Patent ID: 6253586
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: D06F

Abstract:
An apparatus for processing fabric including a washing step with a process liquid and an extraction step for extracting said process liquid, which comprises:at least one washer, each said at least one washer operably constructed for washing and rinsing said fabric in said process liquid;said at least on washer including:(a) a tub having a plurality of internal perforated vanes;(b) an entry valve arranged for admitting process liquid into said tub;(c) an exit valve arranged for discharging said process liquid from said tub,(d) an agitator means for agitating said batch of fabric in said tub,(e) a top entrance for loading a batch of fabric and a bottom exit for unloading said batch of fabric;an extractor operably constructed to extract water from said batch of fabric discharged from any one of said washers;a conveyor belt means arranged for transferring said batch of fabric from any one of said washers to said extractor,a frame operably arranged to support said at least one washer, said extractor, and said conveyor belt means,said tub having a bottom exit adjacent to and above said conveyor means;a trap door;means for supporting said trap door in a closed position against said [opening] bottom exit for retaining said batch of fabric in said tub and in an open position for enabling said batch of fabric to fall from said tub through said opening onto said conveyor means.