US2636372A - Automatic washing machine - Google Patents

Description

April 28, 1953 H. J. RAND AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE Filed Jan. 3l, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 U../A l umu. 1/ o fRfSl/R SWITCH Ve a u C /NvE/vran v Hen/Rr J. RAND m N M r r A April 28, 1953 H. J. RAND 2,636,372

AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE Filed Jan. 51. 194e 4 sheets-sheet 2 DRY . 27a. "50 :xHVr

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April 28, 1953 l H. J7 RAND 2,625.6;372

' AUTouATIc WASHING MACHINE Filed Jan. 31, 1948 -4 Sheets-Shah?. 4

' o n 88a 88 L i *LIZ CL 0CK u 63 5r @A 20m A TTRME'KS Patented Apr. 28,` 1953 `UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE Henry J. Rand, Bratenahl, Ohio, assignor to H. J. Rand Washing Machine Corp., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application January 31, 1948, serial No. 5,619

(ci. esq-12) 17 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in Aa washing machine and more particularly to a novel automatic type machine which requires nothing from the operator except to place the dirty clothes in the machine and remove the clean damp clothes from the machine.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic Washing machine oi the type which utilizes a closed flexible bag for holding the clothes during a washing operation and for squeezing the liquid out of the clothes at the end of the washing operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a washing machine using the flexible bag as a container for the clothes and an agitator within the bag for the washing operation, the automatic sequential operations of (l) lling the bag with liquid, (2) agitating the clothes for washing, (3) withdrawing the water and air from the interior of the bag to cause the bag to collapse against the clothes to squeeze the water out of them, (4) to refill the tube with rinse water, (5) to agitate the clothes in the rinse water, (6) to Withdraw the rinse water and air from the bag to cause the bag to collapse against the clothes to repeat the rinsing operation if desired, and finally to terminate the operation.

Another object of the present invention is to use a clock for timing the washing operation but to cut out the clock until the tub has lled with liquid to a predetermined level.

Still another object of the invention is to cut out the clock for timing the drying operation until a predetermined vacuum has been created within the bag.

Other modications of the invention include the use of the aspirator in one form of the device for withdrawing the water and air from within the flexible container and the use of an electrically operated pump for this purpose in a modified form of the apparatus. In the latter case, a novel connection is provided for using a single electric motor for oscillating the agitator when the motor runs in one direction and for rotating the pump when the motor runs in the opposite direction. In this latter case, automatic control means is provided for reversing the direction of motor rotation in connection with the other automatic operations outlined above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an aspirator or ejector in communication with the interior of the flexible bag of a machine of the type described in the preceding paragraph' together with suitable means for trapping liquid inthe-aspirator so as to cause it to flow into the bag for filling the same and later using the aspirator in the usual manner to create a suction in the bag to discharge the liquid contents thereof.

My invention also contemplates the use of suitable electric circuits for producing an entirely automatic operation of the washing, rinsing and rying'cycle, the use of a pressure switch for stopping the flow of liquid into the bag when it is sufficiently lled, the use of a switch responsive to partial vacuum within the bag for timing a drying operation if desired, the use of suitable valving arrangements for supplying liquid of the desired temperature to the bag for washing or rinsing-clothes, and preferably, the use of an unheated liquid for operation of the aspirator during a drying cycle.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention Will appear from the accompanying drawings and description and the essential features thereof will be set forth in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. l is a drawing somewhat schematic showing a type of washing machine suitable for my purpose together with a suitable aspirator, valves, vacuum operated switch, and clock operated switches adapted to carry out my invention;

Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5 are electrical diagrams illustrating various portions of the automatic washing, rinsing and drying cycle.

Fig. 5 shows diagrammatically another form of my invention utilizing an electrically operated motor for oscillating the agitator and for rotating a pump; while Figs. '7, 8, and 9 are electrical diagrams illustrating various portions of the automatic washing, rinsing, and drying cycle using the device or" Fig. 5.

In Fig. 1, I have shown at I0 a type of washing machine adapted for the carrying out of the present invention. This machine embodies some of the principles set forth in my copending application Serial Number 682,322, iiled July 9, 1946, issued June 7, 1949, as Patent No. 2,472,682. The upper portion of the machine provides an airand liquid-tight flexible bag l I suitably supported to hold the clothes during a washing operation. 1n the present instance, this support comprises a tub l2 open at the top and supported ona base I3. The bag Il has a resilient bead lla extending around the top thereof by means of which the bag is snapped on to the upper rim of the tub. A cover U5 is adapted to close the top of the bag and tub and is provided with an annular peripheral sealing ring l5 which engages the bead l la when the cover is the position shown in Fig. 1. This provides a sealed closure for the normally open mouth of the bag ii. Within the base is a rigid frame it on which is mounted a motor Il which is connected through reduction gearing in the housing i8 to a shaft i9 which carries at its upper end an agitator 2Q having a plurality of vanos for the agi tation of the clothes during the washing operation in a well known manner. The housing it may contain both reduction gearing and mechanism for oscillating the agitator lirst infonedire'ction and then in the opposite direction in a known manner. Suitable construction is provided where the shaft ld enters the central portion of the' tub and bag to seal the same against leakage.

One such form of construction .is showniin above-mentioned copending application` en opening is provided at 2l leading through. the bottoni of the tub and f bag to communicate with' the interiorof the bag. Openings Een in the agitator provide `-J.eady-meansfor liquid `to escape from the interior cl the bag'to the opening 2i. A conduit '22 leads from the opening l to an aspirator or ejector 25 of known type. The aspirator has an inlet 23a where a jet of liquid is directed toward a Venturi throatftb, this liquid later passing through the outlet Eile. A connection 23d is provided in that portion of the aspirator body where a vacuum is created when liquid is flowing through the Venturi throat and the outlet 25e. The conduit- '22 connects with the opening 23d.

Preerabiy, when water is used ior'wasnlng, a. plurality of valves is provided ahead of the linlet 3a for the supply of hot, cold or `hinted water to the aspirator. As show-n Ydiagrannnatically in Fig. l, a hot water line is connected et 2t kand a cold water line at 25. A valve 2S controls the supply of hot water under pressure to the inlet 23a. A valve 2l controls the supply of cold water under pressure to the inlet 23a. Valve 28 controls communication between both the hot and cold water lines and line 29 leadingto the inlet .3a. The valve 2d is of known type having controlled jets for both hot and cold water so that a mixing oi the two in predetermined ratio is provided giving warm water flow through the condi-.lit E9. The outlet oi liquid from the aspirator is controlled by valve 30.' All of the valves 2li, El, 28 and 3l! are ofthe self-closing type and preferably utilize the water pressure to .hold them closed.

Means is provided for'opening'each .of the above-mentioned valves when desired. The means here shown comprises a suitable solenoid for each of the valves and these solenoids yhave been designated Zta, Ela, 28o and Sila respectively.

Mcans is provided for timing the automatic operation of the machine. The means here shown is a time switch 3l which for illustrative purposes is exactly like that shown in vUnited States Patent No. 2,313,064 granted March 9, 1943, to Harry C. Hall. This device is operated by a clock motor 32 and an operating knob The electrical connections are not shown in Fig. l, but are diagrammatically shown in Figs. 2, 3 and ll.

A pressure switch is provided for the "autoe matic termination of the filling of the bagwith liquid. This switchindicatcdat 311' forms ythe subject matter of my copending application Serial Number 5,620, led January :31, 19%8. t isV sufficient. to state 'here that la: large. curved plate 35 underlies a portion of the bottom of bag il so as to push downwardly on a stern 3S which operates certain contacts within the switch as will be later described. The valve stem is normally urged upwardly by spring means. If necessary or desirable, a vacuum operated switch 3l' is provided for control of the drying operation. As shown somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 1,' a housing 38 'communicates through conduit 3d with conduit 22. A flexible diaphragm t is y'suitably supported in the housing 3S and is'connected by a stem ll with the switch 3l. A spring L53 normally urges the switch toward open position. Upon creation of sumcient suction in conduits 22 and S9 and in housing Sil the diaphragm lill is acted upon by the suction to over- .the spring. d2 Vand close the switch 3l. Reterlillg now to Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive, I have shown diagrammatically how these parts are connected into an electric circuit for automatic opation. A source of electric current is indicated at Li, L2. A water selector switch is shown at e3 having a switch blade it which may engage contact d5 to energize line 6B which includes Ythesolenoid 25d or it may be moved to the contact el:

which energiaes line i3 which includes the solenoid 280.. This enables the operator to select either hot or warm water for the washing operation. The switch 5i' is in the device 3i and is closed by lthe knob 33 when a proper washing time has been selected and 'the knob 33 is moved axially to start an automatic cycle. master switch. The'switch'es 52, 53 'and lit fare cern operated Vswitches in they device 3l and are operated by the clock motor 32 as taught in the above-mentioned Hall' patent. The contact 52o: of switch 52is connected by line 55 to the blade 3de of switch 31E. The contact 53a of switch 53 is connected 'by line 5G with switch blade te. The contact 53h of-lswitch t is con,- nected by line 5l to line lill. The contact 5de of switch' 54 is connected by line til to the blade 3th of switch 3&3. The contact Sb of switch '5d is connected by line 5t through solenoid Lita to the line Ll. Line t@ connects solenoid Ela in parallel with the solenoid 33a. From the switch blade fida, contact 3de, in the `raised position of the blade, is connected by line 6l to switch 53.' Contact engaged in the lowered position of the switch blade is connected through line E2 and (i3 to energize motor il. Switch blade 3th in its lowered positionV engages contactde whchis connected through lines Sil and 'Eli to energize the clock motor 32. The vacuum switch''i is connected by line t6 between lines 59 and (S.-

The automatic operation of my improved machine will now be described. The operator rst turns the knob 33 to select a desired period of washing time and then moves the knob axially whichV closes the switch 5l. This operation is inherent in the device shown in the above-mentioned Hall patent. At this point, the'switchcs 52, 53 and 54 (as shown in Fig. 2) are held in engagement with contacts 52a, 53a, and 54a respectively by cams inthe device 3l. The pressure switch operating stem 36 and cap 35 are intheir uppermost position if the bag is empty. The switch blade 34a engages contact 34e and so completes a circuit for lling the bag Il with washing liquid through vswitch 5l, line 61, switch 52; line 55, switch 34a, line Bl, switch 53, line 55, switch 54, Contact 45 and line i6 to Li to energize the solenoid 26u which will open1 the hot water' control valve v26 as previouslyv described. Obviously. if .the .switch .44 vwere in @lentement This is the' with the contact 41 the circuit would be completed through line 48 and solenoid 23a which controls the miXing valve 28 to supply warm water to the bag. rlhe operator manually selects the desired position of switch`44. Since all oi` the valves have been described as self-closing, the valve controlling discharge of water from the aspirator 23 is closed at this time and the water is forced out of the aspirator at the opening 23d, through conduit 22 and opening 2| toI the interior of the bag I I. When the water level reaches the desired height in the bag the pressure switch operator is depressed, against its spring bias, so as to move switch blade 34a against contact 34d. This deenergizes the solenoid 26a so that the flow of washing liquid tothe bag ceases. At the same time, a circuit is completed through line 62, motor I1 and line 63 to cause the agitator 20 to start operating. It is assumed that the dirty clothes and necessary soap have been added to the tub. The switch actuator 35 also carries switch blade 3417 downwardly to engage contact 33e. This completes a circuit through switch 5|, lines 61 and 68, switch 54, line 58, switch 34h, line 64, clock motor 32 and line 65 to LI. This starts the clock motor 32 so as to time the washing operation.

At the end of the predetermined time period for washing, the device 3| moves switches 52, 53 and 54 to the positions shown in Fig. 3.- Switch 54 is in engagement with contact 54h whereas the agitator motor I1 and the clock motor 32 have been deenergized. The switch 54 then completes a circuit through switch 5|, lines 61 and 68, contact 54h, line 59, parallel therewith, back to LI. This energizes solenoids 21a and 30a. Referring back to Fig. 1, it will be seen that this opens the cold water valve 21 and the exhaust or discharge valve 30. Cold water then passes through the aspirator 23 creating a suction in conduit 22 so that the liquid contents of bag are discharged. Following this the air and vapors are removed from within the bag causing the same to move inwardly to the position shown in broken lines in Fig. 1 so that the bag presses tightly against the bundle of clothes in the center of the tub. Atmospheric pressure entering through openings lia in the tub press the bag inwardly as a partial vacuum is created within it. The cone portion Ida of the cover forces the bag downwardly against the clothes. As the water leaves the bag the switch operator 35 rises, moving the switch blades 33a and 34h to the broken line positions of Fig. 3 but without completing any circuits. The clock motor 32 might be started immediately upon the evacuation of water from the bag I i, but I prefer to start the clock motor, so as to time the drying operation, after a partial vacuum has been created within the bag To this end, I have provided the vacuum switch 31 previously described. Referring back to Fig. 3, the switch 31 is normally open, as described, until a partial vacuum is created in the housing 33 sufficient to overcome the spring 42. Switch 31 then moves to the broken line position as shown in Fig. 3 and completes a circuit through lines 53, |56, 65| and 65 to energize the clock motor 32 for the timing of the drying operation.

When the device 3| has timed the drying operation, the cams of the device will move the switches 52, 53 and 54 to the position shown in Fig. 4. These positions are the same as shown in Fig. 2 except that switch 53 is now in its downward position engaging contact 53h and comand line 63 in' pleting a circuit through lines 51 and 48 so as to energize the solenoid 28a independently ofv switch 44. The reason for this is to supply warm water for rinsing whereas the operator has a choice of hot or warm water for washing. As more fully described in connection with Fig. 2, the rinse water now runs into the bag until the switch blades 34a and 34h are carried downwardly to the broken line positions of Fig. 4. This starts motors I1 and 32 so as to agitate the clothes in the rinse water and to time the same by the device 3|. When the clock motor 32 has properly timed the rinsing operation, the device 3| moves the switches 52, 53 and 54 to the posi-- tion of Fig. 3 for another drying operation. This rinsing and drying may be repeated by the device 3| if desired, after which the switches 52, 53 and 54 are moved to the position shown in Fig. 5 whereupon all operations stop.

The operator may then turn the knob 69 on top of the cover I4 to open a valve 10 to permit the entrance of air to the interior of the bag II vso as to reduce the vacuum permitting the removal of the cover I4.Y The washed and dried clothes are then removed from the tub and it is ready for another operation.

It will be noted from the above that nothing is required of the operator except to place the dirty clothes and a suitable soapor detergent within the bag I I and properly position the cover I4. After manipulation of the knob 33 to set the desired washing timeI and close the switch 5I, nothing else is required of the operator until the washing and drying is completed. The device is thus completely automatic.

In the form of my device shown in Fig. 6, the bag the tub I2, the base I3, the cover I4, the shaft I9, the agitator 20 with its openings 26cz and the opening into the interior of the `container at 2| are all similar to those shown and described in connection with Fig. 1 and carry out the identical functions there described. The clock timer 3| with its motor 32 and knob 33 are like those shown in Fig. 1. The pressure switch 34 is like the same device in Fig. 1. One of the diiierences in Fig. 6 is the provision of an electric motor 1| having automatic clutch connections when the motor is operating in one direction for acting through gearing 12 to oscillate the shaft I9 and to cause the agitator to produce a washing operation inside the container. In the opposite direction rof rotation oi motor 1| it automatically declutches the first named drive and automatically connects a sec- 0nd drive through a pulley connection at 13 with a pump 1li of the rotary vane time :for withdrawing the water and air from the bag through conduits 15 and 16. These automatic clutching and'declutching devices are fully described and claimed in my copending application, Serial Number 5,621, filed January 31, 1948, now abandoned.

Means is provided for filling the bag with water from tap connections, the hot connection being shown at 11 and the cold connection at 18. The flow of hot water is controlled by valve 13 and the iiow of cold wateris controlled by valve 8|). These valves are self-closing and are opened by the solenoids 19a and 86a respectively. The now of fresh water to the washing machine is through conduits 8| and 16.

If necessary or desirable to break the vacuum inside the container automatically, still another connection is indicated at 82 controlled by a valve 83. This valve is self-opening and is maintained normally aolosod oonoltoo by tho-on ergization of its controlling solenoid 33a.

In the device of iig.y 6, the operator rst plaes the clothes and. soap .within the oxiblo loos'A It and thon operates tho @look knob v53?. to Select the proper Washing .period ons pushes the ooerating knob Aendwise which closes the master switch 9i kof Fig. 7. The selector switch 84 has been moved to one of its two positions to select eitherhot or warm water for the washing operation.. With the tarts in the position of Fis. Lg the automatic operation-proceeds as. follows. rI hev closing of masterv switch 9i completes. a circuit through switch 92 line te, pressure switch 3.4 its uppermost positionvll line .80., switch .93.'

up to a predetermined level which is selected by i the setting of the pressure switch. When a sufiicient column of Water builds up above the switch the blade Will beooorossed. to the brokonline position of Fig.4 7 which then completes. a circuit through contact 88, line 391, and cloclf; motor S2 to start the clocl; for timing the washing operation. A second circuit is also completed through lines I and IBI, switch blade Q4, lines m2 and w3, and the running winding cf motor H. At the same .time a circuit is completed through line H34, switch 95. lcontact 95a, line 85, the reversing winding R of motor 1I, line IGS, contact 95a, switch 9B, and line |98, to operate motor 'H in the direction which causes the agitator 20 to oscillate. ingopera-tion for the period of timefpreselected on the clock mechanism at the end of which time Ythe clock automatically moves the .Switches for one minute to a position not shownbut where?` in switches Q4, 95 and 9S are in neutral posi@ tion.` This permits the motor 1I to come to a stop and de-energizes the motor winding R` Afterv this. the clock moves the-switches to the posi-tion shown in Fig. 8.

For the drying cycle! a circuit `is completed l.

through switch $2.; contact 92h, lines Ii'I and 93, and clock motor :i24 to time the drying operation. At the same time another circuit is completed -through switch 92, line IBI, switch S4, lines IIS? and litt, and the running winding of motor 1I. At the same time a circuit is com.- pleted through lines |02 and 34, switch 95, lines H39 :and los, motor winding R, lines illand It?, through switch B, and line .|08 to complete.

the energization of the motor reversing winding R to cause the motor- 'II to operate in a direction which automatically rotatesthepurnp i4. The water-and air is `then withdrawn from the exible container I I until it moves into the dotdash position of Fig. 6 to squeeze the water out of the clothes. During this operation as the water leaves the tulo the switch 34 moves from its full line position of Fig. 8 to its .broken line position but without closing any circuits immediately.

At the end of the. drying operation, the clock mechanism moves the switches to the full line position of Fig. 9 for a rinsing operation. The clock mechanism holds the switch 94 in the full line position of Fig. 9 for about a minute to ares-theniina position very similar -to Fis.' '7.'

This provides a wash except lthat now the switch 93 engages the contact 93h to close a circuit through lines 9B.and 86 to energize the solenoid 86a irrespective-of the setting of the selector switch 84. Thisis forv the purpose of rinsing with warm water regardless of the temperature of water selected for Washing through the switch 34, The container now iills with .rinse Water in exactly thel same manner as it iilled with fresh water inthe case described in connection with Fig. 7 until the pressure switch 34 moves to thebroken line position of Fig. 9, When the switch l34 drops to` its broken line position of Fig. 9 it completes -a circuit through contact 88, lines I8@ and IGI, switch 94 in .its broken-.line Dition, and lines to2. and. los. through the ruoninswindnswot motor 1I. At the same tirne, it lcompletes a circuit through lines -IBZ and 1M, switch 95, line |05, motor winding R., line IE6, switch 96, and line Hi8 to operate motor 'II in a direction to oscillate the agitator during the rinsing .operation. This'rinsing Operation istimedfby the clock motor 32, and at the end of apredetcrmined period the switches are returned to the position of. Fig. 8 for a drying operation. Ihis rinsing and drying may be repeated if desired and at the ClOSe of the nal drying operation the switches are always turned to a neutral position and the machine stops. The operator may then manipulate the knob 6@ to open the valve lo and breakthe vacuum within the container. AfterV this she removes the cover I4 and takes out the clean laundry,

If desired, as mentioned previously, means may be provided in line S2 andvalve [it for automatically breaking the vacuum at the close of each drying operationif necessary or desirable. To this end, an additional Vswitch II!) is provided which is normally closed during theoperations above described `and completes the circuit through line lil, solenoid 83a and line H2 to hold valve 83 closed. At the end of a drying operation,.the clock mechanism maybe set to move the switch titi to the broken line position of Fig. 8. This breaks the circuit through the solenoid 3831i and.Y permits valve 83 to open because of its normal bias. This will admit air from the atmosphere through lines @2 and 1S to the interior of the iiexihle bag container il so asto break the vacuum within the bag.

From the foregoing it willr be understood'that the timer operation is not continuous-the timer operates only through certain portions of the ena tire cycle. More specifically, the timer is not in operation during that portion'of the cycle when the rubber bag is .being filled With either the initial wash' water or subsequent rinse water. In each of these instances the. circuit vto the `timeris open and the timer motor is stopped, until'the pressure switch is in the position shown', for instance, in Figure 3, that position being assumed as a result of pressure of Viiuid within the bag. When in this position,` as heretofore explained, the circuit to the timer is completed. One reason for des-energizing the timer during the various filling cycles is that the machine will then accommodate various water pressures. Obviously, when the machine is installed where the waterpressure is comparatively low, the lling period Wili take a relatively lengthy time; whereas in an area of high water pressure the filling time will he of comparatively short duration.y `In either event these. periods will vary and the variation will he accountedfor by the-inactivity of the timer during the `illingY stages. Thus,'rgardless accents f such variations in water pressure, filling to a standard and predetermined level before subsequent operations are performed is assured.

It is also to be observed that provision has been made for stopping the operation of the timer during the drying stage until a substantial vacu.

um has been obtained within the rubber bag through the extraction of a considerable quantityy of water and air therefrom. The means for accomplishing this end comprise a vacuum responsive element 38 connected by a suitable switch which controls the actuation of the timer. Said responsive element can be utilized with either modification of this invention, i. e. with the aspirator means or the vacuum pump means. The purpose of ceasing operation of the timer during this period of the cycle is similar to that set forth above: Either the aspirator or the pump will be subject, to a certain extent, as far as rapidity of operation is concerned, to variations of pressure. Such pressure variations may cause the vacuum operation to be prolonged, and to assure a near perfect vacuum, the timer does not commence to operate until, as stated, a considerable portion of Water and air are initially removed.

It will be noted that within the form of my device shown in Figs. 6 to 9, the operation is fully automatic as in the rst described form and all the operator need do is to place the clothes and soap within thhe iiexible bag container and then put the cover I4 in place, after which the operation is fully automatic until she removes the clean and wet-dry clothes from the container at the end of the operation.

What I claim is:

1. In a washing machine comprising a flexible bag having a closed bottom and side walls and open at the top and comprising means for closing the top and comprising a clothes agitator within the bag, the novel combination yof a conduit communicating with the interior of said bag, an asp-irator having a liquid passageway with an inlet and outlet and a connection communicating with said passa-geway normally for air suction, said connection providing flow communication to said conduit means providing liquid under pressure to said inlet, and means controlling the opening and closing of said outlet, whereby upon closing said outlet, liquid may flow into said bag and upon opening said outlet, liquid and air may iiow out of said bag.

2. In a washing machine comprising a exible bag having a closed bottom and sidewalls and open at the top and comprising means for closing the top and comprising a clothes agitator within the bag, the novel combination of a conduit communicating with the interior of said bag, an aspirator having a liquid passageway with an inlet and outlet and a connection communicating` with said passageway normally for air suction,-

said connection providing ow communication to said conduit means providing liquid under pressure to said inlet and including a first valve for control thereof, a second valve controlling the opening and closing of said outlet, means for causing opening of said rst valve and closing of said second valve to provide liquid flow into said bag, and means responsive to a predetermined liquid level in said bag for causing closing of said first valve.

3. In a washing machine comprising a flexible bag having a closed bottom and sidewalls and open .at the top and comprising means for closing the top and comprising a clothesL agitator Within the bag,.the novel combination of a con- Y' 10 duit communicating with the interior of said bag, an aspirator having a liquid passageway with an inlet and outlet and a connection communicating with said passageway normally for air suction, said connection providing iiow communication to said conduit means providing liquid under pressure to said inlet and including a first valve for control thereof, a second valve controlling the opening and closing of said outlet, a clock motor, means for stopping said motor, a time switch actuated by said'motor, a device responsive to a partial vacuum in said bag, means including said time switch in closedA position for causing opening of said first and second valves to operate said aspirator to evacu-` ate the fluid contents of said bag, and means responsive to said vacuum-responsive device for starting said clock motor, whereby said motor will open said time switch for terminating operation of said aspirator.

4. In a washing machine comprising a exible bag having a closed bottom and sidewalls and open at the top and comprising means for closing the top and comprising a clothes agitator within the bag, the novel combination of a conduit communicating with the interior of said bag, an aspiration having a liquid passageway with an inlet and outlet, and a connection communicating with said passageway normally for air suction,

said connection providing ow communication,

to said conduit means providing liquid under pressure to said inlet and including a normally closed first valve for control thereof, a rst solenoid adapted to open said rst valve when energized, a normally closed second valve for controlling said outlet, a second solenoid adapted to open said second Valve when energized, a clock motor, a time switch actuated by said motor and having first and second positions, a device responsive to a partial vacuum in said bag, an electrical circuit including said switch in said first position and said first and second solenoids for causing opening of said valves and operation of said aspirator to evacuate the fluid contents of said bag, a second electrical circuit including said time switch in said second position and said clock motor and a switch closable by said vacuum-responsive device, whereby said clock motor starts responsive to a predetermined vacuum in said bag, and said clock motor being adapted to move said time switch out of. said one position after a predetermined time to terminate operation of said aspirator.

5. In a washing machine comprising a flexible bag having a closed bottom and sidewalls and open at the top and comprising means for closing the top and comprising a clothes agitator within the bag, the novel combination of a conduit communicating with the interior of said bag, an aspirator having a liquid passageway with an inlet and outlet and a connection communicating with said passageway normally for air suction, said connection providing ow communication to said conduit means providing a wash liquid under pressure to said inlet and inciuding a first Valve for control thereof, a second valve controlling the opening and closing of said outlet, means for causing opening of said first valve and closing of said second valve .to provide wash liquid flow into said bag, and

means responsive to a predetermined liquid level in said bag for causing closing of said first valve and for causing operation of said agitator.

6. In a Washing machine comprising a iiexible bag having aclosed bottom and sidewalls and open @acacia l1 at the top and comprising meansA forclosing the top and comprising a clothes agitator within the bag, the novel combination of a conduit communicating with the interior or" said bag, an aspirator having a liquid passageway withan inlet and outlet and a connection communicating withV said passageway. normally for air suction, said connection providing flow communication to. said conduit means providing a. wash liquid under pressure tosaid inlet and including a rst valve for control thereof, a second valve controlling the opening and closing of said outlet, means providing aspirating liquid under pressure to said inlet and including a third valve for. control thereof, a timing device, means. forv causing opening of said first valve and closing of said second valve to. provide wash liquid flow into said. bag, means.v responsive to. a predetermined. liquid level .in said. bag for causing closing of said first valve .and for causing operation of said agitator and for causing starting of saidv timing device, Vand means responsive to said timing device for causing stoppage of said agitator and for causing opening of said second and third valves whereby to operate said aspirator to evacuate the fluid contents of said bag.

7. .The combination of claim 5. including a device. responsive to a partial vacuum in said bag, means responsive to said vacuum-responsive device for starting said timing device, and means responsive to said timing device for terminating operation of said aspirator.

.8. In a washing machine comprising a flexible bag having a closed bottom and sidewalls and open at the top and comprising means for closing the top and comprising a clothes agitator within the bag, the novel combination of an aspirator communicating with the interior of said 'nag for creating a partial vacuum therein, a timing device, a device responsive to a partial vacuum in said bag, an operative connection between said devices for starting said timing device responsive to said vacuum-responsive device, and means operated by said timing device for terminating operation of said aspirator.

9. In a washing machine comprisinga flexible liquidand air-tight bag adapted to hold laundry and liquid, means for supplying liquid to the interior of said bag, means for agitating laundry in said bag, means. for withdrawing liquid vand air from said bag to collapse said bag upon said laundry, electrical clock mechanism, switch means responsive to liquid in said bag at a predetermined level said switch means actuating said clock mechanism, means responsive toactuation of said clock mechanism for opening said liquid supplying means, means responsive to said switch means at said predetermined level for closing said liquid-supplying means and for starting said laundry-agitating means, means responsive to said clock mechanism for stopping said laundryagitating means and for starting said liquidand air-withdrawing means, and means responsive to said clock mechanismfor stopping said liquidand air-withdrawing means.

, 10. In a washing machine comprising a flexible liquidand air-tight'bag adapted to hold laundry and liquid, means for supplying liquid tothe interior of said bag, means for agitating laundry in said bag, means forwithdrawing liquid and air from said bag to collapse said bag upon said laundry', electrical clock mechanism, switch means responsive to liquid in said bag ata predetermined level only, said switch means having bagempty and bas-full positions, means responsive to;

said bag-empty position for. stopping said clock mechanism, means responsive to energizationof said clock mechanism for opening said liquidsupplying means, means responsive to said switch means in bag-full position for closing said liquidsupplying means and for starting said clock mechanism and said laundry-agitating means, means responsive to said clock mechanism for stopping said laundry-agitating means and for starting said liquidand air-withdrawing means, means responsive to said clock mechanism for stopping said liquidand air-withdrawing means, yand means thereafter responsive to said clock mechanism for causing open communication between the interior of 'said bag and .atmosphere tov release the vacuum within said bag.

` l1. In :a washing machine comprising a flexible liquid and airtight. bag having-sidev and. bottom walls and adapted to hold laundry and liquid, an agitating means within said bag and a driving motor therefor, a timer mechanism, vacuum creating means in operative relation with said bag for the removal of liquid and air therefrom, an element positioned against the exterior of one of said walls, said element 'seing responsive to uid pressure within said flexible bag, said element actuating said timer mechanism and said agitating means at a predetermined level of said liquid and stopping said timer on subsequent decrease of pressure within said bag, and means responsive to said vacuum within the bag for again actuating said timer only after fluid and air have been removed therefrom in a predetermined amount.

12. In a washer and extractor of the character described employing a collapsible flexible container, a timing mechanism, a washing element and a driving motor therefor, an electrically actuated water inlet mechanism, the combination therewith of a switch having one contact closed by pressure of a wall of said flexible container when containing liquid, connections from said contact for starting said timing. mechanism, the washing element, and the driving motor, a second contact on said switch being closed when said container collapses, said switch spring biased to open said iirst mentioned contact on closing of said second contact, a switch actuated by said timing mechanism and in series with said electrically actuated water inlet mechanism thereby to condition said water inlet mechanism for actuation on closing of said second contact.

13. In a washer and extractor of the character described employing a container having a flexible wall moveable from an :expanded liquid-containing position for washing to a collapsed position for extraction, a washing mechanism within said container, a motor for driving said washing mechanism, mechanism for control of washing and extraction operations in sequence comprising a timer and a control switchhaving a pair of electrical-contacts, the rst of said contacts being connected to close, and a second contact being connected to open in response to liquid pressure on said container wall corresponding to a predetermined quantity of washing liquid contained therein, said first and second contacts. being biased lto assumean opposite position, namely, to open `and to close respectively, on decrease of pressure in said container corresponding to an empty container or collapse of said exible wall, and a liquid supply valve,.said first contact on closure being connected to control actuation of said washing mechanism throughsaid motor and said timer, and said second. contacton closure 13 being connected to control operation of said liquid supply valve.

14. In a washer and extractor of the charactei` described employing a container having a flexible wall moveable from a liquid containing position for Washing to a collapsed position for extraction, a timer for timing the sequence of Washing and drying, a water inlet valve, a washing mechanism within said container, a motor for driving said washing mechanism, a switch actuator responsive to pressure of contained liquid against said container wall, a contact controlled by said actuator opened in response to pressure on said Wall, and a second contact closed by said pressure, said rst contact controlling a circuit through said water inlet valve, and said second contact controlling a circuit through said motor for said Washing mechanism and said timer, ysaid second contact being adapted to open during a portion of the period said Wall is in collapsed position.

15. In an automatic Washer and extractor of the type employing a iiexible wall container for containing Washing liquid and having means to collapse said container for extraction of liquid therefrom, a Washing mechanism Within said container, a water inlet valve, a timing mechanism, a manually operable control to open said Water inlet valve to flow water into said container, a control responsive to liquid pressure on said flexible liquid container wall connected to close said water inlet valve when said container fills with liquid to a predetermined amount, said control also being responsive to said liquid pressure on said container Wall to start said Washing mechanism and said timing mechanism.

16. A washing machine comprising a exible liquid and airtight bag having bottom and side Walls and adapted to hold laundry and liquid, a timer mechanism, a laundry agitating means, means to create a substantial vacuum within said bag by withdrawal of liquid and air therefrom, an element positioned against the exterior surface of one of said Walls and responsive to the amount of pressure Within said bag, and not in contact with said liquid, said element actuating said timer and said agitating means when said bag is iilled with liquid to a predetermined level, means for stopping said timer mechanism and said agitating means after a predetermined period, and means for again actuating said timer mechanism only after pressure has been reduced a predetermined amount by said vacuum creating means.

17. A mechanism of the character described having a flexible wall container, said container having expanded and collapsed positions, an agitator Within said container, a timing mechanism, an electrically actuated inlet valve and a main drive motor for said agitator, including a switch having rst and second contacts, said first contact adapted to close on movement of said container to collapsed position and open on movement of said container to expanded position, said second contact being adapted to open on movement of said container to collapsed position and close on movement of said container to expanded position, said rst contact having connections to actuate said inlet valve to cause iioW of Water into said container, said second contact controlling circuits to said timing mechanism and said main drive motor whereby said timing mechanism and main drive motor are started When said second contact is closed, and a third contact actuated by said timing mechanism during a portion only of the cycle thereof for closing the circuit independently of said second contact.

HENRY J. RAND.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,017,802 Hume Oct. 15, 1935 2,161,604 Watts June 6, 1939 2,182,540 Hutchings Dec. 5, 1939 2,225,407 Bassett Dec. 17, 1940 2,265,516 Chayie Dec. 9, 1941 2,302,836 Breckenridge Nov. 24, 1942 2,347,190 Geldhof et al Apr. 25, 1944 2,422,342 Dillman June 17, 1947 2,441,926 Zahn May 18, 1948 2,449,634 Baade Sept. 21, 1948 2,444,645 Geldhoi July 6, 1948 2,472,682 Rand June 7, 1949 2,528,476 Roos Oct. 31, 1950

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