US 12,410,544 B2
Tunnel washing machine
Christopher Mark Kulakowski, New Orleans, LA (US); and Russell H. Poy, New Orleans, LA (US)
Assigned to PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATION, Kenner, LA (US)
Filed by PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATION, Kenner, LA (US)
Filed on Jul. 20, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/869,283.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/223,729, filed on Jul. 20, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0032178 A1, Feb. 2, 2023
Int. Cl. D06F 31/00 (2006.01); D06F 37/02 (2006.01)
CPC D06F 31/005 (2013.01) [D06F 37/02 (2013.01)] 36 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A tunnel washer apparatus, comprising:
a) a plurality of modules that include an intake module, a discharge module, and one or more modules in between said intake module and said discharge module;
b) multiple of said modules having a cylinder with first and second cylinder ends;
c) a scoop that enables transfer of fabric articles to be washed from one said cylinder to another said cylinder;
d) a first plate connected to the scoop, said first plate having a concave edge portion and a convex edge portion, said first plate welded to the first cylinder end with a first weld that extends along said convex edge portion;
e) a second plate connected to the scoop, said second plate having first and second convex edge portions, said second plate welded to the second cylinder end with a second weld that extends along one of said second plate convex edge portions;
f) a first stress relieving gap positioned in between the first cylinder end and the first plate;
g) a second stress relieving gap positioned in between the second cylinder end and the second plate;
h) wherein said first plate is able to flex about said first weld at a first pivoting joint;
i) wherein said second plate is able to flex about said second weld at a second pivoting joint; and
j) wherein said gaps enable deflection of said scoop and said plates reflective to a said cylinder end.