Washing machine, ozone dissolving apparatus and method of washing

• US 7,493,782 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2004
• Issued: 02/24/2009
• 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., JLA Limited (JLA EquityCO Ltd.)
• Inventors: Daniels, Ralph
• Primary Examiner(s): Barr; Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): PATEL, RITA RAMESH
• Application Number:
  US11/010,932
• Publication Number:
  US 20050251925A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,534 Days
• Field of Search: 814/91, 682/07, 682/08, 68/5.R
• US Class Current: 68/5.00R
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 35/001 using ozone

Abstract

A washing machine having a washing volume and a mixing chamber below the washing volume and fluid communication therewith by means of a drain outlet at the underside of the washing volume. The mixing chamber receives water from the mixing volume through the drain outlet. At least one sparger is disposed within the mixing chamber for connection to an ozone source to introduce ozone into the water within the mixing chamber. The sparger is configured to introduce at least some ozone into the water within the mixing chamber in a downward direction away from the washing volume.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:

a washing volume and a mixing chamber below the washing volume and in fluid communication therewith by means of a drain outlet at the underside of the washing volume, wherein the mixing chamber is configured to receive water from the washing volume through the drain outlet;

at least one sparger within the mixing chamber for connection to an ozone source to introduce ozone into the water within the mixing chamber, wherein ozone containing water within the mixing chamber is capable of circulating between the washing volume and the mixing chamber through the drain outlet; and

wherein the sparger is configured to introduce at least some ozone into the water within the mixing chamber in a downward direction away from the washing volume.

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

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a drain valve with the mixing chamber positioned between the drain outlet and the drain valve.

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

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

6. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1 further comprising two spargers each having a downward facing end from which to introduce ozone in to the water within the mixing chamber.