US2328256A

US2328256A - Laundry apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2328256A
Application number: US393157A
Authority: US
Inventors: Breckenridge Frank
Original assignee: Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: CBS Corp
Priority date: 1941-05-13
Filing date: 1941-05-13
Publication date: 1943-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 1960-08-31

Description

Aug- 31, 1943- F. BRECKENBRIDGE LAUNDRY APPARAIU S Filed May 13, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR FRANK Bnscxzumnaz PIG-.1.

ATTORNEZ Aug. 31, 1943.

F. BRECKENBRIDGE LAUNDRY APPARATU S Filed May 13, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 x as INVENTOR FRANK Bnzcxznmoa:

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ATTORN Y Aug. 31, 1943. F. BRECKENBRIDGE LAUNDRY APPARATU S Filed May 13, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR FRANK BRECKENRIDGE.

BY Z i ATTORNK Patented Aug. 31, .1943

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Frank Breckenridge, Mansfield, Ohio, assignor to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa.-., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application May 13, 1941, Serial No. 393,157

3 Claims.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my application Serial No. 214,029, filed June 16, 1938.

My invention relates to laundry apparatus and ms for an object to provide improved apparatus of this character.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means for washing and drying fabrics or the like without handling of the fabrics by the operators.

A further object of the invention is to effect, automatically, a series of steps in a washing program including the step of drying the fabrics sufficiently to permit immediate ironing of the same.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved means for automatically washing fabrics and subsequently removing water therefrom by centrifugal extraction and vaporization.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel air heater which may be readily applied to a washer whereby the manufacture of washing apparatus including the drying feature or excluding the same may be economically effected.

These and other objects are effected by my invention as will be apparent from the following description and claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of my improved washing and drying apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of Fig. 1;

Fig 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of Fig. 1 and shows the construction of a control detail employed;

Fig. 4 is a. diagram showing the electrical connections between the various control devices forming a part of the apparatus;

Fi 5 is a view of a part of the apparatus shown in Fig. l and includes a modified form of air heater; and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a modified iimer for use in the circuit shown in Fig. 4.

Reference will now be hadto Figs. 1 to 4, inelusive, of the drawings wherein I have shown one embodiment of my invention applied to a laundry machine of the domestic type and including a casing structure l0 within which is disposed a washing and drying unit, generally indicated by the numeral l I. The casing l0 may include a frame work l2 formed in any suitable manner, such as, for example, of angle iron, and finishing side and top panels l3 and I4 respectively, secured to the frame work l2. A portion of the front of the cabinet is inclined as shown at 15 and is provided with an access opening [6 formed in the front panel l3. The opening I6 is provided with a closure ll hinged at 3 and provided with a handle l9. A resilient gasket 2| is preferably carried by the closure I1 and engages the front panel I3 peripherally of the opening l8. As shown in Fig. 1, the top panel I4 is provided with a plurality of air inlet openings 22 for admitting air from the ambient atmosphere to the interior of the casing. One of the side panels I3 is provided with a plurality of air outlet openings 23 for discharging air from within the casing to the ambient atmosphere Air passed through the

openings

22 and 23 is employed for drying the fabrics after washing, further reference to which will be made hereinafter.

The washing and drying unit ll may be supported within the casing III in any suitable manner. Preferably, the unit H is flexibly mounted within the casing It! so that vibrations originating in the unit H are not transmitted to the casing III. For the sake of brevity and clearness, the means for mounting the unit ll within the casing [0 are not shown as theyform no part of the present invention. A flexible structure suitable for supporting the unit H is disclosed in my Patent No. 2,296,260, granted September 22, 1942, and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

The unit ll includes a fluid-containing tub structure 24, preferably of frusto-conical con-- figuration, and a perforate basket 25 rotatably mounted therein. The basket 25 is also of frusto-conical configuration and closely follows the lines of the tub 24 so that a substantial portion of the liquid contained within the tub structure 24 is disposed within the perforate basket 25. The unit ll includes a mechanism 26 for driving the basket, which mechanism is carried by the tub structure 24.

The tub 24 includes side walls 21 and

end walls

28 and 29 at the large and small ends thereof respectively. The axis of the tub structure 24 is inclined as best shown in Fig.1 and is normal to the plane of the inclined portion of the front wall of the casing. The end wall 28 is provided with an access opening 3| which registers with the access opening I6 of the casing. The space between the tub 24 and the casing l0 adjacent the openings I6 and'SI may be closed by a. flexible wall 30 disposed peripherally of said openings. The wall 30 permits relative movement between of the tub structure for the passage of air employed for the drying of the fabrics.

The perforate basket structure 25 is provided with a substantially frusi-o-conical side wall 34 1 which is provided with aplurality of perforations 35. Preferably, the entire side wall is perforate. A plurality of vanes 36 are formed within the side wall 34 for agitating the fabricscontained within the basket 25 in the washing fluid as will be described more in detail hereinafter.

The basket 25 is provided with an access opening 31 which is aligned with the access openings 2| and 3|. An end wall 38 is provided at the small end of the basket 25 and is dished, as best shown in Fig. 1, to provide a dome within, the basket. The basket 25 is supported solely by a shaft 39 that is secured to the basket 25 within the dome 38, which shaft 39 is journaled .in a bearing structure 4| carried by the end wall 29 of the tub structure. The shaft 39 is provided with a pulley 42 which is driven by the driving mechanism 26 by means of a belt 43.

The mechanism 26 includes a motor 44 that drives a shaft 45 and a pulley 46 through a twospeed mechanism 41. The pulley 46 is belted to is of any suitable construction and includes gearing (not shown) which is selectively adjusted to provide relatively high and low speeds of the shaft 45. 'The two-speed mechanism 41 has not been shown in detail for the sake of brevity, as mechanisms of this kind are well known in the art. An arm 48 is shown for adjusting the mechanism 41 and it will be assumed that the mechanism 41 effects low speed operation of the shaft 45 in the position of the arm 48 shown in full lines and high speed operation of the shaft 45 in the position of the arm 48 shown in broken lines. The arm 48 is biased to its low speed position by a Spring 49 and is actuated to its high speed position by an electro-magnet i when energized.

Water is admitted to the tub structure 25 in any suitable manner. As shown, in Fig. 1, a conduit 52 is disposed within the casing structure III for conveying water to the tub structure 24. and includes a nozzle portion 53 which directs the discharged water toward the center of the basket 25. Hot and cold water from suitable sources are conveyed to the conduit 52 through

conduits

54 and 55, the passage of water through the latter being controlled by

respective valves

56 and 51. The

valves

56 and 51 are preferably electrically operated and are provided with

solenoids

58 and 59, respectively. As the construction of solenoidoperated valves is well understood in the art, no further description of their construction and operation is deemed necessary other than to state that they are closed during periods when their respective solenoids are deenergized, and, conversely, are opened when the solenoids are energized.

As shown in Fig. 1, water is discharged from the tub structure 24 through a discharge opening 6| to a suitable drain fitting 62, and, thence from the drain fitting 62 to a point of discharge by means of a pump 63, the outlet of which is connected to said point of discharge by a flexible conduit 64 which may define a length of rubber hose. Operation of the pump 63 is effected by the motor 44. The inlet of the pump 63 is connected to the drain fitting 62 by a conduit 65 having an electricallyoperated valve 66 connected therein and controlling the passage of water to the pump 63. The valve 66 may be operated by a solenoid 61 and is of similar construction to the electrically-operated valves 56 and'5l. When the solenoid 61 is deenergized, the valve 66 is closed, and, conversely, when the solenoid 61 is energized, the valve 66 is opened.

The level of the water in the tub structure 24 is controlled by a float switch II as best shown in Fig. 3, and controlling energization of the

valve solenoids

58 and 59. The float switch H includes a vented container I2 which communicates with the interior of the tub structure 24 by means of a conduit 13. Accordingly, the level of the water in the container 12 corresponds to the level of the water in the tub structure 24. The float switch structure ll includes a suitable switch I4 shown by way of example as an enclosed mercury switch. The switch 14 is actuated by a float 15 that moves upwardly and downwardly on a rod 16 between respective upper and lower shoulders 11 and 18 formed thereon. In the position shown, the float is in its lowermost position in engagement with the stop 18 so that the switch 14 is in its closed position. Accordingly, the

solenoids

58 and 59 may be energized and water admitted to the tub 24. When water in the container rises to a Predetermined level, the float I5 engages the shoulder l1 and moves the switch I4 to its open position, whereby energization of the

solenoids

58 and 59 is prevented.

As will be described more in detail hereinafter, the basket is rotated at slow speed by the shaft to agitate the fabrics in the washing fluid whereby the fabrics are cleaned. Washing fluid is then .drained from the tub structure 24 and the basket operated at high speed for centrifugally extracting the washing fluid from the fabrics. Rinse water is then admitted to the tub structure 24 and the fabrics are agitated in the rinse water for a predetermined period of time, during which the detergent in the fabrics is diffused into the rinse water. The rinse water is then discharged from the tub and the fabrics are subjected to a final water extracting operation. After this operation is completed, the fabrics are in a damp condition, and as practiced heretofore, have been removed from the basket for further drying in order to condition the fabrics for ironing. In accordance with my invention, the fabrics are agitated in th basket 25 subsequent to the final extracting operation in the absence of water and are subjected to heated air for vaporizing water from the fabrics whereby they may be removed from the basket and ironed without further drying.

In accordance with my invention, an electrical heater 8! is supported within a casing structure 82, the latter being secured to the exterior of the tub 24 and enclosing the air inlet openings 32 therein, as best shown in Fig. 2. The casing structure 82 is provided with openings 83 for admitting air to the interior thereof, which air is drawn from the ambient atmosphere through the openings 22 formed in the casing structure Ill. The air is translated by a fan 84 from the ambient atmospher in heat exchange relation with the heater 8| and thence through the air inlet openings 32 of the tub structure 24 I 2,328,256 to the annulus a intermediate the tub structure 24 and the basket 25. The heated air is circulated centrifugally within the tub 24 and basket 25 by the vanes 38 of the rotating basket 25. These rotating vanes 38 effect outward movement of the heated air through the perforations and induce a flow of air into the basket 36 through the opening 31. Accordingly, heated air from the annulus 25a circulates through the opening 31 and absorbs moisture from the fabrics which are tumbled within the basket 38. The partly saturated air is returned by centrifugal action through the perforations 35 to the annulus 25a. The fan 84 and the heater 8| provide a continuous supp y of dry heated air for circulation through the basket as described. The heated air translated around the annulu 25a absorbs moisture from the air circulated through the basket, as described, and is finally discharged to atmosphere through the

outlet openings

33 and 23 in a relatively highly saturated condition.

The fan 84 is driven by an electric motor 85 supported by the casing structure 82 and which is preferably connected in parallel with the heater 8| so that both the heater 8| and the motor 85 are energized simultaneously. The heater 8| may be carried by a frame 88 supported within the casing 82 and preferably, includes a plurality of sections disposed in side-by-side relation in front of the fan '84. (See Fig. 1.)

The air heater 8|, the fan motor 85 and the casing 82 are preferably constructed as a unit which is readily attachable to the washing apparatus in any suitable manner as, by screws 82a. It will be noted that the air inlet and

outlet openings

32 and 33 are defined by louvers 81, preferably formed integral with the tub structure 24 and so disposed that they prevent water thrown off by the basket 25 during the waterextracting period from being discharged from the tub structure 24.

In accordance with my invention, the driving mechanism 28 for the basket, the heater 8|, the fan 84, and the various control instrumentalities for the washing fluid are automatically controlled in order to ei Tect a predetermined washing and drying program without the attention of the operator. The electrical circuits for the aforementioned elements are shown in Fig. 4 and are energized from a suitable source of power indicated by the line conductors L1 and L2.

A timing device 9|, shown by way of example as an electrically driven drum switch 92, is provided for selectively energizing the various electrical elements of the washer in a predetermined sequence. The timing device 9| which may be secured to the front panel |3 of the casing structure where it is convenient for the operator, includes a relatively small motor 93 of the type usually employed in electric clocks. The motor 93 drives the drum switch 92 through a suitable speed reducer 94, the driven element of which is connected to the drum switch through a slip clutch 95. The drum switch 92 is shown in development and it will be understood that, as it is driven by the motor 93, it is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow. The drum switch 92 may be manually actuated by a knob or handle 98 disposed exteriorly of the casing. The purpose of the slip clutch 95 is to permit manual rotation of the drum switch 92 relative to the speed reducer 94 in order to initiate operation of the apparatus. It will be understood that when the motor 93 is operated, the clutch 95 effects rotation of the drum switch 92.

The drum switch 92 includes a plurality of stationary contact fingers 91 to I82, inclusive, and a plurality of electrically-connected movable contact segments |83 to H8, inclusive. The finger 98 is connected to the line conductor L1 so that when it is engaged by the segment I83, all of the segments I83 to H8 inclusive are of the same polarity as line conductor L1. The main motor 44 and the timer motor 93 are connected in parallel between the finger 97 and conductor L2. The heater 8| and the fan motor 85 are connected in parallel between the finger I82 and conductor L2. The drain solenoid 61 is connected between the finger |8| and the line conductor La. One terminal of the clutch magnet winding 5| is connected to the contact finger I88 and its opposite terminal is connected to the line conductor L3 through the float switch 14. The

water valve solenoids

58 and 59 are connected in parallel, and are connected to the line conductor L2 through the float switch 14 and to the contact finger 99.

Operation of the washing apparatus is initiated by adjusting the handle 98 (Fig. 4) and drum switch 92 to a position wherein engagement of the segments I83 and I84 with

contact fingers

91, 98 and 99 is eiiected. The duration of the washing period may be varied by the operator and depends upon the amount of movement imparted to the drum switch 92 when starting operation. If the drum switch is adjusted so that the portion of the drum indicated by the line 28M is aligned with the contacts, the washing cycle will continue for a relatively long period, for example, 20 minutes. If the drum is moved inanually to a position wherein the portion thereof indicated by the line SM is aligned with the contacts, the washing cycle will beof relatively short duration, for example, 5 minutes. Intermediate positions may be provided as shown and are indicated at MM and |5M representing washing periods of 10 and 15 minutes, respectively. A COlliplete cycle of operation will now be described.

Operation During the inactive periods of the washing apparatus, the control apparatus is in the position shown in Fig. 4. Fabrics to be washed and a detergent, such as, for example, soap, are deposited in the basket 25 through the access opening l6 after which the closure is moved to its closed position. Assuming the condition of the fabrics to be such that a 15 minute washing period is desirable, the drum switch 92 is rotated manually by the handle 96 to a position wherein the drum portion indicated by the line |5M is aligned with the contact fingers. Bridging of the

contacts

97 and 98 by'the segment I83 energizes the motors 93 and 44, the former operating to effect slow rotation of the'drurn switch 92. Operation of the motor 44 eiiects slow speed rotation of the basket 25 as the mag-net winding 5| at this time is deenergized and the adjusting arm 48 is in its slow speed position as shown in the drawings.

Engagement of the segment I84 and contact finger 99 energizes the hot and cold

water valve solenoids

58 and 59 through the closed float switch 14, whereby water is delivered to the tub structure 24 through the nozzle 53. Delivery of water to the tub continues until the level rises to the location shown by the dot and dash line in Fig. 1,'whereupon the float switch 14 is opened and delivery of water to the tub is terminated.

Rotation of the basket 25 at relatively slow speed is effected so that the fabrics are agitated in the water by the vanes 36. The vanes 35 as they move upwardly out of the water become more and more inclined due to the inclined axis of the basket and direct the fabrics towards the dome 38. The fabrics are elevated by the vanes to an upper region of the basket 25 and are dropped on the dome 38 and slide thereover as they retum to the body of washing fluid. Agitation of the fabrics in the fluid and the scrubbing action eifected as they slide over the dome 38 effectively removes the soils from the fabrics.

The washing action continues in the example set forth for 15 minutes, at the end of which time the contact segment I08 engages the contact finger IOI whereby the drain valve solenoid B1 is energized and the washing fluid removed from the tub 44 by the pump 63. Engagement of the segment I06 with the finger I is effected for energizing the circuit including the magnet winding I. As the circuit of the magnet winding 5| includes the float switch I4, it will be apparent that it is not completed until the water level in the tub drops sufliciently for effecting closing of the switch I4. 7

Energization of the magnet winding 5I moves the arm 48 to its dotted position, whereupon high speed operation of the basket 25 is effected. The water remaining in the fabrics is centrifugally extracted therefrom during the high speed operation of the basket and is removed from the tub through the outlet 6| by the pump 63. During spinning of the fabrics, a spray rinse may be effected by the engagement of the segment I05 with the contact finger 99. This operation energizes the

water valve solenoids

58 and 59 so that water is delivered to the basket during the spinning of the fabrics. By this operation a certain amount of the detergent in the fluid is diffused in the water which is carried away by the pump 63.

Disengagement of the segments I06 and I08 from their respective fingers I00 and IOI\ deenergizes the magnet winding 5| and the drain solenoid valve 51. Accordingly, slow speed operation of the basket 25 is initiated and removal of water from the tub terminated. Accordingly, the tub will fill up with clean rinse water until the level of the water has risen sufficiently to open the float switch I4. Agitation of the fabrics in the rinse water is effected for a period of time, or until the segment I09 engages the contact finger IOI, whereupon the drain valve 66 is opened by its energized solenoid 61. Accordingly, the rinse water is removed from the tub and high speed operation of the basket is initiated when the segment IO'I- engages the contact finger I00, as described heretofore. The final extraction of the water from the fabrics is now effected.

Slow speed operation of the basket is initiated when the contact segment I!" becomes disengaged from the finger I00 as described heretofore and the fabrics are tumbled in the basket 25 in the absence of water at this time.

Upon initiating the slow speed operation of the basket, the contact segment IIO engages the contact finger I02, whereupon air from the ambient atmosphere is withdrawn through the

air inlet openings

22 and 83 by the fan 84 and is directed in heat exchanging relation with the energized heater 8|. The heated air passes through the air inlet opening 32 and contacts the fabrics in the basket, as described heretofore, for vaporizing moisture therefrom. The

air in a highly saturated condition returns to the ambient atmosphere through the

air outlet openings

33 and 23 formed in the tub and casing structure, respectively. After a predetermined period of time, the contact segment III) is disengaged from the finger I02, whereupon energization of the heater ill and the fan motor is terminated. At the same time, the segment I03 is disengaged from the

fingers

91 and 98 for terminating operation of the main driving motor 44 and the timer motor 93. A complete cycle of operation has now been described, and the washing apparatus is in condition for a second operation, the drum switch 92 having been moved to its off position as shown in the drawmgs.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 5 wherein the air heating and translating are disposed within a closure structure I20 for the access opening I6. The washer structure shown in Fig. 5 is of the general type shown in Fig. 1 and portions which are common to each are designated by similar reference characters.

The tub structure 24 in Fig. 5 is provided with a plurality of air outlet openings, a portion of which are shown at I2I and the frame structure I0 is provided with a plurality of outlet openings I22 shown by way of example in the side wall I3. The closure generally shown at I20 includes an outer shell I23 provided with air inlet openings I24 and hinged to the inclined portion of the front wall I5 as shown at I25. A plate I26 is secured to the shell structure I23 and a plurality of air outlet openings I2I are formed in the plate I26 each of which openings I 21 is provided with a louver for preventing water splashed in the basket 25 from entering the openings I21.

The frame I28 is carried by the closure I20 and supports a motor I29 and a fan I30 driven thereby. An electrical heater shown at I32 is supported by the frame I28 in any suitable manner. The motor I29 and heater I32 may be energized by conductors I33 which pass through an insulating bushing at I34, formed in the outer shell I33 adjacent the outer hinge I25 thereof. The conductors I33 may be carried within the casing I5 in any suitable manner (not shown).

The apparatus shown in Fig. 5 may be operated automatically in accordance with the washing and drying cycles provided by the timer shown in Figs. 4 and 6. During the water vaporiing period of the cycle, air is translated by the fan I 30 from the ambient atmosphere through the openings I24 and thence in heat transfer relation with the heater I32. The heated air passes through the openings I2'I directly into the basket structure 25 where it contacts the fabrics being tumbled therein for vaporizing a portion of the water contained in the fabrics. The air in a highly saturated condition passes through the perforations 35 or through the annular space between the end wall 28 of the tub structure 24 and the basket 25. The air is discharged from the tub 24 through the openings I2I and passes to the ambient atmosphere through the openings I22 of the casing structure I0. After the drying cycle is completed, the closure I23 may be swung to its upper position and latched in any suitable manner (not shown), and the fabrics in a dried condition are removed from the basket 25. When the closure I23 is in its open position the plate I26 defines a guard which prevents the operator from accidentally coming in contact with any of the elements contained within the closure structure I20.

The motor-driven fan I30 in the embodiment shown in Fig. may be omitted if vaporization of moisture from the fabrics is effected with the basket rotating at high speed. In this event, the body of air within the basket is shown centrifugally toward the side walls thereof and passes through the fabrics and perforations in the basket and through the space I defined by the end wall 28 of the tub structure and the adjacent end of the basket. Accordingly, flow of air from the ambient atmosphere through the openings I24 to the center of the basket is induced, which air is heated by the heating element I32. The heated, highly saturated air-is discharged through the openings PM.

One advantage of thestructure shown in Fig. 5 is that two lines of washing apparatus may be readily and economically manufactured, one of the lines including the air heating means and the other excluding the same. This feature is obtainable by providing readily removable closure structures one of which includes the air heating means and another of which merely defines a closure for the access opening, said closures being interchangeable. Accordingly, a washer may be readily adapted for drying the fabrics cleaned thereby, by replacing its cover with a closure structure of the type shown in Fig. 5, it being understood that both types are manufactured with the outlet openings in the casing for the heated air.

This feature is also obtained by the construction of the embodiment shown in Fig. l asthe heating and air translating means and their casing 82 are constructed as a unit which is readily attachable to the washer construction.

In Fig. 6, I have shown a modified form of timer construction which may be employed for automatically cycling the apparatus described heretofore. With the exception of the addition of a plurality of contact segments l0la, "Nb and Mia, the timer, shown in part in Fig. 6, is identical with the timer shown in Fig. 4. Accordingly, the program of washing and drying steps is the same as hereinbefore described with the exception that, during the air drying portion of the cycle, the basket is intermittently rotated at high and low speeds. In this connection, it will be noted that the segments NM, 10112, and I010 are engageable with the finger I00 and connected in circuit with the clutch solenoid 5| so that when the segments l0la, l01b, or I010 engage the finger I00 energization of the solenoid 5| and high speed operation of the basket are effected.

This intermittent operation. of the basket at high and low speeds facilitates drying as the fabrics are redistributed in the basket each time it is operated at high speed. The tendencyfor the bundle of fabrics to travel in the same path without rearrangement of the fabrics in the bundle during slow speed operation is broken up by the intermittent operation at high speed.

From the'foregoing description, it will be apparent that I have provided improved laundry apparatus for washing and drying fabrics, the condition of the fabrics after treatment being such that they may be ironed immediately after removal from the apparatus. The washing and drying steps are automatically effected without manual attention other than depositing the fabrics and the detergent in the apparatus and initiating operation thereof.

The washing cycle which I have disclosed is shown by way of example and may be varied as desired. It is to be understood that my invention broadly contemplates any washing program wherein drying of the fabrics is included as a step automatically effected in the cycle of operation.

While I have shown my invention in several forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various other modifications and changes Without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In apparatus for rying fabrics, the combination of a container for the fabrics, means for translating heated air in contact with the fabrics, and means for rotating the container in a single direction at low and high speeds alternately, said rotating means being rendered effective during the period of operation of the air translating means for alternately tumbling the fabrics within the container at relatively low frequency and for rotating the fabrics within the container in a bundle at relatively high frequency.

2. In apparatus for drying fabrics, the combination of a. container for the fabrics, means for rotating the container in a single direction at relatively low speed for tumbling the fabrics, means for rotating the container and the enclosed fabrics in the same single direction at relatively high speed, means for translating heat ed air through the container for abstracting moisture from the fabrics and means for con- I trolling the operation of said rotating means and said air translating means so that they are operated in a predetermined sequence, said controlling means being so constructed and arranged that the rotating means are alternately operated to provide successive periods of low and high speed operation of the container when said air translating means is effective for the circulation of air through the container.

3. In apparatus for drying saturated fabrics or the like, the combination of a container for enclosing the fabrics in a saturated condition, means for rotating the container in a single direction at relatively low and high speeds alternately, means for translating heated air in contact with the fabrics for abstracting moisture therefrom and means adjustable to a plurality of stations for controlling the operation of said rotating means and said air translating means,

said control means when adjusted to one of its stations effecting high speed rotation of the container for centrifuging fluid from the fabrics and when adjusted to a plurality of other stations effecting alternate low and high speed rotation of the container and said control means providing for operation of the air translating means when adjusted to said plurality of other stations.

FRANK BRECKENRIDGE.