Washing machine with double-walled condenser lid - which prevents escape of steam to atmosphere

摘要

A washing machine has a top, fluid-tight lid of hollow construction which functions as a condenser for steam and lather from the wash liquor. The outlet to atmos. on the upper side of the lid is diametrically opposite the steam inlet on the lower side of the lid, and a series of baffles provides a labyrinthine path between the two of considerable length. The outlet is restricted to a fraction of the size of the inlet by a flap valve which limits the steam throughflow, but opens to allow the rapid entrance of air into the vessel when the internal pressure falls. This construction provides constant pressure balance within the vessel whilst preventing the escape of large volumes of steam to atmosphere.