Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-10-30)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
Claim

1\. A washing machine without an external drum, comprising:
a washing drum which is provided inside the washing machine, the washing drum is provided with an opening for placing and removing laundry;
drain holes are provided on the washing drum;
a valve for opening or closing all drain holes is provided on the washing drum and located at a corresponding position of the drain hole.

2\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 1, wherein the front end of the washing drum is smaller in diameter than the rear end, and the washing drum is in the shape of a truncated cone.

3\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 2, wherein a bevel is provided between the rear end and the side wall of the washing drum, and the drain holes are distributed on the bevel; the valve is at least one set of a sealing ring which is connected with a locking device for opening or closing the drain holes.
4\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 1, claim 2 and claim 3, wherein a water inlet mechanism is provided; the water inlet mechanism comprises a water valve provided on the washing drum; a water channel is provided in the water valve and move in the radial direction to connect the inner wall of the washing drum and the water pipe; during filling water, the water pipe pushes the water valve to move toward the inner wall of the washing drum and connects the water pipe to the inner wall by the water channel; after filing, the water valve moves outwards to close the water channel.

5\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 3, wherein the locking device is mounted on the spindle of the washing drum by a bearing and can be moved in the axial direction along the spindle; the locking device is also provided with a shaft, which is set in a tilted track; the track is connected to a movement driver.

6\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 3, wherein the sealing ring is pivotally installed on the rear end of the washing drum and is connected to a reset spring; the locking device comprises at least a clasp, which is movably mounted on the rear end of the washing drum; when locked, the clasp locks the sealing ring in position to close the drain holes.

7\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 6, wherein the drain holes are divided into several groups and set along the bevel, each group of drain holes is provided with a set of sealing ring, a reset spring and a locking device.

8\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 5, wherein the locking device provides a slide-to-close device for pushing the sealing ring to the position of closing the drain holes; the slide-to-close device moves along the axial direction which is parallel to the shaft of the washing drum; a plate is provided for pushing the sealing ring to the drain holes.
9\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 6, wherein an unlocking device is provided, and it is a collision block which is contacted with the clasp to unlock the sealing ring from the clasp; the collision block is L-shaped, one end is pivotally installed to the unlocking device and the other end is connected to the unlocking device by a compressed spring.

10\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 3, wherein a water inlet mechanism is provided; and it comprises a positioning device for aligning the washing drum with the water inlet mechanism and a filling control device; during water filling, the positioning device aligns the outlet of the filling control device with the drain holes of the washing drum.

11\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 10, wherein the positioning device can move parallel along the axial direction of the shaft of the washing drum, which comprises a block; when locking the washing drum, the block contact with one of the washing drum, the sealing ring or the clasp to stop the rotation of the washing drum.

12\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 10, wherein the filling control device comprises a water tank which can move parallel along the axial direction of the washing drum, and the water tank connects to a water supply by a water pipe.
13\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 12, wherein the water tank slides along two rails, one of the rails provides with an inclined section at the end; rolling shafts are provided and rolls along the rails; the water tank inclines to align the water outlet with the bevel while the water tank slides to the inclined section of the rail.

14\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 12, wherein the water supply comprises a detergent dispenser, an inlet of the detergent dispenser connects to the water pipe, and an outlet of the detergent dispenser connects to the water tank.

15\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 12, wherein the water pipe of the water supply connects to a heater, and the outlet of the heater connects to the water tank.

16\. The washing machine without an external drum of claim 1, wherein a water basin is provided under the washing drum for receiving the water discharged from the drain holes, the water level in the water basin is lower than the lowest position of the washing drum. 1 2 3 4

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Claim Interpretation
A washing machine “without an external drum” is interpreted to be a washing machine in which a drum in which laundry is washed is not enclosed by a tub or outer drum.  A typical tub known in the art is used to contain washing liquid.  The present invention is interpreted to be directed to a washing machine in which a tub is absent and washing liquids are contained in the washing drum during washing.  Structures for filling and/or draining of washing liquid that do not enclose the entirely of the washing drum are considered to be within the scope of the present claimed invention.
The limitation in claim 1 that states the washing drum is “inside” the washing machine is interpreted such that the machine merely comprises a washing drum, since the disclosed embodiments are not limited to a machine with an enclosing structure such as a cabinet.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.  The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A)	the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B)	the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C)	the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier.  Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “valve” in claim 1 (Note that the term “valve” typically refers to various known, common structures; however, a valve according to the present disclosure does not refer to structures commonly understood as a valve by one of ordinary skill in the art.  As such, the term is interpreted under 35 USC 112(f)); “locking device” in claim 3; “movement driver” in claim 5; “slide-to-close device” in claim 8; “inlet mechanism” in claim 10; “positioning device” in claim 10; and “filling control device” in claims 10 and 12.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may:  (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Objections
Claim 4 is objected to under 37 CFR 1.75(c) as being in improper form because a multiple dependent claim should refer to other claims in the alternate only.  See MPEP § 608.01(n).  Accordingly, the claim has not been further treated on the merits.
Claim 11 is objected to because of the following informalities: “contact” should be “contacts,” “makes contact,” or another grammatically proper correction.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 13 is objected to because of the following informalities: “provides” should be “is provided”.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 13 is objected to because of the following informalities: “rolls” should be “roll”.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1-3 and 5-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 1 recites the limitation the drain hole.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear which drain hole is being referred to.
Claim 2 recites the limitations the front end and “the rear end”.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for these limitations in the claim because the washing drum does not necessarily have front and rear ends (e.g. it may be vertically-oriented).
Claim 3 recites the limitation the rear end.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 3 states that the valve is at least one “set” of a sealing ring.  This limitation is unclear because a single component does not form a “set.”
Claim 5 recites the limitation the spindle.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 5 recites the limitation the axial direction.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear what axial direction is being referred to.
Claim 6 recites the limitation the rear end.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
In claim 7 it is unclear if the sealing ring is a set or if the sealing ring, reset spring, and locking device form a set.
Claim 7 recites the limitation a reset spring.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if this refers to the reset spring recited in claim 6.
Claim 7 recites the limitation a locking device.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if this refers to the previously-recited locking device.
Claim 8 recites the limitation the axial direction.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 8 recites the limitation the shaft.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 9 states that the unlocking device is a collision block, but further states that the collision block is installed to the unlocking device.  These limitations are unclear because it is not understood how the collision block could be installed to itself.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the outlet.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 10 states that the outlet of the filling control device is aligned with the drain holes of the washing drum.  Based on the disclosure, it is unclear whether the outlet is aligned with all of the drain holes or only some of the drain holes.
Claim 11 recites the limitation the axial direction.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 11 recites the limitation the shaft.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
In claim 11 it is unclear whether the shaft or the washing drum comprises the block.
Claim 11 recites the limitation the rotation.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because the washing drum is not claimed to necessarily be rotatable.
Claim 13 recites the limitation the end.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 13 recites the limitation the water outlet.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 15 recites the limitation the outlet.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 16 refers to “the water level in the water basin.”  It is unclear if this is a predetermined level or if it is variable dependent on the use of the machine.
Claims 12 and 14 are rejected due to their dependency on a rejected claim.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1 and 16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent 2292787 granted to Johnson.
As to claim 1, Johnson discloses a washing machine without an external drum, the machine comprising a washing drum 15 (fig. 2), the drum having an opening (closed by door 100, fig. 1) for placing and removing laundry; drain holes 55 (fig. 2) on the drum; a valve (belt 58) on the drum for opening or closing the drain holes and located at a position corresponding to the holes (p.2, right col., ll. 9-17).
As to claim 16, Johnson discloses a water basin 99 (fig. 1) under the washing drum for receiving water discharged from the drain holes; the water level in the basin is capable of being lower than the lowest position of the washing drum.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 2 and 3 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent 2292787 granted to Johnson in view of U.S. Patent Application Publication 20200149208 by Li et al.
As to claim 2, Johnson does not teach that a front end of the drum is smaller in diameter than a rear end and the drum is in the shape of a truncated cone.  However, one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized as obvious to modify the drum taught by Johnson to have the claimed shape.  Li teaches a washing machine without an external drum in which its washing drum in the shape of a truncated cone that has a front end with a smaller diameter than a rear end (fig. 1).  Li teaches that this structure allows for water to converge toward a drain so that water in the drum completely discharges through the drain (para. 41).  One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to modify the drum of Johnson to have the shape of the drum taught by Li so that water converges toward the drain holes for complete discharge, as suggested by Li.  Therefore, the claimed invention would have been obvious at the time it was filed.
As to claim 3, Johnson teaches a bevel between the rear end and side wall of the drum and that the drain holes are distributed on the bevel (fig. 2), and that the valve is a sealing ring (belt 58) that is connected with a locking device (p. 2, right col., ll. 21-46).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 5-15 would be allowable if rewritten to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action and to include all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure because it discloses washing machines without an external drum having similar structure and function to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Claim Objections
Claim 4 is objected to because of the following informalities: “move” should be “moves” in line 4.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1, 4, and 6-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 1 recites a valve for opening or closing all drain holes that is at a corresponding position of a drain hole.  It is unclear how the valve could open and close all drain holes while being at a corresponding position of only one drain hole.  It is assumed to state “a corresponding position of the drain holes.”
Claim 1 recites the limitation a rear end in line 9.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it refers to the previously recited rear end.  It is assumed to refer to “the rear end.”
Claim 1 recites the limitation the side wall.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 4 recites the limitation a radial direction.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
In claim 4 it is unclear what the radial direction is relative to.
Claim 4 recites the limitation the water pipe.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 6 recites a valve for opening or closing all drain holes that is at a corresponding position of a drain hole.  It is unclear how the valve could open and close all drain holes while being at a corresponding position of only one drain hole.  It is assumed to state “a corresponding position of the drain holes.”
Claim 6 recites the limitation a rear end in line 10.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it refers to the previously recited rear end.  It is assumed to refer to “the rear end.”
Claim 6 recites the limitation the side wall.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 10 recites a valve for opening or closing all drain holes that is at a corresponding position of a drain hole.  It is unclear how the valve could open and close all drain holes while being at a corresponding position of only one drain hole.  It is assumed to state “a corresponding position of the drain holes.”
Claim 10 recites the limitation a rear end in line 10.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it refers to the previously recited rear end.  It is assumed to refer to “the rear end.”
Claim 10 recites the limitation the side wall.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
In claim 12, it is unclear what portion of the washing drum the water tank moves in parallel to.  It is assumed to move in parallel to an axial direction of the washing drum.
Claim 13 recites the limitation a water outlet.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it refers to the water outlet recited in claim 10.  Claim 13 is assumed to refer to “the water outlet of the filling control device.”
Remaining claims are rejected due to their dependency on a rejected claim.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1, 4, and 6-16 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:  As to claim 1, the prior art of record does not teach or suggest the claimed washing machine, either alone or in obvious combination.  In particular, the prior art of record does not teach a washing machine without an external drum/tub having the claimed drain holes, valve, and locking device.  The particular combination of claimed features would not haven obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the application was filed.  As to claim 6, the prior art of record does not teach or suggest the claimed washing machine, either alone or in obvious combination.  In particular, the prior art of record does not teach a washing machine without an external drum/tub having the claimed drain holes, valve, and locking device.  The particular combination of claimed features would not haven obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the application was filed.  As to claim 10, the prior art of record does not teach or suggest the claimed washing machine, either alone or in obvious combination.  In particular, the prior art of record does not teach a washing machine without an external drum/tub having the claimed drain holes, valve, and water inlet mechanism.  The particular combination of claimed features would not haven obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the application was filed.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US4941333A: Claims:
A washing machine comprising: a drum including a frustum shaped, substantially liquid impermeable interior wall, a back end, and a front end opposite the back end, a perforated panel mounted inside the drum such that the perforated panel is substantially parallel to and spaced away from the back end, and a fluid tight door mounted in the drum for providing access to the interior of the drum; means for supporting and rotating the drum about a horizontal axis of rotation passing substantially through the center of the back end and the center of the front end of the drum; an outlet passing through the back end of the drum, the outlet being substantially aligned with the horizontal axis; an inlet passing through the front end of the drum, the inlet being substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation; a liquid removing means attached to the outlet and located between the back end and the perforated panel; and a plurality of ribs mounted inside the drum and axially extending substantially from the perforate panel to the front end, the washing machine having a wash cycle and a spin cycle, wherein the drum rotating means rotates the drum in one direction during the wash cycle such that when the drum contains water and garments the first side of the ribs will agitate the water and garments, and wherein the drum rotating means rotates the drum in an opposite direction during the spin cycle such that the garments and water will contact the second side of the ribs.
a drum including a frustum shaped, substantially liquid impermeable interior wall, a back end, and a front end opposite the back end, a perforated panel mounted inside the drum such that the perforated panel is substantially parallel to and spaced away from the back end, and a fluid tight door mounted in the drum for providing access to the interior of the drum;
means for supporting and rotating the drum about a horizontal axis of rotation passing substantially through the center of the back end and the center of the front end of the drum;
an outlet passing through the back end of the drum, the outlet being substantially aligned with the horizontal axis;
an inlet passing through the front end of the drum, the inlet being substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation;
a liquid removing means attached to the outlet and located between the back end and the perforated panel; and
a plurality of ribs mounted inside the drum and axially extending substantially from the perforate panel to the front end, the washing machine having a wash cycle and a spin cycle, wherein the drum rotating means rotates the drum in one direction during the wash cycle such that when the drum contains water and garments the first side of the ribs will agitate the water and garments, and wherein the drum rotating means rotates the drum in an opposite direction during the spin cycle such that the garments and water will contact the second side of the ribs.
The washing machine of claim 1 wherein each rib is hollow and has an imperforate first side forming an acute angle with the interior wall of the drum, and a perforated second side forming an angle of about 90 degrees with the interior wall of the drum.
The washing machine of claim 1 additionally comprising one or more removable screens mounted inside the drum against the interior wall and positioned between the perforate panel and the front end.
A washing machine comprising: a drum including a frustum shaped, substantially liquid impermeable interior wall, a back end, and a front end opposite the back end, the front end being smaller in diameter then the back end, a perforated panel substantially parallel to and spaced away from the back end, and a fluid tight door mounted in the drum for providing access to the interior of the drum; means for supporting and rotating the drum about a horizontal axis of rotation passing substantially through the center of the back end and the center of the front end of the drum; an outlet passing through the back end of the drum, the outlet being substantially aligned with the horizontal axis; an inlet passing through the front end of the drum, the inlet being substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation; and, a liquid removing means attached to the outlet and located between the back end and the perforated panel, the liquid removing means comprising a housing having a mouth and a flexible flap extending from the mouth of the housing to the interior wall of the drum and between the back end and the perforate panel in a position for directing liquid which flows along the interior wall of the drum into the outlet.
a drum including a frustum shaped, substantially liquid impermeable interior wall, a back end, and a front end opposite the back end, the front end being smaller in diameter then the back end, a perforated panel substantially parallel to and spaced away from the back end, and a fluid tight door mounted in the drum for providing access to the interior of the drum;
an inlet passing through the front end of the drum, the inlet being substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation; and,
a liquid removing means attached to the outlet and located between the back end and the perforated panel, the liquid removing means comprising a housing having a mouth and a flexible flap extending from the mouth of the housing to the interior wall of the drum and between the back end and the perforate panel in a position for directing liquid which flows along the interior wall of the drum into the outlet.
the liquid removing means comprising a housing having a mouth and a flexible flap extending from the mouth of the housing to the interior wall of the drum and between the back end and the perforate panel in a position for directing liquid which flows along the interior wall of the drum into the outlet.
The washing machine of claim 4 in which the relative position of the mouth of the liquid removing means can be changed.
The washing machine of claim 5 in which the liquid removing means comprises a means for sensing the level of water in the drum.
The washing machine of claim 1 in which the inlet includes an inlet valve means for operatively attaching the washing machine to and selectively opening a conduit between the drum and a source of liquid, forced air and atmosphere.
The washing machine of claim 1 in which the outlet includes an outlet valve means for operatively attaching the apparatus to and selectively opening a conduit between the drum and a pump, a drain, and atmosphere.
The washing machine of claim 1 in which the outlet enters the back end and the inlet enters the front end through one or more packed bearings which provide a fluid tight seal and which rotate with the drum, enabling the outlet and inlet to remain substantially stationary when the drum is rotating.
The washing machine of claim 9 wherein the inlet comprises a nozzle extending to the upper interior portion of the drum for spraying one or more chemicals on the garments within the drum.
The washing machine of claim 1 in which the door for providing access to the interior of the drum is mounted in the front end of the drum, with the inlet being mounted in the door such that when the door is attached to the front end the inlet will be substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation.
The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a source of forced air operatively connected to the drum for providing a flow of air through the drum for drying washed garments.
The washing machine of claim 12 in which the source of forced air additionally comprises a heater for providing heated air to the garments in the drum.
The washing machine of claim 1 wherein the slope of the interior drum wall from the front end to the back end is 1/10,000 inch over its length.
The washing machine of claim 1 further comprising a means for recirculating fluid through the drum.
The washing machine of claim 15 in which the means for recirculating includes a pump having an input and an output, a first conduit for connecting the pump input to the outlet, and a second conduit for connecting the pump output to the inlet.
The washing machine of claim 16 additionally including a heater for raising the temperature of the fluid being recirculated.
An apparatus for finishing garments comprising: a means for supporting and rotating a drum; a single, substantially fluid tight, rotatable drum having a horizontal axis of rotation and mounted on the means for supporting a drum in such manner as to promote rotation about the horizontal axis of rotation, the drum further having (a) a frustum shaped interior including a back end, a front end opposite the back end, the front end being smaller than the back end, and an interior wall sloping substantially smoothly from the front end to the back end, the horizontal axis of rotation passing substantially through the center of said back end and the center of said front end, (b) an inlet mounted in the front end of the drum, said inlet being substantially axially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation, said inlet entering the front end of the drum through one or more packed bearings which provide a fluid tight seal and which rotate with the drum enabling the inlet to remain substantially stationary when the drum is rotating, (c) an outlet mounted in the back end of said outlet being substantially axially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation, said outlet entering the back end of the drum through one or more packed bearings which provide a fluid tight seal and which rotate with the drum, enabling the outlet to remain substantially stationary when the drum is rotating, (d) a perforated panel mounted substantially parallel to and spaced away from the back end inside the drum, (e) a plurality of hollow ribs mounted on the interior wall and extending axially between the perforated panel and the front end, each said rib having an imperforate first side and a perforate second side, (f) a liquid removing means attached to the outlet and located between the back end and the perforated panel, said liquid removing means including a housing and a flexible flap extending from the housing to the interior wall, and, (g) a fluid tight door mounted in the drum for providing access to the interior of the drum; a means for directing a stream of air into the inlet, through the drum, and out of the outlet; and, a motorized means for rotating the drum about the horizontal axis of rotation operably attached to the drum.
a means for supporting and rotating a drum;
a single, substantially fluid tight, rotatable drum having a horizontal axis of rotation and mounted on the means for supporting a drum in such manner as to promote rotation about the horizontal axis of rotation, the drum further having (a) a frustum shaped interior including a back end, a front end opposite the back end, the front end being smaller than the back end, and an interior wall sloping substantially smoothly from the front end to the back end, the horizontal axis of rotation passing substantially through the center of said back end and the center of said front end, (b) an inlet mounted in the front end of the drum, said inlet being substantially axially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation, said inlet entering the front end of the drum through one or more packed bearings which provide a fluid tight seal and which rotate with the drum enabling the inlet to remain substantially stationary when the drum is rotating, (c) an outlet mounted in the back end of said outlet being substantially axially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation, said outlet entering the back end of the drum through one or more packed bearings which provide a fluid tight seal and which rotate with the drum, enabling the outlet to remain substantially stationary when the drum is rotating, (d) a perforated panel mounted substantially parallel to and spaced away from the back end inside the drum, (e) a plurality of hollow ribs mounted on the interior wall and extending axially between the perforated panel and the front end, each said rib having an imperforate first side and a perforate second side, (f) a liquid removing means attached to the outlet and located between the back end and the perforated panel, said liquid removing means including a housing and a flexible flap extending from the housing to the interior wall, and, (g) a fluid tight door mounted in the drum for providing access to the interior of the drum;
(a) a frustum shaped interior including a back end, a front end opposite the back end, the front end being smaller than the back end, and an interior wall sloping substantially smoothly from the front end to the back end, the horizontal axis of rotation passing substantially through the center of said back end and the center of said front end,
(b) an inlet mounted in the front end of the drum, said inlet being substantially axially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation, said inlet entering the front end of the drum through one or more packed bearings which provide a fluid tight seal and which rotate with the drum enabling the inlet to remain substantially stationary when the drum is rotating,
(c) an outlet mounted in the back end of said outlet being substantially axially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation, said outlet entering the back end of the drum through one or more packed bearings which provide a fluid tight seal and which rotate with the drum, enabling the outlet to remain substantially stationary when the drum is rotating,
(d) a perforated panel mounted substantially parallel to and spaced away from the back end inside the drum,
(e) a plurality of hollow ribs mounted on the interior wall and extending axially between the perforated panel and the front end, each said rib having an imperforate first side and a perforate second side,
(f) a liquid removing means attached to the outlet and located between the back end and the perforated panel, said liquid removing means including a housing and a flexible flap extending from the housing to the interior wall, and,
(g) a fluid tight door mounted in the drum for providing access to the interior of the drum;
a means for directing a stream of air into the inlet, through the drum, and out of the outlet; and,
a motorized means for rotating the drum about the horizontal axis of rotation operably attached to the drum.
The apparatus of claim 18 in which the hollow ribs are mounted such that the imperforate first side of the ribs forms an acute angle with the interior wall of the drum, and the perforated second side of the ribs forms an angle of about 90 degrees with the interior wall of the drum.
The apparatus of claim 18 having at least a wash cycle, a spin cycle, and a drying cycle wherein the motorized means for rotating the drum rotates the drum in one direction during the wash cycle such that the imperforate first side of the ribs will provide a leading edge for agitating water or garments introduced into the drum, and wherein the motorized means rotates the drum in an opposite direction during the spin cycle such that the perforated second side of the ribs will provide a leading edge for promoting the extraction of water from the interior of the drum.
The apparatus of claim 18 additionally comprising one or more removable screens mounted inside the drum adjacent to and spaced away from the interior wall and positioned between the perforated panel and the front end.
The apparatus of claim 18 in which the inlet includes an inlet valve means and the outlet includes an outlet valve means for operatively attaching the apparatus to and selectively opening conduits between the interior of the drum and external environments.
The apparatus of claim 18 in which the door for providing access to the interior of the drum is mounted in the front end of the drum, with the inlet passing into the drum through one or more packed bearings in the door such that when the door is operably attached to the front end the inlet will be substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation and such that the inlet remains substantially stationary when the drum and attached door rotate.
The apparatus of claim 18 additionally comprising a pump for pumping fluids from a fluid source into the drum through the inlet, pumping fluids from the drum through the outlet and into a drain, and for recirculating fluids through the drum.
The apparatus of claim 24 additionally comprising a means for raising the temperature of fluids which are recirculated through the drum by the pump.
A liquid impermeable, rotatable drum for washing machine comprising: a generally water tight circular shaped back end; a generally water tight circular shaped front end parallel to and opposite the back end, the front end having a smaller circumference than the back end; an interior drum wall which extends imperforately and slopes substantially smoothly from said front end to said back end to form a frustum shaped interior; a horizontal axis of rotation passing through the center of the back end and the center of the front end; an outlet mounted in the back end and substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation; as inlet mounted in the front end and substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation; a perforated panel mounted parallel to and spaced away from the back end; a plurality of hollow ribs mounted to the interior wall, and extending axially between the perforated panel and the front end, each said rib having an imperforate first side forming an acute angle with said interior wall and a perforated second side forming an angle of about 90 degrees with said interior wall; a means for removing water from the interior wall between the back end and the perforated panel, said means attached to the outlet; and a sealable door for providing access to the interior of the drum.
a generally water tight circular shaped back end;
a generally water tight circular shaped front end parallel to and opposite the back end, the front end having a smaller circumference than the back end;
an interior drum wall which extends imperforately and slopes substantially smoothly from said front end to said back end to form a frustum shaped interior;
a horizontal axis of rotation passing through the center of the back end and the center of the front end;
an outlet mounted in the back end and substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation;
as inlet mounted in the front end and substantially aligned with the horizontal axis of rotation;
a perforated panel mounted parallel to and spaced away from the back end;
a plurality of hollow ribs mounted to the interior wall, and extending axially between the perforated panel and the front end, each said rib having an imperforate first side forming an acute angle with said interior wall and a perforated second side forming an angle of about 90 degrees with said interior wall;
a means for removing water from the interior wall between the back end and the perforated panel, said means attached to the outlet; and
a sealable door for providing access to the interior of the drum.
Ref US3919865A: Claims:
A spiral drain scoop to expel liquid from a rotating cylindrical drum with an inclined axis of rotation, an outer cylindrical wall, and a rear wall, through a central outlet on the axis of rotation in the rear wall, the scoop comprising an inner spiral portion extending outward from said outlet forming a central venturi section and an outer cylindrical wash ring portion extending from the inner portion around the outer cylindrical wall, the inner portion of the scoop being substantially U-shaped in cross section and bonded along its length to the rear wall of the drum and the outer portion of the scoop being substantially L-shaped in cross section and bonded along its length to the rear will and outer cylindrical wall of the drum thereby providing corresponding enclosed cont
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