Dry cleaning method and device

Abstract

An improved dry cleaning apparatus and method for the non-aqueous cleaning of fabric materials comprises the introduction of steam into a dryer chamber containing fabric materials previously washed in a non-aqueous organic cleaning solvent such as perchloroethylene. The steam is heated at a sufficient temperature for a duration of time, both of which are determined by the type of fabric and solvents involved. The heated steam volatilizes any excess cleaning solvent contained in or on said fabric creating a gaseous water/solvent mixture which is then subsequently separated from the fabric materials. The gaseous mixture can be condensed, its component parts separated and re-used in the cycle again.

What I claim is:  
     
         1 ) A method for the cleaning of fabric wherein a non-aqueous organic cleaning solvent is used to clean said fabric further comprising the application of steam to said fabric during the drying cycle.  
     
     
         2 ) The method of  claim 1  wherein said steam contacts said fabric at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to remove any excess organic cleaning solvent embedded in or on said fabric materials.  
     
     
         3 ) The method of  claim 2  wherein said steam volatilizes said organic cleaning solvent thereby forming a gaseous water/solvent mixture which is subsequently drawn away and separated from said fabric.  
     
     
         4 ) The method of  claim 3  wherein said gaseous water/solvent mixture that has been separated from said fabric is cooled, condensed and further separated into water and solvent fractions.  
     
     
         5 ) The method of  claim 4  wherein said cleaning solvent is perchloroethylene.  
     
     
         6 ) An improved dry cleaning apparatus for the non-aqueous cleaning of fabric materials comprising: 
 a) an internal drying chamber;    b) a steam source;    c) a conduit for the introduction of said steam into said drying chamber; and    d) an exit means for the removal of said steam from said drying chamber.    
     
     
         7 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said drying chamber is of sufficient size so as to contain a plurality of said fabric materials which have been contacted with a sufficient amount of non-aqueous, organic cleaning solvent prior to said fabric's introduction into said chamber.  
     
     
         8 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said chamber conduit introduces said steam at a suitable temperature and for a time sufficient to volatilize any excess organic cleaning solvent remaining in or on said fabric materials resulting in a gaseous water/solvent mixture that becomes separate and apart from said fabric material.  
     
     
         9 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said conduit further comprises a valve for the control of the release and stoppage of the introduction of said steam into said drying chamber.  
     
     
         10 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said valve is a solenoid valve operatively connected to a timer device for the selective durational control of the introduction of said steam into said drying chamber.  
     
     
         11 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said timer device is electronically connected to said solenoid valve for the selective durational control of the introduction of said steam into said drying chamber.  
     
     
         12 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said valve is manually operated.  
     
     
         13 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a manually operated shut off valve.  
     
     
         14 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said exit means comprises a second conduit in communication with said dryer chamber operatively connected to an exhaust or vacuum fan.  
     
     
         15 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 14  wherein said exhaust or vacuum fan draws said water/organic solvent mixture from said drying chamber and deposits it in a secondary chamber wherein it is cooled and condensed.  
     
     
         16 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 15  wherein said water/organic mixture is separated after condensation into its two component parts for re-use.  
     
     
         17 ) The improved dry cleaning apparatus of  claim 16  wherein said fabric materials are clothes, linens, sheets, blankets, rugs, carpets, draperies, coats and mixtures thereof.