U.S. patent application number 13/037899 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-01 for washer extractor and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATION, a Louisiana corporation. Invention is credited to Russell H. Poy.
Application Number | 20110209292 13/037899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44504473 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110209292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poy; Russell H. |
September 1, 2011 |
WASHER EXTRACTOR AND METHOD
Abstract
A method of washing fabric articles provides a washer extractor
having a reservoir for holding fabric articles and a washing
liquid. A washing liquid is pumped from the reservoir to the washer
extractor interior. The ratio of pounds of washing liquid to pounds
of fabric articles is about 4 to 1, plus absorbed water. Fluid is
pulse flowed to the textile articles at a volume of between about
0.5 to 2 gallons (2 to 8 liters) per pound (0.45 kg) of fabric
articles for a selected time interval. Washing chemicals are added
to the washer extractor. Water is transmitted to the washer
extractor at the rate of 0.35 to 0.6 gallons (1.33 to 2.3 liters)
of water per pound (0.45 kg) of fabric articles within a selected
time interval.
Inventors: |
Poy; Russell H.; (New
Orleans, LA) |
Assignee: |
PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATION, a
Louisiana corporation
Kenner
LA
|
Family ID: |
44504473 |
Appl. No.: |
13/037899 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61309294 |
Mar 1, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 ;
68/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06L 1/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 ;
68/200 |
International
Class: |
D06L 1/20 20060101
D06L001/20; D06B 1/00 20060101 D06B001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of washing fabric articles, comprising the steps of: a)
providing a reservoir of washing liquid; b) providing a washer
extractor having an interior for holding fabric articles; c)
placing fabric articles to be washed in the interior of the washer
extractor; d) pumping the washing liquid from the reservoir to the
washer extractor interior; e) adding washing chemicals to the
washer extractor interior; f) transmitting rinse water to the
washing extractor interior at a rate of 0.35 to 0.6 gallons (1.33
and 2.3 liters) of water per pound (0.45 kg) of fabric articles
within a selected time interval; and g) extracting liquid from the
washer extractor after step "f".
2. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein one of
the chemicals of step "e" is an alkali.
3. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein one of
the chemicals of step "e" is a detergent.
4. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein one of
the chemicals of step "e" is a sour solution.
5. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein water
consumption is between about 1 and 2 gallons (4 and 8 liters) per
pound (0.45 kg) of processed fabric articles.
6. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein the
water temperature in step "d" is in excess of 100 degrees F. (38
degrees C.).
7. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein the
water temperature in step "d" is in excess of 120 degrees F. (49
degrees C.).
8. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein the
time interval of step "f' is about one minute.
9. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein the
time interval of step "f' is about two minutes.
10. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 1 wherein the
ratio of pounds of washing liquid to pounds of fabric articles is
about 4 to 1, plus absorbed water.
11. A washer extractor apparatus, comprising: a) a washer extractor
for holding fabric articles to be washed in a washing liquid having
an associated reservoir and a washer extractor interior; b) a
reservoir having a flow line that enables transmission of washing
liquid from the reservoir to the washer extractor interior; c) a
pump that enables flowing of rinse fluid to the fabric articles at
a volume of between about 0.5 to 2.0 gallons (2-8 liters) per pound
(0.45 kg) of fabric articles for a selected time interval; d)
wherein said pump is capable of transmitting water to the washer
extractor at the rate of 0.35 to 0.6 gallons (1.33-2.3 liters) of
water per pound (0.45 kg) of fabric articles within a selected time
interval; and e) a flow line that enables extraction of liquid from
the washer extractor.
12. The washer extractor of claim 11 further comprising a flow line
for adding chemicals to the washer extractor interior.
13. The washer extractor of claim 11 wherein water consumption is
between about 1 and 2 gallons (4-8 liters) per pound (0.45 kg) of
washed and fluid extracted fabric articles.
14. A method of washing fabric articles, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a reservoir of washing liquid; b) providing a washer
extractor having an interior for holding fabric articles; c)
placing fabric articles to be washed in the interior of the washer
extractor; d) pumping the washing liquid from the reservoir to the
washer extractor interior wherein the washer extractor interior has
a liquid upper surface; e) controlling the liquid upper surface
level with a weir that continuously discharges excess water from
the washer extractor interior, said weir having a weir effluent; f)
adding washing chemicals to the washer extractor interior; g)
transmitting rinse water to the washing extractor interior at a
rate of 0.35 to 0.6 gallons (1.33 to 2.3 liters) of water per pound
(0.45 kg) of fabric articles within a selected time interval; and
h) extracting liquid from the washer extractor after step "f',
wherein excess liquid that has been added in step "f" is discharged
via the weir.
15. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein one
of the chemicals of step "f" is an alkali.
16. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein one
of the chemicals of step "f" is a detergent.
17. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein one
of the chemicals of step "f" is a sour solution.
18. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein water
consumption is between about 1 and 2 gallons (4-8 liters) per pound
(0.45 kg) of processed fabric articles.
19. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein the
water temperature in step "d" is in excess of about 100 degrees
F.
20. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein the
water temperature in step "d" is in excess of 120 degrees F.
21. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein the
time interval of step "g" is about one minute.
22. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein the
time interval of step "g" is about two minutes.
23. The method of washing fabric articles of claim 14 wherein the
ratio of pounds of washing liquid to pounds of fabric articles is
about 4 to 1, plus absorbed water.
24. The method of claim 1 wherein the extracted liquid of step "g"
is transmitted to the reservoir of step "a".
25. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a flow line for
enabling transmission of the extracted liquid to the reservoir.
26. The method of claim 14 wherein the extracted liquid of step "h"
is transmitted to the reservoir of step "a".
27. The method of claim 1 wherein at least some of the extracted
liquid of step "g" is re-circulated to comprise at least a part of
the rinse water of step "g".
28. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a re-circulation
flow line connecting the washer extractor to the reservoir, wherein
said re-circulation flow line enables transmission of at least some
of the extracted liquid to the reservoir so that at least some of
said extracted liquid becomes a part of the rinse water.
29. The method of claim 14 wherein at least some of the extracted
liquid of step "g" is re-circulated to comprise at least a part of
the rinse water of step "g".
30. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a re-circulation
flow line that conveys all or part of said weir effluent to said
reservoir.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non provisional patent application of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/309,294, filed 1 Mar.
2010.
[0002] Priority of US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/309,294, filed 1 Mar. 2010, incorporated herein by reference, is
hereby claimed.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0004] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to washer extractors, more
particularly to an improved washer extractor that uses high
velocity overflow rinsing to eliminate most or all of the fill and
drain steps typically associated with prior art washer extractors.
Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an
improved washer extractor that uses a high velocity of water to
increase the hydraulic pressure on the soil in the fabric articles
and suspended in the wash liquor, thus reducing the amount of rinse
water required.
[0007] 2. General Background of the Invention
[0008] Prior art washes and rinses linen with successive fill and
drain steps. A typical wash formula comprises between 6 and 15
steps, depending on linen soil classification.
[0009] Because each step drains the wash/rinse liquor, water
consumption is generally between two (2) and four (4) gallons (8
and 15 liters) per pound (0.45 kg) of processed linen.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The design of the present invention provides an improved
washer extractor. This invention uses high velocity overflow
rinsing to eliminate most, if not all, fill and drain steps. The
high velocity of the water increases the hydraulic pressure on the
soil in the linen and suspended in the wash liquor, thus reducing
the amount of rinse water required.
[0011] Typical water consumption with this system is between about
one (1) and two (2) gallons (4 and 8 liters) per pound (0.45 kg) of
processed linen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the
following detailed description, read in conjunction with the
following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like
elements and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention, designated generally by the numeral 10.
Washer extractor apparatus 10 provides a machine 11 which can be in
the form of a drum, extractor, or any other machine capable of
washing textiles such as linens and/or extracting water from
textile articles such as linens.
[0015] Machine or drum 11 provides drum interior 12. Tank 13 can be
used to mix fresh cold and fresh hot water. The mixture of hot/cold
water is then pumped to machine 11 interior 12. Tank 13 provides
tank interior 14 where hot and cold source water is mixed to
provide fluid having a selected temperature. Tank 13 can be drained
using flow line 21 and valve 22. A first influent flow line 15 can
be used to add fresh cold water to tank 13 interior 14. First
influent flow line 15 can be provided with valve 16. Flow line 15
connects to a fresh cold water source 17.
[0016] Second influent flow line 18 can also be provided with a
valve 19. The flow line 18 connects to a fresh hot water source 20.
As part of the method of the present invention, the valves 16 and
19 are modulated in order to provide a water volume in tank 13
interior 14 of a selected temperature. The water in tank 13
interior 14 is transmitted via flow line 23 to pump 24. In the
preferred embodiment, the machine 11 is filled with water at a
temperature of preferably about 120 degrees F. (49 degrees C.).
[0017] The machine 11 interior 12 is filled with selected fabric
articles to be rinsed, such as linen articles. Water in the tank 13
is transmitted via the flow line 23 to the machine 11 interior 12
to provide a liquor ratio of about four (4) pounds (1.8 kg) liquor
per pound (0.45 kg) of fabric article or linen, plus absorbed
water. As part of the method, alkali can be added to the mixture of
water and linen or fabric articles in machine 11 interior 12.
[0018] Water is then pulsed flowed into interior 12 via inlet
nozzle or inlet orifice 44 (see arrow 25) at a volume of between
about one half (0.5) and two (2.0) gallons (1.9 and 7.6 liters) per
pound (0.45 kg) for the last sixty (60) seconds of a rinsing step.
Selected chemicals from chemical source 27 can be added to the
mixture of water and fabric articles as a second step of the method
of the present invention (see arrow 26 in FIG. 1). For example,
detergent and/or alkali can be added to the water and fabric
article mixture in tank 11.
[0019] The pump 24 delivers between about 0.35 and 0.6 gallons
(1.33 and 2.3 liters) of water per pound (0.45 kg) of linen in
about two (2) minutes. A sour solution can then be added to the
machine 11 interior 12. As water is pulsed into interior 12 via
nozzle or orifice 44 (see arrow 25 in FIG. 1), excess water can
overflow from the interior 11 via outlet or weir 43. The normal
fluid level is thus represented schematically by the dotted line 45
in FIG. 1. Water so discharged via overflow drain flow line 28 can
flow through opened valve 29 to tee fitting 30. The overflow liquid
can then be drained to sewer as indicated by arrow 35 or recovered
to tank 13 as indicated by arrow 32. In order to recover fluid from
flow line 28, valve 34 in drain line 33 is closed and valve 31 is
opened.
[0020] The liquor is then extracted from the machine 11 via flow
line 36. This extraction can be accomplished by opening valve 39 or
42 and closing the other of these two valves. Flow line 36 and
valve 42 can be used to recover this extracted liquor. For recovery
of extracted liquor, valve 39 is closed and valve 42 is opened.
[0021] Arrow 37 in FIG. 1 illustrates a recovery of extracted
liquid with return to tank 13. If the extracted liquid is to be
drained to sewer, valve 42 is closed and valve 39 is opened.
Extracted fluid than discharges to sewer via drain flow line 40 and
valve 39 as illustrated by arrow 41 in FIG. 1. A tee fitting 38 can
be provided to mate flow lines 36 and 40 as seen in FIG. 1. This
tee fitting 38 communicates with drain line 40 for discharging any
selected fluid to sewer as illustrated by arrow 41 in FIG. 1.
[0022] The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for
use in the present invention.
TABLE-US-00001 PARTS LIST Part Number Description 10 pulse flow
washer extractor apparatus 11 machine/drum 12 drum interior 13 tank
14 tank interior 15 first influent flow line 16 valve 17 fresh cold
water source 18 second influent flow line 19 valve 20 fresh hot
water source 21 drain line 22 valve 23 discharge flow line 24 pump
25 arrow 26 arrow 27 chemical source 28 overflow drain flow line 29
valve 30 tee fitting 31 valve 32 arrow 33 drain line 34 valve 35
arrow 36 recovery flow line 37 arrow 38 tee fitting 39 valve 40
drain flow line 41 arrow 42 valve 43 outlet/weir 44 inlet
opening/orifice/nozzle 45 dotted line/fluid level
[0023] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard
temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated
otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human
being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.
[0024] The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example
only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by
the following claims.
* * * * *