GB628164A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for washing drinking glasses and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

628,164. Glass-washing machines. McIN ERNEY, P. W., and WAITE, M. J. May 8, 1947, No. 12509. [A Specification was laid open to inspection under Sect. 91 of the Acts, Nov. 28, 1947.] [Class 138(i)] [Also in Group XXX] In a machine for washing glasses and similar articles a platform supporting an endless belt conveyer is removably mounted in a drainage trough, the platform having a number of apertures some of which register with spraying jets fitted within the trough. As shown the platform 2 is of inverted U-section with an upper wall 3 and side walls 4. Supported near the ends are bearings 6 with cross shafts 7 and pulleys 8 for conveyer belts 11, which are preferably of V-section. The upper lengths of the conveyer belts 11 pass over the platform 2 and are spaced by guide rods 12. Side walls 13, 13a prevent lateral displacement of glasses carried forward on the conveyor. Both of these side walls may be mounted on the platform. Alternatively, one wall may be formed by extending the side of the trough 16. An open-ended washing chamber 17, of inverted U-section and preferably transparent, is mounted on top of the platform. The platform 2 and its associated conveyer mechanism are removably mounted within a drainage trough 16, the platform completely closing the top of the trough. The bottom of the trough may be inclined to a discharge outlet 21. The platform 2 has a number of longitudinally spaced apertures 23, some of which register with spraying jets 22 located in the base of the trough 16 and connected to a water supply pipe 41 and electric heater 26 by pipes 38, 39, respectively. The electric heater unit comprises switches 27 and an electric immersion heater element 36 inserted in a tubular water jacket 26 having a water supply pipe 37 and outlet pipe 38. Valves 29 control the water supply from pipe 41 to the spraying jets and to the electric heater. A pressure safety valve may be fitted to the heater. The conveyer may be driven by chain drive 48 from an electric motor 43 with reduction gear box 44. An intermediate driving shaft 46 mounted on the side of the trough 16 may be provided with a detachable coupling 47 to facilitate removal of the conveyer unit from the trough. A fine curtain of water sprayed from either end of the washing chamber may be utilised to prevent escape of steam. Partial drying of the glasses may be effected if desired by positioning the electric heater 26 immediately below the discharge end portion of the washing chamber 17. An inclined chute for delivery of glasses on to the conveyer may also be used.