Thread Number: 33490
Through the Looking Glass...
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 503852   3/13/2011 at 14:49 (4,763 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture

hmmmmmm, now what in the world might we see through this little home made device in my hand?????





Post# 503853 , Reply# 1   3/13/2011 at 14:53 (4,763 days old) by perc-o-prince (Southboro, Mass)        

Magic mirror tell us today. Did all our friends have fun at play?

I dunno...I got nuttin!

Rich


Post# 503854 , Reply# 2   3/13/2011 at 14:54 (4,763 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
The inside of a working Maytag Neptune?

Post# 503855 , Reply# 3   3/13/2011 at 15:01 (4,763 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Was Gonna Say...

chestermikeuk's profile picture
The Super Souped Up Whirlpool Duet with added Rah Rah...!... BUT as you posted in PINK could it be the Seee Through "Watch it Pressure Dry" Bendix Economat...???

Post# 503856 , Reply# 4   3/13/2011 at 15:01 (4,763 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)        


joelippard's profile picture

Those holes in the gasket have some symbolism but I haven't the slightest.  I'm assuming it has something to do with a washer though Wink


Post# 503860 , Reply# 5   3/13/2011 at 15:12 (4,763 days old) by Volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)        
Oh Dear,

volvoguy87's profile picture
This ought to be good!
Dave


Post# 503862 , Reply# 6   3/13/2011 at 15:19 (4,763 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)        

pulsator's profile picture

My guess is the Bendix Economat!!!


Post# 503869 , Reply# 7   3/13/2011 at 17:13 (4,763 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        
ANOTHER FORBIDDEN TO BE SEEN CYCLE BROKEN!

unimatic1140's profile picture
You guys who said the Rubber Tub Bendix Economat are correct.  Some might remember this recent thread "Taking apart a Bendix Economat".  The machine is all done and washing again but there was one little issue, we've never been able to see the vacuum suction extract cycle.  You know how I like to break forbidden to see cycles after all, so I took the extra lid dome from the parts machine and cut out the bottom, I installed 1/4" Plexiglas.  To my surprise 1/4" Plexiglas works, but really isn't strong enough, it holds, but the pressure it starts to suck the glass down from the center so I had to put a pipe down the center of the agitator so the glass has some support during the suction.
 
Here is the home made viewer...


Post# 503870 , Reply# 8   3/13/2011 at 17:13 (4,763 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
Anyway here is the video, for those who have newish computers be sure to view the video in full screen. Its really cool! No off balance buzzers needed here, 1953 technology at its finest!



Post# 503872 , Reply# 9   3/13/2011 at 17:28 (4,763 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Amazing video! I love it how the water comes up from the towel and floats into the holes in the agitator! Thanks for sharing!

Post# 503875 , Reply# 10   3/13/2011 at 17:40 (4,763 days old) by Volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)        
Neat!

volvoguy87's profile picture
Can you film the wash portion as well? I'm curious to know how the wash action and turn over is, given the shape of the tub.

Dave


Post# 503880 , Reply# 11   3/13/2011 at 18:01 (4,763 days old) by chestermikeuk (Rainhill *Home of the RailwayTrials* Merseyside,UK)        
Bendixxi

chestermikeuk's profile picture
Nice one Robert....great to see it in action under the cover!!! I assume the clothes are still very wet?? I wonder how much more the Unimatic would get them dryer...

Does the rubber tub go back completely to its smooth sides after the extract and when the lid is opened or only when its next filled with water??

cheers, Mike


Post# 503882 , Reply# 12   3/13/2011 at 18:03 (4,763 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
It looks like an alien creature. What an interesting way to extract water. Thanks so much for taking the time to do all that, Robert. Only at AW!

Post# 503889 , Reply# 13   3/13/2011 at 18:20 (4,763 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
Yes, I, too am curious to know just how much water is extracted with this process. Very interesting! Thanks, Robert!

Post# 503893 , Reply# 14   3/13/2011 at 18:41 (4,763 days old) by joelippard (Hickory)        
Wow

joelippard's profile picture

Now that's quite a sight to see!  Thanks for the efforts to share it with everyone.


Post# 503894 , Reply# 15   3/13/2011 at 18:47 (4,763 days old) by washernoob ()        

HEY!

Robert and Fred, when you are in Omaha again, bring all those vacuums! LOL I have never seen pictures of the collection in its new place. They look all so nice and minty.


And dont forget that hoover 825 and Penncrest!


:)


Post# 503897 , Reply# 16   3/13/2011 at 18:55 (4,763 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
That's just wonderful to see - you can imagine it in your mind when you're staring at that blank, white lid, but this is fantastic.

Now weigh the load after extraction and then spin them in a Unimatic or GE at 1140, just for fun!

Another awesome discovery out of the cold Northland!


Post# 503909 , Reply# 17   3/13/2011 at 19:44 (4,763 days old) by washernoob ()        

Oh my! Finally got to get the video to load. Youtube seems to be sucking for me at the moment.


What a bizarre and fascinating machine. The tub is just killing me. Never seen anything like that.


Post# 503911 , Reply# 18   3/13/2011 at 19:53 (4,763 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

True 1950s sci-fi classic--"The Blob That Squeezed Minneapolis!!!"  coming to your local computer.  Knap squeezing excitement.  Bone crunching results!!  All victimes left hung out to dry!!


Post# 503918 , Reply# 19   3/13/2011 at 20:23 (4,763 days old) by A440 ()        

Very cool Robert!
For some reason I thought the pump would be louder than it is.  Seems like a very nice hum.
With this washer....would it extract more water a larger the load?
Thanks for the video!
Brent


Post# 503929 , Reply# 20   3/13/2011 at 21:07 (4,763 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Breathless

mickeyd's profile picture

It reminded me of a coiled boa constrictor squeezing its prey, and just as quietly.

 

Robert this is way over the top. Impressive that the suction is so great the it pulls the plexiglass down. You did a lot of work and made dreams come true for many people. Thank you. Please raise my donation fee to fifty dollars.

 

A long time ago, I told you about Mrs. Clark, my Aunts Mickey and Margaret's neighbor who never let anyone in her house which was pure torture for me as she told me the story of her washer from the alley window, a washer that squeezes the clothes. (I don't need to tell anyone here why this lady and I were talking about washers, or who brought it up.)

 

No, I said you mean wring, a washer can only wring or spin, not squeeze. "No, it squeezes them," she insisted. HOW HOW HOW, I pleaded. I understand now that she really didn't know.

 

"It just does, it squeeeeezes them." All these decades since I was 7 or 8 years old, I have waited to see the squeezing, and now you've done it . I am flabbergasted and in awe of finally seeing the BENDIX BOA.

 

A thousand thank you'sLaughing If there is anything I can ever do for you, please ask!


Post# 503936 , Reply# 21   3/13/2011 at 21:38 (4,763 days old) by perc-o-prince (Southboro, Mass)        

Ab-FAB!!

Your work paid off big time :-)
Enjoy!!!!

Rich


Post# 503938 , Reply# 22   3/13/2011 at 22:42 (4,763 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture

I assume the clothes are still very wet?? Does the rubber tub go back completely to its smooth sides after the extract and when the lid is opened or only when its next filled with water??
Actually Mike there are more wrung out than the little Bolt-Down Bendix, closer to a wringer washer, but probably not as good as the best wringers of the time.  But they are certainly not dripping wet either.  And the rubber bag really does only return to its normal shape when it fills with water or when you push it back into position.  Certainly an unusual machine to say the least.

For some reason I thought the pump would be louder than it is.  Seems like a very nice hum.  With this washer....would it extract more water a larger the load?
Actually Brent it's a very noisy pump, the video really didn't capture the noise level too well.  I don't think load size makes much of a difference in the squeezing ability.

Impressive that the suction is so great the it pulls the plexiglass down.
I know Mike, it was kinda scary, I wore goggles the whole time just in case.  I do want to put on thicker Plexiglas to make it safer.

 

As for a agitation cycle film, I'll get to that next week when I can.


Post# 503939 , Reply# 23   3/13/2011 at 22:49 (4,763 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Economat!

peteski50's profile picture
Thank you Robert!

Post# 503941 , Reply# 24   3/13/2011 at 23:44 (4,763 days old) by A440 ()        

Thanks for the answers. 

Brent


Post# 503945 , Reply# 25   3/14/2011 at 00:18 (4,763 days old) by westingman123 ()        

Wow.

Post# 503948 , Reply# 26   3/14/2011 at 00:33 (4,763 days old) by autowasherfreak ()        

WOW, that is really different.  Thanks for sharing.  I would love to have a window on my KitchenAid Custom 21, but then I wouldn't get any other work done.

 

 

 

PS:  Love the vacuums!!!!!!

 


Post# 503950 , Reply# 27   3/14/2011 at 01:16 (4,763 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
Butt cheek extraction at it's best!

Post# 503956 , Reply# 28   3/14/2011 at 02:19 (4,763 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)        

aldspinboy's profile picture
Robert Thank you... for that wounderful contraption of a machine, that must be a powertful vacuum system to squeeze water out of fabric even if it does not extract to perfection.

Fred your vacuums are the best!!! makes ones mind boggle.






Darren k.


Post# 503959 , Reply# 29   3/14/2011 at 03:26 (4,763 days old) by frontaloadotmy (the cool gay realm)        
Cool, Robert

Do you know the specific purpose of  the U shaped rear of center port like slot gizmo?

My Aunt had one of these . I must have been about six at the time she was using it. I remember it being slightly relaxed after

the extraction. Completely oblivious to the hefty lid, but you know I was fiending at its difference!!!


Post# 503964 , Reply# 30   3/14/2011 at 06:23 (4,763 days old) by kenmore700bill (Lodi NJ)        

kenmore700bill's profile picture
Thanks, Great Video..

Post# 503969 , Reply# 31   3/14/2011 at 06:58 (4,763 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
F A N T A S T I C ! ! !

Post# 503970 , Reply# 32   3/14/2011 at 07:15 (4,762 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Oh the Horror!

mrb627's profile picture

It looks like a scene from a horror movie.  I expected the glass to crack and a caramel blob to attack the cameraman.

 

LOL

 

Malcolm


Post# 503974 , Reply# 33   3/14/2011 at 08:04 (4,762 days old) by steve1-18 (Grovetown (Augusta), GA)        

How exciting! Super job! Thanks Robert!

Post# 503988 , Reply# 34   3/14/2011 at 09:42 (4,762 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        
Mr. Seger

toploader55's profile picture

King of the Forbidden Cycles.

Thank you Robert. Great Vid. I wonder who thought up that concept of "Squeezing" Clothes ?


Post# 503991 , Reply# 35   3/14/2011 at 10:18 (4,762 days old) by swestoyz (Cedar Falls, IA)        

swestoyz's profile picture
Ok, that was cool. Thanks for sharing Robert!

Ben


Post# 504005 , Reply# 36   3/14/2011 at 11:54 (4,762 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        
Neat!!

turquoisedude's profile picture
Geez, Robert, that was amazing! I had always wondered how one these flexible-tub machines performed. Thank you so much for sharing this!!

Post# 504013 , Reply# 37   3/14/2011 at 12:26 (4,762 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Just makin' sure I didn't dream this. Daylight time

mickeyd's profile picture

I didn't ~ YAY .

 

If I may, EDDIE, did you ever wash by hand? Squeezing is exactly what you do to big things, before twisting them. Gram and me before she got her Pulsamatic-- we did it many Mondays when I was a pre-schooler. Warmest fondest memories. Thanks. She sent most stuff out to a laundry, and would give a very rare correction when I deliberately splashed water on the floor. Always the need for water drama. I adored her.

 

Cool how the finished load, instead of being pressed against tub ribs, is the complete inverse, pressed against agitator vanes. A true "One and Only."

 

EDIT: DOI...off on a tangent, ME not Eddie---So you hold the piece between your hands and slowly press them together, just like the tub does. Someone made the paradigm-shifting leap from watching what hands do, to a washtub doing the same thing, and that, of course, is pure genius, and the engineering behind it, brilliant. We should find out who thought of this, locate a photo and make a fun Aworg icon to remember him.




This post was last edited 03/14/2011 at 15:42
Post# 504030 , Reply# 38   3/14/2011 at 13:21 (4,762 days old) by StrongEnough78 (California)        

strongenough78's profile picture
Hey that's pretty cool Robert! Some of us were wondering when you were gonna come up with that lol. By the way, I love your shirt!

Post# 504036 , Reply# 39   3/14/2011 at 13:41 (4,762 days old) by tlee618 ()        

  "

hmmmmmm, now what in the world might we see through this little home made device in my hand?????"

All good things I am sure Robert!!   That really is a fascinating machine.  Didn't you have one of these at the very first wash in in 2001?  


Post# 504038 , Reply# 40   3/14/2011 at 14:13 (4,762 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        
Mike...

toploader55's profile picture
I have washed by hand.

What I meant was who was the engineer that put together this concept into a mechanical marval.


Post# 504040 , Reply# 41   3/14/2011 at 14:14 (4,762 days old) by dj-gabriele ()        
THAT WAS FANTASTIC!!!

That's an impressive job you've done! I guess not even the original designers looked at the machine the way you did!

Post# 504042 , Reply# 42   3/14/2011 at 14:21 (4,762 days old) by wireman (Lansing, MI)        

wireman's profile picture
VERY cool! Thanks for posting this!
Duane


Post# 504047 , Reply# 43   3/14/2011 at 14:52 (4,762 days old) by WESTIE2 ()        

I remember this washer well as this was the first for one of my grandmothers. Shes was a semi automatic that you had to fill with a hose froher kitchen sink. She would do 2 or 3 loads of clothes washing then would let it squeeze out the water and she would fill it with cold water and let it rinse and drain the loads. Like above she had done her laumndry in a washtub and had to hand wring the clothes so this was a great jump forward for her. The CR report is in the Library in 1949 for the Economat washer. The tub squeezing left 112% of the dry weight which was good at that point in time. I was not recommended due top the water fill valve catching.

Post# 504048 , Reply# 44   3/14/2011 at 14:52 (4,762 days old) by Easyspindry (Winston-Salem, NC)        
Robert, you are phenominal!!!!!

I have waited 60 years to see the Economat extraction. I am old enough to have used the Economat in the early 1950's, and it was always an interesting machine.

Thank you for sharing that wonderful video. I simply couldn't get over it.

Jerry Gay


Post# 504077 , Reply# 45   3/14/2011 at 16:45 (4,762 days old) by mayfan69 (Brisbane Queensland Australia)        
Amazing!

mayfan69's profile picture
That's one amazing machine Robert

And to be able to watch it like that is sheer bliss!

Cheers
Leon


Post# 504086 , Reply# 46   3/14/2011 at 17:05 (4,762 days old) by richardc1983 (Leeds, UK)        

richardc1983's profile picture
Never mind the homemade device!!! I am looking at the lovely man in the picture haha :)

HAHA


Post# 504088 , Reply# 47   3/14/2011 at 17:13 (4,762 days old) by best-cleaning ()        
Very cool!

We had this washer here in Brazil. I never could imagine I see the vacuum in action. Thank you very much for posting this!

Post# 504170 , Reply# 48   3/14/2011 at 21:21 (4,762 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture

Do you know the specific purpose of  the U shaped rear of center port like slot gizmo?

Darrel that is the pressure relief value under there, it allows air pressure to escape during the rinse fills so the tub can expand.

 

What I meant was who was the engineer that put together this concept into a mechanical marvel.

Squeezing clothes was not a new idea when Bendix produced it, fifteen years earlier there was a twin tub washer made by a company called "National Watermatic".  Here is the way the May 1937 issue of consumer reports described it...
"The Watermatic also has a dryer which differs from the usual spinner or wringer. The wet clothes are placed in a compartment lined with a rubber sack. The lid is then clamped down and water from the facuet is admitted between the sack and the outside wall of the compartment, compressing the sack and squeezing the water out of the clothes. The dryer is very effective provided the water pressure from the facuet is 50 lbs per square inch or more".

 

Didn't you have one of these at the very first wash in in 2001?    

Yup actually its the same machine Terry as we all used in 2001.  Scott, Gary and I found it at the estate sales not long before the convention.  I found a couple of pictures of rubber tub fun from that convention...


Post# 504171 , Reply# 49   3/14/2011 at 21:21 (4,762 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture

And here's another one... :-D


Post# 504248 , Reply# 50   3/15/2011 at 11:36 (4,761 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
The wet clothes are placed in a compartment lined with a rub

mickeyd's profile picture

"The gift that keeps on giving"--Automatic Washer

 

Thank you, Robert


Post# 504279 , Reply# 51   3/15/2011 at 13:25 (4,761 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture

I found a bit more information on the National Watermatic Machine, this is from the Feburary 1937 Consumers Digest Magazine.  I thought I'd post it in here because it is interesting and good to have in the archives...

 

"The mechanical operation of the National Watermatic differs from the conventional type in that the agitator runs continually in one direction instead of back and forth. This action, together with that of the baffles, causes considerable agitation of the water in the tub, whirling it up around the outside of the tub and down at the center of the tub, somewhat in whirlpool fashion. The dryer of this machine consists of a deep pot or container, lined inside with a heavy rubber sack fastened at the top by means of a substantial clamp ring. A heavy cast aluminum lid with bayonet catches closes the dryer after the wet clothes have been put in place, and is locked by slightly rotating the lid. Water from the mains is then turned into the container under the sack, pushing the sack and its load of wet clothes up against the lid. The pressure of the water applied, often 50 pounds per square inch or more, squeezes the water out of the clothes, water running out from under the edge of the lid onto the drain board, where it can be directed back into the machine or into laundry tubs, as desired. This type of dryer is mechanically well designed, quiet and effective, and requires little or no care in placing wet clothes in the dryer. But it does require, for satisfactory operation, a water pressure of at least 30 pounds per square inch, and it is to be noted that one should satisfy oneself in advance that such pressure is in fact available in one's household at all times of day when the washing machine may be required, since there are often large variations in water pressure from city pump reservoir systems, depending upon the amount of water which is being drawn from the mains.

No tests were made to determine maximum safe working pressure, but consultant's opinion is that the machine will be safe for pressures up to 100 pounds per square inch. If at any time, e.g., during a fire or otherwise, water pressure in your district exceeds, or may exceed, 75 pounds per square inch, have machine or your piping equipped with special pressure-limiting valve.

The National required tightening of the driving belt twice during the test otherwise it had no mechanical difficulty in completing this test. One interesting finding from this test was that the small washing machines were somewhat costlier to operate than the larger machines, considering the amount of washing handled, and were, furthermore, much less effective in washing ability. They did, however, give appreciably less wear on clothes ; it is to be noted that diminishing wear often, though not always, corresponds to decreased washing ability. Thus it is evident that the use of the small machines should be confined to the washing of delicate, slightly soiled garments, or other extra washing insufficient in quantity to warrant the use of the regular-size machines. The National Watermatic machine used an amount of water approximately 50 per cent greater than required on the average for the other two large machines tested ; a part of the additional water is accounted for by that required in the method of drying used, already described above. Differences in water consumption are, of course, to be taken into consideration by consumers living in regions where water is scarce or expensive. Where water is plentiful or cheap or charged for only at a flat rate, the water consumption will be a matter of minor significance. The total cost of operation given in the first two of the following listings is for a wash of twenty pounds, estimated to be the average family weekly wash, and includes the cost of electricity for operating the motor for a maximum washing period of thirty minutes per load at five cents per kilowatt hour, and the cost of heating the water to 140°F by gas of 540 British thermal units at $1.15 per thousand cubic feet (assuming one tub of water for two loads of clothes). On the other machines or on any machine, the high school or college teacher of physics or engineering in your community, or one of his students, can readily calculate these costs for you at different prices of electricity and gas and for gas of other British thermal units value than the 540 named ( which is typical for manufactured gas). When coal is used, the cost of the hot water will fall to one-half or less of the cost with gas. It will be noted that the major cost for operation is for the hot water supply. The cost of electricity is given in two instances so that the reader may more easily estimate that part of his own operating cost which is due to the cost of fuel consumed in providing the hot water. Nine washing machines were tested.

Recommended National Watermatic, Model 100 (National Metal Products Co., Waterloo, Iowa) $99.50. One of two ranking about equal for second place in washing effectiveness. The second easiest on clothes of the 5 large machines tested. Capacity, 5.7 lb of dry clothes, 16.5 gal of water. In addition, the dryer used 3 gal of cold water from the mains to damp-dry one load of clothes. The dryer was found to be one of the most effective and the most convenient of all those tested; as it operated quietly and without vibration, many will prefer it to the spinner type. The machine ranked high in quality of construction and ease of operation. It is equipped with automatic timing device (somewhat inaccurate) which can be set for any length of washing period up to 15 min. Drainage of water from the machine is effectuated by means of an aspirator if it is required to deliver water to sink, otherwise drainage is through a hose onto the floor ; the drain hole, however, is located under the agitator (which is not removable) and becomes filled with lint which was difficult to extricate unless machine was kept running during drainage operation. For a 20-lb wash, cost of electricity 2.2c, total cost 10.3c."


Post# 504304 , Reply# 52   3/15/2011 at 15:50 (4,761 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
How cool that these were maufactured right in Ben's back

mickeyd's profile picture

Too bad time machines aren't ready yet, so he could go grab us one.

 

Robert, I'm on my third reading of this sacred text during afternoon tea. What a wonderful surprise. This is fabulous. Almost every sentence sends the mind reeling into washer meditation. Wouldn't it be something to see the cyclonic whirlpool agitation! And the Aspirator--gotta have one.

 

With our luck, one of these will show up some day.

 

Thank you so very much for such inspiring generosity. Imagine how many hearts you have lifted up today.

 

With giant water pressure hugs,

 

Mike



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy