Spot cleaning system and method
US5203044A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 1991 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F43/002
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A substantially self-contained system and corresponding method provides practical spot cleaning of soiled garments without requiring the use of chlorinated solvents. A soiled garment may optionally be pretreated with a water base, nonchlorinated cleaner. Thereafter, a relatively high level of vacuum force is applied to the soiled garment to be cleaned while steam is directed onto the spot. The steam comprises the main cleaner when no pretreatment is used, and comprises the flushing agent whenever a water-based pretreatment cleaner is used. Drying effects obtained with the vacuum force may be augmented by the addition of compressed air directed onto the garment. A self-contained workstation practicing such methodology may include an electric water boiler for generating steam and an industrial grade vacuum pick-up with a waste collector for generating the relatively high vacuum force, preferably at least about 80 inches of mercury of static pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.