GB2506392A

GB2506392A - Laundry washing machine that utilises low-frequency micro-vibration

Info

Publication number: GB2506392A
Application number: GB1217326.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carol Su Lin Goh
Original assignee: Meiban International Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Meiban International Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-28
Filing date: 2012-09-28
Publication date: 2014-04-02
Also published as: GB201217326D0

Abstract

This invention relates to an eco-friendly laundry washing machine, comprising the following core features; a tank 12 with a vibrating surface 200 mounted on the inner surface of the base 120 of the tank, a filtration system (18, fig 4c) comprising at least one actuator device and one filter enclosure with permanent filter media and a vacuum pump (14, fig 4c). Said vibrating surface comprises at least one magnetic pole 201 on one side of the surface and at least one electromagnet pole 202 mounted on the other side of the surface, wherein, low-frequency micro-vibration is achieved by pulses or waves created by polarity differences between the magnet & corresponding electromagnet, to provide the necessary washing and rinsing action. This invention is applicable for washing machines that are front-loading, top-loading, both front and top-loading in one unit together or two front-loading units in one washing machine unit. Moreover, the individual core features can be customised and incorporated into any conventional washing machine.

Description

DRUM-FREE WASHING MACHINE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a washing apparatus for domestic household and various industries use in washing, rinsing and drying of the laundry, with the washing achieved by micro-vibration of the vibrating surface, rinsing achieved by partially recycled filtered water, drying via vacuum for the laundry, coupled with the possibility to have front and top-loading units or the possibility to have two front-loading units being incorporated together within a washing machine unit. Moreover, there is the added flexibility of being able to incorporate the individual core features of the present invention and customised it for use in any conventional washing machine that utilises rotating or spinning drums.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, most of the normal conventional washing machine for home domestic and various industries use consume water for cleaning and rinsing in any washing process.

These conventional machines tend to involve some form of spinning in their washing process. whether it is via rotatable spinning drums, agitators, pulsators or even via an impeller mounted centrally in a drum, rotating basket or a tank. The present invention seeks to eliminate spinning by removing the need to have a rotating drum, and can be used for washing clothes, linen, and the like (hereinafter referred to as "laundry').

Moreover! the individual core features of the present invention related to washing, rinsing and drying can be incorporated and customized for use in any conventional washing machine that utilizes rotating or spinning drums.

Therefore, the key benefits of the øresent invention are as follows: 1st Key Benefit of Present Invention -design flexibility Conventional washing machines typically are available in either front (or horizontal-axis washer) or top loading (or vertical-axis washer) depending on the configuration and the needs and requirements of the wash. The general features disclosed by the present invention such as the tank, vibrating surface, vacuum pump, drainage pump and the filtration system are applicable for a front and top-loading washing machine as well as a combination of front and top loading units or a combination of two front-loading units in one washing machine without any modifications, making the different assemblies easier and lower inventory count. Hence the present invention disclosed has sufficient design flexibility to incorporate both front and top-loading being incorporated together within the same washing machine unit, or two front-loading units in one washing machine unit, whereby the simple addition of an oxy-jet distributor will give the ability for a standard size washing machine to use a combination of two tanks sharing the same energy consumed. Hence this will give to the user the option to use separately and/or cumulatively both tanks during a full washing session, whereby one of these tanks could be adapted to a smaller size to wash a smaller quantity of laundry. In addition, there is an added flexibility for the individual core features disclosed by the present invention for washing (via the vibrating surface), rinsing (recycling via the filtration system) as well as vacuum drying to be customised and incorporated separately into any conventional washing machine utilising rotating or spinning drums.

2 Key Benefit of Present Invention -reduce wrinkling of laundry There are many known problems associated with the use of the tandem drum and motor during all the washing, rinsing and drying process. The present invention disclosed here eliminates the use of these components and provide an appropriate and independent solution in relation to each process.

Considering the washing and rinsing, the embodiment in the present invention consists of a first pole which is a magnet or ferrite mounted on one side of the vibrating surface, and where the second pole is a single coil electro-magnet or a double-coil electro-magnet mounted on the other side of the vibrating surface; hereinafter referred to as "magnets" and "electro-niagnets" in the subsequent descriptions disclosed in the present invention. The use of few magnets is equally balanced on one of the side of the vibrating surface. The position of each magnet is perpendicular to the laundry load or more advantageously inclined in a direction in order to be efficient during a typical full wash cycle and particularly during the washing process. The area of the magnets will be slightly bigger than the area of the electro-magnet in order to ensure that the magnetic-fields of each component (i.e. magnets & electro-magnets) would be at any time in perfect opposition during the entire process. The assembly of the magnets, electro-magnets and the vibrating surface are placed and guided inside the tank, with the electro-magnet located externally and separated by the thickness of the tank. It will be important to understand that the present invention utilizes micro-vibration from the vibrating surface in order to execute the washing and rinsing function. During washing, the laundry rotation is done by a cycle of alternate action of each electro-magnet, where the period of rotation will be followed by a succession of simultaneous and/or periodic long and short pulse or wave such that the laundry will be expulse from a more or less static position, with waves generated during the erosion action necessary in order to liberate the dirt from a restraint position within the clothing. Hence this type of washing action as disclosed by the present invention will also reduce the constraints created by the rotation of the drum in which the laundry are propelled and compacted on each other which has the effect to provoke important wrinkles.

The spinning process is another known cause of the wrinkles problem, where the centrifugal force created by the high speed rotating drum will increase the effect of laundry compaction. The use of the centrifugal force is definably an inappropriate solution in terms of drying. It is easy to understand that at low speed, it will require a particularly long cycle for a machine to be efficient in drying the laundry, hence the result will be of course less wrinkles. However the energy absorbed by the drum motor is also very high, whereby at highest speed (i.e. in order to quickly dry the laundry) it will reduce the energy cost using the cumulated momentum of the force, and it will also increase the wrinkling of the laundry. Moreover, high speed spinning are not suitable for certain types of laundry material such wool or silk, reducing the lifespan and the fragile aspect for this type of laundry. The solution proposed in the present invention would be to link the previously described high waves produced by the vibrating surface to a vacuum system which is able to reduce the pressure inside the tank. When the vacuum system is activated at low pressure of 650 Torr, the internal temperature within the tank will be maintained at a temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius, thus creating a high evaporation of the residual humidity and the drying effect requested. As discussed previously, the embodiment in the present invention does not involve any centrifugal forces! since the movement of the high waves generated by the vibrating surface with a very low amount of energy will not have any adverse effects on the laundry quality. Of course in order to obtain fully dried laundry, proportional additional energy will be consumed, which is usually via the vacuum pump. However this is not conceivable with a typical spinning solution found in conventional washing machines.

Therefore, the embodiment in the present invention does not utilise any rotating drum, and its associated motor and centrifugal force, thus resulting in an improved solution that reduced the wrinkles in the laundry after washing, thus eliminating the subsequent need to iron, hence saving time and cost from ironing.

3 Key Benefit of Present Invention -Eco-friendly & Oxy-iet First of all, it will be important to denote the differences between the embodiment disclosed in the present invention and the existing prior art.

Prior art US 5,154.071 disclosed the use of centrifugal valve for directing a flow of washing fluid to selected jet sprays based upon predetermined condition of the washer, e.g. rotational speeds of the basket or the rotating drum inside the washing machine.

According to prior art US 5,154,071, the spray jets aids in agitation of the clothes when the basket rotates at relatively slow speeds, and the spray jets aids in linsing of the clothes when the basket rotates at high speeds. Considering this case, we will note the difference with the present invention, whereby the jet of water from the oxy-jet nozzles as disclosed in the present invention will not be carried out inside the laundry water but within the top portion of the tank such that the jet of water will be pulverized, enveloped and propelled the air that is accumulated within the top portion of the tank. However any agitation of the water as a result of the oxy-jetting is not the primary objective for the present invention.

Prior art US 7,637,129 utilised a jet-washer for washing clothes via a series of spaced and variously angled jets of air in a stationary sealed tank of water to swirl the water under high pressure and clean clothes faster and belier than other prior art washing machines without the need for detergents. Concerning this case, it is easy to note that the present invention is not using jets of air but only jets of water or/and saturated soap water in which there is a need to oxygenize the water soap during the washing in order to improve the action of the soap on the laundry clothing, or/and create a looping circuit during the rinsing session in order to have a water saving action by filtering through the filtration system disclosed in the present invention, thus reducing the overall volume of fresh water requested for this operation.

Prior art US 8,166,591 disclosed a method for reducing the water usage and energy consumption in a washing machine using a suction port (i.e. Venturi system) coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub and activated by an independent jet pump. In this case also, we will note that the situation differs from the present invention by the addition of an external jet pump and the water injected directly inside the water soap accumulated inside the tank. In the present invention, the process will use the existing and conventional drain pumj. The difference will be that the present invention disclosed utilised two (2) ijarticular actuator devices sequencing four (4) ways by the activation of two (2) independent positions associated to the variation of the speed of the drain pump motor in order to increase the pressure during the washing session, to alternate high and low pressure during the rinsing session and to get a low pressure but a high flow during the draining session.

In addition, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention utilises a filtration system comprising of a self-cleaning filter as well as two (2) 4-way actuator devices to facilitate and control the movement of the water flow during the washing, rinsing and draining cycle within the washing machine. The self-cleaning filter will help to prolong the lifespan of the permanent filter media, thus requiring lesser maintenance to change and service the permanent filter media in the long run. An example of how the permanent filter media would be maintained and serviced would involve the use of a filter pad regeneration done periodically without having to dismount the permanent filter media from the system, whereby the regeneration could be carried out using the simple washing and rinsing controls of the washing machine proposed in this present invention.

Details of how the filtration system operates will be disclosed further in the "Description" section of the write-up here.

Hence the present invention is able to partially recycle the laundry water during the rinsing process via passing the laundry water through the filtration system before being recycled back within a rinse cycle. This means that lesser fresh water would be needed for a typical full wash cycle, hence resulting in lesser water consumption in the long run, making the washing machine unit more "eco-friendly".

In addition, the utilisation of the jet of water and water soap together with drainage pump during all the washing cycle in order to improve the "friction" generated between the water and the clothes such that it will improve the cleaning action. The jet nozzles are oriented all around the tank of the washing machine in order to genelate the water recycling process and to improve the rinsing cycle. Moreover, jet nozzles could also be used to promote water oxygenation as well as to improve the soap action during the washing piocess.

4th Key Benefit of Present Invention -Lower Purchasing and Assembly Costs As mentioned previously, the present invention disclosed here doesn't involve any spinning during the washing and rinsing process, hence eliminating the need to have drums powered by motor as well as dampeners. This would mean reducing the costs ot purchasing and assembling rotating drums and motor which otherwise would be needed in a typical conventional washing machine.

5th Key Benefit of Present Invention -Maximising Washing Capacity Without the need for dampeners, the extra allowances would be better used for maximising the washing capacity without changing the size of the entire washing machine as compared to a conventional washing machine. This would also allow the possibility of incoiporating both front and top-loading oi two front-loading designs within the same washing machine unit.

6th Key Benefit of Present Invention -No Mechanical Link, Lesser Maintenance The present invention serves to disclose a vibrating surface inside the tank of the washing machine. Most conventional washing machines have a lotating dium located within the tank portion. The present invention eliminates the need for having such a lotating drum. Without a rotating drum, this would also mean eliminating the need for a motor to power-up the drum. This would result in significant savings since these aie two (2) of the costlier items in the fabrication of any conventional washing machine utilising water for the washing and rinsing process. Moreover, without the rotating drum, maintenance costs will also be significantly lower for the embodiment shown in the present invention. With over long period of usage in a typical conventional washing machine, the chances of water leakage into the rotating mechanism will be higher as compared to the embodiment in the present invention. The embodiment in the present invention does not require any motor, hence no rotating mechanism needed, thereby minimising the maintenance costs associated with the water leakage problem associated with the use of such rotating mechanism.

There are also other similar prior art that has the similar "wobbling or vibration effect" that is exhibited by the embodiment in the present invention. Representative examples of prior art exhibiting the "wobbling or vibration effeci' include US patent nos.US 6,986,271, US 7,316,134, US 5.452,594 and US 5,511,396.

Both US 6,986,271 and US 7,316,134 discloses a washing machine having a wobbling unit which wobbles a washing plate installed at the inner bottom surface in a spin-drying tub of a conventional washing machine utilising rotating drum. The wobbling effect described in prior art US 6,986,271 and US 7,316,134 consists of a wobbling unit mounted to the washing shaft so as to wash the laundry by a wobbling operation. The wobbling effect created is via mechanical means, which is different from the vibrating effect created by the embodiment in the present invention using non-mechanical means (i.e. via polarity differences of the electro-magnet with the corresponding magnet).

Hence this means that the embodiment in the present invention will have less maintenance issues as compared to the prior art using mechanical means. With lesser maintenance issues and lesser mechanical parts, this would also mean that the installation costs for the embodiment in the present invention will be lower as well.

Both US 5,452,594 and US 5,511,396 disclose a low frequency vibration type washing machine with an oscillating disc that is suitable for use in a multi-phase washing medium. The oscillating disc in both US 5,452,594 and US 5,511,396 are joined to a disc drive shaft extending through the bottom centre wall of the washing tub. Hence this means that there is still a possibility for water to seep through the gaps in between the drive shaft and the sides of the bottom centre wall in contact with the drive shaft, especially with prolonged use of the washing machine over time. With potential water leakage! this will result in maintenance issues later on for the washing machines disclosed in both US 5,452,594 and US 5,511,396.

Hence the design for the embodiment in the present invention is considered as "closed-loop static" as compared to the rotating drum I motor design found in conventional washing machine which is considered as "dynamic", or even those prior arts mentioned in the previous paragraphs. The maintenance costs for such a "static" design is lower since it involves only replacing the magnets I electro-magnets easily without much difficulty. The electro-magnets are energised via the standard circuitry needed for them to work, and they are well insulated from the water since the electro-magnets are located at the exterior of the tank, separated by the wall thickness for the tank. Another point to remark would be that the action between the electro-magnets and the vibrating surface are working without any mechanical link, with such a system eliminating problems associated with the use of the rotating drum I motor design such as water leakage which could have destructive action on some components like the drum motor, sensors, etc. 7th Key Benefit of Present Invention -Faster Drying As mentioned previously, conventional washing machines utilise rotating drums.

Assuming the speed of rotation for the drum is kept constant, this would no doubt creates unnecessary time wasted in trying to have a longer spin cycle in order to remove the residual water present in the washed laundry. The thickness of the laundry clothing will not interfere with the spinning cycle but the nature and type of material with regards to its permeability will have an effect on the effectiveness of the spinning cycle. The thicker the material of the laundry clothing, the longer will be the spinning cycle needed in order to remove the residual water present inside the laundry clothing after a typical washing cycle. This would mean that for a longer spinning cycle iesulting in a final drying of the laundry, the electricity consumption would be much higher.

One possible known solution existed out there in the prior art would be to incorporate a dryer or a machine with a similar drying function next to the washing machine, whereby the drying means is typically hot air. However this would mean additional costs with the incorporation of an extra dryer or a machine with a similar drying function. The other approach would be the embodiment in the present invention which utilises vacuum system for vacuum drying. Firstly, the vacuum system aims to remove as much residual water as possible from the washed laundry so that it will dry faster subsequently. The vacuum system incorporates a special vacuum pump. The pressure in the tank will be reduced once the vacuum pump is running, and a low vaporisation temperature can be achieved once the pressure is reduced, hence facilitating the removal of residual water from the washed laundry clothing.

By comparing the drying time for a conventional washing machine which utilises spinning versus the embodiment in the present invention which utilises vacuum-drying, for the same thickness of the laundry clothing material, in order to achieve half-dried status for the laundry clothing, the drying time would be slightly faster for the embodiment in the present invention. Hence this would mean that there would be time savings achieved with the use of vacuum drying for the embodiment in the present invention. Another aspect would be that vacuum drying is able to achieve fully-dried laundry under an acceptable timing which will be almost impossible using the conventional spinning process.

8th Key Benefit of Present Invention -Lower Energy Consumption The present invention disclosed utilises the micro-vibration from the vibration surface to wash and rinse the clothes. It consists of at least three (3) magnets that are spaced apart from each other on one of the side of the vibrating surface, interfacing with at least three (3) electro-magnets that are also spaced apart from each other on the other side of the vibrating surface, separated by the thickness of the tank. Each magnet will interface with one electro-magnet respectively. By controlling the polarity of each electro-magnet interfacing with each magnet, this will cause the whole vibrating surface to deflect upwards or downwards depending on the polarity. Hence the vibration action, whether independent by itself or in successive simultaneous and/or periodic motion, will provide the necessary washing and rinsing function. The energy to energise the electro-magnet is of a lower power consumption, and hence would be significantly lower as compared to a conventional washing machine which utilise a typical motor for rotating drums.

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the embodiment in the present invention disclosed utilises micro-vibrations to provide the necessary washing and rinsing function.

Details of the vibration function will be explained further in detail under the "Description" section of the write-up.

It will also be very important to make the difference between micro-vibration produced from the vibration surface in the present invention and other ultrasonic systems which were already included on some washing machines in the prior art. An example of such prior art is US 4,727,734, which relates to an ultrasonic washing machine used to wash textile products such as fabrics and yarns and is equipped with an ultrasonic generator and an air bubble supplying device. For phor art US 4,727,734, the frequency of the ultrasonic generator is variable optionally in the range 10 to 60 KHz by means of a dial type selector as disclosed. However, the frequency of the vibrating surface disclosed in the present invention is typically in the range of 50 to 100 Hz, i.e. is a low frequency vibration generated via the interaction between the magnet and the corresponding electro-magnet. Hence with a lower frequency needed, the overall energy consumption needed to energize the electro-magnet would be lower as compared to a typical ultrasonic washing machine like prior art US 4,727,734.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings attached here are to aid in better understand the description of the invention here. The drawings are not to scale and they are to be used for merely illustrating the principles and concepts of the invention.

To aid in the description of the embodiment of the present invention, the drawings are separated into the various Figures as described below: Fig Ia illustrates a front view of the present invention applicable for a front-loading washing machine.

Fig lb illustrates a sectional left side view of the present invention applicable for a front-loading washing machine.

Fig Ic illustrates a sectional right side view of the present invention applicable for a front-loading washing machine.

Fig 2a illustrates a front view of the present invention applicable for a top-loading washing machine.

Fig 2b illustrates a sectional left side view of the present invention applicable for a top-loading washing machine.

Fig 2c illustrates a sectional right side view of the present invention applicable for a top-loading washing machine.

Fig 3a illustrates a front view of the present invention applicable for a washing machine with front and top-loading incorporated in one unit.

Fig 3b illustrates a sectional left side view of the present invention applicable for a washing machine with front and top-loading incorporated in one unit.

Fig 3c illustrates a sectional right side view of the present invention applicable for a washing machine with front and top-loading incorporated in one unit.

Fig 4a illustrates a three-dimensional (3-0) view of the present invention applicable for a front-load tank.

Fig 4b illustrates a three-dimensional (3-D) view of the present invention applicable for a top-load tank.

Fig 4c illustrates a three-dimensional (3-D) view of the present invention applicable for a combined front and top-load tank.

Fig 5 illustrates a back sectional side view of the present invention applicable for a typical tank.

Fig 6 illustrates a close-up view of Detail A of the present invention applicable for a typical tank.

Fig 7 illustrates a three-dimensional (3-0) view of the present invention in the form of the bottom view of the vibrating system of the vibrating surface.

Fig 8 illustrates a section view of the filtration system during a washing cycle.

Fig 9 illustrates a section view of the filtration system during a rinsing cycle.

Fig 10 illustrates a section view of the filtration system during a draining cycle.

Fig 11 illustrates a close-up view of Detail B of the present invention highlighted in Fig 5.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

01 Washing Machine (Front Load) 02 Washing Machine (Top Load) 03 Washing Machine (Combined Front and Top Load) Front Load Casing 11 Top Load Casing 12 Front Load Tank 13 Top Load Tank 14 Vacuum Pump Soap Receiver (Front-Loading) 16 Drainage Pump 17 Soap Receiver (Top-Loading) 1 7a Front Load Soap Receiver 17b Top Load Soap Receiver 18 Filtration System 19 Top and Front Load Casing Vibrating System 21 Heating System 22 Combined Front and Top Load Tank 23 Oxy-Jet Distributor Top Enclosure (Front-Loading) 101 Front Panel (Front-Loading) 102 Rear Panel 103 Lateral Panel 104 Bottom Panel Front Door (Front-Loading) 106 Control Panel Top Enclosure (Top-Loading) 111 Front Panel (Top-Loading) Top Door (Top-Loading) Tank Base 121 Tank Stands (Front-Loading) 122 Tank Top Cover (Front-Loading) 123 Tank Intermediary Module 124 Three-Way Two Position Actuator Device Upper Flat Ring 126 Lower Flat Ring 126a Lower Flat Ring 126b Lower Flat Ring 127 Quick Coupler 128 Oxy-Jet Nozzle 131 Tank Stands (Top-Loading) 132 Tank Front Cover (Top-Loading) Vacuum Pump Input 141 Input Hose 141a Input Hose 141b Input Hose 141c Input Hose 142 Output Hose 143 Pressure Sensor 144 Vacuum Pump Output Front Door Soap Receiver 151 Three-way Actuator Device 151a Three-way Actuator Device 151 b Three-way Actuator Device 152 Water Hose 152a Water Hose (for front-load soap receiver) 1 52b Water Hose (for top-load soap receiver) 153 Casing Receiver (Front-Loading) 154 Hose Receiver 1 54a Hose Receiver (for front-load soap receiver) 1 54b Hose Receiver (for top-load soap receiver) Valve Receiver (for front-load soap receiver) 1 55a Valve Receiver (for front-load soap receiver) 1 55b Valve Receiver (for top-load soap receiver) Input Draining Pump 161 Input Hose (draining) 161a Input Hose (draining) 161b Input Hose (draining) 162 Output Draining Pump 163 Pre-filter (Drainage Pump) 166 P re-filter Door Access Top Door Soap Receiver 1 70a Top Door Receiver (Front Load) 1 70b Top Door Receiver (Top Load) 173 Casing Receiver (Top-Loading) 1 73a Casing Receiver (Front Loading) 173b Casing Receiver (Top Loading) Bottom Actuator Device 181 Top Actuator Device 182 Left Tube 183 Right Tube 184 Filter Enclosure Draining Hose 186 External Draining Connector 187 Quick Coupler 191 Front Panel (Top and Front Loading) 192 Rear Panel (Top and Front Loading) 193 Lateral Panel (Top and Front Loading) 196 Programmable Control Panel (Top and Front Loading) 197 Switch 198 Switch Vibrating Surface 201 Magnet 202 Electro-Magnet

203 Table Guide

204 Water Perforation 210 Heating Element 211 Heating Sensor 212 Electrical Enclosure 213 Heater Seals 220 Top Tank 224 Top Tank Actuator Device 227 Elbow Coupler 230 Manifold Distributor 231 Input Manifold 232 Output to Tank Base 233 Output to Top Tank 900 Internal Actuator Device Way 901 Internal Actuator Device Way 902 Internal Actuator Device Way 903 Internal Actuator Device Way 904 Internal Actuator Device Way 905 Internal Actuator Device Way 906 Internal Actuator Device Way 907 Internal Actuator Device Way 908a Oxy-jet Nozzle Output 908b Oxy-jet Nozzle Output 908c Oxy-jet Nozzle Output 908d Oxy-jet Nozzle Output 908e Oxy-jet Nozzle Output 908f Oxy-jet Nozzle Output 909 Drain Output 910 Filter Input! Output 911 Filter Input! Output 912 External Actuator Device Way 1800 Bottom Enclosure (Actuator Device) 1801 Bottom Piston (Actuator Device) 1802 Bottom Magnet (Actuator Device) 1803 Bottom Electro-Magnet (Actuator Device) 1810 Top Enclosure (Actuator Device) 1811 Top Piston (Actuator Device) 1812 Top Magnet (Actuator Device) 1813 Top Electro-Magnet (Actuator Device) 1840 Permanent Filter Media 1841 DirtyAreaZone 1842 Clean Area Zone

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR PRESENT

INVENTION

In the following description, details are provided to describe the different embodiments of the application. It shall be apparent to the person skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such details.

Some parts of the embodiments, which are shown in the Figures below, have similar parts. The similar parts have the same names or similar part numbers. The description of one similar part also applies by reference to another similar part, where appropriate, thereby reducing repetition of text without limiting the disclosure.

Essentially, the present invention disclosed is applicable for either front-loading or top-loading washing machines, or the possibility to have "two-in-one" concept by incorporating both front and top-loading in one washing machine unit or two front-loading units in one washing machine unit. To explain the "two-in-one" concept, only the combined front and toj-loading washing machine is illustrated in detailed, thereby reducing repetition of text without limiting the disclosure.

The core features for the present invention would be: (1) the micro-vibration of the vibrating surface via the polarity differences between the first pole and the second pole, where the first pole is a magnet or ferrite mounted on one side of the surface, and where the second pole is a single coil electro-macinet or a double-coil electro-magnet mounted on the other side of the surface; hereinafter referred to as "magnets" and "electro-magnets" in the subsequent descriptions disclosed in the present invention.

(2) the water saving filtration system recycling the laundry water during rinsing process with the use of oxy-jet, (3) rapid vacuum drying.

Moreover! the individual core features can be customised and incorporated separately within any conventional washing machine.

Below are the detailed descriptions to highlight the illustrations for the front and top-loading applications as well as the combined front and top loading units incorporated together in one washing machine unit.

FRONT-LOADING WASHING MACHINE

Figures la, lb and Ic illustrate the different sectional and front views of the front- loading washing machine, in which Figure la illustrates the front view of the front-loading machine and Figure lb and Ic illustrate both left and right sectional views of the front-loading washing machine.

First of all, it will be important to note that in order to facilitate the understanding of the numerical labeling for the Figures described here, the different specific key components in each Figure were labeled with a two digit number, where for each two digit number, the extension to three (3) digit represent one of its sub-components. The sequences below define how the assembly and sub-assembly for each component and sub-components will be related regarding the different Figures Ia, lb and Ic.

(a) The front load casing 10 as illustrated on the Figure la, lb and lc, includes one top enclosure 100, one front panel 101, one rear panel 102, two lateral panel (left and right) 103, one bottom panel 104, one front door 105, and one programmable control panel 106.

(b) The front load tank 12 as illustrated in both Figures lb and Ic, consists of one tank base 120, three supporting tank stands 121, one tank top cover 122, one tank intermediary module 123, one three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124, one upper flat ring 125, one lower flat ring 126, and six quick couplers 127. The last component of this assembly, i.e. the six oxy-jet nozzles 128 are not visible in Figures lb and Ic and will be described in both Figure 5 and 11.

(c) The vacuum pump 14 as illustrated in both Figures lb and Ic, includes one input hose 141, which is connected to the vacuum pump input 140 and to the tank intermediary module 123 by the other end of the input hose 141, and one output hose 142, which is connected to the vacuum pump output 144 and to the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124. The last component is the pressure sensor 143 which is not represented on any of these 3 views in Figures Ia, lb and Ic and will be described in Figure 5.

(d) The front load soap receiver 15 as illustrated in both Figures lb and Ic, includes one front door soap receiver 150, one 3-way actuator device 151, three water hoses 152 connected to one casing receiver 153, which in turn is connected to the front load tank 12 using a hose receiver 154 connected to the valve receiver 155.

(e) The drainage pump 16 as illustrated in both Figures lb and Ic, includes one input hose 161 which is connected by one side to the draining pump input 160 and to the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 by the other end ot the input hose 161, one pre-filter 163, and one pre-filter door access 166. The drainage pump output 162 is directly connected to the filtration system 18.

(f) The filtration system 18 as illustrated in the Figure lb consists of one bottom actuator device 180, one top actuator device 181, one left tube 182, one right tube 183, one filter enclosure 184, one draining hose 185, an external draining connector 186 and six (6) quick couplers 187. The subsequent components of this assembly will be introduced and described in Figures 8, 9, and 10.

Figure la illustrates the front view of an embodiment of the present invention applicable for a front-loading washing machine 01. The key exterior include one front load casing comprising of one top enclosure 100, one front panel 101 with two lateral (left and right) side panels 103, one bottom panel 104, and one front door 105. The front door soap receiver 150 and the programmable controls panel 106 are on the same face as the front panel 101. On the bottom right of the Figure la, it is important to note that the pre-filter door access 166 provides the possibility to access the pre-filter 163 included inside the drainage pump 16 shown in Figure lb. It will be important to note the differences between this pre-filter 106 and the filter enclosure 184 in Figure lb whereby both devices have two different functions. The function of the pre-filter 163 is to block items such as coins etc that might be present in the laundry from accessing the drainage pump 16 in order to preserve the internal helix of the drainage pump 16 from any damage during the final draining session. This is fully different from the water saving functions of the filter enclosure 184. This filter action for the filtration system 18 with filter enclosure 184 will be described later in Figures 8, 9, and 10.

Figure lb illustrates the sectional left view of the present invention which is applicable for a front-loading washing machine. Firstly, the front load tank 12 includes the tank base 120, the tank stands 121, the tank top cover 122, and the tank intermediary module 123. The function of the tank top cover 122 provides a double possibility of front and top-loading with regards to the usage of the full tank function relative to the type of washing machine. Within a front load model, the top side will be closed, hence the user will have to access to the lateral opening using the front door 105. In the case of a top load model, the tank top cover 122 will be closed, with the possibility for the user to access using the top door 115 introduced in Figure 2a, 2b, and 2c.

The second sub-assembly will be the vacuum pump 14, wherein comprising of the vacuum pump input 140, the input hose 141, and the output hose 142 connected to the vacuum pump output 144. It will be important to note that these components and their respective functions will be the same for any type of assembly, regardless of whether it is front-loading, top-loading, or mixed top and front-loading. Of course as described inside the background, this vacuum pump 14 could be used during the washing and rinsing session in order to improve the washing and rinsing actions during these cycles.

However the essential function is to dry the laundry fully or partially using the evaporation action of the low pressure associated with a low temperature. During this operation, the pressure will be alternately maintained and relapsed at a minimum pressure roughly equal to 650 Torr and a maximum pressure equal to 750 Torr, whereby the corresponding temperature for this to happen will be 30 degree Celsius. An important point to note will be that the front load tank 12 is fully sealed during all the washing, rinsing and draining session, with the help of the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 and the valve receiver 155 represented in the Figure Ic.

Third and last sub-assembly regarding this view in Figure lb concerns the filtration system 18, which includes the top and bottom actuator device 180 and 181, both left and right tube 182 and 183, the filter enclosure 184, the draining hose 185 and the external draining connector 186. The function of this filtration system 18 will be to create a first condition using the bottom actuator device 180, where the circulating water will have the choice to flow via the left tube 182 or via the filter enclosure 184. The circulating water will flow to the lett tube 182 duiing the washing and the draining session, foicing the water to flow directly to the top actuator device 181. The choice of the filter enclosure 184 will be selected during the rinsing session in order to filter the soap accumulated inside the water By iecycling via the looping effect, it will help to impiove the rinsing action by using water free of soap. The second condition will be determined using the top actuator device 181 where the circulating water will have the first (Yt) possibility to flow back inside the front load tank 12 via the quick coupler 187, the quick coupler 127 and the oxy-jet nozzle 128 (not represented in this view in Figure ib) located on the tank intermediary module 123. The choice to flow back to the front load tank 12 will be used duiing the washing and the rinsing action in order to create the loop effect requested and the full development of this process will be developed in Figure 5 and 11.

The second (2nd) possibility will be for the circulating water to flow out via the filter enclosure 184 in the other reverse manner, and then via the right lube 183, the draining hose 185 and to the external draining connector 186. The choice to flow out via the final external draining connector 186 will be selected either at the end of the washing session, and/or during the linsing session if the water exchange is requested and Joi during the drying session to drain the water collected by the vacuum pump 14.

Figure ic illustrates the sectional right view of the present invention which is applicable for a front-loading washing machine. This view illustrates another different sub-assembly. Hence in order to reduce repetition of text without limiting disclosure, the numerical labeling previously used in Figure la and lb will be maintained but we iill refer here only to those sub-assemblies not previously described.

First, on the bottom of the view in Figure Ic, it illustrates the hose connection between the vacuuni pump 14 and the drainage pump 16 via the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124. It is clear that during the washing and rising session, it will be necessary to close the draining output situated at the bottom of the tank base 120 in order to maintain the water at a predefined level proportional to the volume of the laundry introduce inside the front load tank 12. This function will be undertaken by the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124. A particular feature of this three (3) way two (2) position actuator device 124 will be to close the draining output during all the drying session in order to create the sealing action necessary to drop the pressure to 650 Torr as needed. This action will be completed by linking the output hose 142 of the vacuum pump 14 to the input hose 161 of the drainage pump 16, hence creating a close loop link. The result will be that the drainage pump 16 will be able to evacuate the water coming from the vacuum pump 14. The usage of such a three (3) way two (2) position actuator device 124 will also remove the possibility of water flowing inside the vacuum pump 14 during the draining session.

Second and last description concerning this view illustrated in Figure Ic will be to refer to the top portion of the view whereby it illustrates the full piping connection between the three-way actuator device 151 and the final input inside the front load tank 12, via the three (3) water hoses 152 with water flowing inside the different compartments of the casing receiver 153. After mixing with the different washing chemicals (i.e. soap, softener etc.) inside the casing receiver 153, the soap mixture will flow via hose receiver 154 and the valve receiver 155 inside the front load tank 12. These washing chemicals will have to be previously introduced inside the casing receiver 153 using the front door soap receiver 150. It will be important to understand that the valve receiver 155 will have to be fully closed during all the drying session in order to maintain the void inside the front load tank 12. On this same top view but slightly on the left as illustrated in Figure Ic, we will also note the presence of two (2) flat upper and lower rings 125 and 126. As previously explained, having a good sealing foi the tank 12 is particularly important concerning the drying session exposed to a low pressure create by the vacuum pump 14. An advantage of the present invention is that we are not using any rotating dium coupled to a motor, thereby allowing the present invention to use a simple flat ring to achieve the static sealing, which is not the case on conventional washing machines using rotating parts, and also where dynamic seals such as x-ring or v-ring are normally used which are much more difficult to install and generally subject to wear and tear.

TOP-LOADING WASHING MACHINE

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate the different sectional and front view of the top-loading washing machine 02, in which Figure 2a illustrates the front view of the top-loading machine 02 and Figure 2b and 2c illustrate both left and right sectional views of the top-loading washing machine 02.

Similar to what has been described for Figures Ia, lb and Ic, it will be important to note that in order to facilitate the understanding of the numerical labeling for the Figures described here, the different specific key components in each Figure were labeled with a two digit number, where for each two digit number, the extension to three (3) digit represent one of its sub-components. The sequences below define how the assembly and sub-assembly for each cornponent and sub-components will be related regarding the different Figures 2a, 2b and 2c.

(a) The to load casing 11 as illustrated in Figure 2a, 2b and 2c, includes one top enclosure 110, one front panel Ill, one rear panel 102, two lateral panel (left and light) 103, one bottom panel 104, one top door 115, and one programmable control panel 106.

(b) The top load tank 13 as illustrated in both Figures 2b and 2c, consists of one tank base 120, three supporting tank stands 131, one tank front cover 132, one tank intermediary module 123, one three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124, one upper flat ring 125, one lower flat ring 126, and six quick couplers 127. The last component of this assembly, i.e. the six oxy-jet nozzles 128 are not visible and will be described subsequently in both Figure 5 and 11.

(c) The vacuum pump 14 as illustrated in both Figures 2b and 2c, includes one input hose 141, which is connected to the vacuum pump input 140 and to the tank intermediary module 123 by the other end of the input hose 141, and one output hose 142, which is connected to the vacuum pump output 144 and to the three (3) way two (2) position actuator device 124. The last component is the pressure sensor 143 which is not represented on any of these 3 views illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c and will be described in Figure 5.

(d) The top load soap receiver 17 as illustrated in Figure 2c, includes one top door soap receiver 170, one 3-way actuator device 151, three water hoses 152 connected to one casing receiver 173, which in turn is connected to the top load tank 13 using a hose receiver 154 connected to the valve receiver 155.

(e) The drainage pump 16 as illustrated in both Figures 2b and 2c, includes one input hose 161 which is connected by one side to the draining pump input 160 and to the three (3) way two (2) position actuator device 124 by the other end of the input hose 161, one pre-tilter 163, and one pre-filter door access 166. The drainage pump output 162 is directly connected to the filtration system 18.

(f) The filtration system 18 as illustrated in the Figure 2b consists of one bottom actuator device 180, one top actuator device 181, one left tube 182, one right tube 183, one filter enclosure 184, one draining hose 185, an external draining connector 186 and the six quick couplers 187. The subsequent components of this assembly will be introduced and described in Figures 8, 9, and 10.

Figure 2a illustrates the front view of an embodiment of the present invention applicable for a top-loading washing machine 02. The key exterior include one top load casing 11 comprising of one top enclosure 110, one front panel 111 with two lateral (left and right) side panels 103, one bottom panel 104, and one top door 115. The programmable controls panel 106 is on the same face as the front panel 111. On the bottom right of the Figure 2a we will note that the pre-filter door access 166 provides the possibility to access the pre-filter 163 included inside the drainage pump 16 shown in Figure 2b. It will be important to make the differences between this pre-filter 163 and the filter enclosure 184 in Figure 2b with both devices having two different functions. The function of pre-filter 163 will be to block items such as coins etc that might be present in the laundry from accessing the drainage pump 16 in order to preserve the internal helix of the drainage pump 16 from any damage during the final draining session, which is fully different from the water saving function of the filter enclosure 184. This filter action for the filtration system 18 with filter enclosure 184 will be described later based in Figures 8, 9, and 10.

Figure 2b illustrates the sectional left view of the present invention which is applicable for a top-loading washing machine 02. Firstly, the top load tank 13 includes the tank base 120, the tank stands 131, the tank front cover 132, and the tank intermediary module 123. The function of the tank front cover 132 provides a double possibility of front and top-loading with regards to the usage of the full tank function relative to the type of washing machine. Within a top load model, the side with the front load door cover will be closed, hence the user will have to access via the top opening using the top door 115. In the case of a front load model, the tank top cover will be closed, hence the user can only access using the front door 105 introduced in Figure Ia, ib, and Ic.

The second sub-assembly in Figure 2b will be the vacuum pump 14 which comprises of the vacuum pump input 140, the input hose 141, and the output hose 142 connected to the vacuum pump output 144. It is important to note that these components and their functions will be the same for any type of assembly, regardless of whether it is front load, top load, or mixed top and front load. Of course as described inside the background, this vacuum pump 14 could be used during the washing and rinsing session in order to improve the washing and rinsing action during these cycles. However the essential function is to dry the laundry fully or partially using the evaporation action of the low pressure associated with a low temperature. Dudng this operation, the pressure will be alternately maintained and relapsed at a minimum pressure roughly equal to 650 Torr and a maximum pressure equal to 750 Torr, whereby the corresponding temperature for this to happen will be 30 Degree Celsius. An important point to note will be that the top load tank 13 is fully sealed during all the washing, rinsing and draining session, with the help of the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 and the valve receiver represented in Figure2c.

Third and last sub-assembly regarding this view in Figure 2b concerns the filtration system 18 which includes the top and bottom actuator device 180 and 181, both left and right tube 182 and 183, the filter enclosure 184, the draining hose 184, and the external draining connector 186. The function of this filtration system 18 will be to create a first condition using the bottom actuator device 180, where the circulating water will have the choice to flow via the left tube 182 or via the filter enclosure 184. The circulating water will flow to the left tube 182 will be selected during the washing and the draining session, thus forcing the water to flow directly to the top actuator device 181. The choice of the filter enclosure 184 will be selected during the rinsing session in order to filter the soap accumulated inside the water. By recycling via the looping effect, it will help to improve the rinsing action by using water free of soap. The second condition will be determined using the top actuator device 181 where the circulating water will have the first (1st) possibility to flow back inside the top load tank 13 via the quick coupler 187, the quick coupler 127 and the oxy-jet nozzle 128 (not represented in this view in Figure 2b) located on the tank intermediary module 123. The choice to flow back to the top load tank 13 will be used during the washing and the rinsing action in order to create the loop effect requested and the full development of this process will be developed in Figure 5 and 11. The second (2) possibility will be for the circulating water to flow out via the filter enclosure 184 in the other reverse manner, and then via the right tube 183, the draining hose 185 and to the external draining connector 186. The choice to flow out via the final external draining connector 186 will be selected at the end of the washing session, and/or during the rinsing session if the water exchange is requested andlor during the drying session to drain the water collected by the vacuum pump 14.

Figure 2c illustrates the sectional right view of the present invention which is applicable for a top-loading washing machine. This view illustrates the few different sub-assemblies. Hence in order to reduce repetition of text without limiting disclosure, the numerical labeling previously used in Figure 2a and 2b will be maintain but we will only refer to the last sub-assemblies not previously described.

First, on the bottom of the view in Figure 2c, it illustrates the hose connection between the vacuum pump 14 and the drainage pump 16 via the three (3) way two (2) position actuator device 124. It is clear that during the washing and rising session, it is necessary to close the draining output situated at the bottom of the tank base 120 in order to maintain the water at a predefined level proportional the volume of laundry introduce inside the top load tank 13. This function will be undertaken by the three (3) way two (2) position actuator device 124. A particular feature of this actuator device 124 will be to close the draining output during all the drying session in order to create the sealing action necessary to drop the pressure to 650 Torr. This action will be completed by linking the output hose 142 of the vacuum pump 14 to the input hose 161 of the drainage pump 16, hence creating a close loop link. The result will be that it is possible for the drainage pump 16 to evacuate the water coming from the vacuum pump 14. The usage of such three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 will also remove the possibility of water flowing inside the vacuum pump 14 during the draining session.

Second and last description concerning this view illustrated in Figure 2c will be to refer to the top portion of the view whereby it illustrates the full piping connection between three-way actuator device 151 and the final input inside the top load tank 13, via the three (3) water hoses 152 with water flowing inside the different compartments of the casing receiver 173. After mixing with the different chemicals (i.e. soap, softener, etc.) inside the casing receiver 173, the soap mixture will flow via hose receiver 154 and the valve receiver 155 inside the top load tank 13. These chemicals will have to be previously introduced inside the casing receiver 173 using the top door soap receiver 170. It will be important to understand that the valve receiver 155 will have to be fully closed during all the drying session in order to maintain the void inside the top load tank 13. On this same top view but slightly on the left as illustrated in Figure 2c, we will also note the presence of two (2) flat upper and lower rings 125 and 126. As previously explained, having a good sealing for the top load tank 13 is particularly important concerning the drying session exposed to a low pressure created by the vacuum pump 14. An advantage of the present invention is that we are not using any rotating drum coupled to a motor! thereby allowing the present invention to use a simple flat ring to achieve the static sealing, which is not the case on conventional washing machines using rotating parts, and also where dynamic seals such as x-ring or v-ring are normally used which are much more difficult to install and generally subject to wear and tear.

TOP & FRONT-LOADING WASHING MACHINE As it was already previously disclosed, the present invention is applicable for either front-loading or top-loading washing machines, or the possibility to incorporate both front and top-loading in one washing machine unit or two front-loading units in one washing machine unit. To explain the "two-in-one" concept, only the combined front and top-loading washing machine is illustrated in detailed, thereby reducing repetition of text

without limiting the disclosure.

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate the different front and sectional views of the combined top and front-loading washing machine 03, in which Figure 3a illustrates the front view of the combined top and front-loading washing machine 03 and Figure 3b and 3c illustrate both the left and right sectional views of the combined top and front-loading washing machine 03.

First of all, it will be important to note that in order to facilitate the understanding of the numerical labeling for the Figures described here, the different specific key components in each Figure were labeled with a two digit number, where for each two digits number, the extension to three (3) digits represent one of its components. The sequences below define how assembly and sub-assembly will be related regarding the different Figures 3a,3band3c.

(a) The toQ and front load casing 19 as illustrated on the Figure 3a, 3b and Ic, includes one top enclosure 110, one front panel 191, one reai panel 192, two lateral panel (left and right) 193, one bottom panel 104, one front door 105, one top door 115 and one programmable control panel 196.

(b) The combined toQ and front load tank 22 as illustrated in both Figures 3b and 3c, consists of one tank base 120, three supporting tank stands 121: one tank intermediary module 123, one top tank 220, one three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124, one upper flat ring 125, two lower flat ring 126a and 126b, six (6) quick couplers 127 and six (6) elbow couplers 227. Last components of this assembly, the twelve (12) oxy-jet nozzles 128 are not visible and will be described in both Figure 5 and II.

(c) The vacuum rump 14 as illustrated in both Figures 3b and 3c, includes three (3) interconnected input hose 141a, 141b and 141c, which are connected respectively to the vacuum pump input 140, to the tank intermediary module 123 and top tank 220, and one output hose 142 which is connected to the vacuum pump output 144 and to the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124.

The last components are the pressure sensor 143 and the top tank actuator device 224.

(d) The front load soap receiver 17a as illustrated in Figure 3c, includes one top door receiver 170a, one 3-way actuator device 151a, three watel hoses 152a connected to one casing receiver 173a, which in turn is connected to the tank base 120 using a hose receiver 154a connected to the valve receiver 155a.

(e) The top load soap receiver 17b as illustrated in Figure 3b, includes one top door receiver 170b, one 3-way actuator device 151b, three water hoses 152b connected to one casing receiver 173b, which in turn is connected to the top tank 220 using a hose receiver 154b connected to the valve receiver 155b.

(f) The drainage pump 16 as illustrated in both Figures 3b and 3c, includes two interconnected input hose 161a and 161b which are connected to the drainage pump input 160 and with both of the other ends connected to the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 and the top tank actuator device 224, one pre-filter 163, and one pre-filter door access 166. The drainage pump output 162 is directly connected to the filtration system 18.

(g) The filtration system 18 as illustrated in the Figure 3b consists of one bottom actuator device 180, one top actuator device 181, one left tube 182, one right tube 183, one filter enclosure 184, one draining hose 185, the external draining connector 186 and six quick couplers 187. The subsequent components of this assembly will be introduced and described in Figures 8, 9, and 10.

(h) The oxy-jet distiibutor 23 as illustrated in the Figure 3b consists of one manifold distributor 230, six inputs manifold 231, six outputs to tank base 232, and six outputs to top tank 233.

Figure 3a illustrates the front view of an embodiment of the present invention applicable for a combined top and front-loading washing machine 03. The key exterior include one top and front load casing 19 comprising of one top enclosure 110, one front panel 191 with two lateral (left and right) side panels 193, one bottom panel 104, one front door 105, one top door 115. The programmable control panel 196 is on the same face as the front panel 191, and we will note the presence of two (2) additional switches 197 and 198. The functions of the switches 197 and 198 will have the option to either control the front or the top loading washing machine units or both combined front and top loading washing machine units. There are many various possibilities and combinations for a user to operate such a washing machine. One possible combination is described briefly here. With either switch 197 and/or 198, the user can either activate the front and/or top load washing machine by firstly, pressing using a single press on the switch button located at 197 and/or 198, followed by a press and hold to access the washing parameters or settings (e.g. either "Care", "Normal", Quick" wash for certain laundry material like "Cotton", :csynthetics etc.) and then finally to activate the sharing of the oxy-jet nozzle 128 with another press on the switch 197 and/or 198. As mentioned, the sharing of the oxy-jet function from the oxy-jet nozzle 128 can be activated either simultaneously, alternately or fully separate within the tank base 120 and the top tank 220. The pros and cons for each mode are listed briefly below: (a) The simultaneous mode will be used when the laundry inside the tank base 120 and the top tank 220 does not request any particular care in terms of color or water temperature. Hence under simultaneous mode, the water used for the washing and rinsing cycle will be shared between the tank base 120 and the top tank 220. The advantage of having simultaneous mode will be that the oxy-jet nozzle 128 will be fully utilized during all the washing and rinsing session and hence reduce the washing and rinsing cycle time.

(b) With the alternate mode selected, the water used in the base tank 120 and the top tank 220 will not be mixed together. The advantage of using alternate mode is to cater to different types of washing for different types of laundry material. Of course, the washing and rinsing time will be slightly longer than a simultaneous mode due to the additional time required to wash and rinse the laundry in the top tank 220 and the tank base 120 alternately.

(c) With the fully-sejarate mode selected, the washing and rinsing session of each tank (i.e. tank base 120 and top tank 220) will be fully separated in order to remove the mixing of possible residual water inside the filtration systern 18. This mode will be reserved for washing extremely delicate laundry or laundry that requires special care and wash. This fully-separate mode is not as economical as the alternate mode because only the drying session will be executed at the same time. However, the present invention of combining the front and top load tank provides the option to use a smaller tank when the volume of laundry is lesser, thus making it more economical to wash, rinse and dry the laundry as compared to using a conventional washing machine.

On the bottom right of the Figure 3a and bottom left of Figure 3b, we will note the pre-filter door access 166 with the possibility to access to the pre-filter 163 included inside the drainage pump 16. It will be important to make the difference between this pre-filter 163 and the filter enclosure 184, both device have two different functions. The function of pre-filter 163 will be to block items such as coins etc that might be present inside the laundry from accessing the drainage pump 16 in order to preserve the internal helix of the drainage pump 16 from any damage during the final draining session. This is fully different from the water saving functions of the filter enclosure 184. This filter action for the filtration system 18 with filter enclosure 184 will be described later in Figures 8, 9, and 10.

Figure 3b illustrates the sectional left view of the present invention which is applicable for a combined top and front-loading washing machine 03. First, the combined top and front load tank 22 comprises of the tank base 120, the tank stands 121, the top tank 220, and the tank intermediary module 123. We will note that in this sub-assembly illustrated in Figure 3b, the basic components such as tank base 120 and the tank intermediary module 123 are still the same as the components already used inside the top loading washing machine 01 and front loading washing machine 02 as previously described in Figures Ia to Ic and Figures 2a to 2c. The only difference for the view illustrated in Figure 3b is the addition of the top tank 220 such that it becomes a combined front and top loading washing machine 03 being incorporated together.

Second sub-assembly illustrated in Figure 3b will be the vacuum pump 14 which comprises of the vacuum pump input 140, the three-in-one input hose 141a, 141b, and 141c, and the output hose 142 connected to the vacuum pump output 144. It will be important to note that these components and their functions will be the same for any type of assembly, regardless of whether it is front load, top load and/or combined top and front load. Of course as described inside the background, this vacuum pump 14 could be used during the washing and rinsing session in order to improve the washing and rinsing action during these cycles. However the essential function is to dry the laundry fully or partially using the evaporation action of the low pressure associated with a low temperature. During this operation, the pressure will be alternately maintained and relapsed at a minimum pressure roughly equal to 650 Torr and a maximum pressure equal to 750 Torr, whereby the corresponding temperature for this to happen will be at degrees Celsius. An important point to note will be that the combined top and front load tank 22 is fully sealed during all the washing, rinsing and draining session, with the help of the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124, the top tank actuator device 224 and both valves receivers 155a and 155b which are represented in the Figure 3b and 3c.

Third sub-assembly regarding this view illustrated in Figure 3b concerns the filtration system 18 including the bottom and top actuator device 180 and 181 respectively, both left and right tube 182 and 183 respectively, the filter enclosure 184, the draining hose 185, and the external draining connector 186. The function of this system will be to create a first condition using the bottom actuator device 180, where the circulating water will have the choice to flow via the left tube 182 or via the filter enclosure 184. The choice of the left tube 182 will be selected during the washing and the draining session, forcing the water to flow directly to the top actuator device 181. The choice of the filter enclosure 184 will be selected during the rinsing session in order to filter the soap accumulated inside the water and by loop effect, improve the rinsing action by using water free of soap. The second condition will be determined using the top actuator device 181 where the circulating water will have the choice to flow back via the quick couplers 187 and elbow coupler 227 inside the tank base 120 and/or using quick coupler 187 and 127 inside the top tank 220, or to flow out via the filter enclosure in a reverse way to the right tube 183, the draining hose 185 and the external draining connector 186. The choice to flow back to the tank base 120 and/or the top tank 220 will be used during the washing and the rinsing action in order to create the loop effect requested.

The choice to flow out via the final external draining connector 186 will be selected either at the end of the washing session, and/or during the rinsing session if the water exchange is requested, and/or at the end of the washing action and/or during the drying session to drain the water collected by the vacuum pump 14.

The last sub-assembly regarding this view illustrated in Figure 3b will refer to the oxy-jet distributor 23 including a manifold distributor 230, six inputs manifold 231, the tank base outputs 232 and the top tank outputs 233. As it was mentioned previously in Figure 3a, an important point will be how the water is shared during the washing and rinsing cycle.

Of course, both tank 120 and 220 will either have the option to operate independently during washing and rinsing, thus removing the possibility of water transfer between the tank basel2O and the top tank 220, or the option to operate together at the same time where in this case the sharing of the water between the tank base 120 and top tank 220 will be acceptable. However there is a possibility that the temperature of the laundry water and the color that might bleed from certain laundry during washing will affect the rest of the laundry via the same filtration system 18 during washing and rinsing session.

This possibility could be resolved in two (2) different ways. The first but not recommended solution will be to double the filtration system 18 including the drainage pump 16 whereby the result will be definitely good but this will result in the final product being over-cost. The second and recommended solution, which is represented in Figure 3b, consists of introducing an oxy-jet distributor 23 between the quick couplers 187 and the two ranges of quick coupler 127 concerning the top tank 220 and an elbow coupler 227 concerning the tank base 120. The function of the oxy-jet distributor 23 is able to alternate the flow of water inside the oxy-jet nozzle 128 harmoniously (for example: at every 2 minutes interval) between the iop tank 220 and the tank base 120.

If the top tank 220 is selected, the actuator device 224 will be activated and the three (3) ways two (2) position actuator device 124 will be deactivated. On the other hand, if the tank base 120 is selected, the actuator device 224 will be deactivated and the three (3) ways two (2) position actuator device 124 will be activated. Hence in this process, the temperature of the laundry water and the color might bleed from certain laundry being washed in a top tank 220 for example will not affect the laundry that is being washed in the other tank base 120 and vice-versa.

Figure 3c illustrates the sectional right view of the present invention which is applicable for a combined top and front-loading washing machine 03. This view illustrates a few different sub-assemblies. Hence in order to reduce repetition of text without limiting disclosure, the numerical labeling and description used previously in Figure 3a and 3b will be maintained in Figure 3c, but we will refer here only to sub-assemblies not previously described in Figure 3a and 3b.

Firstly, on the bottom of the view illustrated in Figure 3c, we can see the hose connection between the vacuum pump 14 and the draining pump 16 via the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124. It is clear that during the washing and rising session, it will be necessary to close both draining outputs 124 and 224 whereby both of which are situated at the bottom of both tanks 120 and 220, in order to maintain the water at a pro-defined level proportional to the volume of laundry clothes introduce inside the combined top and front load tank 22. A particular feature of the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 will be to close the draining output during all the drying session in order to create the sealing action necessary to drop the pressure at the 650 Tori requested. This action will be completed by linking the output hose 142 of the vacuum pump 14 to the input hose 161b of the drainage pump 16, hence creating a close loop link. The result will be that the drainage pump 16 will be able to evacuate the water corning from the vacuum pump 14. The usage of such a three (3) way two (2) position actuator device 124 will also remove the possibility of water flowing inside the vacuum pump 14 during the draining session.

Second and last description concerning this view illustrated in Figure 3c will be to refer to the top portion of the view where it illustrates the full piping connection between both three-way actuator device 151a, 151b and the final input inside the tank base 120, via the three (3) water hoses 152a with water flowing inside the different compartments of the casing receiver 173a. After mixing with the different washing chemicals (i.e. soap, softener, etc.) inside the casing receiver 173a, the soap mixture will flow via hose receiver 154a and the valve receiver 155a inside the tank base 120. These chemicals will have to be previously introduced inside the casing receiver 173a using the top door receiver 170a. The top tank 220 will receive the different sources of chemicals from the three (3) water hoses 152b and via the casing receiver 173b, the hose receiver 154b and the valve receiver 155b, which are shown on Figure 3b. It will be important to understand the importance of both valve receiver 155a and 155b which will have to be fully closed during all the drying session in order to maintain the requested void inside the combined top and front load tank 22. Similarly on the top of the view but slightly on the right as illustrated in Figure 3c, we will also note the presence of one (1) flat upper ring 125 and two (2) flat lower rings 126a and 126b. As previously explained, the sealing function of the tank is particularly important concerning the drying session exposed to a low pressure create by the vacuum pump 14. An advantage of the present invention is that we are not using any rotating drum coupled to a motor, thereby allowing the present invention to use a simple flat ring to achieve static sealing, which is not the case on conventional washing machines using rotating parts, and where dynamic seals such x-ring or v-ring are normally used and which are much more difficult to install and generally subject to wear and tear.

3D VIEW OF FRONT-LOAD TANK Figure 4a illustrates a three-dimensional (3D) view of a front-load tank 12 viewed externally. Essentially, Figure 4a highlights the key features of the front-load tank 12 comprising of the vacuum pump 14, soap receiver (front-loading) 15, drainage pump 16 and tiltration system 18 consisting of left and right tube 182 and 183 respectively, as well as one bottom actuator device 180 and one top actuator device 181. The key features highlighted in Figure 4a are listed below: (a) The front-load tank 12 comprises of tank base 120 and is supported by tank stands 121, with a tank-top cover (for front-loading) 122 at the top of the front-load tank 12, one tank intermediary module 123, one three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 (not visible in Figure 4a but in Figure Ic), six quick couplers 127. The last component of this assembly, i.e. the six oxy-jet nozzles 128 are not visible in Figure 4 but will be described in both Figures 5 and II.

(b) The vacuum pump 14 includes one input hose 141 connected to the tank intermediary module 123 via vacuum pump input 140 and one output hose 142 which is connected to the vacuum pump output 144 and to a three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 as illustrated in Figure Ic, but not shown on Figure 4a's 3D view.

(c) The front load soap receiver 15 as illustrated in Figure 4a includes one front door soap receiver 150, one 3-way actuator device 151, three water hoses 152 connected to one casing receiver 153, which in turn is connected to the front load tank 12 using a hose receiver 154 connected to the valve receiver 155. Both the hose receiver 154 and valve receiver 155 are also illustrated in Figure Ic as mentioned previously.

(d) The drainage pump 16 includes one input draining hose 161 which is connected by one side to the draining pump input 160 and to the three (3) way two (2) position actuator device 124 by the other side (not visible in Figure 4 but in Figures lb and Ic) as well as one pre-filter 163. The drainage pump output 162 is directly connected to the filtration system 18.

(e) The filtration system 18 consists of one bottom actuator device 180, one top actuator device 181, one left tube 182, one right tube 183, one filter enclosure 184, one draining hose 185, an external draining connector 186 and six (6) quick couplers 187. Both the draining hose 185 and external draining connector 186 are hidden and are not visibly illustrated in Figure 4a.

3D VIEW OF TOP-LOAD TANK Figure 4b illustrates a three-dimensional (3D) view of a top-load tank 13 viewed externally. Similarly, Figure 4b highlights the key features of the top-load tank 13 comprising of the vacuum pump 14, soap receiver (top-loading) 17, drainage pump 16 and filtration system 18 consisting of left and right tube 182 and 183 respectively, as well as one bottom actuator device 180 and one top actuator device 181. Some of the key features highlighted in Figure 4b are similar to those illustrated in Figure 4a as described previously. Hence in order to reduce repetition of text without limiting disclosure, the numerical labelling and description previously used in Figure 4a will be maintained the same as for Figure 4b, but we will refer here only to those other sub-assemblies not previously described.

Firstly, as illustrated in Figure 4b, the tank stands illustrated in Figure 4a for a front-load tank 12 are now labelled as 131 to denote the extended form of the tank stand for the top-load tank 13. Moreover as mentioned previously, within a top load model, the side with the front load door cover will be closed and is replaced by one tank front cover 132, hence the user will have to access via the top opening using the top door 115 (not shown here in Figure 4b). With the top door 115 open, the oxy-jet nozzle 128 is visible from the top portion of the top-load tank 13. Also visible from the top portion of the top-load tank 13 as illustrated in Figure 4b will be the pressure sensor 143. Last but not least, as illustrated in Figure 4b, one can view the top load soap receiver 17 with the casing receiver (top loading) 173 connected to the top load tank 13 using a hose receiver 154 connected to the valve receiver 155.

3D VIEW OF COMBINED FRONT AND TOP-LOAD TANK Figure 4c highlights the three-dimensional (3D) view of a combined front and top-loading tank 22. Similarly, this 3D view illustrates a few different sub-assemblies.

Hence in order to reduce lepetition of text without limiting disclosure, the numerical labelling and description used previously in the other two 3D views Figure 4a and 4b will be maintained in Figure 4c, but we will refer here only to sub-assemblies not previously described in Figure 4a and 4b.

First, the combined top and front load tank 22 comprises of the tank base 120, the tank stands 121, the top tank 220, and the tank intermediary module 123. We will note that in this sub-assembly illustrated in Figure 4c, the basic components such as tank base 120 and the tank intermediary module 123 are still the same as the components already used inside the top loading washing machine 01 and front loading washing machine 02 as previously described in the 3D views for Figures 4a and 4b. The only difference for the view illustrated in Figure 4c is the addition of the top tank 220 such that it becomes a combined front and top loading washing machine 03 being incorporated together.

Hence with the addition of the top tank 220 illustrated in Figure 4c, the vacuum um 14 now comprises of the vacuum pump input 140, the three-in-one input hose 141a, 141b and 141c, and the output hose 142 connected to the vacuum pump output 144. The function and purpose of the vacuum pump 14 will remain the same as per previously described in Figure 3b. The drainage um 16 as illustrated in Figure 4c, includes two interconnected input hose 161a and 161b which are connected to the draining pump input 160 and with both of the other ends connected to the three (3) way two (2) positions actuator device 124 (not visible in the 3D view in Figure 4c) and the top tank actuator device 224, one pre-filter 163 with one pre-filter door access 166 (not highlighted in the 3D view in Figure 4c). The drainage pump output 162 is directly connected to the filtration system 18.

From the view illustrated in Figure 4c, it illustrated two soap receivers 17a and 1/b.

(a) The front load soap receiver 1/a as illustrated in Figure 4c, highlights the three water hoses 152a connected to one casing receiver 173a, which in turn is connected to the tank base 120 using a hose receiver 154a connected to the valve receiver 155a. Water flows through the three (3) water hoses 152a to the different compartments of the casing receiver 173a. After mixing with the different washing chemicals (i.e. soap, softener, etc.) inside the casing receiver 1 73a, the soap mixture will flow via valve receiver 1 55a into the tank base 120.

(b) The top load soap receiver 17b as illustrated in Figure 4c, highlights the three water hoses 152b connected to one casing receiver 173b, which in turn is connected to the top tank 220 using a hose receiver 154b connected to the valve receiver 155b. The top tank 220 will receive the different sources of washing chemicals from the three (3) water hoses 152b and the casing receiver 173b.

It will be important to understand the importance of both valve receiver 155a and 155b which will have to be fully closed during all the drying session in order to maintain the requested void inside the combined top and front load tank 22.

The last sub-assembly regarding this view illustrated in Figure 4c will refer to the oxy-jet distributor 23 including a manifold distributor 230, six inputs manifold 231, the tank base outputs 232 and the top tank outputs 233. As it was mentioned previously in Figure 3a and Figure 3b, an important point will be the water sharing during the washing and rinsing cycle. Of course, both tank 120 and 220 will either have the option to operate independently during washing and rinsing, thus removing the possibility of water transfer between the tank base 120 and the top tank 220, or the option to operate together at the same time where in this case the sharing of the water between the tank base 120 and top tank 220 will be acceptable.

SECTIONAL SIDE VIEW OF TANK

Figure 5 illustrates a sectional side view of the same representative tank as per Figure 4a for the present invention, using front-loading as an example since the general features and components for front, top and combined top and front loading are similar, hence avoiding any repetition without limiting the disclosure.

As illustrated in the Figure 5, the front load tank 12 consists of a tank base 120, a tank top cover 122, and a tank intermediary module 123. with the tank base 120 supported by three tank stands 121. Figure 5 also illustrates a three-way two position actuator device 124 which is located at the base of the front load tank 12 and which connects the vacuum pump 14 and drainage pump 16 as previously described in Figure ic. We will note the pressure sensor 143 which is located in the tank intermediary module 123, whereby the tank intermediary module 123 is on the top of the front load tank 12 and far away from the magnetic components 201 and 202. This is necessary in order to ensure that the detection of the pressure produced by the vacuum pump 14 will not interfere with some possible magnetic fields. We will note also the presence of water perforation 204 on the vibrating surface 200, for which a better representation and their functions will be described in greater detail in Figure 7. Another illustration on the top portion of the view in Figure 5 is the highlighted area B which is labeled as Detail B, consisting of the quick coupler 127, the oxy-jet nozzle 128, and both flat rings 125 and 126. The detailed description for Detail B will be developed further in Figure 11.

At the bottom of the Figure 5, it illustrates a highlighted area A which will be labeled Detail A, consisting of portion the vibrating system 20 and the heating system 21. The detailed description for Detail A will be developed further in Figure 6. The vibrating system 20 includes a vibrating surface 200, with magnets 201 located at one side of the tank base 120, and an electro-magnet 202 located on the other side of the tank base whereby the electro-magnet 202 is not exposed to the laundry water. The movement of the vibrating surface 200 could be achieved in two different ways.

Concerning the first way, it will not be difficult to imagine that the activation of the electro-magnet 202 could create a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field of the magnet 201. Besides, it will not be difficult to understand that this opposition of the magnetic field will repel the magnet 201 and which in turn will create the movement of the vibrating surface 200 in the upward direction. After deactivation of the electro-magnet 202, the repulsion will become null and at this moment, the vibrating surface 200 will return back to its original position at the bottom of the tank 12 due to gravity. This basic step will have a disadvantage whereby the back movement will be particularly slow due to the accumulation of water under the vibrating surface 200. The second way would be to accelerate the process of activation I deactivation of the magnet 201 and electro-magnet 202 and to reach a possible cycle where the up and down movement of the vibrating surface 200 could be assimilate to a vibration. Also, it will be important to understand these two conditions will be necessary. Firstly, the activation of the electro-magnet 202 will have to be done using a powerful electrical pulse. Secondly, a reverse magnetic field will have to be induced such that at this moment the magnet 201 will no longer be repelled but attracted to the electro-magnet 202. This solution could be done for example by using what is known as a "H-Bridge" system, whereby four (4) powerful "Mosfet" transistors generally controlled two (2) "Hi-Speed" transistors in order to create the bi-directional DC control requested by the application. The full movement created by such system for different washing scenarios within the washing machine will be developed further in Figure 7.

An important approach conceming this up and down movement will be to understand that the second (2) condition mentioned in the previous paragraph needs to be maintained at anytime with the magnet 201 and the electro-magnet 202 in perfect alignment. This alignment function will be executed by the central table guide 203 in order to achieve the following 3 objectives. Firstly, it is to ensure that the vibrating surface 200 during the washing machine assembly is in the correct position. Secondly, it is to ensure that the vibrating surface 200 will never be out of alignment from its guiding during the maximum deflection between the magnet 201 and electro-magnet 202. Last but not least, it is to ensure that there is sufficient minimum clearance necessary in order to create the full movement of the vibrating surface 200 without any over constraint.

Three (3) drafted ribs equally balanced around the center of the vibrating surface 200 which are interlocked with three (3) other drafted ribs included on the bottom of the tank base 12 will be one of the possible solutions proposed in the present invention as illustrated in Figure 7.

The heating system 21 shown in the Figure 5 comprises of the heating element 210, the heating sensor 211, the electrical enclosure 212 and the heater seals 213. Here again we will note that the solution proposed in the present invention includes static sealing solution using the heater seal 213, hence removing the possibility of future leaking that will generally result from wear and tear inside a dynamic environment found in conventional washing machines. The main function of the electrical enclosure 212 will be to fix any possible safety issues in case of any unforeseen intervention inside the casing of the washing machine. The other components such as the heating sensor 211 or the electro-magnet 202 only require low voltage and hence will not be constraint with any safety issues.

SECTIONAL SIDE VIEW OF TANK --DETAIL "A" Figure 6 illustrates a close-up view for the Detail A as part of the embodiment mentioned in the Figure 5. As illustrated in Figure 6, the position of each magnet 201 is perpendicular to the laundry load or more advantageously inclined in the direction of the center of the vibrating surface 200. This is necessary in order to be efficient during a typical full wash cycle and particularly during the washing process. Hence this would mean that by having it inclined and if the surface was not fully guided vertically, the direction of movement will be oriented towards creating a rotating movement of the vibrating surface 200 as illustrated by the arrow Dl shown in Figure 6. In another way, if the vibrating surface 200 was correctly guided or constraint by another point of movement, the direction will be able to follow for example the arrow D2 shown in Figure 6.

As per the previous description in Figure 5, the polarity difference between each magnet 201 and the electro-magnet 202 illustrated in Figure 6 will be able to create a succession of simultaneous long and short pulses or waves to the vibrating surface 200, enabling the vibrating surface to deflect following one of the directions labeled Dl and D2, thus enabling effective washing and rinsing of the laundry. Of course! the vibrating surface 200 will not be equipped with only one set of magnet 201 and electro-magnet 202 since there is no limit concerning the number of set of magnet I electro-magnet and their positions on the vibrating surface 200. The combination of the two movements Dl and D2 associated with the different possible arrangement of the magnet 201 and the electro-magnet 202 around the vibrating surface 200 will be described in greater detail in Figure 7.

Figure 6 also illustrates the heating element 210, with the temperature control via the heating sensor 211. The heating element 210 is primarily for heating up the laundry water during the full wash cycle, so that washing can be more effective especially in removing the dirt from the laundry when the water is heated up. Heating sensor 211 aids in the control of the temperature in order to maintain the temperature predefined by the user during the full wash cycle. Other than heating up the laundry water, the heating element 210 will also be put to use during the drying process via vacuum. When the vacuum system is activated at a low pressure of 650 Torr, the internal temperature within the front load tank 12 will be maintained at a temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius via the heating element 210, thus creating a high evaporation of the residual humidity and the required drying effect.

VIRBATING SURFACE

Figure 7 illustrates a three-dimensional (3D) view of the present invention in the form of the bottom view of the vibrating system 20. This vibrating system 20 comprises of the vibrating surface 200 with its included magnets 201a-201c which is in opposition to its corresponding electro-magnets 202a-202c. The vibrating surface 200 can either be manufactured as one single whole piece at one time or in separate pieces before it is being assembled together. As previously described in Figure 6, the arrangement of the set magnet 201 and electro-magnet 202 could be done in a few different variations. One possible variation as illustrated in the present invention uses three (3) different sets of magnets 201a-201c and electro-magnets 202a-202c where each set is equally positioned at an equal distance from the center axis of the vibrating surface 200.

As illustrated in Figure 7, we will denote the first set of magnet 201a coupled with the electro-magnet 202a followed by the second set of magnet 201 b and its corresponding electro-magnet 202b, and then the third and last set comprising of the magnet 201 c and its corresponding electro-magnet 202c. As shown in Figure 7, the area of the magnets 201a to 201c will be slightly bigger than the area of the electro-magnet 202a to 202c in order to ensure that the magnetic-fields of each component (i.e. magnets & electro-magnets) would be at any time in perfect opposition during the entire process. We will note also table guide 203 is referring to three (3) drafted ribs at the center of the vibrating surface 200, as well as three (3) areas of water perforation 204a to 204c.

These water perforations 204 facilitate the flow of laundry water by limiting the phenomenon of suction on the vibrating surface 200 during the washing and rinsing process, which will also aid in the flow out of the water during the draining process.

As it was stipulated in the Figure 6, the following descriptions highlight the different possibilities and combination of movement using three (3) independent set of magnet 201 and electro-magnet 202.

In the first case, the pulse a, b and c will be generated simultaneously. Hence it will be not difficult to understand that in this case, the vibrating surface 200 will move harmoniously up and down as highlighted by the arrow D2, under the following different pulse trequency:- -If the pulses are very short, they will provoke a phenomenon of micro vibration and this micro vibration will be transmitted to the water, thus creating the friction necessary to wash the laundry.

-If the pulses are long, they will provoke the highest deflection of the vibrating surface 200 where the maximum deflection will correspond to the moment where there is no magnetic field between the magnet 201 and the electro-magnet 202.

-If the signal of the pulses is maintained high, the vibrating surface 200 will be maintained in elevation during all the time when the magnetic field is being maintained high.

In the second case, the pulses a, b, and care produced separately with an interval equal to one third of the full period between the first magnet pulse and the last magnet pulse.

In this case, each set of magnet will be energized separately, producing a partial rotation Dl of the vibrating surface 200 as in Figure 6 and where each independent rotation Dia, Dib, and Dlc will slowly create a triangular rotation, which will be transformed by the moment of inertia of the water, as highlighted in the phenomenon of rotation labeled R in the Figure 7.

-If the pulses are too short, the water will not have the time to induce a full moment of inertia. Hence in this case, it will produce a simple phenomenon of water agitation which will be interesting to use during the rinsing action.

-If the lengths of the pulses are correctly tweaked according to the volume of the water, it will produce a perfect phenomenon of whirlpool particularly interesting during the washing session in order to liberate the did encapsulated inside the laundry.

-If the lengths of the pulses are too long, the moment of inertia will be lost and it will produce a succession of long waves which is of interest for delicate laundry such as wool where the movement of friction has to be as soft as possible.

Hence the embodiment described in the present invention under Figure 7 is one possible variation proposed. The arrangement of the set magnet 201 and electro-magnet 202 could be done in a few different variations depending on the design and requirement of the washing machine designer and I or manufacturer.

PROCESS OCCURING WITHIN THE FILTRATION SYSTEM

Figures 8 to 10 illustrate the concept of how the filtration system 18 works within the washing machine for water saving. Essentially, the filtration system 18 consists of two (2) four (4) way actuator devices, of which one is the top actuator device 181 and the bottom actuator device 180, with the left tube 182 and right tube 183 surrounding the filter enclosure 184 embedded with permanent filter media 1840. The top actuator device 181 comprises of a top piston 1811 which is actuated via a top magnet 1812 and its corresponding top electro-magnet 1813. Similarly, the bottom actuator device 180 comprises of a bottom piston 1801 which is actuated via a bottom magnet 1802 and its corresponding boftom electro-magnet 1803. The drainage pump 16 is connected to the bottom actuator device 180 at the output draining pump 162. The drain output 909 is to cater for water drainage out from the washing machine during the final rinsing. The drainage pump 16 is typically submerged in water all the time under steady state washing conditions.

Figure 8 illustrates the operation of the filtration system 18 during a typical washing cycle. During the washing cycle, water that is mixed with the laundry soap (hereinafter referred to as "laundry water") flows via pump input 160 to output draining pump 162 located at the bottom actuator device 180. At this stage, the polarity differences between the pair of bottom magnet 1802 with its corresponding bottom electro-magnet 1803 within the bottom actuator device 180 will actuate the bottom piston 1801 to move, such that the internal actuator device way 900, 901 and 902 are all aligned with the pump output 162, filter input! output 911, and right tube 183 respectively. Concurrently over at the top actuator device 181, the polarity differences between top magnet 1812 and its corresponding electro-magnet 1813 will actuate the top piston 1811 to move, such that the internal actuator device way 904 and 906 are aligned with left tube 182 and filter input I output 910 respectively, with the internal actuator device way 907 not in alignment with right tube 183.

Therefore bearing in mind the positions of the various internal actuator device ways mentioned previously for the washing cycle, the following description for the washing cycle will first apply when the permanent filter media 1840 within the filter enclosure 184 is entirely free from water. With the help of the drainage pump 16, laundry water that enters the bottom piston 1801 located within the bottom actuator device 180 will then be pumped through from the bottom of the left tube 182 to the top of the left tube 182 via internal actuator device way 904 as shown in Figure 8. Laundry water will then flow through via internal actuator device way 906 to filter input! output 910 connected to filter enclosure 184. Within the filter enclosure 184, the laundry water will then flow down via the filter input! output 911. Due to pressure from drainage pump 16, the laundry water will also exit via the internal actuator device way 901 and then flows into right tube 183 via internal actuator device way 902. However during the washing cycle, the internal actuator device way 907 is not in contact with the right tube 183 as mentioned previously. Hence the laundry water will not be able to drain out from the drain output 909. This means that the laundry water will have no other choice than to exit via the various oxy-jet nozzle outputs 908a, 908b, 908c, 9USd, 908e and 908f as shown in Figure 8. The oxy-jet nozzles 128 which are oriented all around the front load tank 12 of the washing machine in order to promote water oxygenation as well as improve the soap action during the washing process. In addition, the oxy-jet nozzle outputs together with the use of the drainage pump 16 could also improve the friction generated between the laundry water and the laundry clothes so as to improve the cleaning process.

Subsequent washes with the washing machine would mean that the incoming laundry water would just flow through the left tube 182 and exit via the oxy-jet nozzle outputs 908a to 908f, as illustrated in Figure 8 with solid dark arrows to indicate the water flow.

The water within the filter enclosure 184 and the right tube 183 is constantly submerged with water all the time for every subsequent wash, including the drainage pump 16.

Hence Figure 8 illustrates how a closed loop process will be able to provide an advanced washing action on the laundry.

Figure 9 illustrates the section view of the filtration system 18 during the rinsinci cycle.

Rinsing cycle typically happens after a washing cycle within the washing machine.

During rinsing, the pump output 162 is not connected to the internal actuator device way 900. In addition! the internal actuator device way 900, 901 and 902 are not in alignment with left tube 182, filter input! output 911 and the right tube 183 respectively. This is due to the movement of the bottom piston 1801, actuated by the polarity differences between the bottom magnet 1802 of the actuator device and the bottom electro-magnet 1803 of the actuator device. Hence this means that the incoming laundry water flowing through the drainage pump 16 will then be channelled to the filter enclosure 184 at filter input I output 9lland into the dirty area zone 1841 via external way 912. Moreover during the rinsing cycle, the various internal actuator device ways 903 to 907 located in the top actuator device 181 are still in the same position as mentioned for Figure 8. Hence with this position of the top and bottom actuator device 181 and 180 respectively as mentioned for Figure 9, the incoming laundry water is channelled to the filter enclosure 184 which will then undergo a filtration process with the permanent filter media 1840, with the laundry soap within the laundry water being filtered out from the water. The filtered clean laundry water will then exit from the clean area zone 1842 leading to the filter input / output 910, and be channelled out via the various oxy-jet nozzle outputs 908a, 908b, 908c, 9USd, 908e and 908f as illustrated in Figure 9 with solid dark arrows to indicate the water flow. The filtered clean laundry water coming out from the various oxy-jet nozzle output positioned around the front load tank 12 as mentioned earlier in Figure 9 will help to facilitate the rinsing process of the laundry, as well as making use of the water from the washing process and recycle it back for rinsing. This would mean that the water consumption for the washing machine disclosed in the present invention will be considerably lesser as compared to a conventional washing machine. This process of filtration will be repeated several times but lesser fresh water is required for the full rinsing process as compared to a conventional washing machine.

Figure 10 illustrates the section view of the filtration system 18 during the final draining cycle. The final draining cycle typically happens at the final stage of the whole washing cycle, during the rinsing cycle (i.e. at the replacement of fresh water and at the end of the final rinsing) and prior to drying to remove any excess moisture present in the washed laundry. As illustrated in Figure 10, the positions of the internal actuator device way 900, 901 and 902 at the bottom actuator device 180 are all aligned with pump output 162, filter input! output 911 and right tube 183 respectively. Hence this means that the positions are the same as that of Figure 8. However at the final draining cycle, the positions of the internal actuator device way 903, 905, 907 are all shifted via the movement of the top piston (actuator device) 1811, actuated by the polarity differences from the top magnet 1812 and top electro-magnet 1813. This means that during the final draining cycle, the drainage pump 16 will be activated, with the relatively soap-free laundry water coming in at pump input 160 and exit the drainage pump output 162, flowing into the left tube 182 via the internal actuator device way 900, as illustrated in Figure 10 by the solid dark arrows to indicate the water flow.

The laundry water will flow into the clean area zone 1842 via the filter input! output 910 rather than the dirty area zone 1841, by this action the permanent filter media 1840 is "self-cleaning". This would mean that the relatively soap-free laundry water will help to facilitate the cleaning of the permanent filter media 1840 as the water flows along it via the clean area zone 1842 to the dirty area 1841, picking up any laundry soap particles stuck and accumulated onto the permanent filter media 1840 during the previous rinsing process. As a result, the laundry water leaving the filter input / output 911 will typically contains soap particles being picked up from the permanent filter media 1840. The laundry water will then be drained out from the washing machine via the drain output 909. Hence this illustrates the built-in "self-cleaning' mechanism in the present invention.

SECTIONAL SIDE VIEW OF TANK --DETAIL "B" Figure 11 illustrates the close-up of Detail B as described in Figure 5 and refers to two (2) different sections where the quick coupler 127 and the oxy-jet nozzle 128 will be the first case study. The quick coupler 127 and the oxy-jet nozzle 128 as highlighted in Detail B are positioned all around the top portion of the tank intermediary module 123 within the front load tank 12 in order to aid the oxygenation of the water during the washing process but also to create the closed loop function necessary to improve the rinsing process. By the way, it will be an error to imagine that the closed loop function will be maintained during all the time on both functions. In the first case, it will be easy to understand that during the washing process and paiticularly duiing the moment where the triple set of magnet and electro-magnet will create the phenomenon of rotation. Any external interference will not be welcome, and hence prior to activate this rotation function! the oxy-jet process will have to be deactivated. Of course! the oxy-jet process will be restarted as soon as the rotation process will be stopped and the micro vibration process started.

In another case during the rinsing process, it will be also easy to understand that a permanent closed loop function will be particularly expensive in term of energy consumed if we consider the permanent ON mode of the draining pump during the whole process. Here, the closed loop process will be deactivated in order to give the time necessary to the vibrating surface 200 to create the requested exchange between the soaped laundry and the just topped-up fresh water whereby the soap will diffuse into the fresh water. And it is only after a short sequence, where the fresh water will again be saturated in soap that the closed loop process will be reactivated, creating the filtration of the water and the re-accumulation of fresh water inside the tank.

In short, it will be important to understand that each process will not be independently and randomly executed but activated and deactivated with care under the control of the mode pre-selected on the control panel with all the experience accumulated inside the memory chips situated on the electronic board assembly behind the control panel.

As described previously the embodiment in the present invention is based on a static" design where water leakage from the tank 12 is eliminated since there are no mechanical linkages, and the static" design is able to provide a good sealing for the whole tank 12. Good sealing is achieved throughout the whole tank base 120, inclusive of the tank top cover 122 and the tank intermediary module 123. The upper flat ring 125 as illustrated in Detail B of Figure 11 aids in providing the perfect sealing for the tank cover 122 with the tank intermediary module 123, followed by incorporating a lower flat ring 126 in order to have sealing between the tank intermediary module 123 and the tank base 120.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment is intended to be purely illustrative of the principles of the invention, rather than exhaustive thereof, and that changes and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the present invention is not intended to be limited other than as expressly set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: A method for washing, rinsing and drying laundry without the use of a drum, comprising of at least * a tank for washing, rinsing and drying of laundry; wherein the tank comprises of a tank base, a top tank cover and a tank intermediary module and tank supporting stands depending on the configuration; * a surface mounted on the base of the tank via table guide to provide the necessary washing and rinsing action, comprising of at least one pole where the pole is a magnet or ferrite mounted on one side of the surface, and comprising of at least another pole where the pole is a single coil electro-magnet or a double-coil electro-magnet mounted on the other side of the surface; wherein low-frequency micro-vibration can be achieved via a succession of simultaneous and/or periodic long and short pulses or waves created by the polarity differences between each magnet and its corresponding electro-magnet in order to provide the necessary washing and rinsing action; * a filtration system to aid in the water recycling process during rinsing, comprising of at least one actuator device and one filter enclosure with a permanent filter media; wherein the oxy-iet nozzles are positioned within the top portion of the tank, and wherein jets of water from the oxy-jet nozzle will pulverize, envelope and propel the air that is accumulated within the top portion of the tank; * vacuum pump to achieve the necessary vacuum needed for vacuum drying of the laundry clothes.
2. A method of claim I wherein the said washing, rinsing and drying is applicable for either front-loading, top-loading, a combination of front and top-loading washing machine and/or a combination of two front-loading incorporated in one washing machine unit.
3. A device of claim I wherein the surface comprises of water perforations and can be as one single piece by itself or as separate individual pieces before assembling it together.
4. A washing machine or a similar device for washing, rinsing and drying laundry, comprising of: * the front-loading or horizontal-axis laundry washer with at least a tank, and * the top-loading or vertical-axis laundry washer with at least a tank wherein the front-loading or horizontal-axis laundry washer and the top-loading or vertical axis laundry washer are housed together within the same enclosure
5. A washing machine or a similar device for washing, rinsing and drying laundry, comprising of: * the front-loading or horizontal-axis laundry washer with at least a tank, and * another front-loading or horizontal-axis laundry washer with at least a tank wherein both the front-loading or horizontal-axis laundry washer are housed together within the same enclosure.
6. A method for washing and rinsing laundry in a conventional washing machine with the use of a drum, comprising of * a surface mounted on the base of the tank via table guide to provide the necessary washing and rinsing action, comprising of at least one pole where the pole is a magnet or ferrite mounted on one side of the surface, and comprising of at least another pole where the pole is a single coil electro-magnet or a double-coil electro-magnet mounted on the other side ot the surface; wherein low-treguencv micro-vibration can be achieved via a succession ot simultaneous and/or periodic long and short pulses or waves created by the polarity differences between each magnet and its corresponding electro-magnet in order to provide the necessary washing and rinsing action; * a filtration system to aid in the water recycling process during rinsing, comprising at least one actuator device and one filter enclosure with a permanent filter media; wherein the oxy-iet nozzles are positioned within the top portion of the tank at the tank intermediary module, and wheiein jets of watel from the oxy-jet nozzle will pulverize, envelope and propel the air that is accumulated within the top portion of the tank.
7. A method of claim 6 wherein the said washing and rinsing is applicable for both front and top-loading conventional washing machine with the use of a drum.
8. A device of claim 6 wherein the surface comprises of water perforations and can be as one single piece by itself or as separate individual pieces before assembling it together.
9. A method for washing, rinsing and drying laundry in a conventional washing machine with the use of a drum, comprising of * a surface mounted on the base of the tank via table guide to provide the necessary washing and rinsing action, comprising of at least one pole where the pole is a magnet or ferrite mounted on one side of the surface, and comprising of at least another pole where the pole is a single coil electro-magnet or a double-coil electro-magnet mounted on the other side of the surface; wherein low-frequency micro-vibration can be achieved via a succession of simultaneous and/or periodic long and short pulses or waves created by the polarity differences between each magnet and its corresponding electro-magnet in order to provide the necessary washing and rinsing action; * vacuum pump to achieve the necessary vacuum needed for vacuum drying of the laundry clothes.
10. A method of claim 9 wherein the said washing, rinsing and drying is applicable for both front and top-loading conventional washing machine with the use of a drum.
11. A device of claim 9 wherein the surface comprises of water perforations and can be as one single piece by itself or as separate individual pieces before assembling it together.
12. A method for rinsing and drying laundry in a conventional washing machine with the use of a drum, comprising of * a filtration system to aid in the water recycling process during rinsing, comprising at least one actuator device and one filter enclosure with a permanent filter media; wherein the oxy-iet nozzles are positioned within the top portion of the tank at the tank intermediary module! and wherein jets of water from the oxy-jet nozzle will pulverize, envelope and propel the air that is accumulated within the top portion of the tank; * vacuum pumr to achieve the necessary vacuum needed for vacuum drying of the laundry clothes.
13. A method of claim 12 wherein the said rinsing and drying is applicable for both front and top-loading conventional washing machine with the use of a drum.
14. A method for washing laundry in a conventional washing machine with the use of a drum, comprising of * a surface mounted on the base of the tank via table guide to provide the necessary washing and rinsing action, comprising of at least one pole where the pole is a magnet or ferrite mounted on one side of the surface, and comprising of at least another pole where the pole is a single coil electro-magnet or a double-coil electro-magnet mounted on the other side of the surface; wherein low-frequency micro-vibration can be achieved via a succession of simultaneous and/or periodic long and short pulses or waves created by the polarity differences between each magnet and its corresponding electro-magnet in order to provide the necessary washing action.
15. A method of claim 14 wherein the said washing is applicable for both front and top-loading conventional washing machine with the use of a drum.
16. A device of claim 14 wherein the surface comprises of water perforations and can be as one single piece by itself or as separate individual pieces before assembling it together.
17. A method for rinsing laundry in a conventional washing machine with the use of a drum, comprising of * a filtration system to aid in the water recycling process during rinsing, comprising of at least one actuator device and one filter enclosure with a permanent filter media; wherein the oxv-iet nozzles are positioned within the top portion of the tank at the tank intermediary module: and wheiein jets of watel from the oxy-jet nozzle will pulverize, envelope and propel the air that is accumulated within the top portion of the tank.
18. A method of claim 17 wherein the said rinsing is applicable for both front and top-loading conventional washing machine with the use of a drum.
19. A method for drying laundry in a conventional washing machine with the use of a drum, comprising of vacuum pump to achieve the necessary vacuum needed for vacuum drying of the laundry clothes.
20. A method of claim 19 wherein the said drying is applicable for both front and top-loading conventional washing machine with the use of a drum.