Improvements in Washing Machines.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Apr., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 24th July, 1893-Accepted, 26th Aug., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Washing Machines.
THOMAS HENRY WILLIAMS .93 Berwick Street Oxford Street Machinist do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The principal features of my inveution are-1st. A perpendicular rotating body
with a cavity in its centre-2nd. A central heating power by gas or other fuel-
3rd. The passing a gas pipe through the centre of axil at its bearing point, this said
pipe passing into the above said cavity in the centre of the body of the machine and
supplying the gas or other fuel by which the water in the body of the machine is
heated-4th. The ability to work the machine while boiling and by which better and
cheaper washing might be done-I intend to line the interior of surface of body
with brushes on one side, on the other with stout ribs to through the cloths on to
brushes thereby giveing them a churning motion to expedite the cleansing process.
Dated this 20th day of Anril 1893
THOMAS HY. WILLIAMS.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Washing Machines.
THOMAS HENRY WILLIAMS, 93 Berwick Street, Oxford Street, London, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
J •
My invention relates to improvements in washing machines and the objects of my
improvements are Firstly To maintain the water wherein the clothes or other
articles are washed at boiling heat and Secondly To subject such articles to a
combined scrubbing and churning action. By this combined process the articles
are not only more thoroughly but more quickly washed thus economising both
labour and expense.
I attain these objects by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings
wherein
Figure 1 shews a view in side elevation of a washing machine made according to
my invention
Figures 2 and 3 shew sections of the internal surfaces of the two sides of the
body of the machine and Figure 4 is an edge view of such body. In this figure
a portion of the periphery is shewn removed in order to shew the combustion
chamber in the interior of the body and the perforated pipe fitted therein.
Similar letters indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.
To carry out my invention I construct a washing machine consisting of a circular
or other conveniently shaped revolving hollow body or casing a mounted on a frame
or stand 6 and fitted with a tubular or other conveniently shaped combustion
chamber c wherein gas or any other suitable heating agent is burnt. Such
combustion chamber is fitted with a perforated pipe d which is connected with a
supply pipe e through which the gas or its equivalent is led into the perforated
pipe. The ends of the latter project on either side of the casing and take into and
work in bearings f fixed to the frame or stand. The perforated pipe thus forms an
axis whereon the body rotates. The body forms a receptacle for the articles to be
washed, which are fed in through a sliding door g, that works up and down in
grooves formed by guides 9', formed on or fixed to the body of the machine.
037

page_text: The supply pipe is fitted with a suitable tap h, by which the gas or its equivalent
can be turned on or shut off as required. One of the internal lateral surfaces of
the body or casing is divided into a series of sections or divisions as shewn in
Figure 2, the number and size whereof are regulated by the size of the machine.
Such sections or divisions are fitted alternately with corrugated plates i, and
brushes j, both which have a scrubbing action upon the articles under treatment.
The other of the lateral internal surfaces of the body or casing is fitted with a
series of ribs or arms k, the outer surfaces whereof are rounded off, to prevent their
tearing or otherwise injuring the clothes or other articles under treatment. When
the machine is in operation these ribs impart a churning motion to such articles, by
twisting them and throwing them on to the brushes and corrugated plates, thus
expediting the cleaning process by loosening the dirt, which is then effectually
removed by the action of the boiling water. The body or casing is strengthened
by iron supports or braces 1, placed externally on each side thereof, those on one
side being flat, while those on the other are bent outwards in the centre at right
angles, to form supports for a rim or collar which is placed thereon, and forms a
drum m, over which a driving band or chain n, works. Motion is imparted to the
machine by a driving wheel o, carried in suitable bearings, and operated by a
handle p. Or the machine may be driven by power. A spring safety valve or
steam vent q, is placed either on the periphery of the body or casing or in any
other convenient position. Such valve is operated by means of a horizontal arm r,
carried on an uprights, fixed to the frame of the machine, and so arranged that at
each revolution of the body or casing the head of the valve passes under and is
depressed by such arm, thus opening the valve and allowing the superfluous steam
to escape.
When released from such pressure the valve again closes by the action
of the spring with which it is fitted.
I would here observe that I do not confine myself to the precise details of
construction hereinbefore specified, as the same admit of modification without
departing from the essential feature of my invention, which is constructing or fitting
the body of a washing machine with a combustion chamber, that is heated by gas
or any other suitable heating agent, whereby the water wherein the clothes or
other articles are washed is heated to and maintained at boiling point for any
required length of time.
Having now particularly described, and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is,
1. As a new article of manufacture a washing machine the body whereof is
constructed or fitted with a combustion chamber wherein gas or any other suitable
heating agent is burnt, whereby the water wherein the clothes or other articles are
washed, is heated to and maintained at boiling point for any required period as set
forth.
2. In a washing machine so constructed, a hollow perforated axis whereon the
body of the machine rotates, and through which gas or any other suitable heating
agent is conveyed into the combustion chamber, as set forth.
3. In a washing machine so constructed, a body or casing forming the receptacle
for the clothes or other articles to be washed, having one of its internal lateral
surfaces divided into a series of sections, fitted alternately with corrugated
plates and brushes which exercise a cleansing and scrubbing action on the articles
under treatment as set forth.
4. In a washing machine so constructed, a body or casing forming the receptacle
for the clothes or other articles to be washed, having one of its internal lateral
surfaces provided with a series of ribs, which exercise a churning or cleansing action
on the articles under treatment, as described.
5. In a washing machine so constructed, a steam vent or safety valve, to provide
for the escape of the superfluous steam from the body or casing forming the
receptacle for the clothes or other articles to be washed, as set forth.

page_text: 6. As a new article of manufacture a washing machine constructed substantially
as hereinbefore described and shewn.
Dow
1
•
1000
ELT & Co.,
33, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C. Agents for Applicant.