IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM WASHING MACHINES
Year: 1884

page_text: J, SIMEON SMITH of N° 30 Queen Street Keighley, Yorkshire, Reed and Heald
Maker, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
STEAM WASHING MACHINES "to be as follows:
This Invention has reference to that class of machine called "Steam Washer"
which consists of a circular barrel having longitudinal openings or slots therein
parallel with the axis, which barrel rotates within a metal box containing water or
steam, the shaft or axis of the barrel being sufficiently low so as to allow the
cylinder to rotate in the water.
"
"
In practice it is found that a circular barrel is very objectionable as the centri-
fugal force of the barrel causes the clothes to gather en masse and be carried
around within the barrel in that state.
My improvements consist in the employment of a polygon shaped barrel, and in
forming a large number of suitable shaped holes in the periphery thereof.
The axis of the said barrel is placed sufficiently high in the casing of the machine
so that the barrel revolves clear of the water but steam will rise therefrom, and
freely enter the barrel passing through the openings at one side, and out at the
openings on the opposite side.
By the employment of the polygon shaped barrel the clothes are more freely
agitated than is the case by a circular barrel consequently the machine is far more
effective than those at present in use.
The barrel I employ is free from any internal projections, consequently there is
more area or space, and therefore a larger quantity of clothes can be washed at one
time than is possible with those cylinders where internal bars and other projections
are used.
D
1004
TASKER & CROSSLEY,
Patent Agents, Halifax,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: I, SIMEON SMITH, of 30, Queen Street, Keighley, Yorkshire, Reed and Heald
Maker, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN
STEAM WASHING MACHINES and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This Invention refers to that class of "Steam Washer" which has a cylindrical
steam washing vessel constructed with longitudinal openings or slots parallel with
the axes, and which is hung within a metal case or tank, and in the process of
washing is rotated in the boiling water the steam and water thus intermingling
with the clothes while being washed.
In practice it is found that such a cylindrically shaped vessel, notwithstanding
the internal bars and angular projections with which it is usually furnished, is very
objectionable; as the centrifugal force of the cylinder, when in motion, causes the
clothes to gather "en masse
and be carried round in that state.
Moreover the fixing of the cylinder in the case or tank so as to require it to be
rotated in the boiling water, during the process of washing, is very objectionable on
the ground that it thus greatly increases the agitation of the water and throws it
with all its impurities upon the clothes in the cylinder.
My improvements consist in the employment of a Polygon cylindrically shaped
vessel for the reception and washing of the clothes,-requiring no internal bars or
projections; the periphery of which is made of zinc, copper, or other suitable
material profusely perforated; or may be constructed with strong wire work; and
it is so hung upon its axes within the case or tank, or in axle-bearings upon the
sides thereof, as to be revolved, during the process of washing, above and clear of
the boiling water; thus giving the freeist admission to the whole volume of steam
arising therefrom to enter and perineate the clothes through and through and from
side to side; upon the sole action of which, in combination with such a constructed
washing vessel, I rely for the effectual cleausing of the clothes or other articles to
be washed. By the use of such a Polygon cylindrically shaped vessel, the clothes
are more freely agitated than is the case within a strictly circular vessel, even with
internal projections; and is consequently much more effective.
The Polygon shaped Cylinder 1 employ, being free from all internal bars and
angular projections, affords more area or space for the reception of clothes, and will
therefore wash a larger quantity of clothes at one time than is practicable with
those cylinders within which bars and angular or other projections are fixed.
The drawings supplied are intended still further to elucidate the nature of my
Invention.
Figure I is the lid.-Figure II shows the side elevation of the case or tank.
A. B. the water line, C the Cylinder. Figure III shows the Polygonal construction
and perforation of the Cylinder,
1

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my sai!
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. The construction of the hereinbefore described cylinder or washing vessel.
2. The arrangement, or fixing, of such vessel within (or in axle-bearings upon
the sides of) a casing or tank, so as to ensure of its being revolved clear of the
boiling water.
3. The free and sole action of steam, in combination with such construction and
arrangement or fixing, of the washing vessel, as the washing force,
1000