Washing machine, ozone dissolving apparatus and method of washing

• US 20050251925A1
• Filed: 12/13/2004
• Published: 11/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Daniels Equipment Company, Inc., JLA Limited (JLA EquityCO Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Daniels Equipment Company, Inc.
• Inventors: Daniels, Ralph
• Granted Patent: US 7,493,782 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 8/149.100
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 35/001 using ozone

Abstract

A washing machine comprising: a washing volume and a mixing chamber below the washing volume and fluid communication therewith; and at least one sparger within the mixing chamber for connection to an ozone source.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:

a washing volume and a mixing chamber below the washing volume and in fluid communication therewith; and

at least one sparger within the mixing chamber for connection to an ozone source.

2. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, comprising an ozone source connected to the sparger.

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the washing volume and mixing chamber are in fluid communication by means of a drain outlet in the washing volume.

4. A washing machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein the drain outlet is in the underside of the washing volume.

5. A washing machine as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a drain valve connected between the drain outlet and mixing chamber.

6. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a drain valve extending from the underside of the mixing chamber.

7. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a controller for controlling flow of ozone to the sparger.

8. A washing machine as claimed in claims 1, wherein the sparger is arranged such that in use ozone exits the sparger downwardly.

9. An ozone dissolving apparatus for a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a washing volume having a drain outlet in the washing volume wall, the apparatus comprising a mixing chamber having an aperture for connection to the drain outlet;

and

at least one sparger positioned within the mixing chamber and being for connection to an ozone source.

10. An ozone dissolving apparatus as claimed in claim 9, comprising a drain valve connected between the drain outlet and mixing chamber.

11. An ozone dissolving apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mixing chamber further comprises a drain valve.

12. A method of washing comprising

at least partially filling the mixing chamber with water so as to submerge a sparger in the mixing chamber;

and passing ozone through the sparger and dissolving ozone gas in the water.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, including passing ozone downwards through the water.