Automated Step for Industrial Washer

Abstract

An industrial washer/extractor with an automated step, components thereof, and applications thereof. The industrial washer/extractor can include at least one opening within which goods are loaded to be washed, and an automated step positioned underneath the at least one opening. The automated step can be structured, configured, or programmed to: automatically move from a first retracted position to a second extended position upon a first predetermined interval; and automatically move from the second extended position to the first retracted position upon a second predetermined interval.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 134,776, filed on Mar. 18, 2015 and entitled “Automated Step for Industrial Washer,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure is directed generally to industrial washers / extractors, and more particularly, to an automated step for an industrial washer / extractor that is configured to automatically deploy upon the occurrence of a predetermined interval.BACKGROUND[0003]Industrial washers / extractors are known. Industrial washers / extractors can include an open pocket washer / extractor, a top side loading washer / extractor, a tilting side loading washer / extractor, and an end loader washer extractor, as should be appreciated by those of skill in the art.[0004]The open pocket washers / extractors are a typical choice for the commercial laundry industry, processing larger batches of various goo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Using the various embodiments and implementations herein, the automated step can provide a safer and better ergonomic environment for the operators of industrial washer / extractors. Additionally, the automated step can replace any unstable manually operated separate steps, step ladders, or other separate step like devices.

Problems solved by technology

These systems are typically labor intensive and do not provide the best ergonomic environment for the operators.

TSLs can be loaded by hand or can be loaded using sling bags; however, the cylinder is not spun during the loading process taking the dangers associated with a spinning cylinder out of play.

These machines are typically loaded by hand and not from sling bags as the machine does not tilt nor provide an upward angled cylinder opening conducive to loading with a sling bag.

Like the open end washer / extractor, each of the other washer / extractors briefly described above face the same issues related to ergonomics and safety in manual and semi-automated wash alleys.

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