US2593752A

US2593752A - Fabric washing machine

Info

Publication number: US2593752A
Application number: US666706A
Authority: US
Inventors: Alfred H Haberstump
Original assignee: Murray Corp
Current assignee: Murray Corp
Priority date: 1946-05-02
Filing date: 1946-05-02
Publication date: 1952-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 1969-04-22

Description

April 22, 1952 A. H. HABERSTUMP FABRIC WASHING MACHINE 1O Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 2, 1946 r n h, z a

M u f .1

xrrrarr/yzyc April 1952 A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,593,752

FABRIC WASHING MACHINE Filed May 2, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 5 W .9 i E- 4k cw INVEN TOR.

BY E-E- W9 April 22, 1952 A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,593,752

FABRIC WASHING MACHINE Filed May 2, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 FTTIF/YEVS.

April 1952 A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,593,752

FABRIC WASHING MACHINE Filed May 2, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 April 22, 1952 A. H. HABERSTUMP FABRIC WASHING MACHINE 1O Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 2, 1946 April 22, 1952 A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,593,752

FABRIC WASHING MACHINE Filed May 2, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet '7 Ap 1952 A. H. HABERSTUMR 2,593,752

FABRIC WASHING MACHINE Filed May 2, 1946 i0 SheetsSheet 8 April 1952 A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,593,752

FABRIC WASHING MACHINE Filed May 2, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 April 22, 1952 Y A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,593,752

FABRIC WASHING MACHINE Filed May 2, 1946 i0 Sheets-Sheet 1o Fatented Apr. 22, 1952 FABRIC WASHING MACHINE Alfred H. Haberstump, Detroit, Mich., assignor to The Murray Corporation of America, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Delaware Application May 2, 1946, Serial No. 666,706

9 Claims. 1

This invention relates to washing machines, and particularly to an automatic washing machine which operates through a washing, rinsing and wet-drying cycle while positively squeezing the water through the fabrics being operated upon.

In the patent to Alfred H. Haberstump, No. 2,521,578, issued September 5, 1950, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, a washing machine is illustrated which operates with a tumblin and squeezing principle, in a somewhat similar manner as the washing machine of the present invention. In the machine of the present invention the tub is mounted on a horizontal axis in a cabinet or on a set of legs, having a door on the front end for enclosing an aperture and a removable cover enclosing the open rear face of the tub. The cover has a supporting bearing for a hollow shaft in which a second shaft is telescoped. A rotor is mounted on the hollow shaft and is disposed on the axis of the tub. A squeeze bar is mounted on the second shaft forrotation with the rotor and for movement in oscillation relative thereto along the peripheral wall. The rotor is provided with a shoulder, and rubber squeeze blocks may be mounted upon the shoulder and on the engaging face of the squeeze bar between which a portion of the fabrics to be washed is squeezed during each cycle of rotation of the rotor.

A suitable driving mechanism is mounted upon the rear cover of the tub, preferably within the marginal edge thereof and connected through suitable mechanism for driving the rotor and squeeze bar in rotation and relative oscillation. Baiiles are provided on the wall of the rotor projecting inwardly thereof and so located as to move the fabrics along the periphery of the-rotor in a predetermined manner to deliver a portion of the fabrics to the area between the shoulder and squeeze bar to have different portions of the fabrics progressively squeezed during the cycle of operation. The bottom of the tub has a solenoidoperated drain valve mounted therein with a screen and cover removably mounted about the drain opening. The cover and screen are removable so that they may be cleaned of the lint, fibres and other matters which may collect therein.

The rear cover of the tub also supports the control switch which may be electrically or mechanically driven for automatically controlling the washing operation through the various cycles. A water level control device is also mounted on the rear cover of the tub for regulating the height of water delivered to the tub during the Washing and rinsing cycles. The water level device preferably is so constructed as to embody an antisiphoning feature by which assurance is had that. the

waterand suds within the tub cannotbe siphoned into the conduit through which water is conducted to the tub. A pump is also mounted upon the rear cover of the tub, having means for connecting it directly to the motor to be driven thereby for the purpose of pumping the water from the tub during its automatic operation. Solenoid-operated valves are also mounted on the rear cover of the'tub for controlling the temperature 'ofthe Water delivered to the tub during a washing operation.

It will thus be seen that all of the mechanism employed for operatin the washing machine through the automatic cycle is mounted upon the removable cover of the tub which'also. carries forwardly of its inner face the rotor and the squeeze bar. By removing the rear cover, all of theoperating parts of the machine are removed from the tub so that they may be readily repaired or replaced by a service unit until repairs can be made thereon. A closure element in the nature of a stamping which extends in continuation of the tub when mounted thereon, encloses all of the elements carried by the cover.

Accordingly, the main objects of the invention are: to provide a washing machine which utilizes a tumbling and squeezing principle when Washing, rinsing and wet-drying the fabrics; to provide a washing machine rotor with projecting bafilesfor advancing and tumbling the clothes in a predetermined manner on the inner peripheral wall of the rotor and for delivering portions of the fabrics seriatim to the squeeze mechanism during the washing, rinsing and wet-drying cycles of operation; to provide a washing machine having a tub with a removable rear cover upon which all of the operating mechanism is mounted so that when the wall is removed, the rotor, squeeze bar and the driving mechanism therefor, as well as all of thelcontrol mechanism, is removed from the tub; to provide an enclosing casing for the rear cover of the tub upon which all of the driving mechanism is mounted for enclosing the mechanism with the casing disposed in continuation of the tub wall; to provide mounting means on the wall of the tub which secures the tub. on a set of legs within a cabinet 'byswhich the tub is enclosed; and, in general, to provide a washing machine of the automatic type which is simple in construction, vpositive in operation and economical of manufacture.

7 Other objects and features of novelty of the invention will be specifically pointed out or will become apparent when referring, for a better understanding of the invention, to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a broken view in front elevation of a washing machine embodying features of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a broken sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1, taken on the line 2-2 thereof;

Fig. 3 is a view of structure, similar to that illustrated in Fig. 1, showing the operating parts supported from the tub;

Fig. 4 is a broken enlarged sectional view of structure illustrated in Fig. 1, taken on the line 4-4 thereof;

Fig. 5 is a broken enlarged sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1, taken on the line 5-5 thereof;

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1, with the enclosing casing removed from the tub and the cover removed from the transmission mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a view of structure, similar to that illustrated in Fig. 6, with the washing machine mounted within a cabinet;

Fig. 8 is a diagram of the wiring connections employed on the machine illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a time cycle chart showing the closed and open positions of the contacts of the control switch of the machine illustrated in Fig. 1;

Figs. 10 to 21 are views of the machine when operating on a load of fabrics, showing the position of the fabrics at 30 intervals through a single cycle of rotation of the rotor;

Fig. 22 is a broken end view of a drain screen illustrated in Fig. 24, as viewed from the lefthand end thereof;

Fig. 23 is a broken sectional view of the cover attaching means of the structure illustrated in Fig. 24;

Fig. 24 is an enlarged sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 7, taken on the line 24-24 thereof;

Fig. 25 is an enlarged sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 7, taken on the line 2 5-25 thereof;

Fig. 26 is an enlarged sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. '7, taken on the line 26-26 thereof;

Fig. 27 is a sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 26, taken on the line 21-21 thereof;

Fig. 28 is a sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 26, taken on the line 28-28 thereof;

Fig. 29 is a view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 27, as viewed from the line 29-29 thereof;

Fig. 30 is a view in side elevation of the water level control device illustrated in Fig. 7, with the adjusting structure omitted;

Fig. 31 is a view in elevation of the structure illustrated in Fig. 30, "with the adjusting mechanism applied thereto, and

Fig. 32 is a sectional view of the structure illusother by a bracing member 6. The tub has an opening 1 in the front end provided with a rectangular shaped recess 8 thereabout for receiving a hinged door 9 which encloses the opening. The door 9 has a central opening is defined by a flange H over which an annular rubber sealing element I2 is supported. A circular window [3 is supported in a slot id in the rubber sealing element [2 for enclosing the opening and providing a window through which the interior of the tub may be viewed.

The opposite open end of the tub I is flanged outwardly at 15 and a cover It encloses the opening. The cover is of circular form having the marginal end reversely bent at I? to provide a guiding shoulder which fits within the wall of the tub I. An outwardly extending flange I8 is providedabout the margin of the cover It for abutting against the flange i5 of the tub to which his sealed by a sealing element 19 provided therebetween. The cover it is dished outwardly and provided with embossments 29 to strengthen the cover as it forms the sole support for the operating and control parts of the machine.

A central opening 2! is provided in the cover it through which a hollow shaft 22 extends. The hollow shaft is secured by a key 23 to a hub 24 on the rear wall of a rotor 25. The hub is supported on the rotor between the rear wall 26 thereof and a reinforcing stamping 21 which is secured thereto. A front stamping 28 of the rotor 25 is also secured to the peripheral wall portion 29 of the rotor, the stamping 28 having a central opening 3!! aligned with the opening 1 in the tub I. A sealing material 31 is provided about the shaft 22 and retained in position by a thrust washer 33 against which the hub 24 abuts. A central shaft 3d extends through the shaft 22 and is journaled on a bearing 35 thereon. This may be a sleeve constructed of bearing metal, a roller on needle bearings, and the like. The end of the shaft 34 is provided with a spline 36 to which a hub 31 of a squeeze bar 38 is secured. The hub has a sleeve 39 containing splines which interengage with the spline 36 of the shaft 34, and are retained in position by a washer 40 secured to the shaft 34 by a screw 4|. A sealing material 3! is provided about the shaft 34 within a shoulder in the shaft 22 for sealing the space between the shafts against the entrance of water.

The rotor, as illustrated in Fig. 1, has the peripheral wall portion 29 extended inwardly, forming a, baffle e2 having an arcuately formed shelf portion 43 for receiving, carrying and discharging the supported fabric at predetermined points in the rotation of the rotor. A similar tumbling bafiie M is provided in the peripheral wall portion '29 of the rotor, spaced a predetermined angular distance from the baffle 42. Opposite to the bafiies 52 and M, the peripheral wall portion 29 is deflected inwardly at 45 and terminated at the end into a downwardly projecting flange 45. A stamping 4! is secured beneath the end portion of the forwardly projecting portion 45 of the wall 253, having an inwardly extending flange portion 48 spaced from the flange 46. A squeeze element '59 is secured between the flanges t6 and 38, the element being made of rubber or like resilient material.

L-shaped bars 50 form a wall section for the rotor beneath the squeeze element 59 and join an offset wall portion 5| of the rotor wall 29. By offsetting the wall in this manner, the squeeze bar is shorter than when extended to the pethe squeeze bar is longer. The squeeze bar 38 has an arm portion 52 which extendsalong the rear wall 26 of the rotor 25 and a squeeze portion 53 which extend at right angles therefrom to be disposed adjacent to the offset peripheral wall portions 59 and 5| of the rotor wall 29. The portion 59 contains an enlarged recess 54 across its working face in which a head 55 of a squeeze,

element 56 is received for supporting the squeeze element 56 on the working face of the squeeze bar 38.

The working faces of the squeeze portions 49 and 55 are disposed at an angle to each other, a illustrated in Fig. 1, so that contact will occur at the top of the elements with the fabrics which are progressivley squeezed downwardly to squeeze the water therefrom in a downward direction through the spaces between the bars 59 which are of triangular section. It will be noted in Fig. 4 that these bars have a fiat face aligned on the periphery of the offset portion of the rotor and a pointed end extending downwardly therefrom so that the space between the bars is enlarging from the inner surface of the rotor outwardly thereof. The water squeezed downwardly by the

squeeze element

49 and 56 will pass through the opening between the vbars 59 and will pass downwardly therefrom without any restriction which might occur if the space between the bars were the same throughout the depth thereof. The working face of the squeeze element 56 is provided with slots 51 which eX- tend rearwardly at 58 on the bottom face of the element where they are joined together by the angular-shaped slots 59. Some of the water pressed from the fabrics will pass into the slots 57 and move downwardly therein to the portions 58 and 59 in the bottom face of the element from which it will pass through the spaces between the bars 56 into the tub. Similar slots 5'! may be provided in the working face of the squeeze element 49.

A driving mechanism 60 for the rotor and the squeeze bar is mounted within a casing 6| which is supported against the cover I6 of the tub by a plurality of bolts 62 which are preferably made of noncorrosive material. The casing contains a bearing for the shaft 22 which has mounted thereon a worm wheel 63. The gear is .driven froma worm 64 having on the end of the shaft a pulley 65 driven by a belt 65 from a pulley 61 on a motor 68. The casingis provided with a cam track 69 upon which a roller I engages. The roller is mounted on a toggle II which is driven from a stud I2 on the worm wheel 63. The opposite end of the toggle II is pivoted to an arm I3 which is freely pivoted on the squeeze bar shaft 34. An arm I4 is keyed or otherwise secured to the squeeze bar shaft 34 and the arms I3 and I4 are moved apart a predetermined distance by a spring I5 secured therebetween in a suitable manner and limited by stop portions It on the arms. The stops I6 are bosses which are in aligned relation one on each of the arms 13 and I4 so as to contact each other and limit the separation of the arms by the spring I5. The arm 14 is connected by a second spring 11 to a hook I8 carried by the worm wheel 63. The mechanism is similar to those described and claimed in the Henry D. Polie Patent No.

2,445,968, issued July 27, 1948, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

When the motor 68 is energized, it drives through the pulley 61 and belt 66, pulley 65, the worm 64, which in turn drives the worm wheel 7 .63. The worm wheel directly drives-the rotor 25 6 in rotation and also carries the mechanism 66 therewith through the operation of the stud I2, toggle mechanism II and arms I3 and M which are spaced apart by the spring I5 and retained in predetermined relation to the rotor by the spring I1. In this position the squeeze element 56 is spaced from the squeeze element 49 a predetermined amount. Such separation occurs when the roller I9 is operating on a dwell portion of the cam track 69 having the greatest radius. As the roller I9 passes across another portion of the cam track in which the radius is reducing, the toggle H is expanded to move the arm 13 toward the arm 14, which thereby advances the squeeze element 56 toward the squeeze element 49 until such pressure is built up on the fabrics between the squeeze elements as to equal the strength of the spring :5, after which any further deflection will be taken by the spring without substantially altering the distance between the squeeze elements. By this means, a desired pressure is applied and maintained for a predetermined angular portion of the rotation of the rotor on the fabrics between the squeeze elements. This forces the water from the fabrics downwardly between the squeeze elements and out through the spaces between the bars 56.

As the roller '16 advances, it will move on the cam track portion in which the radius is increasing to the maximum or dwell portion of the cam, at which time the spring I5 expands until the stop elements 56 interrupt the movement of the arms I3 and M, after which the spring 11 moves the arm and shaft 54 in a manner to have the squeeze bar 38 carry the squeeze element 56 away from the squeeze element 59, releasing the fabrics and again providing a space between the ele- "ments for receiving additional portions of the fabrics which will be squeezed in the succeeding squeeze cycle. It will be apparent from this construction that the squeeze bar and rotor will rotate in unison with an oscillation between the squeeze bar and rotor being introduced during each cycle of rotation to have the squeeze element 56 move from the squeeze element 49 at a certain point in the cycle of rotation and to advance theretoward and apply a predetermined pressure to the collection of fabrics disposed therebetween. Thereafter, the pressure is removed from the fabrics and the squeeze .bar is again returned to its initial position with the squeeze elements 55 spaced from the squeeze element 49. I

The motor 68 is supported on brackets I9 which are pivoted to brackets 89 secured on the outer face of the cover [6 by bolts 8|. The motor is suspended on the cover in this manner within the area of the peripheral flange thereof. A thermostatically operated inlet valve 82 is mounted on the cover I6 of the tub I having inlet conductors 83 and 84 connected thereto from a hot and cold water supply. An outlet conductor, which is herein illustrated as a flexible tube-85, connects the valve to the intake tube 86 which is supported on the cover [6 in a suitable manner to be spaced between the rotor 25 and the inner surface of the tub I when the cover is secured to the tub. The tube 85 is provided with a plurality of outlet openings which are aligned with openings 81 through the peripheral wall 29 of the I rotor to have the water from the tube 86 directed through the openings 8! and also onto the outer surface of the rotor.

A level control device 88 is also mounted upon the outer surface 'of the cover I6 for the purpose to be sealed thereto by a gasket idil. 'nular flange Ici is provided in the closure elethereby.

" valve 82.

[cf regulating the height to which the water will rise within the tub when introduced therein and also'for preventing the siphoning of the water from the interior of the tub should a suction be established in the supply pipe.

An electrical control switch 39 is mounted on a bracket 90 which is secured to the cover IS. The switch may be operated by an electric motor in the usual manner or mechanically. In either type of switch the cam plates for actuating the contacts are advanced at a predetermined rate'to control the operation of the various mechanisms to produce the automatic operation of the machine through the washing, rinsing and wet-drying cycles. A dial knob 91 has indications there- A pump 92 is supported on the cover iii, having a clutch thereon operated by a solenoid 23 by which the pump is connected to the driving shaft of the motor 58 for pooping the water from a drain conductor 92 connected to a drain closure element 95 which is removably secured to a drain opening 96 in the bottom of the tub. A pivoted latching element 5'. has a red as which snaps into a recess 98 the closure element 95 for releasably supporting the element to the tub An anment 95 forming a ledge on which a straining 4 element I02 is supported, encompassing the opening 95. When the tub is to be emptied, the

A cover H14 is provided for enclosing the cover I6 and all of the mechanism which is supported An outwardly projecting peripheral flange I25 is provided on the edge oi? the cover I04 and this is secured, along with the flanges I5 and I8 of the tub I and cover I5, respectively, in

unit sealed relation by the annular gasket I06 which is disposed within an annular ring I! of channel cross section and which is drawn thereabout by a bolt extending through apertures in flanges in the ends of the ring in the usual manner. The cover IE4 is substantially in alignedrelation with the tub I when enclosing all of the operating mechanism carried by the cover I6.

Referring to Fig. 8, a wiring diagram is illustrated of the various operating elements ofthe washing machine as connected to the control switch 89. The control switch is provided with contact operating cams I98, I09, H and III. These, respectively, actuate the sets of contacts H2, H3, H4 and H5. The contacts II2, when closed; complete a circuit H6 for energizing the motor 68 for driving the rotor and the motor I I! for operating the control switch 89 from a source II8. Contacts I13, when closed, complete a circuit Hi! to a switch I22. A circuit I2I from one side of the switch energizes a solenoid 122 of the thermostatically controlled valve 82. When the switch I is thrown to the opposite position, circult I23 is connected to a solenoid I24 of the The solenoid I22 changes the control through the valve 82 to deliver warm water, that is to say, water at about a temperature of 95,

while the solenoid I24, when energized, produces '1'40'ma'y be delivered 'tothe tub. Both of the solenoids have connecting in their respective circults, armicroswitch I25 which is actuated by the water level control device 88 forshutting 0d the flow of water when a predetermined amount has been delivered to the tub.

Contacts II4 connect a circuit I26 to the solenoid I22 of the thermostatically controlled valve 82 for producing a supply of warm water to the tub independent of the switch I20. Contacts I I5 connect a circuit I21 to the solenoid I28 of a drain valve .129 at the bottom of the tube or energize the solenoid 93 for connecting the pump 92 to the motor 68..

Referring to Fig. 9, a complete time cycle of operation is illustrated diagrammatically, which is produced by the setting of the dial knob 9|. When set to the on position for the soaking cycle, contacts I I2 are closed along with contacts .I'I4 to thereby energize the motor 68 to produce the operation of the rotor and squeeze bar and the motor II! of the control switch 89 and also to energize solenoid I22 for introducing warm water tothe tub. It will be noted that the cam I I8 is of such construction as to retain the contacts I I4 closed for approximately seven and one-half minutes, prior to the end'of which time the switch 1:25,. however, has been opened by theoperation of the water leveling device 88 to interrupt the flow of water so that a desired amount only will be conducted to the tub. At the end of substantially nine and one-quarter minutes, contacts I I5 are closed by the cam I II through the operation of the timing device by the motor I I! thereof for energizing the solenoid I28 and opening the drain valve I29 for draining the soaking water from the tub as the machine continues to be driven by the motor 68. At approximately the end of thirteen minutes, the cam I08 releases the contacts II2 which open to interrupt the circuit IIB andtherefore the motors 68 and I I7. At this time the operator must again adjust the control knob 9| to on" position for the complete washing cycle.

When the control switch 89 is set in this manner, contacts H2 and H3 are initially closed to energize the motors 68 and II! and to also enerize the circuit I I9 to the switch I29. If hot water is to be employed during the washing operation, the switch I20 is shifted to a position in which the circuit I23 is completed to the solenoid I24 to have hot Water pass from the valve 82 into the tub I. The introduction of the water into the tubin this manner is interrupted'through the breaking of the contacts of the switch I25 when the water leveling device 88 is actuated. At the end of approximately thirteen and three-quarter minutes, the cam III closes the contacts II5 to energize the solenoid I28 and open the drain valve I29.

In approximately fourteen and onequarter minutes, contacts II3, which were open at the end of approximately ten minutes, are again closed by the cam I09 for approximately a minutes duration for spraying hot water on the rotor within the tub and through the openings therein while the drain valve is open. At the end of approximately ei hteen minutes, contacts I I5 are released by the cam I I I, de-energizing the solenoid I23, permitting the drain valve I29 to close. At-the same time, contacts I I4 are closed by the cam II!) to energize solenoid I22 of the thermostatically actuated valve 82 for introducing warm water into the tub.

The introduction of water continues for approximately one and one-half minutes when the contacts II4 are opened by the operation of the cam III), and after approximately three-quarters of a minute, contacts I I are again closed by cam III to energize the solenoid I28 for opening the valve I29 of the drain opening. Approximately a minute after the drain valve I29 is opened, contacts H4 are again closed for introducing warm water into the tub through valve 82, and after approximately a minute the contacts II-5 are released by the cam I I I to de-energize the solenoid I28 for closing the valve I29. The operation continues to rinse the clothes in the Water as it is continued to be introduced into the tub for another two or three minutes. Thereafter, the contacts II 4 are released by the cam H0, and the cam I II closes the contacts I I5 for energizing the solenoid I28 and opening the drain valve I29. Thereafter, for a period of approximatelytwelve minutes the clothes are tumbled and squeezed within the rotor for extracting the rinse water therefrom which is collected into the tub and drained through the drain opening. At approximately the end of the wet-drying operation, the contacts I I5 are released by the cam III for deenergizing the circuit I21 and the solenoid I28, permitting the valve I29 to close in preparation for the succeeding operation. Immediately thereafter, the cam I98 releases the contacts H2 for de-energizing the motors I59 and I II which interrupts the operation of the machine, thereby completing the entire soaking and washing cycles on the fabrics. At this time all of the contacts IIZ, I I3, I I4 and I I5 are opened and the various electrical devices are de-energized and the cam elements I98, I09, III] and III are in the position originally had at the beginning of the operation.

It is to be understood that after the fabrics have been removed from the machine and other fabricsto be washed have been placed therein, through the manipulation of the knob III the soaking cycle is initiated, at the end of which the knob BI is again actuated to on position to start the washing cycle. It is also to be understood that where the solenoid I28 was referred to in describing the above operation, the same effect is obtained if the solenoid 93 is energized for procuring the operation of the pump 92 when it is employed in place of the drain valve I29.

It will be noted that during a complete cycle of operation, the rotor is driven continuously at a constant speed. The only additional mechanism which is actuated is the intake and drain valves. These are automatically actuated at different intervals of time throughout the cycle of operation to introduce water to the tub between the washing and rinsing cycles and to drain the water therefrom upon the completion of the cycles. The continuous actuation of the rotor and squeeze bar after the rinsing operation squeezes the water from the clothes so that they are in a wetdry condition at the end of the cycle of operation.

0.. In Fig. 10, a group of fabrics A have been illustrated as'being thrown from the bafiie 44 into the area between the squeeze elements 49 and 5B.

In Fig. 11, which is a 30 advancement from the position of Fig. 10, a portion of the fabrics A is illustrated as they are gathered against the squeeze element 49 by the relative advancement of the squeeze element 56 theretoward. it will be noted also in Fig. 11 that a second group of fabrics B resting upon the bafile 42 are in a position to be tossed therefrom ahead of the baffle 44. In other words, the baiiie 42 functions as a feed baiile for advancing the fabrics ahead of the baflie 44, which baflie delivers the fabrics in the area :between the squeeze elements when separated.

This delivery of the fabrics B ahead of the bafiie 44 is clearly illustrated in Fig. 12 in which figure it will be noted that a portion of the fabrics A is being squeezed between the squeeze elements 4 49. and 56.

In Fig. 13 the rotor is illustrated as having advanced an additional 30 relative to its position in Fig. 12, in which position the squeezing operation on the portion of the fabrics A is being continued.

In Fig. 14, the squeeezing of the fabrics is being continued while the fabrics B move into engagement with the bafile 44. A group of fabrics C are carried upwardly by the

squeeze elements

56 and 49 and the group of fabrics B are being carried around with the rotor by the baffle 44.

In Fig. 15, the rotor is shown advanced beyond its position in Fig. 14, at which point the squeeze operation is continued on the por- The operation or" the machine upon the fabrics is illustrated specifically in Figs. 10 to 21 in which the rotor illustrated as havinga fixed squeeze element 49, baiiles 2 and 4d and the movable squeeze element disposed adjacent to the peripheral. surface of the rotor 25.

In the figures. indicating plate I39 has indications I3! spaced apart 15 to show the various positions of the fabrics with relation to the squeeze elements and baflies at different positions of advancement of the rotor through one complete cycle of rotation. Each of the figures from lO to 21 inclusive shows the progressive advancement in thirty degree increments so as to carry the operation through the entire rotation of 360.

tion of: the fabrics A being squeezed. The group of fabrics C is being delivered ahead of the baf fie 42, while the group of fabrics B is carried along with the rotor by the bafiie 44.

In Fig. 16, the rotor is shown advanced 30 beyond'its position in Fig. 15, at which point the portion of the fabrics of group A is still being squeezed between the

squeeze elements

49 and 56, the fabrics in group B are being carried 1 along with the rotor by the baffie 44, and. the

fabrics of group C are being carried ahead of the baffle 42. g

In Fig. 17, the rotor is shown advanced 30 beyond its position in Fig. 16, at which point the squeeze element 56 is illustrated as moving away from the squeezed fabrics of group A, which fabrics are released and are now free to tumble.

The fabrics B are carried upwardly'with the rotor by the bafiie 44 and the fabrics in group 1 C" are being carried along with the rotor by the baflie 42.

In Fig. 18, the rotor is shown advanced 30 beyond its position in Fig. 17, at which point the fabrics of group A are illustrated as being entirely separated from the

squeeze elements

49 and 56, and are positioned on top of the fabrics directly ahead of group B which is being carried upwardly by the baffle 44 while group C is being carried up by the bafile 42.

In Fig. 19, the rotor is shown advanced 30 beyond its position in Fig. 18, at which point the fabrics in group A are being carried over the axis of the machine in a position to be tossed just ahead of the squeeze element 56, while the fabrics in group B are in a position to be thrown from the peripheral wall of the rotor by the bafil e 44 and the fabrics ofgroup C are still being carried upwardly by the bafiie 42.

In Fig. 29, the rotor is shown advanced 30 beyond its position in Fig. 19, at which point the fabrics of group A have been moved from the top of the collection of fabrics toward the side thereof in a position prepartory to being thrown against the wall ahead of the squeeze element 55, while the fabrics of group B are still being carried to the top of the collection of fabrics by the baffie t4 and the fabrics of group C are continued to be carried upwardly by the bafiie 42.

In Fig. 21, the rotor is shown advanced 30 beyond its position in 20, at which point the fabrics of group A now engage the wall of the rotor and the squeeze element 55 ahead of the space between the two squeeze elements, while the group of fabrics B is leaving the baflle 54 and is being thrown toward the space between the squeeze elements 49 and 56-, and the fabrics of group C are continued to be carried upwardly by the bafile 44.

This cycle of operation on the groups A, B and C of the fabrics continues progressively for each cycle of rotation of the rotor. In other words, the group B of Fig. 21 will be group A of Fig. 10 in the next succeeding cycle, which group will advance into the space between the squeeze elements which will move toward each other as in 11, to engage a portion of the fabrics of the now group B as the fabrics of group C, which are group B of Figs. 10 and 11, will be tumbled as illustrated. It will be seen, therefore, that during each rotation of the rotor the fabrics will be squeezed and then released and will be deposited just ahead of the squeeze elements so that these fabrics will not again be squeezed until substantially all of" the fabrics in the collection will have been moved around the periphery of the rotor and progressively squeezed between the squeeze elements.

It was found that in the standard collection of fabrics, from seven to ten rotations of the rotor would produce the cycle of'having all of the groups of fabrics delivered to the squeeze elements where a portion of each group will be engaged and squeezed. The rotor is driven at a speed of approximately 40 R. P. M. so that in each minute of operation all of the groups of fabrics contained in the collection thereof will have portions of the fabrics of each group squeezed at least five or six times. Thus, for a washing cycle of ten minutes, some of the fab.- rics of each group will have been squeezed fifty or sixty times, while for the twelve-minute drying cycle illustrated, such fabrics will have been squeezed sixty to eighty times.

This relationship will change somewhat as the fabrics, during the drying cycle, will be fluffed during the tumbling and drying operations thereon so that a smaller amount of the fabrics will be actually operated on during each squeeze operation. However, this is advantageous as the smaller collection of the fabrics permits a greater pressure per volume of fabrics to be applied thereto which increases the ability of .the squeeze elements to extract the water therefrom. It was found that after the operation on the fabrics by the tumbling and squeezing processes during a drying time of ten or twelveminutes, the fabrics are dried to substantially one pound of water to one pound of clothes. This of course will vary somewhat, depending upon the absorption quality of the towels and like fabrics which are being operated on, but in any case, very satisfactory wet-drying is produced by the operation of the

squeeze elements

49 and 56 on the fabrics.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 22 to 82 inclusive, the tub and rotor, along with the driving mechanism, are illustrated as being built into a cabinet which is composed of side panels I32 and i3 3 interconnected across the front by a front panel I34 and joined together at the top by a top panel. I35. Suitable braces I38 interconnect the bottom of the side panels I32 and I33, which panels also have. angle brackets I3? mounted thereacross on which brackets i325, secured to the wall. of the tub I, rest and are secured in a suitable manner, herein illustrated as by screws It A motor I40 is suspended below the tub on a bracket I 41' which is secured to the peripheral edge thereof in a suitable manner, herein illustrated by screws I42. The bracket supports a bracket I43 on the motor for pivotal movement upon bolts I44. The motor has a pulley I45 thereon which drives the mechanism for operating the rotor and squeeze bar through a belt. I46.

The pulley has an internal truncated conical surface. I41 engageable by the conical surface of a. wheel. I48 supported on the shaft of a pump I49. The pump is supported on a bell crank I51 pivoted to abracket I52, one arm of which is connected by a spring I53 to a solenoid I54. When the solenoid is actuated, the bell crank is rocked. in a counterclockwise direction for swinging the wheel I48 toward the pulley M5 to engage the truncated conical surface thereof with that of, the pulley I45 for driving the pump I49. When the solenoid I54 is (lo-energized, the bell crank I5I rocks in a clockwise direction to release the wheel I48 from the pulley N55 to thereby interrupt the operation of the pump. The pump'and motor arrangement is illustrated in an enlarged view in Fig. 25.

At the bottom of the tub I, the drain opening 96 therein is: encompassed by a flexible cylindrical tube I55, supported on a circular flange Hitv of a cylindrical drain element I51 which is secured to the tub by the hook bolts I 58, as illustrated more specifically in Fig. 22. The hook ends of the bolts engage apertures in fingers I59 which are welded or otherwise secured to the peripheral wall of the tub on opposite sides of the drain opening 95, the threaded end of the bolts projecting through apertures in brackets I55 on opposite sides of the cylindrical drain element I51 imposition to receive the nuts I5I which drawthe sealing tube I55 into sealed relation with. the flange about the opening of the .tub.

Theforwardend of the element I5? is flanged inwardly at I82. and then reversely flanged at I63=to form a central opening I54 for receiving the screen element I65. The screen element at its forward end is secured to a cap I65 by the engagement ofthe plurality of tabs I51 therewith which are welded or otherwise secured thereto.. A washer I68 of cork, and a similar washer I59 of rubber, are placed over the screen element I65 against the inner surface of the cap in position to have the rubber element IE9 engage the flange I 62 on the forward end of the drain element I57. A tab I10 is struck from the wall of the screen element I55 which passes through a slot III in the flange I63 and which, when moved over a sloping cam surface ll? on the flange, rests within a notch I73 to thereby retain the rubber sealing washer I59 in sealing relation to the surface of the flange I822.

The water passing through the drain opening 96 will be directed by the tube I55 into the 13 screen element I65 through which it will pass into the drain element I51 and from the drain element out through the outlet conduit I14 to which a flexible'drain tube I15 is connected. The drain tube H5 is connected to the pump I59 from which it is directed by a conduit I76 to the drain. The front panel I34 has a recess II'I from which the drain element I51 extends and in which the cap I66 is recessed with a sufficient clearance between the cap and wall of the recess to permit the fingers of the operator to securely grasp the cap and turn it to release I the tab I19 from the notch I13 and align it with the slot I'lI to permit the screen element I65 to be removed through the opening I64. The screen element may be made from a stamping having a plurality of apertures I18 punched therethrough, or a woven screen may be built up in similar manner and secured to the cap I66. The screen element is simple to remove and attach and it was found desirable toclean the screen after each washing operation so that no interference will be had at any time with the draining of the water during the automatic op eration of the machine.

Referring to Figs. '7, 2'7 and 29, an antisiphon ing type of water inlet mechanism is illustrated, embodying a trough I'I9 which is attached to the side wall of the tub and which drains thereinto through an aperture I88. The end walls are projected upwardly at I8I and I82 for supporting a delivery tube I83 in a suitable manner, herein illustrated as by rubber grommets I84. The end E85 of the pipe is sealed closed and a plurality of groups of apertures I86 are provided throughout the length of the tube, with the apertures directed toward the peripheral wall of the tub. Directly opposite to each group of apertures I86, the tub wall is provided with elongated apertures I81 through which the water from the apertures of each group I86 is directed. The end of the tube opposite to the end I85 is connected by a flexible conductor I88 to the thermostatically operated control valve 82.

A plate I89is secured to the tube near the end thereof to abut against the adjacent grommet 584, when secured in position by a bolt I 99. The bolt projects into a slot I9I in which it is adjusted to change the position of the groups of apertures I86 so as to have the water therefrom directed through the opening I81, as illustrated more specifically in Fig. 26. Should a failure in the water supply occur, resulting in a suction being established in the supply conductor, the possibility of drawing the water from within the tub into the supply conductor is entirely eliminated. The tube is entirely disconnected with the interior of the tub and with the waterand suds therein and no connection whatsoever can be established from the interior of the tub to the interior of the supply conductor.

Referring to Figs. 7, 30, 31 and 32, an adjustable type of water control device is illustrated whereby the height of the water within the tub may be accurately adjusted. The water from the tub is delivered through a. conductor I92 to the container I93 which isconnected 'by a rod I9 1 to an arm I95 of a microswitch I96. When the switch is operated by the downward movement of the container I93, the solenoid operated valve 82 is closed, thereby interrupting the delivery of the water tothe tub I. The container- I 14 secured to one of a plurality of apertures in a bracket 266 on the container I93, havingthe other end secured to a lever 29I pivoted to. a

bracket 292 projecting upwardly from the support for the microswitch I96. The lever is attached to a rod 293 which in turn is attached to a crank arm 294 of an operating rod 285 which extends through the front panel I34. By adjusting the rod 295 in rotation, the lever 20I is raised or lowered, thereby changing the tension on the spring 199 which changes the leveling effect produced by the weight of water delivered to the container.

When the spring is set for delivering a predetermined depth of water to the tub as controlled by the weight of the water delivered to the container I93, the container will move down,- wardly when a predetermined depth of Water is disposed in the tub and within the container an amount sufiicient to actuate the switch I96. When the rod 205 is rotated to lower the rod 263 and link ZBI, the spring is weakened so that a less weight of water delivered to the container I93 will be required to lower the container ,a sufficient amount to actuate the switch I96; This. is desirable when a smaller weight of fabrics is being operated on so that the depth of water is reduced proportionately to the amount of fabrics being washed. Suitable indication may be pro-.

vided on the front of the panel for apprising the to be set for the amount of fabrics which is to be washed. In the machine illustrated in Figs 7, the operation of the rotor and squeeze bar by the driving mechanism, the operation of the pump, the water leveling device and the intake valve follows the sequence as explained hereinabove in detail with relation to Figs. 8 and 9 of the drawing. The operation of the rotor, baflies and squeeze elements for producing the advancement of the fabrics during the complete cycle of operation in the machine illustrated in Fig. 7 follows that heretofore described with relation to Figures 10 to 21 inclusive. Referring again more specifically to Fig. 7, it will be noted that the bottom ledge of the top panel is provided with an aperture 296 through which soap is introduced into the tub. The aperture has a flange 29? to which one end-of .a flexible tubular connecting element 208 is secured, the other end being connectedto a flange: 209 about an aperture 2H) in the wall of thetub. The top panel I35 may be provided with an aperture 2 I I, which is preferably enclosed by a hinged cover (not shown), to permit the introduction of the soap into the aperture 296. By positioning the soap dispensing aperture at the side of the top panel I35 and tub l, the depth of the aperture is such that a screen usually employed to prevent the contact of the operators finger'with the revolving rotor may be eliminated. It will he noted that in the various figures of the drawings the circuits which connect the control switch 89 from the source of current to the various solenoids, motor, switches and'the like are not illustrated. The position of these circuits may vary and the wiring diagram is illustratedin detail in Fig. 8 so that no further showing is be;- lieved to be necessary. In Fig. '7, the conductor 2 l2 which connects with the supply circuit is illustrated as passing into the cabinet through a gusset 2J8; in the side panel I32 at the back of the machine. 7 I Referring to Fig. 1, it will be noted that the of downwardly directed tongues 2M. These tongues extend into slots 215 in the top web of the

legs

3 and 4 where they are secured by a screw 216 on the brackets 2 when tightened against a flange on said web. In Figs. 2 and 3 a "flanged opening 2!! is illustrated in the top of the tub I in which a soap dispensing device (not shown) may be secured.

What is claimed is:

1. In a Washing machine, a rotor mounted on a horizontal axis, a pair of tumbling bafiles extending inwardly from the peripheral wall of the rotor in spaced relation from each other, said rotor having the peripheral wall portion opposite to said baffles offset inwardly and disposed on an arc of a smaller radius struck from the rotor center.

2. In a washing machine, a rotor mounted on a horizontal axis, a pair of tumbling bafiies extending'inwardly from the peripheral Wall of the rotor in spaced relation from each other, said rotor having the peripheral wall portion opposite to said baffles offset inwardly and disposed on an arc of a smaller radius struck from the rotor center, and a squeeze shoulder at one edge of said offset peripheral wall.

- 3. In a washing machine, a rotor mounted on a horizontal axis, a pair of tumbling baffles extending inwardly from the peripheral wall of the rotor in spaced relation from each other,

said rotor having the peripheral wall portion opposite" to said bafiies offset inwardly and dis posed on an arc of a smaller radius struck from the rotor center, a squeeze shoulder at one edge of said 'oiiset peripheral wall, and a squeeze bar in said rotor having a squeeze element disposed adjacent to the offset peripheral portion of said rotor in position to be moved toward and away from said squeeze shoulder.

4. In a washing machine, a rotor mounted on ahorizontal axis, a pair of tumbling baffies extending inwardly from the peripheral wall of the rotor in spaced relation from each other, said rotor having the peripheral wall portion opposite to said bafiles ofiset inwardly and disposed on an arc of a smaller radius struck from the rotor center, a squeeze shoulder at one edge of said offset peripheral wall, and a squeeze bar in saidrotor having a squeeze element disposed adjacent to the ofiset peripheral portion of said rotor in'position to be moved toward and away from 'said squeeze shoulder, said squeeze shoulder and said squeeze portion of the squeeze bar having faces of resilient material between which the fabrics are squeezed.

5. In a washing machine, a rotor mounted on'a horizontal axis, a pair of tumbling baffles extending inwardly from the peripheral wall of the rotor in spaced relation from each other, said rotor having the peripheral wall portion opposite to said baflles offset inwardly and disposed on anarc of asmaller radius struck from the rotor center, said offset portion being pervious to the passage of water, a squeeze shoulder at one edge of said offset peripheral wall, and a squeeze bar in said rotor having a squeeze element disposed adjacent to the offset peripheral portion of said rotor in position to be moved toward and away from said squeeze shoulder, said squeeze shoulder and said squeeze portion of the squeeze bar having faces of resilient material between which the fabrics are squeezed, said resilient material being so disposed as to engage each other at the top for initially applying pressure at :the .top of the ;fabrics for squeezing the water downwardly and out through the offset portion of the peripheral rotor wall.

6. In a Washing machine, a rotor mounted on a horizontal axis, a pair of tumbling baffles extending inwardly from the peripheral wall of the rotor in spaced relation from each other, said rotor having the peripheral Wall portion opposite to said bafiies oilset inwardly and disposed on an arc of a smaller radius struck from the rotor center, a'squeeze shoulder at one edge of said offset peripheral wall, and a squeeze bar in said rotor having a squeeze element disposed adjacent to the offset peripheral portion of said rotor in position to he moved toward and away from said squeeze shoulder, said offset portion having a section thereof built up from spaced rods to provide apertures through which the water squeezed from the fabrics may be con-- ducted from the rotor.

7. In a Washing machine, a rotor mounted on a horizontal axis, a pair of tumbling baffles extending inwardly from the peripheral wall of the rotor in spaced relation from each other, said rotor having the peripheral wall portion opposite to said baffles offset inwardly and disposed on an arc of a smaller radius struck from the rotor center, a squeeze shoulder at one edge of said offset peripheral wall, and a squeeze bar in said rotor having a squeeze element disposed adjacent to the onset peripheral portion of said rotor in position to be moved toward and away from said squeeze shoulder, said offset portion having a section thereof built up from spaced rods to provide apertures through which the water squeezed from the fabrics may be conducted from the rotor, said rods being triangular in shape with flat faces aligned with the offset portion of the rotor so as to have the space therebetween widened outwardly of the wall to prevent the extracted water from collecting therebetween.

8. In a washing machine, a tub, means for mounting said tub on a horizontal axis, said tub having a cylindrical peripheral wall and a front wall containing an opening, a closure for sealing said opening, a cover engageable with the peripheral wall'and forming a closure for the rear open end of the tub, said cover supporting a rotor, a squeeze bar within the rotor, a driving mecha' nism on said cover for driving the rotor and squeeze bar in rotation'and in relative oscillation, a control switch on said cover, a driving motor on said cover for driving said mechanism, a thermostatically operated solenoid actuated inlet valve mounted on said cover for controlling the delivery of water to the tub, a leveling device for limiting the amount of water delivered to the tub mounted on said cover, a pump mounted on said cover in position to be driven by said motor, fluid and electrical interconnecting elements on said cover whereby, uponthe removal of the cover from the .tub, all of the operating parts of the machine along with the interconnecting conductorsare removed asa unit for repair or replacement.

9. In a washing machine, a tub, means for mounting said tub ona horizontal axis, said tub having a cylindrical peripheral wall and a front wall containing an opening, a closure for sealing said opening, a cover engageable with the peripheral wall and forming a closure for the rear open end of the tub, said cover supporting a rotor, a squeeze bar within the rotor, a driving mecha nism on said cover for driving the rotor and squeeze bar in rotation andin relative oscillation,

17 a control switch on said cover, a driving motor on said cover for driving said mechanism, a thermostatically operated solenoid actuated inlet valve mounted on said cover for controlling the delivery of water to the tub, a leveling device for limiting the amount of water delivered to the tub mounted on said cover, a pump mounted on said cover in position to be driven by said motor, fluid and electrical interconnecting elements on said cover whereby, upon the removal of the cover from the tub, all of the operating parts of the machine along with the interconnecting conductors are removed as a unit for repair or replacement, and a second cover in extension of said cylindrical wall of the tub removably secured thereto for enclosing said first cover and the mechanism mounted thereon.

ALFRED H. HABERSTUMP.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number 18 UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Bull Mar. 28, 1823 Kinne May 30, 1871 Wells Jan. 16, 1872 De Voe July 12, 1881 Cory Sept. 6, 1881 Allison Dec. 1, 1885 Delahunty Dec. 24, 1889 Church May 8, 1906 Savoy June 15, 1926 Brown June 18, 1929 Eckhard Jan. 6, 1931 Jaxheimer May 26, 1931, Schockley Apr. 26, 1932 Nash Jan. 5, 1937 Seyfried Dec. 28, 1937 Dodge Sept. 19, 1939 Heard Aug. 13, 1940 Sutton Feb. 3, 1942 Gilbert Dec. 15, 1942 Breckenridge Mar. '7, 1944 Haberstump July 25, 1944 Graham Sept. 17, 1946 Ehrling Dec. 2, 1947