US2642369A - Dishwashing machine and method - Google Patents

Description

J1me 1953 R. H. HUNTER ETAL 2,642,369

DISHWASHING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed Oct. 2,.1947 3 Sheets-Sheet l 46 l B I F48 Q1; l 5 f INVENTORS Robert H- Hu. ter 27' E Z/ /9 BY Elmer J. K2

wvwa ATTORNEYS h 16, 1953 R. H. HUNTER ETAL r 2,642,369 DISHWASHING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed Oct. 2, 1947, 3 Sheet-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Robert H. Hunter I BY Elmer J Kasper 1- 70 47 ATTORNEY June 16, 1953 R. H. HUNTER ETAL 2,642,369

' DISHWASHING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed Oct. 2, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS Robert H. Hunter BY Elmr .I. Kasper 51 4444 1 2e, 7 ATTORNEYS being required.

Patented June 16, 1953 a Q IDISHWASHI NG MACHINE AND METHOD Robert H. Hunter, Gates Mills, and Elmer, J.

Kasper, Cleveland, Ohio to said-Hunter said Kasper assignor Application October 2, 1947, Serial No. 777,388 i This invention relates washers for dishes and the like and to a method of washing dishes in the washing machine. The

cleansing action of high" velocity water jets hasv long been known and a number of dishwashers have been designed to operate on the high velocity jet principle. Washers of this character are customarily of complicated or intricate design, employing a large number of components which not only make the machine or washer-expensive to build and relatively large and cumbersome,

but also make its service and upkeep a costly factor. Ihe present invention is thus directed to improvements in dishwashers, particularly of the jet type,'special attention being given to the simplification of such washers to the end that they may be produced economically with a minimum number of parts and so that they will give long service without costly maintenance or service One of the principal objects is to provide a jet type washer, and method of washing dishes therein, in which the energy in the ordinarycity water system is utilized to move the dishes being washed relatively across the path of the jets. More specifically, the invention aims to provide a dishwasher in which dishes supported in arotatable basket are subjected to the action of a plurality of fixed jet such that the energy of the jets causes rotation of the basket and the resulting basketmovement causes the-dishes to be moved orshifted so that the jet sweep over the dish I surfaces, cleansing the-latter. As a related ob-,

ject and advantage the dish basket is made to rotate in and with a body of washing water con taining a detergent so that the whirling and swirling of the water causes the latter to flow over and around the dishes and otherobjects immersed therein to effect a thorough and rapid cleansingof .the latter.

Other objects and'advantages of the invention are concerned with such features as the utilization in a single jet nozzle of a plurality of jet orifices of difierent sizes, some of the jet orifices being directed tangentially with respect to dishes in the basket to rotate the basket in the tub as well as to cleanse the dishes and others fofth e jets being arranged radially, or substantiallyso,

primarily to cleanse the dishes and turbulate or -churn the water in the tub; and the provision of a top mounted nozzle in combination with a transparent section in the top through which the action of the jets. from the nozzle can be observed to determine the character of the Washing action to washing machines or devices and more particularly to stream or. jet

, 14 Claims. (01. 134-25) and when the washing action has been completed. I

I The above and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the in vention, this description being made by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of assembled dishwasher, parts being this SDBOifiCatlQHQIId in which like parts through-J out theseveral-views are indicated by the same letters and numerals of reference.

In the drawings: I Y Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through the and removed; I

Fig. '2 is a top plan view of the washer, partly in section and with parts broken away and re-- the line indicated at 22.of Fig. 1;.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the washer, partly in section and with parts broken away, this view being slightly enlargedwith respect to the preceding figure;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary transverse view through the washer, partly in section and with parts broken away, this view being taken substantially on the line indicated at 4-4of Fig. 3;

" Fig. 5 is .a sectional detail taken substantially moved, this view being taken substantiallyalong on the line 5--5 of Fig. 2, showing the nozzle structure;

1 larged withrespect to that figure;

Fig. 8 is a sectional detail to show the drain and valve structure, taken substantially on the' line88ofFig.7;". :1 I

, Fig. 9 is a sectional detail similar to Fig. 8

\ Fig. 6'isa sectional detail taken substantially on the line 6.6'of Fig.5;

' Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevational detail taken substantially on the line of'Fig. 1 and'enshowing the closure open position;

Fig. 10 is a sectional detail taken substantially for the discharge opening in V on the line indicated at IUI0 of Fig. 8 and enlarged with respect to that View, parts being broken away and removed; and

- Fig. 11 is a sectional detail taken substantially,

on the line indicated at ll-ll ofFig. 8"and enlarged with respect to that view, parts being broken away and removed.

The present washer, of the portable type, is

particularly suited for domestic use where space is at a premium. Theidevice' can be stored in a I cupboard'or closet and set up on a sink drain board for use in washing the family dishes after every meal. Under such circumstances the 'weight of the appliance is an important factor and special attention has been given to making broken away.

3 a washer which is light in weight so as to be readily moved about by a housewife without objectionable inconvenience.

The washer comprises an upright open topped tub A which may be circular in shape, as shown, or if desired, square Or other polygonal shape. The tub has a removable topor closure B. Inside the tub is disposed a dish and cutlery receiving assembly C which is mounted for rotation preferably about a vertical axis. Gleaming liquid is introduced through a nozzle means or assembly D into the interior of the tub in the form of a suitable jet or jets to impinge On dishes and cutlery in the receptable. orassembly C. The high velocity jets from the nozzle impinge on dishes and other articles to be washed that are supported in the receptable 'C- causing the' latter to rotate within the tub. Thus the jets of cleansing liquid are made to sweep over the surfaces of the articles to be washed at various angles, providing eflicient washing action.

A. drain and closure or valve means is provided for retaining in the tub A the washing liquid that is introduced through the nozzle D. The liquid level progressively rises in the tub during the washing process and a cleansing agent such as soap or other detergent is initially introduced into the tubso that the swirling of the liquid over the immersed dishes and cutlery has an effective cleansing action thereon. The outlet valve or closure means is also arranged for draining the tub rapidly so that when the cleansing operation is completed the liquid can be quickly released from the tub and rinsing liquid 7 can be introduced through the nozzle D.

Tub structure The tub A is preferably formed of sheet metal by a spinning or .drawingtprocess the metal base being either stainless steeLaluminum for 1lghtIlESS,'0I other suitable material: treated to resist corrosion. The tubhas a circular flat bottom 1 the edges of which are integrally joined by upwardly curved marginal :portions 2 .toiupstanding cylindrical .side walls 3. Around the upper edges .of .the side walls 3 is formed an outwardly offset upstanding flange portion having its. edge bent, or rolled outwardly to provide a circular head 4. Atthebase of the oilset flange a radial .ShOllldBll 5 extends circumferentially around-the entire upper edge.of-the tub below the rolled :edge ditoprovide a seatfor the cover.

. The top orcover B includes asheet metal ring 6 which may be stamped or spun to'the desired circular shape. The outer margin of. the .ring has an integral depending flange 1 which iscircumferential in extent and terminates in a rolled bead 8 that rests on the shoulder 5. of. the tub,

the cover .bead being. received within the bead 4 on the upperedge of the tub.

The circular inneredge of the'metal' ring 6 is rolled or bent toform an S-shaped flange 9 which provides a circumferential channel; The'channel opens inwardly and embraces .:edge 10 of a circular transparent member or disc I .The disc H. of molded glass or plastic is centrally formed with an integral upstanding grip or handle l2 by means .of which the lid or closure B can be manipulated in removing it from and placing it on the tub A." The bead 8 of the closure B has a light friction fit within the flange offset of the tub so as to retain the cover in the position in which it'is placed'in'the tub against the reactive forces resulting from thej ets of the nozzle 'D.

An upright central post or spindle M of brass or plated steel is secured at its lower end, as by a press fit, in upstanding cylindrical supporting sleeve I5 formed at one end with an integral circular attaching flange i6 riveted at I! to the tub bottom 1 in the center of the latter. The

. flanged sleeve .15 is preferably ofbrass or other .Thearticle receiving receptacle or assembly 0 1 includes a dishsupporting basket formed of open meshor perforated metal. The basket conforms in general. tothe shape of the tub A and has a flat circular bottom 19, the circular margin of which i is connected by upwardly curved portions to upstanding, substantially cylindrical side walls 2|. The basket is thus entirely open across its .top to receive dishes and other articles tobe washed.

A tubular metal socket member or sleeve 23 is received over the spindle 14 to support the article receiving receptacle C thereon. The sleeve is formed at its lower end with a radial flange-24 on which rests a circular washer or ring 25. The central aperture in the washer receives thebody of the socket member 23 and the disc underlies the bottom (9 of the basket to support the latter. A flanged collar 26 is forced or press fitted over the socket member 23 and against the portions of the basket bottom 19 that surround thesocket member so as to hold the basket bottom against the supporting. disc 25, thus retaining the parts in assembled-relation. .The basket may be galvanized or treatedto make it corrosion resistant by dipping in molten tin before assembly.

Top or closed end28 of the socket member 23 bears on the upper end of the spindle M to support the basket and article receiving assembly 0 above the bottom I of the tub, space 29 thus provided below the basket serving to receive any solid particles that may be washed off the dishes during the cleansing process. A clearance 30 between the basket side walls 2| and. the tub side walls 3 is also provided so that the basket may a be freely rotated on the spindle 14 without the basket rubbing on the side walls of the tub.

The socket end 28 may bear directly on the top of the spindle H3 or, preferably, an antifriction device suchas a steel ball 32 is inserted between the parts, this ball being retained in place and centered on the spindle M by a brass bearing thimble or cap 33 which is retained on of the socket member 23 and coaxial to the latter contacts and bears endwise against the steel ball 34. This plug may be shifted axially in the sleeve end to raise or lower the basket in the tub and thereby adjust the clearance or space '29 between the basket bottom and the bottom of the tub. The basket sleeve or socket 23 has a running fit about the bearing cap 33 and the sleeve [5 which serves as bushings or guides to prevent wobbling of the socket on the spindle.

Articl spacer and cutlery cage i 'In'the center 'ofthebasketand forming a part ofthe article receiving-receptacle assembly (3 is i a cutlerycage formed of metal rods or" heavy gauge wire welded or soldered together. The cage 1 comprises a pair of bottom radial elements or bars each of which is formed to provide arms 35, anda semi-circularguide portion 36. The guide portions 36 of the two elements arearranged co-' operatively to form-a circular collar which slidingly embraces the tubular socket member 23 and th collar 26 of the-latter so that-the cage can be readily lifted as a unit off the guide sleeve. Circular ring 31 and 38 are welded or soldered to 4 the radial arms 35 in concentric relation about the center or socket sleeve 23. At equidistantly spaced intervals about the outer ring 38, the latter is formed with a number of reversely bent upstanding loops orconvolutions 39 which may be integral with the ring, or as shown-,-made of separate pieces welded in place. vA ring 40 of thesame diameter as the ring 31 is supported above the latter by vertical elements 4! which are Welded to the two rings. I The upstanding loops 39 serve as stops against which may be disl posed the bottoms of platesE-that are stacked in the basket in upright fashion. vThe plates are I basket during the washing action. Some of the stop loops 39 are formed with depending portions 42 which extend downwardly through, the interstices of the basket bottom 19 so as to interlock the basket and cutlery cage for rotation in unison. a :v H

In the center of' the cage structure-a relatively tall retainer for cutlery is formed by a helical or spiralwire coil 43. This coil is pref- .erably tapered to spread cutlery for better cleansing; the small diameter end being at the bottom and the lowermost turn being secured as by welding or soldering to the radial arms 35 of the cage structure.- A number of upright stifieners 44 are disposed at intervals about the being threaded into the same. This jet head is helical coil 43 and are welded or tsoldered to the turns of the latter. I v

Although the cage structure is normally disposed in the center of the basket, being located by the interfitting relation of the sleeve 23 within the semi-circular locating portions '36 of the bottom cage elements and is interlocked'with the cage bottom by the depending portions32 of the stop loops 39, the cage may be removed as -a unit,

by withdrawing it upwardly from the basket off th tubular ocket member 23. When the cutlery receptacle or cage is thus removed the basket is cleared for receiving relatively large dishes or pans to be Washed in the device.

Washing liquid or water is supplied to the nozzle means D through a flexible conduit such as a tubular hose 45 having an end connector 46 that is screwed onto or held bya spring pressed clutch collar on a matingcfitting secured on a tube Al which ispressed into an opening in body portion 48 of the nozzle. The other end, not shown, of the flexible conduit 45 is provided with a conventional fitting forattachnient to 'a sink hot water or mixing faucet so that the device can be thusconnected to the relativelyhigh pressure water system of the house.

The nozzle body 48 is secured to the outsideof the cover ring 6 as by screws 50 andis formed w'ith an internal chamber; 5l in communication to tend to oppose the rotation of the latter. The

.withinternal chamber 58 of. the cup which is open to the chamber 5|.in the nozzle body and receives high pressure liquid or water from the flexible conduit 45. g All of the jet orifices open into the space beneath the lid or closure B of the washer and are arranged to direct high velocity divergent jets of the washing water into the interior of the tub A. The' jets are soarranged as-to form a coned pattern, the jets being directed in difierent directions from one another. For example, jet 54a from the jet orifice 54 and jet' orifice 55a from the orifice 55 are directed omewhat tangentially with respect to the basket or receptacle 0 so as to drive and impinge against the basket and articles in the latter and to thereby cause rotation of the receptacle and contents as a unit. i Jet 56a from orifice 56is substantially radially directed with respect to the axis. of rotation of the basket'and has'substantiallyno effect on the rotation of the basket, but has a sweeping action over the surface of articles in the basketcto dislodge particles being cleansed from thearticles. This jet or water stream whom the orifice 55 drives into th central portion of the tub so as to churn the central portion of the body of'water which collects oraccumulates in the tub during the washingoperation. This action is particularly beneficial for the reason that the jet'56a tends to break up any'sudspad or other accumulation in the-center of the tub and to cause the suds and washing powder to become distributed more evenly and uniformly throughout th mass I or body :of; water which is swirling around, in the tub due to the action of the jets. The radial jet 55a driving into the center of the tub also impinges directly onto cutlery and other small items supported in the helical cage 43 so that suchcutleryis embroiled in a churning mass of swirlingsuds water which effectively cleanses such articles.

Jet 51a from the orifice 57 is directed counter or opposite to the jets 54a and 55a and generally tangentially to the rotation of the basket so as reverse'action jet 51a thus acts to retard or slow the rotation of the basket. The retarding jet also drives into the body of water in the tub creating a churning turbulence in the water and reducing the tendency of the rotating mass or body of water to form a central vortex'or whirlpool. A wave crest in the suds .water is also created by the back jet 51a and washes over the oncoming dishes and plates carried around by the basket.

In the present washer a relatively large flow 01' movement of the suds or detergent-containing water is created over the surfaces of the dishes .and'plates being. washed by retarding the rotational movement of the basket or receptacle C so that it moves at a relatively slow speed such asfrom about 10 to about 30 revolutions per minute, preferably in the neighborhood of about 20 v revolutions per minute. The driving jets 54a; and 55a accelerate the water between adjacent plates .in the region of jet impingement causing the sarcasm water which is ladenwith suds or washingpowder to scrub'over the adjacent dish. surfaces .in. a strong scouringaction.

A modulating eifecton the rotational Lspeed of thebasket or the receptaclecis obtained by the effect of the retarding jet 510.. This jet,.which is directedto impinge on theoncoming articles carried around into its path-by the basket rotation, has a relatively greaterretarding. efiect as the rotational speed of 'the basket is increased.

' On the other hand, the driving jets i54aand55a whichare directed in :thesame general direction as the movement of the rotating dishes become less effective or impinge with less force on -the dishes and plates as the rotationalspeedofsthe basket increases. Thus the forces of the driving jets and the force of the retarding jet tend to become balanced as the'rotational speed'ofthe basket increases to equilibrium; The'sizes of the jetsare so proportioned that without using an. excessive quantity ofwater in a washing cycle the basket can be made positively torotate at what may be termed a substantially minimum speed merely suificient to move the plates and dishes sequentially around into the paths of the During the intervals when the dishes are not directly subjected to the action or-impingement 'of the jets, but aremoving around in the tub, they are, of course, undergoing a soaking and gentle flushing action in the turbulent suds-containing water. Hence, the washing cycle includes water to scrub over; the surface-of the dishes or other articles being cleansed in a vigorous back .and forth washing action. r

The apertures or openingsin the nozzle button or jet head 52 must be sufficiently long to provide an adequate guiding or forming actiononlthe water being'forced-therethrough so as to avoid objectionable spreading out of thewater streams or jets after leaving the nozzle. In the washer of the present invention the washing action is obtained in a large measure through the swirling and scrubbing of the water mass in'the tubover the surfaces 'of the dishes as well asby'the direct scrubbing or scouring action of the jets impinging and driving againstthe' dishes. Therefore, it is important to provide relatively fine,'sharp jets which create a churning and turbulating action in the water mass without excessively augmenting or adding to the quantity of water which i would result in filling the tub at too fast a rate.

On the other hand, the jet passages must not be excessively long or thev frictional resistance to the flow of the water therethrough resultsin low' velocity jets which-do not have the desired churningaction in the water and which do not'provide the desired energy to rotate the basket.

In forming the jet passages, each of which is "preferably round'in cross section, extreme care is exercised to avoid burrs and irregularities in finish. The-jet apertures or passages maybe formed by drilling in ajig, followed by reaming which 'removesburrs and provides smooth inters.nal wallsalong-thelength and at. theorifices .of :1 the jetpassages.

of particular advantage in the present washer isthe use. ofzrelativelylargejet passages for the orifices .54 .and '55;.-whichproduce the basket 'rotating ,orzdrivingijets, in-combination with the relatively; smalljet. passages for the'orifices 56 1 and 51,: which :.produce;the churning or suds dispersingjet andthe :retarding -or speed modulateing jet-respectively.

Therprecise-sizesx-of. the passages: in the nozzle :buttoni52 are notcritical, .but aremade. sufficientenergy. to turnthebasket or receptaclexC and -yet lyxlargextosform jetszthat. will have the requisite sufiicientlysmall to restrict the flow -,of'water within reasonable limits sozthat the hot water used in a single washingycycle' is within thecapacity'of the ordinary home hot water heating system. It is desirable to restricttheiflowso that a complete-washing and rinsing cycle. con- .sumes approximately .10 gallons. or less ofyhot water.

The jet head-ornozzle. button '52 has, an-end vwall 53 thatis relativelythick to provide substantial length in the jet passages. For example,

- a satisfactory end :wallisone which is about thick to about 5 thick. A wall of such thickness, although it may be thicker or thinner, forms passages of adequate length to .properlyguide and direct the jets in:the desired .directions without spreading or fanning out of the jets. Thus the energy ofeach of the jets is concentrated substantially at the pointof impingement.

--While the diameters of the jet .passagescan be varied to suit local conditions the desired volumetric water flowis-obtained in the washer when used in an average home supplied by a modern,

=1arge'citywate'r system, and when, by way of example, the jet passages 54- and: 55 are each reamed to a diameter of'about .0915 inch to about .1115 inch, preferably'about 11015 inch and when the passages 55 and'51 are each reamed to a diameter of aboutflO'll-inch to about ;091 inch, preferably about .08l inch.

---As-previously mentioned the flexible conduit or hose '45,- whichsupplies hot water under high pressure to the nozzle head, is connected to a sink hot water or mixing faucet. *In turning on the faucet at-the beginning ofthe washing'cycle the flow is adjustedat the faucet to give the pressure which will result in strong impingement of the driving jets against the dishes and articles in the basketbut which will not usean excessive quan- ,tity'of hot water duringthecycle. In this man- .ner the water flow is manually-regulated or modulated at the faucet by the person using thedishwasher togive the desired washing action.

Overflowanddmin In-the sidewall ofthe tub adjacent thetop is an overflow ,or outlet opening 60 which releases the liquid from the tub .chamber at a predetermined ,height so as.to prevent overflowing of the tub.. In the tub bottom vI a discharge or drain opening 6 l normally. covered by a closure ,to. be

. laterndescrib'ed, releases the washing liquid or waterv from the tub whenthe washing action has been completed.

A common drain structure is provided to receive and carry off liquid discharged from the tub' through both the overflow opening 60 and the drain opening Bl. "Thisistructureor unit comprises a chambered drain member62 formed as by casting of light metal such as aluminum. It'is a-hollowshell-like structurereceived over a'porsealing gasket 64 of cork or rubber is interposed between the various edge portions of the drain member 62 and the walls of. the tub A to provide a water-tight joint therebetween. A number of screws such as indicated at 65 are threaded into the drain member through the tub walls to secure the parts together. So that the drain member will underlie a portion of the tub bottom as well as extend up over a portion of the sidewall 3, it is made in somewhat of an Lshape. The internal chamber 63 is also somewhat L shaped and both the drain member and the chamber therein overlie and partially embrace a corner portion. of the tub at the angle of the bottom and side walls of the latter.

Extending upwardly from the top portion of i the drain casting 62 and asa continuation thereof is a channel member or plate 8! which overlies a portion of the tub side .wall: 3. A longitudinally extending central portion of the channel plate is bowed outwardly and is spaced from the tub wall while edge portions. 68 of the plate make continuous contact with the tub wall to provide an overflow drain passage or passageway 69 which extends down the outside of the tub and connects .to the drain chamber 63 of the drain member 62. The channel plate 6'! is-"disposed across theoverflow opening 66 so that the latter is continuous with the drain passage 69 and the upper end of the plate is formed inwardly at 70 to make contact with the tub wall above the overflow 60. Thelower end of the plate 67 extends within a recess providedtherefor in the upper end 10 portion 82, the upper end'of the arm having a reverse bend 83 hooked through a slot!!! in a supporting bracket .84. The closure piece or member is thus of L' shape and has rolled or .fi-ang ed edges 85 which strengthen the stamping to prevent distortion or bending inoperation.

' The bracket-'84 is hat shaped, having like end portions that are secured to the inside of the upstanding wall of the drain member e2 by rivets 86. The edges of the reversely bent portion 83 on the upper end of the closure member arm are confined between side portions of the bracket 84 so as to prevent lateral shifting of the closure while permitting the latter to swing or pivot in an are between the broken and full line positions indicated in Fig. 9.

7 Drain valve mechanism The closure valve normally drops by gravity to the open position shown by the full linesin Fig.9 in which the drain opening 6| in the bot-' tom of the tub is clear or substantially unobstructed for the discharge of water'or washing liquid into .the drain chamber 63. For moving the closure 85) .to swing upwardlyacross the drain opening 6| intothe sealing position shown V in full lines in Fig. 8 and in broken lines in; Fig. 9

of the drain casting 62 and is secured in place as by a screw H so that the overflow passage 69 is continuous with the drain chamber 63. formable gasket 12 of rubber or cork is interposed between the edges of the channel plate 61, tub

walls and the drain member 62 so as to .provide' fluid-tight seals. In the outer angle of the drain. member 62 the wall of the latter is formed with i an aperture or orifice 13 which serves as an'outlet a mechanism is provided which may be manually operated externally of the drain assembly'so that a housewife can open and close the drain without coming incontact with thewash water which besides being dirty or gritty, may be at an'elevated temperature and may containstrong or irritating cleansing agentsh The drain gcpening and gclosing. mechanism comprises a-stub shaft-.81 journaled ina bushing supported in the, uprightwall portion of. the drain member 52 just below the bracket 84. Theouter end of the stub shaft 87 isformed with a reduced diameter portion 88 which 'receives'a ihand lever 89 of cast metal ormolded plastic composition,

the lever being securedon the shaft as by a set screw 90. Thesquared inner end of the shaft Sl'i received in a squareopening in a cam lever ber is discharged into the bowl of the sink on which the washer is mounted.

To support the washer olfthe drainboard of or level position. Desirably, rubber cushions 11;

are fitted into and retained in recesses in the bottoms of the tub feet 14 and 16 to prevent slidingof the tub on a supporting surface-and to prevent marring of a porcelain or enamel surfaceby the tubfeet. When the washer-is used on an inclined drainboard the tub. can be levelled by screwing the threaded stem 15 into or out of the drain casting 62 so as to compensate for the slope of the drainboard; It'is therefore-desirable to employ only two. of the supporting .feet 16 in addition to the adjustable height foot 14.

.A closure or quick acting valve for the drain opening BI is supported in andwholly carried by the member 62 of .the drain assembly. The valve comprises a closuremember 80 which may be made to underlie the opening 6| and carries ade- 2l,- the end of the shaft being riveted or peened= over the lever to seoure thei latter on the shaft. On theend ofthe lever ,9! an angularly disposed cam portion 92 is formed with inclined edges one of which, upon rotation ofthe shaft Bl by the hand lever 89 through about ninety-degrees; is. moved into engagement with the lower part of the upright portion 82.0f the closure so as to swing the closure upwardly from the open orfull line position shown in'Fig. 9 to the closed position 7 shown by the broken lines of that figure and by the full lines in Figs. 1 and 8. Reverse movement of the handilever-withdraws the cam from the upright portion 82 of the closure, allowing the latter to drop by gravity and the pressure of the water to quickly openthedrain. The valve op-. erating mechanism is quick operating and thus functions to effect complete opening or closing of the valve in a one-quarterturn of the operating lever 89. Reference is made to-copen'ding application for patent Serial Number 336,982, filed February 16, 1953, describing and claiming cer' tain' of the features referred toabove. 1

' Operation In utilizing the washer of the present invention tocleanse articles such'as' plates and'dishes E I of aita'ble service and table cutlery, thealffi I ticles, after a preliminary rinsing or scraping .to J remove-loose food particles and the like,. are,v

placed the receptacle; Qin themanner previe ously described, there preferably being no water in'the tub. The dishes are thus angled out from water recedes; leavesthe ar-ti'cle's and also-the ine teriorof the tub and the basket in'a clean,'fresh the center of the basket in'uprightturbine-like arrangement with the concave sides of the dishes all facing around'in the same direction'so as to receive the direct force ofthe large drivingjets 54a and 5511. A quantity of suitable'washing powder of the detergent type is introduced into the tub, preferably in the center thereohthe lid or cover B is placed 'on the top of the tub, and high pressure water," preferably at an elevated temperature-such as from about 120'F."to about 160 F. is supplied to the nozzle D through the conduit 45.

The high velocity jets of water directed into the tub through the passages 54, '55, 56 and 51 drive turn about the supporting post [4. This turning of the basket starts very' quickly because there isno large body of water in the washer to retard the motion and additionally because of the antifriction means embodied in the rotatable support for the basket.-

As the several jets'continue to drive into the 1 basket area, the jets 54 and 55 turning the basket while the jets 55*and 51' churn the water and break up the agglomeration of suds or washing powder that tends to form, the water level progressively rises in the tub.

The turning of the basket brings the spacesbetween the dishes sequentially into the paths of the driving jets 54 and 55. These jetsact on the detergent 'or suds-containing water in such spaces, driving the water through the channels between dishes-so that-the water scrubs over and scours thesurfaces ofthe articles in an'effective cleansing action; The Whipping and churning of the suds-water, forcing the same to flo'wrapidly across the dish surfaces; is 'efiected in a turbulent washing zone in the tub by the driving jets and also by the retarding and center jets.

Upon reaching the level of the overflow opening 60 the suds-water flows out thelatter and is discharged into the sink through the drain orifice 13. The washing powder or detergent contained in the waterhasthe effect of causing the grease, soil and dirt removed from theldishes-to rise to the top of the water bath to be entrained in the outflowing water and discharged through the overflow opening. Heavy particles of dirt "and soil removed from the dishes andwhichdo not migrate upwardly tendto settle into the bottom of the tub belowthe level of the rotating basket.

After the water starts to run out of the over flow opening the operation .of the washer is con-' tinued by maintaining the supply of water to the jets for a short period of timesuch as a minute or so. The drain closure 80 is then released to drop away from the discharge opening 6| allowing the wash water to drain from the tub. As the water flows out of the tub the jets are continued in operation so that the dishes are thoroughly rinsed with fresh hot 7 water supplied through the nozzle'D. The rinsing action, which takes place continuously as the level-of the wash condition such that no special washing or wiping is required;

When: the last of the wash water has been" emptied from the tub through the discharge opening fil and clear rinse waterappears to be flowing out the discharge l3 thesupply of water to 'the nozzle Dis shutoff; The cover B is-then removed from the washer, allowing the free :circu-la'tio'nof' ambient drying 'airover the articles inthe' washer. Since it is unnecessary for per-. sonsoperating washers of this type to'place their hands" in'the wash water or rinsewater, the water: used may 'be-very'hot,if desired, and the ensuil'lg drying action is therefore relatively rapid; Accordingly a short time after-the removal 'ofther cover from the washer'after the washingpycle, the articles-are customarily dry enough to permit them-to-be removed-from the washer and re-used": or placedin thecupboard without specialwipmg.

Although the principles of the present inven-ii tion can ice-utilized to advantage in'a washer: employinghmore than a single nozzle, the use of more than'one nozzle has a proportional'efiect on the quantity of hot water required for each washing cycle. InLrelatively small washers for' domestic use, it is desirable to keep the'hot water requirement to a minimum? and the single nozzle head washer of theitype'showniin the'present: drawings accomplishes this objective'while' yet' obtaining ani'efi'ic'ient andrelatively'rapid wash ing action.

By'providing the transparent panel H in the cover B it is possible for the operator to observe" the washing action and ascertain that an ade'-- quate quantity of washing powder or other de'e tergent is present and to see that the articles have been properlyror evenly distributed about the basket so that the jets are efiective to rotate the basket in the manner described;

The jet principles-utilized in this washer contemplate provision of a multiplicity of jets, aplurality of which act as driving jets'to rotate the basket structure and at least one of which acts in opposition tothe rotation: to churn or turbulate the waterandto avoid formation of a central vortex or whirlpool.- The *jet'princlples also contemplate the use 'of a jet which is radial or substantially so, whichdrives into the central portion of the rotating mass of water to break up sudspads and accumulations of washing powder and'to'scrub the cu'tleryin the central cage structure as well as to sweep -radi'ally over'the dishes and plates as-the'la'tter move in succes sio'n across the path of such -'jeti The-principles of the present invention may beutilized in various ways; numerous modifications and alterations being contemplatedpsubstitution of parts" and changes in construction being resorted to as desiredJit' being" understood that the embodiment shown in the drawings and described aboveiand' the particular method :set forth are given merely for purposes-of explana tion and illustrationlwithout intending to limit the scope of the claims to the spe'cifi'c details disclosed" 7 7 What we claim is:- a

1. Ina dishwasherhaving a tub, a basket and means supporting thesame forrotation in the tub, a cover for the tub, a nozzle mounted eccen-c tri'cally orrthe cover, and means for conducting; high pressure liquid to the nozzlejth'e nozzle having a plurality of diverging orificesfor di rectinga number 'of high velocitystrea'ms'of directed against the basket to rotate the latliquidinto the tub, some of said streams being ter and at least one of the streams opposing such 1 rotation.

2. In the process of washing dishes and like articles in a rotary basket by water jet action the improvement which comprises in combination directing a plurality of separate fine streams of high velocity water downwardly from a locus V wholly above the basket and the articles directly against articles in the basket while the latter is rotating,and progressively immersing the rotate ing basket and the articles contained there in a liquid cleansing solution while the water streams are so directed.

3. In the process of washing dishes and like articles in a rotary basket by water jet action the improvement which comprises in combination directing a plurality of separate fine streams of high velocity water downwardly and divergently above the basket and the articles directly against '20 .from substantially a common'point of origin articles in the basket while the latter is rotating, and progressively immersing the rotating.

basket and the articles contained therein in a,

liquid cleansing solution while the water-streams 1 are so directed.

4. The method of washing dishes and like areffects said rotation of the articles and at least I one other of the streams being-directed to im-.

pinge directly on the articles to oppose such rotation. 1

5. The method of washingfdishes and like ar-i ticles which comprises supporting the articles in spacedrelation' for rotation agroup about v an upright axis and directinga plurality ofifine high velocity water streams downwardly against the articles from substantially a common point of origin located wholly above the supported articles, some of said streams being directed to impinge directly on the articles so that the energy of the last mentioned'streams eiTects said rotation of the articles and at least one other of directly.

the streams being directed to impinge on the articles to oppose such rotation.

6. In the. process ofwashing dishes and like articles in which the articles are supported within a tub and rotated as a group about :an upright axis and subjected to detergent and water jet action the improvement which comprises in' combination directing a plurality of separate fine streams of high velocity water downwardly and obliquely to the horizontal fronra locus wholly above the articles directly against the articles, and collecting the water from the streams in the tub so'that the. water level progressively rises in the tub to immerse therotating articles while the latter are being impingedupon by the v downwardly directed water streams.

7. In the process of washingdishes and like articles in which the articles are supported withamasee A locus Wholly above the articles directly against L the articles, collecting the *watervfrom the streams and commingling it with the detergent solution to'form a liquidbath andrso that the surface of the liquid 'bath progressively rises in thetub to progressively immerse the rotating articles while the latter are being impinged upon by the downwardly directed water streams, and then draining the tub.

8. In the process of washing dishes and like articles in which the articles aresupported within a tub and rotated as a group about an upright axis, the improvement which comprises in combination forming a detergent solution in the bottom of thetub, directing water streams down-w wardly and obliquely'to the horizontal from a' locus wholly above the articles'directly against the articles, collecting the Water from the streams and commingling it with the detergent solution to form a liquid bath and so that the surface'of the liquid bath progressively rises in the tub to progressively immerse the rotating articles while the latter are being impinged .upon 4 by thedownwardly directed 'water streams, re-

moving the liquidbath from the tub, and cone tinuing thedirecting of: the water streams downwardlyag ainst the articles during the removal of the liquid bath to rinse the articles.

9. In combination in a washer of the type hav ing a tub and an article receiving basket mounted in the tub for rotation about an upright axis,

a cover for 'Jthe-tub,- a chambered member carriedby the cover andf'having-anozzle portion extending through the cover; and a'flexible conduitand means-for connecting the latter between. said member anda'source of water under pressure to supply high pressure water to. the

chamberedmember, the nozzle portion of the flchamberedmember'being formed with a plurality of jet passages communicating with the interior of the chambered member .to' receive high pressure water from the latter, and said jet" passages being divergent and disposed todirect separate streams of water downwardly into the .basket in divergent relation substantially from a common origin. a I I 10.'In combination in a washer of the type having a tub and an article receiving basket mounted in the tub for rotation about an upright axis, a coverfor the'tub, a chambered member supported on the outside ofthe cover, a flexible conduit and means for connecting the latter between said member and a source of water under pressure to supply high pressure water to the chambered member, a nozzle on the chambered member and projecting downwardly through the cover between the axis andwalls of the'basket, and a plurality of jet passages in the nozzle, said jet passages being divergent and disposedv to directseparate streams of water downwardly into the basket in divergent relation substantially from a common origin.

in a tub and rotated as a group about an upright axis, the improvement which comprises in combination forming a detergent solution in the bottom of thetub, directing water streams down- Wardlyv and obliquely to the horizontal from a 11 In combination in a wajsher of the type having an open top tub and an article receiv ing basket mounted in the tub ior'rotation about an upright axis, a cover diposed across the top .of the tub, anozzle' member carried by the cover and having a plurality of divergent jet passages arranged to direct separate water jets downwardly into the basket in divergent relation from substantially a common origin,v means for supplying high pressure water to the jet passages, means providing an overflow drain in the tub permitting filling of [the tub'with water to a predetermined level below the tub top" and to a de'pthtsuflieientzisubstantiallyf' td':immerse2' :completely thebasket':andiarticlea'containedl there-:-

in, said drainiproviding a idischarger-exitgfor ex-fcess water intrcduc'e'dz into. theztubgbyzzthe :J'ets from rthe. nozzle: member= while; the water" in the .1

tub'is. at said level, and means 'operableroptione allysiortdraiuing waterfromt-theutub at a rate.v

greaterthanintroducedthrough the nozzle member to permit emptying ofuthe tub of water-L while water-list supplied continuously to the: jet passages in maintenance of the jets.

12. .7In:combination. in awasher of the typehaving anropenxtop tubt'and an :article receiv--- ing; basket mountedin: the tub for rotation about anluprightaxis, means :iorsupplyingyvater to the tub: in the form of, apluralityof separate-7.

relatively fine high :velocity jets directed-'down-e" ward'ly into thebasket, means providing an-overflow'drain in' the 'tub' 'permitting ,filling: of the tubiwith .water: to :a predetermined level below the tub top'and tota depth sufiicien't substantiallyl to immerse-"completely the basket and articles contained thereinysaid drain providing.

a discharge exit for excess waterintroducedinto the'tub by the jets while the water .in. the tub for draining. water'fromthe tub at a-rate greater than that atwhich water is supplied by the jets to permit substantially complete emptying of the tub of water while supply' by the jetsis continued:

13.. In combination 'ina washer, 'a tub having sidewalls anda bottoms-a basket forqreceiving articles to be washed, means mounting the basket in the ,tub'for rotationabout an upright axis, means for supplyingrwater to the tubin the form of a plurality of separate, relatively fine high velocity jets directed downwardly into :the basket,

ancverflow drain .openingthroughone of the sidewalls of the tub at a heightpermitting fillingof the tub with wateritoa predetermined level below thetop of the sidewalls'and'to a depth sufficient substantially to immerse completely the basket "and articles contained therein, said drain providing ,a dischargezexitpath: on the outside of the tub for excess;water'-'in;-1 troduced into thetub while the water is at said level and meanstioperableoptionally-for: .drain.'--v

ing'. water from; thetub; ata rate greater than 1 that'at which-water-is supplied by the:jets to.-

permit substantially complete emptying of the "tubiofwater while supply "by the 'J BtS is continued:

14..1In;combinati0n=in a washer; a tub having side walls anda bottom, a basket for receiving articles to be washed, means mounting the basket in the-tubpfor rotation about an upright axis,

means for supplying water to the tub in the form of a pluralitygof separate, relatively fine high velocityijets directed downwardly into the basket,

anoverflow drain opening through one of the; side walls of the tub at a height permitting fill-,

ing- ,of: the tub;i with water" to. a predetermined level: below the-top of the side walls andto a depthzsufficient substantially to immerse com-- pletely, the basket.- and articles contained therein; said drain providing a discharge exit path ontheoutside of the-tub-for excesswaterintroduced-a intothe. tub whilethe water .is at said-level,1 another drain opening into" the tub below-the.)

overflow-drain substantiallyatthe level of .-the, tub bottom, and closure means for saidcther drain permitting optional filling or substantially:-

complete emptying of the tub.

ROBERT H. HUNTER.

ELMER J. KASPER.

Number Name v Y Date 909,654 Oliver f Janyl2, 1909 1,279,683 Gangewere Sept. 24, 1918 1,387,173 Powell Aug. 9, 1921 1,408,521 Lathrop Mar. 7, '1922- 1,574,452 South Feb; 23, 1926 1,665,423' Skelton Apr. 10, 1928 1,678,850 Deming July 31, 1928' 2,062,704 Forsyth Dec. 1, 1936 2,124,052 Cloughy July 19, 1938 2,315,572". Wilson Apr.- 6, 1943 2,382,562 Harvey Aug. 14, 1945 2,443,816 Davis June 22,1948

Claims (2)

1. IN A DISHWASHER HAVING A TUB, A BASKET AND MEANS SUPPORTING THE SAME FOR ROTATION IN THE TUB, A COVER FOR THE TUB, A NOZZLE MOUNTED ECCENTRICALLY ON THE COVER, AND MEANS FOR CONDUCTING HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID TO THE NOZZLE, THE NOZZLE HAVING A PLURALITY OF DIVERGING ORIFICES FOR DIRECTING A NUMBER OF HIGH VELOCITY STREAMS OF LIQUID INTO THE TUB, SOME OF SAID STREAMS BEING DIRECTED AGAINST THE BASKET TO ROTATE THE LATTER AND AT LEAST ONE OF THE STREAMS OPPOSING SUCH ROTATION.

2. IN THE PROCESS OF WASHING DISHES AND LIKE ARTICLES IN A ROTARY BASKET BY WATER JET ACTION THE IMPROVEMENT WHICH COMPRISES IN COMBINATION DIRECTING A PLURALITY OF SEPARATE FINE STREAMS OF HIGH VELOCITY WATER DOWNWARDLY FROM A LOCUS WHOLLY ABOVE THE BASKET AND THE ARTICLES DIRECTLY AGAINST ARTICLES IN THE BASKET WHILE THE LATTER IS ROTATING, AND PROGRESSIVELY IMMERSING THE ROTATING BASKET AND THE ARTICLES CONTAINED THEREIN A LIQUID CLEANSING SOLUTION WHILE THE WATER STREAMS ARE SO DIRECTED.

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