GB442362A - Improvements in and relating to dry-cleaning apparatus for clothes and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0442362/III/1> In dry-cleaning apparatus a rotary drum 12 and casing 15 are mounted in an air circulating chamber 11 and are provided with a sump 23, a fume condenser 25, air heaters, and an air filter 19. Solvent flows by gravity to the drum 12 containing the clothes from a tank 16 through a pipe 18 and the drum is rotated at a slow speed by a motor 13. The used solvent is discharged through a button trap to the sump 23, and a further amount of solvent is admitted to the drum if necessary. The solvent is run off, and the drum is then rotated at high speed by a motor 14 operated by an air clutch 47, to remove solvent. The drum is then rotated at a slow speed and warm air is admitted from the steam heated air heater controlled by a thermostat and supplied by air blowers. Solvent vapours pass through the filter 19 and are condensed by the water-cooled fume condenser 25 and are returned to the sump. The clothes are finally treated with fresh air admitted through a valve 28. Solvent is withdrawn from the sump 23 and is forced by a pump 31 through a pipe 30 to a still 29. The solvent vapours are condensed and pass to a cooler 34 and return to the tank 16. Pressure equalizing pipes 36, 36a are provided together with a water drain pipe 39, and a safety valve 37 mounted on the storage tank. The apparatus is actuated by compressed air valves operated by electrical contacts. The casing door 51 is provided with a safety device consisting of a locking bar sliding in a sleeve which by intermediate mechanism is operated by a compressed air diaphragm valve and an electrical contact connected to the motor 14, whereby the door cannot be opened when the drum is rotated at high speed. Both motor circuits are also cut out when the door is opened.