U.S. patent application number 10/264829 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for beaker type dyeing machine.
Invention is credited to Go, Daniel, Rapoport, Lev.
Application Number | 20030066139 10/264829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23275650 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030066139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Go, Daniel ; et al. |
April 10, 2003 |
Beaker type dyeing machine
Abstract
A dyeing machine includes a beaker and a carrier within the
beaker. The carrier includes a perforation and supports a sample. A
pump assembly circulates a processing solution to a first side of
the carrier. The processing solution passes through the perforation
for dyeing the sample from the inside-out. The carrier is
substantially a cylinder.
Inventors: |
Go, Daniel; (Parsippany,
NJ) ; Rapoport, Lev; (Yardley, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
800 SUPERIOR AVENUE
SUITE 1400
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
23275650 |
Appl. No.: |
10/264829 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60327223 |
Oct 5, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/158 ;
68/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06B 23/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/158 ;
68/184 |
International
Class: |
D06B 001/00 |
Goverment Interests
[0001] This invention was not made by an agency of the United
States Government nor under contract with an agency of the United
States Government.
Claims
We claim:
1. A dyeing machine, comprising: a beaker; a carrier within the
beaker, the carrier including a perforation and supporting a
sample; and a pump assembly for circulating a processing solution
to a first side of the carrier, the processing solution passing
through the perforation for dyeing the sample.
2. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the carrier
defines an interior volume, the first side being an interior side
of the carrier and the second side being an exterior side of the
carrier; and the sample is supported on the exterior side of the
carrier.
3. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 2, wherein: the carrier
is substantially a cylinder.
4. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 1, further including: a
flow guide element having: an input flow port which receives the
processing solution from the storage device; and an output flow
port which transmits the processing solution to the first side of
the carrier.
5. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 4, wherein centrifugal
forces cause the processing solution transmitted from the output
flow port to coat the first side of the carrier.
6. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein a portion of
the carrier is submerged in the processing solution within the
storage device.
7. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 1, further including: a
displacement body within a volume of space defined by the carrier,
the pump circulating the processing solution within a gap between
the first side of the carrier and the displacement body.
8. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 1, further including: a
storage device housing the processing solution.
9. A dyeing machine, comprising: a dyeing beaker; a support
assembly mounting the beaker; a carrier, within the beaker,
including an aperture and supporting a sample; and means for
circulating a processing fluid to a first side of the carrier, the
processing fluid passing through the aperture for dyeing the
sample.
10. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 9, further including:
an input flow port which receives the processing fluid into a flow
guide element; and an output flow port which transmits the
processing fluid from the flow guide element to the first side of
the carrier at a predetermined angle.
11. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the
support includes: a magnet; and an impeller, the magnet and the
impeller cooperating to circulate the processing fluid through the
flow ports.
12. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
impeller generates a centrifugal force for causing the processing
fluid from the output flow port to spray the first side of the
carrier.
13. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the output
flow port is set at a predetermined angle for causing the
processing fluid to coat the first side of the carrier.
14. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein the carrier
surrounds a volume of space in the beaker, the dyeing machine
further including: a displacement body within the volume of space
surrounded by the carrier, the processing fluid being circulated
within a gap between the first side of the carrier and the
displacement body.
15. The dyeing machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein the carrier
causes a portion of the sample to be submerged in the processing
fluid.
16. A method for dyeing a sample, the method comprising: securing a
sample to a sample side of a carrier including a perforation;
securing the carrier within a beaker; circulating a processing
solution to a processing side of the carrier; and passing the
processing solution through the perforation for dyeing the
sample.
17. The method for dyeing a sample as set forth in claim 16,
wherein: the step of securing the sample includes: securing a
plurality of layers of the sample to the carrier, the layer of the
sample closest to the carrier being dyed before the layer of the
sample farthest from the carrier.
18. The method for dyeing a sample as set forth in claim 16,
wherein the step of circulating includes: receiving the processing
fluid in an input flow port of a flow guide element; and
transmitting the processing fluid to the processing side of the
carrier via an output flow port of the flow guide element.
19. The method for dyeing a sample as set forth in claim 18,
wherein the step of transmitting includes: transmitting the
processing fluid between a displacement body and the processing
side of the carrier; and drawing the processing fluid to the
processing side of the carrier via a centrifugal force.
20. The method for dyeing a sample as set forth in claim 16,
wherein the carrier is substantially cylindrically shaped, the
method including: wrapping the sample around the carrier.
21. The method for dyeing a sample as set forth in claim 16,
wherein the step of securing the carrier within the beaker
includes: submerging a portion of the sample in the processing
solution.
Description
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/327,223, filed Oct. 5, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a beaker type dyeing
machine. It finds particular application in conjunction with
controlled dyeing of fabrics and other materials in a laboratory
setting and will be described with particular reference thereto. It
will be appreciated, however, that the invention is also amenable
to other like applications.
[0004] Many processes for dyeing fabrics on an industrial scale
require that liquids, dyes, and other chemicals be added
periodically or intermittently according to some predetermined
pattern or sequence. In addition, the dye bath should be suitably
agitated to assure uniform dye application. The uniformity of
results obtained from batch to batch often depends on the precision
with which the liquids, dyes, and chemicals are added, both in
terms of amounts as well as timing, as well as the level of
agitation received.
[0005] New dyeing processes are constantly being developed. To
facilitate this work, laboratory-scale dyeing machines are
available for carrying out test dyeing protocols in a laboratory
setting.
[0006] In one such conventional laboratory-scale dyeing machine, a
dyeing beaker is mounted on a rotating disc. A spool of a sample
(e.g., fabric) is completely submerged in a liquid/dye/chemical
solution ("the solution"). A flow of the solution is established so
that the sample is dyed starting from the outside of the sample
spool and moving toward the inner core (i.e., from the
outside-in).
[0007] Several disadvantages exist for the conventional
laboratory-scale dyeing machine described above. For example,
substantially uniform and even dyeing is typically only achieved
for relatively small samples (e.g., less than about 70 grams).
Furthermore, in part because the sample is completely submerged in
the solution, the solution/sample ratio for achieving desirable
dyeing results is relatively high (e.g., .gtoreq.about 10
milliliters/1 gram). In other words, relatively large amounts of
dye and chemical solution is needed to dye relatively smaller
samples. Since the solution and sample are typically heated and
agitated during the dyeing process, the time and cost of the dyeing
process is a function of the amount of dye and chemical solution
used. Therefore, the conventional laboratory-scale dyeing machine
is time consuming and costly.
[0008] Additionally, conventional laboratory-scale dyeing machines
do not replicate the flow of the solution through the sample. More
specifically, as discussed above, the flow of the solution in
conventional laboratory-scale dyeing machines is from the
outside-in. Because commercial dyeing systems typically dye a
sample starting from the inside of the sample spool and moving
toward the outer edge (i.e., inside-out), the conventional
laboratory-scale dyeing machines do not provide an accurate
representation of how a sample is dyed in commercial dyeing
systems.
[0009] The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus
and method which addresses the above-referenced problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a dyeing machine
includes a beaker and a carrier within the beaker. The carrier
includes a perforation and supports a sample. A pump assembly
circulates a processing solution to a first side of the carrier.
The processing solution passes through the perforation for dyeing
the sample.
[0011] In one aspect, the carrier defines an interior volume. The
first side is an interior side of the carrier and the second side
is an exterior side of the carrier. The sample is supported on the
exterior side of the carrier.
[0012] In another aspect, the carrier is substantially a
cylinder.
[0013] In another aspect, a flow guide element has an input flow
port, which receives the processing solution from the storage
device, and an output flow port, which transmits the processing
solution to the first side of the carrier.
[0014] In another aspect, centrifugal forces cause the processing
solution transmitted from the output flow port to coat the first
side of the carrier.
[0015] In another aspect, a portion of the carrier is submerged in
the processing solution within the storage device.
[0016] In another aspect, a displacement body is within a volume of
space defined by the carrier. The pump circulates the processing
solution within a gap between the first side of the carrier and the
displacement body.
[0017] In another aspect, a storage device houses the processing
solution.
[0018] In another embodiment, a dyeing machine includes a dyeing
beaker and a support assembly mounting the beaker. A carrier,
within the beaker, includes an aperture and supports a sample. A
means for circulating circulates a processing fluid to a first side
of the carrier. The processing fluid passes through the aperture
for dyeing the sample.
[0019] In another embodiment, a method for dyeing a sample includes
securing a sample to a sample side of a carrier including a
perforation. The carrier is secured within a beaker. A processing
solution is circulated to a processing side of the carrier. The
processing solution passes through the perforation for dyeing the
sample.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the
invention are illustrated, which, together with a general
description of the invention given above, and the detailed
description given below, serve to exemplify the embodiments of this
invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a beaker dyeing
machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the carrier partially
covered by a sample in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a flow guide element in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow guide
element of FIG. 3 taken along the lines A-A in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow guide
element of FIG. 4 taken along the lines B-B in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a beaker
dyeing machine 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The machine 10 includes a beaker 12. A permanent
magnetic flange 14 is positioned near a bottom of the beaker 12.
The beaker 12 is positioned such that the magnetic flange 14 is in
an operative engagement with a magnetic drive 16. In the
illustrated embodiment, the magnetic drive 16 is external to the
beaker 12. However, other embodiments, in which the magnetic drive
16 is included in the beaker 12, are also contemplated.
[0027] A fluid pump 20, impeller 22, and drive shaft 24 are secured
to the magnetic flange 14. The flange 14, shaft 24, and impeller 22
are recessed within a flow guide element 26, which rests on the
bottom of the beaker 12. The magnet 16 drives the magnetic flange
14 which, in turn, drives the fluid pump 20, impeller 22, and drive
shaft 24.
[0028] In one embodiment, the pump 20, magnet flange 14, drive
shaft 24, impeller 22, and flow guide element 26 are referred to as
a pump assembly. As discussed below, the pump assembly is used as a
means for agitating and circulating a processing fluid 30 through
the dyeing machine 10.
[0029] A displacement body 32 is positioned above the flow guide
element 26 and substantially along a central axis 34 relative to
the pump assembly. A material (sample) carrier 36 is positioned
around the displacement body 32 and also shares the central axis
34. The carrier 36 defines an interior volume 40 in which the
displacement body 32 is positioned. In one embodiment, the carrier
36 and displacement body 32 are substantially cylindrically shaped
and are coaxial relative to each other. However, other embodiments,
in which the carrier 36 and displacement body 32 are shaped as
other objects and/or not coaxially positioned relative to each
other, are also contemplated.
[0030] In one embodiment, the sample is a fabric to be dyed.
However, other embodiments, in which the sample includes other
materials (e.g., polymers, etc.), are also contemplated.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 2, the carrier 36 includes apertures
42 that perforate from a first side (a processing side) 44 (see
FIG. 1), which is along an inner surface of the carrier 36, to a
second side 46 (a sample side), which is along an outer surface of
the carrier 36. A sample 50 is secured to the sample side of the
carrier 36.
[0032] A pressure ring 52 fits inside the inner surface 44 of the
carrier 36 to maintain the shape of the carrier 36. An inner
annular gap 54, having a predetermined width, is define between the
inner surface 44 of the perforated carrier 36 and the displacement
body 32. In one embodiment, the gap 54 ranges from about 2 mm to
about 4 mm. However, other embodiments, in which the gap 54 has
other predetermined widths, are also contemplated.
[0033] In one embodiment, a portion of the carrier 36 and sample 50
are submerged in the processing fluid 30. However, other
embodiments, in which the processing fluid is stored remote from
the beaker are also contemplated. In these alternate embodiments,
neither the carrier nor the sample is submerged in the processing
fluid.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the flow guide element 26
including input and output flow guide ports 60, 62,
respectively.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow guide
element 26 of FIG. 3 taken along the lines A-A. As discussed below,
the input and output flow guide ports 60, 62, respectively, are
angled to facilitate the circulation of the processing fluid
through the pump 20.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow guide
element 26 of FIG. 4 taken along the lines B-B. With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 4, the impeller 22 includes cross blades 64. The cross
blades 64 agitate the processing fluid 30 when the impeller 22
rotates.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, when the magnetic drive 16
is started, the magnetic flange 14 and blades 64 of the impeller 22
begin to rotate for agitating the processing fluid 30. Furthermore,
the rotation of the flange 14 and blades 64 create a flow of the
processing fluid 30 in the direction of the arrows through the
input and output flow guide ports 60, 62, respectively. More
specifically, the processing fluid 30 is drawn into the input flow
guide port 60 by a suction created by the rotation of the flange 14
and the impeller 22. Furthermore, the fluid is pumped into the
volume 40 below the displacement body 32 via the output flow guide
port 62. It is to be understood that, according to commonly
accepted practice, the processing fluid 30 is heated to a
predetermined temperature by a temperature controller (e.g.,
heating element) (not shown).
[0038] The angles of the input and output flow guide ports 60, 62
are set for optimizing the circulation of the processing fluid 30.
In other words, the angle of the input flow guide port 60 is set to
optimize the flow of the fluid 30 into the flow guide element 26.
Additionally, the angle of the output flow guide port 62 is set to
optimize the flow of the fluid 30 from the flow guide element 26 to
the gap 54. More specifically, the angle of the output flow guide
port 62 is set to aim the fluid 30 exiting the port 62 into the gap
54.
[0039] The drive shaft 24 rotates the carrier 36 and displacement
body 32 (e.g., at about 1200 rpm) to create a centrifugal force,
which acts upon the fluid entering the gap. In other words, the
centrifugal force causes the fluid entering the gap to come into
contact with the inner surface 44 of the carrier 36. In this
manner, the processing fluid 30 coats (sprays) the inner surface 44
of the carrier 36.
[0040] After the processing fluid begins to coat the inner surface
of the carrier 36, the fluid 30 seeps through the apertures
(perforations) 42 until contacting the sample material 50. Although
only a single layer of the sample material 50 is illustrated in
FIG. 2, it is to be understood that additional layers of the sample
material are contemplated to be wrapped around the carrier 36. In
one embodiment, up to about 350 grams of the sample material 50 are
wrapped around the carrier 36 in one or more layers.
[0041] If multiple layers of the sample material are wrapped around
the carrier, the inner-most layer (i.e., the layer against the
outer wall 46 of the carrier 36) is dyed first. Then, the
additional layers are dyed until the outer-most layer (i.e., the
layer farthest from the outer wall of the carrier) is dyed. In this
manner, the beaker dyeing machine creates a flow of processing
fluid so that samples are dyed from the inside-out.
[0042] It has been found that the beaker dyeing machine 10
described above works well with solution/sample ratios less than
about 10 milliliters/1 gram (and even as low as about 5
milliliters/1 gram).
[0043] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have
been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of
the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to
the specific details, the representative apparatus, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or
scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
* * * * *