US2644245A - Clothes drier - Google Patents

Description

July 7, 1953 K. M. HAMMELL ETAL- CLOTHES DRIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 10, 1949 FIG. 5

lnvntor S Kemper M. Hummell Clifford E'. Erickson July 7, 1953 K. M.IHAMMELL ET AL CLOTHES DRIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 10, 1949 FIG.

FIG,

lnvenfors ,Kerpper M. Homrnell I Qlifford E. Erickson July 7, 1953 K. M. HAMMELL ET AL CLOTHES DRIER m n 5 z u o E 0 8 m w A N m ab n .mu 5? m vlE t e 9 Old m m w 8 mm 5 0 w 9 1 0mm 0! l mozx 6528 n 8.55% M N I l. FED OTCOQM i F Patented July 7, 1953 CLOTHES DRIER emper H mmell, b rdi and C i or li- Erickson, (Zhicago 111., assignors to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Apnh ati n February 94:9x S rial No- 5 6 6 3 Claims- The present invention rela es to. portable clo hes drying machine of he hom laundry type.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved clothes dryin machin of the type noted that employs a closed air circu lating system so that no su sta tial am unt of heat or moisture or lint are transported from the machine into the laundry or other room the home.

Another object of. the inventi n is o provid a clothes drying machine includin a d m ad pted to receive. and, to tumbl the cloth s, which drum is p vided. with. a asin that is to con t ct d. and arranged. that he otati n. of t e d um and the. tumbling o the c ot es ther n produce the required circulation of air through the drum and h as n Another object of the invention is to provide a clothes drying machine of the type noted, wherein the casing comprises a scroll-shaped section cooperating with the rotating drum to provide a fan chamber such that the air is compressed and moved through the casing in a very substantial current, whereby no other form of fan or blower is required in the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a clothes drying machine incorporating an improved arrangement for subjecting the clothes contained in the tumbling drum and the air passed therethrough to radiant heat in order to obtain an efficient drying action.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved clothes drying machine including a rotatable drum adapted to receive wet clothes to be dried, structures defining first and. second chambers, facility for continuously circulating air from the first chamber into the dril into contact with the contained clothes and then into the second chamber and thence back into the first chamber, an arrangement for heating the air in the first chamber, and an arrangement for scrubbing the air with a finely divided spray of cool water in the second chamber, whereby moisture and lint are removed from the circulated air in the second chamber and transferred to the ex terior of the machine.

A further object of the invention is to provide a portable clothes drying machine of the type noted and including a cabinet enclosing the casinghousing the tumbling drum, wherein the cabinet carries a detachable inlet conduit for supplying cooling water to the second chamber and a detachable drain conduit for draining to the exterior the water and the condensate and the carried lint.

a portable drying machine of the. type noted,

wher in the casin is provided w h a sump. f r

ollecting the water and wherein he cabine hous a p mp for dis harging the. wate from. he sump into the drain ondui A f th object f. th invention is to. provid a p rtable clo he dry ng machine o he pe d, wherein the. cabinet also houscsan electric motor o r tatin the tumblin drum and for opera in he pump and. ls arrie a tach a l it connector for supplying electric energy to the motor.

A further obje t of th inv nt on. i to provid a p rtable cloth s dr in machine of the pe noted, where n an electric hea er is employed to preheat he air he fir t. hamber and also to su ct the c othes and the air to radiant. heat i the tumbling chino.v and wherein a timer c ntr lled electric i u t s emp oyed for governin the upply of elec ic ener y t the heat and to the motor.

A further object of the invention is to provide a portable l hes drying machin o h typ noted, inc rp r tin n impr ved time and the m l p ns ve el ctrical con rol circui -f selectively governing operation thereof.

Further features of the invention pertain to h h rticular arran m ht of the lem n s. of the l es dryin mach e. wh reby th abo outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operationtogether with further ob-g jects and advantages thereof, will best be um. derstood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 a front perspective view of a porta lothes. dryin ach e of th home laundry type embodying the present inven-. t o i 2 s a trans se sectio l. i w, artl broken away, of the machine, taken in the irection of the arrows along the line 2? in Fig, i, and illustrating the apparatus disposed in the rear portion of the cabinet; Fig, 3 is a l hgitudinal s i l Vi pa t ybroken away of th machine, taken in the direction of the arrows along the, offset line 31-3 in Fig. .1 and illuse crating the apparatus disposed in the central and lo r p r ons of the cab net; Fi 4 is a transverse sectional view oi the perforated c1othesreceiving drum incorporated in the machine. taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 4-4 in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum, taken in the direc- U tion of the arrows along the offset line 55 in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view of the machine, taken adjacent to the front there-of in the direction of the arrows along the line -5 in Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view of the machine, taken adjacent to the rear thereof in the direction of the arrows along the line 'I--? in Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the lower portion of the casing enclosing the drum that is housed in the cabinet of the machine, illustrating the arrangement for scrubbing with a finely divided spray of cool water the air that is circulated in the casing and through the drum into contact with the contained clothes; Fig. 9is a greatly enlarged fragmentary exterior view of the cylindrical side wall of the drum, illustrating the outwardly extending or extruded holes or perforations formed therein; Fig. 10 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the cylindrical side wall of the drum, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line !0lli in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary View of the middle heating element in the electric heater incorporated in the ma chine and disposed between the upper portion of the casing and the adjacent portion of the cylindrical side wall of the drum, this view being taken in the direction of the arrows ll-H in Fig. 6; and Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the machine and a diagrammatic illustration of the electric control circuit therefor, as well as a schematic illustration of associated conventional equipment normally located in a laundry room in a home.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, of the drawings, the portable clothes drying machine 29 there illustrated is especially designed for use in a home laundry and embodies the features of the present invention and comprises an upstanding cabinet 2! formed of sheet steel, or the like, and provided with a suitable exterior finish, such, for example, as white enamel. The cabinet 2! is of hollow construction comprising a supportin base or bottom wall 22, a top wall 23, a front wall 24, a rear wall 25, a left-hand side wall 26 and a right-hand side wall 2?. The bottom wall or base 22 comprises a downwardly turned marginal flange 28 receiving the lower edges of the front wall 24, the rear wall 25 and. the side walls 25 and 21 and carries suitable feet, not shown, adapted to engage a supporting floor. The front wall 25, the rear wall 25 and the side walls 26 and 27 are provided with an inwardly turned marginal flange 25 adjacent to the upper ends thereof that engage and support a cooperating inwardly turned marginal flange 39 provided about the lower portion of the top wall 23. The top wall 23 may be readily assembled and disassembled with respect to the front wall 24, the rear wall 25 and the side walls 26 and 21; and the last mentioned walls may be readily assembled and disassembledwith respect to the bottom wall 22. of the front wall 24 is rearwardy offset in order to provide a toe-receiving recess 3| permitting a person to 'work closely adjacent to the front wall 24. Preferably the cabinet is of standard counter-line dimensions, whereby the distance between the lower edge of the marginal flange 28 of the bottom wall 22 and the top surface of the top wall 23 is 36 inches, the distance between the front wall 24 and the rear wall 25 is 2'7 inches, the distance between the side walls 26 and 2'? is 31 inches, and the recess 3| is 4 inches by 4 inches. These dimensions of the cabinet 20 are given in terms of outside measurements permitting the machine 20 to be placed in a standard counter- The lower portion 4 line disposed either in a laundry room or in a kitchen.

A laterally extending louver 32 is formed in the front wall 24 adjacent to the lower edge thereof and within the recess 3|, and a series of laterally spaced-apart holes 33 are formed in the rear of the top wall 23; whereby the interior of the cabinet 28 may be ventilated, for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter, by an upwardly directed convection current of ambient air, the current of air passing through the louver 32 into the front lower portion of the cabinet 2! and thence upwardly and rearwardly therethrough and out through the holes 33. Also a substantially square centrally disposed front opening 34 is provided in the front wall 24, the front opening 34 being surrounded by an inwardly directed marginal flange 35 that receives a cooperating door 35. The door 33 is hinged adjacent to the right-hand side thereof within the marginal flange 35 in any suitable manner, not shown, and may be swung outwardly into an open position with respect to the front opening 3 3. The left-hand side of the door 36 is provided with a suitable handle 37 to facilitate movements thereof with respect to the front opening 34 into open and closed positions, and the central portion of the door 36 supports a transparent pane 38 formed of glass, or the like, rendering the interior of the cabinet 2| visible from the exterior when the door 36 occupies its closed position. Finally, the upper portion of the front wall 24 carries a laterallyiextending control and trim panel 39 disposed above the upper edge of the front opening 3 3 and just below the top wall 23. The panel 39 is suitably secured to the front wall 24 and has a centrally disposed open-. ing therein through which a pilot light All is visible, the pilot light 40 being suitably mounted within the cabinet 2| and indicating operation of the machine 29 as explained more fully hereinafter. Also electric control and timerapparatus is mounted within the upper left-hand portion of the cabinet 2! and provided with a control shaft extending through the front wall 2 and panel 39, this control shaft carrying a control knob il that cooperates withassociated indicia provided on the panel 39 further, thermostatically governed electrical control apparatus is mounted within the upper right-hand portion of the cabinet Zil and provided with a control shaft extending through the front wall 2 3 and the panel 39, this control shaft carrying a control knob 42 that cooperates with associated indicia provided on the panel 39. As explained more fully hereinafter in conjunction with Fig. 12, the control knob 6! is selectively rotatable in the clockwise direction in order selectively to set the desired time of operation of the machine and the consequent drying of the clothes either to an iron-dry condition, or to a dry condition,in a well-known manner; and the knob 42 is selectively rotatable in the clockwise direction in order selectively toset the desired temperature within the machine 20 between low and high temperature conditions, in a well-known manner. Finally, two threaded fixtures 43 and 44 are carried by the lower righthand portion of the front wall 24 within the recess 3|, the fixtures 43 and 44 being respectively included in an inlet conduit system, and in a drain conduit system, as explained more fully hereinafter in conjunction with Fig. 12,

As best shown in Fig. 3, the door 36 comprises outer and inner body sheets 45 and :36, each of substantially channel-shaped cross section. The outwardly directed edgesof the inner body sheet 46 are disposed within the inwardly directed edges of the outer body sheet 45 and are suitably secured in place framin the glass pane 38. Preferably the glass pane 38 is positioned within a surrounding resilient gasket 47 formed of rubber, or the like, and the gasket 41 is directly clamped between the inwardly directed edge of the outer body sheet 45 and an associated surrounding frame 48 secured within. the outwardly directed edge of the inner body sheet 46. As previously noted, the door 36 is hinged within the inwardly directed marginal flange 35 and cooperates with an associated throat collar 49 that is substantially Z-shaped in cross section More particularly the throat colalr 49 may be formed of molded fiber or other plastic composition and comprises an inwardly directed substantially circular flange 56 projecting into the cabinet 29 and an outwardly directed substantially square flange 5| secured directly within the inwardly directed marginal flange 35 surrounding the front opening 34. Preferably the flange 5! is detachably secured in place within the flange 35 in any suitable manner, whereby the throat collar 49 provides a sub-= stantially vertically disposed connecting section 52 extending between the flanges 59 and 5| and cooperating with the inner body sheet 46. Specifically, a substantially square flexible gasket 53 formed of rubber, or the like, isdirectly secured to the section 52 of the throat collar 49 and directly engages the adjacent surface of the inner body sheet 46 when the door 36 occupies its closed position. Thus it will be understood that when the door 96 occupies its closed position with respect to the front opening 34 that the inner body sheet 46 is effectively sealed to the throat collar 49 by the gasket 53.

Also the machine 26 comprises an upstanding casing 69 housed within the cabinet 2| and supported upon the base'22, the casing 69' being substantially tubular in form and including front and rear end walls 6| and 62 and a side wall 63. The end walls 6| and 62 have a generally annular configuration, and theside wall 63 has a generally cylindrical configuration. The end wall BI is provided with a forwardly extending marginal flange 64 telescoped in the front end of the sidewall 63, and the rear wall 62 has a rearwardly directed marginal flange 65 telescoped within the rear end of the side wall 63. Preferably the side wall 63 is of one piece Wrap-around construction, and the opposite ends thereof are secured in abutting relation by a plurality of pairs of cooperating clamping lugs 66 drawn together by appropriate bolts 63' provided with associated nuts. The casing 66 is supported upon the base 22 in spaced relation thereto by front and rear foot brackets 68 and 69. The front bracket 68 is substantially channel-shaped in cross section, whereby it is provided with a substantially arcuate shaped cradle 13 directly receiving and supporting the adjacent substantially cylindrical lower surface of the side wall 63 adjacent to the front end wall 6|; and likewise the rear bracket 69 is substantially channel-shaped in cross section, whereby it is provided with a substantially arcuate shaped cradle H 'directly receiving and supporting the adjacent substantially cylindrical lower surface of the side wall 63 adjacent to the rear end wall 62. Further, a longitudinally extending downwardly depressed sump 12 is formed in the lowermost portion of the side wall 63,

place upon the channel 90.

the tube 85 and the sleeve bearing 86 project wall 62 terminating at the lowermost portion thereof into a threaded 13 carrying an associated elbow 1-4 It will be understood that the sump [2,. the. fixture and the elbow 14 tion with respect to the inwardly directed flange 56 carried by the throat collar 49, whereby theinwardly directed flange 59 projects through the front opening 15 into the casing 60. Accordingly, the casing BI! is substantially fluid-tight, except for the clearance between the front opening 1-5 and the throat collar 49, whereby the casing defines a substantially closed system for circulating air, as explained more fully hereinafter.

A substantially centrally disposed upstanding channel is carried by the base 22 rearwardly of and adjacent tov the rear end wall 62 the lower end of the channel 86 being provided with outwardly extending feet 81 suitably secured. to the base 22, the upper end of the channel 86 being provided with outwardly extending arms 82 that are secured to a transversely extending reinforcing angle iron 83 that is rigidly secured to the rear end wall 62. Also a substantially inverted U-shaped bracket 84 is secured within the upper end of the channel 89 and carriesv a cylindrical tube 95 supporting a sleeve bearing 86. the tube 85 being clamped to the adjacent upper portion. of the bracket 84 by an arrangement including a U-shaped bolt 81 the opposite ends of which are threaded and carry cooperating nuts 68, the ends of the bolt 81 projecting through holes formed in the upper portion of the bracket 84. Thus. the rear end Wall 62 and the sleeve bearing 86 are firmly anchored in The front ends of through a centrally disposed opening formed in the rear end wall 62 into the casing 69.

Further the machine 29 comprises a substan tially cylindrical tumbling drum- 99 disposed within the casing 69 and comprising a substan= tially annular front end wall 9|, a substantially annular rear end wall 92 and a substantially cylindrical side wall 93. The front end wall 9| is provided with a circumferentially extending marginal recess or bead 94 that receives the adjacent front edge of the side wall 93, and the rear end wall 92 is provided with a circumferentially extending marginal recess or bead 95 that receives the adjacent rear edge of the side wall which sump l2 slopes rearwa'rdly from the front end wall 6| and forwardly from the rear end 93, The outer surface of the. rear end wall 92 carries a spider 96 provided with a forwardly projecting central hub portion 91 carrying three radially extending substantially equally spacedapart arms 98. The hub 91'. of the spider 96 is arranged in a forwardly directed 'emboss 99 formed in the central portion of the rear end wall 92 and is provided with a substantially centrally disposed sleeve I96. The outer ends of the three arms 98 have holes formed therein through which longitudinally extending rods or bolts l6! project and thence through aligned openings respectively formed in the rear end wall 92 and in the front end wall 9|, the front ends of the rods |6| being threaded in order to receive cooperating nuts I92. Thus it will be understood that the rods |6| extending through the aligned openings formed in the arms 98 and- 7 in the front and rear curely clamp together the component elements of the drum 99. The central portion of the front end wall 9| terminates in a forwardly directed curved lip I93 surrounding a substantially circular opening I94formed therein. Finally three longitudinally extending and radially directed vanes I95, each substantially U-shaped in cross section, are secured in substantially equally spaced-apart circumferental relation to the interior surface of the side wall 93, the vanes I95 enveloping the rods IOI extending between the end walls 9I and 92.

The drum 99 is rigidly secured to an operating shaft I91, that is, in turn, rotatably mounted in the sleeve bearing 86. More particularly, the front end of the operating shaft IO'I terminates in an enlarged head I98 that is firmly pressed and rigidly secured within the sleeve I99 carried by the hub portion 91 of the spider 99; while the intermediate portion of the operating shaft I9! is journalled within the sleeve bearing 86. A sheath pulley I99 is afiixed to the rear end of the operating shaft I9! by an arrangement including a set screw III]. Accordingly, the midsection of the operating shaft I9! is positioned with respect to the sleeve bearing 89 by the cooperation between the head I98 and the hub of the pulley I99 with the respectively adjacent ends of the sleeve bearing 86 and the tube 85, whereby the operating shaft I 9'! may be freely rotated by the pulley I 99; When the pulley I99 is thus rotated the operating shaft I9! is rotated in order to effect rotation of the drum 99 within the casing 69. This mounting arrangement of the drum 99 upon the operating shaft I 9'1 retains the drum 93 in proper axial alignment within the casing 99 and in such position that the forwardly directed curved lip I93 is disposed within the front opening 35 formed in the front end wall SI of the casing 69 and between the edge of the front opening I and the rearwardly projecting flange 59 of the throat collar 49. Thus when the drum 99 is rotated the lip I93 substantially closes the gap between the edge of the front opening 15 and the flange 59 without engaging or scrubbing either of these two adjacent parts.

As best shown in Figs. 9 and 19, the cylindrical side wall 93 is of foraminous or perforated construction, including substantially uniformly spaced-apart holes I I I. Preferably the holes II I are outwardly extruded in the side wall 93 in order to provide substantially circular outwardly projecting lips H2, whereby the interior surface of the side wall 93 is smooth and free of jagged V or rough edges in order to prevent damage to clothes as they are tumbled within the drum 99. Thus it will be understood that when the door 39 occupies its open position that wet clothes to be dried may be placed through the front openin 39 in the cabinet 2| and through the throat collar 49 into the interior of the drum 99. Thereafter when the door 36 is closed an effective seal is produced by the gasket 53 between the door 36 end walls 9I and 92 se-' 8 93 is disposed somewhat closer to the adjacent upper left-hand portion or quadrant of the side wall 83 than are the other portions or quadrants of the cylindrical side wall 93 with respect to the adjacent other portions or quadrants of the side wall 33, as clearly shown in Fig. 6. Accordingly, a substantially cusp-shaped space I29 is defined between the cylindrical side wall 93 of the drum 99 and the adjacent side wall 63 of the casing 69, this cusp-shaped space I29 extending substantially through an angle of approximately 270.

degrees and disposed adjacent to the lower left, the lower right and the upper right portions or quadrants of the cylindrical side wall 93 of the drum 99. A substantially arcuate shaped bafiie I 2I is disposed in this cusp-shaped space I29 and extends longitudinally between the end walls 6| and 92 of thecasing 69. The bafiie I2! is thus disposed closely adjacent to, but in spaced-apart relation with respect to, the adjacent portion of the cylindrical side wall 93 of the drum 99, the battle I 2| being retained in place by a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart brackets I22, I23 and I24, as best shown in Fig. 6. Accordingly, the bafiie I2I cooperates with the adjacent portion of the side wall 63 to define a substantially arcuate shaped passage I25 extending between the lower left-hand portion or quadrant of the drum 99 and the upper right-hand portion or quadrant of the drum 99. A substantially arcuate shaped reflector I39 is arranged adjacent to the upper right-hand portion or quadrant of the cylindrical side wall 93 of the drum 99, which reflector I39 extends longitudinally between the end walls 6| and 62 of the casing 99 and is secured in place by suitable brackets I3l. The reflector I39 is arranged mutually between the upper right-hand portion or quadrant of the cylindrical side wall 93 of the drum 99 and the adjacent portion or quadrant of the side wall 53 of the casing 69. The reflector I39 comprises a plurality of zigzag offsets I 32 defining a corr sponding plurality of pockets I33 therein. Preferably the reflector I39 is provided with an interior surface carrying a mirror-like bright chromiLun coatingto provide an efiicient reflection of radiant heat. Also three substantially U-shapedlongitudinally extending electric heating elements !34, I 35 and I36 are arranged between the reflector I39 and the adjacent upper portion or quadrant of the cylindrical side wall 93 of the drum 99 and in spaced relation with respect thereto.

As best shown in Fig. 11, the middle heating element I35 is of the hairpin type including two longitudinally extending rod-like sections I3? and I39 respectively disposed in two adjacent pockets I33 formed in the reflector I39. Each of the heating elements sheathed-conductor type including a resistance conductor embedded in a mass of compacted heat-conducting and electrical-insulating material disposed in the associated sheath, the 0pposite ends of the electric resistance conductor carrying appropriate terminals I39. The ends of the sheath provided in the portions 13'! and I38 are secured in openings provided in the rear end Wall 62 and-the terminals I39 project rearwardly therefrom, as clearly shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 11. Of course, it will be understood that the various terminals I39 are suitably insulated from the end wall 62 and are adapted to be connected I35, etc., is of the' I35 and are secured in place in a similar manner.

When electric current is supplied to the heat ing elements I34, I35 and I35 they are heated to a red heat, whereby radiant heat therefrom is projected directly onto the adjacent portion or quadrant of the cylindrical side wall 93 of the drum 90 and through the holes III formed in the side wall 93 into the drum for the purpose of heating both the clothes and the air in the drum 90. Also radiant heat from the heating elements I34, I35 and I36 impinges upon the reflector I30, whereby the reflector I30 having a highly polished surface reflects this radiant heat back onto the side wall 93 and into the drum 90 in an efficient manner. However the reflector 130 is heated by the radiant heat impinging thereupon and effects heating of the air in the space disposed between the reflector I30 and the adjacent portion of the side wall 62 of the casing '60. In fact, the upper end of the bafile I2I joins the lower end of the reflector I30, whereby the passage I continues between the reflector I and the adjacent portion of the side wall 53. More particularly, the reflector I30 cooperates with the adjacent portion or quadrant of the side wall 63 of the casing 30 to define afirst or pre heat chamber I50 therebetween so that the air in the chamber I50 is preheated before entering the drum as as explained more fully hereinafter. Further, a number of openings I5I are formed in the bottom of the pockets I33 and communicate between the pockets I33 and the first chamber I50. Each of the openings is formed in the bottom of the adjacent pocket I33 by punching or outwardly projecting a'louver I52 from the stock of the reflector I30, whereby the outwardly projecting louvers I52 cause the air in the first chamber I50 to be deflected through theassociated openings I5! intothe adjacent pockets I33 and thence into contact with the heating elements I35, etc., disposed in the pockets I33. Thus it will be understood that air moving upwardly in the passage I25 enters the first chamber I50 and is preheated therein by virtue of the'hot wall of the reflector I30. Thence the air in the first chamber I59 is directed by the louvers E52 through the openings .Ij5i and into contact with the'heating elements 134, I and i30, and then the air passes through the holes III formed in the side wall 93 into the drum 90. lhus the air in the chamber I is preheated therein'and is then heated further before-passage into the drum 90.

As best shown in Fig. 6, the lower'left-han'd portion or quadrant of the side wall 63 of the casing comprises a-scroll-shaped section I disposed ahead of the passage I25 that cooper- .ates with the adjacentlower left-hand portion or quadrant of the side wall93 of the drum to define a fan chamber ISI therebetween, the fan chamber IBI' communicating with the interior of the drum '90 through the holes II'I formed in the side wall 93, and also communiin the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 6. "The lower portion of thebafile I2I disposed above the sump '12 cooperates with the adjacent lower portion of'the side wall 63 of the casing so to define a condensing-or second chamber 62 directly communicating with the fan chamber I6! and through the passage I25 with the first or preheating chamber I50. A nozzle I53 carried by a conduit IE4 is arranged within the fan chamber I6I and supported by an associated bracket I 65 secured to the lower portion of the side wall 63. As clearly shown in Fig. 8, the nozzle 563 is adapted to project a finely divided spray of cool water downwardly and toeffect thorough scrubbing thereof, which water then accumulates in the lower portion of the casing 60 and drains by gravity into the sump I2 and thence through the connection '13 into the elbow .7 4. In order to complete the air circulatingsystem a substantially arcuate shaped deflector I66 is secured to the upper portion of the side wall '63 and abuts the lefthand portion of the side wall 63, the deflector I66 extending longitudinallybetween the end walls GI and 62 and being spaced closely adjacent to and in cooperating relation with the associated upper lefthand portion or quadrant of the side wall 53 of the drum 90. Further, a series of radially projecting and circumferentially extendinglohgitudinally spaced-apart bafiles I61 are disposed between the'lower rightehand portion of the baffie [H and the adjacent lower right-hand por: tion of theside wall 63 of the casing 60. Each of the'bafiles I6! is of zigzag configuration, as

clearly illustrated in Fig. 8. The bafiles I61 are arranged in nested relation in order to provide a zigzag water and condensate de-entraining sec.- tion within the passage I25 behind the second or condensing chamber I62 and ahead of the first or preheating chamber I50, and are utilized for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

eating with the adjacent end of the passage I25.

The fan chamberv I6I causes air to' be compressed therein and pumped into the adjacent .endof Considering now thegeneral operation'of the machine 20 it will be understood that when the" drum 90 is rotated in the counterclockwise di-' .53 of the casing 60 and with thebafile m to pump air contained in the drum 90 through the holes II Im the side wall 93 thereof-into the fan chamber I61; whereby the air is compressed in the fan chamber I=6I and forced into the adjacent end of the second chamber I62 and thence moves through the de-entraining baiiies I61 and the passage 1125 into the first chamber I50 un- .der positive pressure. More specifically, the clothes tumbling in the drum .90 cascade fromga position disposed adjacent to the top thereof to a positiondisposed somewhataboye the'bottoin thereof, as indicated by the boundary lines Q; the'last-mentioned position being disposed over the fanchamber I61. {The air'in the first chamber I50 then flows through the openings I 5i formed in the reflector I30 and between the exanew This air then passes through the holes III formed in the side wall 93 into the drum 9%] and into contact with the contained clothes undergoing tumbling therein.

'Thus it will be understood that the air is cirlculated into the closed system from the fan chamber I6I through the second chamber I62 andthe passage I25 into the first chamber I50 and thence into the drum 90 and back into the fan chamber I6I continuously by virtue of the rotation of the drum 90.

This pumping action is obtained not'only by the fanning action of the .vanes I upon the air in thedrum 96, but also -by the action of the clothes falling through the space in the drum 90 between the boundary lines C as they are undergoing tumbling. Accordingly, it will be understood that the machine does not require any auxiliary fan or blower to obtain a positive circulation of air within the casing 60 as explained above.

As a constructional example it has been dis- 4 covered. that by utilizing a. drum 96 having a length of substantially 18 inches and a diameter of substantially'2'7 inches that a circulation of air between 50 and 75 cubic feet per minute is obtained through the casing 69 when the drum 9B is rotated at approximately 50 R. P. M. and when the drum 90 contains approximately 9 lbs. of

clothes in Wet condition. The rate of circulation is considerably decreased when a smaller weight of wet clothes is tumbled, and also the rate of circulation'decreases noticeably as the clothes are dried. Under normal initial conditions the rate of circulation mentioned was obtained employing 9 lbs. of clothes carrying 9 lbs. of water.

Continuing now with the operation of the machine 2c in the initial portion of the cycle, assume that the drum 90 is rotating at approximately 50 R. P. M. in order to tumble the wet clothes and that a circulation of air of approximately 50 cubic feet per minute is obtained in the casing 80. Further, assume that the clothes weigh approximately 9 lbs. and carry approximately 9 lbs. of water, and that cool water at a temperature of about 60 degrees F. is supplied torthe nozzle IE3 at a rate of approximately 22 gallons per hour, and finally that current is supplied to the heating elements I34, I35 and. I36 in order to cause them to be heated to red heat and to develop approximately 4400 watts. Under these initial operating conditions the air entering the first or preheating chamber We from the passage I may have a'temperature of approximately 120 degrees F. and may be substantially 100 per cent saturated. In the first or preheating chamber 259 the. air may be heated to a temperature of I approximately l'lfl degrees F. in order to effect a corresponding reduction in the relative humidity thereof. Next the air passing through the open ings I5I in the reflector Hit and into direct contact with the heating elements I35, I and I35 is further heated to a temperature of approximately 2'70 degrees F., and then the air passes through the holes I I I in the cylindrical side wall 93 into the drum 90. The air is cooled somewhat in passing into the drum 9!] and may have a temperature of about 200 degrees F. upon contacting the clothes and low relative humidity. Due to the radiant heat in the drum 90 the clothes therein are continuously heated, and the hot dry air in the drum 90 contacting the wet clothes contained therein efiects drying of the cent saturated. The air is then compressed in V the fan chamber IBI and swept into the second or condensing chamber I62, wherein it is thoroughly scrubbed with the finely divided spray of cool water at the temperature of approximately 60 degrees F. Accordinglygthe temperature of the air is appreciably reduced in order to effect the precipitation of moisture therefrom, whereby the temperature of the air may be approximately degrees F. as it passes throughthe tie-entraining bafiles It! in the passage E25 to be-%"eturned to the first or preheating chamber I50. The air passing from the second or condensing chamber I62 is not only per cent saturated, but carries considerable entrained condensate as well as considerable water spray when it reaches the deentraining bafile's I67; however, the air in passing through the sinuous passages providedby the de-entraining baiiles It"! gives up. the entrained condensate and the entrained water spray, whereby the air returned through the passage 225 into the first or preheating chamber I50 carries no substantial entrained condensate or water and has a temperature of 120 degrees F. and is approximately 100 per cent saturated as previously noted.

Thus it will be understood that the relative humidity of the hot air in the drum 96 is increased in order to effect drying of the clothes tumbled therein and that this moisture is transported from the drum as into the second or condensing chamber I62, whereby this moisture in densing' chamber I82 from the nozzle I83 falls directly into the sump 72. While the tempera ture of the water sprayed from the nozzle I63 into the second or condensing chamber I62 has been assumed to have a temperature of about 60 degrees F. it will be appreciated that cooling water at a lower temperature is desirable in order to increase the rate at which the moisture in the air in the second or condensing chamber I52 is precipitated out, and that cooling water at a temperature of the order of 50' degrees F. or lower is employed when it is available; however, the machine 28 operates entirely satisfactorily employing cooling water having a temperature as ever, since the air moving through the second or condensing chamber I62 is thoroughly scrubbed with the finely divided spray of cool water, the carried lint is effectively trapped and washed along with the water into the sump 12. In fact,

condensing chamber I62 into the de-entraining bafiles I61 so that the lint is not deposited upon the de-entraining baffles I61. Of course, it follows that the air returned through the passage I25 into the first or preheating chamber I50 is free of lint. Accordingly, during the operation of the machine 20, not only is the water removed from the wet clothes tumbling in the drum 90, but also the loose lint is removed therefrom, whereby both the water contained in the clothes, as well as the loose lint contained therein, are ultimately washed into the sump 1-2. In passing it is noted that a number of longitudinally spaced-apart openings I2 Ia are provided in the lower portion of the arcuate shaped baflle I'2-I in order that any water dripping from the wet clothes placed in the drum 96 and falling upon the baffle I21 may be conducted through the openings I-2 Ia directly into the sump 12. The water, condensate and lint washed into-the sump 12 passes through the fixture 13 into the elbow 14 and is ultimately con ducted to the exterior of the cabinet 2| as ex plained more fully hereinafter.

In view of the foregoing description of the general operation of the machine 28-, it will be understood that since a closed circulating system is employed that hot air is not discharged into the laundry room, whereby the operation of the machine 20 does not effect any substantial heating of the laundry room, the relative humidity of the air in the laundry room is not increased, and no lint is discharged into the laundry room. This operation of the machine '20 not only eliminates many of the criticisms of prior clothes drying machines, but it materially increases the over-all efiiciency of operation thereof.

Since the air circulated in the casing 69 heated adjacent to the upper portion thereof in the first or preheating chamber I50 and is cooled adjacent to the lower portion thereof in the second or condensing chamber I62, the exterior surface of the casing 69. is selectively insulated. More particularly, the upper portion of the exterior surface of the casing '60 is provided with an insulating jacket "I in order to retard heat transfer therefrom,whi'le the lower portion of the casing 60 is exposed in order to facilitate heat transfer therefrom. Further, the lower portion of the casing 69 adjacent to the second or condensing chamber I62 is additionally cooled by the upward circulation of air through the cabinet 2i between the louver 32 disposed in the front wall 24 adjacent to the base '22 within 'therecess 3| and the holes 33 provided'in therea'r edge of the top wall 23 as previously explained. "The insulating jacket I19 may comprise a plurality of sections or bats of glass wool, or other suitableinsulating materiakremovably secured to the associated upper portion of the exterior surface of the casing 62 in any suitable manner.

Continuing now with the construction of the machine 29 the cabinet "ZI also houses an electric drive motor [11 in the lower right-hand corner thereof that is carried by a bracket I12, the bracket I12 being pivotally mounted by a pair of aligned bolts I13 upon a base 'I that is directly secured to the upper surface of the bottom wall 22. The pivotal'mounting of the bracket I12 upon the base I14 accommodates initial adjustment of the drive motor 'I1I for the purpose of setting tight associated drive belting, as -best shown in Fig. 2. Also the cabinet houses idler mechanism 1 5 including a pair or brackets its .pivotally mounted upon the base Liliana rotatably supporting an idler shaft 111 carrying a small sheath pulley I 18 and a large sheath pulley I19, the pulleys I18 and I19 being rigidly secured to the idler shaft I11. The .pair of brackets I 16 are secured to a spring 186 that is, in turn, :se-

cured to a bracket I8'I that is .pivotally mounted upon the base 22 adjacent to the rear left-hand corner thereof as shown in Fig. 2, "The small .pulley I18 is belted by a substantially. vesh'a'ped belt I84 to the relatively large .pulley I69 "secured to the operating shaft I91; and the relatively large pulley H9 is belted by a substantially V- shaped belt I85 to a relatively small sh'eath'pu ll'ey I86 rigidly secured to an 'operatingxshaft I81 of the drive motor I'IrI. clearly shown in .Fig. 2, the spring I urges "theipair of brackets I16 and the supported idler shaft I11 at anangle both =towards the bottom wall' 2 2 and toward the lefthand side wall 26, whereby both of the belts I and I85 areretained in tight condition; Accordingly, it-will be understood that when thedrive motor MI is operated to rotate the operating shaft I81 thereof in the "clockwise "direction, as

viewed in Fig. 2,1th'e small pulley 1-88 rotating in bracket llz'carry'ingthe drive motor .Ilil .ipermits I initial adjustment of the tension in -the belts 184 I and I8 5,and thes ring arrangement int'he mechanism I86 maintains this initial tension in the belts I84 and I85 during operation of the-machine 29.

Also the casing of the drivamo'tor FI I carries a pump I provided with a casing IS-I having threaded intake and discharge fixtures T92 and I93, respectively. The casing I9 I ofthetpump I-96 is rigidly secured to thecasirigof the drive motor I! I and is movable therewith'uponthe brackets I12; while the operating shaft t8! of' tne drive motor I1I extends into the casing l9- I Ifor the V purpose of operating the rotor, not shown, of the z um l'efl. Accordingly, whenthedrivemotor 1'11 is operated to rotate the drum 99 in the "manner explained above the pump I99 is operated, whereby liquid may be drawninto the intake fixture I92 and pumped through the discharge "fixture 19'3.

The'outer end of "the elbow 14 that is secured tothe fixture 13 communicating with "the sum I2 is threaded in order to receive a cooperating threaded fixture I94. The threaded fixtures I92 and I94 are detachably secured'in communicating relation with each other by afiexible section of hose I95 formed of rubbeigor the like, and carrying detachable connectors I96 and I91 at the opposite ends thereof, the detachable connectors I98 and I9! being respectively secured to the threaded-fixtures I94-and I 92. Accordingly, when the pump I 99 is operated the water, condensate and lint washed into the sump 12 are conducted through the fixture 1 '3,'th'e elbow 14, the "fixture I 94-and the'connector l 9'6'into the hose 1 95 and' is thence drawn threughthe connector -I91'and the fixture 192 into the casing 1 5 ofthe pump "1 96,

tenor of thecabinet 2|.

this material being ultimately discharged through the fixture I93.

As best shown in Fig. 12, the discharge fixture I93 is detachably connected to the drain fixture 44 by a communicating section of flexible hose I98 formed of rubber, or the like, and carrying detachable connectors I99 and 202 at the opposite ends thereof, the detachable connectors I99 and 200 being respectively threaded upon the fixtures I93 and 44. Accordingly, the material discharged from the casing [9| of the pump I90 through the discharge fixture I93 is forced through the connector I99, the hose I98 and the connector 200 and thence through the drain fixture 44 to the ex- The flexible hoses I95 and 198 permit relative movement of the pump I93 with the drive motor. I'II without disturbing the'water connections described above.

The inlet fixture 43 is connected by a section of pipe to the casing of an inlet valve 222, which casing isalso connected to the conduit 124 that supports the nozzle I63. The inlet valve 292 comprises a rotor or valve element 223 that is normally biased to close the communication between the conduits 20I and I64; the inlet valve 202 being of the solenoid-controlled.type. As best illustrated in Fig. 12, the rotor 203 of the valve 202 is normally biased in the counterclockwise direction by a coil spring 204 connected between the lefthand side wall, 26 and a link 205 that is .pivoted to the valve element 263. The link 205 is also pivoted to a link 226 that is supported upon a stationary pivot 20?, which link 206 is further pivoted toan armature 208, of a solenoid 229. As previously noted the valve element 223 of the inlet valve 202 is biased in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig .l2, closing the communication between the conduits 2M and I54; however, when the solenoid 209 is energized the arma ture2ii8 is attracted rotating the link 206 in the clockwise direction about the pivot pin 20'? against the bias of the spring 204 and rotating the Valve element 203 through the link 205 into its open position, whereby the conduits 2M and I54 are placed in communication with each other. Subsequently, when the solenoid 229 is de-energized the spring 204 returns the valve element 203 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 12, back into its closed position in order to cut off the supply of coolingwater through the conduit 26] into the conduit I64.

Also two thermostatic control bulbs 2 I 2 and 2| I are arranged in the fan chamber IS! in longitudinally spaced-apartrelation and responsive to the temperature of the air passing into the fan chamber IBI from the rotating tumbling drum 9!] which thermal responsive bulbs 2H! and 2H are employed in the control circuit of the machine 2'3 in a manner more fully explained in conjunction withFig. 12. V

' Referring now to Fig. 12, it is assumed that the machine 29 is arranged in the laundry room of a hoinethat is provided with the usual plumbing facilities including a water tap or faucet 22% connected to a source'of cool water, not shown, and a laundry tray or tub 22I provided with a drain discharging into the home plumbing system, not shown. The water tap 220 may be detachably connected to the inlet fixture 43 by an appropriate section of inlet conduit 222 carried by the cabinet 2 i, the inlet conduit 222 comprising a convenient section of flexible hose formed of rubber, or the like. The hose 222 carried detachable connectors 22 3 and 224 at the opposite ends thereof which are respectively threaded upon the end of the water tap 220 and upon the-'inlet-fixture 43. The laundry tray 22I may be detachably connected to the drain. fixture 44 by an'appropriate section of drain conduit 225 carried by the cabinet 2|, the drain conduit 225 comprising a convenient section of flexible hose formed of rubber, or the like, as well as a hook-shaped pipe 226. The hook-shaped pipe 226 comprises a handle that is hooked over the wall of the laundry tray 22! for drain purposes. The hose 225 carries detachable connectors 22'! and 223 at the opposite ends thereof which are respectively threaded upon an associated end'of the pipe handle 226 and upon the drain fixture 44. Thus "it will be understood that when the tap 222 is opened cool water under pressure from'the plumbing system in the home is supplied through the inlet conduit 222 to the inlet valve 202, which cooling water is supplied to the nozzle I63 when the inlet valve 222 is operated to its open position by the associated solenoid 209, when the machine 22 is operating. Also when the machine is operating the pump I92 is operated, whereby the material washed into the sump I2 is pumped by the pump I92 through the drain conduit 225mm the laundry tray 22! and thence into the drain plumbing system incorporated in the home.

Also it is assumed that the'laundry room in the home comprises a convenient source of current supply of the three-wire Edison type that may be of 230 volts and including two line conductors and a grounded neutral conductor. This three-wire Edison source of current supply is connected by the home wiring system to a socket, not shown, which is adapted to be engaged by a cooperating detachable" electric plug 230 carried upon the end of a cable 23I that is, in turn, carried by the cabinet 2i of the machine 2!] and appropriately wired into the control system of the machine 22, the cable 23! comprising two line conductors 232 and 233 and a grounded neutral conductor 234.

Considering now the connection and arrangement of the control system of the machineZU as illustrated in Fig. 12, the control equipment housed within the cabinet 2| further comprises thermostatic bulb ZII is operatively connected to a thermostatic bellows 245 that is provided with a plunger 24% that controls an associated switch 247. The switch 244 is normally closed but may be opened by the plunger 243 under the control of the bellows 242 that is governed by the thermostatic bulb 2H), the temperature control of the bellows 242 being adjustable through an adjustable screw 248 that is operatively connected to the operating shaft 249 upon which the temperature control knob 42 is carried. The switch 24'! is normally opened but may be closed by the plunger 246 under the control of the bellows 245 that is governed by the thermostatic bulb 2II, the temperature control of the bellows 245 being adjustable through a manually adjustable screw 250. One terminal of the timer motor 235 is connected to the neutral conductor 234, and

The

en a es;

The electric heating elements I34, I35 and I36 are connected in multiplerespectively to the con- Also the terminals of thetrol conductor 25| and to a control conductor 252.

The line conductor 232 is connected to the timer cam 240, and the wiper 238 is connected tothe control conductor 25|. The line conductor 233,- is'connected to one terminal of the switch 244;

and the other terminal of the switch 244 is connected to the timer cam 24|, and'the wiper 239 is connectedto the control conductor 252. Also the neutral conductor 234 is connected to one terminal of the switch 241, while the other ter-.- minal of the switch 24'! is connected to one termi-.

nal of the solenoid 209, and the other terminal of the solenoid 209 is connected to the control conductor 25|. One terminal of the drive motor is connected to the, control conductor 25 and the other terminal of the drive motor III is connected to the neutral conductor 234.

Considering now, the operation of the machine ZIZI, it may be assumed that the top 2,20has been to be dried into the drum 90 through the front opening 34 when the door 36 occupies its open position. It may be assumed that approximately 9 lbs. of clothes carrying 9 lbs. of water are thus placed in the drum an, and the door as is then closed. The person then determines thetemperature he desires in the drum 00 and then appropriately rotates the temperature control knob 42 into its high position or its low position or some intermediate position in order correspondingly to adjust the screw 248 and consequently the control of the bellows 242 upon the switch 244, the bellows 242 being governed by the thermal bulb 2 |0 also disposed in the fan chambe |6| as previously noted. The person then determines whether he wishes the clothes-finished to a complete dry condition, or to an iron-dry condition containing some residual moisture to facilitate ironing ofthe clothes. Upon making this determination he appropriately operates the control knob 4| in the clockwise direction fromits off position into its-iron-dry ordry positions.

I Assuming that the clothes placed in the drum 90 are to be dried to the iron-dry condition, the.

operating controlknob4| is rotated in the clockf wise direction from its off position into its irondry position. This rotation of the operating control knob 4| efiects a corresponding rotation of,

240 connecting the line conductor-232 to the con-1 treil conductor .25I; and the wiper 239 s then moved-oil ,of the associated insulating section of the timer cam 24| connecting the lineconductor 2'33 through'the closed switch 244th the control; conductor 252. When the line conductor 232 is thus connected by thewiper238 and thetimer cam 240 to the control conductor-25L an obvious More parcircuit is completed for operating the. timer motor 23,5-and obvious multiple circuits are completed for illuminating the pilot lamp 40 and foroperatingthe drive motor] Thus the timer motor 235. is operatedacrossthe line conductor 232 and the neutra'lponductor 234 at volts in order to produce a timing operation, the timer motor 235; operating at a constant timing rate. More particularly, the timer'motor 235 returns the operatingshaft 231 through the mechanism 230 in the counterclockwise direction back toward its off: position,- whereby the operating control knob 4| is rotated at the timedrate back towards its off position. Thus the operating control knob 4| not only initiates operation of the machine 20 but it also serves as an indicator of the particular operating condition thereof. Also the pilot lamp 40 isilluminated. across the line conductor 232- and the neutral conductor 234. at 115 volts indicating that the machine 20 is operating at thistime. a

Further, the drive motor IH is operated across the line conductor 232 and the neutral conductor 234 at 115 volts, whereby operation of the pump I90 is initiated and the drum 90 is rotated in the counterclockwise. direction, as viewed in Fig, 12, through the drive mechanism including the idler shaft I11 previously described. When the line conductor 233 is thus connected to the control conductor 252 the electric heating elements I34, I35 and |36 aresupplied in multiple with heating current across the line conductors 232 and 233 at 2130 volts; wherBbythe heating elements I34, |.,3 5 and |36fare soon heated to red heat. V lactation of the drum 90 in the counterclockwise direction not only tumbles. the contained clothes, butit also establishes the, circulation. of air through the casingEO, all in the manner previously explained; whereby the temperature of the air, entering the Ian chamber GI rises rapidly heating the thermal bulbs 2I0 and 2. When the temperature of the air entering the fan chamber |6| reaches atemperature of approxie mately l30 degrees -F. the thermal bulb 2|.| is.

heated sufiioiently to govern the bellows 245,

whereby the'fpluhger 246 operates the switch 241 from. its open position into its closed noid .209operates the inlet valve202 from its closed positioniinto its open position in the manner previously explained. At this time cool water is supplied from the water tap 220 via the inlet valve ,202 to the nozzle |53,;whereby the air circulated in the casing 60 is scrubbedin the condensing. chamber" fizwith the finely divided spray it of coolwaterpallin the manner previously ex-- plained. Thewater, condensate andlint that is washed into the sump-l2 is pumped by the pump l90.1nto the laundry. tray 22| and drained to theexterior of the'laundry room.

.At' this time themachine 2o isl oiperating to efi'ect drying-of the-clothes as they are being tumbled in the drum 90, and in the event the tempenature[of the' fair passing into) thef fan chamber |6| exceeds the normal temperature of degrees F. by a suitable increment, the thermal-; b ulb L2H) is controlledito effect operatio of thebellows 242, whereby theiplunger243 o-p I cratesswitch244iro-m its: closed position into open positiomn when the switch244 is anem- 19- thus operated to its open positionthe previously traced circuit for supplying current to the-heating elements I34, I35 and I36 is interrupted, whereby the temperature of "the air circulated in the casing 60 is reduced. Shortly thereafter the temperature of the air entering the fan chamber I 6| again falls to the normal temperature of approximately 145 degrees F.,whereby the thermal bulb 2Ill is appropriately cooled to control the bellows 242 in order to cause the plunger243 to operate the switch 244 from its open position back into its closed position again'co-mpleting the circuit for supplying current to the heating elements I34, I35 and I36. Thus it will be understood that during normaloperation of the machine 20 the switch 244 under the control of the thermal bulb 2I0 regulates the temperature of the air circulated in the casing '60 in accordance with the setting of the temperature control knob 42'. This arrangement prevents overheating of the air circulated in the drum 90 andalso regulates the supply of radiant heat directed into the drum 90 and onto the clothes as they are tumbled therein. 7

' After the expiration of approximately 45 minutes the timer motor 235 has returned the operating shaft 231 sufiiciently in the counterclockwise direction to cause the wiper 239 to disengage the conducting portion and to engage the insulating portion of the timer cam 24I, while the wiper 238 remains in engagement with the conducting portion of the timer cam 240. When the wiper 239 disengages the conducting portion of the timer cam. 24 I, the circuit for supplying heating current to the heating elements I34, I35 and I36 is interrupted, while'operation of the drive motor I'II continues. Also the supply of cooling water to the nozzle I63 continues, whereby the air circulated in the casing 60 is gradually cooled in order to effect corresponding cooling of the clothes being tumbled in the drum 9!]. After the expiration of an additional time-interval'of' approximately minutes the timer motor 235 drives the operating shaft 231 further in the counterclockwise direction in order to restore the operat ing control knob II into its off position. Thus at the expiration of approximately 50 minutes 7 the operating control knob 4! has been restored from its iron-dry position back into its oil position. At this time the wiper 238 disengages the conducting portion oi" the timer cam 240 interrupting the circuits for-operating the timer motor 235 and the drive motor I'II, interrupting the circuit for illuminating the pilot lamp 40, and interrupting the circuit for energizing the solenoid 209. Thus operation of the timer motor 235 is arrested and the pilot lamp 4!] is extinguished in order to indicate that the machine 20 has completed its operating cycle. Further operation of the drive motor I II is arrested in order to arrest rotation of the drum 90 and-operation of the'pump I90.

is cleenergized the inlet valve 202 is returned to its closed position in order to cut off the supply of cooling water to the nozzle I63. At this time the cycle of operationof the machine 20 has been completed and the clothes contained in the drum 90 have been sufficiently cooled so that they may be immediately removed by the person after opening the door 36.

tated in the clockwise direction to its dry posi Finally when the solenoid 209 7 tion, wherebythe timer motor 235 effects operation of the machine 20 for an additional time interval of approximately minutes before-effecting the interruption of the circuit for supplying current to the heating elements I34, I35 and I36. In this case, the machine is operated through its cycle in approximately 60 minutes. Thus theiron-dry and 'dry' cycles of the machine respectively consume approximately 50 and 60 minutes, the last 5 minutes of each ofthesecyclesbeing effective to. cause cooling of the clothes contained in the tumbling drum 90 so that the clothes may be immediately removedin a reasonably cool condition from the tumbling drum 9!] at the conclusion of either of the cycles'of operation. When the machine 20is operated through the iron-dry cycle, approximately 8 lbs. of the original 9 lbs. of water contained in the 9 lbs. of clothe-sis removed; and when the machine 20 is operated through its dry cycle, virtually all of the original 9 lbs. of water contained in the 9 lbs. of clothes is removed. I

In'view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided an improved portable clothes drying machine that is especially adapted for use in a home laundry, which machine transports no substantial heat or moisture or lint into 7 the associated laundry or other room during The operation of the machine- 20 to effect dry-' ing of the clothes to the dry-condition is substantially identical to that described above except that the operating knob 4I' is'initially rov operation thereof, the undesired heat and moisture and lint being carried by the cooling water supplied to the machine into the. plumbing system incorporated in the home laundry. v

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Whatis claimed is: a 1

1. Aclothes drying machine comprising a substantially horizontally disposed and rotatably mounted drum having a substantially cylindrical perforated wall and adapted to receive clothes to be dried, a casing enclosing said drum and having a substantially tubular wall disposed in spaced relation to said drum wall, said casing wall including a substantially scroll-shaped section disposed somewhat above the bottom thereof and an adjacent substantially arcuate-shaped section disposed at the bottom thereof, said scroll section being directed downwardly away from the adjacent portionof said drum Wall and cooperating therewith to definea downwardly diverging substantially arcuate-shaped passage therebe- 6'0- tween, one end'of said passage communicating with said chamber and the other end of said passage communicating with said drum wall. means for rotating said drum in the direction from said chamber toward said passage in order to tumble the contained clothes, the clothes tumbling in said drum cascading from a position disposed adjacent to the top thereof to a position disposed somewhat above the bottom thereof and located over saidchamber, and means essentially consisting of only said rotating drum wall cooperating with said casing wall and with said balile and the contained clothes cascading in said drum for pumping air in said drum into said chamber and for compressing said air in said ohambcr'in' order to circulate said air in a cur- V rent therefrom through said passageand back into said drum, said current-of air passing 'out of,

and into said drum throug'h'the perforations in said drum wall at'locationsrespectively disposed adjacent to said chamber and beyond said other end of said passage.

2. A clothes drying machine comprising-a substantially horizontally disposed and rotatably:

mounted drumhaving a substantially cylindrical perforated wall andadapted to receive clothes to be dried, a casing enclosing said drum and having a substantially tubular'wall disposed-in spaced relation to said drum wall, said casing wall in--' cluding a substantially scroll-shaped section dis-- posed somewhat above the bottom thereof and an adjacent substantially arcuate-shaped section disposed at the bottom thereoflsaidscroll section being directed downwardly away from the adjacent portion of said drum wall and cooperating therewith to define a downwardly diverging chamber therebetween, a baffie disposed between the bottom of said drum wall and said arcuate section in spaced relation thereto, said baffle cooperating with said arcuate section to define a substantially arcuate-shaped passage therebetween, one end of said passage communicating with said chamber andthe other end of said passage communicating-with said drum wall, means for rotating said drum in the direction from said chamber toward said passage in order to tumble the contained clothes,- the clothes tumbling in said drum cascading from a position disposed adjacent to the top thereof to a position disposed somewhat above the bottom'thereof and located over said chamber, means essentially consisting of only said rotating drum wall cooperatsaid air with a-finely divided spray of cooling water in said chamber in order tocondense moisture contained therein, a source of cooling water, means including an electro-responsive :valve'for controlling the connection of said spray device to said source of cooling water, means fordraining' said cooling water and condensate from said.

chamber to the exterior of said casing, a source of current supply, an electro-responsivefcy clic operative timer, means for'initiating a cycleiof operation of said timer and for connecting said ing with said casing wall and with said bafile and passage, meansfor heating saidcurrent of air beyond said-other end of said passage in order to reduce the relative humidity-thereof, means for scrubbing said current of air with a finely divided spray of cool water in said passage below said bafiie in order to condense out moisture contained therein and to trap lint carried thereby, means including a sump formed in the bottom of said casing wall for collecting said water and condensate andlint, and means including a pump for discharging to the exterior of said casing said water and condensate and lint collecting in said sump.

3. A clothes drying machine comprising a sub-' stantially horizontally disposed and rotatably mounted drum having a perforated wall and adapted to receive clothes to be dried, means. including an electric motor for rotating said drum in order to tumble the contained clothes, means including a casing cooperating with said drum wall for defining a chamber therebetween, rota: tion of said drum in said casing forcing air into and out of said drum through the perforations in said wall at spaced-apart locations and into-eontact with the contained clothes and thence into said chamber, means including an electric heating unit for subjectingsaid air and the contained clothes to radiant heatin said drum, means including e a deviceiqr cq li sandssrupbins motor and said heating unit to said source of current supply, thermal responsivemeans governed in response to a predetermined temperature 'of said air passing into said chamber for controlling operation of said Valve into its open position, means governed-by said timer afteria predetermined time interval for disconnecting said heating unit from said source of current supply, and means governed by .said timer' 'after an additional predetermined time interval for disconnecting said motor from said source of current supply and for controlling operation of said valve into its closed-position.

stantially horizontally disposed and rotatably mounted drum having a periforated wall and adapted to receive clothes to be dried, means in-' cluding an electric motor for'rotating said drum in order to tumble the contained clothes; means including a casing cooperating,witlifsaid'drum wall for defining spaced-apart firstfand second chambers therebetween, rotation of saidv drum said casing producing circulation of air from said first chamber into and out or" said drum through the perforations in said wall at spacedapart locations and into con-tact with the con: tained clothes. and thencethroughi'said' second chamber and back ill-t0. saidfirstchamben' an electric heating element operativelyj associated with said first chamber, a sourceof electriclcur' rent, a cooler operatively associated withv said second chamberja source of coolant,]'-a valve selectively operativetocontrol the supply-of said coolant from saidsource of coolantto said cooler, a cyclicoperative timer, means for producing a cyclefof operation off-said timer, means governed byjs'aid timer in itsl'operative cycle for selectively operating said motor and for selectively connect ing said heating element to said source'of electric current and for selectively operating said valve, means for draining condensate from saidsecond chamber and said coolant from saidcooler toithe exterior of said casing, and -addi-tional means including a thermal responsive device operatively associated with said second chamber and governed in response tothe: temperature of said air passing into saidsecond chamber-iorselectively connecting saidheatingjelement to said source ,of electric current, a V g 5. A clothes dryi v g machine comprising a substantially horizontally disposed and, .rotatably nt d m h vi a subst al y. yli rical perforated wall, and ad p d o. Y WQ Qt S t be dried, a plurality of vanes arranged within said drum wall, a casing enclosing said drum. and having a substantially tubular wall disposed in spaced relation 'to sai d drum wall, said basing wall including a substantiallyscroll-shaped sec tion disposed-somewhat above thebottom thereof and an adjacent substantially arcuate-shaped section disposed atthe bottom thereof-,isai-d scroll section being directed downwardly away-from -gie.-.. s iiacen 9r. i9 19 said; dr pun,;..wa and 4. A clothes drying machine comprising and cooperating therewith to define a substan tially arcuate-shaped passage therebetween, one end of said passage communicating with said chamber and the other end of said passage communicating with said drum wall, means for rotating said drum in the direction from said chamber toward said passage in order to causesaid' vanes to tumble the contained clothes, the clothes tumbling in said drum cascading from a position disposed adjacent to the top thereof to a position disposed somewhat above the bottom thereof and located over said chamber, and means essentially consisting of only said vanes and said rotat ing drum wall cooperating with said casing wall and with said bafiie and the contained clothes cascading in said drum for pumping air in said drum into said chamber and for compressing said air in said chamber in order to circulate said air in a current therefrom through said pass-age and back into said drum, said current of air passing out of and into said drum through the perforations in said drum wall at locations respectively disposed adjacent to said chamber and beyond said other end of said passage.

6, The clothes drying machine set forth in claim 2, wherein said heating means is in the form of an electric heating element disposed between the adjacent portions of said drum wall and said casing wall and in spaced relation thereto, and further comprising a reflector disposed between said heating element and the ad= jacent portion of said casing wall in order to project radiant heat from said heating element onto said drum wall.

7.-The clothes drying machine set forth in claim 4, wherein said timer effects the disconnection of said heating element from said source of electric current preceding the end of its operating cycle and while said motor is operating and while said coolant is being supplied from said source of coolant to said cooler.

8. A clothes drying machine comprising a sub stantially horizontally disposed and rotatably' mounted drum having a substantially cylindrical perforated wall and adapted to receive clothes to be dried, a casing enclosing said drum and having a substantially tubular wall disposed in spaced relation to said drum wall, said casing wall including a substantially scroll-shaped section and a curved-shaped section and an intermediate arcuate-shaped section, said arcuate section being disposed at the bottom of said casing and said scroll section being disposed somewhat above and on one side of the bottom of said casing and said curved section being disposed well above and on the other side of the bottom of said casing, said scroll section being directed downwardly and away from the adjacent portion of said drum wall and cooperating therewith to define a down- 24' with the interior of said drum'through the perforations in the adjacent portion of said drum wall,,,said' third chamber communicating with both said first chamber and said second chamber, means for rotating said drum in the direction from said first chamber toward said third chamber; and then toward said second chamber 'inorder totumbl the contained clothes, the

clothes tumbling in said drum cascading from a position disposed adjacent to the to thereof to a position disposed somewhat abov the bottom thereof and located over said first chamber, means essentially consisting of only said rotating drum wall cooperating with said casing wall and with aid baffie and the contained clothes cascading in said drum for pumping air, in said drum into said first chamber and for compressing said air in said first chamber in order to circulate said air in a current therefrom through said third chamber and then through said second chamber and back into said drum into contact with the contained clothes tumbling therein, means for heating saidcurrent of air as it is passed through said second chamber, means for cooling and scrubbing said current of air with a finely divided spray of cool water as it is passed through said third chamber, means including a sump formed in the bottom of said casing wall for collecting said water and condensate and lint, and means including a pump for discharging to the exterior of said casing said water and condensate and lint collecting in said sump.

9. The clothes drying machine set forth in claim 4, wherein said cooler is in the form of mechanism productive of a finely divided spray of coolant in said second chamber, and said source of coolant is in the form of a source of cool water.

10. The clothes drying machine set forth in claim 2, and further comprising an upstanding cabinet housing said casing, the front of said cabinetand the front of said casing and the frontend of said drum having substantially registering front openings respectively formed therein in order to afford access from the exterior into said drum, and a front door carried by said cabinet and movable between open and closed positions with respect to said front openings.

11. A portable clothes drying machine comprising an upstanding cabinet housing a casing enclosing a substantially horizontallydisposed and rotatably mounted drum having a perforated wall and adapted to receive clothes to be dried, substantially registering openings respectively formed in said cabinet and in said casing and in one end of said. drum in order to afford accessfr'om the exterior into said drum, a door carried by said cabinet and movable between open and closed positions with respect to said openings, an electric motor housed within said cabinet for rotating said 'drum in order to tumble the contained clothes, rotation of said drum in said casing circulating a current of air within said casing into and out of said drum through the perforations in said wall at spaced-apart locations and into contact with the contained clothes, means for heating said current of air adjacent to the top portion of said casing, means for coolingsaid current of air adjacent to the bottom portion of said casing, means including heat-insulating material associated with said top portion of said casing for reducing heat transfer therefrom, said bottom portion of said casing being-exposed to promote heat transfer there from, said cabinet including front and rear walls, said front wall having a rearwardly offset 25 toe-receiving recess formed in the lower portion thereof, means including a first opening formed in the lower portion of said front wall within said recess and a second opening formed in the upper portion of said rear wall for producing a flow of cooling air upwardly through said cabinet and over said casing in order selectively to cool said bottom portion of said casing, and means for draining condensate from the bottom portion of said casing to the exterior thereof.

12. The clothes drying machine set forth in claim 10, and further comprising a first seal disposed between said front door and said cabinet about said front opening in said cabinet, and a second seal disposed between said cabinet and said casing about said front opening in said casing.

13. The clothes drying machine set forth in claim 10, wherein said front openings are substantially annular, and further comprising a first seal disposed between said front door and said cabinet about said front opening in said cabinet, a second seal disposed between said cabinet and said casing about said front opening in said casing, and an annular flange carried by said cabinet and projecting through said front opening in said casing and said front opening in said v 2 front end of said drum to provide a smooth throat fromthe exterior intosaid drum when said front door occupies its open position.

KEMPER M. HAMMEIL. CLIFFORD E. ERICKSON.

References Cited in thefile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,301,055 Humberger Apr. 15, 1919 1,442,179 Schneible Jan. 16, 1923 1,908,559 Roser May 9, 1933 1,942,758 Jessup Jan. 9, 1934 1,968,910 Poole Aug. 7, 1934 2,249,202 Glenn July 15,1941 2,310,680 Dinley Feb. 9, 1943 2,328,256 Breckenbridge Aug. 31, 1943 2,398,880 Broglie Apr. 23, 1946 2,434,476 Wales Jan. 13, 1948 2,451,692 Pugh Oct. 19, 1948 2,453,859 Pugh N0v..16, 1948 2,463,934 Allen Mar. 8, 1949 2,503,330 Geldhof Apr. 11, 1950 2,540,955 Moore Feb. 6, 1951 2,543,579 Kauffmann II Feb. 2'7, 1951 2,590,295 Constantine Mar. 25, 1952

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