Patent ID: 6122941
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: D06F

Abstract:
A cleaning apparatus adapted for use with a carbon dioxide cleaning medium, comprising:a body member having an opening formed therein, said body member having a lower portion, side walls and a back wall opposite said opening, said side walls terminating in a body member edge portion defining said opening;a basket disposed within said body member for rotation about an axis;drive means for rotating said basket about said axis;a door hingeably connected to said body member, said door having a front wall and side walls, with said side walls terminating in an inner edge portion configured to abut said body member edge portion;a lock mechanism connected to said body member and configured to sealably connect said body member outer edge portion with said door inner edge portion when said door is in a closed position to define an enclosed chamber containing said basket;supply means for supplying a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning medium to said enclosed chamber;drain means connected to said body member lower portion for draining a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning medium from said enclosed chamber; andvent means for venting carbon dioxide gas from said enclosed chamber while said door is in a closed position, prior to opening said door;said supply means comprising:pump means connected to said drain means for pumping liquid carbon dioxide to said enclosed chamber; andchilling means positioned upstream from said pumping means for chilling said stream of liquid carbon dioxide prior to pumping.