Patent GB-190309317-A (GB)
Title: An Improved Washing, Disinfecting and Drying Apparatus.
Inventor: BARBE LOUIS ETIENNE
Filed: 1903-04-24
Granted: 1904-02-04
Abstract: 9317. Barbe, L. E. April 24. Disinfecting.-Consists of disinfecting, washing, and drying apparatus for use in dry-cleaning of the kind described in Specification No. 25,341, A.D. 1901 [Abridgment Class Washing &c.], whereby the operations are performed and the solvent recovered without any danger from fire. A door k in the outer casing a, which is double and has but a single joint 1, is opened by withdrawing pressing-screws 6 and pins 7. A flywheel 42, on a spindle 39 carrying an inner barrel g, is then revolved until the door 8 of this barrel is opposite the opening in the outer casing a. The barrel is then looked by inserting a pin 43 in the flywheel. The door 8 is then opened and the garments or the like placed in the barrel, which is formed of perforated sheet steel strengthened by steel bars 10 parallel to the axis, and laths 11 also of steel. A projection carried by one end has apertures 13, opening into a perforated pipe 14, a raising palette 16 of perforated sheet steel being fixed to the wall of the barrel and to the pipe 14. After closing the doors, a vacuum is produced in the apparatus by connecting a tap 21 with a suitable vacuum pump. Solvent, such as benzine, is admitted by way of a tap 20, the amount being shown by an indicator n, and an overflow pipe 44 is also provided. Carbonic-acid gas is then introduced from a reservoir by way of a tap 45, until a manometer t indicates atmospheric pressure. A grooved wheel, keyed to the shaft 39, but movable longitudinally by a fork, is put into engagement with a sector 35, which receives a reciprocating motion from a main shaft 28 by means of gearing 31, 33, 34. During this movement a tap 17 is opened if necessary, so that cleaning by heat may be effected without excessive pressure, since the vapour of the solvent passes off by way of a pipe j through a filter 18 to a condenser. The heating is effected by allowing steam to penetrate to both parts of the double casing a by way of a tap r and pipes 2, 3, the water which condenses being drawn off. A safety-valve 23 communicates with the roof of the building by way of a pipe 24, while the inert gas in the barrel prevents explosion through the heating of the axle or through the production of electric sparks by friction of heated silk articles. After cleaning, the barrel motion is stopped and a tap l opened, the benzine running off to a suitable reservoir. The wheel 37 is then ungeared from the sector 35, and geared with a pulley 40, whereby the barrel is rotated rapidly, and, when drying thereby is complete, the tap is closed and the pulley 40 thrown out of gear. A current of hot carbonic acid is then introduced by way of a pipe h, while, at the same time, the vacuum pump is again put into operation by way of the tap 21. A continuous circulation of gas is thus produced, ensuring the complete recovery of the solvent remaining in the articles. The supply of carbonic acid gas is shut off, and, when a complete vacuum has been produced the tap 21 is closed also, and a tap 22 opaned to allow air to enter the barrel, which is then opened as before for removal of the goods.