Patent Publication Number: US-2018038037-A1

Title: Systems and methods for washing and drying using an altered pressure environment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/372,265 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR WASHING AND DRYING USING AN ALTERED PRESSURE ENVIRONMENT”, filed Aug. 8, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for washing and drying fabric articles, and more specifically, mechanical washers and dryers. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     Mechanical clothes dryers may dry fabric articles by the application and circulation of hot air, which evaporates moisture from the articles inside a drying chamber. Articles may be tumbled in a rotating drum during a drying cycle in order to improve hot air application and distribution through the articles and to help with the release of wrinkles after a washing process. Evaporated moisture is continuously vented from the drying vessel during a drying cycle. 
     Limitations of mechanical clothes dryers include high power usage, due to the large volume of air that needs to be continuously heated and delivered to the drying chamber in order to dry the articles within a reasonable period of time. This drying cycle time represents another limitation, as cycle times often exceed an hour or more, due to limitations in the speed at which a load of wet articles may be dried by hot-air circulation. A third limitation is excessive wear on fabric articles due to exposure to high heat and/or mechanical impact during the tumbling process. The temperature of the hot air used in a drying cycle is typically limited, in part, by a heat tolerance of the material of the fabric article being dried. Air temperature may be selected to be higher in order to reduce drying time, but not so high as to scorch or damage the fabric articles. A user may elect to dry at a lower temperature for a longer time in order to reduce wear on fabric articles, but often the use of mechanical clothes dryers for drying fabric articles involves an undesirable compromise between drying time and an acceptable rate of wear, and some reduction in wear from lowering temperature may be offset by the increased wear from extended tumbling. There is a need to improve energy efficiency and cycle time of mechanical clothes dryers while also reducing the rate of wear on fabric articles. 
     The inventor herein has recognized the above limitations of mechanical clothes dryers. The present disclosure shows a system and method for treating fabric articles, for example clothing, under a pressure condition that may be raised and/or lowered relative to an ambient pressure. In some examples, treating the clothing may include drying and/or washing the clothing, and altering the pressure conditions may improve energy efficiency of a washing and/or drying cycle over a conventional clothes washer or dryer, while also shortening cycle time and reducing the rate of wear on fabric articles by reducing heat exposure, and in some embodiments reducing or eliminating mechanical impact from tumbling. 
     A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a clothing treatment device, which may comprise one or more of: a chamber, a vacuum seal for the chamber holding an air pressure of the chamber reduced from an ambient pressure outside the chamber, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the chamber, one or more heat sources heating the chamber, and a controller to operate the vacuum pump to reduce the air pressure of the chamber during operation. 
     In one or more embodiments, the chamber may be one or more of a washing chamber and a drying chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, one or more of the heat sources may be an air heater. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the heat sources may be an emitter of electromagnetic radiation, such as an infrared radiator or lamp. 
     In one or more embodiments, the chamber may comprise one or more infrared reflectors. 
     In one or more embodiments, the chamber may comprise a rotating drum. 
     In one or more embodiments, the chamber may comprise one or more valves, where the controller may regulate the ingress and egress of gases through the one or more valves. 
     In one or more embodiments, one or more valves may regulate a flow of one or more of water, steam, and one or more cleaning agents. 
     In one or more embodiments, the chamber may comprise article hangers inside the chamber. The article hangers may be removable from the chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, a height of the chamber may accommodate one or more hanging fabric articles. 
     In one or more embodiments, the dryer may comprise a cold plate inside the chamber, and may further comprise a cooling system coupled to the cold plate. The cooling system may be operated by the controller. In one or more embodiments, the cold plate may further comprise fins and/or a water collector for the collection of condensation. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating fabric articles, comprising one or more of: sealing one or more fabric articles in a chamber, altering an internal gas pressure of the chamber to create an altered-pressure condition in the chamber, and applying heat to the chamber to dry the one or more fabric articles. 
     In one or more embodiments, the altered pressure may be a raised pressure. In one or more embodiments, the altered pressure may be a lowered pressure. In one or more embodiments, the pressure may be raised and/or lowered relative to an ambient pressure. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise condensing gaseous moisture inside the chamber on a cold plate during a drying cycle. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise extracting gases from the chamber during the drying cycle, thereby maintaining a low pressure condition. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise repressurizing the chamber to an ambient pressure upon completion of the drying cycle. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise reducing the internal gas pressure to a pre-determined low-pressure drying cycle selection. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise determining one or more of a first moisture level and a first pressure level inside the chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise determining a second moisture level inside the chamber below a threshold moisture level and terminating the drying cycle. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise maintaining a second pressure level inside the chamber for a select period. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise collecting liquid condensed on the cold plate in a water collector. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise tumbling the fabric articles in a rotating drum. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for treating articles, such as drying articles, which may comprise one or more of a sealable chamber in fluid communication with an air pressure system, and a controller to control the air pressure system and a pressure in the chamber during a selected cycle period. 
     In one or more embodiments, the system may further comprise one or more of an air pressure sensor and a moisture sensor inside the chamber to provide air pressure data and/or moisture data to the controller. 
     In one or more embodiments, the controller may control the pressure of the chamber based on the air pressure data or moisture data. 
     In one or more embodiments, the controller may conclude the drying cycle when the moisture data indicates a moisture level below a preset moisture threshold. 
     In one or more embodiments, the air pressure system may include a vacuum pump. 
     In one or more embodiments, the system may further comprise a heating system operatively connected to the chamber. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of treating fabric articles, comprising one or more of: sealing a chamber, determining a moisture level within the chamber, determining a pressure level within the chamber, and reducing the pressure level to a preselected level. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise sealing one or more fabric articles in the chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise heating the chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise maintaining a preselected pressure level based on the moisture level being above a threshold. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise reducing the moisture level based on the moisture level being above a threshold. 
     Further aspects of the present disclosure may optionally include embodiments where the clothing treatment device includes a combination of a washer and a dryer to treat fabric articles. In one example, the clothing treatment device may wash and/or dry fabric articles under a pressure altered from ambient pressure, wherein an internal pressure is raised and/or lowered from ambient pressure. In another embodiment, a standalone washer may comprise one or more features of the combination washer and dryer. 
     In the presently disclosed systems and methods, a clothing treatment device of fabric articles or method of treating fabric articles may be provided such that a reduced energy usage, increased energy efficiency, reduced drying time, and reduction of mechanical wear of fabric articles may be achieved. Providing a low-pressure condition inside a drying chamber sealable from outside air may cause moist fabric articles to be dried faster and/or at a lower temperature, thus reducing a drying time and improving an energy usage profile of a dryer employing the method. Low-pressure drying also may reduce the mechanical wear on fabric articles from extended tumbling and/or extended exposure to high temperatures characteristic in known dryers, which may prematurely cause wear on the articles. 
     Further systems and methods for treating articles are disclosed herein, which may provide an improved washing and drying efficiency and/or performance, for example. Embodiments wherein items may be washed, dried, or both washed and dried under an altered pressure environment are shown. The altered pressure may be a second pressure raised or lowered from a first pressure, where the first pressure may be an ambient pressure. Washing and/or drying cycles may be performed in one or more raised and/or lowered pressure environments using the presently-disclosed systems and methods, where the altered pressure environment or environments may provide a mechanism of washing and/or drying that may increase a washing or drying speed, effectiveness, depth of penetration, efficient energy usage, or longevity of articles being washed or dried. 
     The disclosure herein presents systems and methods which may reduce an energy consumption of a dryer by conducting a drying cycle under low pressure. Lowering a gas pressure inside a drying chamber reduces the temperature at which water will evaporate from wet fabric articles, which may reduce energy consumption for a drying cycle or for a given rate of drying. The disclosed systems and methods may also reduce a drying time for one or more fabric articles compared to a dryer which does not feature drying under a low pressure condition. 
     It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a schematic representation of a dryer in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a dryer in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of a device, which may be a combination washer and dryer device or a standalone washer, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a flow chart of a method for drying fabric articles in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C  show a flow chart of a method for operating a dryer in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows a flow chart of a method for drying fabric articles. 
         FIG. 6  shows a flow chart of a method for washing and/or drying. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description relates to systems and methods treating fabric articles, such as clothing, via a clothing treatment device. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a drying cycle, or period of drying, may be performed with the fabric articles under an air pressure that is altered compared to an ambient air pressure outside a chamber of the clothing treatment device, which may be atmospheric pressure. In the following examples, embodiments of a clothing treatment device, such as a dryer, having the capability of lowering an air pressure inside a chamber with a vacuum pump and applying heat to one or more fabric articles inside the chamber are shown. Embodiments are further shown having a cold plate, which may condense moisture from interior air of the chamber. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method is described for treating the fabric articles under low pressure, comprising the use of one or more of a chamber, a source of hot air, a radiant heat source, a vacuum pump, a cold plate, and a cooling system. In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided in which an electronic controller actuates the components of the clothing treatment device during a low-pressure drying cycle. In some embodiments, control parameters of a drying cycle may be at least in part based on inputs to the controller from one or more sensors, which may include at least one air pressure sensor and at least one moisture sensor arranged inside the chamber. In one or more optional embodiments, the clothing treatment device may be a dryer. However, in other embodiments, the clothing treatment device may be a combination washer and dryer or a standalone washer, wherein fabric articles may be washed and/or dried in an altered pressure environment. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1A , it shows a schematic representation of a clothing treatment device  100 . In at least one example the clothing treatment device may be a dryer, for drying fabric articles. As such, the clothing treatment device  100  may also referred to as dryer  100  herein. In at least one embodiment, the clothing treatment device  100  may be a part of a larger clothing treatment device. For example, the clothing treatment device  100  may be a part of a clothing treatment system such as clothing treatment system  700 . However, in other examples, the clothing treatment device  100  may not be a part of a larger clothing treatment system, and instead the clothing treatment device  100  may be a separate, stand-alone clothing treatment device. Axes  101  show a possible orientation of clothing treatment device  100 , wherein the y-direction may be aligned with a height of the dryer, the x-direction will be aligned with a width of the dryer, and the z-direction may be aligned with a depth of the dryer. In one embodiment, the system may comprise a housing  102 , which may enclose the components of the system. The housing may be made of a metal, polymer, composite, or other suitable appliance-housing material. The system may further comprise a chamber  104 , which in one embodiment may be situated inside housing  102 . In one embodiment, chamber  104  may be a drying chamber. Chamber  104  may have a sufficient interior space for holding fabric articles to be dried by the system, including a height, width, and depth such that one or more fabric articles  110  may be placed in the chamber simultaneously, with sufficient space left in the chamber for the proper working of any mechanical components, vacuum pumps, heating sources, etc. In certain configurations, fabric articles may be inserted into the chamber separated from one another, with space between each article. In other configurations, fabric articles may be inserted in a bundle or may loosely touch one another. In some configurations, excessive packing of fabric articles inside chamber  104  may be detrimental to the drying of said fabric articles. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior space of chamber  104  has a sufficient height such that fabric articles  110  may be hung on article hangers  112 . The height of chamber  104  may be selected according to article load size or article dimensions. In one embodiment, chamber  104  may have a height sufficient to accommodate a hanging shirt (e.g., a height greater than a sum of a height of an article hanger and an average or maximum height of a shirt). In a further embodiment, chamber  104  may have a sufficient height to accommodate a hanging bedsheet (e.g., a height greater than a sum of a height of an article hanger and an average or maximum height of a bedsheet). A width of chamber  104  may determine the number of fabric articles which may be hung side-by-side. In one embodiment, chamber  104  may comprise a compact width, permitting, for example, five to ten fabric articles of a given hanging width to be hung side-by-side. In another embodiment, the chamber may have a width sufficient to accommodate ten to twenty fabric articles having a given hanging width side-by-side. The dimensions of the chamber are not particularly limited by these examples, and other configurations of the positioning of articles inside the chamber are possible, such as multiple tiers or multiple rows of hanging articles, or articles lying horizontally on racks (not shown). 
     In one embodiment, article hangers  112  may be similar to a clothes hanger or a towel rack, wherein the hanger comprises a rod or hook for hanging a fabric article over. A rod or hook of hanger  112  may be suspended from a wall, side, or face of chamber  104 . Further hardware for the support of hangers  112  may be present in chamber  104 , such as one or more bars, rods, hooks, or sockets. In a further embodiment, the positions of hangers  112  may be movable or adjustable. In another embodiment, hangers  112  may be detachable, and in one example may be removable from the clothing treatment device  100  and may further be hangable on a standard rod in a clothes closet or wardrobe, such that dried articles may be transferred to a storage area on hangers  112 . In some embodiments, hangers  112  may be made of a metal, plastic, resin, or composite material. In a further embodiment, standard clothing or linen hangers may be used. In one embodiment, fabric articles may be washed and/or dried, in one or more of the hanging configurations described herein, in a system which does not comprise an altered internal pressure. 
     Chamber  104  may be sealable and may have sufficient structural strength to withstand a pressure gradient due to a reduced or raised internal air pressure. In one embodiment, air may be pumped or extracted from chamber  104  such that an internal air pressure of chamber  104  is less than an ambient air pressure outside chamber  104 . Chamber  104  may be sealed from air penetration such that it may hold an altered internal pressure for an extended period of time, e.g. during a low-pressure drying cycle. Sealing of chamber  104  may comprise the use of closeable valves and/or gaskets around openings in one or more walls of chamber  104 . Gaskets may be present around one or more of inlet and outlet ports, doors, electrical passages, windows, etc. A construction of chamber  104  should allow for an internal air pressure to be altered to a threshold level relative to an ambient pressure without implosion or excessive mechanical strain on any walls or joints of the chamber&#39;s structure, leaking of air to or from the outside, or loss of pressure reduction or increase. 
     Clothing treatment device  100  may further comprise an opening  120 , which may permit access for the loading and removal of articles  110  in and out of chamber  104 . A door  122  may be coupled to opening  120  for the sealing of the chamber  104  during a drying cycle. 
     A vacuum seal  124 , for example one or more rubber gaskets, may be arranged between the opening  120  and the door  122  for sufficient sealing of opening  120  by door  122  during altered-pressure operation. Seal  124  may be an airtight seal. The opening  120  may be of sufficient size to allow user access to the inside of chamber  104  and for the insertion, removal, and/or adjustment of racking hardware inside, such as hangers  112 . In one embodiment, opening  120  may be of a rectangular or rounded rectangular shape for more convenient user access to the interior of chamber  104 . In another embodiment, opening  120  may be circular for providing structural strength of the opening  120 , door  122 , and/or seal  124  under the force of an operative pressure gradient. 
     Clothing treatment device  100  may comprise a vacuum seal for the chamber  104 , which may maintain an air pressure of the chamber  104  different from an ambient pressure outside the chamber. In one embodiment, the vacuum seal may comprise one or more of opening  120 , door  122 , and seal  124 . In a further embodiment, the vacuum seal may comprise seals, gaskets, doors, valves, or partitions which may create an airtight vessel, wherein the airtight vessel may be chamber  104 . Openings and/or passages may be blocked from the passage or leakage of air under a pressure gradient by the vacuum seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be opened or broken, such as during the opening of a valve or door, and the seal may be closed or resealed, such as when the door is closed. Breaking and resealing of the vacuum seal may be performed multiple times during the operation of a drying cycle in clothing treatment device  100 . 
     Opening  120  may pass through a wall of housing  102  and a wall of chamber  104 . Door  122  and seal  124  may be arranged such that closing door  122  simultaneously seals housing  102  from user access, and seals chamber  104  such that chamber  104  is airtight. Door  122  may be of sufficient thickness, and may comprise a positioning of seal  124 , e.g. one or more gaskets, such that chamber  104  may be sufficiently sealed from outside air as well as from air occupying non-pressurized zone  126  of the interior of clothing treatment device  100 , i.e., air that is within housing  102  but outside chamber  104 . 
     Clothing treatment device  100  may further comprise a vacuum pump  130 . Vacuum pump  130  may be in fluid communication with chamber  104 . In one embodiment, vacuum pump  130  may comprise an inlet  132  in fluid communication with the interior airspace of chamber  104 , such that gases may be extracted from the interior of chamber  104  by vacuum pump  130  through inlet  132 . Inlet  132  may comprise a valve  134  for the regulation of gases passing through inlet  132 . In one example, inlet  132  may be a throttle valve which may regulate an amount of gas flow through the valve. Additionally or alternatively, valve  134  may be a one-way valve, intended to allow gases to pass through inlet  132  to vacuum pump  130  during an evacuation stage, and to prevent gases from reentering chamber  104  through inlet  132  when chamber  104  is under low pressure. Vacuum pump may also comprise outlet  136 , which may be an exhaust outlet. Vacuum pump  130  may vent gases extracted from chamber  104  to the atmosphere outside clothing treatment device  100 . 
     Clothing treatment device  100 , or dryer  100 , may also comprise one or more heat sources for heating chamber  104 , and/or for the applying of heat to articles  110 . The one or more heat sources may include an air heater  140 , which may heat air from an intake  142  and supply heated air to the chamber  104  through an outlet  144 . Regulation of gas flow through outlet  144  may be performed by a valve  146 . In one embodiment, valve  146  may open to allow air from air heater  140  to pass through outlet  144  to chamber  104  during a heating cycle, and may close to prevent air from being drawn through air heater  140  into chamber  104  when chamber  104  is in a low-pressure condition. Hot air supplied to chamber  104  may transfer heat to articles  110  for the evaporation of moisture from articles  110 . Hot air may be directed from air heater  140  to chamber  104  through one or more passages, which may distribute hot air to chamber  104  or to specific areas of chamber  104 . Hot air passages may comprise outlets, nozzles, jets, and/or diffusers for the distribution of hot air to areas in chamber  104  and/or to fabric articles  110 . Hot air and/or evaporated moisture may be evacuated by vacuum pump  130  to maintain a low pressure within chamber  104  and/or to extract humidity from chamber  104 . Air heater  140  may comprise one or more fans for the blowing or forcing of air through air heater  140 , through intake  142 , and/or out of outlet  144 . 
     In one embodiment, air heater  140  may further comprise a second intake  184 , which may be positioned in chamber  104  such that air heater may draw air from inside chamber  104 . Intake  184  may further comprise a valve  186 , which may be variably opened or closed to regulate a flow of gases through intake  184 . In one embodiment, air heater  140  may draw air from the inside of chamber  104  through intake  184  for heating and recirculation into chamber  104  through outlet  144 . Recirculating and reheating air drawn from chamber  104  may result in maintaining an application of hot air to the chamber during an altered-pressure cycle without introducing or releasing air, thus maintaining the altered-pressure condition without continuous compensation by the vacuum pump. In one embodiment, air heater  140  may draw air for heating or blowing only from inside chamber  104  and may draw no outside air (e.g., intake  142  may be omitted). In other embodiments, air heater  140  may draw a combination of outside air and air from inside the chamber. In some embodiments, one or more intakes, which may include intakes  142  and/or  184 , may be in simultaneous or alternating operation. 
     In a further embodiment, air heater  140  may force air through one or more of intake  142 , intake  184 , and outlet  144  without heating of air passing through air heater  140 . In one example, air heater  140  may have a fan or blower operating function, wherein air is blown into chamber  104  by air heater  140  without being heated. In some embodiments, at least a part of a drying cycle may comprise the blowing of air without added heat over fabric articles  110  to facilitate drying without the use of added heat. In one example, fabric articles may be dried by ambient heat in chamber  104 , under a reduced internal gas pressure, without an application of added heat by a heat source such as air heater  140  or radiators  150 . In one embodiment, air may be heated and blown into chamber  104  by air heater  140 , and subsequently recirculated without further addition of heat by air heater  140 . In other embodiments, air heater  140  may allow air to pass through passively, without blowing or forcing, such as during a repressurization of the chamber. 
     The one or more heat sources may further include one or more radiators  150 , which may apply a radiant heat source, such as infrared radiation, to articles  110 . Radiant energy may be directed at articles  110  by radiators  150 , and may be absorbed and converted to heat by articles  110 . Multiple radiators  150  may be positioned inside chamber  104  such that radiant energy may be maximally and/or evenly absorbed by articles  110 . Reflectors (not shown), such as infrared reflectors, may also be positioned inside chamber  104  for the further redistribution of radiation emitted by radiators  150 . Radiant energy may be absorbed by articles  110  and converted to heat such that moisture may evaporate from articles  110 . Gaseous water may be evacuated from chamber  104  by vacuum pump  130  during the drying cycle. 
     Heat sources such as air heater  140  and/or radiators  150  may be used in combination to provide heat for the drying of articles  110 . In other embodiments, one or more types of heat source may be used. For instance, in one embodiment, clothing treatment device  100  may comprise radiators  150  as a heat source, and may not comprise an air heater. In said embodiment, air may enter chamber  104  through outlet  144 , regulated by valve  146 , for the repressurization of chamber  104  to ambient pressure during a repressurization stage. Outlet  144  may not be coupled to an air heater in this case, and may serve as a source point of outside air to chamber  104  but not as a source point of heated air. In other embodiments, the use of an air heater may be desirable due to a better distribution of heat to articles  110  in certain cases. For instance, if many articles  110  are loaded in a close formation, radiant energy may be unable to penetrate several article layers evenly, but a flow of hot air may provide better penetration of heat to interior article layers. 
     In a further embodiment, one or more outlets  144  may be distributed throughout chamber  104 , and may be positioned closely to articles  110 , such that hot air may be delivered more directly to articles  110 . In one embodiment, an outlet  144  may be a tube with holes which may extend inside an article, e.g. a hanging shirt, and hot air may be distributed directly to the shirt from the inside through the holes. Such an arrangement may provide better drying of an article  110  with minimal hot air flow. Outlets  144  may terminate in one or more of an air jet, nozzle, or diffuser for shaping or directing the distribution of air from the outlets  144  to the chamber  104  and/or articles  110 . The plurality of air jets, nozzles, and/or diffusers may be selected, directed, and/or sequenced to more effectively distribute hot air in the drying process. 
     In a further embodiment, heat may be transferred to articles  110  by a heated plate (not shown) or a heated rack (not shown). For instance, one or more articles may hang or lay on one or more racks or plates made of a thermally conductive material. Racks or plates may be heated internally or externally and may impart heat to articles  110  by direct contact. In one embodiment, a flat, rectangular metal grille may be heated resistively by an electric current. An article  110  may lay on the grille positioned horizontally, or may hang over the grill oriented vertically, wherein a surface of the article touches the surfaces of the grille. The grille may thereby deliver heat to the article, and moisture may evaporate from the article  110 . A heat source may take the form of heated arrangements of one or more of racks, fins, shelves, plates, surfaces, spokes, rods, and other structures which may be arranged to one or more of hold, hang, and directly contact and provide heat to articles  110 . 
     In one embodiment, clothing treatment device  100  may comprise one or more valves, wherein gases may pass into or out of chamber  104  through the one or more valves. The valves may include, but are not limited to, valve  134  and valve  146 . An open or closed position of the one or more valves may be variable and/or adjustable by a user or by a controller via an actuator such that an ingress or egress of gases through the valves may be regulated. 
     In one embodiment, clothing treatment device  100  may further comprise a cold plate  160 . Gaseous moisture inside chamber  104  may be chilled by and/or condense on cold plate  160 . Reduction of humidity and/or gas pressure through the removal of water molecules from the air by cold plate  160  may reduce a burden of vacuum pump  130  to reduce humidity by the extraction of evaporated moisture from chamber  104 . Cold plate  160  may be positioned inside chamber  104 , and may further be positioned such that it is downstream of articles  110  in a path of airflow through chamber  104 , e.g. between articles  110  and inlet  132 . Evaporated water particles striking cold plate  160  may condense on a surface of cold plate  160 . In one embodiment, cold plate  160  may have fins  162  which increase the operable surface area of cold plate  160 . Fins  162  may be planar. In one embodiment, planar fins  162  may be substantially aligned with a direction of airflow through chamber  104 , such that air or gases may flow smoothly across surfaces of fins  162  and such that a maximal surface area of cold plate  160  and/or fins  162  is accessible by flowing gases. In alternative embodiments, cold plate  160  may be a structure of a thermally conductive material arranged such that a surface area of the structure is in contact with gaseous water particles inside chamber  104 , e.g. a lattice, grid, plate, tube, coil, and/or further structures. 
     Cold plate  160  may further comprise a coolant line  164  which may be in thermal contact with cold plate  160  for the transfer of heat from cold plate  160  to a coolant medium within coolant line  164 . Coolant line  164  may be coupled to a cooler  166 . Cooler  166  may be a device for chilling of circulated coolant. In one embodiment, cooler  166  may be a heat exchanger. In a further embodiment, cooler  166  may comprise one or more components for the chilling or refrigeration of coolant, such as one or more of a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. In one embodiment, cold plate  160  may be an evaporator of cooler  166 . Cooler  166  may further comprise one or more of a heat sink  168  and a fan  170  for the rejection of heat transferred from a coolant medium to outside air via the heat sink. In further and/or alternative embodiments, cooler  166  may comprise a system of components which transfers heat from a surface of cold plate  160 . In one embodiment, cooler  166  may chill cold plate  160  to a temperature substantially below the temperature of the air inside chamber  104 , such that evaporated moisture particles may condense to the liquid phase when contacting a surface of cold plate  160 . 
     Water condensed on a surface of cold plate  160  may be channeled into a water collector  172 . In one embodiment, water collector  172  may be a vessel or container comprising an opening such that liquid water may be directed or channeled through the opening and stored within water collector  172 . In one embodiment, water collector  172  may be positioned below a bottom surface of cold plate  160 , with an opening of water collector  172  facing cold plate  160 , such that condensed water may flow by gravity into water collector  172 . Cold plate  160  and/or water collector  172  may comprise structures for the directing and/or funneling of liquid into water collector  172 . For instance, cold plate  160  may comprise grooves or channels which may direct condensation droplets to flow towards water collector  172 . Water condensed from the gas phase in chamber  104  may be collected and stored in water collector  172 , thus lowering the air pressure and/or humidity inside chamber  104 . In doing so, a burden on a vacuum pump to maintain a low air pressure and/or to remove evaporated water inside chamber  104  is reduced. In one embodiment, water stored within water collector  172  may be sealed inside water collector  172  at a point during a drying cycle, e.g. when the collector becomes filled, to prevent the reevaporation of water inside water collector  172 . In an alternative embodiment, water collector  172  may be chilled, e.g. by coupling of the water collector to a cooling system such as cooler  166 , to prevent reevaporation of water inside. In yet another embodiment, water stored in water collector  172  may be evacuated or extracted periodically from chamber  104 , e.g. by a pump or drainage valve (not shown). 
     Clothing treatment device  100  may further comprise a moisture sensor  510  and/or an air pressure sensor  512 . Further description of sensors  510  and  512  is given in the description of  FIG. 2 . 
     Clothing treatment device  100  may comprise one or more ultrasonic generators  540 . Ultrasonic generators  540  may be electroacoustic transducers which may produce acoustic energy inside chamber  104 . In one embodiment, ultrasonic generators  540  may produce acoustic waves occupying at least a part of an ultrasonic range of acoustic frequencies. In some examples, ultrasonic generators  540  may produce acoustic waves in subsonic and/or audible frequency ranges. Acoustic waves produced by ultrasonic generators  540  may be transmitted to gases (e.g., air and/or water vapor) inside chamber  104  and may travel through the interior of chamber  104  via the internal gases of chamber  104 . In some embodiments, acoustic waves may travel through low-pressure gases during a lowered-pressure condition inside chamber  104 . In other embodiments, acoustic waves may travel through gases at ambient pressure or gases at a pressure raised from ambient pressure. 
     The one or more ultrasonic generators  540  may be directional, and may further feature a polar pattern such as hemispheric, cardioid, or omnidirectional, such that the intensity of acoustic energy may be directed to a specific region of chamber  104 . For example, the acoustic energy produced by a directional ultrasonic generator  540  may be directed toward one or more articles  110 . In other embodiments, the directional pattern of one or more ultrasonic generators  540  may have a negligible effect on the overall distribution of acoustic energy in chamber  104 . Such ultrasonic generators  540  may be purposed to fill a general area, such as the general interior of chamber  104 , with acoustic waves. Ultrasonic waves produced by the one or more ultrasonic generators  540  may impact or penetrate one or more articles  110 . In one embodiment, gas molecules moved by ultrasonic waves may impact articles  110 , which may assist in mechanically removing dirt, contaminants, detergent, or water from articles  110  during a washing and/or drying cycle. In other embodiments, ultrasonic generators  540  may transmit ultrasonic waves to a liquid (e.g., water) within the chamber. In one example, chamber  104  may be filled with water during a washing cycle. One or more ultrasonic generators  540  may be in contact with the water, which may also be in contact with one or more articles  110 . Ultrasonic waves may compel water particles to impact articles  110 , which may assist in mechanically removing dirt, contaminants, or detergent from the articles  110 . 
     It should be appreciated that although articles  110  may be washed and/or dried in a hanging configuration within a chamber  104  that has an altered pressure environment, in at least one example, the chamber  104  may have an unaltered internal pressure for a washing cycle of the clothing treatment device  100  where one or more articles  110  are in a hanging configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber  104  may have an unaltered internal pressure for a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device  100  where the articles  110  are in a hanging configuration. Examples where the clothing treatment device  100  carries out washing and/or drying cycles with articles  110  in a hanging configuration within the chamber  104  without altering the pressure environment within the chamber  104  may include any one or combination of the above discussed steps, with the exception of steps for altering the pressure within the chamber  104 . 
     For example, washing and/or drying cycle without altering a pressure within the chamber  104  and with the articles  110  in a hanging configuration may include hanging articles  110  on hangers  112 . The hangers  112  may be removable hangers that may be suspended within the chamber  104  in some embodiments. For example the hangers  112  may be hung within hooks or openings formed in a ceiling and/or walls of the chamber  104 . Additionally or alternatively, the hangers  112  may be removable rods that are suspended within the chamber  104 . Further, in some examples, the hangers  112  may include clips, such as pant hangers. 
     In at least one example, the hangers  112  may be formed integrally with the chamber  104  and may not be removable. For example, one or more hangers  112  may be formed integrally within the chamber and may enable clothing to be hung within the chamber. Such hangers  112  that may be formed integrally within the chamber  104  may include any one or combination of rods, hooks, and clips for hanging the articles  110 . It is noted that the hangers  112  may comprise a material that can withstand the conditions of washing and drying within the chamber  104 . For example, the hangers  112  may comprise a plastic able to withstand the temperature and moisture conditions within the chamber  104  without melting or otherwise degraded. Additionally or alternatively, the hangers  112  may comprise a metal able to withstand the temperature and moisture conditions within the chamber  104 . 
     Hanging one or more articles  110  on hangers  112  within the chamber  104  may suspend the articles  110  within the chamber  104  for one or more of a washing cycle and a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device  100 , and in at least one example, the washing cycle and the drying cycle of the clothing treatment device  100  may be carried out without altering a pressure within the chamber  104 . 
     For example, a washing cycle of the clothing treatment device  100  may include washing articles  110  that are in a hanging configuration within the chamber  104  without altering a pressure within chamber  104 . Thus, the washing cycle may include the steps of hanging one or more articles  110  on hangers  112  within the chamber of the clothing treatment device  100 , and operating the clothing treatment device  100  to carry out a washing cycle without carrying out steps to alter a pressure environment within the chamber  104 . For example, steps such as pumping air into the chamber  104  when the chamber  104  is sealed and steps such as pumping air out of the chamber  104  when the chamber  104  is sealed may be omitted. 
     For example, the washing cycle may include releasing one or more of water and washing agents into the chamber  104 . It should be appreciated that the water and these washing agents may be released into the chamber  104  without first taking steps to alter a pressure within the chamber  104  in at least one example. In some examples, the one or more of water and the washing agents may be released into the chamber  104  via nozzles which direct the one or more of water and washing agents at the articles  110  in the hanging configuration within the chamber  104 . In another example, the chamber  104  may be filled with the one or more of water and washing agents. 
     In at least one example where one or more articles  110  are washed in a hanging configuration via a washing cycle, one or more ultrasonic generators  540  may be operated to assist in the mechanical removal of dirt from the articles  110  in the hanging configuration. For example, the one or more ultrasonic generators  540  may be operated in any one or combination of the manners described above. In at least one embodiment, when operating the clothing treatment device  100  to carry out a washing cycle with one or more articles  110  in a hanging configuration within the chamber  104 , one or more of water and washing agents may be released into the chamber  104 , and then one or more ultrasonic generators  540  which may be in contact with the water may be operated. Then, as the one or more ultrasonic generators which are in contact with the water may be operated, the water which is further in contact with the one or more articles  110  may impact articles  110  and assist in mechanically removing dirt, contaminants, or detergent from the articles  110 . The washing cycle may further include draining the water and/or washing agents from the chamber  104 . In some examples, following a completion of the washing cycle, a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device may immediately be carried out within the same chamber  104 . However, in other examples, the articles  110  may be removed from the chamber  104  following the completion of the washing cycle. For example, articles  110  may be removed from the chamber  104  and allowed to air dry. Further, in at least one example, articles  110  may be removed from the chamber  104  and transferred to another clothing treatment device for drying the articles  110 . 
     In regards to carrying out a drying cycle, it is appreciated that in at least one example a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device  100  may include drying one or more articles  110  in a hanging configuration within the chamber  104  without altering a pressure of the chamber  104  for the drying cycle. 
     In examples where the drying cycle is carried out without altering a pressure of the chamber  104  for the drying cycle, any one or combination of the above discussed steps for carrying out a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device  100 , with the exception of steps for altering the pressure within chamber  104 , may be included. For example, any one or combination of the above steps disclosed for carrying out a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device  100  may be included with the exception of pumping air out of the chamber  104  and pumping air into the chamber  104  while the chamber  104  is sealed. In at least one example, the drying cycle of the clothing treatment device  100  may be carried out to dry articles  110  that are in a hanging configuration in chamber  104  following washing the same articles  110  in the same chamber  104 . However, in other examples, articles  110  that are in a hanging configuration within the chamber  104  for a drying cycle may not be washed in the chamber  104  prior to being dried in chamber  104 . For example, instead articles  110  may be transferred to the chamber  104  from another clothing treatment device or a different chamber of clothing treatment device  100  following washing of these articles  110  in the other clothing treatment device or the different chamber of the clothing treatment device  100 . Alternatively, articles  110  may positioned in a hanging configuration within the chamber  104  without having been washed immediately prior to being positioned within the chamber  104 . Thus, articles  110  that are substantially dry may be placed within the chamber  104  for a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device. For example, a drying cycle of articles  110  in a hanging configuration within the clothing treatment device  100  may be beneficial for reducing wrinkles in such articles  110 , thus articles  110  that are substantially dry may be positioned in a hanging configuration within the clothing treatment device  100  for a drying cycle to reduce wrinkles in these articles  110 , in at least one example. 
     In examples where the clothing treatment device  100  is operated to carry out a drying cycle without altering a pressure within the chamber  104  of the clothing treatment device  100 , the articles  110  in a hanging configuration within the chamber  104 , the articles  110  may first be hung within the chamber  104 . In some examples, the articles  110  may be hung prior to a washing cycle and then these same articles  110  may remain in a hanging configuration for a drying cycle that directly follows this washing cycle. However, in other examples the articles  110  may be hung directly prior to a drying cycle, where there are no other cycles operated between hanging the articles  110  and carrying out a drying cycle. 
     The clothing treatment device  100  may then be operated to carry out a drying cycle with the articles  110  in the hanging configuration within the chamber  104 . The drying cycle may include flowing air through the chamber  104 . Additionally or alternatively heat may be applied to the chamber. For example, one or more nozzles may direct airflow at the articles  110  that are in the hanging configuration, and in some examples, the air that is flowed through the chamber  104  via the one or more nozzles may be heated. However, in other examples, the air may be an ambient temperature. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, steam may be flowed through the chamber  104  in addition to the air flowed through chamber  104 . In at least one example, one or more ultrasonic generators  540  may be operated to assist with mechanically cleaning the articles  110  during the drying cycle. As air and/or steam is flowed through the chamber  104 , water may evaporate from one or more of the articles  110  that are in the hanging configuration. Thus, a condensation plate similar to the condensation plate described above may be included in at least one example to control an amount of moisture within the chamber  104 . For examples where a drying cycle is carried out with articles  110  in a hanging configuration and without altering an internal pressure of the chamber  104 , any one or combination of the example air and steam paths as discussed above may be used, so long as the chamber  104  is not sealed off while air is pumped into the chamber  104  or while air is pumped out of the chamber  104 . For example, the chamber  104  may not be completely sealed off when pumping air into the chamber  104  and when pumping air out of the chamber  104  in examples where an internal pressure of the chamber  104  is not altered. Thus, the drying cycle may be carried out without substantially altering a pressure within the chamber  104 . In at least embodiment, a drying cycle may be determined to be complete responsive to detecting that moisture level within the chamber  104  is less than a threshold moisture threshold. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1B , it shows an alternative embodiment of clothing treatment device  100 , also referred to as dryer  100 , comprising a rotating drum  202 . Similar features to those introduced in  FIG. 1A  are labelled with the same reference numerals, and only differing features will be described for  FIG. 1B . Rotating drum  202  may be a cylindrical structure comprising a side wall  204  and/or paddles  206 . One or more end faces  212  of rotating drum  202  may be open to and/or accessible by a user, e.g. through door  122 . Rotating drum  202  may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. Rotation of rotating drum  202  may be driven by a motor  208  which may be coupled to rotating drum  202 . In one embodiment, motor  208  may comprise a driveshaft  210 . Driveshaft  210  may be in mechanical contact with rotating drum  202  such that rotation of driveshaft  210  may be communicated to rotating drum  202  to drive rotation of rotation drum  202 . For example, driveshaft  210  may drive rotating drum  202  through one or more belts and/or one or more gears coupling driveshaft  210  and rotating drum  202 . Fabric articles  110  may be placed inside rotating drum  202 , e.g. through an access door such as door  122 . During a drying cycle, fabric articles may be tumbled inside rotating drum  202  due to a rotation of drum  202 . Tumbling of fabric articles may be aided by an impact of paddles  206 , which may serve to agitate and/or distribute a range of motion of fabric articles  110  being tumbled. 
     Side wall  204  may be gas-permeable. In one embodiment, side wall  204  may comprise holes or passages which gases may pass through. The size of said holes may be chosen such that gas may freely pass through but a structural rigidity and strength sufficient to contain a loading of fabric articles  110  is maintained. For instance, side wall  204  may be made of a metal mesh or screen, and may further comprise a rigid skeletal structure which may reinforce the metal mesh or screen. 
     Heat sources may be positioned such that heat may be applied to fabric articles  110  within rotating drum  202 . In one embodiment, one or more radiators  150  may be positioned on an end face  212  of rotating drum  202 . In a further embodiment, said end face  212  may be uncoupled from rotating drum  202 , and/or stationary relative to a rotation of rotating drum  202 . Additionally or alternatively, end face  212  may be a face of chamber  104 , and/or may be coupled to a face of chamber  104 . Radiant energy may be directed at articles  110  inside rotating drum  202  through one or more end faces, which may be open and/or permeable by radiant energy, e.g. infrared light. Radiators  150  may also direct radiant energy into the interior of rotating drum  202  through side wall  204 , which may be at least partially permeable by radiant energy, e.g. infrared light. 
     Additionally or alternatively, a source of hot air such as air heater  140  may apply hot air to articles inside rotating drum  202 . In one embodiment, one or more nozzles  220  may be coupled to outlet  144  may direct hot air from air heater  140  to the inside of rotating drum  202  such that hot air may be directly applied, e.g. blown onto, fabric articles  110 . In one embodiment, one or more nozzles  220  may direct hot air through an end face of rotating drum  202 , e.g. one of end faces  212 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more nozzles  220  may direct hot air through side wall  204 , which may be gas permeable. Hot air and/or evaporated moisture may flow out of drum  202  during a drying cycle, where it may be evacuated by vacuum pump  130 . Additionally or alternatively, evaporated moisture may be condensed on cold plate  160 . Air and/or evaporated moisture may flow through one or more open faces of rotating drum  202 , and or one or more gas permeable faces or walls of rotating drum  202 . 
     One or more nozzles  220  may be coupled to one or more passages that are fluidly coupled to ore or more components of clothing treatment device  100 . In one embodiment, nozzles  220  may be distributed throughout chamber  104  such that they may distribute a fluid, such as hot air, water, or steam, evenly throughout chamber  104 . The nozzles  220  may be alternately positioned such that the fluid distribution may be targeted at specific points or areas of chamber  104 . For example, one or more nozzles may be aimed at one or more articles  110  such that air or fluid may be distributed directly to the surface of articles  110 . The directional orientation and/or direction of spray of one or more nozzles  220  may be positioned aligned substantially in one or more of the x, y, or z directions, or at angles therebetween. A plurality of nozzles may be positioned along one or more walls of chamber  104 , and/or may be extended into an interior of chamber  104  on an extended duct or fluid passage. In one example, 5 to 10 nozzles may be positioned at regularly-spaced intervals on a wall of chamber  104  adjacent to articles  110 , which may be in a hanging configuration. The nozzles  220  may have a direction of spray aimed to distribute air or other fluids evenly over the surfaces of the hanging articles  110 . 
     Further, in at least one example, the rotating drum  202  may have an unaltered internal pressure for a washing cycle of the clothing treatment device  100 . Additionally or alternatively, the rotating drum may have an unaltered internal pressure for a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device  100 . For example, a washing cycle of the clothing treatment device  100  may include washing clothing within the rotating drum  202  without altering a pressure within the rotating drum. Such a washing cycle may include any one or combination of the above discussed steps, for example. Similarly, a drying cycle may include drying one or more clothing articles within the rotating drum  202  without altering a pressure of the rotating drum  202  for the drying cycle, and any one or combination of the above discussed steps for a drying cycle may be included. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , it shows a block diagram of components of clothing treatment device  100 , which may optionally be included in a clothing treatment system  700 . In the depicted embodiment, clothing treatment device  100  comprises a controller  502  including a processor  503  and non-transitory memory  506  storing instructions executable by the processor. The controller  502  may receive signals from various sensors, such as sensors  510  and  512 , and may employ various actuators (e.g., actuators of ultrasonic generator  540 , vacuum pump  130 , air heater  140 , radiators  150 , valves  134 ,  146 ,  186 , cooler  166 , and fan  170 ) to adjust clothing treatment device operation based on the received signals from the sensors and executable instructions stored in memory  506 . For example, adjusting a flow of air into chamber  104  may include the controller adjusting an actuator of valve  146  to adjust a position or state of valve  146  to thereby adjust said flow of air. Controller  502  may further comprise at least one input bus and at least one output bus for the receiving and sending of electronic signals. Controller  502  may be coupled to devices and/or actuators of clothing treatment device  100  and may control one or more parameters of said devices. For instance, controller  502  may activate and/or vary one or more of an electrical voltage, electrical current, and electrical resistance supplied to one or more of vacuum pump  130 , air heater  140 , radiators  150 , cooler  166 , fan  170 , and ultrasonic generator  540 . In one embodiment, controller  502  may actuate a setting of a variable resistor coupled to one or more devices. Controller  502  may further actuate a position of a valve such as valve  134 ,  146 , or  186  or may actuate a position of a lock or latch coupled to door  122 . In one embodiment, controller  502  may control operation of vacuum pump  130  to reduce the air pressure of chamber  104  during the operation of dryer  100 . Controller  502  may, in one embodiment, regulate an ingress and egress of gases through one or more valves, such as a passage of gases into and/or out of chamber  104  through the one or more valves. In one embodiment, controller  502  may control operation of cooler  166 . In another embodiment, controller  502  may activate and/or adjust a frequency or intensity of one or more ultrasonic generators  540 . 
     Clothing treatment device  100  may comprise a user interface  504  coupled to controller  502 . User interface  504  may comprise one or more of a display and a user input device, for example a touchscreen or button pad. User interface  504  may communicate information including one or more of current operating parameters, available drying cycle programs, status of a cycle in progress, time remaining of a cycle in progress, or parameters of available drying cycle programs. A user may use an input device of user interface  504  to initiate a drying cycle, select a drying cycle program, alter one or more drying cycle program parameters, or exert manual control over one or more dryer functions. In one embodiment, a user may abort a drying cycle before it is finished and/or command clothing treatment device  100  to repressurize chamber  104  and release door  122 . 
     The instructions stored in memory  506  may include one or more of user interface operating software, drying cycle program routines, signal processing algorithms for sensors including sensors  510  and  512 , threshold values for internal air pressure and/or moisture inside chamber  104 , and operating parameters for one or more of door  122 , vacuum pump  130 , air heater  140 , radiators  150 , and valves  134  and  146 . 
     As described above, clothing treatment device  100  may comprise sensors including one or more moisture sensors  510  and/or one or more air pressure sensors  512 . Sensors  510  and/or  512  may be coupled to controller  502  and may send electronic signals readable by an input of controller  502 . A moisture sensor  510  may be sensitive to gaseous water in a sample of air and/or liquid water in a physical area or on a solid surface. In one embodiment, moisture sensor  510  may detect liquid water via direct contact. In another embodiment, moisture sensor  510  may detect liquid water at a distance. In one embodiment, moisture sensor  510  may comprise a probe which may serve as a contact point for a moisture level reading. In one embodiment, moisture sensor  510  may be arranged such that it may detect and measure a level of moisture in one or more fabric articles  110 . In another embodiment, moisture sensor  510  may be arranged such that it may detect and measure a level or rate of evaporation or gaseous water inside chamber  104 . An air pressure sensor  512  may be sensitive to a gas pressure in contact with a sensitive area of air pressure sensor  512 . In one embodiment, air pressure sensor  512  may directly contact a volume of air to measure the pressure of the volume of air. In another embodiment, air pressure sensor  512  may measure a composition, temperature, and/or density of a sample of air. In a further embodiment, air pressure sensor  512  may measure the deflection of a membrane. 
     In one embodiment, clothing treatment device  100  may comprise a system for applying steam to chamber  104 . Steam may be passed into chamber  104  as a part of a selectable steam cycle. In one embodiment, a steam cycle may be a stage of a washing or drying cycle. In some examples, the steam cycle may be for the refreshment of fabric articles, the reduction of wrinkles in fabric articles, or the removal of stains on fabric articles. Steam may be introduced into chamber  104  using a steam generation system coupled to one or more steam nozzles, such as nozzles  220 , in chamber  104 . In one embodiment, condensation collected from chamber  104  during drying, such as water collected from cold plate  160 , may be repurposed for the use of generating steam, for example by directing collected water from water collector  172  to a steam generation system. In alternate embodiments, a separate water source may be used for the generation of steam. 
     Steam may be circulated through chamber  104  and removed from the air by one or more of vacuum pump  130  and cold plate  160 . In another embodiment, a steam stage of a drying cycle may conclude the drying cycle, and the steam may not be removed from chamber  104  at the end of the cycle. Steam may be allowed to escape chamber  104  upon the opening of door  122  by a user. In other examples, steam may be introduced into chamber  104  during a steam cycle and held in chamber  104  for a period of time. After a steam holding period, the steam may be extracted from chamber  104  or allowed to escape through an opening such as door  122 . 
     In an optional embodiment, clothing treatment device  100  may be comprised in a further clothing treatment system  700 , which may be a combination washer and dryer device or a standalone washer. The clothing treatment system  700  may further comprise a loading receptacle  602  which may store and/or load containers  600  containing a washing agent, such as a detergent, bleach, fabric softener, etc. Loading receptacle  602  may further comprise one or more sensors  608 , such as optical cameras, barcode scanners, etc. Sensors  608  may detect one or more indicators on a container  600  placed in loading receptacle  602 , such as text, symbols, branding, or machine-readable codes, and send signals with the detected indicators to the controller. 
     In one or more optional embodiments, clothing treatment system  700  may comprise washing and drying functions in one unit. In one example, chamber  104  may be a combination washing and drying chamber. The chamber  104  may be Tillable with water. Chamber  104  may further comprise a detergent loading mechanism, which may transfer detergent for washing from loading receptacle  602  to chamber  104 . The loading receptacle  602  may be user-fillable with a bulk detergent or with a pre-packaged detergent unit. In one embodiment, a pre-packaged detergent unit may comprise a package which may be emptied of its contents by a mechanism of the clothing treatment system  700 , or may comprise a dissolvable package which may be dissolved in water inside chamber  104 . Fabric articles  110  may be loaded into a chamber  104  via door  122 . In one embodiment, chamber  104  may comprise an agitator, which may for example be rotating drum  202 . In a further embodiment, fabric articles  110  may be loaded inside the agitator. The agitator may be submerged in water inside chamber  104 . Motion of the agitator, such as a continuous or reciprocating rotation, vibration, or spatial translation, may impact fabric articles  110  with water during a washing stage of a washing and/or drying cycle. 
     In an optional embodiment, a user may commence a washing stage via input to a user interface such as user interface  504 . In a further embodiment, the washing stage may be part of a combined washing and drying cycle, wherein fabric articles  110  may be loaded into the clothing treatment system  700  to be washed and dried in a single cycle. In another embodiment, a user may select a washing-only cycle or a drying-only cycle. Upon initiating a washing stage, chamber  104  may be sealed such that it may hold water without leaking and without damaging electronics and/or other components coupled to chamber  104 . In one embodiment, components inside or coupled to chamber  104  comprise waterproof housings and/or seals. Water may be introduced into chamber  104  by a water system  610 . In one embodiment, water system  610  may comprise one or more of spouts, filling holes, spray nozzles, a water pump, plumbing passages, drains, and valves for filling and draining. Water may be pumped through openings such as the filling spouts or holes by a water pump further comprised in water system  610 , which may be connected to a water supply such as a water tank or a water supply plumbing system. Operation of water system  610  may optionally be controlled via controller  502 . In some embodiments, a pressurized water supply may supply water to chamber  104  without the need for a water pump. In an alternative embodiment, chamber  104  may comprise a sub-chamber or a vessel contained within the chamber which may be filled with water and loaded with fabric articles for washing. In a further embodiment, the sub-chamber or vessel may rotate or agitate the fabric articles during a washing stage. In yet another embodiment, water may be sprayed at a high pressure via a plurality of spray nozzles onto fabric articles  110  and drained continuously, such that chamber  104  is not sealed or filled with water during a washing cycle. The plurality of spray nozzles may be selected, directed, and/or sequenced to maximize cleaning effectiveness and minimize the use of water and detergent. Detergent may be loaded into chamber  104  and mixed with the water. A washing cycle may comprise one or more selectable programs which may determine a rate, length, and sequence of washing, agitating, spinning, water refilling, and/or rinsing sub-stages. 
     In an optional embodiment, chamber  104  may be altered in pressure such that the internal pressure may be raised and/or lowered from ambient pressure at one or more times during a washing and/or drying cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure within chamber  104  may be altered from a first pressure to a second pressure and then subsequently altered again to one or more subsequent pressures, e.g. a third, fourth, fifth pressure, etc. Each subsequent pressure may be higher or lower than the first pressure. In one embodiment, the first pressure may be equal to an ambient pressure outside chamber  104 . Furthermore, each subsequent pressure may be different from any other subsequent pressure. In one example, fabric articles may be washed under a raised pressure. A raised pressure during washing may in one embodiment include one or more of a raised gas (e.g., water vapor) pressure and a raised water pressure inside chamber  104 . An increased water pressure may contribute to an increased penetration of water and/or of washing agents (also referred to herein as cleaning agents) such as detergents between the fibers of fabric articles. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure of gas and/or water inside chamber  104  may be reduced while a washing cycle is in process. In one example, the pressure may be reduced from a condition of being raised from ambient pressure to a condition of being lowered from ambient pressure. Lowering the internal pressure at a predetermined moment during a washing cycle, such as during a rinsing stage, may improve the efficiency of washing. For example, lowering pressure during a rinsing stage may facilitate the exiting of water and/or washing agents from inside the fibers of fabric articles, contributing to improved effectiveness of agitation or more complete removal of washing agents by rinse water. Further, in at least one example, the cleaning agents introduced may be dry-cleaning agents, where the introduction of water may not be necessary with the introduction of the dry-cleaning agents. Rather, the dry-cleaning agents may be introduced into the chamber in combination with a steaming process in order to clean the articles within the chamber. 
     In one embodiment, a pressure inside chamber  104  may be raised and/or lowered by a vacuum pump such as vacuum pump  130 . Vacuum pump  130  may be operable in a forward and a reverse direction, wherein gases may be pumped out of chamber  104  through an inlet to the vacuum pump in fluid communication with chamber  104 , such as inlet  132 , and/or gases may be pumped into chamber  104  through the same inlet  132 , where the inlet  132  may function as an outlet of vacuum pump  130  during a reverse operating mode. The vacuum pump  130  operating in reverse may raise the pressure inside chamber  104 , and in some cases may raise the pressure above an ambient pressure. 
     In an optional embodiment, chamber  104  may be drained of water at the end of a washing stage. Chamber  104  may comprise a drain which may be engaged or opened for the draining of water at a sub-stage of a washing cycle or at the end of a washing cycle. Water may be drained and refilled more than once during a washing stage. In one embodiment, fabric articles  110  may be spun in a rotating apparatus, which may be rotating drum  202 , such that excess water is removed from fabric articles  110  by centrifugal force. In one embodiment, upon draining of water at the end of a washing stage, a drying stage or drying cycle may automatically commence, or may be manually commenced by a user, without removing fabric articles  110  from chamber  104 . In a further embodiment, all or part of the methods  300  or  400  described hereinbelow may be initiated after the end of a washing stage. In this way, the functions of a washing and drying machine may be combined in one unit, with the functions and benefits of the heretofore described dryer incorporated therein. In one embodiment, fabric articles may be sterilized by irradiation with ultraviolet light. In a further embodiment, one or more radiators  150  may be configured to emit ultraviolet light for the irradiation of fabric articles  110 . 
     In a further optional embodiment, the clothing treatment system  700  may set parameters of a washing cycle or washing stage of a combined washing and drying cycle based on a detergent loaded into a washing agent loading receptacle  602 . In one embodiment, a container  600  having pre-packaged detergent and/or bleach may be placed or stored in the loading receptacle  602 . The container may be a pre-packaged or commercially-packaged amount of a washing agent, such as detergent, bleach, fabric softener, or another laundry additive. The washing agent may be a dry or wet agent in a solid or liquid form. In one embodiment, the container  600  may contain an amount of a washing agent suitable for a single wash load, or may contain a supply of a washing agent for dosing throughout multiple wash loads or cycles. In one embodiment, the container  600  may indicate characteristics of the fabric articles on which it is meant to be used in a washing cycle. For example, the container  600  may indicate, by use of text, symbols, or machine-readable codes, characteristics of fabric articles for which the contained washing agent is appropriate. Said characteristics may include one or more of a fabric article material, blend of materials, fabric article weight or total load weight, and fabric article color or color categorization. Container  600  may also indicate further information about the washing agent contained, such as a scent, chemical composition, brand, etc. In one embodiment, a plurality of containers  600  may be loaded in a plurality of loading receptacles  602 , and the clothing treatment system  700  may employ one or more containers  600  in a washing cycle. In an alternative embodiment, a container  600  may contain multiple washing agents, such as a detergent and a bleach. 
     Clothing treatment system  700  may detect one or more characteristics of fabric articles  110  loaded in chamber  104 . For example, a weight of the fabric articles may be detected, or a material type and/or material color, or multiples and/or combinations thereof, such as a presence of white and brightly-colored articles, or of cottons and synthetic fabrics. Chamber  104  may comprise one or more detectors for the sensing of fabric article characteristics, such as cameras, pressure sensors, etc. In one embodiment, a sensor, which may be placed inside chamber  104 , may read laundry care instructions on a tag of one or more fabric articles. The detector(s) may send signal(s) to the controller including the detected characteristics. Upon detection of one or more characteristics of fabric articles  110 , the controller of clothing treatment system  700  may select one or more containers  600  suitable for use with the fabric articles contained in chamber  104  based on the detected characteristics. In one embodiment, a weight of fabric articles  110  may be detected, and a corresponding amount of a washing agent from one or more containers  600  may be loaded from the loading receptacle  602  into chamber  104 . 
     In an optional embodiment, a user may place a container  600  into loading receptacle  602  of clothing treatment system  700 . The container  600  may indicate a type of washing and/or drying cycle to be initiated. For example, the insertion of a container  600  indicating a heavy-soil, bright-color wash load may prompt the controller to initiate of a heavy-duty bright-color washing cycle. The one or more sensors  608  placed in loading receptacle  602  may include a barcode scanner and/or a camera, and may read indicators such as text, symbols, and machine-readable codes on the container  600  and output one or more signals to a controller such as controller  502 , which may select a washing and/or drying cycle based on an indication from container  600 . In this way, a user may select a preferred washing and/or drying cycle by placing the corresponding type of container  600  into the loading receptacle. In one embodiment, the clothing treatment system  700  may sense and respond to a branded mark on a container  600 . For instance, the insertion of “Brand X” may cause the controller  502  to store a preference for “Brand X” in memory  506 , or the insertion of “Extra Strength Brand” may cause the controller to initiate a heavy-soil washing cycle due to an association with the given brand with heavy-soil wash cycles, which may be stored in memory  506 . 
     In an optional embodiment, chamber  104  may comprise a plurality of loading receptacles  602 . Each loading receptacle  602  may be loaded with a washing agent, where each may be of a different type. For example, a first receptacle  602  may be loaded with an extra-strength detergent, a second receptacle  602  may be loaded with a delicate-strength detergent, and a third receptacle  602  may be loaded with a bleach. In one embodiment, washing agents may be loaded in bulk, for example as a bulk liquid or as a bulk powder. One or more receptacles  602  may be containers, or may comprise containers, such as a tub or a jug, for the holding of bulk washing agents. In another example, one or more receptacles  602  may hold a bulk container of a washing agent, such as a bottle or jug of a liquid detergent, wherein the container may be the container in which the agent is supplied or otherwise stored when not in use. For example, a powdered detergent may be stored in a bucket in which it is packaged and delivered from the manufacturer, and said bucket may be loaded to receptacle  602  such that chamber  104  may dispense at least a portion of the detergent from the bucket during a washing cycle. Additionally or alternatively, one or more loading receptacles  602  may be loaded with small containers  600  of a washing agent. In one embodiment, the small containers  600  may contain single-use portions of a washing agent. In an example, the small containers  600  may be boxes, packets, or pods. In another embodiment, the containers  600  may be portions of a washing agent comprising no packaging but otherwise bound or encapsulated, for example as a dry tablet which dissolves in water. 
     In one embodiment, the clothing treatment system  700  may dispense a plurality of washing agents from the plurality of loading receptacles  602  at the times they are needed during a washing cycle. The clothing treatment system  700  may further dispense each washing agent in metered amounts, for example 0.2 liters or three packets. In another example, during a washing cycle, the controller may control the clothing treatment system  700  to dispense a metered amount of a bulk liquid detergent as well as a metered amount of a bulk liquid bleach at the commencement of a washing cycle, and to add a dissolvable pod containing a fabric softener at a point halfway through the cycle. In one embodiment, one or more of the types of washing agents added, the metered amounts, and the times throughout a cycle at which the agents are added may be predefined and associated with a selected washing cycle program. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the types of washing agents added, the metered amounts, and the times throughout a cycle at which the agents are added may be based on one or more conditions detected by one or more sensors. For example, a detected weight of a load of fabric articles or a scanned laundry care tag attached to a fabric article may dynamically dictate one or more of a type or types of washing agents to be used, one or more metered amounts, or a sequence or time of addition of one or more agents. In another example, chemical sensors may be used to determine a concentration of one or more chemicals in the washing water to control the dispensing of chemicals in the washing process. 
     In some embodiments, dryer  100  and/or a clothing treatment system  700  may further include a communication unit  507  through which an external communication device may send and receive information to controller  502 . For example, a communication unit may be an internet transceiver, such as a wired or wireless internet adapter, an infrared signal receiver, or a cellular data connection. The external communication device may be an internet-connected server  530 , or a portable device  520 , which may be a remote control device, a tablet or smartphone, or a personal computer. 
     In an optional embodiment, communication unit  507  may be an internet-connected communication unit, and controller  502  may communicate through the internet-connected communication unit  507  with an internet-connected server  530 . Controller  502  may, in one example, send instructions to the server  530  to purchase a supply of a washing agent, such as a detergent. Controller  502  may sense a low supply of a particular detergent stored in a loading receptacle  602  of the clothing treatment system  700 , e.g. with a camera or pressure sensor sensing a weight of the washing agent supply. Controller  502  may send instructions to a server for the purchase of more washing agent. In one example, washing agent may be automatically purchased from an internet supplier, charged to a preferred account and shipped to a preferred address of a user. The supplier of the container  600  may be a manufacturer, a supermarket or another supplier able to communicate with the server  530 . In another example, controller  502  may instruct the server  530  to notify a user, e.g. via email or text message, of a low supply of the washing agent. In yet another example, a user interface of controller  502  may indicate a low supply of the washing agent. A preferred threshold amount of washing agent at which an action is performed in response to the threshold amount may be selected by the user. For example, the user may select an action to be performed by controller  502 , such as automatically purchasing a new supply of washing agent, when three containers of washing agent are left in a loading receptacle  602 . 
     In an optional embodiment, dryer  100  or clothing treatment system  700  may be remotely controlled from a portable device  520  via the communication unit. In one example, a tablet or personal computer may interface with controller  502  using an internet or wireless application program  524  which may offer user interface functions for the dryer or clothing treatment system  700 . In one embodiment, the functions of user interface  504  may be extended to the application program  524 , such that a user may use a portable device  520  to perform functions such as initiate a drying or washing cycle, program a dryer or washer/dryer device to initiate a cycle at a programmed date and time, check diagnostic statuses or sensor readings, check the status of a cycle in progress, etc. 
     In a further embodiment, a web-based application program may be used to control and communicate with controller  502 . The web-based application program may in one example be accessed by entering login credentials which may allow a user to interface with a specific washing and/or drying device, such as dryer  100 . The web-based application program may be accessed using a web browser on a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone device. The web-based application program may offer a selection of controls comprised in user interface  504 , as well as a selection of feedback information offered by user interface  504 . In one embodiment, an application program accessible on a portable or remote device may replace user interface  504 , being the primary interface for controlling the washer and/or dryer unit. In one embodiment, the washer and/or dryer unit may be controlled by connecting a remote device, such as a laptop computer, by a cable to a control port physically coupled to controller  502 , such as a USB or Ethernet port. 
     In an optional embodiment, server  530  may contain instructions related to washing and/or drying cycles which may be accessible by controller  502  through communication unit  507 . Updates to system software may be downloaded from the server  530  and installed on controller  502  manually by a user or automatically. Washing and/or drying cycle programs may be downloaded relating to particular fabric article or washing agent characteristics, such as cycle programs related to certain fabric article materials, colors, load amounts, soil amounts, cleaning techniques, sequences of cycle stages appropriate, heavy-duty or delicate wash cycles, brands of fabric articles, laundry care instructions attached to fabric articles, and brands or types of washing agents. For example, laundry care instructions for a particular brand of clothing may be retrieved from the server  530 . A washing and/or drying cycle program related to the particular brand of clothing may also be downloaded from the server  530  and executed by controller  502 . Controller  502  may, in one embodiment, detect a brand of fabric article inside a washing and/or drying chamber, e.g. by detecting a brand mark with an optical camera, and may query the server  530  for instructions related to the brand mark. Controller  502  may query the server  530  for information regarding an appropriate washing agent, drying temperature, drying heat source, whether to deactivate a portion of the cycle such as an entire drying cycle or a washing agitation cycle, etc. 
     In one or more of the above embodiments, one or more components and one or more features of clothing treatment system  700  may be embodied in a standalone washer unit. The standalone washer may be configured for washing fabric articles. One or more washing cycles of the standalone washer may wash fabric articles under an altered internal pressure. The standalone washer may comprise a sealable chamber such as chamber  104 , which in some embodiments may be considered a washing chamber when chamber  104  is used for washing fabric articles. In one embodiment, the standalone washer may lack one or more drying functions. In a further embodiment, the standalone washer may lack one or more components of clothing treatment system  700  related to drying, such as air heater  140  or cold plate  160 . In a further embodiment, a standalone washer may be used in conjunction with a separate dryer  100 , wherein a user may load fabric articles washed in the standalone washer into dryer  100  for drying. 
     In an optional embodiment, in the washer described hereinabove, articles  110  may be hung on hangers  112  during a washing cycle. In a further embodiment, one or more of water and at least one washing agent may be introduced into the washing chamber during a washing cycle. For example, one or more nozzles  220  may direct jets of water, a washing agent, or a combination thereof into the washing chamber. Jets may be directed at articles being washed. Jets may aid in the washing of articles by mechanically impacting articles with fluid, and dislodging dirt or contaminants from the articles by a force of impact. A pressure of the jet may be selected or controlled such that the path of the stream and/or impact force of the jet on the articles may be adjusted. A direction of each of the one or more nozzles may be fixed or movable. In some examples, one or more nozzles may be movable by one or more motors or actuators throughout a mechanical range of motion, such that the jet may be directed at a plurality of points or moved automatically through a spraying pattern during washing. A movable position, activation of the stream, and/or a flow control of the one or more nozzles may be controlled by a controller  502 . The one or more nozzles may be selected, directed, and/or sequenced to maximize cleaning effectiveness and/or minimize the use of water and/or detergent. In some embodiments, hangers and/or jets may be employed in a washer without any capability of the washer to create an internal altered pressure environment. 
     The washer may further comprise one or more acoustic radiators. The one or more acoustic radiators may emit acoustic energy inside a washing chamber such as chamber  104 . The acoustic energy may be in the form of sound waves in a gas inside the washing chamber, wherein the sound waves may occupy a subsonic, audible, and/or ultrasonic range of frequencies. In one embodiment, the acoustic radiators may transmit ultrasonic waves through a gas phase to one or more articles being washed. Ultrasonic waves may cause gas particles to mechanically impact the articles being washed, and/or may induce mechanical vibrations directly in the articles being washed. These mechanical impacts and/or vibrations may help to dislodge dirt or contaminants from the articles during washing, and may thereby contribute to their removal and the overall effectiveness of a washing cycle. In some embodiments, ultrasonic waves may provide a gentler alternative to mechanical agitation such as tumbling, and may reduce the rate of wear on the articles being washed. In some embodiments, acoustic radiators may be employed in a washer which has no function of creating an internal altered pressure environment. In other embodiments, acoustic radiators may be used during a washing cycle which may comprise an altered pressure component. Acoustic energy may be transmitted through a gas phase under a reduced or raised pressure in some examples. In other examples, a washing cycle may comprise one or more stages at which a first altered internal pressure is returned to an ambient pressure, or otherwise altered to a second altered pressure, to facilitate a transmission of ultrasonic waves through the internal gases of the washing chamber, after which stage the pressure may be returned to the first altered pressure or altered to a further subsequent pressure. 
     In another embodiment, in the dryer described hereinabove, articles  110  may be hung on hangers  112  during a drying cycle. In a further embodiment, one or more nozzles may direct heated air from a heated air source, such as air heater  140 , to one or more articles being dried inside the drying chamber. Directing heated air at the articles being dried may improve the speed or efficiency of drying. In some embodiments, one or more nozzles may emit a jet of air, which may exit the nozzle with an air pressure which may be selected such that the gas particles of the jet may have a certain force of impact at a certain distance. Gas particles propelled by air jets may mechanically impact articles being dried with a certain force, and may serve to mechanically dislodge particles or drops of water from the articles, which may increase the speed or efficiency of drying. In some embodiments, one or more nozzles may be further employed for emitting a jet of steam during an optional steam cycle. A pressure of the jet may be selected or controlled such that the path of the stream and/or impact force of the jet on the articles may be adjusted. A direction of each of the one or more nozzles may be fixed or movable. In some examples, one or more nozzles may be movable by one or more motors or actuators throughout a mechanical range of motion, such that the jet may be directed at a plurality of points or moved automatically through a spraying pattern during drying. A movable position, activation of the stream, and/or a flow control of the one or more nozzles may be controlled by a controller such as controller  502 . The one or more nozzles may be selected, directed, and/or sequenced to maximize drying effectiveness and/or minimize the use of air. In some embodiments, hangers and/or jets may be employed in a clothing treatment device without any capability of the clothing treatment device to create an internal altered pressure environment. 
     In a further embodiment, the clothing treatment device may further comprise one or more acoustic radiators. The one or more acoustic radiators may emit acoustic energy inside a drying chamber such as chamber  104 . The acoustic energy may be in the form of sound waves in a gas inside the drying chamber, wherein the sound waves may occupy a subsonic, audible, and/or ultrasonic range of frequencies. In one embodiment, the acoustic radiators may transmit ultrasonic waves through a gas phase to one or more articles being dried. Ultrasonic waves may cause gas particles to mechanically impact the articles being dried, and/or may induce mechanical vibrations directly in the articles being dried. These mechanical impacts and/or vibrations may help to dislodge water from the articles during drying, and may thereby improve the overall speed or efficiency of drying. In some embodiments, ultrasonic waves may provide a gentler alternative to mechanical agitation such as tumbling, and may reduce the rate of wear on the articles being dried. In some embodiments, acoustic radiators may be employed in a dryer which has no function of creating an internal altered pressure environment. In other embodiments, acoustic radiators may be used during a drying cycle which may comprise an altered pressure component. Acoustic energy may be transmitted through a gas phase under a reduced or raised pressure in some examples. In other examples, a drying cycle may comprise one or more stages at which a first altered internal pressure is returned to an ambient pressure, or otherwise altered to a second altered pressure, to facilitate a transmission of ultrasonic waves through the internal gases of the drying chamber, after which stage the pressure may be returned to the first altered pressure or altered to a further subsequent pressure. 
     In one embodiment, a combination washer and dryer clothing treatment device may comprise one or more hangers such as hangers  112 . The hangers may be positioned inside a chamber for washing and drying, such as chamber  104 . In one embodiment, articles may be hung on the hangers for a washing, drying, or combined washing and drying cycle. In a further embodiment, articles may be hung on the one or more hangers throughout a washing and drying cycle. The combination washer and dryer may further comprise one or more nozzles which may direct one or more of water, washing agent, air, and steam onto the articles being washed and/or dried. In some embodiments, one or more nozzles may be purposed for emitting both liquids and gases. In other embodiments, separate nozzles may be provided for emitting liquids and gases. In one embodiment, a combination washer and dryer, not having the function of producing an internal altered pressure, may comprise one or more hangers and/or nozzles. 
     A combination washer and dryer unit may further comprise one or more acoustic radiators positioned inside a chamber for washing and drying, such as chamber  104 . The acoustic radiators may transmit ultrasonic waves through a gas phase inside the chamber to one or more articles being dried. In one embodiment, the acoustic radiators may produce acoustic waves during one or more of a washing cycle and a drying cycle. Acoustic waves may provide mechanical impact of gas particles and/or vibrations in articles being washed and/or dried, which may aid in dislodging contaminants from the articles during washing and/or water from the articles during drying. In one embodiment, a combination washer and dryer, not having the function of producing an internal altered pressure, may comprise one or more ultrasonic radiators. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , it shows a flow chart of a method  300  for treating fabric articles. In one embodiment, method  300  may comprise the loading of fabric articles inside a sealed chamber which may be evacuated to a low air pressure, thus lowering an evaporation temperature of moisture to be evaporated from the fabric articles. In one embodiment, the sealed chamber may be chamber  104 . In at least one embodiment, the fabric articles may be washed prior to evacuating the sealed chamber to a low air pressure. 
     At  302 , fabric articles  110  are loaded into chamber  104 , e.g. manually by a user. Chamber  104  may be accessible through door  122 , which may comprise seal  124 . Chamber  104  may be sealable as an airtight vessel capable of withstanding an internal air pressure that is reduced relative to an ambient air pressure. At  304 , chamber  104  is sealed such that chamber  104  may hold a reduced internal air pressure without leaks. In one embodiment, chamber  104  may be sealed by closing door  122  (e.g., by a user manually closing door  122 ). In a further embodiment, chamber  104  may be further sealed by closing any passages and/or valves which may permit an unwanted flow of air into chamber  104 , e.g. outlet  144  and/or valve  146 . The further sealing may be performed by a user, or optionally by the controller via one or more actuators. After  302 , the method proceeds to  306 . 
     At  306 , gases may be extracted from chamber  104  such that an air pressure inside chamber  104  may be reduced relative to an ambient air pressure outside chamber  104 . A boiling point of water may thereby be reduced in lowering the air pressure inside chamber  104 . The reduced air pressure may lead to an accelerated rate evaporation of moisture from fabric articles  110 , which may cause faster drying of articles at a given rate of heating. Additionally or alternatively, under a reduced pressure, articles may be dried at a reduced heating level, e.g. reduced temperature or volume of hot air, for a given rate of evaporation. An amount of an air pressure reduction inside chamber  104  may be selected such than an optimal evaporation of moisture from articles  110  is achieved at a minimal energy usage and/or minimal mechanical strain of components of dryer  100 , e.g. vacuum pump  130  and/or radiators  150 . An amount of air pressure reduction may be further selected to achieve a faster rate of drying, such that drying cycle time is reduced, possibly with an energy consumption penalty. After  306 , the method proceeds to  308 . 
     At  308 , heat may be applied to fabric articles  110 . The amount of heat to be applied to the fabric articles may be determined by the controller based on an expected/predefined duration of the drying cycle and/or based on an estimated moistness of the fabric articles. In one embodiment, heat may be supplied as hot air by air heater  140 . Additionally or alternatively, heat may be supplied as radiant energy by radiators  150 . Heat sources may be positioned for the optimal delivery of one or more of hot air, radiant energy, or another heat delivery medium to fabric articles  110 . Application of heat to fabric articles  110  may heat moisture carried on fabric articles  110 , leading to evaporation of moisture and drying of fabric articles  110 . After  308 , the method proceeds to  310 . 
     At  310 , evaporated moisture in chamber  104  may be condensed into a liquid on a surface of cold plate  160 . Condensed liquids may be collected and stored in water collector  172 . Condensing evaporated moisture on cold plate  160  may reduce an overall humidity inside chamber  104  during a drying cycle. After  310 , the method proceeds to  312 . 
     At  312 , gases may be further extracted from chamber  104  during a drying cycle, or a period of drying of fabric articles  110  under low pressure. In one embodiment, gases may build up inside chamber  104  due to the introduction of hot air into chamber  104  through outlet  144 . Additionally or alternatively, a gas pressure of evaporated water may build up in chamber  104  during drying of fabric articles  110 . To maintain a low-pressure condition, vacuum pump  130  may extract gases from chamber  104  periodically or continuously during drying. For instance, if hot air from air heater  140  is continuously applied to fabric articles  110  at a given rate during a drying cycle, the vacuum pump may evacuate gases from chamber  104  continuously at the given rate, such that a low internal air pressure is maintained during the drying cycle. Periodic or continuous removal of gases from chamber  104  by vacuum pump  130  may also remove evaporated water particles from chamber  104 , maintaining a low humidity condition inside chamber  104 . The maintaining of low humidity, or preventing of a buildup or rise in humidity, may prevent a reduction in evaporation rate of moisture from fabric articles  110  during a drying cycle. The condensing of moisture particles on cold plate  160  may further be periodically or continuously performed throughout a drying cycle. A reduction in humidity due to condensing at cold plate  160  reduces a burden of vacuum pump  130  for maintaining a low-humidity condition. A reduced burden on vacuum pump  130  may lead to increased efficiency and/or decreased mechanical strain of vacuum pump  130 . After  312 , the method proceeds to  314 . 
     At  314 , upon a completion of a drying cycle, chamber  104  may be repressurized to ambient outside pressure. In one embodiment, a drying cycle may be completed when fabric articles are determined to be dry. In another embodiment, a drying cycle may be selected to end after a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment, chamber  104  may be repressurized by venting outside air through outlet  144  and/or valve  146 . For example, the controller may control an actuator of valve  146  to increase an opening amount of the valve to allow air to enter chamber  104  via outlet  144 . In another embodiment, an alternate passage and/or valve may supply air for repressurization. Door  122  may be opened (e.g., by a user, or automatically) upon an equalization of pressure across the door, allowing a user to access fabric articles  110  inside chamber  104 . 
     After  314 , method  300  ends. 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of treating fabric articles may comprise one or more of sealing a chamber, determining a moisture level, determining a pressure level, and reducing the pressure level to a preselected level. In one example, the chamber may be chamber  104  and the fabric articles may be fabric articles  110 . In one embodiment, the chamber may be heated, for example by one or more heat sources such as air heater  140  and radiators  150 . In another embodiment, the fabric articles may be dried without an application of added heat. In one example, the fabric articles may be dried by evaporation of moisture due to ambient heat in the drying chamber under a reduced pressure. In one embodiment, a preselected pressure level may be maintained based on the moisture level being above a threshold. In one embodiment, the moisture level may be reduced, e.g. by controlling the cooler  166  to activate (e.g., cool) cold plate  160  and thereby induce condensation on cold plate  160 , based on the moisture level being above a threshold. For example, the moisture level threshold may correspond to a threshold level of humidity, such as 15% humidity, at which the cold plate should be activated to reduce the determined humidity below the threshold. Maintaining a low humidity may in some examples expedite drying. The pressure level may be determined by a sensor to inform a reduction of pressure to a desired level, which may be a level reduced from an ambient pressure. 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  show a flow chart of a method  400  for treating fabric articles wherein a controller such as controller  502  may control and/or actuate the components of clothing treatment device  100  during a drying cycle based on inputs from a user and/or inputs from sensors arranged in dryer  100 , such as an air pressure sensor  510  and/or a moisture sensor  512 . Instructions for carrying out method  400  and the rest of the methods included herein may be executed by a processor based on instructions stored in non-transitory memory of the controller and in conjunction with signals received from sensors of clothing treatment device  100 , such as the sensors described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 . The controller may employ actuators of the system to adjust dryer operation, according to the methods described below. 
     At  402 , a user may initiate a drying cycle at a user interface  504 . In one embodiment, a user may manually control components of clothing treatment device  100 , or dryer  100 , from user interface  504 . In another embodiment, a user may select from one or more automated program cycles stored in a memory  506 . In a further embodiment, automated program cycles may have some parameters which may be manually controlled or adjusted by a user, e.g. a drying cycle time or maximum heat level. In some embodiments, a cycle program may include at least one set of parameters, which may include at least one of vacuum pump activation and deactivation, heat source activation and deactivation, valve actuation and position, and door access. In further embodiments, at least one set of parameters may be responsive to input from a sensor exceeding a threshold, wherein the threshold may represent a maximum or a minimum value. In one embodiment, a threshold value may be at least one of an internal air pressure inside chamber  104  and a moisture level of fabric articles  110 . After  402 , the method proceeds to  406 . 
     At  406 , controller  502  may secure door  122 . In one embodiment, controller  502  may actuate a door lock or latch which may prevent a user from opening door  122  during the drying cycle. After  406 , the method proceeds to  408 . 
     At  408 , controller  502  may seal chamber  104  (e.g., by closing valve  146 ) and activate vacuum pump  130 . Valve  146 , and other valves or openings in chamber  104 , may be sealed such that outside air is not allowed into chamber  104  during depressurization. In some embodiments, valve  146  may be allowed to remain open in order to introduce hot air through valve  146  while simultaneously operating vacuum pump  130 . Vacuum pump  130  may be activated and valve  134  may be opened such that air inside chamber  104  is evacuated through valve  134 . After  408 , the method proceeds to  410 . 
     At  410 , controller  502  may retrieve threshold values associated with the selected drying cycle program from memory  506 . The threshold values may include one or more of a threshold internal air pressure of chamber  104  and a threshold moisture level of articles  110 . The threshold internal air pressure of chamber  104  may determine the target internal air pressure to be achieved and/or maintained inside chamber  104  associated with the selected drying cycle program, which may be sensed by air pressure sensor  510 . The threshold moisture level of articles  110  may indicate a target dryness of articles  110 , which in one embodiment may signal an end of the drying cycle. In one embodiment, a moisture level of articles  110  may be sensed by moisture sensor  512 . Values retrieved from memory  506  may, in one embodiment, be programmed by a user and/or pre-programmed by a manufacturer. After  410 , the method proceeds to  412 . 
     At  412 , controller  502  may activate one or more heat sources. In one embodiment, heat sources may comprise air heater  140  and/or radiators  150 . A type of heat source, e.g. air heat or radiant heat, may be selected by a user during initiation of the drying cycle. In a further embodiment, a user may select a drying cycle program which may incorporate the use of a particular type of heat source. For instance, a user may select a cycle for “delicates” which may exclude the use of hot air, or “synthetics” which may exclude radiant heat. After  412 , the method proceeds to  414 . 
     At  414 , controller  502  may read an input from moisture sensor  510 . Moisture sensor  510  may be positioned to indicate a level of moisture saturation of one or more fabric articles  110 . In one embodiment, one or more moisture sensors  510  may be positioned on a wall of chamber  104 . In another embodiment, one or more moisture sensors  510  may make physical contact with one or more fabric articles  110 . In a further embodiment, one or more moisture sensors  510  may be directional, such that an area of effectiveness adjacent to the sensor is defined and the sensor is not omnidirectional. A directional sensor may be aimed at one or more fabric articles for localization of moisture sensing to prevent false readings from other sources of moisture inside chamber  104 , such as humidity or condensation. In another embodiment, one or more moisture sensors  510  may measure a humidity level or amount of gaseous water inside chamber  104 . After  414 , the method proceeds to  416 . 
     At  416 , controller  502  compares an input from moisture sensor  510  with a threshold moisture level stored in memory  506 . If a moisture level input from moisture sensor  510  is not below a threshold level, the method may proceed to  418 ; otherwise, the method may proceed to  436 . 
     At  418 , controller  502  may activate vacuum pump  130 , or may maintain the operation of vacuum pump  130  if it has already been activated, to reduce gas pressure inside chamber  104 . After  418 , the method proceeds to  420 . 
     At  420 , controller  502  may further activate cold plate  160 , or maintain operation of cold plate  160  if it has already been activated, to reduce an amount of gaseous water in chamber  104 , which may reduce gas pressure and/or humidity in chamber  104 , and may further relieve a burden on vacuum pump  130  to reduce gas pressure and/or removing evaporated water. In one embodiment, cold plate  160  may be activated by activating a cooling mechanism such as cooler  166 . In a further embodiment, cold plate  160  may be activated by initiating a circulation of coolant through coolant line  164  and a cooling of said coolant. In other embodiments, an activation of cold plate  160  may cause cold plate  160  to become cold enough to condense gaseous moisture inside chamber  104 . After  420 , the method proceeds to  422 . 
     At  422 , controller  502  reads an input from air pressure sensor  512 . Air pressure sensor  512  may be positioned inside chamber  104  such that it may sample a pressure of gases inside chamber  104 . After  422 , the method proceeds to  424 . 
     At  424 , controller  502  compares an air pressure value input from air pressure sensor  512  with a threshold value stored in memory  506 . If an air pressure value input from air pressure sensor  512  is not below a threshold level, the method may return to  422  such that vacuum pump  130  and/or cold plate  160  continue to reduce air pressure inside chamber  104 . If an air pressure value input from air pressure sensor  512  is below a threshold, the method may proceed to  426 . 
     At  426 , controller  502  may deactivate vacuum pump  130  and/or close valve  134 . After  426 , the method proceeds to  428 . 
     At  428 , controller  502  may deactivate cold plate  160 . After  428 , the method proceeds to  430 . 
     At  430 , controller  502  may read a value of air pressure input from air pressure sensor  512 . After  430 , the method proceeds to  432 . 
     At  432 , controller  502  may compare the value of air pressure input from air pressure sensor  512  with the threshold value stored in memory  506 . If the input value is not below the threshold, the method may return to  416 . If the input value is below the threshold, the method may proceed to  434 . 
     At  434 , controller  502  may read a moisture level value input from moisture sensor  510  and compare it with the threshold retrieved from memory  506 . If the moisture level input value is not below the threshold, the method may return to  430 . If the moisture level input value is below the threshold, the method may proceed to  436 . In one embodiment, the threshold moisture level may be defined as indicating a desired level of dryness in fabric articles  110 . In a further embodiment, the threshold moisture level may trigger a concluding of the drying cycle. 
     At  436 , controller  502  may deactivate vacuum pump  130 , deactivate air heater  140 , and/or deactivate radiators  150 . After  436 , the method proceeds to  438 . 
     At  438 , controller  502  may open valve  146 , drawing air through outlet  144  for the repressurization of chamber  104 . In one embodiment, air may be drawn through air heater  140 , or through a subsequent valve which controls a flow of outside air. In one embodiment, controller  502  may open a valve to pass air into chamber  104  for the repressurization of chamber  104  that is different from valve  146 . After  438 , the method proceeds to  440 . 
     At  440 , controller  502  may release door  122 , and/or may signal user interface  504  to indicate the end of the drying cycle. In one embodiment, controller  502  may actuate a lock or latch on door  122  such that door  122  becomes openable by the user. 
     After  440 , method  400  ends. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , it shows a flow chart of a method  900  for treating fabric articles. 
     At  904 , one or more fabric articles may be sealed in a chamber. In one example, the fabric articles may be fabric articles  110  and the chamber may be chamber  104 . 
     After  904 , the method proceeds to  908 . At  908 , an internal gas pressure of the chamber may be reduced, to create a low-pressure condition in the chamber. In one example, the gas pressure may be reduced by evacuating gases from the chamber with a vacuum pump, such as vacuum pump  130 , using the process for removing gases from the chamber as described elsewhere herein. 
     After  908 , the method proceeds to  912 . At  912 , heat may be applied to the chamber to dry the one or more fabric articles. In one embodiment, gaseous moisture may be condensed inside the chamber on a cold plate during a drying cycle. For example, the cold plate may be cold plate  160 , which may be coupled to cooler  166 . In one embodiment, gases may be extracted from the chamber during the drying cycle, such that a low-pressure condition is maintained. For instance, the lowered pressure of the chamber may be raised during the drying cycle, such as by the introduction of hot air from an air heater. The gases introduced by the air heater may be further extracted during the drying cycle to maintain a low pressure, which may be a preselected low pressure that is lower than an outside ambient pressure. In one embodiment, the chamber may be repressurized to an ambient air pressure upon the completion of the drying cycle. Repressurization of the chamber may allow a user to open a door to the chamber without a pressure gradient being present across the door. After  912 , method  900  ends. 
     In one embodiment, the internal gas pressure may be reduced to a pre-determined low pressure during a drying cycle selection. For instance, a selection of a drying cycle may dictate that a pre-determined low pressure, such as a pressure reduced by 0.5 atmospheres from the ambient pressure outside the chamber. Predetermined low pressures may be programmed into a drying cycle selection based on a desired drying speed, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, one or more of a first moisture level and a first pressure level may be determined. The first moisture level may be an initial reading by a sensor of an amount of moisture contained in one or more fabric articles, or in another embodiment may be a reading of an amount of humidity inside the chamber. The first pressure level may be a reading by a sensor of the air pressure inside the chamber, which may, in one example, indicate that the pressure needs to be reduced to the predetermined pressure. In one embodiment, a second moisture level may be determined below a threshold moisture level. In one example, the second moisture level may trigger a termination of the drying cycle. The threshold moisture level may be selected in a drying cycle selection such that it may indicate that fabric articles have been dried to a sufficient degree. In one embodiment, a second pressure level may be maintained for a select period. The second pressure level may be a predetermined reduced pressure, which may be an operating pressure of the dryer or drying cycle at which fabric articles are to be dried under said operating pressure. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , it shows a flow chart of a method  800  for treating clothing. 
     At  804 , a chamber may be sealed. The chamber may be a washing and/or drying chamber, which may be purposed for one or more of washing one or more articles, objects, items, or bodies sealed within. In one embodiment, the chamber may be chamber  104 . The chamber, when sealed, may have a first internal gas pressure. In one embodiment, the first internal gas pressure may be equal to an ambient gas pressure outside the chamber. 
     At  808 , the internal gas pressure is altered to a second internal gas pressure that is different from the first internal gas pressure. The chamber may be sealed such that one or more of air and water may not breach the chamber under a second internal gas pressure of the chamber altered from the first internal gas pressure. In one embodiment the second internal gas pressure may be lower than the first internal gas pressure. In another embodiment, the second internal gas pressure may be higher than the first internal gas pressure. 
     At  812 , when the chamber has an internal pressure equal to the second internal gas pressure, the method may proceed with one or more paths according to whether the chamber is to complete a washing or a drying. 
     At  816 , if a washing step is to be performed, the method may proceed to  820 . If a drying step is to be performed, the method may proceed to  824 . In some embodiments, one or both of a washing step and a drying step may be performed in succession one or more times in any combination. 
     At  820 , water may be applied to the chamber for washing. In one embodiment, water may be applied to one or more for washing. After  820 , method  800  ends. 
     At  824 , heat may be applied to the chamber for drying. In one embodiment, heat may be applied to the one or more articles, objects, items, or bodies sealed inside the chamber for drying. In a further embodiment, the same one or more articles, objects, items, or bodies may be sealed inside a chamber for both washing and drying. In further embodiments, the internal gas pressure of the chamber may be altered to one or more subsequent internal gas pressures, such as a third, fourth, fifth, etc. internal gas pressure, each of which may independently be higher than, lower than, or equal to the first gas pressure. Altering the internal gas pressure to the one or more subsequent pressures may coincide with one or more washing or drying steps. The method may comprise a first cycle and a second cycle, and may further comprise one or more subsequent cycles, wherein each cycle may be a washing or a drying cycle. Each cycle may coincide with either the first internal gas pressure, or one or more internal gas pressures altered from the first pressure. In one example, the first cycle may comprise a high-pressure condition and the second cycle may comprise a low-pressure condition. In the above method, washing and/or drying may be performed under an altered-pressure environment, wherein the pressure is raised and/or lowered. In one embodiment, drying under low pressure may decrease a drying time and/or increase drying efficiency of a dryer. In another embodiment, a washing efficiency and/or performance may be increased by washing in a raised or lowered pressure environment. After  824 , method  800  ends. 
     A system for treating clothing, such as fabric articles, may in one embodiment comprise a sealable chamber in fluid communication with an air pressure system. The system for drying the fabric articles may further comprise a controller to control the air pressure system and a pressure in the chamber during a selected drying cycle. In one example, the chamber may be chamber  104 . In one example, the air pressure system may comprise one or more of vacuum pump  130 , and a vacuum seal, wherein the vacuum seal may comprise one or more of opening  120 , door  122 , and seal  124 . In one embodiment, the controller may be controller  502 . In one embodiment, the system for drying articles may further comprise one or more of an air pressure sensor and a moisture sensor to provide air pressure data and moisture data to the controller. In one example, an air pressure sensor may be sensor  512  and a moisture sensor may be sensor  510 . In one embodiment, the controller may control the pressure of the chamber determined on the air pressure data or moisture data. In one embodiment, the controller may conclude the drying cycle when the moisture data indicates a moisture level below a preset moisture threshold. The preset moisture threshold may be selected to indicate that articles have been dried to a sufficient or desired level during a drying cycle. For example, a humidity of the chamber falling below 5% inside a chamber may indicate that articles are sufficiently dry. In one embodiment, a heating system may be operatively connected to the chamber. In one example, the heating system may comprise one or more heat sources, such as air heater  140  or one or more radiators  150 . 
     A pressure inside a drying chamber may be lowered during a drying cycle such that a boiling point or evaporation temperature of water is reduced by the lowered pressure, increasing a drying efficiency inside the drying chamber. Moist fabric articles inside the drying chamber may be dried more quickly and/or at a lower applied heat or temperature due to the reduced pressure. An amount of pressure reduction may be selected based on an efficiency of a pressure system, which may comprise a vacuum pump, for creating and maintaining the selected low pressure level. In some embodiments, a more slight pressure reduction, such as a reduction of 0.1 atm, may be selected such that the vacuum pump does not experience mechanical strain or expend excessive energy. In other embodiments, it may be selected that a drying cycle run at a greater pressure reduction, such as a reduction of more than 0.1 atm, or a reduction of 0.5 atm or more. A greater pressure reduction may be selected such that a drying cycle may be completed faster and/or at a lower heat application temperature. In some embodiments, increasing an amount of operating pressure reduction may be accompanied by an efficiency or energy penalty. In other embodiments, an optimal efficiency, e.g. an operating pressure at which the lowest energy is expended for the fastest drying performance, may be selected. 
     In one or more embodiments, one or more features of the above methods or systems may be applied to a clothing treatment device, such as a washer or dryer, to improve an efficiency or performance of said clothing treatment device. Non-limiting examples of a washer may include a top-loading or front-loading washing machine for a domestic, commercial, or industrial use. The washing machine may comprise a rotating drum and an agitator, and may wash articles by agitating or tumbling articles through water which may contain detergent or bleach. Non-limiting examples of a dryer include a gas or electric tumble dryer for domestic, commercial, or industrial use. The dryer may comprise one or more of a rotating drum and a source of heat, which may be delivered as hot air. The dryer may remove evaporated moisture through an exhaust vent or by condensation. In one example, a clothes tumble dryer may be modified to hold an increased or decreased internal pressure, such that clothes inside may be dried under an altered pressure condition. In one example, an airtight seal and a vacuum pump may be added to the clothes dryer to create the altered-pressure condition. In other embodiments, a top or front-loading washing machine may be modified such that an altered pressure may be generated inside and clothing may be washed in the altered pressure environment. For example, a front-loading washing machine&#39;s existing water-tight seal may be upgraded to be an air-tight seal, and a vacuum pump may be added to pressurize the interior of the washer to a raised pressure such that clothing may be washed under high pressure. One or more of the above components may be added to a washer or dryer, including but not limited to a cold plate and cooling system, a hanging rack or hangers, an airtight seal, a vacuum pump, a controller, a radiant heat source, or a hot air heat source. 
     In one or more embodiments, the clothing treatment device  100  (dryer  100 ) or the clothing treatment system  700  may be used to wash and/or dry items or articles other than fabric articles. One or more objects may be sealed inside chamber  104  and be washed and/or dried by one or more of the systems and methods detailed above. Non-limiting examples of items which may be washed and/or dried include objects made of metals, plastics, composite materials, minerals, synthetic materials, finished or unfinished wood, and textiles. In one or more embodiments, all or part of an animal or a person&#39;s body and/or items attached to or worn on the body may be washed and/or dried using one or more of the above systems and methods. 
       FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2  show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example. 
     Note that the example control and estimation routines included herein can be used with various system configurations. The control methods and routines disclosed herein may be stored as executable instructions in non-transitory memory and may be carried out by a control system including the controller in combination with the various sensors, actuators, and other device hardware. The specific routines described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various actions, operations, and/or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Likewise, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages of the example embodiments described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. One or more of the illustrated actions, operations and/or functions may be repeatedly performed depending on the particular strategy being used. Further, the described actions, operations and/or functions may graphically represent code to be programmed into non-transitory memory of the computer readable storage medium in the control system, where the described actions are carried out by executing the instructions in a system including the various hardware components in combination with the electronic controller. 
     It will be appreciated that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. It is understood that any of the embodiments described above can be combined in any desired way, and any embodiment or combination of embodiments con be applied to each of the aspects described above. 
     An “inlet” and/or “outlet” as described may serve as a passage for the transfer of fluids and in some cases may denote a direction of fluid flow. For example, fluid may typically enter a component through an inlet and/or exit through an outlet. In some cases, an “inlet” and/or “outlet” may be so called in relation to a particular component, but may serve further functions for subsequent components. For example, a passage may be called an “inlet” in its relation to component A, but said “inlet” may simultaneously serve as an “outlet” for an adjacent component B. 
     The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.