USRE25784E - Combination laundry and dry cleaner apparatus - Google Patents

Description

May 18, 1965 J. D. RoBBlNs ETAL R- 25,784l

COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS Original Filed April 22, 1959 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 pq o '3x trn d. 1 d' \\In in i I i .nl J 1V if? 3, INVENToRs JAMES o. RoBaINs RICHARD A. cunns Qui 5W ATTORNEYSv May 18 1965 J. D. RoBBlNs ETAL Re. 25,784

COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS Original Filed April 22, 1959 1l Sheets-Sheet 3 E G. INVENTORJ JAME S D. ROBBINS BY R/ HARD A* cuRT/s A T'rolPMf-VS May 18, 1965 J. D. RoBBlNs ETAL. R 25,784

l COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS Original Filed April 22, 1959 I 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR5 JAME o. noaa/N5 BY ma/M0 A. cams A TTOPIUE f5 May 18, 1965 J. D. RoBBlNs ETAL R 25,784

COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS Original Filed April 22, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS JAMES D. ROBBINS RICHARD A. CURTIS BY QM ATTORNEYS INVENTORJ"S JAMES D. ROBB/N y RICHARD A. cum/5 |4 ATTORNEYS 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 s U T A R A P P A L m m l E m s m G m D H B m 8 7 B A 8 8 o Y R R m 1.. m l! N 9 m l T l *Y 9 M M Av. 8 M 1 l .Il m .n P o 5 c A 9 3 w 9 1 1 .l F 2 s M e n. .m a m. r M o J. D. ROBBINS ETAL COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS 4 8 8 7 n 2 m O s i e w R s e U e M bm R A l SS w 1 mmm M oww LE TOC S A N NR. Y T m E A E E L vaD N c NSM- no.. m M EH /fT l Mc. n B D Mm B N o A R. M Dm i M 9 Y 5 w w a n M 2. I 2 B 1 m .n w c m. 31..- 9 0mm Rm; 1.. l .1 8 F 1 .l ,|\|11 v. m -1| a .nu I M i r o mm May 18, 1965 J. D. RoBBlNs ETAL Re. 25,784

COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS original Filed April 22, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTORJ JAMES D. PO/NS By RICHARD A. CURTIS A TT'OQIUEYS May 18, 1965 J. n. RoBBlNs :a1-A1. Re. 25,784

COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS 11 Sheets-Sheet 10 Original Filed April .22, 1959 N802 RHImSS Mmmnmvw E m. o w m o .T v rhv QN., u a Thww v wNm ai E nzwm ambas SEM V u N3 m s m52 BIBA EWS my OOM S SI SWW S TJ Y TBC E O N NRA R E D 0 VDR T NS IEM/.m MC. www

Vu B May 18, 1965 J. D. RoBBlNs ETAI. Re 25,784

COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS Original Filed April 22, 1959 11 Sheets-Sheet 1l A ,Il

57 30 38e El 59a INVENTORJ' 'JAMES D. ROBE/N5 BY P/CHARD A. WPT/,5

United States Patent O 25,784 COMBINATION LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANER APPARATUS James D. Robbins, Spring Lake, and Richard A. Curtis,

Lowell, Mich., assignors, by direct and mesne ass-ignments, to Borg-Warner Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Original No. 2,932,961, dated Apr. 19, 1960, Ser. No. 808,083, Apr. 22, 1959. Application for reissue Apr. 12, 1962, Ser. No. 190,518

26 Claims. (Cl. 68-4) Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue.

This application is a reissue application of United States Letters Patent 2,932,961 which was a continuation-impart of patent application Serial No. 670,093, tiled July 5, 1957, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a combination laundry and dry cleaning apparatus and more particularly to a home dry cleaning apparatus with which the ordinary housewife, by simply inserting the clothing into the machine and actuating a selector mechanism, can automatically dry clean or launder clothing.

Heretofore, separate dry cleaning units and separate laundry units have been developed. To our knowledge, dry cleaning apparatus have been conned to commercial establishments although prior dry cleaning machines for homes have been suggested. Further, the prior art has suggested that certain washing machines can be used for dry cleaning by using a dry cleaning solvent rather than Water. However, to our knowledge, none of these washing machines have ever proved to be completely satisfactory for home use and further, no apparatus has been developed for both dry cleaning and laundering clothing.

An object of this invention is to provide an automatic combination laundry and dry cleaning apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide a home dry cleaning unit that is completely automatic and will clean garments as well as conventional dry cleaning establishments.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a dry cleaning attachment unit that can be-utilized with a modied conventional laundry unit for converting the laundry unit into a combination laundry and dry cleaning apparatus.

A further object of this invention is to provide a dry cleaning attachment unit that can be combined with a conventional but modified laundry unit in such a fashion that the laundry unit can be purchased and used solely as a laundry unit and later the dry cleaning attachment can be purchased and readily attached to the modified laundry unit for converting it to a combination dry cleaner and laundry unit.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combination laundry and dry cleaner apparatus having two electrical control systems, one for controlling the dry cleaning cycle and another for controlling the laundry cycle, these electrical control systems being interconnected in such a fashion that they have common components which operate the various elements required by the dry cleaning laundering cycles.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a separate dry cleaning attachment unit having a novel electrical control system leading from the unit and being adapted to be interconnected into the conventional electrical control system for the laundry unit.

These and other objects of my invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art of laundering and dry cleaning upon reading the following speciiication in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Re. 25,784 Reissued May 18, 1965 ice FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a combination laundry and dry cleaning apparatus including a dryerwasher combination unit and a dry cleaner attachment unit.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a combination laundry and dry cleaning apparatus including an automatic washer and dry cleaner attachment unit.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational, schematic view of the combination laundry and dry cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the basic component parts of the dry cleaning attachment unit and the combination washer-dryer unit.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational, cut-away view ot the combination washer-dryer combination unit shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the back of the combination washer-dryer unit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a motor clutch and blower clutch assembly for the combination washer-dryer unit of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional, side elevational view taker along the plane VII-VII of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane VIII-VIII of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the plane IX-IX of FIG. 3.

FIG. l0 is a plan view of the ilipper valve located a the bottom of the tank of the combination washer-dryer unit of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 as taken along the plane X-X FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plans XI-XI of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the tiipper valvt taken along the plane XII- XII of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the valve in thu overtiow conduit of the dry cleaner attachment unit.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a pressure responsivl valve utilized in the dry cleaning system.

FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram of tht electrical control means for the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16'is a front elevational, schematic view of th laundry and dry cleaning combination of FIG. 2 illus trating the basic components of the two units.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional, schematic plan View take: along the plane XVII-XVII of FIG. l16.

FIG. 18 is a partially sectioned fragmentary view of th valve means for the modied automatic washer. Thi view is taken along the plane XVIII-XVIII of FIG. l'.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plan XIX-XIX of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional View taken along the plan XX-XX of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is an electrical schematic diagram of the ele trical control means for the apparatus of FIG. 2. l

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a modified valve mear for either of the apparatuses shown in FIGS. 1 and FIG. 23 is a partially sectioned view taken along tl plane XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a partially sectioned view of another mod fied valve means for either of the apparatuses of FIG 1 and 2.

FIG. 25 is still another modified valve means for eith of the apparatuses of FIGS. l or 2.

The illustrated combination dry cleaner and laund apparatus comprises two diiterent combinations. FIG. discloses a combination dry cleaning-washer-dryer app ratus 1 including a separate combination washer-dry unit 2 and the dry cleaner attachment unit 3. FIG. discloses a combination dry cleaning-washer apparatus including the automatic washer 5 and the dryer clean attachment unit 3a. It is important to note that bc the combination washer-dryer 2 and automatic washer are each separate units encased in separate housings frc the dry cleaner attachment units 3 and 3a which are su stantially identical. The only difference in these units 3 ind 3a is in the timer control mechanism and drain conluit arrangement as will be described hereinafter. In )rder to clearly describe this invention, the combination iry cleaner-washer-dryer apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 will first )e described and then structure of the dry cleaner attachnent unit will be related to the combination dry cleanervasher apparatus 4 of FIG. 2.

The combination washer-dryer unit 2 is a conventional uut modified washer-dryer unit like that sold by the Norge Iorporation. The unit comprises a stationary tank 6 .dapted to receive and hold liquid. A basket 7, having he fins 8 for tumbling the clothing, is rotatably mounted rn a horizontal axis within the tank 6.

This basket is entirely perforated with openings or holes (FIG. 4) and is rotatably mounted on its axis by a earing assembly 10 located at the rear of the tank 6 and y a plurality of rollers 11 on which the cylinder track 2 on the front end of the basket rides.

The basket 7 is driven by a pulley 13 operatively conected to the motor 14 by pulley 26h and belt 17a through 1e two-speed transmission assembly 15 (FIG. 5), which iechanism is controlled by the transmission solenoid 16 FIG. 3) in a manner well-known to those skilled in the rt. When solenoid 16 is deenergized the basket is riven at tumbling speed; when energized, basket 7 is riven at spin or extract speed. The exact construction E the transmission assembly and the solenoid 1.6 is at described because it is believed that anyone skilled i. the art would use any number of different types of ansmissions to obtain a two-speed drive of the basket '7.

he pulley 13 is driven by the transmission assembly 15 rough the belt 17 passing around the pulley of the transission assembly 15 and also the pulley 13.

Since the` unit 2 is a combination washer-dryer a heater id fan means is provided to dry the clothes. The heater ement or heater 18 (FIG. 4) consists of two rod type :ments in an aluminum casing which is secured to the nk head. The fan or blower 19 is located at the rear the basket 7 and is secured to the rotatable shaft 20 tending rearwardly and connected to the pulley 21 lich in turn is driven by.- the motor 14 through the lt 22. A fan or blower clutch 23 (FIGS. 5 and 6) is ovided for controlling the actuation of the fan or blower This clutch 23 includes a solenoid 24 having an nature normally preventing rotation of the pulley a around which the fan or blower belt 22 extends.

hen solenoid 24 is energized the armature 25 is witi iwn causing the motor 14 to rotate the pulley 26a d as a result operate the fan or blower 19. In this ."ticular modified combination washer-dryer a passagey 25a for condenser water is provided at the rear of tank. This condenser water passageway carries cold ter, flowing from condenser T 26 during the drying ped, and the fan is arranged to draw the moist air from ide the tank past this passageway where the water the air is condensed and runs downwardly into the in valve assembly 31. The airis then forced upwardly l around past the heater element 18. In the line leadto the condenser T is provided a solenoid actuated ve 27 which controls the flow of Water through the conser water passageway 25a.

lo far we have described that which is conventional the Norge combination washer-dryer. In accordance 1 this invention, the combination washer-dryer is htly modified to adapt it for conversion into a comition dry cleaner-washer-dryer unit. The modificas made in this conventional unit will now be described. he combination washer-dryer unit 2 is modified to /ide a solvent overflow conduit 28, the solvent inlet duit 29 and a solvent drain conduit 30 which leads n the` water and solvent valve assembly 31 mounted he bottom of the tank 6 in'place of the conventional ment trap.

he water and Solvent drain valve assembly 31, shown in more detail in FIGS. l0, 11 and l2 comprises a triangular shaped housing 32 attached to the bottom of the tank 6 over the opening leading to the conventional sediment trap. This housing 32 has two sides 33 and 34 converging downwardly to the vertex 35 where there is positioned a journal 36 for a flipper valve element 37. Leading from the side 33 is the Water drain conduit 38 and from the side 34 is the solvent drain conduit 30. Each of these conduits 38 and 30 have a pinch valve 40 and 41, respectively, of a conventional type for preventing the water or solvent from backing up into the housing 32. The flipper valve element 37 is positioned for actuation into either of two positions. In one position during energzntion of Solenoid 46 it is against wall 33 and covers the opening over the water drain conduit 38 and in the other position during Ze-e'nergz'zaton of solenoid 46 lit is .against wall 34 and it covers the opening over the solvent drain conduit 30. The flipper valve element 37 is constructed of a frame 42 having the flexible coverings 42a and 42b on each side. The flipper valve element 37 is arranged so that the minimum amount of water or solvent remains in the valve assembly When the respective conduit is closed. For example, when the flipper valve element 37 is in the position to the left as shown in FIG. 12, only a very small amount of solvent remains in the housing 32 and likewise when the flipper element is to the right only a very small amount of water is permitted to remain in the housing. This is important because we have found the amount of water that can be mixed with the solvent in dry cleaning a load of clothing cannot exceed 31/2 ounces. To limit this amount of remaining water we provide a lead packing 44 in the vertex 35 of the V-shaped housing 32 to eliminate the accumulation of any water in the vertex. Further, the flipper valve element 37 abuts against the walls 33 and 34 causing any water remaining therebetween to be squeezed downwardly and outwardly through the conduit 38. In order to prevent any nails or pins from entering the housing 32 and preventing the complete closing of the flipper valve element 37, a screen 45 is provided over the opening between the tank and the housing 32.

The flipper valve element 37 is controlled by the solenoid. 46. The water drain conduit 38 leads to the water pump 39 which is constantly driven by the motor 14. Leading from the pump 39 is the water drain con- -duit (FIGS. 3 and 4) having another pinch valve 47 which prevents back up of the water through the pump and into the housing 32. It is important to note that the pump 39 is connected in the line such that the conduit 38 is located at a higher level than the outlet leading to the conduit 140. This is also to prevent the water from backing up through the pump into the housing 32.

A `draft valve 43 is provided in the tank 6. This valve is actuated -by the .solenoid 43a and is provided for the purpose of facilitating the exhaust of fumesfrom tank 6 as will be described.

Another change made in the conventional combination washer-dryer is the interconnection in the electrical system of the electrical connector 48 which will be described in more detail hereinafter.

So far we have described the major changes or modiiications made in a conventional combination washerdryer unit. Additional minor chang-es are required including replacing the door .gasket with any solvent resistant material, the solvent being a perchloroethylene. Further, the pulley of the transmission assembly 15 is increased in size to increase extraction speed to at least 250 r.p.m. The water level safety switch diaphragm (not shown) is also changed to 'a solvent resistant material, and other minor changes coming within the perview of any mechanic skilled in the art can also be made.

It should be emphasized that the above changes made in a conventional Norge combination washer-dryer machine do not affect the normal operation of the machine for use in laundering clothing. In fact, this machine can be used alone by merely plugging the openings to conduits 28 and 29 to prevent the water from flowing out of the tank 6. It is intended Iin accordance with the basic concept of lthis invention that this machine can be sold as -a separate unit to be used as a combination washer-dryer. The dry cleaning attachment unit 3, to be now described, can then be sold at a later date and by merely connecting the attachment to the modified combination washer-dryer machine, a combination dry cleaner-washer-dryer apparatus is obtained.

DRY CLEANER ATTACHMENT UNIT The dry cleaner attachment unit 3 is a separate unit encased in a separate housing or casing 49. This unit includes the frame 50 supporting the tank assembly 51,

the lter unit 52, the pump motor 53, the exhaust fan 54, and the various conduits which in conjunction with the components just listed and the combination washer-dryer unit 2 constitutes the `dry cleaning system.

The tank assembly 51 is mounted on the horizontal cross support member S5 at the bottom of the frame. This tank assembly consists of an elongated tank 56 having an inclined bottom portion 57 and a at bottom portion 58. Located immediately above the flat bottom portion, approximately an inch, is the impeller assembly 59 off the solvent pump. This impeller is driven -by the shaft 60 extending upwardly and connected to the motor 53. The impeller assembly 59 is directly connected to the conduit 61 leading upwardly through the top of the tank into the filter unit 52. The tank assembly 51 also includes a Ilint and button trap 62 which is removable by means of pulling up on the handle 63 for removing the lint `and any buttons or debris. Leading into the tank 56 at the button trap 62 is a solvent drain conduit or hose 64 and overow conduit or hose 65. Both of these hoses or conduits 64 and 65 cause the solvent flowing there# through to rst ow into the trap 62 through openings 64a and 65a and then downwardly into the tank. These openings 64a and 65a are located immediately above the inclined bottom portion cf the tank so that the solvent ows downwardly on this inclined portion and circulates downwardly causing a flushing effect to continuously flush any material lying on the bottom hat portion 58 of the tank. This inclined portion 57 also serves an additional purpose of maintaining the level of the solvent in the tank above impeller assembly 59 with a minimum amount of solvent. If the bottom of the tank 56 were entirely ila-t, a greater volume of solvent would be required to maintain the level of the solvent above the impeller 59 and as a result the solvent would have to be replenished more frequently than is required by the tank 56.

A pump 66 is located in the solvent drainconduit 64 and is driven by the drain pump motor 67. An overow valve 68 is located in the conduit 65. This valve which is actuated by a solenoid 69 comprises `a valve housing 70 (FIG. 13) and a rotatably mounted valve element 71 mounted within the housing 70 on shaft 72 connected to the arm 73 of the solenoid 69. The arm 73 is biased in a counterclockwise direction by the spring 74 which in turn biases the valve element 71 closed against its annular seat 75 which has an O-ring 76 providing a lseal for the valve element against the seat 75 to prevent vthe escape of any solvent or water through the valve.

The filter unit 52 is located immediately above the tank 56 and is connected to the tank :by the conduit 61 prev-iously described and the drain pipe 175 leading from the bottom of the filter unit to the tank. This drain pipe 17S is normally closed by the hand valve 176 and is only used for draining the filter unit for cleaning. The lter unit brietly consists of a housing 77 having a perforated iilter bag support 78 supporting a fabric iilter bag 79. This filter bag is held in place by the spring wire ring 80. The lter housing 77 has the opening 81, located above the bag 79, through which the solvent ows from the conduit 61. Below the lter bag 79 is the outlet opening 32 communicating with the conduit 83 which branches into z bypass conduit or bypass 84 and the input conduit 85 Bypass conduit 84 has a restriction valve or restrictoi valve assembly 86 provided for the purpose of controlling the iiow of solvent through the bypass and input conduit: 84 land 85 in response to the pressure in the lter unit.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic of this restrictive valwr assembly 86 which includes the valve element 87 attacher to the pivoted shaft 8S which is connected to the arm 8! extending downwardly and connected at its other end ti the rod 90 which forms a part of lthe pressure responsivi unit 91. This unit 91 includes the diaphragm 92 spring| biased in one direction by the spring 93 on one side of thl diaphragm tending to open the valve. The other side o the diaphragm 92 is subjected to the pressure in the to] compartment of lter unit by means of the pressure lint 94 communicating therewith. It should be readily ob vious that as the pressure in the lter unit 52 increase the valve element 87 tends to close restricting the Hoi of solvent through the bypass. This arrangement is prc vided for the purpose of regulating lthe amount of solven owing through the input conduit 85 which will be de scribed in more detail hereinafter under the headin Operation The input conduit 85 has a solenoid actr ated shut-off valve 220 and a check valve for preventin the solvent or wat-er from backing up into the lter uni The solvent intended for use in this apparatus contain perchloroet-hylene, the vapors of which are somewha toxic and therefore must be exhausted to prevent ex cessive inhalation thereof. We provide a built-in ventin means which includes the vent conduit Ior vent pipe 9 connected to the overow conduit 65 immediately ahea of or upstream of the valve 68. This vent pipe extent upwardly and then at an yangle toward the rear of the un (FIG. 9) where there is located the vent fan 54. Tt vent pipe 95 t-hen continues out of the rear of the machir and is intended for connection to a hose leading to tl outside of the house.

We have thus far described the various components i both the combination washer-dryer unit 2 and the dr cleaning attachment unit 3. As shown in FIG. 3 thee two units are connected together by .the couplings 96, 9 and 93 (FIGS. 1 and 3). Coupling 96 connectes tl: overiiow conduits 28 and 65. Coupling 97 connects tl: input conduits 85 and 29. Coupling 98 connects tl drain conduits 30 andv 64. An electrical connector 4 also connects the electrical systems of the two units (FI( 15), which systems will now be described.

ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR COMBINi TION DRY CLEANER-WASHER-DRYER FIG. 15 shows the electrical control system for tl combination dry cleaner-washer-dryer combination 4 FIGS. 1 and 3. This `system is divided into two circui and 200. The circuit 100 is the combination washe dryer circuit and the circuit 200 is the dry cleaner attac ment circuit. The circuit 100 ywill work independent of the circuit [101] 200 but circuit 200 is directly d pendent on the combination washer-dryer circuit 1 The two circuits are connected together by the electri( connector 48 including the female connector part 48a a male connector part 48b.

The combination washer-dryer circuit 100 consists the timer or timing element 102 driven by the launc' timer motor 103. The timer element 102 has a plurality electrical contact segments arranged at predetermin positions so as to bring into action the various compone: of the system in the predetermined timed sequence. should be understood that the timer element 102 is sho expanded and for purposes of illustration the minutes which the various brushes engage the contact segments shown at the lower edge of element 102. For exam] the brush 104 connected to the motor 14 is shown engaging the contact strips 105a and 105b during eac/s4 utire time cycle except during the th minute. It will e noted that each of the contact segments are connected u a power supply line and the electrical components are ich connected to one brush and to, ground. This is town for illustration purposes only since Various differit arrangements could be made without departing from ie spirit of this invention.

Now referring to each of the electrical components, it ill be seen that the water valve is electrically connected the brush 106 which at predetermined time sequence xgages the contact segments 10621, 10613, 106e and 106d. 1e transmission solenoid 16 which throws the transmis- )n into extract speed is electrically connected to the Iush 107 arranged to engage the lcontacts 107a and 107b. 1e pinch valve 40 is connected to the brush 108 and is lapted to engage the contact segments 108a and 10813. 1e blower clutch solenoid 24 is electrically connected to e brush 109 adapted to engage in a predetermined timed quence the contact segments 109a and 10910. The heat- 18 is electrically connected to the brush 110 arranged r engaging the contact segments 110a and 110b. The ndenser valve solenoid is electrically connected to the ush 111 which in turn engages the contact segments 111e d 111b. It will be noted that the flipper valve solenoid and the pinch valve 41 form a part of the circuit 100 hough they are not connected to the timing element 2 Connected to several of the components of the circuit 0 are the electrical lines leading to the female connector rt 48a. These lines are lines 112 leading from the heat- 18, 113 connected to the pinch valve 41, line 114 con- :ted to the flipper valve solenoid 46, line 115 connected the blower clutch solenoid 24, line 116 connected to the nsmission solenoid 16, 117 extending from the motor and 118 connected to the power supply. Each of these :s are in turn connected to the connector parts 11221, la, 114a, 115a, 116a, 117a and 118a, respectively.

brush 204 adapted to engage the contact segments 2043.

t should be obvious from the above description that circuit 100 is adapted for controlling the operation of combination washer-dryer unit independently of the cleaning attachment circuit 200. A detailed descrip- 1 of the control operation of circuit 100 is not considd necessary. Briefly, the operation involves the closof switch S which actuates the motor 14, the water ve, and the pinch valve which causes the water to v into the tank 6 to a predetermined level determined a conventional level control device (not shown). Durthis time the basket 7 is tumbling atslow speed and a matter of about 12 minutes the clothes in the ma-' 1e are washed. The pump 39 (FIG. 3) is continuously rating but fails to drain any water because the pinch Ie 40 is closed. After 12 minutes this pinch valve ns, the pump 39 drains the tank 6 and ultimately the et 7 goes into spin by reason of the energization of the ismission solenoid 16. There are alternate spray rinses spinning operations until the clothes are rinsed and water is extracted therefrom. At this time, approxiely at 2l minutes, the heater 18 is energized and evenly the blower clutch solenoid 23 is energized starting blower or fan. During this time of the cycle the con- ;er valve solenoid is energized causing water to ow nwardly through the condenser water passageway 25. i Water is cold and as a result condenses the moisture 1 the air passing over this passageway. Eventually, :lothes are dry and the laundry operation is complete. he dry cleaner attachment circuit 200 includes the r element 202 driven by the dry cleaner timer motor This timing mechanism is very similar to the timing ianism of the combination washer-dryer unit. The r element 202 also has a plurality of contact segments iged to be engaged by a plurality of brushes` which connected to the components of the dry cleaner atnent unit and also to several of the components of combination washer-dryer unit. 'v lecitcally, filter pump motor 53 is connected to the and 204b. The drain pump motor 67 is connected to the brush 205 adapted to engage the contact segment 205a. The overflow valve solenoid 69 is connected to the brush 206 arranged to engage the contact segments 206a and 21161). Brush 201 is connected to line 212 leading to the prong 212a. Similarly, brush 207 is connected to the line 213 leading to the prong 213e. Brush 201 is arranged to engage the contact segment 201a, and brush 207 is arranged to contact the contact segments 2072. and 207b. Brush 20e, which is adapted for engagement of contact segment 208e, is connected to the prong 214a by the line 214. Brush 209 arranged for engaging segments 209a is connected to the prong 215e by line 215. Brush 210 is aligned for engaging contact segment 210a and is connected to prong 216a by the line 216. Brush 211 is connected to line 217 which in turn is connected to prong 21'7a. This brush rides on the contact segments 211a and 211b. Brush 219 is aligned for engagement with Contact segment 219e is connected to fan 54 and draft solenoid 43a of circuit 100. Finally, line 218 is connected to the dry cleaner timer motor through the manual operated switch S1. This line 218 terminates at the prong 218e.

As will be noted, the prongs 212a, 213a, 2142i, etc. are adapted to be received by the socket parts 112a, 113a, 114a, etc., respectively. As a result, lines 212, 213, 214 are electrically connected to the lines 112, 113, 114, etc., when the connector parts 48a and 48h are plugged together. As a result, brush [20S] 201 is electrically connected to the heater 18, brush 207 to the pinch valve 41, brush 208 to the flipper valve solenoid 46, brush 209 to the blower clutch solenoid 23, brush 210 to the transmission solenoid 16, brush 211 to the motor 14, and dry cleaner timer motor to the power supply. y

A safety switch assembly 120 for preventing the two timing mechanisms from operating simultaneously is provided. This assembly includes the solenoids 121 and 122 which when energized are adapted to open the Contact breakers 123424 and 125, respectively. Accordingly, when manual switch S is closed solenoid 122 is energized opening contact breaker 125. This prevents the dry cleaner timer motor 203 from operating and makes the timer element 202 ineffective since it is disconnected from the power source. When manual switch S1 is closed solenoid 121 is energized opening contact breakers 123 and 124. This prevents operation of laundry timer motor 103 and makes tiiner element 102 inetfective since it is then disconnected from the power source.

It should be obvious from the above description of the circuit 200 that its timer mechanism controls the operation of several of the components of the combination washer-dryer unit. This operation cycle can best be understood from the following chart:

Following this chart, it will be noted that upon initiation of the cycle brush 208 engages contact segment 208a which energizes the ipper valve solenoid causing the Hipper valve element 37 to be actuated to the right as shown in FIG. 12 closing the conduit 38 and opening the conduit 30. Further, pinch valve 40 closes. This occurs during the entire dry cleaning cycle since it is imperative that no water be permitted to mix with the solvent, and it is naturally desirable to prevent the escape of the solvent through the water drain. The flipper valve element 37 is against wall 34 with solenoid 46 ale-energized during the washing cycle, and is against wall 33 with solenoid 46 energized during the dry cleaning cycle.

Also upon initiation of the cycle the filter pump motor 53 is actuated by brush 204 engaging the contact segment 204a; the basket 7 begins to tuble at a slow speed as the brush 211 engages the contact segment 211a; and the overilow valve 68 opens by reason of the brush 206 engaging the contact segment 206a. The duration of the actuation of the lilter pump and the opening of the overow valve is one minute after which the tumbling continues but the overiiow valve closes.

At a total time lapse of 4 minutes, brush 206 engages contact segment Gb opening the overilow valve 68; filter pump motor 53 is actuated by the brush 204 engaging the Contact segment 204b; and pinch valve 41 is closed as brush 207 engages segment 207a. The duration of this action is for 7 minutes after which the overow valve closes, the filter pump stops, and pinch valve 41 opens. The drain pump motor 67 is energized at 11 minutes when the brush 205 engages the contact segment 205a. At the 16th minute the tumbling stops for one minute and the drain pump continues to drain the solvent from the tank 6. Ultimately on the 17th minute the brush 210 engages contact segment 210a energizing the transmission solenoid 16 and throwing the transmission into high extract or spin speed. This continues for five minutes during which time the solvent is extracted from the clothing by centrifugal force. After the 22nd minute brushes 201 and 209 engage the contact segments 201a and 209a, respectively, causing the heater 18 to be turned on and the blower clutch solenoid to be energized starting the blower or fan. This continues for the remainder of the cycle during which time the clothes are dried.

Included in the circuit 200 are the switches S2, S3 and S4 all lof which are actuated simultaneously by any conventional manual actuating means for shutting valves 220 and 68 and starting the filter pump motor 53. These switches are provided in order to circulate the solvent through the bypass, tank and filter thereby bypassing the laundry unit. This circulation is desirable in `order to rejuvenate the filter after it has been cleaned which will be described in more detail hereinafter under Operations.

MODIFIED AUTOMATIC WASHER The dry cleaner attachment unit 3 can be slightly modified to provide a unit 3a to be used with a conventional but modified automatic washer. The only changes to be made in this dry cleaner attachment unit is in the electrical control system. Further, the solvent drain pump can be eliminated if desired. FIG. 16 shows such a modified dry cleaning attachment unit 3a. It will be noted that the solvent drain pump has been completely eliminated and the solvent is drained from the tank solely by gravity. As will be described hereinafter in relation of FIGS. 22-25, the solvent drain pump can be utilized by merely changing the structure of the valve means for the solvent and water drain outlets.

FIGS. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 best illustrate the structure of the modified automatic washer 5. This modified automatic washer 5 includes a housing or casing 300 enclosing Y pulley is journalled in the bearing 309. Immediately above the bearing 309 is the clutch and brake assembly 310. This assembly includes the brake solenoid 311 which when energized releases the brake `causing the entire basket 302 to be rotated or spun. When not energized, the solenoid 311 prevents rotation of basket 302 but permits actuation of the agitator 303. The motor 305 is arranged to operate at two speeds. At one slow or tumble speed the agitator 303 is actuated and at high or extraction speed the entire basket 302 is spun. This will be described in more detail in the description of the electrical control circuits.

The basket 302 has a tube 341 communicating with the bottom of the basket and extending upwardly toward the top. This tube is arranged in a conventional manner sc that as the basket spins, the water by centrifugal force flows upwardly out of basket 302.

At each side of the tank 301 are the openings 312 and 313 (FIG. 18). The opening 312 leads to the solvent drain pipe 314 and the opening 313 leads to the water drain pipe 315. These pipes are slightly offset downwardly from the bottom 316a of the tank 301 sc that the water and solvent will be more completely drained from the tank.

In the solvent drain pipe 314 is located the valve ele ment 316 pivotedly mounted about the axis 317 an( adapted to be opened by the solvent valve solenoid 318 The valve element 316 is normally held closed by tht spring 319 which biases the arm 320 in a clockwise direc tion as viewed from FIG. 13.

The drain pipe 315 has a pivotally mounted valv element 321 mounted therein for closing oli communica tion between the tank and the water drain pipe 315 This valve element 321 is actuated bythe solenoid 321 through the actuating arm 323. It is also biased in closed position by the spring 324.

It will be noted that drain pipe 315 is offset only very small distance below the bottom 316a of the tan and the valve element 321 is located as close to the tanl as possible. This permits only a small portion of wate to remain in the tank this portion being only that amour which would fill the space 325 located between the valv element 321 and the opening 313. It is important tha this space will hold no more than 31/2 ounces of wate since any greater volume of water will be detrimentz Vto the dry cleaning operation.

A drain pump 326 is also connected in the water drai pipe 315. It is provided for pumping the water into th drain tank.

The water or solvent llows into the basket 302 throng the flume 327 located immediately above the baske Connected to this flume is the iitting 328 having the watt inlet 329 and solvent inlet 330. Connected to the wat( inlet 329 is the water hose 331 leading to the mixer val\ 332 into which the hot water hose 333 and cold wat: hose 334 is attached. The mixer valve 332 has two solt noids, one for the hot water and one for the cold wat: for controlling the temperature of the water iiowing int the water inlet 329. Connected to the solvent inlet 33 is the solvent hose 335 which extends outwardly of tl casing 300 for connection to the input conduit of the di cleaning attachment unit. Check valves 336 and 337 ai mounted in the water and solvent hoses, respectivel These check valves prevent the Water from owing inl the hose 335 and the solvent from owing into the ho: 331.

Having described the modified automatic washer 5, it evident from FIG. 11 that this unit is connected to tl dry cleaning attachment unit 3a in substantially the san way as the combination washer-dryer unit 2 is connecte to the dry cleaner attachment unit 3. The connecting t the two units together is very simple merely consisting t connecting the solvent hose 335 to the input conduit I by means of a coupling 338. The solvent drain pipe 31 is connected to the overflow drain conduit 65 by the co pling 339. The two electrical circuits of the two uni re then connected together by the electrical connector 40. These circuits will now be described.

ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR COMBI- NATION DRY CLEANER-WASHER FIG. 21 shows the control circuit 400 for the combiation dry cleaner-washer apparatus of FIG. 2. This )ntrol circuit 400 consists of two parts, the automatic asher circuit part 401 and the dry cleaner attachment iit circuit 500i. The automatic washer circuit 401 inu'des the timer element 403 having a plurality of con- `ct segments arranged in predetermined positions for entgement by the brushes in timed sequence. This timer ement 403 is driven by the washer timer motor 404. It ill be noted that for purposes of illustr-ation the time in inutes is marked along the lower edge of the timer eleent 403 to designate the time at which the various 'ushes will engage the contact segments.

Referring now to the various electrical components in e washer circuit 401, it will be noted that the water valve lenoid 322 is connected to the brush 405 adapted to gage the contact segments 405a, 405bV and 405C. The lmp 32,6 is connected to the brush 406 adapted to enge the contact segments 406a, 40611 and 406c. The ixer valve has two solenoids; the warm water solenoid nnected to the brush 407 which is arranged to the con- :t segments 407a and 407b, and the hot water solenoid arse nnected to the brush 408 which engages the cont-act gment 408a.

As previously described, the washer drive mechanism s two speeds provided by means of a differential or by :ans of two fields for the motor. In order to illustrate s we show two motor fields, a spin eld and an agitator ld. The spinl field is connected to the brush 409 adapted engage the segments 4092i and 409b. The agitator ld is connected to the brush 410 arranged for engaging v contact segments 410a and 410b. The brake solenoid connected to brush 411 aligned to engage the contact :ments 411e and 411b.

Ihis arrangement of the basic components is generalconventional and produces a washing cycle that is well awn in the art. Therefore, a detailed explanation of 1 cycle is not considered to be necessary. Brieiiy, the :le consists of starting the washer timer motor 404 by sing switch S5 which first fills the basket 302 with hot ter. Then the agitator is brought into operation for )ut minutes. Next a wash, spin and spin rinse for )ut 11/2 minutes occurs and then the tank is filled with rm water for about 4 minutes. During a part of this e and subsequent thereto the agitator agitates the thes in the rinse water and also during this time the se water is running over the basket 302 and into the 12.301. During this time the pump is actuated and the :er valve solenoid 322 opens the valve in the water in pipe 315. Finally, the spin field is energized causthe basket 302 to spin causing extraction of the water centrifugal force through pipe 341 during which time pump is running and the water valve in the water drain e 315 is open. This damp dries the clothes. t will be noted that the Washer circuit 401 also inles the solvent valve solenoid 318. arious components of the electrical circuit 401 are nected to the female connector par-t 340a. These inle the solvent valve solenoiid 318 connected to the cet 412 by the line 412a, the brake solenoid 311 coned to the socket 413 by the line 4132i, the agitator l connected to the socket 414 by the line 414a, and the 1 field connected to the socket 415 by the line 415e. power supply is connected to the sockets 416` and by the lines 416a and 417e, respectively. he dry cleaner attachment circuit 500i includes the :r element 503 driven by the timer motor 504. The :r element 503 includes a plurality of contact seg- 1ts arranged to be engaged by brushes in predetered time sequence. Specifically, the filter pump motor 53 is connected to the brush S05 adapted for engaging the contact segments 505a and 50511. The overfiow valve solenoid 69 is connected to the brush 506 arranged to engage the contact segments 566e. and 506b. Brush 507 adapted to engage the contacts segments 507a and 507b is connected to the prong 512 by line 512a. Brush 508 arranged to engage the contact segment 508a is electrically connected tothe prong 513 by the line 513a. Similarly brushes 509 and 510 are connected to the prongs 514 and 515 by the lines 514a and 515a, respectively. The dry cleaner timer motor 504 is connected to the prong 516 by the line 516a through the switch S6, and fan 54 is connected to prong 517 by line 517e. It should be evident from the drawings and the above description that the brush 507 is electrically connected to the solvent valve solenoid 31S, the brush 508 to the brake solenoid 311, the brush 509 to the agitator field, the brush 510 to the spin field, the dry cleaner timer motor 504 to the main power source, and fan 54 to the main power source through switch S7. As a result, several of the components of the washer are controlled by the dry cleaner timer mechanism. This produces a cycle which can be best illustrated by the following graph.

Action Description Total time lapse Time interval Briefly reviewing this graph it will be noted that upon initiation of the timing cycle the brushes 505, 506, 507, and 509 engage segments 50Sa, 506a, 507a and 509a. This causes the filter pump to pump solvent through the filter and into the basket 302, the agitator begins to operate, and the overfiow valve 68- and valve 318 to both open. When the basket is full of solvent the solvent overfiows and returns to the tank by. gravity. Thisy continues for a period of about six minutes at which time the filter pump stops, and the two valves close. A sufficient time of 3 minutes is allowed for the clothing to be saturated with the solvent. A-t the total elapsed time of nine minutes the filter pump and the agitator 303, are operated while the valve 68 and valve element 316 are open for seven minutes. Finally, at the 16th minute the filter pump stops, the brake solenoid releases the brake, the basket begins to spin and the valve element 316 and valvearemain open whereby the solvent is extracted from the clothing. This continues for another l2 minutes after which the clothes are damp dry and ready for drying in a conventional dryer. When thev top of the washer is opened the switch S7 closes energizing fan S4 which draws fumes through the vent 95 outside the building in which the apparatus is located.

Circuit 500 also has the manually operated switches S8, S9 and S10 which operate the filter pump and valves 220 and 68 independently of the timer mechanism. This is to permit circulati-on of the slovent entirely through the filter and bypass conduit 84.

A safety switch assembly 420 is provided for preventing the simultaneous operation of the timing mechanism. This assembly includes the solenoids 421 and 422 which when energized are adapted to open the contact breakers 423-424 and 425, respectively. Accordingly, when manual switch S5 is closed solenoid 422 is energized opening contact breaker 425. This prevents the dry cleaner timer m-otor 504 from operating and makes the timer` element 503 effective since it is disconnected from the power source. When manual switch S6 is closed solenoid 421 is energized opening contact breakers 423 and 424. This prevents operation of the laundry timer motor 404 and makes the timer element 403 ineffective by disconnecting it from the power source.

OPERATION The operation of the two apparatuses, 1 and 4 are quite similar. The major difference is that the apparatus 1 has an additional step of drying the clothing. Bascially, each of these apparatuses are adapted so that the laundry unit can be sold separately at one time and at a later time the dry cleaning -attachment unit can be purchased and attached directly to the laundry unit for converting the laundry unit into a combination dry cleaning-laundry unit. This is accomplished very simply merely by making several quick connections.

'Ihus far we have basically described the operation of these two apparatuses. However, it is believed necessary to broadly describe a complete operation. Therefore, the operation of the combination dry cleaner-washer apparatus 1 will first be described and in this description the `specific operation of all the components of the dry cleaning attachment unit 3 will be given. Since the dry cleaner attachment unit 3a is substantially identical to the unit 3. It is belived that in the description of the apparatus 4, the reiteration of the specification operation of all the components of the dry cleaning attachment unit 3a is not essential and necessary.

As previously stated, the combination washer-dryer unit 2 can be purchased either separately or with the dry cleaning attachment unit 3. Assuming the combination washer-dryer unit 2 is purchased separately, this unit can be utilized as a conventional washer-dryer by merely plugging up the openings in the conduits 28, 29 and 30. The cycle of the combination washer-dryer unit involves first washing the clothes by introducing hot water, agitating the clothes in the sudsy hot water, extracting the water from the clothes, removing it from the tank 6 by means of the pump 39, introducing warm water and rinsing the clothes; draining the warm water; and extracting the water from the clothes by spinning the basket 7. Then the clothes are dried in the basket 7 by energizing the heater 18 and passingwarm air over the clothes by the fan 19. The moist air is passed by the condenser passage- Way 25a causing water to be condensed and flow downwardly to the drain. This is the conventional washingdrying cycle of the Norge combination washer-dryer.

When the dry cleaning attachment unit 3 is purchased,

it is very easily attached to the combination washer-dryer unit 2 by connecting the two parts of the electrical connector 48 and coupling the conduits 28-85, 29-65, and 30-64 by the couplings 96, 97 and 98, respectively. With solvent in the tank 56 and the filter having been properly conditioned for filtering, the apparatus is then ready for use as either a washer-dryer or a dry cleaner.

When ready for use the dry cleaner attachment unit is arranged such that the hand valve 176 in the drain pipe 175 between the filter and tank is closed, the restrictor valve 86 in the bypass conduit 84 is substantially fully open, the shut-off valve 220 in the input conduit 85 is open, and the overfiow valve 68 is closed. The dry cleaning operation is initiated by closing the switch S1 (FIG. This energizes solenoid 46 closing the flipper valve element 37. The dry cleaner timer motor 203 is also started and at the same time solenoid 121 is energized opening the contact breakers 123 and 124 which completely makes the timer mechanism of circuit 100 ineffective. The dry cleaning operation follows the cycle previously set forth until the clothes are completely dry cleaned and dried.

During the initial cleaning portion of the dry cleaning cycle the impeller assembly 59 of the sump pump forces the solvent upwardly through the conduit 61 and into It is highly desirable that the level of the solvent iny the tank 6 be maintained at substantially the same level as the overflow conduit 28. This permits the dirt and other material iioating on top of the solvent to be drained immediately from the tank 6 and pass into the dry cleaning tank 56 through the valve 68 which is open simultaneously with the running of the filter pump. In order to regulate the level of the solvent in the tank, we provide the pressure responsive restrictor valve 86 which is actuated by the pressure responsive unit 91 communicating with the top of the filter unit 52. At the start of the use of a newly conditioned filter, the ow through the filter is of a substantial volume which would normally raise the level of solvent in the tank 6. The bypass 84 prevents this by bypassing a substantial portion of the solvent through the bypass conduit 84 and back into the tank 56. Y

We have also found tha-t a minimum amount of solvent is required to be circulated through the cleaning tank if a good cleaning job is to be'obtained. This desired ow rate for efficient cleaning is at least one gallon solvent per minute for each pound of garments being cleaned. After'the filter unit'has been used for some time without reconditioning, the flow of solvent through the filter unit starts to decrease. At the same time the pressure on the top compartment increases since the solvent forced into the top compartment is the 'same at all times. Therefore, the pressure on the diaphragm 92 (FIG. 14) increases causing the valve element 87 to move towards a closed position restricting the flow of solvent through the bypass 84. This permits a greater proportion of solvent to ow through the input conduit and maintains the flow rate constant at all times. Finally, the pressure in the filter unit will increase to such an extent dueto the clogging of the filter and a signal will be indicated on the indicator I (FIG. 7) which indicates to the user that the dry cleaning unit should no longer be used because it has lost its effectiveness.

The bypass 84 serves another purpose of permitting the filtering of a greater volume of Vsolvent than is flowing through the tanks. This facilitates a cleaner solvent and as a result a more efficient dry-cleaning job.

As previously described as the solvent is circulated through the filter, the bypass, the overflow conduits 28 and 65, and tank 6 it flows downwardly against the inclined bottom portion 57 causing any sediment lying on the other hat portion 58 to be flushed preventing any accumulation of dirt or debris in the bottom of the tank 56. This is important because it substantially eliminates cleaning Vof tank 56 and as a result, reduces the amount of service required on t-he dry cleaning attachment unit. The inclined bottom portion 57 also maintains the level of the solvent above the impeller assembly 59 with the minimum amount of solvent. Consequently, a greater loss of solvent by evaporation is permitted before replenishment is required.

The vent conduit 95 provides a means of exhausting vapors from the tank 6. This is particularly evident during the drying cycle when the fan 54 is operated for drawing vapors from the tank 6. This provides -a built-in venting means for use on any laundry equipment that does not have any such venting means. During the operation of the fan 54 the draft valve 43 is opened by the solenoid 43a permitting a better exhaust of the solvent vapors from the tank 6.

When the filter unit 52 has lost its effectiveness the valve 176 is opened permitting the solvent to drain from filter unit 52 into tank 56. Then valve 176 is closed and filter Jag or element 79 is removed, cleaned, and replaced. A ilter aid such as diatomaceous earth and activated carbon `.s dropped into the solvent in tank 56 and then switches S2V Vand S4 `are closed causing the tilter pump motor 53 ;o operate and valve 220 lto close. This causes the solvent :o be circulated from tank 56, through filter unit 52, Jypass conduit 84 and back into the tank for reconditionng the filter unit. Swithes S2 and S4 are opened after :he conditioning of the filter unit.

Having described the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1, the operation of the dry cleaner-washer apparatus if FIG. 2 should be easily understandable. As noted, the najor difference is the elimination of the drying portion Jf the cycle. Further, the solvent drain pump is elimirated by providing a gravity drain directly from the bottom Jf the tub 301 (FIG. 18) into tank 56.

It should be emphasized that the automatic washer :an also be sold separately and used solely as an autonatic washer. The dry cleaning attachment unit 3a is lttachedby simply connecting the two parts 340a and 340b if the electrical connector 340 and connecting the conluits 85-335 and 65-314 by the couplings 338 and 339, 'espectively. When so connected the washer can still be rsed as -a washer unit by closing the switch S5 (FIG. 21). this sets the washing cycle into operation as previously lescribed. It also energizes solenoid 422 opening the conact breaker 42S and preventing the circuit 500 `from aeing effective.

When it is desired to use the apparatus 4 as a dry :leaner the switch S5 is closed. This starts the dry cleaner imer motor 504 and also energizes solenoid 421 which )pens the contact breakers 423 and 424 making the wash- :r timer mechanism ineffective. Upon closing this switch in and actuating the dry cleaner timer motor 504 the dry :leaning operation begins and follows the cycle pre- 'iously set forth. During this dry cleaning cycle the `omponents of the dry cleaning attachment unit 3a operate ixactly like that described above with relation to the ry cleaner-washer-dryer apparatus 1 of FIG. l. Briey, he filter pump motor begins to operate and the valve elenent 316 and valve 68 open. This circulates solvent hrough theilter unit 52, conduits 83 and 85 and lls rasket 302 after which the solvent overflows int-o the ank 301 and out through solvent dra-in pipe into tank 56. ifter the basket 302 is full and overflowing, the filter lump stops and the valve 68 and valve element 316 close ermitting the clothes to be saturated by the solvent. `hen filter pump again begins operating and the valve 8 and valve element 316 open causing circula-tion of the olvent during the dry cleaning portion of the cycle. Eventually, basket 302 goes into spin or extract speed ausing the solvent to empty from the basket and the slvent to be extracted from the clothing. Upon comple- Ion of the dry cleaning cycle and when the top of t-he washer is opened the switch S7 (FIG. 21) closes causing 1e fan 54 to operate and exhaust any fumes from the mk 301. This exhaust means created by the fan 54 irough the vent conduit 95 is highly effective since the apors are-extremely heavy and fall to the bottom of the mk where conduit 65 is connected.

It should be readily evident from FIGS. and 21 that 'e have provided an electrical control circuit for the ry cleaner attachment unit which can readily be plugged 1to the laundry units circuits. The two circuits -for each pparatus, that is, the combination washer-dryer circuit 00 and the dry cleaning attachment circuit 200 and the 'asher circuit 401 and dry cleaning attachment 500, use :veral of the same electrical components to control the peration of the apparatuses.

It should also be evident that we have provided a valve leans by which the conventional laundry machine is :inverted 4to a combination laundry-dry -cleaner apparatus. 'his valve means is especially built to prevent .any ex- :ssive water from allrnulating in any crevices or other places for mixing with the solvent which would be highly detrimental to an effective dry cleaning operation.

MODIFICATIONS FIGS. 22, 23, 24 and 25 show various modifications of the valve means for draining the solvent and water. These modifications can be applied either to the combination dry cleaner-washer-dryer apparatus 1 or the combination dry cleaner-washer apparatus 4. For purpose of illustration, these will be described as pertaining to the combination dry cleaner-dryer-washer apparatus. FIGS. 22 and 23 disclose the tank 6 having the sediment trap 32a located in its bottom in place of the housing 32 of the unit previously described. Leading from the sediment trap 32a is the drain passageway 33a on the end of which is the pump 39a. Between the passageway 33a and the sediment trap 32a is the screen 34a. The pump 39a is arranged with its conduit 35a below the inlet [33d] 33b which communicates with the drain passageway 33a. The outlet conduit 35a branches into two conduits 30a and 38a. At the juncture of these conduits 30a and 38a is the ipper valve 37a actuated by a solenoid 46a. It lwill be noted that the water drain conduit 38a s inclined downwardly from the pump. This is important in order that the water will drain downwardly -by gravity and leave the least amount of water present in the tank 6 or sediment trap 32a to prevent excess amounts of water from mixing with the solvent. Located inthe two conduits 30a and 38a are the pinch valves 41a and 40a, respectively.

Considering the above description of the entire apparatus and its operation, it should be evident that the water or solvent flows downwardly into the sediment trap 32a through the drain passageway 33a and into the pump. The pump runs constantly and, therefore, is pumping the water or solvent into the drain conduits 38a and 30a, respectively. The flipper valve 37a, which is actuated by the solenoid 46a, is operated in conjunction with the other apparatus inthe same manner as the flipper valve element 37 and solenoid 46, previously described. The pinch valves a and 41a prevent backow of theA solvent or water and are operated in timed sequence the same as pinch valves 40 and 41, previously described. In this modification of FIGS. 22 and 23 the solvent drain conduit 30a is connected directly to the conduit 64 of the dry cleaner attachment unit (FIG. 3) and the solvent drain pump 66 can be eliminated.

FIG. 24 shows another arrangement which includes the sediment trap 32h from which the drain passageway 33b extends. In this modification the passageway 33b branches into the solvent drain conduit 30h and the water drain conduit 38b. The flipper valve 37b actuatedby the solenoid 46b is adapted for controlling the flow of the tluid into either the conduit 30h or conduit 38b. In this case conduit 30h leads to the solvent pump exactly like that described above with relation to the solvent drain conduit 30 of FIG. 3. The water drain conduit 38h leads to the pump 39h. It will be noted that both the drain passageway l33b and water drain conduit 38b are inclined at an angle downwardly from the sediment trap 32h. This is to assure that the water in the tank 6 will ow downwardly leaving the minimum amount in the tank and preventing any excess water from mixing with the solvent.

FIG. 25 shows still another modification in which a single pump 39e is utilized, and the valve structure is quite similar to that described in FIG. 22. In this modification, the solvent drain pump 66 of FIG. 3 can be eliminated since the pump `39e is a t-wo impeller pump which pumps .both water and solvent by means of a single. pulley 44C driven by a motor such as motor 14 of FIG. 3. In this modification the sediment trap 32e is mounted in the bottom of the tank 6 and has the passageway 33e extending therefrom at an angle inclined downwardly. This passage- Lway 33e branches into the solvent conduit 30C and the water conduit 38e at the juncture of which is the valve 37e. This valve is actuated by the solenoid 46c. In this particular modification the liquid flows downwardly and depending upon the position of the flipper valve 37C flows through the solvent drain Stic to the solvent impeller side of the pump 39e or it flows downwardly through the water drain conduit 38c to the water impeller side of the pump 39o.

Having described my invention, it should become obvious that although I have shown and described a preferred form of it in detail, various modifications and alterations could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the protection afforded this invention should be limited only as set forth by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A combination comprising a washing tank for containing a fluid washing medium, agitating means in said washing tank for agitating clothes in the iiuid medium in said Washin-g tank; extracting means in the washing tank forrextracting fluid from clothes; means for introducing water into said washing tank; water drainage means for draining water from said tank; a dry cleaning solvent storage tank and filter means interconnected to said storage tank for communication therewith to form a cooperative storage and iilter means; solvent input conduit means interconnecting the washing tank and the said storage and iilter means for transferring dry cleaning solvent from said storage and filter means to the washing tank; and solvent drainage means interconnecting the washing tank and said storage and filter means for transferring dry cleaning solvent from said washing tank to said storage and filter means; means for transferring solvent from said washing tank to said storage and filter means through said solvent drainage means and for transferring solvent from said storage and filter means to said washing tank through said solvent i11- put conduit means; and valve means operatively associated with the water drainage means and dry-cleaning solvent drainage means for selectively closing ofi communication between said washing tank and dry-cleaning solvent drainage means when said water drainage means is in operation and for closing off communication between said washing tank and water drainage means when said dry-cleaning solvent drainage means is in operation.

2. A combination comprising a laundry machine unit encased in a iirst housing and having a washing tank for containing a fluid washing medium, agitating means in said washing tank for agitating clothes in the iiuid medium in said washing tank; extracting means in the washing tank for extracting iiuid from clothes; means for introducing water into said washing tank; water drainage means for draining water from said tank; said laundry machine unit being provided with a dry-cleaning solvent inlet means and a dry-cleaning solvent drainage means; and valve means operatively associated with the water drainage means and dry-cleaning solvent drainage means for selectively closing off communication between said washing tan-k and dry cleaning solvent drainage means when said water drainage means is in operation and for closing off communication between said washin-g tank and water drainage means when said dry-cleaning solvent drainage means is in operation; a separate auxiliary dry cleaning attachment unit encased in a second housing and having a diy cleaning solvent storage tank, a filter unit interconnected to and communicating with said storage tank; a solvent input means leading from said filter unit; a `solvent drainage means leading into said dry-cleaning solvent storage tank; a first coupling means for interconnecting said dry-cleaning solvent inlet means and said solvent input means; and a second coupling means for interconnecting said drycleaning solvent drainage means and said sol-vent drainage means leading to said storage tank; and means for transferring solvent from said dry cleaning attachment unit to said laundry machine unit and from said laundry machine unit to said dry-cleaning attachment unit through said solvent input and inlet means and both of said solvent drainage means.

`3. Acombination comprising a laundry machine unit Cil encased in a first housing and having a washing tank for containing a fiuid washing medium, agitating means in said washing tank for agitating ciothes in the fluid medium in said washin-g tank; extracting means in the Washing tank for extracting iiuid from clothes; means for introducing water into said washing tank; water drainage means for draining water from said tank; laundry electrical timer control means operatively connected to said agitating means, extracting means and water introducing means for controlling the operating cycle of said laundry machine unit; a separate auxiliary dry-cleaning attachment unit encased in a second housing and having a dry-cleaning solvent storage tank, a filter unit interconnected to and communicating with said storage tank; solvent input conduit means interconnecting the laundry machine unit and the auxiliary unit for transferring dry-cleaning solvent from said auxiliary unit to the washing tank of said laundry machine unit; and solvent drainage means interconnecting the laundry machine unit and auxiliary unit for transferring dry-cleaning solvent from said laundry machine unit to said auxiliary unit; means for transferring solvent from said dry-cleaning attachment unit to said laundry machine unit through said solvent input conduit means; valve means operatively associated with the water drainage means and dry-cleaning solvent drainage means for selectively closing oft communication between said washing tank and dry-cleaning solvent drainage means when said water drainage means is in operation and for closing off communication between said washing tank and water drainage means when said dry-cleaning solvent drainage means is in operation; and dry-cleaner electrical timer control means detachably interconnected with said laundry electrical timer control means and arranged to be operatively connected to said agitating means and extracting means; said valve means being operatively connected to at least one of said laundry electrical timer control means and dry-cleaner electrical timer control means whereby operation of one of said electrical timer control means selectively operates said valve means to open communication of one of said drainage means with said washing tank while said other of said drainage means is closed oit from communication with said washing tank.

4. A combination comprising a laundry machine unit encased in a first housing and having `a washing tank for containing a iiuid washing medium, agitating means in said washing tank for agitating clothes in the iiuid medium in said washing tank; extracting means in the washing tank tor extracting fluid from clothes; means for introducing water into said washing tank; water drainage means for draining water from said tank; laundry electrical timer control means operatively connected to said agitating means, extracting means, and water introducing means for controlling the operating cycle of said laundry machine unit; said laundry machine unit being provided with a dry-cleaning solvent inlet means and a dry-cleaning solvent drainage means; and valve means operatively associated with the water drainage means and dry-cleaning solvent drainage means for selectively closing off communication between said washing tank and dry cleaning solvent drainage means when said water drainage means is in operation and for closing off communication between said washing tank and water drainage means when said dry-cleaning solvent drainage means is in operation; a separate auxiliary dry cleaning attachment unit encased in a second housing and having a dry cleaning solvent storage tank, a lter unit interconnected to and communicating with said storage tank; a solvent input means leading from said filter unit; a solvent drainage means leading into said dry cleaning solvent storage tank; a first coupling means for interconnecting said dry-cleaning solvent inlet means and said solvent input means; and a second coupling means for interconnecting said `dry-cleaning solvent drainage means and said solvent drainage means leading to said storage tank; means for transferring solvent from said dry -cleaning attachment unit to said laundry machine unit and from said laundry machine unit to said

Images