US3163030A - Washing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

29, 1964 H. H. wooDwoR'rH, JR 3,163,030

WASHING APPARATUS Filed May 7, 1962 5:: m =1 an. a)

zoFBom 55 5" Harmon H. Woodworih INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY United States Patent ()fifice 3,163,039 Patented Dec. 29, 1964 3,163,030 WASHHNG APPARATUS Harmon H. Woodworth, Jr., Palo Alto, Calif., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Jet Stream Products, Inc, Reno, Neva, a corporation of Nevada Filed May 7, 1962, Ser. No. 192,892 3 Clmms. (Ci. 68205) This invention relates generally to the washing of articles and materials and, more particularly, to apparatus useful in washing cloth, yarn, textiles and other pieces or sheets of fabric and like material.

While the invention is of general application, it provides particular advantages when applied in connection with cleaning or laundering operations involving relatively high speed washing of the aforesaid types of fabric and like materials.

As one example, the invention may be applied in connection with high speed laundering operations of the type described in the co-pending United States patent applications entitled Washing Apparatus, Serial No. 114,897 now Patent No. 3,123,994, and Washing Process, Serial No. 114,898, both filed on June 5, 1961, and in the nowabandoned prior application, Serial No. 789,327, filed January 27, 1959 and which is parent to these two applications. These applications have each been assigned to the same assignee as is the present application.

A general object of the present invention is to provide improved washing apparatus of the type described.

Another and more specific object of the invention is to provide improved washing apparatus for use in performing high speed washing operations, involving the subjection of successive portions of the fabric or material being washed to force applied thereto by a high velocity jet stream.

Another specific object of the invention is to provide improved washing apparatus of the type described having provision for more effectively subjecting a fabric or material to be washed to the jet action of a high velocity stream of washing or rinsing fluid.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved washing apparatus of the type described having provision for more effectively maintaining an efiicient positional relationship between a fabric or material being washed and the source of a high velocity jet stream employed in washing the same.

In accordance with the invention, washing apparatus is provided which includes jet stream forming means and movable supporting means, together with means providing a barrier surface toward which the jet stream forming means is directed and past which the movable supporting means moves the fabric or material to be washed. Thus, a high velocity jet stream of washing fluid may be applied to the fabric or material when it is efficiently disposed between the barrier surface and the jet stream source. The arrangement permits the desired stand-01f distance or spacing between the jet stream source and the fabric or material being washed to be effectively maintained, such as by reducing the tendency of the fabric or material to become displaced from an efficient positional relationship with the jet stream during application of the relatively high forces accompanying the jet stream action.

I In one arrangement, the barrier surface is a relatively non-porous or solid surface provided on a roller or the like mounted in operative relationship to the jet stream forming means. Where openings are suitably provided in the movable supporting means to permit the jet stream to pass therethrough, the roller may advantageously be mounted so that its barrier surface is disposed adjacent that side of the path of travel of the movable supporting means which is remote from the jet stream source, so that the jet stream is on one side and the barrier surface is on the opposite or other side of the fabric or material being carried by the movable supporting means therepast.

The foregoing and additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein the single figure is a schematic representation showing, mainly in crosssection, a laundry machine having the invention incorporated therein.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the invention is there shown and is hereinafter described, by way of example, as being applied to a laundry machine 14) which is operable to perform a complete series of laundry operations involving several washing operations, including rinsing and bleaching, as well as a drying operation. If desired, an ironing or polishing operation may also be included, such as in connection with or subsequent to the drying operation.

As illustrated, the machine 10 includes a housing 11 having an end wall 12 and an opposite end wall 13. The end wall 12 has an inlet or entrance opening 14 for receiving clothes or other fabrics to be laundered. The opposite end wall 13 has an outlet or discharge opening 16 through which each laundered fabric is removed after passing through the machine 10.

Within the housing 11, and below the openings 14 and 16, there is a horizontally extending wall or shelf partition 17. The portion of the housing 11 above the shelf partition 17 is somewhat divided into five general areas of operation by spaced-apart vertically extending walls or partitions 18, 19, 20 and 21, which are shown disposed in the order named, with partition 18 being nearest the entrance opening 14.

As will appear more fully hereinafter, the general area between housing end wall 12 and partition 18, designated A, is the zone where the main washing or cleaning operation is performed. The general area between partitions 18 and 19, designated B, is the zone where the first rinsing operation is performed. The general area between partitions 19 and 20, designated C, is the zone where the bleaching operation is performed. The general area between partitions 21) and 21, designated D, is the zone where the second rinsing operation is performed. The general area between partition 21 and housing end wall 13, designated E, is the zone where the drying operation is performed.

In the lower portion of washing zone A, between housing end wall 12 and partition 18, a wash solution tank 22 is provided. Below the shelf partition 17 is a wash solution pump 23, which is connected by suitable conduit or pipe sections (indicated by dashed or broken lines) between the wash solution tank 22 and a wash solution filter 24. The filter 24 is shown also located beneath the shelf partition 17 and is connected by suitable conduit or pipe sections to a first wash nozzle 26 and also to a second wash nozzle 27, the nozzles 26 and 27 being mounted in the zone A above the tank 22.

In the lower portion of first rinsing zone B, between partitions 18 and 19, a first rinse water tank 28 is provided. Below the shelf partition 17 is a first rinse water pump 29, which is connected by suitable conduit or pipe sections between the tank 28 and a first rinse nozzle 30 shown mounted in zone B above the tank 28.

In the lower portion of bleaching zone C, between partitions 19 and 20, a bleach solution tank 31 is provided. Below the shelf partition 17 is a bleach solution pump 32, which is connected by suitable conduit or pipe sections between the tank 31 and a bleach nozzle 33 shown mounted in zone C above the tank 31.

In the lower portion of the second rinsing zone D, between partitions 20 and 21, a second rinse water tank 34 is provided. Below the shelf partition 17 is a second rinse water pump 36, which is connected by suitable conduit or pipe sections between the tank 34 and a second rinse nozzle 37 shown mounted in the zone i) above the tank 34.

If desired, the various nozzles 26, 27, 30, 33 and 37 may be of similar construction and each may be provided with one or more jet openings or slots from which emanate a stream of fluid. It is believed that a detailed description of the construction and arrangement of the parts of each nozzle is unnecessary in this application. Also, it is to be understood that any of various suitable nozzle constructions and arrangements may be employed in the machine of the present application.

In the lower portion of drying zone B, between partition 21 and housing end wall 13, a relatively short divider wall 38 is shown extending upwardly from the shelf partition 17. A heater 39 is shown mounted beneath the partition 17 and at a location below zone B. The heater 39 may be of the forced air type and is shown provided with an air inlet opening 44 and an air outlet opening ll. It will be noted that the heater air inlet opening 49 extends through that portion of the shelf partition 17 which is between the short divider wall 38 and the vertical partition 21, while the heater air outlet opening 41 extends through that portion of partition 17 which is between the divider wall 33 and the housing end wall 13.

The heater 39 is preferably equipped with a dehumidiher. A chamber 42 is shown provided in the bottom portion of the heater 39 for collecting moisture removed by the dehumidifier from the air which is circulated through the drying zone E due to operation of the heater fan or blower.

In order that fabrics and like materials to be laundered may be passed through the machine lit) and may be subjected to the washing, rinsing and other actions or operations occurring in the housing 11, there is provided movable supporting means which is operable to move the fabric or material along a path extending from the housing entrance opening 14 through each of the zones A, B, C, D and E to the housing discharge opening 16.

In the arrangement shown, the movable supporting means includes three pairs of endless belts and a number of rollers which direct and control the belts. The first pair ofbelts, which includes an upper belt 43 and a lower belt 44, is used mainly to move fabric through the washing zone A. The second pair of belts, which includes an upper belt 46 and a lower belt 47, is used mainly to move fabric through the first rinsing zone B, the bleaching zone C and the second rinsing zone D. The third pair of belts, which includes an upper belt 48 and a lower belt 49, is used mainly to move fabric through the drying zone E.

As shown and described more fully in the aforesaid copending application entitled Washing Apparatus, the belts may each include a multiplicity of generally parallel, spaced-apart metal wires or otherwise may be provided with suitable openings to permit passage of fluid therethrough. The various rollers extend generally crosswise of the belts and are mounted for rotation with respect to the housing 11. Certain of the rollers may be provided with circumferential grooves arranged to assist in holding the belt wires in spaced-apart relation to each other.

In the arrangement shown in the drawing, the upper belt 43 of the first pair extends about a roller 52 mounted in washing zone A near the upper wall of the housing lll. The belt 43 also extends about spaced-apart rollers 53 and 54, which are shown mounted in zone A at about equal elevations, and with the roller 53- being disposed below the previously mentioned roller 52.

The lower belt 4 of the first pair extends about spacedapart rollers 56 and 57, which are shown mounted in zone A directly below the aforesaid spaced-apart rollers 53 and 54 about which the upper belt 43 extends. The arrangement is such that rollers 53 and 56 together provide a first set of rollers, and rollers 54 and 57 together pro vide a second set of rollers, with each set including an upper roller and a lower roller between which fabric is moved in passing through washing zone A, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

The lower belt 44 also extends about a roller 59, which is shown mounted in zone A below the first set of upper and lower rollers. Furthermore, the belt 44 extends about a roller bi), which is shown mounted outside the housing 11 but at about the same elevation as the lower ones of the aforesaid first and second sets of rollers.

it will be noted that the outside roller 69 is suitably positioned so that the lower belt 44 with fabric thereon to be laundered is freely movable through the entrance opening 14 of the housing 11. Also, a belt opening 61 is suitably provided in housing end wall 12 to permit free movement of the belt 44 between the outside roller 60 and the roller 59 located inside the housing 11.

In the arrangement shown, the upper belt 46 of the second pair of belts, as well as the upper belt 43 of the first pair, extends about the roller 54, which is the upper roller of the second set. Also, the lower belt 47 of the second pair, as well as the lower belt 44 of the first pair, extends about the roller 57, which is the lower roller of the second set. Thus, rollers 54 and 57 are common to both the first and second pairs of belts.

As shown and described more fully in the aforesaid copending application entitled Washing Apparatus, the wires of the upper belt 43 of the first pair may be arranged so as not to be disposed directly opposite but, rather, so as to intermesh with the wires of the upper belt 46 of the second pair. Also, the upper and lower belts of each pair may have their respective wires arranged so as not to be disposed directly opposite each other when extending along parallel paths, such as when extending together between a set of upper and lower rollers.

Referring again to the path of the second pair of belts, it will be noted that the upper belt 4-6 of this pair also extends about spaced-apart rollers 62, 63 and 64, which are shown mounted in the order named at about the same elevation as the aforesaid upper rollers of the first and second sets of rollers. The arrangement is such that the roller 62 is the upper roller of a third set which also includes a lower roller 66 about which extends the lower belt 47 of the second pair of belts. Similarly, roller 63 is the upper roller of a fourth set which also includes a lower roller 67 about which extends the lower belt 47. Likewise, roller 64 is the upper roller of a fifth set which also includes a lower roller 68 about which extends the lower belt 47.

In addition to extending about the upper rollers of the second, third, fourth and fifth sets, as aforesaid, the upper belt 46 of the second pair passes over a relatively large upper drum 69 and under a similar lower drum 76, which drums 69 and '70 are shown mounted in the bleaching zone C of the housing 11. The lower belt 47 of this pair also passes over the upper drum 69 and under the lower drum 70. The arrangement is such that the belts 46 and 47 extend together for a considerable distance along and between the peripheral surfaces of the drums 69 and 70, with the result that a relatively long and circuitous path is provided for fabric carried through bleaching zone C between the second pair of belts.

The lower belt .7 of the second pair also extends about spaced-apart rollers 73 and 74, which are shown mounted in the housing 11 at locations considerably below the sets of rollers.

In the arrangement shown, it will be noted that the upper belt 48 of the third pair of belts, as well as the upper belt 46 of the second pair, extends about the upper roller 64 of the fifth set of rollers. Also, the lower belt 49 of the third pair, as well as the lower belt 47 of the second pair, extends about the lower roller 68 of the fifth done by placing the material on the outside portion of the lower belt 44 of the first pair of belts. A platform 102 is shown extending outside the housing 11 along the end wall 12 below the opening 14 to facilitate the introduction of the material into the machine 10 and to support piece or portions of material prior to their introduction.

The direction of movement of the various upper rollers, as shown by the arrows appearing thereon, is such that the upper belts 43, 46 and 48 each move in a generally counterclockwise direction. On the other hand, the movement of the various lower rollers, as shown by the arrows appearing thereon, is such that the lower belts 44, 4-7 and 49 each move in a generally clockwise direction.

Accordingly, the fabric or material placed on the lower belt 44 of the first pair is carried between the belts 43 and 44 in a direction extending generally from left to right, as viewed in the drawing, passing between the first set of upper and lower rollers 53 and 56 and entering washing zone A.

The rate of movement of the belts 43 and 44 is preferably controlled so that each successive portion of the fabric or material entering washing zone A is moved at a more or less constant and controlled rate across the path of the jet streams emanating from the washing nozzles 26 and 27. This permits a more efiicient utilization of the hydrodynamic forces applied to the fabric or material due to the jet action, such as by causing each successive portion to be subjected to a more or less constant or controlled amou-nt of kinetic energy. In general, belt speeds greater than about 25 feet per minute are desired, as de scribed more fully in the aforesaid co-pending applications, Serial Nos. 114,897 and 114,898.

It will be noted that each of the wash nozzles 26 and 27 is arranged so that its slot 88 and also the jet stream emanating therefrom extends generally cross-wise of the housing 11, as do each of the other jet streams which emanate from the various nozzles. As previously indicated, the movable supporting means is provided with suitable openings, such as in the spaces between the parallel wires of the various belts, to permit passage of fluid therethrough and into contact with fabric or other material cmried past the jet opening or slot 88 provided in each of the nozzles. While any of variou types of belt constructions and arrangements may be employed, the presence of fluid passageways in both the upper and lower belts of each pair permits fluid to be conveniently directed against both the upper and lower surfaces of fabric or the like carried by the movable supporting means.

As pointed out in the aforesaid co-pending applications, where a high velocity jet stream is employed, it is preferred that the jet or jets forming the stream be obtained from one or more nozzles having thin slots or other openings extending a distance of from about 5 to about 50 mils (thousandths of an inch) in the dimension thereof which is generally parallel to the direction of movement of the fabric or material with respect to the nozzle structure when the material is passing across the path of the jet stream. Accordingly, the jet openings or slots 88 in the arrangement shown may each be formed so as to have a narrow dimension within this range.

As also pointed out in the aforesaid co-pending applications, the distance between the nozzle structure and the fabric or material being washed is preferably small and may be 1 /2 inches or smaller in some instances. It is important that the nozzle structure be placed close enough to the material being washed so that the jet stream particles do not break up into relatively slow moving droplets before striking the cloth being washed, i.e., it is important to have a continuous jet action against the cloth; otherwise, some of the energy of the jet stream is lost and the overall efficiency of the operation is thereby decreased.

In this connection, it will be noted that where the travel path of the fabric or material is more or less horizontal, there will ordinarily be a tendency for some of the washing fluid applied to the top surface to collect thereon and provide a layer of liquid between the nozzle structure and the top surface, which is the surface against which the jet stream action from a downwardly directed nozzle must be applied. However, it has been found that if the distance between the nozzle structure and this top surface is kept relatively close, any tendency of an intervening layer of liquid to collect is largely overcome, due to the force of the jet stream tending to sweep aside the liquid immediately ahead of it so that the jet stream action is applied directly against the surface of the fabric or material being washed.

An important advantage arising from the present invention resides in the feature which permits the desired stand-off distance or spacing between the nozzle structure and the fabric or material being washed to be maintained even though the jet stream action is causing relatively high forces to be applied against the fabric or material'in a direction such as would otherwise tend to dis place it from an efficient positional relationship to the jet stream. This is accomplished in the washing zone A by the additional rollers 92 and 94, whichprovide barrier surfaces to facilitate holding the fabric or material in place as it moves across the paths of the jet streams emanating from the wash nozzles 26 and 27.

As the fabric or material leaves the washing zone A, it passes between the second set of upper and lower rollers 54 and 57, where a wringing action occurs which removes part of the wash solution introduced during passage of the fabric or material through the washing zone A.

Due to the rollers 54 and 57 being common to both the first and second pairs of belts, as hereinbefore pointed out, there is an interlocking belt arrangement which causes the fabric or material upon passing between such rollers 54 and 57 to continue along a path which lies between belts 4.6 and 47, the upper and lower belts of the second Pall.

The fabric or material is carried by the belts 46 and 47 through the first rinsing zone B, crossing the path of the jet stream emanating from the rinse nozzle 30. In a manner similar to the rollers 92 and 94 in the washing zone A, the roller 96 in rinsing zone B provides a barrier surface which assists in holding the fabric or material in the desired position relative to the rinse nozzle 3% from which the jet stream of rinsing fluid emanates. After crossing the path of such jet stream, the fabric or material passes between the wringing rollers 62 and 6d prior to entering bleaching zone C.

As previously indicated, the belt path through bleaching zone C extends downwardly past the bleach nozzle 33, from the opening or slot 88 of which emanates the bleach solution applied to the fabric or material. It will be understood that the stream of bleach solution may or may not be a high velocity jet stream. Where the bleaching operation is included, it is believed that satisfactory results will ordinarily be obtainable without employing a high velocity jet stream for the purpose of applying the bleach to the fabric or material. However, if such a jet stream is employed, it is recommended that an additional roller be mounted in bleaching zone C so as to provide a barrier surface toward which the jet stream is directed, in an arrangement similar to those shown provided in the washing zone A and in the rinsing zones B and D.

After crossing the path of the stream of bleach solution, the belt path continues about the lower portion of the lower drum and then in a rearwardly and upwardly direction between the two drums 69 and 70 whereupon the path extends over the upper drum 6% and then between the wringing rollers 63 and 67 prior to entering the second rinsing zone D.

The fabric or material is then carried through the rinsing zone I), crossing the path of thejet stream emanating from the second rinse nozzle 37. In an arrangement similar to that provided in the first rinsing zone B, the roller set of rollers. Thus, rollers 64 and 68 are common to both the second and third pairs of belts.

The upper belt 48 of the third pair also extends about a roller 77, which is shown mounted near the exit or discharge opening 16 at about the same elevation as the upper rollers of the various sets of rollers previously described. The arrangement is such that the roller 77 is the upper roller of a sixth set which also includes a lower roller 78 about which extends the lower belt 49 of the third pair of belts.

In addition to extending about the upper rollers of the fifth and sixth sets, as aforesaid, the upper belt 48 passes over a relatively large upper drum 79 and under a similar but even larger lower drum 80, which drums 79 and 8% are shown mounted in the drying zone E of the housing 11. The lower belt 49 of the third pair also passes over the upper drum 79 and under the lower drum 80. The arrangement is such that the belts 43 and 49 extend together for a considerable distance along and between the peripheral surfaces of the drums 7 and 80, with the result that a relatively long and circuitous path is provided for fabric carried through drying zone E between the third pair of belts.

The upper belt 48 of the third pair also extends about spaced-apart rollers 81 and 82, which are shown mounted in the housing 11 at locations considerably above the aforesaid sets of upper and lower rollers. The lower belt 49 of this pair extends about a roller 83, which is shown mounted in the housing 11 at an elevation considerably below the aforesaid sets of rollers. Additionally, the lower belt'49 extends about the roller 74, about which the lower belt 47 of the second pair also extends, as previously mentioned. Thus, roller 74 is common to the lower belts of the second and third pairs.

In drying zone E, angularly spaced rollers 84, 86 and 87 are shown mounted at locations near the peripheral surface of the upper drum 79. These rollers are not required to hold or support the wires of the belts 48 and 49 extending therepast and may be smooth or ungrooved rollers which assist in smoothing the fabric as it passes through the drying zone B.

In order to permit or facilitate mounting the various rollers used to control and direct the belts extending through the housing 11, and to permit free movement of the belts along the desired paths through the zones A, B, C, D and E, suitable openings are shown provided in the vertical partitions 18, 19 20 and 21, and also in the short divider wall 38.

Giving further consideration now to the particular arrangement in washing zone A of the machine it], it will be noted that the first wash nozzle is shown mounted above the belt path provided by the movable supporting means for fabric or material moving between the first and second sets of upper and lower rollers, while the second wash nozzle 27 is shown mounted below such belt path. The first or upper nozzle 26 is sutiably positioned so that its jet opening or slot 88 faces in a generally downward direction, while the second or lower nozzle is suitably positioned so that its jet ojening or slot 88 faces in a generally upward direction.

In the first rinsing zone B, it will be noted that rinse nozzle 30 is shown mounted above the belt path provided by the movable supporting means for fabric or material moving between the second and third sets of upper and lower rollers. The nozzle 3% is suitably positioned so that its jet opening or slot 83 faces in a generally downward direction.

In the bleaching zone C, it will be noted that bleach nozzle 33 is shown mounted near and below a forwardly and upwardly extending lip portion 9t) of the vertical partition 19. The bleach nozzle 33 is shown positioned so that its jet opening or slot 88 faces in a generally forward direction. The arrangement is such that the stream of fluid emanating from the bleach nozzle 33 is directed sufficiently forward to impinge against any fabric carried therepast by the moving belts 46 and 47, which extend in a more or less vertical direction in this portion of zone C.

In the second rinsing zone D, it will be noted that rinse nozzle 37 is shown mounted above the belt path provided by the movable supporting means for fabric moving between the fourth and fifth sets of upper and lower rollers. The nozzle 37 is positioned so that its jet opening or slot 88 faces in a generally downward direction.

As described to this point, the machine it) includes generally the features of the machine shown and described more fully in the aforesaid co-pending applications entitled Washing Process and Washing Apparatus, with the main exception that the various nozzle structures are of the type having a single jet opening or elongated slot, rather than the pair of diverging openings or slots shown provided in the nozzles employed in the machine of those applications.

In accordance with the present invention, a relatively non-porous or solid barrier surface is provided opposite or facing toward each of at least certain of the jet openings or slots 88 provided in the nozzles, including preferably those provided in the wash nozzles 26 and 27 and in the rinse nozzles 39 and 37. Such nozzles are positioned and suitably oriented so that each of the jet streams emanating therefrom is directed toward one of the barrier surfaces disposed on the other or remote side of the fabric or material being washed. In the arrangement shown, the barrier surfaces are provided by additional rollers mounted at suitable locations near or adjacent the belt path extending through the housing 11.

Thus, in washing zone A, a roller 92 is shown mounted below the belt path at a suitable location so as to provide a generally upward facing barrier surface disposed directly opposite the generally downward facing jet opening or slot 88 provided in the first or upper wash nozzle 26. Also, a roller 84 is shown mounted above the belt path at a suitable location so as to provide a generally downward facing barrier surface disposed directly opposite the generally upward facing jet opening or slot 88 provided in the second or lower wash nozzle 27.

In first rinsing zone B, a roller 96 is shown mounted below the belt path at a suitable location so as to provide a generally upward facing surface disposed directly opposite the generally downward facing jet opening or slot 88 provided in the rinse nozzle 30. Similarly, in second rinsing zone D, a roller 98 is shown mounted below the belt path at a suitable location so as to provide a generally upward facing barrier surface disposed directly opposite the generally downward facing jet opening or slot 88 provided in the rinse nozzle 3'7.

in carrying out a laundering operation, the movable supporting means is set in motion by starting the motor or other means (not shown) used to apply force to rotate as many of the various rollers as is required or desired to move the three pairs of endless belts along their respective paths. The switch for the motor and other controls may be located on a control panel lilt shown mounted outside the housing 11 on the end wall 13.

After or prior to setting the belts in motion, as aforesaid, the various pumps 23, 29, 32 and 36 are started, whereupon fluid is pumped from each of the tanks 22, 28, 33 and 3-4 into the respective nozzle or nozzles associated therewith. As previously indicated, the wash solution in tank 22 passes through the filter 24 prior to reaching wash nozzles 26 and 27.

It will be noted that the tanks 22, 28, 31 and 34 are each positioned so as to catch excess or used fluid emanating from the respective nozzle or nozzles associated therewith, thus reducing wastage which might otherwise occur. Also, it will be understood that means (not shown) may be provided for replenishing or maintaining the level of the fluid in each of the tanks, if desired.

After the belts and pumps have been placed in operation, a piece of fabric or other material is introduced into the housing 11 through the entrance opening 14, this being 98 provides a barrier surface in second rinsing zone D. After crossing the path of the jet stream directed toward such barrier surface, the fabric or material passes between the wringing rollers 64 and 68 prior to entering the drying zone E.

Due to rollers 64 and 68 being common to both the second and third pairs of belts, as hereinbefore pointed out, there is an interlocking belt arrangement which causes the fabric or material upon passing between such rollers 64- and 63 to continue along a path which lies between belts 48 and 49, the upper and lower belts of the third palr.

In the drying zone B, the fabric or material is carried by the belts 48 and 49 downwardly and under the lower drum 81 then in a rearwardly and upwardly direction between the two drums 79 and 80, whereupon the path extends over the upper drum 7 9 and then between the rollers 77 and 78 mounted near the discharge opening 16.

As previously indicated, the heated air from the heater 39 is blown or forced upwardly from the heater outlet opening 41, passing first into that portion of the drying zone E which is forward of the lower drum 8% and the divider wall 38. The heated air is deflected to some extent by a suitably positioned plate 164 and other structure, passing into close contact with and through any pores or openings in the fabric or material then being carried along the belt path in zone E. The air path for the heater 39 is generally shown by arrows in the drawing. As previously indicated, the air returned through the heater inlet opening 4% is preferably ,dehumidified in the heater 39 prior to being recirculated in the drying zone B.

It will be noted that a platform 166 is shown mounted outside the housing 11 along the end wall 13. The upper portion of the platform 166 extends somewhat through the housing discharge opening 16 and is shown suitably positioned to receive fabric or material passing between the rollers 77 and 78.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that fabric or material introduced in a dirty or soiled condition into the machine through its entrance opening 14 is discharged a short time later through the discharge opening 16 in a laundered and dry condition, having been washed, rinsed, bleached, rinsed again and, finally, smoothed and dried, all in a single machine.

If desired, an ironing machine may be arranged to receive the fabric or material discharged from the machine 16 or, indeed, the ironing machine may be incorporated with the machine 10 in a single unitary piece of equipment.

While the invention has been described herein with particular reference to the illustrated embodiment thereof, it is understood that this is by way of example and not by way of limitation, the scope of the invention being best defined with reference to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Washing apparatus comprising jet streamforming means having at least one jet opening and adapted to provide a jet stream of washing fluid emanating from said opening at a velocity of at least about 360 inches per second, rotatable roller means providing a barrier surface in spaced-apart and facing relation to said jet opening, and movable supporting means for the material to be washed, said movable supporting means being adapted to move said material along a path extending between said barrier surface and said jet opening and at a velocity of id at least about 25 feet per minute, said rotatable roller means being positioned adjacent to and in supporting relationship to said movable supporting means.

2. A washing machine comprising a housing having entrance and discharge openings for material to be washed, movable supporting means including at least one foraminous belt movable along a path extending in said housing between said entrance and discharge openings, rotatable roller means providing a barrier surface in said housing adjacent one side of and in facing relation to said belt path and in supporting relationship to said movable supporting means, and jet stream forming means adapted to provide a jet stream of washing fluid directed across said belt path and toward said barrier surface, said jet stream forming means having at least one jet opening extending a distance not greater than about 0.05 inch in a direction generally parallel to said belt path, said jet stream forming means being adapted to provide a jet stream of washing fluid emanating from said opening at a velocity of at least about 360 inches per second.

3. A washing machine comprising: movable foraminous supportnig means for the material to be washed for moving the material along a predetermined path; and a jet stream forming means and a rotatable roller disposed on opposite sides of said supporting means, said jet stream forming means having at least one jet opening adjacent said supporting means for providing a narrow jet stream of washing fluid emanating from said opening and directed perpendicularly to said supporting means at a velocity of at least about 360 inches per second and extending transversely across the path of movement of said movable supporting means, said roller being rotatable about an axis extending transversely of the direction of movement of said movable supporting means at the location of engagement thereof with said roller, said roller providing a narrow barrier and support surface at the location of its engagement with said supporting means extending transversely of the path of movement of the supporting means and in alignment with said jet stream and in engagement with said supporting means whereby the jet stream is directed at said supporting means at the location of engagement of the roller with said supporting means whereby said movable support means is held in predetermined spaced position from said jet stream forming means and against movement away from said stream forming means at the location of impingement of the jet stream on the supporting means, said opening being disposed adjacent and spaced from said supporting means for causing a continuous jet stream of washing fluid to impinge on said movable support means and the material carried thereby.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 338,096 Meikle Mar. 16, 1886 999,499 Herzog Aug. 1, 1911 1,175,538 Mates Mar. 14, 1916 1,861,476 Khanzadian June 7, 1932 2,064,512 Wilson Dec. 15, 1936 2,366,136 Waldstein Dec. 26, 1944 2,736,632 Blau Feb. 28, 1956 2,773,375 Cox Dec. 11, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 746,591 Germany Aug. 12, 1944

Claims (1)

1. WASHING APPARATUS COMPRISING JET STREAM FORMING MEANS HAVING AT LEAST ONE JET OPENING AND ADAPTED TO PROVIDE A JET STREAM OF WASHING FLUID EMANATING FROM SAID OPENING AT A VELOCITY OF AT LEAST ABOUT 360 INCHES PER SECOND, ROTATABLE ROLLER MEANS PROVIDING A BARRIER SURFACE IN SPACED-APART AND FACING RELATION TO SAID JET OPENING, AND MOVABLE SUPPORTING MEANS FOR THE MATERIAL TO BE WASHED, SAID MOVABLE SUPPORTING MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO MOVE SAID MATERIAL ALONG A PATH EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID BARRIER SURFACE AND SAID JET OPENING AND AT A VELOCITY OF AT LEAST ABOUT 25 FEET PER MINUTE, SAID ROTATABLE ROLLER MEANS BEING POSITIONED ADJACENT TO AND IN SUPPORTING RELATIONSHIP TO SAID MOVABLE SUPPORTING MEANS.

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