US2737039A - Pressure squeeze washer - Google Patents

Description

March 6, 1956 N. B. 'WALES 2,737,039

PRESSURE SQUEEZE WASHER Filed May 25. 1950 3 Shee's-Sheei' l March 6, 1956 N, B. WALES 2,737,039

PRESSURE SQUEEZE WASHER Filed May 25, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheei 2 C040 wrs/e INVENTOR. MM

March 6, 1956 N -B`WA| E$ 2,737,039

PRESSURE SQUEEZE WASHER Filed May 25, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 T JCEJ- /Z Z q /z/ ya g INVENTo.

United States Patent O PRESSURE SQUEEZE WASHER Nathaniel B. Wales, New York, N. Y., assignor to Industrial Patent Corporation, New York, N. Y.

Application May 25, 1950, Serial No. 164,153

13 Claims. y(Cl. (S8-:21)

This invention relates to a Washing machine employing pressure extraction for drying the laundry. Heretofore washing machines using the difference of 4pressure available by exhausting the AWashing receptacle of air and utilizing the atmospheric pressure on lthe exterior of a collapsible envelope or membrane which lined the receptacle have not succeeded in attaining an expression of a sutlcient amount of water from the laundry to compete with centrifugal types of water-extraction.

ln this invention the flexible membrane -is normally positioned in a collapsed state in or about the axis of the washing chamber and forms an outer lining or envelope for the agitating means axially positioned therein. The invention is herewith shown in several 1nodilications, all using, however, this basic principle `of 'a centrally positioned membrane acting as an exterior lenvelope or outer lining for the agitating means.

The axially positioned agitating means is lined with or enveloped by a flexible membrane; the anvil vagainst which the membrane squeezes the laundry when Adilated or expanded is located about the periphery of the washing receptacle. The anvil portion of the periphery of the receptacle being lperforate presents a large areafrom the approximate top to the bottom of the receptacle. An opening to the atmosphere communiicates with the interior of the agitating element which fortnsa rigid supporting chassis for the flexible membrane thereon and by suitable orifices through the chassis permits the? atmospheric pressure to act on the interior `of vthe co1 lapsed flexible membrane to inflate and expand the mem brane when the washing chamber is exhausted. The membrane is fabricated to normally lit snugly on the agitator chassis.

The water agitating chassis and membrane thereon are formed of a geometry which contains convolutions or the like which may be in a spiral shape thereon or symmetrically formed therein in order to give normal arnplitude whereby the membrane or envelope may expand to displace the volume of the washing receptacle to that extent whereby the laundry is squeezed thereby against the receptacles perforated periphery as well as to form by its geometry areas and surfaces thereon which will displace and agitate the wash or rinse water when the agitator chassis and membrane are oscillated.

it is also seen that by utilizing the axis of the 'washing chamber as a coincident axis about which is positioned an extensible membrane which by its dilation is forced against the periphery of the washing chamber which forms the perforate water extraction anvil that the Water and air volume normally in the washing receptacle when washing and rinsing is greater than the interior volume of the membrane when it is fully dilated within the confines limited by the perforated anvil surface and the cover of the receptacle because the washing receptacle extends peripherally beyond the perforated anvil periphery so that when it is desired to squeeze dry the laundry.

advantage may be taken of the above geometry to ex- ICC ceed .the squeezing pressure on the laundry as would be leffected -'by `vacuum differential above in the following manner. Directly. after the last rinsing period when the fagitating element and its envelope is stationary, auto fmatically or manually as the invention may be incorpo- -rated in :an automatic or non-automatic washer, the exhausting pump is placed in operative connection between the Washing vreceptacle and the interior of the membrane to :evacuate .the `washing receptacle and till the normally ycollapsed membrane 'with the rinse water and air contained in the y-washin'g receptacle whereby the envelope is `dilated by such V'transfer and its squeezing pressure exceeds that which ycould possibly be attained by the evacuation o'f theW-ash'ing receptacle of its air and liquid :content depending on an atmospheric pressure differential alone.

An object of this invention is to enlarge the perforated anvil surface against which a flexible membrane is rforced -by iluid pressure by positioning 'the membrane in a normally 4collapsed state as an envelope completely enveloping the `centrallydocated agitating element and by the Amem'branes dilation under pressure differential, 'the greater pressure being exerted within the membrane as ycompared to the lexterior pressure thereon to force vthe membrane by its vinllation against the periphery of the washing receptacle which is formed as a perforated anvil to extract water vthereby from the wet laundry -in lthe washing receptacle.

A v'further -o'bjec-t is to form the agitating elements `surface in a plurality 4of -convolutions .or folds either -spirally Yor symmetrically generated thereon not only :to permit the `flexible 'membrane which envelopes said element to have lamplitude to expand radially therefrom like an accordions membrane and displace the volume of the `washing chamber, "but also to obtain thereby surfaces on 'the vagitating element which have a uid-displacing geometry when the element is oscillated.

A `further object is -to provide means for exhausting vthe -washing receptacle and forcing the .iluid so exhausted yinto the membrane enveloping the agitating element Y certain minor modications as well as to yillustratemeans to enhance the rpressure differential available to extract water from the laundry.

Figure 3 ,shows vthe invention in a modified form in respect to Figure Vl only as yconcerns the type of agitator which .is shown with vertically-disposed blades of conventional form about which is positioned the enveloping membrane.

'In .Figure .l, numeral .1 is the casing or tub wherein the laundry is 'inserted through a .closure 2 which is provided with a rubber or air-tight gasket 3 which forms a seal therebetween. A perforated annular surface v4 spaced within tub 1 .forms the squeezing anvil which .anvil surface may 'be .integral with or formed as a separate entity within the tub-to extract vWater from thelaundry by a membrane yor flexible. envelope .'11 which `normally ts .snugly over .and 'envelopes .a ,supporting chassis `9. Elements 9 and -11 `form .the wash-tag'itating element. Chassis 19 and membrane .11 are oscillated bymeansof tube'6 secured to chassis 9 4by support member 7 and which is journaled in the tub support member and tube 6 passes through a conventional sealing gland 16 to seal its circumference. Motor-driven oscillating means to oscillate tube 6 and thereby oscillate elements 9 and 11 are not shown. The chassis 9 and membrane 11 are formed to present a series of convolutions on their surfaces not only to afford iriiiation amplitude for the expansion of membrane 11 which is normally in a compacted position on chassis 9 but also to form surfaces on membrane 11 which when oscillated in the fluid in tub 1 will agitate and periodically displace the same. Suitable orifices 9a are formed in the wall of the chassis 9 to permit air at atmospheric pressure to enter through orice 8 in tubular shaft 6, thereby maintaining atmospheric pressure on the interior surface of membrane 11. The washing chamber 1a is evacuated through tub outlet 14 in the bottom thereof and through pipe 29 connected thereto and thence to pipe 28 leading through valve 21, which valve is then open to permit the suction of exhaust pump 23 to evacuate the water and air content from chamber 1a and discharge it through valve 19 to the drain, the other valves and 22 being closed. The membrane 11 is radially displaced from chassis 9, there being atmospheric pressure on its interior surface available through orifice 8 and orifices 9a; the membrane 11 thus forces the laundry, indicated by numeral 13, against the perforated anvil 4, by its inflation, the membranes inflated position being shown by broken lines 12. An electric timer of conventional design in the automatic washer art is indicated by numeral 46 having lead wires 48 and manual adjusting knob 47. The washing water temperature-control mixer 24 connected to sources of hot and cold water 25 and 26 respectively and the exhausting pump 23 and the washing tub 1 are connected through a series of conventional magnetic valves 19, 20 and 22. The timer and contact switching unit 46 is properly wired to energize valves 19, 20 21 and 22 to perform in sequence the following automatic cycle. Provision is conventionally made whereby the pump 23 can be operated independently of the operation of the agitation element 9-11 or vice versa by suitable clutches interposed therebetween which are not shown.

In operation the cover 2 is removed and laundry inserted in washing chamber 1a. The mixer 24 may be set for the desired washing water temperature and soap may be inserted in chamber 1a in any well-known manner. pump water into chamber 1a, the valves 20 and 22 are opened and the valves 19 and 21 are closed. Water will then flow from the mixer 24 through pump 23, which is now in operation, through valve 20 into pipe 29 and into washing chamber 1a until Valve 22 is closed by timer 46 and for a period of time the agitating element 9 and 11 oscillates to agitate the laundry and wash Water to wash the laundry. After a sufficient interval the agitating elements 9 and 11 are stopped and the valves 19 and 21 are opened and the wash water is emptied from the washing chamber 1a through pump 23 now in operation and discharged through valve 19 to the drain. The membrane 11 may -squeeze out the residue of the wash water from the laundry against the annular anvil surface 4 by continuing the evacuation of washing chamber 1a or the pump may be stopped prior to the attaining of an adequate vacuum in chamber 1a sufficient to obtain the normal inflation of membrane 11 to perform its water-extraction function. Rinsing Water may then be pumped into washing chamber 1a by again opening valves 20 and 22, the pump 23 being in operation, and the agitator 9-11 again being in a state of oscillation. One or more rinsing operations may be provided for in the automatic sequence of electric-enen v gizing contacts conventionally made by cycle timer 46.

Following the last rinsing operation and after the water is pumped out by the opening of valves 19 and 21, valves 20 and 22 being closed, the operation of pump 23 is continued to evacuate washing chamber V1a during which time the difference of pressure between the normal atmospheric pressure within the membrane 11 supplied through duct 8 and orifices 9a as compared to the subatmospheric pressure existing on the exterior of membrane 11 and existing in chamber 1a cause the normally collapsed membrane or envelope 11 to be inflated due to its convoluted geometry under the existing pressure differential and the membrane 11 approximately assumes a position indicated by broken lines 12, squeezing the laundry 13 against the perforated anvil surface 4 to extract the water content from laundry 13` After a suii'icient interval has elapsed, valves 19 and 20 open and permit air to enter chamber 1a and the dilated membrane 11 now having equal pressure on both its interior and exterior, restores itself by its molded form to its normal collapsed position indicated by numeral 11 and cover 2 can be readily opened, the pressure differential thereon having been relieved.

lt is to be noted that due to the rigid closure 10 in the top of chassis 9 being spaced from and not contacting cover 2, the area A thereof is self-supporting and does not press on cover 2 as does the membrane 11 when in its distended position 12. Area A as projected on to the bottom of cover 2 represents an area under lower pressure than atmospheric pressure which pressure bears down on the equivalent top area represented by area A and this pressure differential tends to effect a downward force to maintain an air-tight seal on gasket 3 during the evacuation of chamber 1a.

The precise automatic washing cycle as has been outlined may be varied according to the inherent timing provisions incorporated in timer 46 to open or close valves 19, 20, 21 and 22 at different intervals during the cyclic operation.

It is to be noted that the convolutions in membrane 11 are shown generated to form a spiral which shape on being reversed in rotation during oscillation gives an upward and then a downward thrust or displacement to the wash and wash water.

Referring to Figure 2, means are provided in this modication of the invention to attain a greater pressure differential on membrane 11 than can be obtained by exhausting the pressure to a partial vacuum on one side of membrane 11 as is seen in Figure l. This increased squeezing pressure is attained by a rearrangement of the piping and valves, other components being the same except that the convoluted membrane 11 is shown formed with a series of symmetric convolutions instead of the spiraled convolutions as in Figure l. In Figure 2 vanes 11C are formed on the outer surface of the convolutions to enhance the lateral water displacement factor.

The washing and rinsing action and operation of the machine in Figure 2 is approximately the same as that performed in Figure l, therefore, the precise operation of the water-extraction period will sutiice to show how a greater pressure differential is effective on membrane 11.

Directional arrows on the several connecting pipes show the unidirection or dual direction of flow therein. The opening 14 in the base of tub 1 is connected to pipe 39 which branches at 39a, one side leading to valve 32 controlling the tempered Water supply to the washing chamber la; the other branch pipe leads to valve 33 and by pipe 40 leads to the suction side of the pump 23. Valve 34 controls the outlet of pump 23 and is connected to pipe 41 in communication through duct 3 in hollow shaft 6 with the interior of chassis 9 and through orifices 9a therein to the interior surface of membrane 11. Therefore, after the last rinsing operation in washing chamber la, while the rinsing Water is still in chamber 1a, the timer 46 controlling the cycle dictates the closing of valves 32, 35, 36 and 37 and the opening oi' valves 33 and 34 as well as commanding the operation of pump 23. This procedure evacuates washing chamber 1a of air and water and transfers it under pressure into the interior of agitator chassis 9 which is now stationary. This fluid passes through orifices 9a and inates membrane 11 while washing chamber 1a is at subatmospheric pressure. During a normal rinsing operation there is now more uid in the washing .chamber 1a than the fully Y.distended volnme of membrane 11 can receive by reason of the position of perforated anvil Y4 vwi'hin chamber 1a, the excess fluid ispermitted to pass through the spring biased vent valve 38 which is in open `:communication with pipe 41 through pipe 45 yand thereby enters drain pipe 44. In this manner a predetermined pressure by virtue of the degree of the spring bias on vent valve 38 is available to express water from the laundry 13 greater than any possible pressure that can .be attained by the vacuum .differential generated in Figure l. Also, by this proc edure there is a saving of water as consumed in any one automatic cycle in View of the .dual use of the last rinse water. After the necessary period of pressure water extraction from the laundry 13, .the timer 46 closes valve 33 and 34 and opens valves 35 and 37, whereby pump23 exhausts the .fluid now .dilating membrane 11 and after a further interval timer y46 stops the pump 23 and opens valves v33 and 36 and .thus permits `atmospheric pressure to .enter chamber 1a thereby fully restoring .the inherent molded form factor in membrane 11 to permit it to snugly contact its chassis -9. Locking means 31 are shown to keep closure 2 in Figure 2 in uid `tight relation during the above extraction operation.

In Figure 3 the envelope or membrane 11 is shown formed abolita-more conventional type of agitator chassis 9b which has substantially vertically-disposed blades 49. The chassis 9b is broken away to show the section of blades 49 as well as their contour. The chassis 9b is closed at the top by plate 18, the diameter `of which defines area A, relieving the cover 2 over the projected area A of the support of membrane 1l wherrit is in its inflated position as is Yshown by numeral 12. By the proper design of the blades 49 formed in chassis 9a sufiicient depth can be formed in them so that the membrane 11 which envelopes them and normally fits thereon is thereby permitted by the convolutions so formed in 'it .to `be unfolded by pressure inflation to assume a contacting position with the anvil surface 4a -whereon the laundry is squeezed dry.

It is evident that this invention, which has 1been described as comprising an envelope or membrane 11 enveloping the washing element 9 which forms a supporting chassis therefor, might be given the terminology of a rubber bag enveloping the washing element and her- 4metically secured to and supported thereby in a collapsed state yet readily inilatable by the difference of pressure imposed on its vinterior as compared to its exterior surfaces.

vWhat VI desire to protect by United States Letters 'Patent is encompassed in the following claims:

l. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub Vhaving a laundry entry thereto, a perforate washing element within said tub, an `imperforate flexible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane when in its relaxed state adapted to conform to the contour o f said washing element and without impairing the washing action of said element, means for actuating the washing element for the washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil withinsaid tub in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, means for equalizing the pressure upon the inner and outer surfaces of said membrane to maintain the same in conforming relation with the washing .element during the washing operation, and means for establishing a differential pressure upon said vinner vand ,o uter surfaces of the .membrane after completion of .the .washing operation, whereby said membrane is in- 'ated to a position to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvil.

2. The subject-matter of claim l wherein the top portion of said perforate washing element comprises a rigid plate-like member of predetermined extent positioned adjacent to but in spaced relation to the closure for the laundry entry with the top edges of said membrane attached to the periphery of said rigid plate-like member.

v3. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a perforate Washing element within said tub, an imperforate flexible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the Washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane when in its relaxed state adapted to conform to the contour of said washing element and without irnpairing the washing action of said element, means for actuating the washing element for the washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil within said tub in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, a source of iluid pressure, and means to connect said fluid pressure with the interior of said perforate washing element after the washing operation, whereby said membrane is inflated to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvil.

4. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a vertically mounted perforate washing element in the axis of said tub and adapted to be oscillated upon said axis, said element formed with washing impellers, an imperforate flexible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and .enveloping the same, said membrane when in its relaxed state adapted to conform to the contour of said washing element and its impellers, means for actuating .the washing element for the washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil positioned about the inner circumference of said tub, drain and water supply means in connection'with said tub and anvil, a source of iluid pressure, and means to connect said fluid pressure with the interior of said perforate washing element, whereby said membrane is inflated to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvil.

5. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a cover for the laundry entry, a perforate washing element within said tub, an imperforate ilexible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane when in its relaxed state adapted to conform to the contour of said Washing element and without impairing the washing action of said element, means for actuating the washing element, a perforate squeezing anvil within said tub in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, water supply and drain means for said tub, atmospheric pressure communication means to the interior of said exible membrane, and means for withdrawing the liquid and air from said tub to create a subatmospheric pressure upon the exterior surface of the membrane, whereby said membrane is intlated by the atmospheric air pressure within said membrane to thereby cause the membrane to squeeze-dry the laundry in said tub against said anvil.

6. A laundry Washing machine comprising a tub, said tub having a closable opening through which laundry may be inserted and removed, a perforate washing element within said tub, said washing element formed with radially extending impellers, an imperforate exible membrane secured at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of said washing element, said membrane enveloping said washing element and adapted when in its relaxed state to conform to the contour of the washing element and its radially extended impellers without vimpairing eiective washing action of said impellers, means for actuating the washing element for the washing operation, a perforate squeeze anvil within the .tub and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, a source of fluid pressure, and means to connect said fluid pressure withr the interior of said perforate washing element after `the washing operation, whereby said membrane is inflated to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvil.

7. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a perforate washing element 7 within said tub, an imperforate exible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane when in its relaxed state adapted to conform to the contour of said washing element and without impairing the washing action of said element, outwardly extending vanes on the exterior surface of said membrane for enhancing the washing operation, means for actuating the washing element for the washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil within said tub in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, a source of fluid pressure, and means to connect said fluid pressure with the interior of said perforate washing element after the washing operation, whereby said membrane is inflated to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvil.

8. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a perforate washing element within said tub, an imperforate flexible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane so formed as to assume when in its relaxed state a position snugly contacting and conforming to the contour of said washing element, means for actuating the washing element for the washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil Within said tub in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, a source of iiuid pressure, and means to connect said uid pressure with the interior of said perforate washing element after the washing operation, whereby said membrane is inflated to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvil.

9. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a perforated washing element of convoluted form within said tub, an imperforate ilexible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane being in convoluted form and adapted when in its relaxed state to assume a position snugly contacting and conforming to the convoluted contour of said Washing element and without pulsation with respect to said element during the washing operation, means for actuating the washing element and its attached snugly fitting membrane for the washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil within said tub in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, a source of fluid pressure, and means to connect said uid pressure with the interior of said perforate washing element, whereby said convoluted membrane is inflated to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvil.

l0. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a perforate washing element within said tub, an imperforate flexible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane being in molded form and adapted when in its relaxed state and during the washing operation to assume a position snugly contacting and conforming to the contour of said washing element without impairing effective washing action of said element, outwardly extending vanes formed on the exterior surface of said molded membrane for enhancing the washing operation, means for actuating the washing element for the washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil within said tub in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, a source of fluid pressure, and means to connect said iiuid pressure with the interior of said perforate washing element after the washing operation, whereby said membrane is inflated to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvii.

11. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a perforate washing element within said tub, an imperforate exible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane when in its relaxed state adapted to conform to the contour of said washing element and without impairing the washing action of said element, means for actuating the washing element for the washing operation, a. perforate squeezing anvil within said tub and in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, drain and water supply means in connection with said tub, and means for exhausting water and air from the tub and transferring the same into the interior of said membrane to thereby inflate said membrane, whereby the iniiated membrane serves to displace and squeeze-dry the laundry in said tub against said anvil.

12. A laundry washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a perforate washing element within said tub, an imperforate exible membrane attached at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of the washing element and enveloping the same, said membrane when in its relaxed state adapted to conform to the contour of said washing element and without impairing the washing action of said element, means for actuating the washing element for the washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil within said tub and in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element and its attached membrane, drain and water supply means in connection with said tub, motor actuated pumping means to exhaust water and air from said tub and transfer the same to the interior of said membrane to thereby inflate the membrane for causing the same to squeeze-dry the laundry against said anvil, and automatic venting means operative during such transfer of water and air into the interior of said membrane to limit the pressure generated in said membrane and for the purposes intended.

13. A laundry Washing machine comprising a tub having a laundry entry thereto, a Huid-tight closure therefor, a perforate washing element vertically positioned within said tub directly under said closure and having a rigid top portion of predetermined extent in spaced relation to said closure, an imperforate exible membrane secured at its edges to both the top and bottom portions of said washing element and with the top edges of said membrane attached to the periphery of said rigid top portion, said membrane enveloping the Washing element and when in its relaxed state adapted to conform to the contour thereof, means for actuating the washing element and its attached membrane for the Washing operation, a perforate squeezing anvil within said tub in spaced relation to and surrounding the washing element yand its attached membrane, a source of fluid pressure,

and means to connect said fluid pressure with the interior of said perforate Washing element after the washing operation, whereby said membrane is inlated to squeezedry the laundry against said anvil and whereby the rigid top portion of the washing element serves to restrict contact of the inflated membrane to only a portion of the inner surface of said closure to thereby reduce the displacing pressure thereon.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,187,770 Chamberlin et al. Ian. 23, 1940 2,407,660 Graham Sept. 17, 1946 2,417,998 Wales Mar. 25, 1947 2,428,710 .lorgenson et al. Oct. 7, 1947 2,472,682 Rand June 7, 1949 2,499,025 Horvath Feb. 28, 1950

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