Heated cylinder ironer utilizing a flexible ironing bed

A heated revolving ironer and dryer comprising:

• a revolving cylinder the outer surface of which provides a heated ironing surface;
• a pair of power cylinders;
• at least one flexible piece of heat resistant material surrounding a portion of the revolving cylinder forming the flexible ironing bed;
• said flexible ironing bed reaching across the ironing surface of the revolving cylinder;
• said flexible ironing bed having means to be anchored along the length of the revolving cylinder near the bottom of the revolving cylinder in the direction away from the direction of rotation of the revolving cylinder;
• said flexible ironing bed having means along its upper edge to be affixed along the length of the revolving cylinder to the piston arms of said two power cylinders;
• said power cylinders affixed adjacent to the opposite ends of the rotating cylinder substantially above the anchored lower edge of the flexible ironing bed such that the flexible ironing bed is drawn taut against the cylinder's ironing surface;
• and
• said power cylinders capable of moving said pistons either toward or away from the direction of rotation of the revolving cylinder such that when in position away from the direction of rotation of the revolving cylinder, the flexible ironing bed is drawn taut against the ironing surface of the revolving cylinder thus performing the ironing function as the laundry work pieces are fed between the flexible ironing bed and the rotating cylinder, and when the movable piston is in the position toward the direction of rotation of the rotating cylinder, the flexible ironing bed gently brushes against the ironing surface thus conserving wear and energy when no laundry work pieces are fed into the ironer.