AU7932701A - Parts washer - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT *9 9 .9 9** Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: Lindsay Peter Robinson Lindsay Peter Robinson WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR 9 999*9 Invention Title: Parts Washer Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): PR0678 and PR3742 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- "Parts Washer" Field Of The Invention: This invention relates to parts washers Background Art: Industrial parts washers are used in industry for the purposes of cleaning machine parts, engine parts and the like prior to servicing of those parts. One of the principal requirements of such parts washers is that they provide a safe working environment for the operator. Washers in the past have comprised a washing chamber which accommodates a support which is generally in the form of a basket which is caused to rotate during the wash cycle. The chamber is provided with a closure which controls access to the interior of the washer. In most cases machine parts engine parts and the like which are required to be cleaned can be relatively massive (eg up to 600kg).

A difficulty with prior art washers has related to the loading of parts into the 15 washer and the removal of the parts from the washer can present a significant ergonomic hazard to workers due to difficulty in accessing the interior of the apparatus during the location of parts in the washer and the removal of parts from the washer. One such difficulty can comprise the difficulty in accessing the interior of the chamber from above the washer due the presence of the closure, even when in the open position which creates problems with the overhead loading of the washer. A further difficulty can relate to the presence of components, such as spray bars, which can limit access into the interior of the basket. A further difficulty can comprise the position of the basket relative to the entry into the chamber and the height of the basket which can cause an operator to be placed in a potentially hazardous position when loading or unloading the washer.

In addition in many cases the rotation of the wash basket is not adequately controlled and excessive rotational speeds can be attained during a wash cycle which can present a significant hazard when the basket is accommodating massive loads. In cases where some control is provided in relation to rotational speed the operator is not able to determine the actual speed of rotation during a wash cycle to determine whether it is adequate or appropriate to the particular properties of the load.

In addition in many cases access to the interior of the washer is not adequately controlled enabling access to the interior of the washer before it has been fully activated in regard to the delivery of washing solution into the interior of the washer and/or rotation of the basket supporting the parts. Therefore it is appropriate to ensure that on access being available to the interior of the parts washer that the safety of the operator is enhanced.

It is an object of the invention to at least partially overcome at least some of the difficulties of prior art devices referred to above Disclosure Of The Invention: *oee Accordingly the invention resides in a parts washer comprising a chamber having an open top, the chamber accommodating a perforate receptacle having an open top which is supported in the chamber to rotate about a substantially upright axis, closure supported from the chamber to be moveable from a closed position overlying the open top of the chamber to an open position, a spray means for spraying a washing solution onto the receptacle, a pump for delivering the washing solution from the interior of the chamber to the spray means, a drive means for causing rotation of the receptacle, control means for causing the activation of the pump and the drive means when the closure is in the closed position and to prevent activation of the pump and the drive means when the 25 closure is in the open position, said control means further preventing movement of the closure from a closed position to the open position until such time as the pump and drive means has been deactivated and the receptacle is substantially stationary.

S -4- According to a preferred feature of the invention the spray means includes at least one arm extending across the chamber and having a plurality of outlet nozzles located at spaced intervals along the arm. According to a preferred feature of the invention one arm extends radially across the chamber below the receptacle. According to a further preferred feature of the invention the spray means further comprises an upstanding arm provided to one side of the chamber and provided with a plurality of vertically spaced radially inwardly directed spray nozzles and an upper spray boom supported from the closure and having a plurality of downwardly directed spray nozzles thereon. According to a preferred feature of the invention the upper spray boom comprises at least one radial portion.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the drive means comprises a first outlet from which a first pressurised stream of the washing solution is directed onto a plurality of radial blade elements to cause rotation of the receptacle. According to a preferred feature of the invention the first outlet is provided in the one arm and comprises at least one nozzle directed to create a fluid stream incident on the radial blades. According to a preferred feature of the invention the blade elements are fixed at angularly spaced locations around the receptacle.

According to a further preferred feature of the invention the drive means is associated with a speed control means which can be activated to accelerate, decelerate and/or stop the rotation of the receptacle said speed control means being controlled from the control means. According to one embodiment the speed control means comprises a second outlet from which a second S* 25 pressurised stream of washing solution can be directed onto the blade elements in substantially the opposite direction to the first pressurised stream to induce a substantially opposite reaction to that induced by the first pressurised stream to decelerate and/or stop the rotation of the receptacle. According to a preferred feature of the embodiment the speed control means further includes third outlet from which a third pressurised stream of washing solution can be directed onto the blade elements in substantially the same direction to the first pressurised "I 4p; stream to induce a substantially complementary reaction to that induced by the first pressurised stream to accelerate the rotation of the receptacle.

According to preferred feature of the invention the drive means comprises a fourth outlet from which a fourth pressurised stream of the washing solution is directed onto a plurality of radial blade elements to cause rotation of the receptacle in the same direction as the first pressurised stream, said fourth outlet being controlled from the control means on initiating of a wash cycle prior to the activation of the first outlet to initiate rotation of the receptacle. According to one embodiment the control means is adapted to deactivate the fourth fluid outlet on the rotational speed of the receptacle approaching a desired speed and activating the first fluid outlets.

preferred feature of the invention According to a further preferred feature of the embodiment the control means is associated with a sensor adapted to sense the speed of rotation of the 15 receptacle, said control means adapted to maintain the speed of rotation of the receptacle within a predetermined range by controlled activation of the drive means. According to one embodiment the speed of rotation of the receptacle is maintained within said range by controlled activation of the braking means.

According to a further preferred feature of the embodiment the control means is S 20 associated with a multi-position switch capable of setting a plurality of rotation speed ranges for said receptacle According to a preferred feature of the invention the closure when in the open position lies in a position which provides access to the receptacle from a position located higher than the closure.

25 According to a further preferred feature of the invention the open top of the receptacle is located higher than the open top of the chamber.

According to one embodiment the open top of the receptacle is at an ergonomically desirable height.

.i I P -6- According to a preferred feature of the invention the control means is associated with a sensor adapted to sense the presence of an obstruction around at least a portion of the open top to prevent the movement of the closure to the closed position on an obstruction being sensed. According to one embodiment the sensor comprises at least one pressure sensor provided along the front and side edges of the open top.

According to a further preferred feature of the invention the movement of the closure from the open position to the closed position is controlled by a closing member controlled through the control means whereby on the force being required to move the closure from the open position to the closed position varying from a predetermined magnitude the closing means will be activated to return the closure to the open position. According one embodiment the control means controls the closing means such that on the closure achieving the fully closed position a clamping force is applied by the closing means to clampingly retain the closure in the closed position.

According to a further preferred feature of the invention the receptacle is formed :as a basket.

According to a further preferred feature of the invention the chamber has a pump outlet provided at the lower portion of the chamber.

20 According to a further preferred feature of the invention the chamber has a first drainage outlet controlled by a first valve. According to a further preferred feature of the invention the chamber has a second drainage outlet controlled by a second valve, the inlet for the second control being located higher the inlet to the first drainage outlet. According to one embodiment the inlet to the second 25 control valve is located in the region of the upper liquid level of the chamber and S"the inlet to the first control valve is located in the region of the lower liquid level of the chamber.

-7- According to a preferred feature of the invention the control means controls the delivery of washing solution to the spray means such that such delivery is only effected when the closure is in the closed position.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the control means controls the drive means such that such rotation of the receptacle is only effected when the closure is in the closed position.

According to a preferred feature of the invention the chamber is provided with a heating means adapted to heat the washing solution. According to one embodiment the control means is adapted to enable the heating element to be deactivated for a period of time.

The invention will be more fully understood in the light of the following description of several specific embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings: The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: 15 Figure 1 is a front elevation of a parts washer according to the first embodiment showing the closure in the closed position; Figure 2 is a front elevation of a parts washer according to the first embodiment showing the closure in the open position; Figure 3 is an inverted plan view of the closure according to the first 20 embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the chamber and the basket therein according to the first embodiment; Figure 5 is a sectional view along line A-A of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a sectional elevation along line B-B of Figure 4; and Figure 7 is a part sectional schematic elevation of the junction between the closure and the open top of the chamber according to the first embodiment; and Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the chamber and the basket therein according to the second embodiment.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments The first embodiment as shown in figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings comprises a parts washer which is utilised in the cleaning of machine parts, engine parts and the like where the parts must be cleaned and degreased prior to being serviced, machined or the like.

The parts washer according to the first embodiment comprises an open topped housing 11 which is of a generally cubic form and which is provided with a substantially cubic closure 13 which is hingedly supported from one side of the housing 11 to be moveable between. a closed position as shown at Figure 1 and an open position as shown at Figure 2. The movement of the closure 13 S0 15 between the open and closed position is effected through a pair of fluid operated cylinders 15 which are controlled through a control circuit provided in a control box 17 supported from one side of the housing 11. The housing 11 defines a ***washing chamber 19. When in the open position the closure occupies a position at which it lies vertically clear of a significant portion of the open face of the chamber 19 such that the interior of the basket can be accessed from above the closure. This enables large components which are required to be lifted by the S* use of a crane or like lifting means are able to be able to be raised and lowered into the basket without interference from the closure 13 when the closure is in the open position.

S 25 In addition the open top of the chamber is provided with a pressure sensor along the front and side edges. The pressure sensor is connected to the control means and is intended to provide an over-ride signal to the control means whilst the closure is closing from the open position on the pressure sensor sensing the presence of an object overlying the front and side edges. This will arise when the control means is activated to initiate a washing cycle or by the operator activating the control means to close the washer. As shown at Figure 7 the edge of the open top of the chamber 19 is formed as an upwardly directed channel 61 and the lower edge 63 of the closure 13 is received in the channel when the closure is in the closed position. The upper edge 65 of the outer flange of the channel is formed as an outwardly extending lip which supports a pressure sensitive strip 67 along its length. The strip is such that on it being compressed a sensing means can be activated. Because the strip extends along the front and side edges of the opening and it is located above the lowermost position of the edge 63 of the closure when the closure is in the closed position, the strip will be sensitive to the presence of an object across the path of the edge 63 of the closure as the closure approaches the closed position and well before the edge 63 has moved to its final closed position. The pressure sensor serves to prevent the movement of the closure towards the closed position on the pressure sensor being activated. In addition in the event that the control means is activated to close the closure and the pressure sensor is activated the control means will cause, the wash cycle to be terminated, the closure to move back to the open position and an alarm (which can be audio and/or visual) to be activated.

20 As stated previously and as shown at Figures 5 and 6, the housing 11 provides a chamber 19 which has its side wall spaced inwardly from the sides of the housing to provide an air gap between the interior of the sides of the housing and the exterior of the sides of the chamber where the air gap is closed at its upper end. The presence of the air gap serves to provide an insulating barrier which 25 serves to reduce heat loss from the chamber. The lower portion of the chamber S•19 is provided with a sump 21 and a removable floor 23 is provided to separate the chamber 19 from the sump 21. At one side the floor is provided with a screen 23 which permits fluid flow from the chamber 19 into the sump. The mesh screen 23 is provided with a plurality of magnetic elements 25 which will extract any ferrous particles from the liquid flowing into the sump. In addition the discharge from the sump 21 to a pump (not shown), which is associated with a spray means, is effected through a pump outlet 27 located to the opposite side of the sump from the mesh screen 23. The sump is also provided with a recessed well 29 in its lower floor in order to promote the settling of solids from the liquid flowing through the sump from the mesh screen 23 to the pump outlet 27. The pump outlet 27 has a screened inlet located in the sump above the level of the well 29 and is connected to the inlet of the pump (not shown) which is connected to the spray means provided within the chamber 19.

The chamber 19 accommodates the spray means which comprises a lower portion in the base of the chamber. The lower portion (as shown at Figure 4) comprises a first lower radial arm 33 which is of an L-shaped configuration and which has a first portion which extends radially across the floor of the chamber 19 from one corner of the chamber 19 to a position proximate at the drive shaft of the receptacle and a second portion perpendicular to the first portion which extends radially across the floor of the chamber from the position proximate at the drive shaft of the receptacle to the adjacent corner of the chamber. The lower radial arm is provided with a plurality of upwardly directed nozzles which can be arranged on the lower arm according to any desired orientation to achieve a desired spray pattern. According to one example two rows of nozzles are located in parallel relationship along the arm where the central axes of the nozzles of each row are offset 30 degrees from the vertical where the nozzles of 20 each set are in opposed relation to each other.

The spray means further comprises an upstanding arm 35 which is located in the °°l.ll one corner of the chamber and extends for substantially the full height of the space defined between the housing 11 and the closure 19 when the closure is in the closed position. The upstanding arm 35 is provided with a plurality of 25 laterally directed spray nozzles 36 which are directed substantially radially inwardly and at a number of differing angular orientations to effect the desired spray pattern.

9 The spray means further comprises a substantially T-shaped boom 37 supported from the interior of the upper wall of the closure 19 and which is provided with a plurality of downwardly directed spray nozzles located at a plurality of angular orientations to achieve the desired spray pattern. According to one example two -11 rows of nozzles are located in parallel relationship along the arm where the central axes of the nozzles of each row are offset 30 degrees from the vertical where the nozzles of each set are in opposed relation to each other. The upper end of the upstanding arm 35 is connected to the upper boom 37 through a flexible coupling 39.

As stated previously the spray means is connected to the pump outlet 27 of the sump through the aforementioned pump and a control valve which is controlled by the control means to provide a pressurised flow of washing solution to the spray means when the control valve is opened.

The chamber accommodates a cylindrical open topped basket 31 which is supported within the chamber by an upstanding drive shaft which extends upwardly from the base of the sump and which is rotatably supported from the housing through a suitable support such that the basket is rotatable about its central axis within the chamber. In its rotation the receptacle will move through the spray pattern created by the spray means.

The rotation of the basket is effected through a drive which comprises a plurality of sets of spray nozzles which are separate from the nozzles of the spray means and which deliver pressurised washing fluid into the chamber to interact with the basket to cause its rotation when the pump is activated. The drive comprises pair of first outlets 54 which are located in the first portion of the arm lower radial arm 33 at a position to one side of the drive shaft. The first outlets are directed obliquely and tangentially to the direction of rotation of the basket and produce a first pressurised stream of washing solution. According to one example of the embodiment the first outlets are offset at 45 degrees to the vertical. In addition the base of the basket incorporates a support frame 51 formed of a flat section the major faces of which are substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the basket. In addition the frame includes a plurality of substantially outer radial arms 53 spaced at angularly equidistant intervals around the base of the basket.

The first outlets are positioned to direct the first pressurised stream of fluid at the rotation path of the radial arms 53 to cause the rotation of the basket. Such -12rotation will commence when the pump is activated to deliver the washing solution to the spray arm.

In addition the rotation of the basket is controlled through speed control means which comprises a second outlet 47 and a third outlet 49. The second and third outlets are in opposed relation to each other and are each directed in a direction which is substantially tangential to the axis of rotation of the basket and such that their pressurised streams are directed into the rotation path of the radial arms.

The incidence of one or the other of the second or third pressurised streams onto the radial arms results in the application of rotational force on the basket in the corresponding direction. The second outlet 47 comprises provides a second pressurised stream which supplements the rotational forces induced on the receptacle by the first outlet and thus provides a accelerating force on the rotating basket. The third outlet 49 comprises provides a third pressurised stream which counteracts the rotational forces induced on the receptacle by the first outlet and thus provides a braking force on the rotating basket. The speed control means is controlled through a control means in the form of a processor •which is in turn controlled from a multi-position switch provided on the control box :17. The control means controls a suitable valve between the pump and the second and third outlet whereby the rotational speed of the basket is controlled in accordance with the setting of the multi-position switch. According to one example of the embodiment the rotational speed of the receptacle can be varied from 4 to 22 RPM.

The first outlet 54 comprises the primary drive means whereby the delivery of the first fluid stream from the first outlet rotates the receptacle while the speed 25 control means operates independently of the first outlet through the second and third outlets and is activated selectively to control the speed of rotation of the basket within the parameters set by the multi-position switch. The control means is also associated with a visual indicator which is able to provide a signal to the operator indicative of the speed of rotation of the basket.

The valve for the third outlet 49 is also controlled through a stop switch which when activated will result in the activation of the second outlet in order to stop the ,1 -13basket from rotating and the control means operates the valve for the second outlet is such that when the basket ceases rotating the second pressurised stream is deactivated.

The control means further prevents any activation of the pump and/or the first or second valves connected to the pair of outlets 47 and 49 to cause rotation of the basket 19 when the closure is in the open position. The control means is also associated with one or more sensors which are able to determine whether the basket is stationary or is rotating whereby the control means controls the activation of the fluid operated cylinders to ensure that the closure cannot be moved from the closed position to the open position until the receptacle 19 is stationary. Once the receptacle is stationary the closure can be opened.

In addition to the control for the second and third outlets the control means controls the activation of the pump and/or the control valve for the spray means to prevent delivery of the washing solution to the spray means or the first outlet at any time when the closure is in the open position and will deactivate the pump and close the appropriate valves prior to the closure being able to be moved to the open position. Furthermore the movement of the closure from the closed to the open position is only able to be effected a predetermined time subsequent to the activation of the pump to ensure that all pressurised fluid contained in the spray means has been fully discharged. In addition on the closure of the closure the control means will only activate the pump, the first and second valves for the "..outlet nozzles 47 and 49 and the spray means a predetermined period after the closure has been fully closed.

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.The control means controls the washing programme of the parts washer of the embodiment through a control switch 45 which provides a number of differing combinations and permutations of washing cycles which can be of differing duration. Furthermore the control means provides that in the event that a washing programme is interrupted the initially selected wash programme will be permitted to complete once the machine is reactivated. As a result additional components can be placed into the basket after a wash cycle has been initiated -14and as a result the items which were initially placed into the basket will be subjected to the wash cycle originally selected for those components.

The sump is provided with a pair of drainage outlets 41 and 43 which are controlled by suitable valve means. The first drainage outlet 41 is located at the lowermost portion of the sump to allow for complete discharge of the liquid contents of the sump and the second drainage outlet 43 is located at the upper portion of the sump and enables decantation of lighter fractions oils and greases and the like) from the liquid contained in the sump.

In addition the chamber is provided with a heating element (not shown) which is accommodated in the sump and which is thermostatically controlled to maintain the temperature of the washing solution at a desired temperature. The heater element is sheathed to protect the element from the corrosive influences of the washing solution. The control means is provided with a timer controlled heater switch which enables the heating element to be able to be activated for a predetermined period in a day.. As a result the heater element can be activated at a predetermined time prior to an anticipated start time for the parts washer and be deactivated at a time at, or shortly prior to an anticipated shut down time for the parts washer. As a result if the parts washer is being used in a workshop which operates between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pmr the switch can be set 20 to activate the heater at 7.30am in order that the washing solution has been heated to the desired temperature and the parts washer is ready to be used at 8.00am. In addition the switch can be set to deactivate the heater at 4.30pmr to allow for the residual heat to be used at the end of the day.

In addition the chamber is provided with means which are able to monitor the properties of the washing solution such as its pH and specific gravity, the level of *sediment in the sump and/or well 29 and like properties which are indicative of the washing quality of the washing solution and the state of the chamber.

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated at Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings and differs from the first embodiment in relation to the drive for the receptacle. In describing the second embodiment in relation to the Figure 8 the same reference numerals have been used in regard to corresponding components of the first embodiment. The drive of second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment but also includes a fourth fluid outlet 55 which is mounted to the floor of the chamber. The fourth outlet 55 is directed tangentially in the direction of the base of the basket such that the fluid stream from the fourth outlet is incident upon the radial arms 53 of the frame of the basket to cause the rotation of the basket. In use when the washing cycle is initiated the fourth outlet 55 is activated first to initiate the rotation of the basket. On the basket approaching its desired speed the fourth outlet is deactivated and the washing fluid is redirected to the spray arm 33 to cause fluid to issue from the spray nozzles and the first outlets 54 which will maintain the rotation of the basket in association with the speed control means.

The second embodiment can have application in larger machines which can accommodate more massive loads and provides a means of overcoming the initial inertial forces in initiating rotation of the basket and causing it to rotate at the desired speed before the washing action commences.

According to a third embodiment of the invention the control of the fluid operated cylinders 15 of the first embodiment is provided with a further feature whereby the magnitude of the force which is required to move the closure from the open S: 20 position to the closed position is monitored whereby on the force which is supplied to or by the fluid operated cylinders varying from a predetermined level during movement of the closure to the closed position, the control means will *.*activate the fluid operated cylinders to return the closure to the open position.

The purpose of this feature is to prevent the closure being moved to the closed 25 position on encountering an obstruction which may comprise a machine part incorrectly located within the receptacle 19 or alternatively a portion of the operators body the fingers). Once the closure is in the fully closed position the fluid operated cylinders 15 are then activated by the control means to provide a clamping force between the closure 13 and the housing 11 to sealingly close the chamber 19.

-16- Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention need not be limited to the particular scope of the embodiment described above.

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Claims (25)

1. A parts washer comprising a chamber having an open top, the chamber accommodating a perforate receptacle having an open top which is supported in the chamber to rotate about a substantially upright axis, a closure supported from the chamber to be moveable from a closed position overlying the open top of the chamber to an open position, a spray means for spraying a washing solution onto the receptacle, a pump for delivering the washing solution from the interior of the chamber to the spray means, a drive means for causing rotation of the receptacle, control means for causing the activation of the pump and the drive means when the closure is in the closed position and to prevent activation of the pump and the drive means when the closure is in the open position, said control means further preventing movement of the closure from a closed position to the open position until such time as the pump and drive means has been deactivated and the receptacle is substantially stationary. .l 0 l•

2. A parts washer as claimed at claim 1 wherein the spray means includes at Si S least one arm extending across the chamber and having a plurality of 6* .0S@ outlet nozzles located at spaced intervals along the arm. S 20 3. A parts washer as claimed at claim 2 wherein one arm extends radially across the chamber below the receptacle. A parts washer as claimed at claim 2 or 3 wherein the spray means further comprises an upstanding arm provided to one side of the chamber and provided with a plurality of vertically spaced radially inwardly directed spray nozzles and an upper spray boom supported from the closure and having a plurality of downwardly directed spray nozzles thereon. A parts washer as claimed at claim 4 wherein the upper spray boom comprises at least one radial portion. -18-

6. A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the drive means comprises a first outlet from which a first pressurised stream of the washing solution is directed onto a plurality of radial blade elements to cause rotation of the receptacle.

7. A parts washer as claimed at claim 7 wherein the first outlet is provided in the one arm and comprises at least one nozzle directed to create a fluid stream incident on the radial blades.

8. A parts washer as claimed at claim 6 or 7 wherein the blade elements are fixed at angularly spaced locations around the receptacle.

9. A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the drive means is associated with a speed control means which can be activated to accelerate, decelerate and/or stop the rotation of the receptacle said speed control means being controlled from the control means. o oooo

10.A parts washer as claimed at claim 9 wherein the speed control means comprises a second outlet from which a second pressurised stream of washing solution can be directed onto the blade elements in substantially the opposite direction to the first pressurised stream to induce a •substantially opposite reaction to that induced by the first pressurised stream to decelerate and/or stop the rotation of the receptacle. .l

11.A parts washer as claimed at claim 9 or 10 wherein the speed control means further includes third outlet from which a third pressurised stream of washing solution can be directed onto the blade elements in substantially the same direction to the first pressurised stream to induce a substantially complementary reaction to that induced by the first pressurised stream to accelerate the rotation of the receptacle.

12. A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means is associated with a sensor adapted to sense the speed of -19- rotation of the receptacle, said control means adapted to maintain the speed of rotation of the receptacle within a predetermined range by controlled activation of the drive means.

13. A parts washer as claimed at claim 12 wherein the speed of rotation of the receptacle is maintained within said range by controlled activation of the braking means.

14.A parts washer as claimed at claim 12 or 13 wherein the control means is associated with a multi-position switch capable of setting a plurality of rotation speed ranges for said receptacle.

15. A parts washer as claimed at any one of claims 6 to 14 wherein the drive means comprises a fourth outlet from which a fourth pressurised stream of the washing solution is directed onto a plurality of radial blade elements to cause rotation of the receptacle in the same direction as the first pressurised stream, said fourth outlet being controlled from the control means on initiating of a wash cycle prior to the activation of the first outlet to initiate rotation of the receptacle.

16.A parts washer as claimed at claim 15 wherein the control means is adapted to deactivate the fourth fluid outlet on the rotational speed of the receptacle approaching a desired speed and activating the first fluid 20 outlets.

17. A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the closure when in the open position lies in a position which provides access to the receptacle from a position located higher than the closure. ooo.oi

18. A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the open top of the receptacle is located higher than the open top of the chamber.

19.A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the open top of the receptacle is at an ergonomically desirable height. parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means is associated with a sensor adapted to sense the presence of an obstruction around at least a portion of the open top to prevent the movement of the closure to the closed position on an obstruction being sensed.

21.A parts washer as claimed at claim 20 wherein the sensor comprises at least one pressure sensor provided along the front and side edges of the open top.

22.A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the movement of the closure from the open position to the closed position is controlled by a closing member controlled through the control means whereby on the force being required to move the closure from the open 15 position to the closed position varying from a predetermined magnitude o the closing means will be activated to return the closure to the open o S:position. o

23.A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means controls the closing means such that on the closure S 20 achieving the fully closed position a clamping force is applied by the closing means to clampingly retain the closure in the closed position. •24.A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the *receptacle is formed as a basket. parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the chamber has a pump outlet provided at the lower portion of the chamber.

26.A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the chamber has a first drainage outlet controlled by a first valve. -21

27.A parts washer as claimed at claim 26wherein the chamber has a second drainage outlet controlled by a second valve, the inlet for the second control being located higher the inlet to the first drainage outlet.

28.A parts washer as claimed at claim 27 wherein the inlet to the second control valve is located in the region of the upper liquid level of the chamber and the inlet to the first control valve is located in the region of the lower liquid level of the chamber.

29.A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means controls the delivery of washing solution to the spray means such that such delivery is only effected when the closure is in the closed position. parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the control means controls the drive means such that such rotation of the receptacle is only effected when the closure is in the closed position. 00. 15 31 .A parts washer as claimed at any one of the preceding claims wherein the V. chamber is provided with a heating means adapted to heat the washing S•solution.

32.A parts washer as claimed at claim 31 wherein the control means is l adapted to enable the heating element to be deactivated for a period of time.

33.A parts washer substantially as herein described. Dated this tenth day of October 2001. Lindsay Peter Robinson Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant(s)