US2643463A - Laundry apparatus - Google Patents

Description

June 30, 1953 F. w. GRANTHAM 2,643,463

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Dec. 11. 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet l June 30, 1953 F. w. GRANTHAM 2,643,463

LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Dec. 11, 1948 5 shee'ts-sneet 2 H lO INVENTOR. Fee-059m? d 6em/WMM ff'' BY www 107' TOE/VE V June 30, 1953 F. w. GRANTHAM LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Dec. 11, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 30, 1953 F. w. GRANTHAM LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Dec. 11, 1948 l 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 v,'204 2s 26 202 goa,

u $1 j m m u/ 5 who k v s Q 4 l 5 2 5 I l m/v- 6 u w we M n n o ff n 2 Q m \o 10 m v m m .m m a R Patented June 30, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LAUNDRY APPARATUSA Frederick W. Grantham, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application December 11, 1948, Serial No. 64,853

17 Claims.

The present invention relates to: laundry apparatus, and is more particularly directed to laundry apparatus of the tumbler type.

An object of the present invention is. to facilitate the unloading of laundry from laundry apparatus of the tumbler type.

Another object of the invention is toI continue the tumbling action during unloading of the laundry apparatus in such manner as toy insure complete removal of the laundry from the equipment.

Still another object of the invention is to change the tumbling cycle of the tumbler When the apparatus is shifted toward unloading position. The tumbling cycle is preferably reduced in extent under the stated conditions.

A further object of the invention is tol provide laundry apparatus which can be tilted toi various positions, in order to; place the apparatus in loications that are conducive to eicient loading and unloading of the laundry, as Well as the performance of the required operations on the laundry in the apparatus.

Yet another object of the invention is toi provide laundry apparatus of the tumbler type having a tiltable outer drum or housing, in which the position of the outer drum cr housing determines the manner in which the apparatus operates.

A further object of the invention is to provide a laundry dryer of the tumbler type, in which shifting of the dryer toward unloading position automatically discontinues the application of heat to the apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to: provide a. laundry dryer which assures that heat cannot be applied toy the laundry in the dryer until air in adequate quantities is being passed through the dryer.

Yet a further object o-f the invention is toinsure that heat cannot be applied to the laundry in the dryer unless the tumbler is being rotated in alternate directions.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of several forms in which it may be embodied. These forms are shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. They will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the sco-pe of the invention is best dened by the appended claims.

Referring tothe drawings:

Figure l is a pictorial, perspective View of a laundry drying apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. l, With the outer tiltable drum or housing in position for the performance of the drying operation;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of the apparatus in its unloading and loading positions;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-section taken along the line 4-4 on Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a section taken along the line 5 5 on Fig. 4; l

Fig. 6 is a side elevation, on a reduced scale, of the inner drum or tumbler;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary section of part of the inner tumbler;

Fig. 8 is a section on a reduced scale, taken along the line 8 8 on Fig.`5;

Fig. 9 is a section taken along the line 9 9 on Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional `and elevational vieW illustrating the inlet portion for the heating medium to be passed through the dryer;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary section illustrating a m-odied form of closure for the apparatus;

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view of the control circuit for the laundry dryer;

Fig. 13 is a section, on a reduced scale, taken along the line |3-l3 on Fig. 4;

Fig. 14 is a pictorial, perspective view of the apparatus embodying another form of closure; and

Fig. 15 is a somewhat diagrammatic side elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 14, coupled with a control system for automatically operating the closure.

The apparatusis disclosed in the drawings as a laundry dryer. It is to be understood, however, that certain aspects of the invention are applicable tc other types of laundry equipment.

The laundry dryer includes a suitable frame or support l!) having vertical standards I capable of pivotally supporting the outer drum or housing I2 of the mechanism. Such pivotal support may be provided by opposed coaxial trunnions I3 secured to the opposite side Walls lli of the outer housing and rotatably mounted in bearings l5 within the frame standards. Tilting of the outer drum or housing l2 to several positions, for the purposes to be described hereinafter, may be accomplished by a double acting pneumatic motor I6, including a cylinder Il Whose lower end is mounted on a pivot pin I8 suitably supported in the frame HJ (Fig. 4). A piston i9 is slidable within the cylinder and has a rod .2Q secured to it, Which is connected to a bracket 2| at the rear of the outer drum I2 by a suitable pin 22. The intake and discharge of air for both the head end and rod end of the cylinder I1 can take place through suitable air conduits 23 under the control of a suitable manually operated valve 24 of known design.

Normally, the apparatus occupies the position L lustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, in which the drying operation takes place on the laundry in the apparatus. Upon entry of air through the lower conduit 23, the piston I9 is moved upwardly to tilt the outer drum or housing I2 to the position illustrated in Fig. 3, in which the laundry may be unloaded from or loaded in an inner drum or tumbler 25.

The inner drum or tumbler 25 is rotatably mounted within the outer drum I2 about an axis which is substantially at right angles to the pivotal axis of the latter. The tumbler 25 may consist of a tapered front wall 26 terminating in a forward opening 21, to permit ingress and egress of laundry into the tumbler, a rear wall 28 extending transversely of its rotational axis, and an intervening perforated cylindrical portion 29 interconnecting the front and rear walls in spaced relation. The cylindrical perforated portion 29 may be constituted by longitudinally extending straps 30 suitably secured to the front andl rear walls 26, 28 at spaced intervals around the periphery of the tumbler. A screen or perforated cylinder 3| extends between the front and rear walls and is suitably secured to the latter andA to the straps (Fig. 6). In addition, a plurality of radially extending vanes 32 are provided at circumferentially spaced intervals around the inner drum 25, projecting inwardly to a certain extent, so as to impart the tumbling action on the laundry in the drum 25 during its rotation.

The perforated inner drum 25 is provided toy allow a heating medium, such as hot gases (including air), to pass through the laundry that is being tumbled in the drum, to effect drying of the latter.

In order to rotate the inner drum 25 alternately in opposite directions, its rear portion is suitably secured to a shaft 33 coaxial with the drum, which extends through a partition 34 extending across the outer housing I2 at right angles to the shaft. This partition divides the outer housing into a tumbler containing portion 35 and a portion 36 housing the drum reverse drive mechanism 31.

The drum shaft 33 is rotatably supported in spaced bearings 38 resting upon a platform 39 extending between the partition 34 and the rear wall 40 of the outer housing. This shaft is rotated by a B-phasereversible induction motor 4| through suitable reduction gearing. gearing includes a suitable variable speed transmission 42 driving a pinion 43 meshing with a gear 44 affixed to the drum shaft 33 between the bearing supports. The transmission ratio of the variable speed portion 42 of the gear device can be changed to effect rotation of the inner drum 25 at the desired speed.

In addition to being supported by the shaft 33, the drum 25 is also rotatably supported upon a plurality of rollers 200, 20| adapted to ride upon the drum rim 30h disposed to one side and forwardly of its perforated portion 29. These rollers are located below the drum 25 and on opposite sides of a vertical supporting and baffle plate 202. One of the rollers 200 is rotatably mounted upon a bracket 203 secured to the plate 202, affixed to brackets 204, which are, in turn, attached to ThisY the outer housing I2. One or more other rollers 20| are also rotatably supported upon the plate 202. As shown most clearly in Fig. 13, a pair of other rollers are contactable with the drum rim 30h. They are rotatably carried on opposite ends of an arm 205 mounted upon a pin or stub shaft 206 secured to the plate 202. This arrangement permits the arm 20'5 to pivot on the stub shaft 206, and insures proper contact of at least one of the rollers 20| with the drum.

It is thus apparent that the rear end of the inner drum 25 is supported by the shaft 33, and that the forward portion of the drum is supported upon the spaced rollers 200, 20|.

The plate 202 extends across the outer housing I2, snugly engaging its side walls I4 and also its top and bottom. This plate is located in close proximity to the drum rim and acts as a baffle, preventing passage of the hot gases forwardly toward the opening 49 of the housing.

The tumbler opening 21 is closed by a suitableI inner door 45 adapted to engage the forward end of the tapered drum wall 26. This door is rotatably mounted on a bearing pin 45 xed to an ann- 4! mounted on a pivot pin 48 suitably supported in the upper portion of the outer housing I2. The outer housing has a forward opening 49 larger than the inner drum opening 21 and coaxial therewith, which is closed by a non-rotatable outer door 50 mounted on the bearing pin 46. The doors are locked in closed position by a suitable latch 5I pivotally mounted on the lower end of the arm 41 and adapted to extend through a housing opening 5Ia for engagement with a hook 52 extending inwardly from the'outer housing I2.

Elevation of the latch 5| releases it from the hook 52 and permits the doors 45, 50 and the supporting arm 41 to be swung upwardly to fully open position, as shown in Fig. 3. Such door opening may be effected by attaching the lower end of a rope or cable 53 to the outer end of the bearing pin 46 and by extending this rope or cable over a pulley 54. mounted on the upper portion of the arm 41, and into a suitable winding device 55 mounted on top of the housing I2. This winding device 55 may be of the type that is spring actuated, always tending to lift the rope 53 and the closure members 45, 50 to fully open position, and to hold them in such position. The closure members can be swung downwardly to closed position manually against the force of the spring winding device, and will be retained in closed position by the latch and hook elements 5|, 52.

A modified form of closure device is shown in Fig. 11. Instead of two doors, only a single closure is utilized. The forward end 56 of the drum wall 26a extends through the housing opening 49 and terminates in an outwardly directed flange 51 in advance of the-front Wall 58 of the housing. This flange is preferably closely adjacent the wall 58 to prevent leakage of any heating medium from the housing I2. The drum opening 21a is closed by a closure member 45a rotatably mounted on a bearing pin 46a fixed to the supporting arm 41.

When the door 45a is in closed position against the flange 51, it rotates with the inner drum 25. The laundry cannot move out through the opening 21a, nor can it become caught between the drum 25 and outer housing I2.

It is to be noted that the mounting of the drum 25 for rotation about an axis at right angles to the tilting axis of the outer housing I2, and the alignment of the closures 45, 45a with the shaft axis, renders it unnecessary to align the drum 25 with the housing opening 49 for loading and unloading purposes. The drum 25 may be stopped at any position, or it may continue its rotation, and its opening will always be in proper position for loading and unloading when the closure members are opened.

The wet or damp laundry is inserted in the tumbler 25, and is dried while rotating the tumbler alternately in opposite directions by forcing a mixture of hot products yof combustion and air through the tumbler. The heat necessary for drying is supplied by gas flowing through a main gas line 60 into a mixing chamber 60a, (Fig 10), where it admixes with the air necessary for combustion, supplied by a blower 63 driven by a 3- phase electric motor 64. The comingled air and gas are forced through a burner 6I into a combustion chamber 62 to provide the necessary flame and heat at the main burner 6I.

The products of combustion pass outwardly from the combustion chamber 62 through an inlet conduit or duct 65 discharging through an opening 66 (Fig. 8) in the frame standard II into an inlet opening 61 at the top of the outer housing I2. In order to reduce the temperature oi the gases to the desired degree, a secondary air inlet opening 68 is provided in the inlet duct E5 beyond the combustion chamber 62, which will allow secondary air to comingle with the products of combustion.

The hot gases enter the housing inlet 61 and are directed to a location at the upper end of the inner drum or tumbler 25. The gases are confined for travel to this latter point by providing a suitable arcuate shield 69 around and adjacent the drum 25, which extends from a side wall I4 of the outer housing I2 and between its rear portion and the forward portion. The upper end of this shield forms a longitudinally extended opening IB with a baille 'II secured to the outer housing and extending lengthwise of the drum 25, so as to enable the hot gases to be directed downwardly through the perforations into the interior of the inner drum. In a similar fashion, a lower arcuate shield 'I2 is provided around the drum 25, cooperating with a lower extended baffle 'I3 to form an exhaust opening I4 through which the gases, and moisture evaporated from the wet laundry, can pass through an outlet or discharge opening I5 in the side wall I4 cf the outer housing. This outlet opening l5 is normally aligned with an inlet opening E6 in the standard II, opening into an inlet 'IIa in a blower housing 'I'I containing a rotor 'I8 driven by a S-phase exhaust motor 19. The blower housing TI has an outlet communicating with a suitable exhaust stack 80 (Fig. 15).

The inlet and outlet openings 61, 'I5 into the outer housing I2 are in alignment with the corresponding discharge and inlet openings 66, 'Ila in the inlet duct 65 and blower 'I'I, respectively, when the housing I2 is in the drying position, such as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. When the outer housing I2 is tilted to the unloading or loading position illustrated in Fig. 3, these openings are out of alignment, which disrupts communication between the housing I2 and the inlet conduit 65 and exhaust fan 'I'I. Thus, the hot products of combustion are incapable of passing into the dryer housing I2 during its unloading, as well as during its loading. Ordinarily, the completion of the drying cycle results in the shutting olf of the combustion air motor 64 and of the gas line 6U, as described hereinafter, so as to discontinue the application of heat to the dryer. But if such application of heat were to continue inadvertently, the laundry in the dryer could not be damaged by subjecting it to an inordinately high temperature.

It is desired to rotate the tumbler 2E alternately in opposite directions during the performance of the drying operation with a reversing cycle of a predetermined amount. It is also desired to continue reverse rotation of the tumbler, but to a substantially smaller extent, for the purpose of facilitating the unloading of the laundry from the tumbler after it has been dried. These operations are made to occur in accordance with the position of the outer housing I2.

As disclosed in Fig. 12, the drum motor 4I is connected to a power source through a reversible switch mechanism 8|, so as to obtain alternate operation of the motor, iirst in one direction and then in the other direction. The motor 4I disclosed in Fig. l2 is a 3-phase one, having its leads 62, 83, 84 running to a suitable switch 85 having three contacts 86, 8l, B8. This switch 85 is operated fby a solenoid whose plunger 8S carries the contacts, the plunger extending into a solenoid coil 96. When the coil 90 is de-energized, the fonce of gravity causes the plunger 8S to drop and breaks the engagement of the contacts 86, 8l, 88 with companion stationary contacts 9 I, Q2, 93 connected to a S-phase line a, b, c running to a suitable 3-pole switch 94, which, when closed, connects the lines a, b, c to a suitable source of power.

The reversing switch BI also includes a second solenoid having a plunger S5 carrying three contacts 9S, Sl, 93 adapted to engage Companion stationary contacts 93, IBB, EBI `connected to the 3- phase line. The movable contacts 86, 8l', 88 and 95, Sl, 98 are interconnected and the fixed contacts SI, 92, 63 and 99, IDU, IEII are connected to the power line a, b, c in such manner as to effect rotation of the reversible drum motor 4I in one direction when one of the solenoid coils 96 is energized, and in the other direction when the other solenoid coil |62 is energized. Thus, as shown in Fig. 12, the contacts SI, 92, Q3 of the left hand switch are connected to lines a, bl, c, respectively, while the left contact $9 of the right hand switch is connected to line c, the middle contact IBI! to line a, and the right Contact IIlI to the line b. The movable contacts are interconnected so as to join 'the left, intermediate and right contacts 85, 8l', 88 of the left switch 65 `with the right, intermediate and left conta/cts 98, Q'I, Q6, respectively, ofthe right switch. It is apparent that when the left solenoid Si!) is energized to elevate its plunger 89, the drum motor will be operated in one direction, but that de-energizing of this solenoid and energizing of the other solenoid E32 will reverse two of the lines to the induction motor 4I, thereby causing its direction of rotation to be reversed.

The energization of the solenoid coils 9U, HB2 is determined by an induction timer motor 63, which rotates a pair of cams |64, H15 that are out of phase with each other. The circuit through the left relay coil 96 can run through a lead H36 connected to power line c, through the coil 9U, and then to a lead lill running to a movable arm IBB of a cam operated switch. This arm IUS is adapted to engage a fixed contact It connected by a suitable conductor Ill! to I II of a pair of stationary contacts I I I, I I2 provided adjacent the outer housing I2. The other station- 7 ary contact ||2 is connected through a suitable conductor I3 to power line b.

When the cam operated arm |08 is allowed to engage the stationary contact |09, andy when the contacts |E2 adjacent the outer housing |2 are bridged, a circuit is completed through the left solenoid coil 90. Similarly, the right solenoid or relay coil |02 is connected to the lead |05, its other end being connected to lead |I4 running to another cam operated switch arm I5 adapted to engage a contact ||6, which is also connected to the lead running to the limit switch H2.

Opening and closing of the cam operated switches |08, occurs as a result of rotation of the induction timer motor |03l Since the cams |04, |05 are out of phase by about 180 degrees, when one cam` |04 shifts its arm |08 to open the switch and the circuit to one of the coils 90, the other cam |05, shortly thereafter, has shifted to a position permitting its arm. ||5 to close the circuit to the other coil |02. Thus, the coils 95, |02 are alternately energized, which alternately changes the connections to the drum motor 4| and causes its direction of rotation to reverse. It is preferred to have a time interval between opening of one switch and closing of the other switch to enable the drum 25 to come substantially to rest before being rotated in the opposite direction.

The limit switch ||2 is normally urged to open position, as by a suitable spring and remains in this open position so long as the outer housing |2 has been tilted fully to its unloading position. In all other positions of the outer housing, namely its drying position, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, and positions intermediate its drying position and the fully unloading position, the stationary contacts ||2 are bridged to allow the timer |33 to alternately complete the circuits to the solenoids 90, |02. Thus, it is apparent that the drum motor 4| continues to reverse so long as the timer motor |03 is operated, and as long as the outer housing i2 has not been tilted to its full unloading position, such as disclosed in Fig. 3.

Operation of the limit switch I||, ||'2 is effected by connecting its bridge piece ||8 to a rod ||9 engageable with a cam projection |20 suitably secured on one of the side walls I4 of the outer housing l2. The end of the rod ||9 engages an arcuate cam surface |2|`, which is concentric with the axis of the pivoted housing |2, to hold the limit switch ||2 closed during the performance of the drying operation, and during movement of the outer housing |2 toward unloading position. When the housing has been tilted to fully unloading position, the rod H9 no longer engages the arcuate cam surface I2 which allows the spring I1 to shift the bridge piece |`|8 from engagement with the stationary contacts ||2, thereby preventing further reversing rotation of the inner drum 25.

It is also desired to obtain rotation of the combustion and exhaust fan motors 64, 19, but only when the outer housing |2 is in its normal drying position. The passage of current to these motors is under the control of a relay |22, including a coil |23 that may be connected across two of the main power lines a, c. The circuit through the coil |23, however, is determined by a limit switch |24, including stationary contacts |25, |23, one of which |25 is connected to a lead |2 running to the coil |23, and the other of which |26 is connected to a conductor |28 running to thepower line c. A lead |29 connects the other end of the coil |23 to the other power line a. When a bridge piece |30 engages the stationary contacts |25, |26, the circuit through the coil |23 is completed. However, such engagernent will only occur when the outer housing |2 is in the proper position for the performance of the drying operation. When in this position, a cam projection |3| on the housing I2 engages a rod |32 connected to the bridge piece |"30and shifts the latter downwardly against the action of a spring |33 into engagement with the stationary contacts |25, |26. As soon as tilting of the outer housing l2 toward its unloading position commences, the cam |3| permits the spring |33 to shift the bridge piece |30 and plunger |32 upwardly to break the circuit through the coil |23.

When the coil |23 is energized, it elevates a plunger |34, causing three contacts |35 carried by the plunger to engage the stationary contacts |36 connected to the main power lines a, b, c. The movable contacts |35 are connected through suitable leads |31 to the exhaust fan motor 19 and to the combustion air motor 64. Thus, upon shifting of the outer housing |2 to its drying position, the circuit through the solenoid |23 is completed, which elevates the plunger |34 to engage the movable contacts |35 with the stationary contacts |36 and completes the circuits to both the exhaust fan motor 19 and the combustion motor 64, starting them into operation.

When the circuit to the exhaust fan and combustion air motors 19, 64 are completed, a single phase circuit to the timer motor |03 is also completed. Thus, one lead |38 from the timer motor may run to line b, while the other line |39 from the single phase timer motor runs to a stationary contact |40 of a limit switch |4| which has a secondl contact |42 connected to a lead |43 running to power line a. The circuit through the timer motor |03 is completed When a bridge piece |44 on rod ||9 engages contacts |40, |42. A suitable resistance |45 is connected in series in one of the lines |39, in order to reduce the speedl of the timer motor |03 during the performance of the drying operation, thereby increasing the reversing cycle of the drum motor 4|, This resistance, however, may be shunted when tilting of the outer housing |2 to its unloading position commences. To accomplish this last-mentioned purpose, a conductor |46 is connected to one end of the resistance |45 and runs to one of the stationary contacts |47 of a limit switch |48 located adjacent the outer housing |2. Similarly, the other end of the resistance is connected, through a conductor |49, to another stationary contact |50 of the limit switch |48. When the bridge piece |5| of the limit switch engages these contacts |41, |50, it is apparent that a shunt has been provided around the resistance |45, causing the timer motor |03 to run faster and reducing the period of energization of the reversing solenoid coils 90, |02. Thus, the reversing cycle is shortened during movement of the outer housing I2 toward its fully unloading position, so as to continue the tumbling action while the laundry is being caused to drop automatically from the inner drum 25 into a suitable car or container C that may operate on tracks T disposed on the floor or ground.

The bridge piece |5| is urged away from the contacts |50, |41 by a spring |52, and is moved 9 into contact therewith by a cam |53 on the housing |2 shifting a rod |54 downwardly, which rod is secured to the bridge piece of limit switch |48.

When the doors 45, 50 are open, a charge of wet or damp laundry may be placed into the inner drum 25. The doors are then closed and latched, and air caused te enter the rod end of the cylinder in order to tilt the outer housing I2 to a position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, in which the inner drum axis is preferably horizontal. The main switch 94 is then closed, which effects energization of the exhaust fan and combustion air motor coil |23, since the disposition of the outer housing l2 has caused the limit switch |24 to bridge the contacts |25, |26. Such energization closes the exhaust fan and combustion air motor switch |22 and produces their rotation. For that matter, the main switch S4 may remain closed, inasmuch as tilting of the housing I2 to the unloading position illustrated in Fig. 3 will result in opening of the various circuits, and the rendering of the entire system inoperative. The manipulation of the air valve 24 to relocate the housing |2 in its normal drying position automatically effects operation of the various switches, and commences operation of another drying cycle.

With the housing i2 in its normal operating position, the circuit to the timer motor |03 is also completed, since limit switch |4| is closed, and since the outer housing is in the position for the drying operation, limit switch |48 is open and the resistance |45 is effectively in the timer motor circuit. As a result, the :timer motor |03 rotates comparatively slowly, to correspondingly rotate the cams |04, |05 connected to it. The limit switch ||2 controlling the circuits through the reversing switch mechanism 85 is also closed when the outer housing l2 is in this position. Accordingly, the cams |04, |05 alternately break the circuits to the reversing coils 90, |02, and cause the reversing switches to alternately complete the circuit :to the drum motor 4|,

alternately effecting rotation of the inner tum-` bler or drum 25 first in one direction and then in the other direction. As an example, the speed of rotation of the timer motor |03 and the disposition of the cams |04, |05 may be such as to cause the drum motor 4| to rotate the drum 25 eight to ten revolutions in one direction, and then eight to ten revolutions in the opposite direction, in order to tumble the laundry disposed within the inner drum 25. During such rotation, the inner door 45 or door 45a: can rotate upon its bearing supporting pin 46 or 46a.

After the laundry has been dried and it is desired to unload it, air is fed into the head end of the cylinder which moves the piston IS upwardly and tilts the outer housing i2 in its bearings I5. As soon as suc-h tilting commences, the cam |3| is shifted to the iight, as shown in Fig. l2, which allows the spring |33 to open the limit switch |24 and the circuit to the solenoid |23, which allows thel switch |22 to open and interrupt the circuits to the combustion air and exhaust fan motors 64, 10. This same initial tilting movement of the outer housing |2 also causes the cam |53 to close the limit switch |48, which shunts the timer resistance 45. As la result, the timer motor |03 rotates much faster and changes the cycle of operation of the reversing drum motor 4|, effecting its reversal after fewer revolutions, as for example, after one or two revolutions in each direction. Doors 45,

10 50 can be opened by unlatching the latch 5| and lifting the arm 41. With the doors 45, 50 open, and with the pneumatic motor i6 slowly tilting the outer housing I2 and the inner drum 25 contained therein, the latter is rotated first in one direction and then in the other direction to tumble the laundry and facilitate its disposition through the openings 2l, 49 and into the car` C.

As indicated, the pneumatic motor tilts the drum relatively slowly. As an example, it may take about iifteen seconds for the drum 25 to be tilted to its fully unloading position. When it has arrived at this position, all, or substantially all, of the laundry has already been discharged from the inner drum 25, whereupon the cam |20 rides off plunger ||9 and allows the spring lll to open limit switches |4| and H2, breaking the circuit to the reversing switch coils 90, |52 and also the circuit to the timer motor |53. All of the mechanism is now at rest, and will remain at rest until another load of wet laundry is placed in the inner drum 25 and the drying operation reinstituted.

Heat is supplied to the dryer only upon the satisfaction of certain operating conditions. The doors 45,50 must be fully closed, the inlet conduit temperature must not be too high, the outlet stack temperature must be Ibelow a predetermined degree, and the reversing motor must be in operation. Otherwise, gas will not flow to the main burner 6|.

To accomplish these objectives, the main burner 6| is supplied by a suitable line 50, that has a solenoid operated valve |60 in it. When the coil ||i| of the solenoid is energized, the valve |50 is opened; otherwise, it is closed. The solenoid |55 is connected in series with a switch |52 mounted on the door mechanism of the dryer, which may be a mercury switch that is closed only when the doors 45, 5H are latched in closed position. In addition, the inlet conduit 55 may have a switch |63 in series with the coil ISI, including a bimetallic arm |54 that engages the stationary contact |65 of the switch so long as the temperature in the conduit 65 does not exceed a predetermined degree. If the temperature rises above this amount, the bi-metallic element |54 will iiex and open the switch |53. Similarly, the exhaust stack is provided with a switch |55 in series with coil IGI, including a bi-metallic arm ll' adapted to engage a stationary contact |55, so long as the outlet temperature is below a predetermined value. When this temperature is exceeded, the bi-metallic arm |57 exes to open the switch |66.

The circuit through the main gas valve solenoid |6| falso includes a relay |59, comprising a pair of stationary contacts |10, and a bridge piece |12 connected to a plunger V13 which is actuated upon passage of current through a coil |'|4. Thus, the circuit through the main valve solenoid |6| runs from one or" the main power lines b through lead |'|5 to one of the relay contacts through the bridge piece Il? to the other relay contact |10, and through a lead il to the door switch. The door switch |52, inlet duct switch |55, solenoid IBI, and exhaust stack switch |63 are all connected in series with one another, and through a lead Hl' to one of the other main power lines a. When the relay |65 is` energized, .the circuit to the main valve |55 will be completed. However, this relay |55 is only energized after the combustion air motor 54, exhaust fan motor '19, and reversing drum motor 4| have been placed in oper-ation.

The relay coil |14 is connected to a lead |18 running to one of the lines |31 feeding current to the combustion motor 64. The other end of the relay coil is connected through a suitable lead I 19 to a stationary contact |80, which is engageable by a bi-metallic thermostatic arm I8| that is connected by a lead |82 to one of the other lines |31 running to the combustion air motor 64. The engagement of the bi-metallic arm I8I with the stationary contact v|80 is dependent upon the operation of the drum reversing motor 4I. When the circuit to this motor is completed, a heating element |83, located adjacent the bi-metallic element |8I, is energized. This resistance heating element has one end connected through a lead |84 to one of the conductors 83 to the drum motor 4|, while the other end of the heating element is connected through a suitable lead |85 to one of the other lines 82 leading to the drum motor. When either of the reversing switch portions are closed, current flows through the resistance heating element |83, heating the bi-metallc switch arm |8I and causing it to engage the stationary contact |80, thereby completing the circuit through the solenoid Assuming that the doors 45, 50 are closed and the inlet and outlet gas temperatures are below their preset values, the closing of the main switch 94 will close the circuit to the combustion air and exhaust fan motors 64, 19, which will commence rotating. The drum motor will also be set in operation because of the rotation of the timer motor |03, which will also complete the circuit to the heating element |83. This element will heat the bi-metallic arm ISI, causing it to close the circuit through the relay coil |14, which will then complete the circuit through the main valve solenoid ISI, causing the main valve |60 to open and allowing gas to flowto the main burner 6|, where it is ignited by a pilot burner |86 and commences supplying heat to the dryer. The heating element |83 introduces a time delay between the commencement of operation of the combustion air, exhaust, and reversing drum motors 64, 19, 4| and the opening of the main valve |60, insuring that all parts are in proper operation before heat is applied. In the event that the circuit to the combustion air motor 64 is interrupted, the relay |69 will also be de-energized, which will cle-energize the main valve coil I6I and cause the valve |60 to close. Thus, assurance is had that the main valve |60 can only be in open position if the combustion air and exhaust fan motors 6'4, 19 are operating, thereby insuring against excessive heating of the laundry in the dryer. The main gas valve |60 is also controlled by the reversing drum motor 4I, since it can only be opened to supply heat to the dryer when the laundry is being tumbled in the drum 25.

A flame may be established at the main burner by a pilot flame |81 at the pilot burner |86, which is supplied with gas through a suitable line |88 having a solenoid operated pilot valve '|89 therein. The solenoid coil |90 may be connected across two of the main power lines a, b, the pilot llame |81 being in existence so long as the main switch 94 is closed. The pilot flame is established by an igniter in the form of a plug I 9I having one of its electrodes connected to ground and the other of its electrodes connected through a suitable lead |92 to one end'of the 'secondary |93 of a transformer |94, whose other end `is connected to ground. The primary coil |95 of the transformer has one end connected through a suitable lead |96 to one of the mainpower lines a, and its other end connected to a stationary contact |91 adapted to be engaged by a bi-metallic thermostatic switch arm |98, which is connected to another power line b. When the pilot flame |81 is in existence, the bi-metallc arm |98 is deflected from the contact |91 to break the circuit through the primary coil of the transformer. Accordingly, a spark does not exist across the ignition plug electrodes. In the event that the pilot flame is extinguished, the 'bi-metallic element |93 exes into engagement with the stationary contact |91, completing the primary coil circuit and causing the spark to jump between the electrodes, which again establishes the pilot flame.

In Figs. 14 and 15, a Amodiiied arrangement is illustrated for controlling lthe door closure member 45a shown in Fig. 11. This closure arrangement eliminates the need for hand manipulations in opening and closing the door, as well as the use of latch mechanisms. Instead, opening and closing ofthe door 45a` is effected automatically in accordance with the position of the outer housing I2.

As in the form of invention illustrated in Fig. 11, the door 45a is rotatably mounted upon a supporting arm 41 mounted on a fulcrum pin 48a suitably secured to the outer housing I2. The upper extension 41b of this supporting arm has spaced projections 41e, to which the ends of tension springs 2I0 are secured. The other ends of these springs .are attached to ears or lugs 2|I projecting from the housing, so that the springs 2I0 normally tend to swing the door 45a to the partly open position disclosed in Figs. 14 and 15.

In order to shift the door between fully open and fully closed positions, and to hold the door in the latter position, a pneumatic device is provided. This pneumatic device includes an air cylinder 2|2 having its rearward portion pivotally mounted on the upper part of the housing I2. The cylinder has the usual piston therein (not shown) to which the piston rod 2|3 is secured. The forward end of the piston rod is pin connected to an upward projection 2 I4 on the supporting arm 41, disposed between the outer extensions 41c. y

An air line 2I5 is connected between the air conduit 23.. running to the rod end of the housing cylinder I1, and the head end of the door cylinder 2I2. A second air conduit 2I6 is connected to lthe line 23 running to the head end of the cylinder I1 `and to the rod end 0f the door cylinder 2 |-2 (see Fig. 15). When the manually operated valve 24 is shifted, so as to cause air to enter the rod end of the housing cylinder I1 and tilt the housing I2 to its normal drying position. such as shown in Figs. `1 and 2, air is also fed into the head end of the door cylinder 2|2, shifting its piston and piston rod 2|3 forwardly, and swinging the door 45a to closed position against the flange 51. So long as the -air pressure is maintained in the door cylinder 2|2, the door 45a Ais held in closed position, without the need for Vany other elements, such as the latch 5I, 52 shown in Fig. 11.

, When the manually operated valve 24 is shifted in the opposite direction to feed air into 'the head end of the housing cylinder '|1, the latter effects tilting of 'the housing I2 toward its unloading and loading position shown "in Fig. 3. When air enters the conduit 23 leading to 'the head end of the housing cylinder, it also enters the conduit 2&6 leading to the rod end of the door cylinder 242, the other air conduit 215 from the door cylinder, of course, being exhausted. Accordingly, the piston and piston rod 2id move rearwardly, or to the right, as seen in Fig. 15, swinging the door to its fully open position. In Fig. 15, the door is disclosed in only a partly open position, and it is to be understood that when the piston is shifted in the cylinder Zi to its fullest extent toward the right, the door is elevated completely free from the opening 21a.

By virtue of the arrangement shown in Figs. 14 and 15, movement of the manually operated valve 2d eiects automatic tilting of the outer housing i 2 between its drying position, on the one hand, and the unloading and loading positions, on the other hand, as Well as shifting of the door 45d between open and closed positions. Opening of the door 45a automatically disconnects the circuit to the solenoid IGI, and insures prompt shutting off of the gas supply flowing through the conduit 60. Similarly, as has been described above, the initiation of the tilting movement of the housing I2 to unloading position disrupts the circuits to the blower and exhaust fan motors G4, 19. It is evident that the operation of the entire apparatus is under the control of the manually operated Valve 24, which is the only part that need be manipulated by the operator. f

When no air under pressure is present in either of the lines 215, 2i6 leading to the door cylinder 2l2 and theyare open to exhaust, the springs 2|0 swing the door 45a to the partially open position shown in Figs. 14 and 15. Thus, assurance is had that the drum 25 is vented during non-use of the apparatus, insuring against the entrapment of any gases and vapors there- Within.

The inventor claims:

l. In laundry apparatus; a support; an outer housing tiltably mounted on said support; an inner drum mounted in said housing for rotation about an axis disposed substantially at right angles to the tilting axis of said housing; said drum and housing having openings substantially aligned with each other and with the drum axis; and closure means mounted on said housing and adapted to close both of said openings; said closure means including a rst cover member for the drum and rotatable with the drum, and a second cover member for the housing.

2. In laundry apparatus: an outer housing; an inner drum rotatably mountedv in said housing; reversible drive means for rotating said drum alternately in opposite directions by a predetermined angular amount; means for reducing the angular movement of said drum in each direction; and means for automatically effecting said reduction when laundry is to be unloaded from said drum.

3. In laundry apparatus: a support; an outer housing tiltably mounted on said support; means for tilting said housing; an inner drum rotatably mounted in said housing about an axis substantially at right angles to the tilting axis of said housing; reversible drive means carried by said housing for rotating said drum alternately in opposite directions; and means carried by the housing operable in response to the tilting of said housing for adjusting the extent of angular motion of said drum in each direction.

4. In laundry apparatus: a support; aii outer housing tiltably mounted on said support; means for tilting said housing; an inner drum rotatably mounted inA said housing about an axis substantially at right angles to the tilting axis of said housing; said housing and drum having openings substantially aligned with each other and with the drum axis; closure means for at least one of said openings; reversible drive means carried by said housing for rotating said drum alternately in opposite directions by a predetermined angular extent When said housing is in one position; and means for reducing angular movement of said drum in each direction, operated when said housing begins to tilt to unload laundry from said drum'.

5. In laundry apparatus: a support; an outer housing tiltably mounted on said support; means for tilting said housing; an inner drum rotatably mounted in said housing about an axis substantially at right angles to the tilting axis of said housing; said housing and drum having openings substantially aligned With each other and with the drum axis; closure means for at least one of said openings; reversible drive means carried by said housing for rotating said drum alternately in opposite directions by a predetermined angular extent when said housing is in one position; and means carried by said housing and operating in response to the tilting of said housing for reducing the angular motion of said drum in each direction when said housing begins to tilt to unload laundry from said drum.

6. In laundry apparatus: a support; an outer housing tiltably mounted on said support; means for tilting said housing; an inner drum rotatably mounted in said housing about an axis substantially at right angles to the tilting axis of said housing; said housing and drum having openings substantially aligned with each other and with drum axis; closure means for at least one of said openings; reversible drive means, including a reversible electric motor, carried by said housing for rotating said drum alternately in ope posite directions; timing means controlling the application of current to said motor to eiect its reversal at periodic intervals; and means for adjusting the operation of said timing means for changing the intervals at which the direction of rotation of said motor is reversed.

7. In laundry apparatus: a support; an outer housing tiltably mounted on said support; means for tilting said housing; an inner drum rotatably mounted in said housing about an axis substantially at right angles to the tilting axis of said housing; said housing and drum having openings substantially aligned vvith each other and with the drum axis; closure means for at least one of said openings; reversible drive means, including a reversible electric motor, carried by said housing ior rotating said drum alternately in opposite directions; timing means controlling the application or current to said motor to effect its reversal at periodic intervals when said housing is in one position; and means 'for adjusting the operation of said timing means for reducing the intervals at which the direction of rotation of said motor is reversed, operated when said housing begins to tilt to unload laundry from said drum.

8. In drying apparatus: a support; an outer housing tiltably mounted in said support; means for tilting said housing; an inner perforate drum rotatably mounted in said housing about an axis substantially at right angles to the tilting axis of said housing; said housing and drum having openings substantially aligned with each other and with the drum axis; closure means for vat least one of said openings; reversible drive means including a reversible electric motor carried by said'housing 'for rotatingsald drum alternately in opposite directions; electrical timing means controlling the application of current to said motor to effect its reversal at periodic intervals; means comprising an electric motor for circulating a heating medium through said drum; and means having a member carried by said housing and cooperating control means operated by said member to effect operation of said vcirculating motor and of said timing means at a relatively slow rate when said housing is in its normal drying position, said control means being operated by said member to discontinue operation of said circulating motor and to effect operation of said timing means at a faster rate when said housing is tilting from its normal drying position, said control means also stopping said timing means to discontinue rotation of the reversible motor when said housing is tilted to its unloading position.

9. In laundry apparatus: an outer housing; means for tilting the housing about an axis; a rotary perforated drum in the housing, the drum axis being transverse to the housing axis; means for rotating the drum; said drum having a tubular projection extending through an opening in the housing; a cover for the projection; and a pivotal support for the cover.

10. In laundry apparatus: a tiltable outer housing; means for tilting said housing about an axis; a drum in said housing and rotatable about an axis transverse to the tilting axis; said drum having a hollow extension projecting through an opening in the housing; an arm pivoted on the housing; and a cover rotatably mounted on the arm and cooperating with the edge of said extension for closing the drum.

11. In laundry apparatus: a tiltable outer housing; means for tilting said housing about an axis; a drum in said housing and rotatable about an axis transverse to the tilting axis; said drum and housing having aligned openings; a cover for at least one of the openings; an arm pivoted to the housing for supporting said cover; spring means urging the arm to cover-opening position, and operating on that side of the arm remote from the cover; and power means for moving the arm to cover-closing position.

12. In laundry apparatus: a tiltable housing; a rotary drum in the housing; means for tilting the housing to an unloading position; an electric motor for driving the drum; a circuit controller for said motor; and means carried by the housing for operating the circuit controller to maintain the motor energized except when the housing is in fully tilted position.

13. In laundry apparatus; a tiltable housing;

a rotary drum in the housing; said housing having an opening; a door for the opening; spring means for urging the door toward opening position; means for angularly moving the housing from a tilted position; means for moving the door toward closed position; and a common control for said angularly moving means and the door closing means.

14. In laundry apparatus: a tiltable housing; a rotary drum in the housing; said housing having an opening; a door for the opening; spring means for urging the door toward opening position; fluid pressure means for moving the door toward closed position; iluid pressure means for angularly moving the housing from a tilted position; and a common vvalve means for controlling both said fluid'pressure means.

15. In laundry apparatus; a rotary drum; a reversible electric motor for driving the drum; a circuit controller for cyclically reversing said motor; an auxiliary motor for operating the circuit controller; and means for adjusting the speed of said auxiliary motor.

16. In laundry apparatus: a rotary drum; means for tilting the drum to assume a charging and discharging position; a reversible electric motor for driving the drum; a circuit controller for cyclically reversing said motor; an auxiliary motor for operating the circuit controller; and means .operated by the movement of the drum toward fully tilted position for increasing the speed of said auxiliary motor.

17. In laundry apparatus: a rotary drum; means for tilting the drum to assume a charging and discharging position; a reversible electric motor for driving the drum; a circuit controller for cyclically reversing said motor; an auxiliary motor foroperating the circuit controller; means operated by the movement of the drum .toward fully tilted position for increasing the speed of said auxiliary motor; and means operated by the movement of the drum to fully tilted position for deenergizing the reversible motor.

VFR/EDEMCK W. GRANTHAM.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,010,229 Bull' Nov. 28, 1911 1,027,796 Barnum May 28, 1912 1,567,709 Carroll Dec. 29, 1925 1,675,160 Carroll June 26, '1928 2,026,189 Purkett Dec. 31, 1935 2,119,337 Lockett May 31, 1938 2,133,170 Johnson Oct. 11, 1938 2,239,029 Barrett Apr. 22, 1941 2,253,047 Purkett Aug. '19, 1941 2,255,028 Long Sept. 2, 1941 2,312,936 Smith Mar. 2, 1943 2,314,748 White Mar. 23, 1943 2,486,315 Morris Oct. 25, 1949 2,498,172 Mintner et al. Feb. 21, 1950

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