US2504554A - Cloth washing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

April 18, 1950 J. o. LINDSAY 5 5 CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Swan/Wm: John O llndsay wow;

April 18, 1950 J. o. LINDSAY 2,504,554

CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 t a grvum'vmt John 0. Lrndsay April 18, 1950 J. o. LINDSAY 2,504,554

CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25. 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 0 John O. L/ndsay April 18, 1950 J. o. LINDSAY CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 25, 1946 g 3 A 3mm. John 0. L/ndsay April 18, 1950 J. o. LINDSAY 2,504,554

CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ruaamz jwue/wbom: John 0. Lindsay April 18, 1950 J. o LINDSAY 2,504,554

CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 grvu /Yv John 0. Lmdsay April 18, 1950 J. o. LINDSAY 2,504,554

CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 Jlr- 10 3mm: I is John 0. Ame/501 m {ml J. O. LINDSAY CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS A ril 18, 1950 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 25, 1946 ovm mm? N m9 hm W M W 3 M m @S 0% m N$ v 5 L 5 an 3- I 1 P A p fix n /l/ M Q N8 M mmm M3 0 #3 w I .rm m A m3 5 aw 2N 8N III II I. II l L April 13, 1950 J. o. LINDSAY 2,504,554

CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented Apr. 18, 1956 CLOTH WASHING APPARATUS John 0. Lindsay, Lyman, S. 0., assignor to Pacific Mills, Boston, Mass, a corporation of Massachusetts Application February 25, 1946, Serial No. 649,940

11 Claims. (Cl. 68-9) This invention relates to a cloth washing machine and more especially to a machine having a plurality of tubs with means for passing the cloth into the first tub and wetting it as it passes into the first tub, maintaining a plurality of folds in the cloth in each tub, and then withdrawing the cloth successively from one tub and depositing it in another tub and maintaining a predetermined amount of slack cloth in each tub together with means for regulating the motors for each tub to thereby regulate the feeding of the cloth from one tub to the other in acordance with the amount of cloth in each tub. The invention also comprises means whereby, when a predetermined tautness appears in the cloth in one tub, the motors driving the withdrawal of the cloth from tubs will automatically be stopped. I

It is another object of this invention to provide a cloth washing machine having a plurality of tubs through which a length of cloth is successively moved, each tub having a circulating hot water system and a flexible water changing system and whereby the cloth can be washed safely due to limit switches which remove responsibility of cloth breakage or damage from the operator and, thereby, requiring less supervision.

It is another object of this invention to provide a cloth washing machine having a plurality of tubs with means for feeding cloth from one tub to the other and having means for maintaining the same amount of slack cloth in each tub at all times by means of a feed control system for controlling the movement of the cloth from one tub to the other, together with means for wettin the cloth as it enters the first tub and for spraying the cloth as it emerges from each tub.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view, largely schematic, and showing nine units coupled together with a portion of the control system therefor being shown;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the first three units of the mechanism and being shown on an enlarged scale from that shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the lower portion of the structure shown in Figure l and taken longitudinally through Figure at the level substantially along'line 34 in Figure 5;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 in Figure 5;

Figure 5 is a front elevation of the machine looking from the left hand end of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a detailed elevation taken substantially along the line 6-45 in Figure 10;

Figure 7 is an elevation of one of the nip rolls with portions broken away;

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the apparatus at the junction point of two tubs;

Figure 9 is an elevation from the other side at the junction point of two tubs;

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line I 0l 0 in Figure 4;

Figures 11 and 11A show a schematic wiring diagram employed with the apparatus;

Figure 12 is a sectional view of the foot operated drain valve and taken along the line [2-42 in Figure 5;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line l3--i 3 in Figure 3.

This machine comprises a plurality of tubs into which the cloth is passed successively and there could be any desired number of tubs even though the preferable number is about nine as is shown in Figure l. The framework of the apparatus comprises left hand end uprights l 0 and H and a plurality of pairs of uprights l2 and 13 disposed on one side of the machine and companion uprights l4 and 15 disposed on the other side of the machine. A pair of base angle members I6 and I! support the bases of all of the uprights.

Secured to the proximate faces of all of the uprights are strap iron members 20 and 2|. The strap iron members 20 and 2| are adapted to support a plurality of tubs 22. The upper side edges of these tubs extend outwardly and downwardly as indicated at 24 and 23 to provide flanges which rest on top of the strap iron members 2B and 2| to form the sole support for the tubs 22.

Each tub has a vertical rear end wall 26 and a curved front end wall 21, the front end wall 21 of each tub being bent forwardly and downwardly at 28 to provide a recess into which the upper end of wall 26 of the next adjacent tub is adapted to fit. The strap iron members 20 and 2| have upwardly extending lugs 30 and 3| in which are pivotally mounted the ends of a ,U- shaped rod 33 which extends downwardly and across each of the tubs.

Each of the U-shaped rods 33 has a lever 32 associated therewith which is slotted to receive the arm 34 of a limit switch mechanism 35. Each tub has mounted therein a pair of vertically disposed and parallel angle irons 31 and 38 secured on the inside surface of cheer the side walls of these tubs and on the other side wall of the tub are secured similar angle irons 39 and 49. Adapted to slide between these brackets 3'! and 88 and 39 and 49 are bearing blocks 42 and 43. These angle irons 31 to 49, inclusive, have a plurality of coinciding perforations 45 therein through which a pin 46 canbe inserted below and above the bearing blocks 42 and 43 for adjusting the poa'tionof tlig'bearingfblocks42 and 4'3 vertically withrespect to angle irons 31 to 40, inclusive.

Rotatably mounted in these bearing blocks 42" and 43 is a shaft 59 having fixedly securedthereon head members and 52 between which are disposed a plurality of rods-on the 1ike353, collectively forming a reel 54. Eachzwas-h box-22=has an anti-splash vane or baflle plate 55 vertically disposed therein which is supported .in any suitable manner, as by means of rods 5Band' 5Tbeing secured to or penetrating the side walls-f the wash box and the baffle plates 55 being curled therearound.

Each wash box 22 has a poteye spray 89 disposed therein and through which the cloth 6| is adapted to pass as it goes out of one wash box into another. wash box. The first wash. box in the machine has also a poteye 62 .forsaturating the cloth with water as itenters the first wash box to prevent the cloth from floating on top of the liquid or water in the'first'wash box;

Eaohwas-h box has an outlet opening 65=connected to a pipe which has avalverlil' therein which valve-is connected-at its-other side by means of pipe;69-toe;.maindrain pipe 68, for maintaining a low water level in each tub. The first tub in each group has an overflow outlet 63 for use when the-cascade method of washing is used. When the cascade operation is carried out, all valves Ii'lv are closed .andall water is discharged through opening 63.-

The-system also embodies a supply pipelB having branches 'lI withavalve 'IZ-therein for admitting water to'each-of the wash boxesand also for supplying the-poteyes 6G and 62 through branchpipes 64.. The poteyes are also supported by a pipe or rod welded thereto-at one end. and having its other end welded to the sidewall of thewash box. The rate-of flow through the poteyes is controlled by a valve Illa inpipe ID. Each of the poteyes 60 and 62 has perforations 14 through which the water is'forced against the cloth passing therethrough.

It is to be observed'that every third wash boxin the machine has its rear wall at the highest elevation and itsfront curved wall is slightly lower which. hooks over the upper edge of the next wash box adjacent the front end; and these wash boxes in batteries of three gradually decrease in height as clearly shown in Figure 4 so that the overflow from the third wash box in each battery of three will flow intothe next tub in that group and into the middle tub and into-the firsttub and out of the overflow pipe I53v in the first tubof that group.

The front uprights l0 and II have rotatably mounted. in suitable bearings 15, a shaft 15. on which is fixedly mountedv a grooved pulley 11. The shaft 1.6 has fixed. thereon a V-pulley 1.8., havinga V-belt I9 thereon, which is also mounted on a V-pulley of a conventional variable speed mechanism 8|. The variable speed mechanism 8! has another V-pulley 82 onv which ismounted a V-belt 83' which is mounted on a. V-pulley 84 fixed on a shaft 85, likewise having a grooved. wheel 86 fixed thereon, for feeding the cloth to the secondwash box of the series.

The shaft 85, with its grooved wheelBB', is driven bymeans of a- V-be'lt 90 mountedon V-pulley9lwhich extends downwardly and is also mounted on a V-pulley 92 fixed on a shaft 93 which is connected by a suitable coupling 94 to a variable speed motor 95. Motors 95 are supported by a pair of angle brackets 96 welded at one end to strap iron 29 and their outer ends are supported by braces 97.

The uprights" I2 and I-B'hfiflfird bearing block I00 fixedly secured therein and the uprights I4 and i5 have a bearing block IElI therein in which the shaft 93 is rotatably mounted. This shaft 93 has fixedly. secured thereon a lower squeeze roll I83. The uprights I2 and I3 also have a vertically adjustable bearing block I95 slidably mounted therein, and the uprights I4 and I5 have a bearing block I05 vertically adjustable therein in which is rotatably mounted a shaft ill! on which is fixedly mounted upper squeeze roll I 08. These upper bearing blocks I05 and I 06 each has resting on its upper surface a compression spring H0 against which fits thelowerenlarged end of a, shaft H I: which has a wormgear I12, fixed on their-upper ends which form gears H2 mesh with worms H5 fixed onzashaft iIG rotat ably mounted-in housings I I 51; And spanning the distance between the uprights. I5: and MT and I2" and I3, respectively. Identical housings I'I'-| having a worm I I5 and a worm gear. I] 21are disposed on both sides of the-machine. Eachshaft I IS'has a hand wheel I I8 thereon by meansofwhich the shaft I I6 can be' turned to increase orlessen the pressure on springs H0 to thereby regulate the amount of squeezing action imparted tothesqueeze rolls I98. The shafts III maybe slidably keyed in a conventional manner in the worm gears and may be threaded in a-suitab'le fixed block, not shown, intermediate their ends to'have up-anddown movement toregulate the pressure on the top rolls I08. The nine tubs are operated in. groups of three (three groups) .4 and the cascade, fiow from the third tub in each groupis drained out of the first tub of each group; hence, nowater flows from group to group.

Each tub has an opening I-Zll in. its. bottom most portion which is normally closed by means ofa valve- I2I- fixed on anarm I22 integral with a shaft I23 oscillatably mounted in suitable bear ings I 24 between the upright members I2 and I3 and I4 and I5, and this shaft I23 has oppcsitely extending pedals I25 and I26, pedal being depressed by the foot of an operator to lower the valve I2I to close thevalve; whereas, when pedal I26 is depressed, it will, force the stopper or valve I2I: up out ofthe opening I29 to open the valve and thus drain the tub. Shaft I23 has fixed thereon a. friction. disk I30 which fits against a friction plate. I31 fixed t'o angle I6.

These cause shaft I 23 to remain in: the position to which it may be moved.

Both of the squeeze rolls I03and I68 are of the same construction; and in Figure 7' the upper squeeze roll is broken away, it comprising a cylinder I21 having hub portions I28 which are se cured to its associated shaft. Hi1 and each of the squeeze rolls hasa fixed covering of rubber or other similar material I29.

The uprights I2 and I5 have disposed across the top thereof, and bridging the distance therebetween, a strap iron member I32 on which is disposed a hood I33 having downturned portions I34 and I35 for preventing splashing of the liquid from the fabric as it passes over the reel or grooved pulley- 11. This guard or hood is provided to cover all of the grooved pulleys I1 exliv cept the first one over which the dry cloth passes before going into the first tub.

The electrical diagram for driving and controlling the washer comprises an ordinary three phase alternating current induction motor I56. This motor I50 drives a direct current generator I5I. The motor I59 also drives an exciter I52. Generator I5I has a shunt field I53 associated therewith; while exciter I52 also has a shunt field I54a and an exciter field I54 associated therewith. Also a variable resistance I55 is associated with the exciter I52. Leading from the generator I5I are wires I56 and I51. Wire I56 has a branch I51a which leads to one side of a heating element I58. To the other side of heating element I58 is led a wire I60 which leads to a contact point I-GI. Associated with contact I6I is another contact I62.

Each washer motor 95 has associated therewith a series field I63 and a wire I64 leads from one side of this field to a fixed resistance I65. Branching from wire I64 before it reaches fixed resistance I65 is a branch wire I66 which has a contact point I61 on the end thereof. Leading from an intermediate portion of fixed resistance I65 is a wire I68 which has a contact I19'on the end thereof. Leading from the other side of fixed resistance I65 is a wire I12 which is connected to awire I13.

Electrically integral with wire I13 are movable switches I14, I15, and I16. These movable switches I14 to I16, inclusive, and switch I11 are connected together by a suitable insulated operating element, shown in dotted lines, which is attracted by a magnet I19 to move the switches I14 to I11 to closed position as will be presently explained.

Contact I62 has connected thereto a wire I80 which has a fixed resistance I8I therein. Connected to the other side of fixed resistance I8I is a wire I82 which leads to the other side of washer motor 95 while a wire I33 leads from the washer motor to one side of series field I63.

Leading from wire I82 is a wire I85 which connects to a wire I86 which leads to one side of a fixed resistance I81. From the other side v to one side of the series field I54a. From the of fixed resistance I81, a wire I89 is led having branch wires I99 and HM. These wires I99 and I9I are connected to movable switches I92 and I93. Wire I86, before it reaches one side of fixed resistance I81, has a branch wire leading to a fixed contact I96 which cooperates with a movable switch I91 which is connected to wire I51 which leads back to the D.-C. generator.

Master control box into which wire I51 leads is shown in dotted lines as designated by reference character I98. In this control box there is shown movable switches I92 and I93. It is understood that although I show only two washer motors in this diagram, in case there were nine washer motors employed as shown in the drawings, then there would be nine movable switches such as I92 and I93.

Associated with movable switch I92 is a fixed contact 200 which has connected thereto a wire 29I. lhis wire 2DI is connected to wire I64 which leads to the number one washer motor 95 and also goes to the interior of number one washer control box indicated in dotted lines and designated by reference character 262. 'Associated with movable contact I93 is a fixed contact 265 which has a wire 296 connected thereto which wire 206 goes to the second washer motor 95 and also to a second washer motor control box 202a. All the other portions of the second washer control box will have like reference characters other side' of the series field I'54a is led a wire 2I2. The variable resistance I55 has associated therewith a movable contact 2I3 which is connected by a wire 2I4 to wire 2IO. Regulation of the position of movable contact 2I3 controls the voltage output of the exciter I52.

Wire 2I0 has connected thereto a wire 2I5 which is connected to one side of a solenoid coil 2I6 of a solenoid switch which actuates movable contacts 2", 2I8, H9, 220, and 22I. Wire 2I6 also has connected thereto a wire 222 which has connected thereto a wire 223 which leads to one side of a variable resistance 224, which has associated therewith a movable contact 225 which has connected thereto a wire 226 which leads to one side of the shunt field I53 of D. C. generator I5I. From the other side of the shunt field I53 of D. C. generator I-5I, a wire 221 leads to a movable contact 228 associated with a resistance 229. The resistance 229 has connected thereto a wire 239 which is also connected to a variable resistance 23I. The wire 23!) also is connected to a wire 232 which is connected to wire 2 I2 leading from the exciter.

Resistance 23I has associated therewith a movable contact finger 233 which has a wire 234 connected thereto which leads to one side of variable resistance 224. Wire 222 which is connected to wire 2I9 and also to wire 223, which has been described, is also connected to a wire 235 which wire has connected thereto a wire 236 which is connected to one side of solenoid I19 which actuates the switches I14 to I 11, inclusive. Wire 235 has also connected thereto a wire 231 which leads to a movable contact 238 which is associated with a resistance 239. This resistance has connected thereto a wire 240 which leads to one side of a shunt field 24l associated with each washer motor 95.

From the other side of the shunt field MI is a wire 242 which is connected to a wire 243 which, in turn, is connected to wire 232 which, as previously described, is connected to wire 2I2 leading from one side of the exciter. Connected to wire 232 at the junction point where wire 230 is connected thereto, is the wire 244 which has branch wires 245 and 246 connected thereto which have fixed contacts 241 and 248, respectively, connected thereto. The branch wire 246 has connected thereto a wire 259 which leads back to fixed contact 25I which has associated therewith a movable switch-252 which is structurally connected to movable contact 225 so that when movable contact 225 is moved all the way over to the left in the wiring diagram to completely eliminate all of the variable resistance 224, it will cause the movable switch 252 to contact the contact points 25I and contact 253 which has a wire 254 connected thereto which, in turn, is connected to a wire 255 which leads to mov able switch 22I in the main control box I98. Wire 255 is connected to a fixed contact 256 which is normally in contact with a movable contact, 2.52 whichrissa-portion oi: Mammal-ope ated.

11elay258" which is adap ed. to m vaaway fr m; a. fixed resistance or. heater I58 when. current passed through resistance I58. to heat the same 'when an overload occurs on a washer motor 95. When an overload occurs in the washer motor,

the thermalsoperated relays will move to the right in the wiring diagram, thus,v to. move the movable contact 251: away; from fixed contact 256 to break a circuit between wire 25.5 and the wire 258:-connected to relay -25.8." and to movable contact 2.51. Wire 258. leads to another fixed contact 256! in control. box 2920. for each additional washer motor in themachine; and like reference characters are. applied to the mechanism'shown in the control box 292a. After leaving the last'contactapoint 2.5:! in the last thermaloperated relay associated with the last washer motor in the machine, av wire 259 leads to a movable switch 250 in. a push button. station box 26L Movable switch 2.60 is manually operable and can be movedmanually-to open or closed position. Associatedwith movable switch 262 is fixed; contact 262. which has connected thereto a wire 263. which leads to-a contact point- 264 of a manually operable push. button switch comprising another fixed. contact 255 and a movable switch 265; Fixed contact 2655 has connectedthereto a wire, 26] which is connected to fixed contacts 26.8, 259., and 2-10.. Fixed contact 258 has a companion, fixed contact 211.; and fixed contact 269' has, a. companion fixed contact 212; while contact 210: has a companion fixed contact 213. A -mcvable push button switch 215 is adapted; normally to contact the contact points 259 and 212 but may be moved manually into contact with fixed contacts; 268 and 2;I -I,. Movable switch 2-16. is normally out of contact with the contacts 279 and 2.23. but may be manually moved into contact with these fixed contacts, 210 and 213. Fixed contacts2-II andZ'I-S-haVe connected thereto wires 2.17.: and 21:8. which are connected to wire 2.15- which returns to the interior of the control box I98: and has a wire 280 connected thereto which is connected tothe other side of solenoid 2m. to which wire. 2L5 is connected. The wire 219 also leads to fixed contactziil whose movable switch 219 is actuated along with other movable switches by-the solenoid 2 I6 of the solenoid switch for operating a plurality of movable switches in a the control box.

Fixed contact; 28I cooperates with movable switch 2I9 previously described. To movable switch 2I9: is connected a, wire 282 which leads to a fixed contact 283 which forms a. part of limit switch 35 previously described and which is: adapted to be openedwhen greater than desired tension occurs in the cloth being processed in the machine. There is a limit switch 35 for each tub in the apparatus and theyv are all connected in series bymeans of. a wire 234- so that when any one: of; the limit switches 35 is moved to open position byan undesirable increased tension in the cloth in a particular tub, then all of: the w sher mo ors will. be stopped. Fr m he and limit switch 35 a wire 28.5 leads to fixed con tact 21 2: in the? push button station.

It has already been described as to. how wire 235 is connected to-solenoid H9 or the solenoid switch which controls. the movable contacts I14 to I'll, inclusive. To the other ide of solenoid I19 is connected awire; 286which leads, to a fixed contact 28:1- which, has. cooperating, therewith a movable switch288 which is manually p ra The switch, 288 has, awire 289 connected thereto can , branch which reconnected dmovableswitchi 2| 8.-.-in he main control box I98. T 115 Wi e; 2.8.9; has; con-.- nected thereto a; wire 290 which lcadsto movable contact I'I.'I in washercontrol box 292.. In. the main control boxthere has alreadybeen de-. scribed a movableswitch ZI'I and" this. has awire 23] connected. thereto which leads back to movable switch 28811 in another single pole switch which has associated therewith a. fixed contract 281a connected to another wire286ci which leads. back to a magnet; 1119. in washer control. box 222 for the second motor; of the machine. It is.- evident that for every additional; washer motor; in the machine there will be a movable contact. I'I'I added in each ofthe washer control boxes, there being a washer control; box for every. one; of the motors in the machine. In the main con-. trol box I98 there are shown. two movable switches 2I'I and 2! for the two. control.- boxes 202 and 202". In the main control box will be added an additional similar switch and similar wires leading therefrom for each additionah washer motor in the machine; and, likewise, for:

every additional. washer motor in the machine there will be added an additional movable-switch. such as I 92 or I 93 in the main control box; And, likewise, there will be a limit switch: added. in. series to the two switches shown and designated: at 35 for each additional washer box' in themaa. chine. Associated with movableswitch. I:I-I- is; a fixed contact 292 which has a wire 293 leading therefrom which is connected to wire 232;

Connected to wire 2I.5 immediately before it reaches. solenoid2|6 is a wire 295.. which has a. 296. connected thereto which passes.- through a solenoid 291 of aso1enoidswitch and Wire 298 leads from the other side oi solenoid: 291 to a fixed contact 299. Associated with fixed contact 299 is movable switch anawhich is actu-. ated by a magnet 39], wire 295 being extended: and being connected to one side of magnet 39!; and from the otherside of the coil 21; wire- 392- is connected to movable switch 220; Wire 322 is also connected to movable switch 300. Movable switches 2|?! and 2| 8 have associated therewith. fixed contacts 305 and 305 to which are connected 2:. wire 301, which wire 397- is connected to wire- 244.

In the second motor control box 202 like parts have like reference characters with the prime notation added and the same descriptionwill apply, except that in box- 202* wire 299 isconnected to wire 296' which in turn is connected to two wires 29! and 289 and Wire 286'" is connected to one side of magnet I19.

M ethod of operation In operation, the machine comprising a plurality of tubs; such as nine tubs as shown in the drawings, is threaded up with a length ofcloth and each tub contains the proper amount of slackcloth and hotwater. Preliminaryto starting the machine in operation, movable contact 225 of variable resistance 224 ismoved all the ,way to, the left in the wiring; diagram. which; causes switch 252 to contact the contact points;

25I and 253 and completely eliminates the re,- sistance 224 from the control circuit. This places the variable resistance in series with the shunt, coil I53 of the D. C. generator. This will insure that thev machine will start at t minimum. speed. It is understood that the motors 915,. have not as yetstarted... All or themanually. perated; switches 28.8 and thelilceare. in. closed p sition. before the. machine. is. started. This closes. the.

circuit through the exciter I52 and the magnetic coil I19 back to the single pole switches 298 and the like, switch 2I8 being out of contact with fixed contact 306.

The machine is now ready to start into operation, and push button switch 215 is manually operated to momentarily close the circuit through contacts-210 and 213 and exciter I52 through switch 252 which is in contact with contacts 25I and 253. The circuit is also established through contacts 256 and 251 which are in contact with each other, the circuit being established through all of the contacts 256 and 251 for each washer box motor control; and the switch 263 will be contacting contact 262 which contacts will be in closed position, and the circuit will also be established through switch 266 which is in contact with contacts 264 and 265; and the circuit will be further established through switch 216 which will be in contact with fixed contacts 213 and 214. The circuit will also be established through magnet 2l6 in the master control box and back to the exciter I52 causing the moving of movable switches 2I1, 2I8, 2I9, 229, and 22I to closed position. Thus, with movable switch 2 Is in contact with fixed contact 386, the circuit is completed back to one side of the exciter I52. This energizes coil I19 in the washer box motor control and moves switches I14, I15, and I11 to closed position and, at the same time, moves switch I16 to open position away from its fixed contact I62.

When switch 220 is moved into contact wit fixed contact 241, the circuit is completed from one side of the exciter I52 through movable switch 220 through magnetic coil 38I, back to the exciter I52, thus energizing magnetic coil 30I which will move switches I92 and I93 to open position and will move switch 396 to closed position, which will complete the circuit through magnetic coil 291 which will energize this coil and move switch I91 to closed position. This completes the power circuit from the D. C. generator I5I through the washer motors 95, through the series field I63 of each of the washer motors to pass current through the closed switches I14, I15, and I16 through the heater element I58 back to the D. C. generator I5I. The washer motors .95 then run at minimum speed.

If there is an overload in any one of the washer motors, the heater I58 in the control box for that particular washer motor will become heated which will repel the relay 258" and its contact 251 away from contact 256 to open the circuit at that point which will serve to stop all of the washer motors in the machine.

When it is desired to start this machine, the length of cloth BI is first led through the machine and by placing it over the grooved pulleys 11 and 86 and through the poteyes 62 and 68 and beneath the reel spokes 54 and between the squeeze rolls I83 and I08 and the cloth is fed from the machine into subsequent machines for further processing. Before the machine is started, with the cloth threaded therethrough and with the tubs filled with water, the first step is to connect the electrical circuit to the motor generator set comprising A. C. motor I50, D. C. generator I SI, and exciter I52. Then, the movable contact arm 225 is moved all the way to the left in the wiring diagram which causes the movable switch 252 to contact fixed contacts 25I and 253 to thus close a circuit between wires 254 and 250. Then, all of the single pole switches 288, there being one for each of the motors 95, are moved to closed position. By the arm 225 being moved all the way to the left in the wiring diagram, it will insure that the washer motors will start at minimum speed. Switch 269 is moved to closed position. Switches 266 and 215 will be in the position shown in the wiring diagram and in this position, switch 216 will be manually moved to closed position. Closing ofrswitch 216 will energize magnetic coil 2I6 which will move switches 2I1, 2I8, 2I9, 220, and HI to closed position. The moving of movable switch 220 to closed position will energize magnetic coil 39I which moves switch 308 to closed position and moves switches I92 and I93 to open position. The moving of switch 309 to closed position will energize magnetic coil 291 which will move switch I91 to closed position. The closing of switch 2I8 will energize magnetic coil I19 which will move switches I11, I14, and I15 to closed position and will move movable switch I16 from contact I62 over against fixed contact I6I. Switch I91 being moved against contact I96 will close the power circuit from the D. C. generator I5 I. through the washer motor control box for each of the motors and through the closed switches already described in the washer control motor boxes to energize each of the washer motors to start each of the motors into operation.

If it is desired to increase the speed simultaneously in all the washer motors 95, then movable contact 225 will be moved to the right in the wiring diagram which will increase the voltage to all of the washer motors 95 and thus increase their revolutions per minute. If it should be found that the cloth in some of the washer boxes is too taut or too loose-that is, having too many folds of cloth deposited therein when it is too loose, or not having enough cloth deposited therein when it is too taut-the particular motor for that washer box can have its speed regulated by the moving of movable contact arm 238 with relation to resistance 239 either to increase or to decrease the speed of that particular washer motor 95.

In the event that the cloth in any tub becomes too taut and the operator should not notice the same and decrease the speed of the motor 95 in that particular box, this tautness in the cloth will move the swingable rod 33 which will open the switch 35 for that particular wash box which will stop all of the motors in the entire machine because all of these switches are in series. The opening of any one of the switches 35 de-energizes the magnet 2I6 which will disconnect the motor circuit which, in turn, will energize the magnets 30L When the entire machine has been stopped on account of the cloth in one of the washer boxes becoming too taut, then as a preliminary to restarting the entire machine, the switch 215 would be moved from the closed position shown in the wiring diagram over against contacts 268 and 21I which will be held manually in this position while the machine is running slowly, even with one of the switches 35 open. While the machine is thus running slowly, the motor for the particular washer box: which. has been stopped on account of its switch 35 being opened, will be slowed down by moving the particular contact arm 238 to the right in the wiring diagram which will decrease the voltage and cause a decrease in the speed of the washer motor 95 for that particular washer box to thus allow an accumulation of cloth in that particular washer box. When the proper amount of cloth has been deposited in each of the washer boxes and the machine is ready'ior starting in normal opera-' tion, then the switch'2l5 '-vvn1 be allowed to move back under its normal spring tension to the position'shown in the wiring diagram at which time the above-described starting operation will be resumed. When it is desired to stop the entire machine immediately; it is only necessary to momentar'ily open switch 266 by manual pressure which will automatically and quickly stop all portions of the machine. When the machine is stopped, it-is desirable to stop it instantaneously and not let it coast as'woul'cl occur if the circuits leading-to the motorgenerator set were disconnected. By opening the'switch 266, the stopping of the machine is effected quickly on account of the fact that by opening of this switch 266, magnet 301 is energized which allows switches I92 and I93 to move to closed position which short circuits thearmatiire and series field of the washer motors through switches I92 and l93'and resistance [81.

By the use of this'machine, the same amount of slack cloth can be maintained in each container -at all times by the feed control system, such as the individual rheo'stat control for each motor. Due to the fact that the same motor which drives the "first set of squeeze rolls, also drives the grooved wheel 11 which feeds the'clot-h into the first tub, aconsta'nt or equal speed between'the dry cloth 'beingfed into the first tub and the wet cloth being taken away from the first tub "can be maintained.

Each of the reels '54 'ineach of the containers being verticallyadiiistable, it provides a better control 'GfthecIoth/thfiugh the machine. A machine of "this type provides 'l'e's's supervision and labor personnel-andfthlis lowers the operating eost'of 'clo'thaiid, also, lowers the breakage cost since it is' impossible to break the cloth on account of'the'limit switches. The first spray, or 'potey'e, 62 in thefiist'tub of a series wetsthe clothbefore it'e'nters'the first container and, "thus, prevents the 'cloth from floating on the surface of the water in the first container.

In starting this apparatus, the cloth to be washed is tied toa feeder or threader cloth and is threaded throughtheentire-machine with the proper amount of slack in each container; and then, the containers are filled with water and the cloth is started through,--and-after that, automatic control is exercised over the cloth and the operation of the machine.

The herein described apparatus has many advantages over other types'of cloth washing machines heretofore employed. It does 'a better wash-by way'of-c'ascad'e tub arrangement, that is, the waterflowing from the-last tub of the series intothe next adjacent tub and so on until the front'tub is reached, where the water overflows. Also, the squeeze rolls being disposed between eachof the containers removes soiled water from the cloth before it enters the next container.

It'is desirable to use hot water in thissystem, and thusfa circulating hot water system is provided 'causingthe water to flow from one'tub to the other'tub, thus-saving a-"great amount of water. It also providesa flexible water-changing system in'that water can be'admitted to all or part of-the tubs, or only to-thelast tub of a series to allow it to-cascade'tothe front tub of a series before-leaving the tubs.

-In cloth having alow tensile strength, such as rayonandthe like, the cloth can be washed safely due-to t'he limit switches which remove responsibility of-'cloth breakage from-the operator and-thereby-requireslesssupervision. In the case that the cloth will not stand squeezing, suchas crepe or artificial seersucker 'a'nd the like, the cloth can be run overth'e'grooved wheels 86 at the top of the machine instead of running it through the squeezes-oils. The squeeze rolls, or nip rolls, I03 and I08 are covered with soft rubher and therefore 'will not harm the cloth being passed therethrough; and, as pointed out, they are adjustable as to pressure between them for different types and weights of fabricbein'g passed therebetween.

In the drawing's'and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment or the invention, and although specific terms are employed, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention beingdefined in theclaims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for washing fabrics comprising a plurality of containers arranged 'in a row and joined together and having front and rear walls, with the upper portion of front wall of one container being joined to the upper portion of the rear wall of the next succeeding'container, the rear wall of each'container being at-a'highe'r elevation than the front wall thereof whereby when water is admittedto thela'st container in a series and the last c'ontainer -in '-the series filled with water, it wiuoverfiow into the next adjacent container and from the next adjacent container to the container adjacent the next adjacent container, means for feeding'a piece of fabricinto thefirst cbntainerfnieans-for wetting the iabric'as it 'eiiter's'the first containemneans for spraying wateroiitothe fabri'c as'it emerges from one container'and is fed int'o the next container .'and mean for feeding'the fabricfrom one container into the next containera'nd squeezing excess water from the fabric after it leaves one containerand'bef'ore it-ente'rs the'ne'xt container.

'2. Apparatus for washing cloth comprising a plurality of containers arranged in a row and means for feeding 'a fabric into the first container in the row, means for withdrawing the fabric from one container and squeezing excess liquid therefrom and depositing it in the next adjacent container, means disposed in the bottom of each container under which the fabric is passed to insure its immersion inthe liquid within the container, each container having means for feeding liquid theret'o'and overflow means for allowing surplus liquidto flow from on'e'container into the 'next 'containen'me'ans associated with each container for stoppin'g'the driving means for the withdrawing means when the fabric becomes too taiit in'any one 'o'fthe containers, and variable speed motors for driving each of' the'means for withdrawing the fabric'from one container and feeding it into'the other container.

3. A cloth washinginachine comprisinga plurality or 'containersia'rranged in en'dto-end relation, each containerhaving a reel therein beneath which a length offcl'oth is'adapte'dto be passed, means for feeding 'theclcith into the first container, means forwetting the cloth I as it enters the first contaiher,-means for applying waterto the cloth as it emerges from each container, 9. pair of squeeze rollsdisposed between one ccntainer and the next adjacent container and through whichthe cloth is passed-to remove excess water therefrom a motor for drivingeach set of'squeeze rolls, the cloth being adapted to have a plurality --of folds disposedin-each con- 7 5 tainer at all-times, and means for admitting water to the last of a series of containers, the proximate walls of adjacent containers being joined together to allow the water to fiow from the first container into the second container and so on throughout the series, the height of the front walls of each container diminishing from rear to front of the machine to permit water to flow from one container into the next adjacent container until it reaches the front of the machine, the front container having an overflow pipe to allow surplus water to flow out of the first container in the machine.

4. A cloth washing machine comprising a plurality of containers arranged in end-to-end relation, each container having a reel therein beneath which a length of cloth is adapted to be passed, means for feeding the cloth into the first container, means for wetting the cloth as it enters the first container, means for applying water to the cloth as it emerges from each container. a pair of squeeze rolls disposed between one container and the next adjacent container and through which the cloth is passed to remove excess water therefrom, a motor for driving each set of squeeze rolls, the cloth being adapted to have a plurality of folds disposed in each container at all times, and means for admitting water to the last of a series of containers, the proximate walls of adjacent containers being joined together to allow the water to fiow from the last container into the second container and so on throughout the series, the height of the front walls of each container diminishing from rear to front of the machine to permit water to flow from one container into the next adjacent container until it reaches the front of the machine, the front container having an overflow pipe to allow surplus water to flow out of the first container in the machine.

5. Apparatus for washing cloth comprising a plurality of containers arranged in end-to-end relation, the adjacent walls of the containers being secured to each other, the adjacent walls of the containers progressively rising in height from front to rear of the machine, means for feeding a length of cloth into the first container, means for wetting the cloth as it enters the first container, means for submerging the cloth in each container, a pair of squeeze rolls disposed between the rear portion of one container and the front portion of the next succeeding container through which the cloth is adapted to be passed from one container to the other, a motor for each set of squeeze rolls for driving the squeeze rolls, and means for spraying water onto the cloth as it leaves one container and before it passes through the squeeze rolls into the next container.

6. Apparatus for washing cloth comprising a plurality of containers arranged in end-to-end relation, the adjacent walls of the containers being secured to each other, the adjacent walls of the containers progressively rising in height from front to rear of the machine, means for feeding a length of cloth into the first container, means for wetting the cloth as it enters the first container, means for submerging the cloth in each container, a pair of squeeze rolls disposed between the rear portion of one container and the front portion of the next succeeding container through which the cloth is adapted to be passed from one container to the other, a motor for driving each set of squeeze rolls, means for spray ing water onto the cloth as it leaves one container and before it passes through the squeeze rolls into the next container, each of the containers having means for admitting water there into, the first container having an overflow pipe disposed at a lower elevation than its front edge, and means for cutting off the supply of incoming water to all of the containers except the last container in a series, whereby when the last container in a series is filled, it will overflow to the next adjacent container until all containers are filled with water and the surplus will flow out of the second-named overflow pipe in th first container.

7. In a machine for washing a length of cloth comprising a plurality of tubs arranged in endto-end relation, means for feeding cloth into one end of the first tub, a pair of squeeze rolls disposed between each pair of adjacent tubs and through which the cloth is passed when leaving one tub and entering the next tub, variable speed means for driving all of the squeeze rolls, there being a. driving means for each pair of squeeze rolls, means for starting all of the variable speed means for driving all of the squeeze rolls at minimum speed, means for causing all of the variable speed means for driving all of the squeeze rolls to run at normal speed, means for stopping all of the driving means for the squeeze rolls when any one of the same becomes overloaded, means for simultaneously stopping all of the squeeze rolls, and means for applying a retarding action to the driving means for all of the squeeze rolls to stop th same quickly.

8. Apparatus for washing a length of cloth comprising a plurality of tubs arranged end-toend, a pair of squeeze rolls disposed between each pair of adjacent tubs, a variable speed electric motor for driving each set of squeeze rolls, means for automatically stopping all of the motors when the cloth becomes too taut in any on of the tubs. means for driving all of the squeeze rolls at minimum speed when first starting the machine, means for varying the speed of each motor for each set of squeeze rolls, means for automatically stopping all of the motors for driving the squeeze rolls when any one of the motors becomes overloaded, and means for short circuiting the motors when they are stopped to prevent coasting of the motors.

9. Apparatus for washing a length of cloth comprising a plurality of tubs arranged end-to-end and increasing in height as they progress through the machine, means for feeding water to the last tub in a series and allowing it to overflow from one tub into the other until it reaches the first tub in the machine, means allowing overflow of surplus water from the first tub in the machine, means for spraying water onto the cloth as it enters the first tub, means for spraying water onto the cloth as it leaves each tub to wash soiled water therefrom, and a pair of squeeze rolls disposed between each pair of adjacent tubs.

10. A cloth washing machine comprising a plurality of containers arranged in end-to-end relation, each container having a reel therein beneath which a length of cloth is adapted to be passed, means for feeding the cloth into the first container, means for wetting the cloth as it enters the first conainer, means for applying water to the cloth as it emerges from each container, a pair of squeeze rolls disposed between one container and the next adjacent container and through which the cloth is passed to remove excess water therefrom, a motor for driving each set of squeeze rolls, the cloth having a plurality of folds disposed in each container at all times, and means for admitting water to the last of a 15 series of containers, 'the proximate Walls-of adjacent containers be'i'n'g joined'together' to ELBOW the water to flowfrom the one container into the next container and so on throughout the series, the height of the front walls of each container diminishing from rear "tofro'nt of the ma 'chineto permit water to fio'w fro'm o'ne container i'nto'the next adj'acent container until it reaches the front of the machine, 'the front container having an overflow pipe 'to allow surplus water to flow out of the first container in the inac'hine.

11. A cloth washing machine-comprising a plura'lity of containers arranged in end-to-end "rela- '-tion, ea'ch container having a reel therein benea'th which a length of cloth is adapted to be passeri,'ineans for "feeding the cloth'into the first container, means for wetting the cloth as it enters the first container, means for applying water to the cloth as it emerges from each container, a pair of squeeze rolls disposed between one con tainer and the next adjacent container and through which the cloth ispass'ed to remove excess water therefrom, a motor for driving each set of squeeze rolls, the cloth having a plurality of folds disposed in each container at all times, and means for admitting water to the last of a series of containers, the proximate walls of adjacent containers being joined together to allo'w'the wait ter't'o new from thefirst coiiteiner' lnto'thesem 0nd container and soon tliroug'hoiitthe series, the height of the front walls of each container diminishing from rear to 'fio'n't of the machine to permit water to new from one container into the next adjacent container until it reache's the front of the machine, the front container having an overflow pipe to allow surplus Water to flow out of the first container in the inachine.

JOHN O. Li-NDS'AY.

REFERENCES error) The following references are of "r'cd'rdir'l the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 107,686 Hudson 'SptJZl, 1870 1,259,526 Knibieh'ler etal. Mar. 19, 1918 1,348,943 Hallock Aug. 10, 1920 1,653,451 De Ybar'rondo De'CfZO) 1927 1,696,386 Corey Dec. -25, 1928 1,817,797 Baker Aug.f4, 1931 1,894,694 Knutsen Jan. 17, 1933 2,084,189 Bulford June 15, 1937 2,276,605 Andrews 'Mar. 17, 1942' 2,422,651 Ayers 'Jui1e 24, 1947

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