US2699660A - Washing and extracting machine - Google Patents

Description

J. B KIRBY' msgmc AND EXTRACTING MACHINE Jan. 18, 1955 3 Shets-Sheet 1 Filed May 23, 1946 Jan. 18, 1955 J. B. KIRBY 2,599,660 3 WASHING'AND EXTRACTING MACHINE Filed May 23, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 zmr","ar"riiiilld) INVENTOR. JAMES Elf/EB) A TT NEYS J. B. KIRBY WASHING AND EXTRACTING MACHINE Jan. 18, 1955 3. Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 23, 1946 INVENTOR. JAMES B: K/EBY Y ZUJQ ATTORNEYS QRQMVMW .matic washer requiring 2,699,660 WASHING AND EXTRACTING MACHINE James B. Kirby, West Richfield,

Apex Electrical Manufacturing a corporation of Ohio, as trustee Application May 23, 1946, Serial No. 671,779 9 Claims. (Cl. 68-23) Ohio, assignor to .The Co., Cleveland, Ohio,

This invention relates to laundering and concerns particularly the washing and rinsing or Iabrics and the like.

One ob ect of this invention is to control and minimize vibration in a centrifuge apparatus, and particularly in a combined washing andextracting laundry machine. Another object is to decelerate or stop the rotation of a centrifuge when the load contained therein is unbalanced to such an extent as to cause excessive vibration, to subject the load to forces tending to balance the same, and again accelerate the rotation to bring the centrifuge up to the desired speed.

Another ob ect of this invention is to wash flexible fabric articles rapidly with a smallamount of fluid, to rinse them rapidly with little fluid, and then remove moisture content to a greater degree than possible by simple centrifuging.

A further object of this invention is to provide improved arrangements for washing, extracting and rinsing articles and runner removing moisture content without rehandling the articles between the washing and rinsing operations or between the rinsing and moisture extracting operations.

A further object of the invention isrto provide an auto a small amount of fluid having rapid washing and rapid rinsing characteristics and cutting the overall time of articles handled to a very short cycle.

Still another object of the invention is to carry on washing, rinsing and extracting operations in a vertical container and to diminish moisture content during the flufiing operation, all while the clothes are in a vertical container.

Still another object of the invention is to counteract vibration and to overcome deleterious effects of vibration in apparatus containing rotating mechanism or in other apparatus subject to vibration.

A further object is to providea very rapid means for washing with a small amount of water togive a very short overall cycle of operation, .with power supplied by a conventional fractional horse power motor.

Another object is to prevent transmission of vibration to an enclosing casing by allowing mechanism to vibrate or move freely within the casing and tuning the mechanism with vibration counteracting means.

Still another object of the invention is to guard against excessive vibration in rotary apparatus by cutting down the applied rotary power in response to vibratory tendency.

A further object is to restore and cut out the rotary power periodically in such rotary apparatus until the cause of the vibration has been reduced or eliminated.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In carrying out my invention in accordance with a preferred form thereof, I subject clothes or other fabric articles to forces tending simultaneously to oscillate them and redistribute them while driving air, washingfluid, or both through them. There is a substantially vertically oscillatory componentof force for washing action, a circumferential component of force for distributing action on the clothes and a roll-over or inwardly over-turning component of force for redistributing action. For extracting, the clothes are revolved at suflicient speed to expel the major portion of the washing fluid.

For accomplishing these actions, the clothes or other articles are held in a container having liquid discharging openings in it and the same container is employed for holding the clothes during both the washing and extracting operations. In the preferred embodiment a single rotary 2,699,660 Patented Jan. 18, 1955 driving member is employed for actuating the container to produce both the washing and drying aCLIOHS, and means are provided for recirculating water through the container during the washing action. Mechanism s interposed be tween the driving member and the container tor alterna 'tively, either converting the rotary lIllOLlOI'l of the .drivmg rotates with the driving member. The mechanism is such as to impart to the container during washing action a rocking or seesaw motion rotatively progressing around itscenter, what may be described as vertical reciprocation of the container with successive portions of the container around its center being reciprocated in progressively different phase.

Prererably the driving mechanism and mounting for the container are secured to a carriage, and a casing is provided in which the carriage is free to move sidewise. Vibration counteracting reeds are mounted upon the carriage for counteracting any vibratory force acting .upon the carriage and preventing it from being transmitted to the casing by the carriage.

To guard against excessive vibration during extraction in case the articles in the container are badly unbalanced, a vibration sensitive switch is arranged to control the rotation. In one form, a thermal latch mechanism is provided, which is normally set or cocked for braking or reducing speed of revolution of the article container or extractor and tending to produce jigging action as in washing, but is normally not released for effecting such speed reduction except in case of excessive vibration. An electrical cutout switch is associated with the latch. The arrangement is such that upon release of the latch and operation of the cutoutswitch the thermal latch is reset after a predetermined lapse of time by a change in temperature resulting from operation of the switch so as to relatch the mechanism until the vibration again becomes excessive.

To accomplish greater extraction of moisture from the clothes and to obtain fluffing action after the extracting action has been completed, the washing action is repeated without liquid and simultaneously fresh dry air is directed at the articles as they continually shift positions during fiuffing action in the container.

A better understanding of the invention will be afforded by the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the invention will be set forth in the claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevation view, largely in vertical medial section, of a Washing and extracting machine forming an embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view of a cross section represented as cut by a horizontal plane 2-2, indicated in Fig. I;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view representing a section cut in one corner of the casing through the weighted end of a vibration counteracting reed by the horizontal plane 33, indicated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of a section cut by a vertical plane 4-4, indicated in Fig. supporting end of a vibration counteracting reed;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the apparatus represented as cut through the excess vibration cutoff apparatus by a vertical plane 55, indicated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a switch operation diagram illustrating the sequence of operation of the apparatus;

'Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram schematically representing the sequence controlling time switch and parts of the mechanism controlled by the time switch; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of the apparatus of Fig. 5 showing the parts in the position assumed after the thermal latch has been released by excessive vibration.

'Like reference characters are utilized throughout the drawings to designate like parts.

An illustrative embodiment of the invention as shown in the drawing and which will be described comprises a casing 11 within which is mounted a washing machine 2, passing through the scription of the apparatus.

carriage 12 including a base plate 13 arranged to be free to oscillate horizontally within the casing 11. The plate 13 has mounted thereon a pedestal 14 for supporting a container 15 for articles to be cleansed, a driving motor 16, and other pieces of mechanism which will be pointed out more particularly in connection with a detailed de- Brake and clutch mechanism for controlling the transmission of power from the motor 16 to the container 15 and for alternatively effecting the washing and extracting action is represented generally by the reference numeral 17 in Fig. 1. For automatically controlling and timing the sequence of operations, a time switch 18 is provided having a manual starting knob 19.

For forming a water reservoir or tub 21 below the container 15, sheet metal pieces are provided including a cylindrical shell 22, a bottom 23 with a recessed portion 24 around the motor 16 having a raised wall 26 above the motor .16 joined to the shell 22 and to a tubular sheet 27 surrounding the pedestal 14. The container 15 for clothes or other fabric articles to be washed has a top opening 28 to permit articles to be washed to be placed therein or removed, and the casing 11 has a removable cover 29 which may be transparent.

A water supply nozzle or spout 31 is provided for directing water into the top opening 28 of the container 15 and a pair of nozzles 32 (one visible) is provided for recirculating water into the container 15. The casing 11 is provided with rectangular members 33.

For supporting the casing 11 and the frame 33 upon a horizontal surface 35 such as a floor in a home, for example, which may be composed of wood flooring, cement,

a base or frame comprising hollow-;

or other surfaces subject to uneveness, vertically adjustable feet 36 are provided, preferably four in number, and one of the feet is provided with a self leveling mecha nism 37, preferably comprising a hydraulic stabilizer. The hydraulic stabilizer 37 may be of the type described in greater detail in my co-pending application, Serial No..

619,849, filed October 2, 1945.

The container 15 and the alternative driving mechanism therefore to produce washing and extracting action are also of the type described in greater detail in my said co-pending application, Serial No. 619,849, filed October 2, 1945. In this type of apparatus the container 15 is provided with openings to permit continuous circulation of water through the mass of clothes or articles to be washed held in the container, and obstacles such as L- shaped sloping cleats or ribs 34 are provided which are fastened within the lower edges of the container to retard circumferential motion of fabric articles around the container during the washing operation and to promote roll over motion of the articles. j

As indicated in Fig. 1 the driving and supporting mech-..' Ii.

anism for the container 15 is carried by the pedestal 14 concentrically therewith. The pedestal 14 comprises a tubular portion 38 and a flange portion 39 supported by a plurality of legs 41, preferably four in number. Rotatably mounted pedestal 14 are a tubular or hollow, rotating drive shaft 42 and a control shaft 43, the latter being within the hollow shaft 42. For rotatably supporting the hollow shaft 42 within the pedestal 14, upper and lower ball bearings within the tubular portion 38 of theji- 44 and 45, are provided. I

A fitting 46, which serves as a rotatable driving member for the container 15, in turn carries an inclined bearing 47 upon which the container 15 is journalled through a supporting hub 48. An apron 49 is provided for preventing water from splashing over the wall 27 and falling upon the mechanism below the tub bottom 23.

The apron 49 is composed of suitable flexible material impervious to water such as sheet rubber, for example, to avoid interfering with sidewise motion of the pedestal 38 and the container 15, relative to the reservoir or tub 21 and the casing 11. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the motor 16 is arranged to drive the hollow shaft 42 rotatively through a belt 51 engaging a pulley 52 secured to the hollow shaft 42 at the lower end thereof.

For supporting the control shaft 43 at the lower end in such a manner as to permit relative rotation between the inner or control shaft 43 and the outer shaft 42, a bearing 53 is provided. A suitable flexible connection or universal joint is provided between control shaft 43 and the container 15. This may take the form, for example, of cross pins 54 secured to the upper end-of the shaft 43 and fitting loosely in a vertical slot 55 formed in the hub 48 of the container 15. For releasably preventing rotation of the control shaft 43 when the hollow shaft 42 is rotated, a brake drum 56 is secured to the lower end of the control shaft 43 and a brake band 57, adapted to grip the drum 56, is provided.

Suitable means are provided for bringing the control shaft 43 up to the speed of the hollow shaft 42 when the brake band 57 is not in engagement with the brake drum 56. To this end the pulley 52 may be constructed in hollow form with an inner clutch surface 58 anda plurality of centrifugal friction clutch dogs 59 may be pivotally mounted, as illustrated more clearly in Fig. 1, upon the web portion 61 of the brake drum 56. Suitable means such as biasing springs are provided for preventing engagement of the clutch dogs 59 until a predetermined speed of the brake drum 56 has been reached.

Suitable linkage is provided for controlling the engagement of the brake band 57 with the brake drum 56. For example, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 7, a lever 63 may be provided which is pivoted to a pin 64 secured to the base plate 13 of the apparatus. One end of the brake band 57 is fastened to a pin 65 which is also secured to the base plate 13 and the other end is fastened to a pin 66 carried by the short end of the lever 63. For normally producing engagement of the brake band 57, a spring 67 is provided which is fastened at one end to a pin 68 secured to the base plate 13 and is secured at the other end to the outer end of the lever 63.

Preferably fluid pressure means are provided for releasing the brake band 57. This may take the form of a bellows 69 secured at one end to the base plate 13 and connected at the other end through a link 71 to the lever 63. In order that the ordinary water pressure of the water pipes in the dwelling house or other building may be used for producing the requisite fluid pressure, the brake control system is preferably hydraulic. The bellows 69 has an inlet opening connected to a water conduit 72, admission of water to which is controlled by a cold water valve 73, preferably solenoid operated. For making the operation of the valve 73 responsive to the time switch 18, a solenoid 74 is provided, which is connected in series with a pair of time switch contacts 75 to an electric control circuit supply 76. The mechanical connections are such that the valve 73 is normally closed and opens upon energization of the solenoid coil 74.

Means are provided for permitting the container 15 and the carriage 12 upon which it is mounted to move horizontally in the event of an unbalanced overload in the container 15 which might tend to cause vibration. To this end the base plate 13 is provided with buttonlike feet 78 placed at or near the corners of the plate 13 and adapted to rest in slide cups 79 mounted on the top edges of the hollow base frame members 33. In order to provide space for the upwardly extending hydraulic stabilizer 37, one of the' corners 81 of the base plate 13 has been cut out and the slide cup and slidable foot which would normally have been placed in that corneri havle been moved slightly along the edge as represented in 1g.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tub 21 is substantially circular whereas the casing 11 is rectangular. The casing 11 may be made larger than the tub 21 to provide a clearance between them; however, in the specific embodiment illustrated in my present application, this is not necessary. Freedom for lateral motion is allowed the base plate 13 and the feet 78 together with the pedestal 14 and the other mechanism carried thereby including the container 15 without contacting or transmitting vibration to the center wall 27 of the tub 21, which in the present arrangement, is secured rigidly within the casing 11. The latter, in turn, rests directly upon the floor or other support through the feet 36.

Means are provided to counteract or absorb vibration of the container 15 which may result from an unbal- In the illustrated embodiment, this takes the form of inertia members mounted on the carriage 12, which supports the container 15 through the pedestal 14. Resilient reeds 82, preferably steel, are secured at their lower ends to diagonally opposite corners of the base plate 13 by any suitable means, such as the blocks 136 which span the outer ends of the legs 41. Inertia members 83 are secured to the reeds so as to counteract and absorb lateral vibration of the carriage 12 and the container 15.

. insFig. 7, a cleansing liquid the washer operating pulley thebelt 51. The pump89 so as to draw relatively little power from the motor 16 .and has a pair .connected to pipes or flexible Fig. l is taken. detail in my co-pending application, Serial No. 619,849,

fluid pressure, preferably hydraulically,

. admission of fluid pressure.

arranged for intermittently decelerating the control shaft .43 and thereby decelerating the rotarymotion of the container 15 during centrifugal drying operations in response to any vibration which may occur greater than a predetermined amplitude. Preferably, vibration responsive means are provided for operating the solenoid 74 to reapply the brake 57 bor arresting the extracting action and re-introducing jigging or washing action. This may take the form of .a vibration sensitive switch 77, represented schematically in Figure 7 and shown in detail in Fig. 5, connected in series with the solenoid 74, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter in connection with Fig. 5.

To decrease the moisture content further and to fluff the articles in the container 15.from which the cleansing liquid has been extracted or is being extracted, means are preferably provided for restoring the jigging motion corresponding to washing or rinsing action after the termination of a normal extraction cycle and simultaneously directing a jet of relatively dry air against the articles within the container 15. For this purpose a supplementary nozzle 34 projecting into the opening 28 of the container 15 is provided. For supplying air to the nozzle 84 a motor driven blower 85 is provided which has an outlet connection through a length of flexible tubing or hose 86 to the nozzle 84. The blower 85 is provided with inlet tubing or an intake pipe 87 which-is arranged to draw air from the exterior of the casing 11. For example, in case the washing machine is operated in a basement or laundry having a relatively humid atmosphere, the intake pipe 87 may be connected to a duct leading from the living quarters of a dwelling house, or if desired, special heatingmeans, not shown, may be provided for assuring sufficient warmth and dryness of the air drawn into the pipe 87. As indicated schematically in Fig. 7, the blower 85 is preferably driven by an electric motor 88 adapted to be controlled by the time switch 18in accordance with the desired operating cycle.

As illustrated in Fig. 2 and indicated schematically vided which is arranged to be driven simultaneously with 52 by the motor 16 through is preferably of the vane type of vanes 91 drawing water from an in let opening 92 and discharging it through a discharge passageway. There is a twin outlet discharge head 93 tubing 94 connected in turn to the re-circulating nozzles 32. The inlet 92 is connected through a length of hose or tubing, not shown, to an opening, not shown, in the tub bottom 23. The opening is not visible in Fig. 1 since it is assumed to be in front of the plane along which the sectional view of These features are shown in greater filed October 2, 1945.

A two-way valve 95 is provided in the pump discharge passageway for connecting the pump output either to a drain hose 96 or to the re-circulating discharge head 93. The two-way valve 95, indicated in Figs. 2 and 7,

,is of the type illustrated in greater detail in my aforesaid co-pending application comprising valve discs adapted to cooperate with a pair of inclined valve seats, the valve disc being carried by a lever secured to a rotatable shaft 90 extending through the pump casing.

For enabling the two-way valve 95 to be operated by a fluid pressure unit such as a bellows 97 is provided which is similar in type to the bellows 69 previously described in connection with the hydraulic operation for the brake band 57. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 7, the bellows 97' is provided with an inlet opening connected bya length of conduit or tubing 93 to the output of a valve controlling Preferably the conduits '72 and -98 are connected to a common line controlled by the valve 73. In this manner the draining and pumping operation may be controlled simultaneously with the conversion from washing to extraction operation and vice versa, bya single set of switch contacts 75 of the time circulating pump 89 is proso that the drain switch 18. As shown, the bellows 97 has a link 99 or other suitable mechanicalconnection to a crank pin 101 carried by a crank 102 keyed to the two-way valve shaft 90.

A spring 103 is provided for normally holding the drain valve closed and the linkage from the bellows 97 to the valve control shaft 91) is such that the spring 103 holds the valve disc against the valve seat onthe drain side through the opening: 96 is closed except when the solenoid coil 74 is energized to admit pressure to the bellows 97. A bleed tube 160 may open from the circuit 72, so that the bellows 69 and 97 are collapsed by the springs 67 and 103 when the valve 73 is c osed.

In order to proportion the flow of water recirculated through the nozzles 32 into the container 15 and out through discharge through the drain holes or perforations in the container 15, means are provided for controlling the supply of water to the nozzles 32. Preferably a float switch 104, indicated schematically in Fig. 7, is provided in the lower portion of the tub 21 above the bottom wall 23. The float switch may comprise a float composed of a light material such as cork or the like, secured to an arm in the form of a thin rod protruding through an opening in the side wall of the tub for operating a micro-switch 105. Although my invention is not limited thereto, in the specific arrangement here illustrated, the switch is so arranged as to be normally open, and is closed whenever the float 104 falls.

As will be explained more in detailhereinafter, the microswitch 105 is connected in series with a valve operating solenoid for controlling supply of either hot or warm rinse water through the supply nozzle 31.

The water supply spout 31 may be connected to a source of hot or warm tap water through a line such as a flexible hose line 1106, represented in section in Fig. 2. Preferably a single electrically operated valve unit 107 is provided having inlet pipes or flexible tubes 108 and 1&9 leading from the cold and the hot water taps, respectively, of the water system of a dwelling house or other building. The unit 167 preferably carries the solenoid valve 73 to which the cold water pipe 108 is directly connected, and also warm and hot water control valves 111 and 112. The unit 107 preferably also contams conventional thermostatic mixing valves, not shown,

solenoid operated valve 112 which controls the admission of the original supply of hot washing water. As represented schematically in Fig. 7, the valve 111 is provided with an operating solenoid coil 113 and the valve 112 is provided with an operating solenoid coil 114.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, there is formed integrally with the top 116 of the cabinet or casmaterial such as sheet rubber stretched over the splash guard 115. The upper edge 118 of the tub 21 is preferably double flared, as shown, so as to provide a groove 19 for receiving a split the groove 119 for stretching the outer portion of the sheet rubber seal 117 and holding it in the groove 119. A wmdo w 122 may be provided in the splash guard for admitting light from a lamp 123 to the interior of the arnclecontainer 15. The window 122 may be covered with a suitable translucent or transparent material such as plastic, for example, Lucite.

Rreferably the elements of the apparatus are mounted as illustrated in Fig. 2, with the main power motor 16, the water controlling valve unit 107, the water inlets 108 and 1119 cut-off switch 77 The rear wall of the casing 11 1s provlded with a removable panel to facilitate installation and adjustment of the mechanism enumerated.

The present invention is not limited to a specific type of apparatus for the timer or time switch 18. Preferably,

oweyer, for the sake of precision in the operation of the timer and precision in fixing of the intervals, since points or switches.

- which operates the brake For example, a timer such as described in my co-pending application, Serial No. 619,849, including a constant speed motor 132 represented schematically in Fig. 7, and a plurality of separate cams 125 (Fig. 1) each actuating the protruding operating pin or button or one of a group of conventional micro-switches 120 may be used. In order to carry out the illustrative operating cycle which will be described hereinafter, the timer micro-switches 120 preferably include six separate switches or pairs of switch contacts schematically represented in Fig. 7. These contacts include the contacts 75 for controlling the operation of the solenoid valve 73 57 and the drain and circulation control valve 95; a pair of switch contacts 126 for controlling operation of the pump driving and main power motor 16', a pair of contacts 127 for controlling the warm rinse water valve 111; a pair of switch contacts 128 for controlling the hot wash water valve 112; a pair of switch contacts 129 for controlling the blower motor 88; and

131 for controlling energization of the illuminating lamp 115 and the timer driving motor 132. The timer driving motor 132 is preferably a self starting synchronous motor. It is represented as having a driving shaft 133 carrying the cams 125 and also extending upwardly to the manual starting knob 19. The latter is secured to the upper end of the cam shaft 133 for permitting manual starting and also permitting manual advancement of the cams to a more advanced position, if desired.

The electric circuit arrangement of the electric timer 18 and the electrical apparatus controlled thereby is represented schematically in Fig. 7. A source of electrical current 76 from a conventional house lighting system is utilized having conductors 134 and 135, the latter of which is designated as a return conductor as a matter of convenience in designating the various branch circuits of the apparatus. During such times as the various contacts may be closed, circuits are formed as follows:

From the conductor 134 through timer contacts 131, the'timer motor 132, and back to the return conductor 135; from the conductor 134 through the timer contacts 131, illuminating lamp 115, back to the return conductor 135; from the conductor 134 through the timer contacts 129, the driving motor 88 for the blower 85 to the return conductor 135; from the conductor 134 through the timer contacts 128, the solenoid coil 114 for operating the hot water supply valve 112 and the float switch contacts 105, back to the return conductor 135', from the conductor 134 through the timer contacts 127, the solenoid coil 113 for the warm rinse water valve 111 and the float switch contacts 105, back to the return contacts 135; from the conductor 134 through the timer contact 75, the vibration sensitive switch 77, a solenoid coil 74 for the control valve 73, back to the return conductor 135; and from the conductor 134 through the time switch contacts 126 and the main driving and pump operating motor 16, back to the return conductor 135. It will be observed that the timer operating motor 132 and the lamp 115 are operated in parallel.

The circuit diagram of Fig. 7 is merely schematic and does not serve to indicate the order in which the various timer contacts 75 and 126 to 131 inclusive are closed or make contact. The cams are arranged in different angular positions on the shaft 133 to produce circuit closing in the desired succession, and are appropriately shaped to produce closing of the contacts for the desired time duration. The preferred sequence of operation, and an illustrative duration of each are indicated in Fig. 6. Such cam shaping is known to those skilled in the art and thus has not been specifically illustrated. The significance of Fig. 6 will be explained more in detail hereinafter in connection with an explanation of the manner of operation of the apparatus.

The vibration absorbing reeds 82 are welded or otherwise secured in sockets formed in the base blocks 136; In this manner space is conserved within the casing 11 as the two reeds 82 may occupy two of the corners between the round tub 21 and the square walls of the casing 11. Manifestly the reeds may be mounted and arranged in any other desired manner to cooperate with a tub and easing of any other configuration. in the illustrated arrangement the weights 83 may be so shaped, as illustrated in Fig. 3 for example, as to utilize to the best advantage the corner spaces within the casing 11. The length, stiffa pair of switch contacts -ness and-weight or thickness of the vibration absorbing reeds 82 are so chosen in relation to the mass of the tunlng weights 83 as to give the vibration absorbing reeds a natural period of vibration or oscillation equalling that at which vibration tends to occur during extracting action in the event of unbalance of articles to be dried within the container 15. The natural frequency of vibration accordingly is made equal to the frequency represented by the speed of rotation of the container 15 and the shaft 42, or in some cases, equal to a harmonic or sub-harmonic. The reason that reeds 82 may be tuned to a harmonic or sub-harmonic of the frequency represented by the speed of the container 15 is that two mass-elastic systems may vibrate in resonance either when they are tuned to the same frequency of vibration or when either is tuned to a harmonic, that is, an integral multiple, of the frequency of the other.

The vibration sensitive switch 77, illustrated in greater detail in Fig. 5, comprises a bracket 137 rigidly secured to the sidewise movable base plate 13 and a vertical rod or stationary fixture 138 rigidly secured to the casing 11 or preferably to the supporting bed frame 33 thereof. Means are also provided to return the switch substantially to normal position after a predetermined time interval, including a temperature responsive electric current operating bendable unit 139 and switch contact mechanism 141 operated by the unit 139.

The temperature responsive electrically operated bendable unit 139 comprises a bi-metallic strip 142'supported at one end in thermal relation to, preferably above, a current conducting coil or heater 143. As illustrated, the bi-metallic strip 142 is supported at the left hand end 144 and has a movable end 145. The heater 143 comprises a coil of wire Wound upon an insulating form 146, also supported at the left hand end. The bracket 137, in the arrangement illustrated, extends vertically upward having a lateral arm 147 at the upper end thereof to which the strip 142 and the heater supporting form 146 are secured. Preferably there is a spacing block 148 which may be composed of insulating material between the left hand end 144 of the bi-metallic strip 142 and the bracket arm 147 and likewise there may be a spacing block 149 preferably composed of insulating material between the bracket 137 and the supported end of the heater form 146.

The switch contact mechanism 141 comprises suitable switch contacts with a mechanical connection to the free end of the bi-metallic strip 142. Preferably, as illustrated, the switch contact mechanism 141 comprises a micro-switch of conventional type, well known to those skilled in the art, shown within a standard casing having a protruding contact operating button 152 extending vertically downward and adapted to bear against the upper surface of the free end 145 of the bi-metallic strip 142. The micro-switch 141 preferably is o fthe singlepole, double throw type having a pair of normally closed contacts and a pair of normally open contacts 153. The arrangement is such that the contacts 150 open and the contacts 153 close when the free end 145 of the strip 142 rises and presses upward on the button 152. For this arrangement the bi-metallic strip 142 is designed so that when cold it tends to bend downward and when heated it tends to straighten out with the end 145 rising against the button 152. For example, in the case of a coppersteel strip the copper, having the greater temperature coefficient of expansion would be below and the steel above. As represented schematically in Fig. 7, the heater winding 143 is connected serially in a circuit including conductors 134 and 135, the closed contacts 150 and the timer contacts 75; whereas, the solenoid 74 is connected serially in'a circuit including the conductors 134 and 135, the timer contacts 75 and the normally open contacts 135.

Preferably in order to hasten the return of the bimetallic strip 142 to the downward position when the current through the heater winding 143 is cut off, means are provided for hastening the cooling of the strip 142. This may take the form of a chill plate 154 mounted between the lateral bracket arm 147 and the bi-metallic strip 142.

The stationary rod member 138, as previously mentioned, extends vertically upward and considered as a unit is so mounted that the upper end thereof fits under and adjacent the free end 145 of the bi-metallic strip 142 when the strip 142 is in its upper or heated position. Preferably, however, for reasons which will be explained ag'eesgeeo hereinafter, the stationary rod unit 138 is formed'as a composite member consisting of a relatively stiff strip155 WhlCh may be bent as shown, secured at the lower end'to the bed frame 33, and a relatively flexible easily deflected spring strip 156. The latter is secured at the lower end to a portion of the stiff strip 155 and extends upward beyond the upper end of the stiff strip 155 so that when the br-metallic strip 142 is placed in downwardly bending stress the free end 145 thereof bears against the upper end 157 of the strip spring 156. it will be observed that the strip spring 156 is secured to theside of the stiff strip 155 away from the supported end 144 of the bi-metallic strip 142 so that strip spring 156 is free to deflect to the right to prevent interlocking between the ends 145 and 157 of the strips 142 and 146, respectively, during any excessive lateral motion of the base plate 13'.

It will be observed that during the washing action, when the control shaft 43 is held stationary by the brake band 57 acting on the brake drum 56, the tubular shaft 42 rotates the tilted bearing 47 in which the supporting hub 48 for the container 15 is journalled. Consequently, the geometric axis of the container 15 is continuously tilted, being tilted in a different direction progressively moving around the axis of the shaft 42. For example, a point in the geometric axis of the container 15 above the center of mass thereof revolves around the axis of the shaft 42 whereas the container 15 itself is prevented from rotating about its geometric axis by reason of the engagement of the slot 55 with the pins 54. Different portions of the mass of water and articles in the container 15 are reciprocated in a vertical direction with progressively different phase around the center to produce a jigging action.

The timer diagram shown in Fig. 6 illustrates diagrammatically the cams 125 of the timer 18 by indicating the preferred sequence of operations and illustrative time periods during which the respective switches 75 and 126 to 131 may be closed. As indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 6 and shown in the circuit diagram of Fig. 7, the timer contacts 127 and 128 controlling the supply of Water to the washing machine are sub ect to the control also of the float switch 105 shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, as indicated diagrammatically inFig. 6, the effect of the timer switch 75 controlling extracting and rinsing operations is also subject to modificationby the vibration responsive cut-out 77.

The first operation in using the illustrated apparatus is to place the articles to be washed or cleansed, such as clothes for example, in the container 15 shown in Fig. 1. The starting knob 19 is then turned manually in the starting direction, for example clockwise. A very slight turn causes the switch contacts 131 to closewhich energizes the driving motor 132of the timer 18 and from this point on the cams 125 of the timer 18are automatically driven to carry out the timer operations. As indicated by the continuous heavy line 158 in the chart of Fig. 6, the shape of the timer cam controlling'the switch contacts 131 may be' such that the contacts are closedone and one-half minutes before the time intended for the main motor 16 to start and remain closed thereafter for a period of thirty-three minutes. That is, the contacts 131 remain closed from the time minus one-half minute on the arbitrarily shown scale of Figs 6 to the time thirty-three minutes, being a total of thirty-four and one-half minutes.

Preferably the next step is to supply the machine with hot water for washing. Thus, as illustrated in the diagram of Fig. 6, the hotwater supply may beopened at the time one-quarter minute, by energization of the solenoid 114, which in turn opens the valve112. Referring to Fig. 7, provided the float switch 105 is closed, thehot water supply valve solenoid 114 is energized by the closing of the switch 128 and water begins to flow into the container 15 through thesupply nozzle or: spout 31. Obviously the switch 105 will be closed at the commencement of operations before any water has flowed into the container 15 and drained into the tub 21 to lift the float 104 and open the switch 105. Thus the water supply is started before the main motor 16 is started;

If it is desired, a separate time switch cam and pair of contacts maybe provided as described in my aforesa'id co-pending application Serial No. 619,849 for causing the drain valve of unit 95 to be normally open and to close after the starting ofthe timer motor 132 but before the starting of the main drivingmotor 16. However, for the sake of simplicity in the drawings and de- 10 scription and to illustrate the manner of employing a common solenoid operated valve 73 for controlling both pressure operators or bellows 69 and 97 for the washingspinning control and the two-Way drain and recirculation control, the illustrated arrangement is such that the twoway valve is normally in the closed position and is thus already closed when the timer motor 132 is started. Inasmuch as the drain valve controlling the discharge of washing liquid through the drain pipe 96 is initially closed, the hot wash water is allowed to remain in the tub 21 as soon as the valve 112 is opened at the time one-quarter minutes as indicated by the full line 161 in the timer diagram of Fig. 6. Hot washing water in the tub21 is recirculated by the pump 89 through the recirculating nozzle 32 to the container 15 as soon as the power motor 16 starts upon closure of the contacts 126 which may be at the time one minute as indicated by the full line 162 in the timer diagram of Fig. 6; Soap powder or solution may be added to the tub 21 at any time. The soap mixes immediately owing to the rapid action of the washer. Foam can be seen within a few seconds.

When the switch 126 is closed it energizes the main motor 16 which starts the pump 89 in operation. The motor 16 also rotates the pulley 52 driving the hollow shaft 42 shown in Fig. 1. Owing to the fact that the brake drum 56 is gripped by the brake band 57 in consequence of the force of the spring 67, shown in Fig. 2, the center or control shaft 43 is prevented from rotating about its geometric axis, so that rotation of the shaft 42 produces a rotatively progressing vertically reciprocatory motion of the lower surfaces of the container 15 as discussed in greater detail in my aforesaid co-pending application Serial No. 619,849. It is suflicient here to point out that this produces a jigging washing action upon the articles placed in the container 15. As indicated by the extent of the dotted portion of the line 163 in Fig. 6, the hot water supply valve solenoid 114 controlled by the switch 128' may remain energized until the time eight and onequarter minutes. For the greater portion of this time, indicated by the dotting of the line 163, the supply valve 112 is not opened owing to the fact that the switch opens as soon as suflicient water has been supplied to the tub 21 for the particular load.

The automatic control of the delivery of water to the container 15 through the supply spout 31 is in part dependent on the quantity of clothes in the container 15. The water required to saturate the clothes is retained in the container 15 while suflicient water is accumulating in the tub 21 to permit a full stream to be delivered through the spouts 32. The length of the total cycle of the machine is shortened by reason of the arrangement which requires but a small quantity of wash water so that little time is required for running Water in and out of the tub.

Simultaneously with the end of the washing period at the time, for example, of eight minutes, where a single pair of switch contacts 75 is employed for controlling both the bellows 69 and 97, the drain pipe 96 from the two-way valve 95 is opened by the bellows 97 to cause water to' be withdrawn from the tub 21. Simultaneously the closing of the switch 75 applies pressure to the bellows 69 for overcoming the pressure of the spring 67 and releasing the brake band 57 as indicated by the full line 164.

The center shaft or control shaft 43, shown in Fig. 1, is then allowed to rotate, permitting the container 15 also to rotate and to come up to speed gradually for centrifugal drying purposes. Owing to the inertia and the continual change of oscillation velocity of the container 15 necessary for carrying out the rotatively progressing reciprocatory motion through the inclined bearing 47, there is a tendency for dynamic coupling between the shafts 42 and 43 so that the shaft 43 and the container 15 tend to come up to a speed approaching that of the tubular shaft 42. At a predetermined point the speed is suflicient to throw out the clutch shoes 59, shown in Fig. 1, so that an additional coupling between the shafts 42 and 43 is produced, namely, a slip clutch effect due to the frictional engagement of the clutch shoes 59 with the inner pulley surface 58. The control shaft43 is brought up to the full speed of the tubular shaft 42 so long as no braking effect is applied to the drum 56. Thus by utilizing but one single speed motor 16, the container 15 may be oscillated or rotated alternatively with the same number of oscillations per minute in one case, or revolutions per minute in the other case, depending upon whether the washing or the drying operations are to be produced. Furthermore, no more driving power is required for drying or for extracting than for washing. A conventional fractional horse power may be employed which may be thrown directly across the usual 110 volt domestic electric lines in accordance with electric wiring codes. Nevertheless the method of washing is very rapid and short overall cycle results. The rotational acceleration of the basket and the shaft 43 by rotation of the shaft 42 is explained by the fact that the hollow shaft must do work on the basket to oscillate it. This means that the basket is exerting a torque on tthe shaft, which resists its rotation, and that there is an equal and opposite torque reaction of the shaft on the basket. This torque tends to rotate the basket, so that it must be braked against rotation to obtain a pure wobbling motion uncomplicated by rotation. When the brake is released, the torque gives the basket a rotational acceleration.

As the rotational speed of the basket increases, this rotation produces a gyroscopic action which acts to increase the resistance of the basket to wobbling and thus further increases the tendency of the basket to rotate rather than wobble.

As indicated in Fig. 6, the extracting operation may continue for a period of two minutes during which the switch 75 remains closed, and the container 15 continues to spin. However, before the end of this period, for example, at the time nine and three-quarter minutes indicated on the diagram by the full line 165, the switch contact 127 has closed, causing the warm water supply solenoid 113 to be energized and thereby causing warm rinse water to flow into the container 15 through the supply nozzle 31. At the termination of the spinning period, for example, at the time ten minutes, the drain control bellows 97 actuated by the switch 75 closes the drain and causes warm rinse water to be retained in the tub 21 and to permit recirculation of warm rinse water to articles in the container 15. When the full stream is obtained from the recirculating nozzles 32 the float 105 cuts off the warm rinse water as during the washing period, as indicated by the dotted line 166 in Fig. 6. At the end of the spinning period the switch 75 reopens, cutting off pressure from the bellows 69 and causing the brake band 57 to be re-engaged with the brake drum 56 by the force of the spring 67.

The container 15 then resumes its washing action except that a fresh supply of clean warm rinse water is recirculated instead of the hot soapy water utilized during the first period, and consequently the clothes are being rinsed instead of washed. The rinsing action continues for a desired period indicated as three minutes in Fig. 6, whereupon the switch 75 again closes releasing the brake band 57 and allowing the center shaft 43 as well as the container 15 to be rotated as previously explained at the full speed of the tubular shaft 42 for extracting. The invention is, of course, not limited to any particular number of extracting and rinsing periods. In the specific time diagram illustrated there is a second extracting period continuing for about two minutes followed by another rinsing period continuing for about two and one-half minutes. This is followed in the arrangement illustrated by a further spinning or extracting period of about four and one-half minutes.

As indicated by the heavy lines 167 in the timer diagram of Fig. 6, since the same switch 75 controls the washing and extracting action through the bellows 69 and the recirculating and draining action through the bellows 97, the drain 96 is open during each spinning or extracting period and closed during the washing and rinsing periods.

At a suitable time, such as a time twenty-two minutes, a spinning or extracting period is terminated and the washing action may commence, the drain necessarily being closed again by reason of tthe construction employed. However, the cam for the time switch contacts 127 is so arranged that these contacts do not reclose and rinse water is not again admitted to the container 15. The articles in the container are subjected to the washing action without water so that tthe clothes, which may have been packed against the outer walls of the container 15, are shaken loose or fluffed. Simultaneously with the termination of the spinning period the timer contacts 129 may close, as indicated by the commencement of the full line 168 in the timer diagram of Fig. 6,

starting the blower motor 88 and causing a jet of relatively' dry air from the air nozzle 84 to be directed into the container 15 and against the clothes or other fabric articles contained therein. This helps to reduce further the moisture content. The blower motor 88, as indicated by the full line 168 of the timer diagram, may continue to operate supplying relatively dry air until the end of the cycle of operation. At that time, thick, heavy articles are in such condition as to dry quickly upon hanging; and relatively light, flimsy articles, handkerchiefs, shirts, and the like are prepared for immediate ironing.

The shape of the cam controlling the timer contacts 126 may be such that the power motor 16 is shut down for one-half minute periods at the end of the first two rinsing periods, namely, at ten minutes and fifteen minutes, respectively, in the specific operating cycle assumed. This permits fresh rinse water to flow into the container 15 while the drain valve is open before the washing action of the container 15 has recommenced and after spinning has stopped. In this manner, the flushing of dirty soap water from the clothes is aided.

Although a specific operating cycle has been described, my invention is not limited to this specific cycle. Some classes of fabric articles, for example, require different washing, spinning and flufiing periods than others and the desired number of cams and contactors are provided'to enable the desired cycle of Washing operations to be achieved. The fluifing period shakes up the clothes and separates them so that they are not matted into a doughnut and the clothes may therefore be removed readily from the container 15.

Preferably the cover 29 is provided with a vent or opening 171 through its knob 172 and an anti-splash guard 173 below the vent 171, in order to prevent the cover from being lifted by the pressure of airdisplaced during entry of water in the machine preparatory to and during the washing and rinsing operations. When the water has been removed and the blower 85 is in operation the volume of air entering the casing is sufiicient to tilt one side of the cover 29 which is relatively light, and allow the air to escape.

During the extracting or centrifugal drying action when the tubular shaft 42 and the control shaft 43 are rotating together to cause rotation at the same speed of the container 15 about the axis of the shafts 42 and 43, there may be a possibility of unbalance of the load held in the container 15 which would tend to cause vibration. Such an unbalance might occur, for example, in case a single bulky article were placed in the container 15, so that notwithstanding the redistribution ordinarily produced during the washing action, a redistribution of the load in the container 15 to balance the load could not occur in this case. Such vibration tends to shift laterally the container 15, pedestal 14 and base plate 13, as a unit, the feet 78 shifting in the cups 79 so that the vibration is not transmitted to the supporting frame 33 or the outer cabinet. Motion of the plate 13 sets the reeds 82 in motion so that the inertia members 83 counteract and balance the vibration.

In the event of an extreme out of balance condition tending to cause excessive vibration, the vibration cutout 77, illustrated in Fig. 5, is carried so far to the left that it slips down off the abutment or 'end 157 of the strip spring 156 and assumes the position illustrated in Fig. 8. As previously explained, the parts of the cutout 77 are so arranged that when the bi-metallic strip 142 is held upward the switch contacts 153 are held closed. As soon as the base plate 13 is moved so far with respect to the base 33 as to release the free end 145 of the bi-metallic strip 142, this strip snaps downward owing to its natural permanent set when cool and causes the micro-switch 141 to open its contacts 153 and to close the contacts 150. This action de-energizes the solenoid 74 and closes the valve 73. In consequence, pressure is no longer supplied to the bellows 69, and the spring 67 applies the brake 57. This action both slows down the speed of rotation of the container 15, eventually bringing it to a stop, and restores tthe washing or rotatively progressive jigging action of the container 15. The resulting time delay permits additional water to drain from the articles in the container 15, and the washing action tends to produce further redistribution of the articles in the container 15, if the nature of the load permits. If the unbalance is great enough to cause the brake. 57 to engage before the speed has reached a nix point at which the centrifugal clutch engages, the brake simply opposes the dynamic coupling which tends to accelerate the container, and thus causes deceleration of the container and increase of the speed of the oscillating or washing action. If, before the brake is applied, the speed has increased to a point at which the centrifugal clutch has engaged, the action of the brake throws an additional load on the motor and the centrifugal clutch, causing some deceleration of the motor and slipping of the centrifugal clutch until the speed of rotation of the container decreases to a point at which the centrifugal clutch drops out; at which point the deceleration will continue under the action of the brake. The closing of the contacts 150 causes flow of current through the coil 143. After a certain time delay the heater coil 143 becomes heated, causing the strip 142 to bend upward again and to close the contacts 153, whereupon the brake 57 is again released and the spinning or extraction action is resumed. If there is still too much water in the load to avoid excessive unbalance, resultant vibration again releases the strip end 145' and again slows down the spinning. The action described may be repeated for several cycles until the extreme out of balance condition is corrected. The washing action tends to distribute the load evenly, and the spinning action reduces the weight of water in the load, so that excessive unbalance is quickly corrected.

If the apparatus should vibrate and the plate 13 should slide sidewise after the free end 145 of the bi-metallic strip 142 has dropped off the abutment 157 of the spring strip 156, there might be a tendency for the free end 145 to strike the spring strip 156 transversely thereto. However, owing to the resiliency of the strip 156, no harm is done. The strip end 145 merely pushes the strip 156 intermittently to the right as illustrated in Fig. 8.

Although a preferred novel arrangement for preventing excessive vibration has been illustrated and described, this invention is not limited to this specific arrangement of parts. Any desired vibration sensitive device to retard or stop the spinning may be used in the broader aspects of the invention.

Similarly the invention is not limited to any particular dimensions; but it has been found that an angle of tilt of 4 /2 degrees for the axis of relative rotation of the bearing 47, which gives a maximum movement of 9 degrees, serves to produce satisfactory washing action with a container 15 having an ll inch radius. With the shaft 42, of such an arrangement, revolving at a speed from 500 to 600 R. P. M., for example, the vertical component of motion of the bottom-surface of the container 15 continuously varies in velocity, with accelerations or decelerations reaching peak values exceeding the acceleration of gravity. Consequently, during a portion of each oscillation each portion of the bottom surface of the container 15 near its periphery drops more rapidly than the articles supported by such portion of the container 15. Where the arrangement is such that the tubular shaft 42 rotates 600 R. P. M., preferably the vibration responsive reeds 82 are tuned to the natural frequency of vibration of 600 oscillations per minute or 10 oscillations per second which involves the use of relatively heavy weights 83. Tuning may be accomplished by adding or removing metal to or from the reed 82 or the weight 83. But preferably suitable means, such as adjusting nuts 169 are provided for permitting the vertical position of weights 83 to be adjusted, thus varying the effective length of the vibration responsive reeds 82 to adjust their natural frequency of vibration.

In normal operation there is insuflicient unbalance to produce operation of the vibration responsive cutout 77. Any vibratory effect which may be present causes the base plate 13 to move horizontally inasmuch as the feet 78 slide within the cups 79. This movement may take place without transmitting vibration to the casing 11 and there is no tendency for transverse vibratory force on the feet 36 which would tend to cause the casing 11 to crawl. However, sidewise vibratory movement of the carriage including the base plate 13 is opposed by the action of tthe tuned reeds 82, so that normally sidewise vibration of the carriage reaches but very little amplitude.

The container 15 may be mounted just high enough to provide clearance above the tub well 24 over the motor '16, so that the center of gravity of the entire machine is kept relatively low.

Very little water is required for washing, although all liquid is discharged at the end of each operation, since the clothes are not immersed and merely a small quantity of water in the tub 21 in addition to that absorbed by the clothes is sufficient to provide water for continuous recirculation. Consequently the machine is highly economical of water, especially important when special sources of soft water are employed, and the machine is also economical of fuel for heating water and economical of soap. 1

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of this invention, and cover all such modifications as are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a centrifuge, a container for articles from which fluid is to be extracted, means for rotatively accelerating said container, a support on which said container is rotatively mounted, a base on which said support is mounted with freedom of lateral motion of said container with respect to said base, cooperating latch and detent means, one of said means being movable with said container and the other fixed with respect to said base, said detent normally holding said latch but being adapted to release said latch upon excessive lateral vibration of said container with respect to said base, electric circuit means for controlling acceleration of said container, switch means controlled by said latch, and means controlled by said switch for decelerating said container upon vibration-induced release of said latch.

2. A vibration release comprising in combination a bracket adapted to be secured to a first member susceptible of vibration relative to a second member, a temperature responsive bendable strip secured to said bracket at one end, a detent mounted on the second member adjacent the other end of said bendable strip adapted to lock said bendable strip, electric switch means controlled by said strip in circuit opening and closing positions, electro-thermal means for producing bending stress in said strip, said strip acting against said detent in response to change in flow of electric current, whereby the detent normally locks said strip in one of said circuit controlling positions but relative vibration of said members permits release of said strip to the other of said positions.

3. A vibration control comprising in combination, two members susceptible to relative vibration, a delayedaction relay on one of said members including a control contact; a detent on the other of said members located so as normally to retain the said contact in a first position but to release the said contact upon the occurrence of excessive relative vibration between the members operating to disengage the detent; and means energizing the relay upon release of the contact to restore the contact to its first position after a predetermined interval and thus to restore the contact to position to be retained by the detent.

4. A vibration control comprising in combination, two members susceptible to relative vibration. a delavedaction relay on one of said members including a normally open speed control contact; a detent on the other of said members located so as normally to retain the said contact closed but to release the said contact upon the occurrence of excessive relative vibration between the members operating to disengage the detent; and means energizing the relay upon release of the contact to close the contact after a predetermined interval and thus to restore the contact to position to be retained by the detent.

5. A centrifuge comprising a rotatable container, a support member therefor, a base member on which the support member is mounted, the two members being susceptible to relative vibration, a delayed-action relay on one of said members including a normally open speed control contact; a detent on the other of said members located so as normally to retain the said contact closed but to release the said contact upon the occurrence of excessive relative vibration between the members operating to disengage the detent; and means energizing the relay upon release of the contact to close the contact after a predetermined interval and thus to restore the contact to position to be retained by the detent, and means actuated by opening of the speed control contact to decelerate the container.

6. A combined washing and extracting machine comprising a movably supported subframe, a pedestal extending from the subframe, a container mounted on the pedestal, means for oscillating the container at a predetermined frequency for washing, means for rotating the container at substantially the same frequency for extracting, an elastic rod extending from the subframe, and a mass mounted on the free end of the rod, the mass and rod being tuned to vibrate in resonance with the said frequency.

7. A combined washing and extracting machine comprising an upright casing, a tub supported in the upper part thereof, a subframe movably supported in the easing below the tub, a pedestal extending from the subframe into the tub, a container mounted on the pedestal within the tub, means for oscillating the container at a predetermined frequency for Washing, means for rotating the container at substantially the same frequency for extracting, elastic rods extending from the subframe, and masses mounted on the free ends of the rods, the masses and rods being tuned to vibrate in resonance with the said frequency.

8. A combined washing and extracting machine comprising an upright casing, a tub supported in the upper part thereof, a subframe movably supported in the easing below the tub, a pedestal extending from the subframe into the tub, a container mounted on the pedestal within the tub, means for oscillating the container at a predetermined frequency for washing, means for rotating the container at substantially the same frequency for extracting, elastic rods extending from the subframe, and masses mounted on the free ends of the rods between the tub and easing, the masses and rods being tuned to vibrate in resonance with the said frequency.

9. A combined washing and extracting machine comprising an upright casing, a tub supported in the upper part thereof, a subframe movably supported in the casing below the tub, a pedestal extending from the subframe into the tub, a container mounted on the pedestal within the tub, means for oscillating the container at a predetermined frequency for washing, means for accelerating the container to rotation at substantially the same frequency for extracting, elastic rods extending from the subframe, and masses mounted on the free ends of the rods, the masses and rods being tuned to vibrate in resonance with the said frequency, whereby vibrations at the said frequency are absorbed; and means responsive to excessive vibration below the said frequency to interrupt acceleration of the container and initiate oscillation thereof to redistribute the contents thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 408,791 Cairns Aug. 13, 1889 1,005,963 Groat et al Oct. 17, 1911 1,600,249 Sando Sept. 21, 1926 1,750,016 Meyer Mar. 11, 1930 1,893,038 Schenck Jan. 3, 1933 1,909,794 Adams May 16, 1933 1,946,725 Andrews et a1. Feb. 13, 1934 2,026,510 Moyer Dec. 31, 1935 2,082,108 Hume June 1, 1937 2,130,160 Schellenberg Sept. 13, 1938 2,161,618 Dunham June 6, 1939 2,200,845 Judson May 14, 1940 2,276,147 Birr Mar. 10, 1942 2,278,911 Breckenridge Apr.,7, 1942 2,286,258 Breckenridge Sept. 22, 1942 2,311,545 Hurley et a1 Feb. 16, 1943 2,311,924 Bassett Feb. 23, 1943 2,331,700 Kirby Oct. 12, 1943 2,361,266 Clark Oct. 24, 1944 2,405,404 Clark Aug. 6, 1946 2,406,187 Bayless Aug. 20, 1946 2,406,226 Kimball Aug. 20, 1946 2,408,509 Clark Oct. 1, 1946 2,420,592 Gerhardt May 13, 1947 2,432,272 Bariffi Dec. 9, 1947 2,512,263 Archbold June 20, 1950 2,533,722 De Remer Dec. 12, 1950

Images