Patent GB-811570-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus fro repeatedly dispersing and agglomerating materials
IPC: D06F35/00
Filed: 1954-04-06
Abstract: A washing and dyeing machine comprises, a closable heated tank 1, Fig. 1, divided into upper and lower compartments and connected to a vacuum pipe 8, a liquid and gas supply pipe 6, and an outlet pipe 10, a motor or engine 3 rotating a shaft 2 on which is removably mounted a cone 12 supporting a perforated rigid basket 4 and a perforated flexible folded basket 5, and a timer 16 and or a braking and so on device which operates or may be operated to alter repeatedly the speed of the shaft, the shape of the flexible basket 5, and the forces working upon materials within the basket 5.  In operation the cover 17 is removed, the material to be washed is placed in the basket 5, and the cover is replaced.  A quantity of liquid is then run into the tank 1 and the baskets are rotated and repeatedly speeded up, slowed down, and stopped, so that the flexible basket 5 is opened against the secondary force of its resilience by the centrifugal or primary force and then closed under the returning force of its resilience when the centrifugal force diminishes.  In this way the material in the basket 5 is dispersed and agglomerated repeatedly.  It is preferred however to subject the material first to a vacuum pressure and then to pre-saturate the material with cooled boiled water, following this procedure by boiling, rinsing, spinning and drying processes at different speeds.  Drying may also be carried out by passing hot air.  A dyeing process under vacuum may be carried out after washing and be followed by drying.  In a modified apparatus for treating material such as fibre, sugar and so on, Figs. 4 and 5 (not shown), the baskets have large holes in their bottoms to facilitate continuous discharge of the processed material.  The resilient basket can support a filter, and a stationary perforated basket enclosing the rotatable baskets is provided within the tank. The materials may be fed through an aperture in the tank lid by apparatus synchronized to cease feeding when the centrifugal force is diminishing.  In the apparatus of Fig. 7, similar processes may be carried out as in the apparatus of Fig. 1, but much higher forces are applied.  The flexible basket 32 having a perforated bottom and containing <PICT:0811570/IV (c)/1> <PICT:0811570/IV (c)/2> <PICT:0811570/IV (c)/3> the material is placed upon supporting lattices in the heated tank 1b and the basket is then closed to be air-tight by tying a cord at the top.  Liquid is then run into the tank and the basket subjected to a varying compressive force by a compressor 25 controlled by the timer and so on 16b.  The treating liquid is drawn into and expelled from the basket through the holes therein, and in the relaxed position of the basket air leaves the tank through the valve 7b.  The apparatus of Fig. 7 may also be used for boiling raw cotton and treating wood and so on, and pre-saturation and rinsing processes may be applied.  In the apparatus of Fig. 9, which may be used for washing and dyeing or mixing and grinding, a rigid basket 33 rotates with the motor-driven shaft controlled by the timer 16c and the arms 36 which are hinged at their upper ends are urged outwardly with the material to be treated by centrifugal force.  When the speed diminishes or is interrupted, springs 37 return the arms 36 to the substantially vertical position shown, and in so doing the material behind the scrapers 38 is thrown down into the centre of the basket.  The apparatuses can be automatically regulated by instruments such as a thermostat and pH regulator, and the materials to be treated may also include liquids and foods.