Energy and water saving laundry system

An energy and water conservation laundry mechanism which includes a plurality of automatic washing machines, a rinse water storage tank, plumbing which connects the storage tank to the each of the washing machines, and electrical controls which are tied into the existing control circuitry of the washing machines for selectively directing the flow of rinse water between the storage tank and the washing machines. The plumbing includes pumps and valves which enables rinse water, as stored in the storage tank, to be delivered to each washing machine at the beginning of a wash cycle and waste water from the wash cycle to be discharged into a conventional sewer line. Rinse water from each washing machine at the end of each rinse cycle, is pumped to the storage tank for reuse for subsequent wash cycles of the machines. The invention also includes a filter for the rinse water which includes a toroidal shape filter element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to an energy and water conserving water flow 
system for automatic washing machines which have independent time control 
means for executing wash and rinse cycles. Each washing machine includes 
means for introducing water to the machine. Many water and energy 
conservation systems have been developed for utilization with conventional 
automatic washing machines. 
Prior art laundry systems are closed loop systems which recycle the laundry 
water continuously. Water which is discharged from the machine is filtered 
and chemically treated and returned to the washing machines as relatively 
clean water. Fresh water from a conventional fresh water supply source is 
added to the system to replace water which is lost, primarily water which 
remains in the damp fabric after washing. Such systems are desirable in an 
area where there is an extreme water shortage or the cost of obtaining and 
treating fresh water is greater than the cost of treating the water. In 
the majority of cases, the cost of treating the wash water for recycling 
is greater than the cost of the water and the cost of treating the water. 
Such a system is not particular desirable in an area where there is no 
acute or serious water shortage. Treatment systems for recycling wash 
water are complex and expensive to install, require considerable space and 
are expensive to operate and maintain. In another prior art laundry 
system, water which is discharged from each washing machine is selectively 
diverted to an open waste water trough which leads to a sewer system or to 
an open recycle trough which leads through a filter to a storage tank. 
Water is pumped from the storage tank to a hot water tank which supplies 
hot water to the washing machines. The water in the storage tank is 
chemically treated. The open troughs represent an unsanitary and 
aesthetically objectionable condition and are physically limiting since 
the storage tank must be located below the washing machines. This 
situation may be an impossible condition for most installations. In a 
still further prior art laundry system, water which is discharged from 
each washing machine is pumped to a storage tank complex which enables the 
storage tank complex to be positioned at the same level as or above the 
washing machines. The storage tank complex includes a waste water tank and 
a recycled water tank. Water from the washing machines is selectively 
diverted into the waste water tank or into the recycled water tank where 
it is chemically treated. Water from the recycled water tank is pumped to 
the hot water tank which feeds hot water to the washing machines. Such a 
system is less complex than prior art laundry systems which completely 
recycle discharge water from washing machines but is nevertheless 
relatively complex and space intensive. These and other difficulties 
experienced with the prior art was water recycling systems have been 
obviated by the present invention. 
It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide an 
energy and water conservation laundry system for automatic washing 
machines which does not require treatment of the water beyond minimal 
filtering of the water. 
Another object of this invention is the provision of an energy and water 
conservation laundry system for automatic washing machines which can be 
used with a plurality of conventional automatic washing machines, each 
washing machine functioning independently of the other washing machines. 
A further object of the invention is the provision of an energy and water 
conservation laundry system for automatic washing machines which is simple 
in construction, relatively inexpensive to build and operate, easy to 
install and maintain and capable of a long life of useful service. 
A still further object of the invention is the provision of an energy and 
water conservation laundry system for automatic washing machines which can 
be easily adapted to an existing laundry installation with a minimum of 
modifications to the system. 
It is another object of the present invention is the provision of an 
effective and efficient filter apparatus for filtering solids from a 
liquid which contains solids in suspension. 
With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to those skilled 
in the art the invention resides in the combination of parts set forth in 
the specification and covered by the claims appended hereto. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In general, the present invention consists of a method of saving energy and 
water in a laundry system employing automatic washing machines, each 
machine having time control means for executing wash and rinse cycles. At 
the beginning of a washing cycle for each washing machine, rinse water 
from a rinse water storage tank is pumped to the washing machine. At the 
end of a wash cycle, water is discharged from the washing machine into a 
conventional waste water system. Fresh water from a conventional source of 
fresh water is introduced into the machine for each rinse cycle. At the 
end of such rinse cycle, rinse water is pumped from the machine to the 
rinse water storage tank. 
The present invention also consists of an apparatus for carrying out the 
above method. The apparatus comprises a plurality of automatic washing 
machines which have fresh water inlet means, rinse water storage means, 
including a rinse water storage tank and first conduit means, second 
conduit means connected to the washing machines, pump means discharge 
means and control means for coordinating the wash and rinse cycles of the 
machines with the pump means, discharge means and fresh water inlet means. 
The present invention further consists of filter apparatus for filtering 
solids from a liquid which contains solids in suspension. The filter 
includes a housing which has an annular generally toroidal shaped chamber 
which contains a generally toroidal shape porous filter element and an 
inner chamber which an opening into the outer chamber and an opening for 
receiving the liquid to be filtered. The filter element has an opening to 
the outer chamber for receiving the liquid to be filtered which flows from 
the inner chamber to the outer chamber. The housing has an outlet opening 
to the outer chamber for receiving the filtered liquid which passes 
through the filter element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, a first simplified embodiment of the present 
invention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 and comprises 
a rinse water storage means, generally indicated by the reference numeral 
11 and a plurality of conventional automatic washes 12. The rinse water 
storage means includes a rinse water storage tank 14 and first conduit 
means, generally indicated by the reference numeral 16. Each washing 
machine 12 is connected to a second conduit means, generally indicated by 
the reference numeral 17. Each second conduit means is operatively 
connected to the first conduit means 16 by pump means, generally indicated 
by the reference numeral 18. The first conduit means 16 includes a main 
conduit 28 which is connected to the storage tank 14 and a plurality of 
branch conduits 29, one for each of the washing machines 12. Hot and cold 
water is selectively supplied to each washing machine 12 from hot and cold 
water supply pipes 13 and 19, respectively, by means of solenoid valves 
Sol-1 and Sol-2, respectively. Each washing machine has a manifold 22 for 
receiving waste water from the machine. Waste water is selectively 
delivered from the manifold 22 to either the second conduit means 17 or to 
a discharge pipe 24 by means of a solenoid valve Sol-3. When solenoid 
valve Sol-3 is closed, waste water from the washing machine 12, will enter 
the second conduit means 17. When the solenoid valve Sol-3 is opened, 
waste water from the washing machine 12, will enter the discharge pipe 24 
which leads to a conventional sewage system. The water storage tank 14 has 
a high water level switch LS-1 near the upper end of the tank and a low 
water level switch LS-2 near the bottom of the tank. An overflow pipe 27 
is connected to the upper end of the tank 14. 
Each pump means 18 includes a first pipe means, generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 32, second pipe means, generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 33 and a third pipe means, generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 34. The first pipe means 32 is connected to its 
respective branch conduit 29 and to its respective second conduit means 
17. The second pipe means 33 is connected to its respective branch conduit 
29 and to its respective second conduit means 17. The third pipe means 34 
is operatively connected to the first pipe means 32 and to the second pipe 
means 33. A pump 35 is operatively connected to the third pipe means for 
pumping rinse water from the second pipe means 33 to the first pipe means 
32. A first three way valve 37 is operatively connected to the first and 
third pipe means 32 and 34, respectively. A second three way valve 38 is 
operatively connected to the second and third pipe means 33 and 34, 
respectively. Valve 37 has a first position wherein rinse water flows from 
the water storage tank 14 to the third pipe means 34 and a second position 
wherein rinse water flows from the washing machine 12 to the third pipe 
means. The second valve 38 has a first position, wherein rinse water flows 
from the third pipe means 34 toward the washing machine 12 and a second 
position, wherein rinse water from the third pipe means 34 flows toward 
the water storage tank 14. When both of the valves 37 and 38 are in their 
first positions, rinse water is pumped from the storage tank 14 to the 
washing machine. When both of the valves 37 and 38 are in their second 
positions, rinse water is pumped from the washing machine to the water 
storage tank 14. A filter 39 is located in the third pipe means 34 for 
filtering particulate material which flows from the second valve 38 to the 
first valve 37. 
Modified Laundry System 
Referring to FIGS. 4-6, them is illustrated a modified laundry system 
embodying the principals of the present invention which is generally 
indicated by the reference numeral 42. Laundry system 42 is similar to the 
system 10 which is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 in that it includes the water 
storage tank 14 and conventional automatic washing machine 12, including 
valves Sol-1 and Sol-2 for selectively supplying fresh water to the 
washing machines 12 and valves Sol-3 for selectively discharging waste 
water to the discharge pipe 24 or to the second conduit means 17. The 
rinse water storage tank 14 includes the upper water level sensing switch 
LS-I, a lower water level sensing switch LS-2, and the overflow pipe 27. 
The storage tank 14 is maintained at a predetermined temperature by 
heating means, generally indicated by the reference numeral 41 which 
includes a steam mixing valve 44, a pump 40 which is driven by a motor 45, 
and thermostatic control means, generally indicated by the reference 
numeral 47. Water from the storage tank 14 is pumped by the pump 14 from a 
pipe 40 which is connected to the lower part of the tank through a filter 
46 to the steam mixing valve 44 which mixes the water with steam from the 
steam line 43 and then discharges the water back into the storage tank 14 
through a pipe 31 which is connected to the upper portion of the storage 
tank. 
The washing machine system 42 includes rinse water storage means, generally 
indicated by the reference numeral 48 which includes the rinse water 
storage tank 14 and first conduit means 49, the second conduit means 17 
and pump means, generally indicated by the reference numeral 50 for 
operatively connecting the first conduit means 49 to the second conduit 
means 17. 
The first conduit means 49 includes a first main conduit 51 and a second 
main conduit 52. The first main conduit 51 is connected to the rinse water 
storage tank 14 and to a plurality of first branch conduits 53, one for 
each washing machine 12. The second main conduit 52 is connected to the 
rinse water storage tank 14 and to a plurality of second branch conduits 
54, one for each washing machine 12. Each pair of first and second branch 
conduits 53 and 54 respectively, is connected to the second conduit means 
17 of its respective washing machine 12 through the pump means 50. 
Pump means 50 includes a first pipe means, generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 55, second pipe means, generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 56, and third pipe means, generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 57. The first pipe means 55 is operatively connected to 
the first branch conduit 53 and to the second conduit means 17. The second 
pipe means 56 is operatively connected to the second branch conduit 54 and 
to the second conduit means 17. The third pipe means 57 is operatively 
connected to the first pipe means 55 and to the second pipe means 56. A 
pump 58 which is driven by a motor 60 is operatively connected to the 
third pipe means 57 for pumping rinse water from the first pipe means 55 
to the second pipe means 56 through a filter 62 which is identical to the 
filter 39 of the washing machine system 10. A first three way valve 59 is 
operatively connected to the first and third pipe means 55 and 57, 
respectively. A second three way valve 60 is operatively connected to the 
second and third pipe means 56 and 57, respectively. The first three way 
valve 59 has a first operative position, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein rinse 
water flows from the water storage tank and first branch conduit 53 to the 
third pipe means 57 and a second operative position, as shown in FIG. 6, 
wherein rinse water flows from the washing machine 12 and second conduit 
means 17 to the third pipe means 57. The second valve 60 has a first 
operative position, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein rinse water flows from 
third pipe means 57 toward the washing machine 12 and a second operative 
position, as shown in FIG. 6, wherein rinse water from the third pipe 
means 57 flows toward the water storage tank 14. When both of the first 
and second valves 59 and 60, respectively, are in their first positions, 
as shown in FIG. 5, water is pumped from the water storage tank 14 by the 
first branch conduit 53 through the washing machine by the second pipe 
means 56. When the valves 59 and 60 are in their second operative 
positions, as shown in FIG. 6, rinse water is pumped from the washing 
machine 12 via the first pipe means 55 to the water storage tank 14 via 
the second branch conduit 54. 
Filter 
The details of the filter 39 are illustrated in FIGS. 7-11. Referring first 
to FIGS. 7-9, the filter 39 includes an elongated cylindrical housing, 
generally indicated by the reference numeral 64 and dome-like top cover, 
generally indicated by the reference numeral 65. The housing 64 has a 
cylindrical outer wall 66, a bottom wall 67, and an open top which is 
closed by the cover 65. The cover 65 has a top wall 80 which contains a 
vent 81. The lower end of the cover 65 has an annular outer flange 82. The 
upper open end of the outer wall 66 has an annular outer flange 78 which 
is vertically aligned with the annular flange 82 of the cover. Referring 
also to FIG. 10, a cylindrical center tube 68 extends from an upper 
threaded end 69 which is located above the open end of the housing 64 to a 
lower threaded end 70 which extends through the bottom wall 67. The top 
end 69 has a top opening 72 and the bottom end 70 has a bottom opening 71. 
The cylindrical tube 68 has a cylindrical bore or inner chamber 72 which 
extends from the top opening 72 to the bottom opening 71. The tube 68 is 
fixed to the bottom wall 67 of the housing 66. The area between the tube 
68 and the wall 66 of the housing defines an annular outer chamber 73. A 
drain nipple 75 extends from the bottom wall 67 and has an opening 74 
which leads into the chamber 73. The drain nipple 75 has interior threads 
for receiving a drain plug, not shown. A larger nipple 76 also extends 
from the bottom wall 67 and has an opening 77 which leads into the chamber 
73. The nipple 76 is operatively connected to the pump 35 by the third 
pipe means 34. The end 70 of the tube 68 is operatively connected to the 
valve 38 by the third pipe means 34. Although the nipple 76 is shown in 
FIG. 10 as extending from the bottom wall 67, it can also extend from the 
side wall 66 of the housing as shown in FIG. 3. 
The cover 65 is coupled to the housing 64 by inserting an O ring 83 between 
the flanges 82 and 78 of the cover and housing, respectively. A U-shaped 
coupling 84 is applied to the flanges 82 and 78 which effectively squeezes 
the flanges 82 and 78 toward each other against the O ring 83 to form a 
seal between the housing and the cover. The threaded upper end 69 of the 
tube 68 extends into an end chamber 85 which is formed by the cover 65. 
Referring specifically to the FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer chamber 73 
contains the filter element assembly which is generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 86. Assembly 86 includes a toroidal shaped perforated 
filter basket, generally indicated by the reference numeral 87 which 
contains a toroidal shape cloth filter bag, generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 91. The filter bag 91 is preferably made of 50 mesh 
nylon cloth. The filter basket 87 has an annular outer wall 88, a frusto 
conical annular inner wall 89, and an annular bottom wall 90. Walls 88 and 
89 define, therebetween, an annular chamber 104 which has an annular top 
opening 98. The inner wall 89 is annular and contains a bore 96' which 
extends from a lower opening 63 to an upper opening 97. The filter bag 91 
is located in the chamber 104 of the basket 87. The filter bag 91 has an 
annular outer wall 92, an annular inner wall 93, and an annular bottom 
wall 95. The walls 92, 93, and 95 define an annular chamber 105 which has 
a top opening 106. The assembly 86 is removably mounted within the chamber 
73 of the housing prior to application of the cover 65. The upper end of 
the outer wall 92 of the filter bag has an annular outer end which is 
formed into a hem which encloses an elastomeric O ring 103. The upper end 
of the inner wall 93 of the filter bag has an annular inner end which is 
formed into a hem which encloses an elastomeric washer 107. The filter 
basket 87 has an annular outer flange 99 at the top of the outer wall 88 
and an annular inner flange 100 at the top of the inner wall 89. The inner 
flange 100 defines the upper opening 97. An annular upper opening 98 is 
defined between the inner flange 100, and the outer flange 99. The filter 
assembly 86 is applied to the housing by placing the hemmed 0 ting 103 
between the flange 79 of the housing and the outer flange 99 of the basket 
and placing the hemmed rubber washer 107 on the inner flange 100 of the 
filter basket. A flat-ring 101 is placed on top of the hemmed washer 107 
and a nut 102 is threaded onto the upper end 69 of the tube 68, thereby 
forcing the flange 99 toward the flange 79 and, simultaneously, clamping 
the washer 107 between the flange 100 and the flat ring 101. As the rubber 
washer is drawn down by the nut 102, the O ring 103 is clamped between the 
flange 79 of the housing and the flange 99 of the basket. When the filter 
assembly 86 is properly positioned, the tube 68 is located within the bore 
63, as shown in FIG. 10. 
During operation of the filter 39, waste water from the valve 38 enter the 
tube 68 from the opening 71, passes through the inner chamber 72 and 
enters the upper end chamber 85 from the opening 72 at the top of the 
tube. The waste water then enters the chamber 105 of the filter bag 91 and 
passes through the wall to the bag 91 and the filter basket 87 into the 
outer chamber 73 of the housing. Thereafter, the filtered water passes 
from the outer chamber 73 through the opening 77 to the pump 35. The 
filter 62 of the embodiment which is shown in FIGS. 4-6 is identical to 
the filter 39 and functions in the same manner for filtering rinse water 
which flows from the valve 59 to the pump 58. 
Modified Filter Element 
Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a modified filter element for 
insertion within the housing 64. The modified filter element consists of a 
porous filter cartridge, generally indicated by the reference numeral 108. 
The cartridge 108 has the same configuration as the basket 87. However, 
the cartridge 108 is made out of a porous filter material for filtering 
particulates from the rinse water which flows through the walls of the 
cartridge. 
The cartridge 108 has a cylindrical outer wall 109, a frusto conical 
annular inner wall 110, and an annular bottom wall 118. The space between 
the inner and outer walls of the cartridge define an annular chamber 111 
which has a top opening 112. The space within the inner wall 110 defines a 
bore 113 which extends from a bottom opening 115 to a top opening 114. An 
annular outer flange 116 extends outwardly from the outer wall 109 and an 
annular inner flange 117 extends inwardly from the inner wall 110 and 
defines the top opening 114. The filter cartridge 108 is positioned within 
the housing 64 in the same manner as the filter assembly 86. The outer 
flange 116 is positioned on an O ring which rests on the inner flange 79 
of the housing. A rubber washer, such as the washer 107, is placed on the 
inner flange 117 and the flat ring 101 is placed on the washer 107. When 
the threaded nut 102 is screwed onto the threaded upper end 69 of the tube 
68, the rubber washer and the O ring are compressed to form seals between 
the inner flange 117 and the tube 68 and between the outer flange 116 and 
the housing 64. After the filter cartridge 108 has been used for a 
predetermined amount time, it is replaced by a new filter cartridge by 
removing the cover 65 and unscrewing the nut 102. 
When the filter cartridge 108 is used in the housing 64, the flow of rinse 
water through the housing is reversed. The nipple 76 is connected to the 
valve 38 and the end 70 of the tube 68 is connected to the pump 35 by the 
third pipe means 34. The rinse water to be filtered passes into the outer 
chamber 73 of the housing from the inlet opening 77 and then passes 
through the inner and outer walls 110 and 109, respectively, into the 
outer annular chamber 112 of the cartridge. The filtered waste water then 
passes through the opening 112 into the upper end chamber 85 and into the 
top opening 72 of the tube 68. The filtered rinse water then passes 
through the bore or inner chamber 72 of tube 68 through the opening 71 and 
to the third pipe means to the pump 35. 
Electrical Control Circuitry and Operation of the Washing Machine System 
The control circuitry, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, is applied by way of 
example to the system shown in FIGS. 4-6, but is also applicable to the 
system which is shown in FIGS. 1-3. In general, at the beginning of a wash 
cycle for any one of the washing machines 12, rinse water which is stored 
in the tank 14 is pumped by the corresponding pump 58 to the washing 
machine for each wash cycle. At the end of each wash cycle, the normally 
open solenoid valve Sol-3 allows the wash water from the washing machine 
to drain into the pipe 24 and, thereafter, to a conventional sewage 
system. At the beginning of each rinse cycle the solenoid valves Sol-1 and 
Sol-2 are energized to open the valves and allow hot and cold water to 
enter the washing machine from pipes 13 and 19, respectively. At the end 
of each rinse cycle, the solenoid Sol-3 is closed and rinse water is 
pumped to the storage tank 14 for reuse with subsequent wash cycles for 
any of the washing machines 12. 
The reuse controller input/output circuit board can accept output from a 
variety of different washer formula controls. Several programmable holding 
circuits and numerous input connection terminals allow the input/output 
board to be configured to accept dedicated reuse in the reuse out outputs 
and momentary or continuous signal outputs coupled with the formula 
control's water level and drain controls. The reuse control automatically 
reverse back to the washer formula control and it's conventional water 
supply and waste water draining means in the event of power failure within 
the reuse control or it's limiting devices, pump failure, extend reuse 
fill times and inadequate or excessive water levels within the reuse or 
rinse water storage tank 14. 
Power from the existing washer formula controller circuit (lines L1 and L2) 
is connected to terminals T1 and T2 of the reuse controller circuit (lines 
L3 and LA). All unlabeled circles between lines L1 and L3 and between 
lines L2 and L4 represent terminals which enable the reuse controller 
circuit to configure to different washing machine control circuits. A 
switch S-1, when closed, connects power to the programmable logic 
controller, manual switches S-2 and S-3 programmable logic controller 
(PLC) output relay commons and power indicator light IL-1. The PLC power 
supply produces 24 volt D.C. for all PLC inputs and relays. The D.C. 
circuit through the reuse water storage tank 14 high level float switch 
LS-1 is closed provided the water level is below the float energizing 
relay 401, thereby opening normally closed contacts 401-1. If the tank 
water level raises the float on LS-1, then relay 401 is de-energized, 
thereby closing normally closed contact 401-1 starting time delay relay 
TD-1 (typically 10 seconds). TD-1 times out, thereby energizing relay 402 
which closes it's normally open contacts 402-2, thereby sending current 
through clock timer contacts 714-1 (one second on, one second off) 
energizing at one second intervals PLC output relay 200. Contacts 200-1 
close and open subsequentially flashing tank indicator light IL-2. 
D.C. current also passes through the rinse or reuse water tank low level 
float switch LS-2, provided that the water is above LS-2, thereby 
energizing PLC relay 403 and causing normally open contacts 403-1 to close 
completing circuit through normally closed 402-1, this energizes PLC 
output relay 200 which closes it's normally open contacts 200-1 which 
energizes indicator light IL-2. The steady illumination of light IL-2 
indicates that the water level in the tank 14 is within acceptable limits. 
If the water level in the tank 14 falls below limit switch LS-2, relay 403 
will deenergize, thereby shutting off light IL-2 which indicates that 
there is insufficient water within the storage tank 14. The normally open 
contact OL-2 closes if the current to the pump motor 61 exceeds the set 
limit of the pump motor contractor, thermal overload device energizing 
relay 400 which closes normally open contacts 400-4 connecting D.C. 
current to PLC clock timer contacts 714-2 which energizes output relay 201 
at one second intervals. Normally open contacts 201-1 then cycle per 201 
flashing a pump indicator light IL-3 which signals pump motor overload. 
Given that the existing washer formula control is energized and has been 
programmed with the appropriate output sequences: 
When it is necessary to fill the washer with rinse or reuse water, the 
water formula controller closes its "reuse in" output switch or contact, 
thereby S-4 energizing reuse control relay R-1 through normally closed 
contacts R3-1 which closes normally open contacts R1-1 and enabling PLC 
D.C. circuit through normally closed 400-1 (provided R.P.M. overload is 
not tripped) and then through closed normally open contacts 403-2 
(provided storage tank water level is above LS-2) and energizing relay 
404. PLC normally open contacts 404-1 then close and complete the circuit 
through normally closed contacts 400-2, closed normally open contacts 
403-3 and normally closed 406-1 to energize relay 405. Normally open 
contacts 405-1 close latching circuit to relay 405 and energize time delay 
relay TD-2 (typically set 100 seconds). Normally open contacts 405-2 now 
latch closed, thereby energizing output relay 203 which holds circuit 
energized to R1 via contacts 203-1. Normally closed contacts RI-1 and R1-4 
breaking washer formula control circuit to washer hot, Sol-1, and cold, 
Sol-2. Normally closed contacts R1-2 and R1-3 close connecting washer 
formula control water output to reuse control relay R2. Normally open 
contacts R2-1 close, thereby enabling PLC circuit through normally closed 
contacts 400-3 and 403-4, thereby energizing a five second time delay 
relay TD-3. Relay TD-3 prevents rapid cycling of pump motor 61; minimizing 
pump starts and contractor chatter caused by the rise and fall of the 
water level in the wash wheel as it rotates. When relay TD-3 times out, it 
energizes relay 407, closing normally open contacts 407-1 starting time 
delay relay TD-4, closing normally open contacts 407-2 through normally 
closed contacts 408-1, thereby energizing PLC output relay 202. The 
normally open contacts of 202-1 close connecting power through normally 
closed contacts R3-2 to energize the reuse flow reversing solenoid valve, 
Sol-4, and the contractor of pump motor 61. Sol-4 directs compressed air 
to enter the three-way valve pneumatic operator pistons which rotate the 
three-way ball valves 58 and 59 to reverse the flow of the reuse pump 58 
to draw water form the storage tank 14 into the washer 12. When the water 
level is satisfied within the washer, the washer formula control breaks 
the circuit to the washer control output switches S-5 and S-6, thereby 
de-energizing relay R2 which de-energizes relay 202 opening contacts 202-1 
de-activating pump motor 61 and Sol-4 (which returns the reuse flow 
reverse valves to the "reuse out" position). 
If the water level in the reuse storage tank falls below limit switch LS-2 
relay 403 is de-energized opening contacts 403-4 which de-energize relay 
405 thereby opening contacts 405-2. Relay 203 is also de-energized, 
thereby opening contacts 203-1 which de-energizes relay R-1 allowing the 
power from S-5 and/or S-6 to activate via normally closed contacts RI-1 
and R1-4 the washer hot (Sol-1) and cold (SOL-2) water solenoid valves 
admitting the conventional water supply into the washer to the level 
allowed by S-5 or S-6. 
If relay TD-4 times out (the reuse pump has not filled the washer to level 
within the TD-4 time set, typically 90 seconds) it energizes relay 408. 
Normally closed contacts 408-1 open, de-energizing relay 202 and it's 
contacts and 408-, thereby de-energizing output relay 203 which un-latches 
relay R1, allowing washer switches S-5 and S-6 to operate Sol-1 and Sol-2. 
Normally open contacts 408-2 also close energizing relay 409 which is 
latched by normally open contact 409-1. 
Normally open contacts 409-2 energize PLC output relay 201 closing normally 
open contacts 201-1, enabling power to pump warning light IL-3. The 
illuminated light IL-3 indicates that the pump filter should be cleaned. 
Removing power by turning the washer control or the reuse control off will 
reset relay 409 to the off position. 
The washer formula control switch S-7 opens and closes the washer drain 
valve via drain solenoid valve Sol-3. While S-7 is closed, thus energizing 
Sol-3 and holding the drain valve closed. The washer formula control 
closes the "reuse out" switch or contact S-8 when saving water for reuse 
is desired. S-8 energizes reuse control relay R4 which closes PLC input 
contacts R4-1 activating relay 410. The normally open contacts 410-1 close 
and latch circuit through normally closed contacts 411-1 holding relay 410 
and starting time delay relay TD-5. Normally open contacts 410-2 close, 
thereby completing a circuit through 411-2 and energizing output relay 
205. Contacts 205-1 close, energizing relay R3. Normally open contacts 
410-3 close, completing circuit through normally close 411-3 and starting 
time delay TD-6. Contacts 410-4 also close, energizing output relay 204 
through normally closed contacts 400-5 (provided pump motor thermal 
overload is not tripped), 402-3, 411-4 and 412-1. Normally open contacts 
204-1 close, connecting power from switch S-8 to; solenoid Sol-3 via 
contacts R3-4, maintaining closed drain valve, this enables the pump motor 
61 via R3-3 and energizes reuse out signal light I1-5. Normally closed 
contacts R3-2 open, preventing activation of "reuse in" circuits. 
Normally open contacts R3-6 also close, initiating the reuse counter to 
register a count of one for each cycle that R3 is energized. When delay 
relay TD-6 times out (typically 60 seconds) relay 412 is energized, 
thereby opening normally closed contacts 412-1 and turning relay 204 off 
which opens contacts 204-1 which disconnects power from to the pump motor 
61 (stopping pump) and Sol-3, allowing the washer drain valve Sol-3 to 
open and dump any remaining water in the wash wheel into the pipe 24 to 
the existing sewer. Time delay relay TD-5 times out (typically TD-6 plus 
10 seconds) energizing relay 411 and opening normally closed contacts 
411-1; unlatching 410, 411-2; de-activating 205 which releases R3 closing 
R3-5 and, thereby returning control of solenoid Sol-3 to the washer 
formula control. 
If the water level in the storage tank 14 exceeds limit switch LS-1, 
thereby braking the circuit to relay 401, the normally closed contact 
410-1 closes and causes time delay relay TD-1, et for 10 seconds, to time 
out (this allows the storage tank 14 to overflow and flush any floating 
debris into the sewer) and activate relay 402. Normally closed contacts 
402-3 open de-activating output relay 204 and causing normally open 
contacts 204-1 to open which removes power to the pump motor and Sol-3 
solenoid and allowing the wash water to drain into the pipe 24 and to the 
sewer. 
The "reuse in" and "reuse out" functions can be initiated independently of 
the washer formula control by depressing switch S-2 (reuse in) or switch 
S-2 (reuse out) provided that the reuse controller is powered and the 
level of the water in the reuse storage tank is within it's limits.