance of drop is somewhat less than the diameter of the washer, it is evident that it is still substantially greater than the radius of the drum. As previously pointed out, as the direct 2. Indry cleaning apparatus of'the'character described, an outer casing, a rotatable washer element, said rotatable washer element being mounted on a shaft passing through its longitudinal 'axis thereof, bearing means supporting said shaft for rotation in said outer casing, a s epp d element covering said shaft within said rotatable washer, stepped partition members dividing said rotatable washer into a plurality of I similar compartments, the periphery of said rotatable washer including a pair of identical arcuate portions spaced from each other by fiat offset portions, said arcuate portions being perforate and said partition members and fiat portions being imperforate.

3. In a dry cleaning apparatus, a rotatable washer, a shaft extending longitudinally through said rotatable washer, said rotatable washer being mounted for rotation about the axis defined by said shaft. an imperforate Z-shaped partition positioned within said rotatable washer and dividing said washer into a plurality of compartments of similar shape, said Z-shaped partition being provided with -a diamond-shaped portion surrounding said longitudinally extending shaft.

MARIO BUSI.

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