US2652854A

US2652854A - Drain control mechanism for washing apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2652854A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edgar S Stoddard
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 1949-04-08
Filing date: 1951-04-28
Publication date: 1953-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 1970-09-22

Description

Sept. 22, 1953 E. SNSTODDARD 2,652,854

DRAIN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING APPARATUS Original Filed April 8. 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG: n

INVENTOR. Edgar S. Stoddard Attys Sept. 22, 1953 E. s. STODDARD DRAIN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed April 8. 1949 FIG. 2

mum-mum INVENTOR Edgar S. Stoddard BY M MFA l M Sept. 22, 1953 E. s. STODDARD 2,652,854

DRAIN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING APPARATUS Original Filed April 8. 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 4s I W INVENTOR.

FIG. 3 Edgar s. Stoddard Sept. 22, 1953 E. s. STODDARD DRAIN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed April 8. 1949 Inventor Edgar S. Stoddard Mfi AHVS

E. s. STODDARD 2,5 2,854 DRAIN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING APPARATUS Sgpt. 22, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed April 8. 1949 Edgar s. smwd Patented Sept. 22, 1953 DRAIN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR WASHING APPARATUS Edgar S. Stoddard, Berwyn, IlL, assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Original application April 8, 1949, Serial No. 86,291. Divided and this application April 28 1951, Serial No. 223,575

8 Claims. (01. 137-57 7) The present invention relates to washing ap-.

paratus and more particularly to improved dishwashing apparatus of the general character of that disclosed in the copending application of Forrest A. Walker, Serial No. 57,448, filed October 30, 1948. This application is a division of the copending application of Edgar S. Stoddard, Serial No. 86,291, filed April 8, 1949.

The dishwashing apparatus disclosed in the Walker application mentioned is of the timed washing cycle type that performs automatically and in predetermined sequence given steps including spraying, washing, rinsing and drying of the dishes and other utensils contained therein. This apparatus comprises a cabinet housing a vertically disposed vat including a front opening and a door for closing the opening, the door being mounted for movements between a substantially vertical closed position and .a substantially horizontal open position. In this apparatus, the vat and door are so constructed and arranged that the utilization of a sealing gasket therebetween for the purpose of retaining the washing fluid or liquid in the vat is unnecessary.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide dishwashing apparatus of the character described incorporating improved and simplified structure in order to increase the efliciency of operation and to reduce the cost of manufacture thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide in washing apparatus of the type noted, an improved arrangement for selectively controlling the draining of washing fluid from the vat that incorporates no nice fitting valve elements and valve seats.

A further objectof the invention is to provide in washing apparatus of the type noted, an improved drain arrangement that incorporates a minimum number of simple operating 2 stood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front elevational view, partly broken away, of dishwashing apparatus embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 3-3 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the bottom wall of the vat and the associated flexible drain hose; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the parts shown in Fig. 4; and Fig. 6 is an electric diagram of the timer and the circuit control arrangement incorporated in the dishwashing apparatus.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings the dishwashing apparatus 18 there illustrated. and embodying the features of the present invention, is of the general character of that disclosed in the previously mentioned Walker application and comprises an outer casing or cabinet II provided with top and bottom walls I! and I3, opposed side walls 14 and I5, and rear and front walls l6 and ii. The bottom wall I3 is upwardly offset adjacent to the central portion thereof in order to provide an inwardly directed flange l8 having an opening is therein accommodating the plumbing extending to the exterior through the lower portion ofthe cabinet II. Also the bottom wall l3 has a plurality of downwardly depressed feet 20 formed therein for the purpose of supporting the apparatus 10 upon a floor, or the like. The front wall I1 is rearwardly offset adjacent to the bottom wall I3 providing connecting substantially vertical and horizontal panels 2| and 22 adjacent to the front of the cabinet il in order to define a foot-receiving recess, permitting a person to work close to the front of the cabinet I I. Also the front wall I1 is provided with outwardly projecting top and side flange structure 23 defining a front opening 24 in the upper portion thereof, the

front opening 24 being offset toward the right. closer to the right-hand side wall 15 than to the left-hand side wall l4. Further, the front .wall 1 l1 carries a front panel 25 having an opening 26 formed in the upper portion thereof and offset toward the right-hand side thereof, the front opening 26 surrounding the front opening 24 and overlying a considerable marginal portion thereof adjacent to the lower portion of the front wall [1. The front panel 25 is provided with an inwardly directed marginal flange 21 surrounding the front opening 26 and lying within the top and side flange-structure 23. Also the front panel 25 is provided with an inwardly directed boundary flange 28, the top and side portions thereof being respectively disposed substantially flush with the top wall I2 and the side walls I4 and I5, and the bottom portion thereof underlying the horizontal panel 22. More specifically, the front panel 25 is removably secured to the front wall H by an arrangement including a pair of laterally spaced-apart screws 29 extending through the top of the marginal flange 21 and the adjacent top flange structure 23 and by a pair of laterally spaced-apart screws 30 extending through the bottom of the boundary flange 28 and the adjacent horizontal flange 22. Thus it will be understood that the front panel 25 conceals the front wall |1 when it is secured thereto by the screws 29 and 36 and thatthe front panel 25 may be readily removed from the front wall H by removing the

screws

26 and 30.

The cabinet houses a substantially vertically disposed vat 3| arranged in the upper portion thereof and offset toward the right closer to the side wall |-than to the side wall M. The vat 3| comprises top and

bottom walls

32 and 33, opposed

side walls

34 and 35 and a rear wall 36; the top and

bottom walls

32 and 33 and the

side walls

34 and 35 terminatein a forwardly directed doorway 31 having a front opening 36 arranged in substantial registry with the front openings 24 and 26. More particularly the top and side portions of the doorway 31 terminate in an outwardly and rearwardly rolled rim 39, while the bottom wall 33 is provided with a forwardly projecting flange 40 terminating in an upwardly and outwardly extending ledge or lip 4| extending between the side portions of the doorway 31. The ledge 4| is directed first upwardly and outwardly and then downwardly terminating adjacent to the front opening 38 of the doorway 31, whereby the upper edge of the ledge 4| is disposed considerably above the bottom flange 46 and consequently the bottom wall 33. A substantially centrally disposed downwardly depressed sump 42 is formed in the bottom wall 33 and communicates with a downwardly embossed depression or groove 43 formed substantially centrally in the bottom flange 40 and extending forwardly toward the central portion of the ledge 4|. Further, an upstanding inverted substantially U-shaped inwardly embossed vat rib 44 is formed in the top wall 32 and the

side walls

34 and 35 at the junction thereof with the corresponding portions of the doorway 31, the vat rib 44 including downwardly extending legs 45 terminating just above the bottom flange 40 and well behind and below the ledge 4|.

The front of the vat 3| is secured and positioned within the cabinet H by a three-point support, while the rear of the vat 3| is secured and positioned in the cabinet II by a two-point support. More particularly, a top tongue 46 is secured to the top central portion of the rolled rim 39 and projects forwardly therefrom through a top slot 41 formed in the front wall |1 above the top of the front opening 24; while two side tongues 48 are respectively secured to the side central portions of the rolled rim 39 and project forwardly therefrom through two side slots formed in the front wall H on opposite sides of the front opening 24.

The rear wall I6 is provided with an inwardly directed top flange 52 and two laterally spaced- 4 apart inwardly directed side flanges 53 and 64 defining an enlarged opening or hole therein through which the vat 3| may be readily inserted or removed with respect to the cabinet More particularly, a first rearwardly directed fixture 56 provided with angularly disposed arms spot welded or otherwise secured to the side and

rear walls

34 and 36 is carried on the rear left-hand side of the vat 3|; while a second rearwardly directed fixture 51 provided with angularly disposed arms spot welded or otherwise secured to the side and

rear walls

35 and 36 is carried on the rear right-hand side of the vat 3|. The hole 55 disposed in the rear wall I6 is laterally offset so that it is closer to'the right-hand side wall |5 than to the left-hand side wall l4 and the fixtures 56 and 51 are respectively removably secured to the associated flanges 53 and 54 by two

bolts

58 and 59 provided with cooperating nuts. Thus it will be understood that after the vat 3|, together with its attachments subsequently de scribed, have been assembled, the vat 3| as a unit may be readily inserted through the hole 55 in the rear wall I6 of the cabinet II, the

tongues

46 and 48 sliding through the cooperating slots 41 and 49. Also the fixtures 56 and 51 are se cured to the adjacent flanges 53 and 54 utilizing the

bolts

58 and 59 and the cooperating nuts. Subsequently the front panel 25 may be placed upon the front wall l1 and secured in place employing the screws 29 and 36 in order to conceal the ends of the

tongues

46 and 48.

The cabinet II is provided with a front door 60 that comprises an outer body sheet 6| terminating in an inverted substantially U-shaped rearwardly directed marginal flang including top and side portions, not shown, and an inner body sheet 62 terminating in an' inverted substantially U-shaped rearwardly directed marginal flange including top and opposed side portions, not shown. The inner body sheet 62 is arranged in nested relation within the outer body sheet 6| and suitably secured in place so that the principal portions of th body sheets 6| and 62 are arranged in upwardly approaching spaced-apart relation. Further the inner body sheet 62 is provided with an outwardly directed inverted substantially U-shaped marginal flange, not shown, that cooperates with the front surface of the associated vat rib 44 when th door 66 cccupies its closed position. In order to retain the door 60 in its closed position a latch element 63 is secured to the central upper portion thereof and cooperates with a resilient corrosion-resistant sprin 64 secured within the upper central portion of the doorway 31. Also the inner body sheet 62 carries inverted substantially U-shaped rearwardly directed baffle structure, not shown, that projects through the vat rib 44 into the interior' of the vat 3| in order to prevent the entry of washing liquid into the doorway 31. More particularly, the baffl structure, not shown, carried by the inner body sheet 62 cooperates with inwardly directed baffle structure formed in the

side walls

34 and 35 of the vat 3| in order to complete the gasketless vat and door construction. The inwardly directed bafile structure formed in the right-hand side wall 35 is indicated generally at 65; while the inwardly directed baiile structur formed in the left-hand side wall 34 is not shown; these baifle structures being disposed rearwardly of the upstanding legs 45 of the vat rib 44. Also the right-hand side wall 35 of the vat 3| carries an inwardly directed embossed trackway indicated generally at 66 while the left-hand side wall 34 of the vat 3| carries an inwardly directed embossed trackway, not shown; which opposed trackways are adapted to support movable dish-carrying rack structure, not shown.

The door 60 is mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof within the vat 3| rearwardly of and below the front ledge 4| by a hinge arrangement including two laterally disposed substantially identical hinge mechanisms, whereby the lower ends of the outer and inner body sheets 6| and 62 are disposed in straddling relation with respect to the front ledge 4|. More particularly, the right-hand hinge mechanism is indicated generally at 61 and comprises a first hinge element 68 secured to the flange 48 provided on the bottom wall 33 and a second hinge element 69 secured to the front surface of the inner body sheet 62 and disposed between the inner and outer body sheets 62 and 6|. Also this mechanism comprises a bumper member 10 secured to the lower surface of the flange 40 exteriorly of the vat 3| and adapted to cooperate with a bumper member 1| carried by the hinge element 69. Also a guide track I2 is secured to the rear surface of the inner body sheet 62 and disposed over the hinge element 69; and a detergent cup, not shown, is carried by the lower portion of the inner body sheet 62 in the space between the body sheets 62 and 6| and opening into the interior of the vat 3| for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter. Further, the inner and outer body sheets are restrained in spaced-apart relation by an upwardly and forwardly directed laterally extending bracing sheet 13 secured to the front surface of the inner body sheet 62 and abutting the rear surface of the outer body sheet 6|. Further, the hinge mechanism 61 comprises a pintle 14 carried by the hinge element 68, a cooperating saddle I5 carried by the hinge element 69, and a locking pin 16 carried by the hinge element 69 and cooperating with a locking slot 11 formed in the hinge element 68. Finally a handle 18 is secured to the upper central front of the outer body sheet 6| for the purpose of facilitating movement of the door 60 between its open and closed positions; while the lower edge of the outer body sheet 6| carries a laterally extending flange I9 that cooperates with a rearwardly directed ledge 90 formed on the front panel 25 just below the bottom of the front opening 26 formed therein for the purpose of lending a finished appearance to the cabinet II when the door 60 occupies its closed position. Finally, a door switch 8| is secured to the front edge of the front ledge 4| and cooperates with a projection 82 carried by the outer body sheet 6|.

In view of the foregoing description of the construction of the door 68 it will be understood that the door 68 is movable into a closed position with respect to the doorway 37, at which time the outer body sheet 6| occupies a substantially vertical position and is disposed substantially flush with the front surface of the front panel 25, and at which time the inner body sheet 62 is disposed in an upwardly and forwardly inclined position. The door 60 is restrained in its closed position by the cooperation between the

latch elements

63 and 64; whereby the baflie structure, not shown, carried by the inner body sheet 62 cooperates with the baflie structure 66, etc., and the vat rib 44 carried by the vat 3| in order to prevent the escape of washing liquid from the doorway 31. Also at this time the'projection 82 carried by the outer body sheet 6| engages the plunger of the door switch 8|, operating the door switch 8| to its closed-circuit position for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter. Also the door 60 is movable into an open position with respect to the doorway 31, at which time the operating the door switch 8| into its open-circuit position for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter. Also as the door 68 is moved into its final open position the bumper member carried by the hinge element 69 engages the bumper member 10 in order rigidly to support the door 60 in its open position: and the locking pin 16 carried by the hinge element 69 enters the locking slot 11 provided in the hinge element 68 in order positively to prevent removal of the door 60 while it occupies its open position. At this time while the door 60 occupies its open position the dishrack, not shown, may be moved through the doorway 31 into and out of the vat 3|. More particularly, the rack, not shown, may be rolled from a supported position upon the guideway 66, etc., within the vat 3| to a position exteriorly of the vat 3| upon the guide track 12, etc., carried by the inner body sheet 62; whereupon dishes may be readily loaded or unloaded with respect to the rack. Thus it will be understood that when the door 68 occupies its open position it supports the movable rack, not shown, permitting the ready placement and removal of dishes and other utensils with respect thereto.

In passing it is noted that when the door 66 occupies an intermediate position with respect to its closed and open positions described above that it 'may be completely removed from the doorway 31 by virtue of the fact that the saddle 15 is disengageable with respect to the pintle 14 prior to entry of the locking pin I6 into the locking slot TI.

The construction and arrangement of the door 68 and the cooperating baffle structure 65, etc., and the vat rib 44, as well as the arrangement for movably supporting the rack structure, not shown, within the vat 3| and upon the door 60, have not been disclosed in great detail in the present application, since these arrangements form no part of the present invention, and are disclosed and claimed in the previously mentioned Walker application. Similarly, the construction and arrangement of the hinge mechanism 61 has not been disclosed in great detail in the present application, since this arrangement forms no part of the present invention, and is disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Frank D. Low, Serial No. 61,633, filed November 23, 1948, now Patent No. 2,573,798, granted November 6, 1951.

The apparatus I0 further comprises an impeller 83 which is provided with blades 84 that may have any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades 84 are given a shape such that the washing liquid supplied to the vat 3| and allowed to accumulate in the sump 42 is thrown upwardly and outwardly in an efiicient manner through the rack structure, not shown. The impeller 83 may be formed of any suitable material such, for example, as Textolite and is mounted upon a substantially vertically disposed operating shaft 85 of an electric motor 86 arranged below the sump 42. More particularly, the sump 42' is provided with an upwardly directed emboss 81 that terminates in a substantially vertically disposed tube 88 through which the shaft 85 of the motor 86 projects and which is surrounded by the hub of the impeller 83. The hub of the impeller 83 may be removably secured to the upper end of the shaft 85 by an arrangement including a bolt 89 extending through an associated spacing collar 98 arranged within the tube 88 and abutting the upper end of the shaft 85, the end of the bolt 89 being threaded into a corresponding recess provided in the upper end of the shaft 85. Further, the shaft 85 carries a disk 9| disposed below the spacing collar 98 and the bottom of the tube 88 within the emboss 81 in order to fling from the shaft 85 any washing liquid that may escape from the vat 3| into the upper open end of the tube 88 between the hub of the impeller 83 and the wall of the tube 88. This arrangement permits ready rotation of the impeller 83 by the motor 86 and prevents the escape of any substantial amount of washing liquid from the vat 3| through the tube 88.

The motor 86 is arranged in a substantially vertical position and is provided with an upper end bell 92 that is secured to the emboss 81 by an arrangement including two angularly spacedapart brackets 93. More particularly, each of the brackets 93 comprises a curved body 94 and two downwardly extending legs 95, the body 94 being secured to the lower surface of the emboss 81 and the two legs 95 being secured to the upper end bell 92. Specifically, the body 94 of each bracket 93 is secured to the lower surface .of the emboss 81 by two screws 96; while each of the legs 95 is secured to the end bell 92 by an upwardly extending bolt and cooperating nut 91. Accordingly, the motor 86 may be removed from the supporting brackets 93 by removing the four nuts 91 after the bolt 89 has been removed from the shaft 85.

A ring 98 is arranged within the vat 3| in surrounding relation with respect to the tube 88 and carries four angularly spaced-apart -inwardly directed fixtures 99 through which the four screws 96 extend. Accordingly, the screws 96 firmly clamp the ring 98 in place on the upper surface of the emboss 81 and the two brackets 93 in place upon the lower surface of the emboss 81. Finally, an upstanding cylindrical reticulated screen I88 is removably carried by the ring 98 in surrounding relation with respect to the blades 84 of the impeller 83. The lower edge of the reticulated screen I86 abuts the adjacent upper surface of the emboss 81 and serves as a strainer to prevent foreign articles suspended in the washing liquid contained in the sump 42 from being caught by the blades 84 of the impeller 83 and flung upwardly through the dish-supporting rack, not shown.

Provided in the space in the cabinet II below the vat 3| is asuitable liquid supply pipe I81 which is adapted to be connected to a source of cleansing or washing liquid, not shown, by coupling units, or the like, not shown. For example, in the event the washing liquid is water, the source of supply may be a convenient hot water tank, or the like. The washing liquid is piped from the bottom of the cabinet II upwardly between the rear wall I6 thereof and the rear wall 36 of the vat 3| by a flexible conduit I88 and into the top wall 32 of the vat 3|.

Specifically, a spraying device I 89 is arranged within an upwardly extending emboss II8 formed in the top wall 32 of the vat 3| so that the washing liquid may be sprayed down through the rack structure, not shown, carried within the vat 3| and allowed to accumulate in the sump 42. The liquid supply pipe I81 is suitably connected to an inlet valve mechanism III of the solenoid dash-pot type arranged to discharge into the conduit I88. The inlet valve mechanism III is normally biased to its closed position in order to cut off the supply of washing liquid from the liquid supply pipe I81 to the conduit I88, but is provided with an associated solenoid II 2 that is adapted when energized to operate the inlet valve mechanism III to its open posi tion in order that washing liquid may be supplied from the liquid supply conduit I81 via the casing of the inlet valve mechanism III, the conduit I88 and the spraying device I89 into the upper portion of the vat 3|. Subsequently, when the solenoid H2 is de-energized the inlet valve mechanism III is returned slowly to its closed position cutting off the communication r between the liquid supply pipe I81 and the spraying device I89. The provision of the slowclosing inlet valve mechanism III eliminates water hammer in the plumbing preceding the liquid supply pipe I81. Also, a strainer, not shown, is incorporated in the casing of the inlet valve mechanism III in order positively to prevent foreign material in the liquid supply pipe I81 from being conducted into the liquid supply conduit I88 and thence into the spraying device I89.

Also provided in the lower portion of the cabinet I I below the vat 3| is a drain pipe I I3 that is connected through a suitable trap, not shown, to a drain connection. The drain pipe II3 forms a part of flexible drain mechanism I28 that is incorporated in the apparatus I8 and shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. Specifically, this drain mechanism I28 comprises a first hollow drain fixture I2 I, a second hollow drain fixture I 22 and a communicating section of flexible conduit or hose I23. Preferably the hose I 23 comprises a plurality of plies of fabric, not shown, embedded in rubber to form the wall thereof and an enclosed helical corrosion-resistant spring I24 arranged therein and embedded in the rubber wall in order to prevent collapse of the hose I23 and to lend resiliency thereto. Also it is preferable that the drain fixtures I2I and I22 be formed of elastic rubber and molded directly in place upon the opposite ends of the hose I23. More particularly, a drain opening I25 of a predetermined contour, generally elliptical in plan, is formed in the bottom wall 33- of the vat3| in the lowermost portion of the sump 42 and frictionally receives the outer end of the drain fixture I2I. Specifically, the drain opening I 25 occupies a position disposed on a line drawn between the center of the impeller 83 and the corner between the side wall 34 and the rear Wall 36 of the vat 3|; and a depression I26 substantially bead-like in shape is formed in the bottom wall 33 adjacent to and below the drain opening I25. The drain fixture |2I comprises a body having a deep surrounding recess I21 therein defining spaced-apart flanges I28 and I29, the configuration of the base of the recess I21 substantially conforming to the contour of the drain opening I25, and an integral bead I38 being formed in the lower portion of the body and disposed in the recess I26. The end of the drain fixture I2| is removably and frictionally 9 secured to the bottom wall 33 within thedrain opening I25 with the flanges I28 and I29 disposed respectively interiorly and exteriorly of the bottom wall 33 and with the bead I30 positioned in the recess I26. A strainer I3I is arranged within the end of the drain fixture I2I within the sump 42 for the purpose of holding the drain fixture I2I firmly in place within the drain opening I25 and in order to prevent the washing liquid draining thereinto from the sump 42 from carrying .foreign objects therewith into the drain'fixture respective inner and outer surfaces of the bottom wall 33 surrounding the drain opening I in order to provide a fluid-tight connection between the interior of the vat 3| at the bottom of the sump 42 and the interior of the drain fixture I2 I. The bead I'carried by the lower portion of the body of the drain fixture I2I lies in the recess I26 formed in the bottom wall 33 adjacent to the drain opening I25 and fills up the recess I26 so that a smooth continuous surface is provided between the bottom of the sump 42 and the interior of the drain fixture I2I so as to prevent washing liquid from standing in the sump 42 around the bottom of the strainer I3I when the interior of the drain fixture I 2| is placed into communication with the drain pipe II3 as explained more fully below.

The drain fixture I22 comprises a body provided with a flange I 34 disposed at the upper portion thereof that is slidably received in a supporting bracket I35 secured to the bottom wall 33 somewhat to the right of the front central portion of the sump 42. More particularly, the bracket I35 comprises two laterally spaced-apart upwardly directed front legs I36 and a centrally disposed rearwardly extending leg I31, which legs I36 and I31 are spot welded, or otherwise secured, to the bottom wall 33 adjacent to the sump 42. Also the bracket I35 comprises two downwardly and inwardly turned arms I 38 defining a clip that slidably receives the flange I34 provided on the drain fixture I22, the flange I34 being secured in place by an associated screw I39 extending through a hole provided therein and threaded into the body of the bracket I35. The body of the drain fixture I22 terminates in a downwardly extending barrel I39 into which a tube I40 is positioned and frictionally retained in place by a collar I4I surrounding the barrel I39 adjacent to the lower end thereof. The lower end of the tube I40 is provided with an externally threaded portion I42 that receives an internally threaded collar or union I43 that is adapted to engage an outwardly extending flange I44 provided on the top of the drain pipe I I3. Accordingly, the collar I43 threaded upon the portion I42 of the tube I40 securely clamps the flange I44 to the adjacent end of the tube I40, and a gasket, not shown, may be positioned therebetween in order positively to insure that a detachable liquid-tight connection is provided between the drain pipe II3 and the barrel I39 of the drain fixture I22. Also the drain fixture I22 comprises an outwardly extending barrel I45 that is molded onto the adjacent end of the hose I23 and arranged in communicating 10 relation with the barrel I39. Further, an upstanding breather tube I46 is molded into the barrel I45 and communicates between the interior thereof and the exterior.

In view of the foregoing description of the drain mechanism I20, it will be understood that the first elastic drain fixture I2I is frictionally secured within the drain opening I25 formed in the bottom wall 33 within the sump 42 in order to provide a liquid-tight connection therebetween and that the interior of the hollow drain fixture I2I communicates through the hollow hose I23 with the interior of the hollow drain fixture I22. The drain fixture I22 is removably secured by the bracket I35 to the exterior surface of the bottom wall 33 adjacent to the sump 42 and supports the communicating drain pipe II3 providing a liquid-tight connection therebetween. The drain fixture I22 is angularly off-set with respect to the drain fixture I2I by an angle of approximately degrees and the interior of the hollow fixtures I2I and I22 are interconnected by the curved hose I23 as clearly shown in Fig. 5. Specifically, the intermediate portion or section of the hose I23 extends laterally from below the bottom wall 33 to the left beyond the side wall 34 toward the side wall I4. 3 Thus the midsection of the hose I23 is positioned below the bottom wall 33 of the vat 3I and intermediate the side wall 34 of the vat 3| and the side wall I4 of the cabinet II. The lower end of the barrel I39 of the second fixture I 22 is disposed below the first fixture I2I, whereby the drain pipe I I3 carried by the second drain fixture I22 is disposed well below the drain opening I25 provided in the bottom wall 33 at the sump 42. Moreover, the intermediate section of the hose I23 being flexible is adapted to be moved from an upper position disposed above the drain opening I 25 to'a lower position disposed below the drain opening I25. Accordingly, when the midsection of the hose I23 is elevated to its upper position the communication between the bottom of the sump 42 and the drain pipe II3 is effectively closed to prevent washing liquid contained in the sump 42 from draining through the drain opening I25 into the drain pipe I I3 through the communicating drain fixtures I2I and I 22 and the hose I23. On the other hand when the midsection of the hose I23 is lowered to its lower position the communication between the bottom of thesump 42 and the drain pipe II3 is effectively opened to'permit washing liquid contained in the sump 42 to be drained therefrom through the drain opening I25 into the drain pipe II3 through the communicating drain fixtures I2I and I22 and the hose I23. Accordingly, the drain mechanism I20 through the drain opening I25 into the drain pipe I I3 due to the fact that a smooth surface is provided between the lowermost portion of the sump 42 into the throat of the first drain fixture I2I, which washing liquid then drains through the hose I 23 and the second fixture I22 into the drain pipe II3.

The strainer I3I positioned in the throat of the first drain fixture I2I prevents large foreign particles from passing through the drain opening I25 into the. drain fixture I2I. Since the upper end of the breather tube I46 carried by the second drain fixture I22 is disposed above the drain opening I25 and above the normal washing liquid level in the vat 3|, the washing liquid passing through the hose I23 into the second drain fixture I22 and into the drain pipe I I3 does not overflow therefrom notwithstanding the communication through the breather tube I46 between the interior of the second drain fixture I22 and the exterior below the bottom wall 33.

Since the washing liquid contained in the sump 42 has detergent suspended therein it is prone to carry air bubbles therewith through the drain opening I25 into the drain fixture I2I and consequently into the hose I23 and the drain fixture I22, which air bubbles present in-the drain mechanism I20 would tend to form a partial air lock between the drain opening I25 and the drain pipe |I3 impeding the flow of washing liquid therethrough and causing the air trapped in the hose I23 to tend to gurgle back through the washing liquid contained therein through the drain opening I 25. However, this partial air lock in the hose I23 is relieved by the communication through the breather tube I46 between the exterior and the interior of the drain fixture I22. In other words these air bubbles swept into the drain fixture I2I along with the washing liquid burst in the hose I23 and the resulting air escapes through the breather tube I46 relieving the tendency to produce a partial air lock within the drain mechanism I20. Of course, it will be understood that the upper end of the breather tube I46 extends a suitable distance above the level of the drain opening I25 and this extension may be increased, if necessary, by the insertion of an upstanding section of glass or other tube, not shown, within the hollow breather tube I46. Also, certain plumbing installations tend to pocket air and thus retard draining unless the vent arrangement is provided.

In the drain mechanism I20 the inlet throat of the drain fixture I2I secured within the drain opening I25 is disposed at least partially above the outlet port or portion of the drain fixture I2I joining the adjacent end of the hose I23 and is of a predetermined contour increasing. in area from the upper portion thereof toward the lower portion adjacent to the bead I30, whereby the flow of the washing liquid draining from the vat 3| into the inlet throat of the drain fixture I2I 'is only slightly reduced in response to a considerable and greater reduction in the hydrostatic head of the washing liquid contained in the vat 3 I Thus thecontour or shape of the inlet throat of the drain fixture I2I positioned above the adjacent end of the hose I23 maintains a relatively uniform flow of the washing liquid as the quantitative effect thereof is diminished due to the diminishing head of the washing liquid in the vat 3| when the drainmechanism I20 is operated into its draining position.

Also it will be understood that when the hose I23 occupies its upper or non-draining position, a predetermined charge or quantity of the washing liquid is retained in the sump 42 provided in the vat 3|, notwithstanding the circumstance that some excess washing liquid may be supplied into the vat 3| bythe spraying device I09 before the inlet valve mechanism I I I is returned into its closed position following de-energization of the associated solenoid I I2. The excess washing liquid that is supplied to the vat 3| merely overflows therefrom through the hose I23 in-its upper or non-draining position into the drain pipe I I3, and without siphoning through the hose I23 since the hose I23 has a relatively large crosssectional area with respect to that of the fluid supply pipe I01. In other words, the drain capacity of the hose I23 greatly exceeds the supply capacity of the fluid supply pipe I01 so that the hose I23 may readily drain the excess washing liquid from the vat 3| that is supplied thereto via the fluid supply pipe I01 without closing the cross-sectional area of the hose I23 so as to prevent siphoning of the charge of washing liquid from the vat 3| into the drain pipe'II3. Also the arrangement of the upstanding breather tube I46 positively prevents siphoning through the hose I23 under the conditions noted. Thus the drain mechanism I20 insures the retention of a predetermined quantity of washing liquid in the vat 3| when the drain mechanism 20 oc cupies its non-draining position.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 and 3, it will be observed that the operating mechanism I50 comprises structure I5I that is secured by a plurality of screws I52 to a downwardly extending element I53 spot welded, or otherwise secured, to the side wall 34 adjacent to the bottom wall 33. Accordingly, the operating mechanism I50 is removably secured to the element I53 and is suspended below the bottom wall 33 of the vat 3|. Also the structure I5I comprises a rearwardly and upwardly extending arm I 54 carrying a resilient bumper I55 formed of rubber, or the like, and arranged in engagement with the bottom wall 33 just above the sump 42. This suspension of the operating mechanism I50 below the bottom wall 33 of the vat 3| prevents the structure I5I from pounding the bottom wall 3| during shipment of the apparatus I0. Further the structure I5| comprises two curved guide elements I56 and I5! spaced apart front and rear and extending below the midsection of the hose I23, and a substantially S-shaped operating member I58 disposed between the guide elements I56 and I51. The'operating member I58 is pivotally mounted adjacent to the inner end there of upon a pivot pin I59 carried by the structure I5I and is normally biased in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. l, by a coil spring I60 surrounding the pivot pin I59 and extending between the structure I5| and the operating member I58. The extreme outer end of the operating member I58 carries an upwardly extending projection |6I underhooking the midsection of the hose I23 and disposed between the outer surface of the hose I23 and the adjacent side wall I4 of the cabinet II. Also the operating member I58 carries an upwardly and outwardly projecting bumper I62 formed of rubber, or the like, and disposed inwardly with respect to the adjacent side wall of the midsection of the hose I23. Finally, the structure I5I carries an electro-responsive solenoid device I63 that is provided with a movable armature I64 that is operatively connected by a coil spring I65 to the extreme inner end of the operating member I58.

In view of the foregoing description of the operating mechanism 50, it will be understood that when the solenoid I63 is de-energized that the operating member I58 is normally biased by the weight of the hose I23 and against the counterbalancing sprin I60 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, whereby the midsection of the hose I23 is moved into its lower position normally to rest upon the curved guide elements I56 and I51. When the solenoid I63 is en-v ergized, the armature I64 is attracted rotating through the coil spring I65 the operating member I58'in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig, 1, about the pivot pin I59 with the bias of the coil spring I60; whereby the operating member lifts or elevates the midsection of the hose I23 in guided relation between the projection I6I and the bumper I62 from its lower position to its'upper position. Accordingly, when the solenoid I63 is energized the operating member I58 moves the midseotion of the hose I23 from its lower position to its upper position effecting operation of the drain mechanism I 20 from its draining position into its non-draining position. Subsequently, when the solenoid I63 is de-energized the weight of the hose I23 returns the operating member I58 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1,-back into its normal position so that the operating member I58 permits the midsection of the hoseI23 to be lowered from its upper position into its lower position; whereby the drain mechanism I20 is returned from its non-draining position back into its draining position.

Mounted'within the lower portiton of the vat 3i above the bottom wall 33' and the sump 42 and surrounding the impeller 83 is a suitable electric heater I 10 which is preferably of the sheathed resistance conductor type; which heater I10 is employed for the purpose of drying dishes after they have been washed and rinsed, as explained more fully hereinafter. The opposite terminal ends "I of the heater I10 extend through liquid-tight openings provided in the bottom wall 33 to the exterior so that electrical connections'may be made thereto exteriorly of the vat 3 I.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 and 6, the apparatus I- comprises an electro-responsive timer I80 of the cyclic type including a casing housing an electric motor I82 of the constant speed type, associated speed reduction .and friction clutch mechanism I83 and an operating shaft I84, four control cams CI, C2, C3 and C4 and four control switches SI, S2, S3 and S4, the control cams CI to C4, inclusive, being respectively operatively associated with the control switches SI to S4, inclusive. Preferably the timer motor I82 is of the Telechron type and the operating shaft I84 extends forwardly through an opening provided in the front panel 25 to the exterior, and a control knob I88 is removably secured on the extreme outer end of the operating shaft I84. The control knob H8 is spaced forwardly of the front surface of th front panel 25 and cooperates with a substantially annular trim and indexing plate I89 disposed rearwardly thereof, the operating shaft I84 extending through a hole formed in the plate I89. The plate I89 is suitably secured to the front surface of the front panel 25 and carries the legends off and on on the front face thereof; which legends cooperate with an index pointer I! carried on the control knob I88. Preferably the control knob I88 is formed of a suitable white plastic that ting or control of the control cams CI, etc.; and likewise when thecontrol knob I88 is rotated to bring the pointer I8I into registry with the legend "on" the operating shaft I84 is rotated to effect a corresponding setting or control of the control cams CI, etc.

Referring now more particularly to-Fig. 6, it is noted that the control circuit includes a source of current supply of volts A. C., and a measuring coil 202 that comprises an insulating base 220. to which a metal casing MI is secured, and four

terminal prongs

222, 223, 224 and 225 extending through the base 220 and secured in place. Also the measuring coil 202 comprises a winding 226 operatively connected between the terminal .

prongs

222 and 225 and an associated pair of contacts 226' operatively connected between the

terminal prongs

223 and 224. The socket 2I2 comprises an insulating base 221 carrying four

spring contact terminals

228, 229, 230 and 23I extending into four corresponding openings provided therein and adapted respectively: to receive and electrically to engage and establish contact with the four terminal prongs 222 to 225, inclusive. Thus it will be understood that themeasuring coil 202 is readily engageable and disengageable with respect to the socket 2I2 and that when the measuring coil 202 is positioned upon the socket 2I2 the terminal prongs 222 to 225, inclusive, respectively engage and make electrical contact with the terminal springs 228 to 23I, inelusive.

Also in Fig. 6 the electrical connection and arrangement of the various electro-responsive devices incorporated in the apparatus I0 are diagrammatically illustrated. In the interest of simplicity the line terminals have been indicated by the plus and minus signs on the diagram at each point where the required potential is necessary. The operating shaft I84 is directly connected to the control knob I88 and is also connected through the mechanism 583 to the timer motor I82. Also the operating shaft I84 is rotatably supported and physically carries the control cams CI to C4, inclusive, that are respectively operatively associated with the control switches Si to S4, inclusive. Moreover, in the diagram the various operating times of the different steps in the cycle of operation of the apparatus I0 are indicated, the control cams CI, etc., being laid out longitudinally for convenience and the cam sections corresponding to the long time intervals being broken to conserve space.

As illustrated, one terminal, indicated at of the source of supply is connected to one spring of the door switch 8|; while the other terminal, in-

dicated at of the source of supply is connected to one terminal of the operating motor 88, to one terminal of the timer motor I82 and to the intermediate spring of the control switch S4. The other terminal of the operating motor 86 is connected to the contact spring 23I and to the lower spring of the control switch S2; while the other terminal of the timer motor I82 is-connected to one terminal of the heating element I10 and to thelower spring of the control switch SI. The other spring of the door switch 8I is connected to the intermediate spring of the control switch SI; and the other terminal of the heating element I10 is connected to the upper spring of the control switch S4. One terminal of the inlet valve solenoid H2 is connected to one terminal of the drain valve solenoid I63 and to th lower spring of the control switch S4. The other terminal of the inlet valve solenoid H2 is connected to the terminal spring 228; and the other terminal of the drain valve solenoid I63 is connected to the lower spring of the control switch S3. The terminal spring 230 is connected to the upper spring of the control switch S2; and the terminal spring 228 is connected to the upper spring of the conating shaft I84 occupies its normal position causing the control cams CI, etc., to operate the respectively associated control switches SI, etc., into their normal positions illustrated. At this time the contacts X and Y in the control switch SI occupy their open positions; the first and second contacts in the control switch S2 occupy their respective closed and open positions; the contacts in the control switch S3 occupy their open position; and the first and second contacts in the control switch S4 occupy their respective closed and open positions. Also at this time when the door 50 occupies its open position the door switch BI is operated to its open position preventing operation of any of the electro-responsive apparatus.

Considering now the cycle of operation of the apparatus I0 the person loads the dishes and other utensils into the rack structure, not shown, and moves the rack structure from over the door 60 into the vat 3|, and then moves the door 60 from its open position into its closed position effecting closure of the door switch 8|. The person then rotates the control knob I88 from its off position into its on position; whereby the operating shaft I84 is rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, causing the control cams CI, etc. to be rotated in the clockwise direction, toward the left as viewed n Fig. 6. At this time the control cam CI engages the lower sprng in the control switch SI closing the contacts X and Y. When the contacts Y in the control switch SI are thus closed, a direct circuit, including the first contacts of the control switch S2 and the door switch 8|, is completed for initiating operation of the operating motor 86. Also when the contacts X in the control switch SI are tnus closed, a circuit, including the door switch 8|, is completed for initiating operation of the timer motor I82. Upon operating the operating motor 86 rotates the operating shaft 85; whereby the impeller 83 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3. Upon operating the time motor I82 rotates the operating shaft I84 through the mechanism I83 slowly at a predetermined rate further in the clockwise direction; whereby the operating cams CI, etc., are moved gradually at a predetermined rate toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 6.

After an elapsed time of approximately ten seconds the control cam C2 engages the intermediate spring of the control switch S2 opening the first contacts and closing the second contacts thereof. When the first contacts of the control switch S2 are thus opened the previously traced direct circuit for energizing the operating motor 86 is interrupted, and a normally completed shunt, including the terminal springs 228 and 23I and the

terminal prongs

222 and 225, for shortcircuiting the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 is interrupted; whereby the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 is inserted in series cir- 16 cult relation with the operating motor 86. This series circuit for the operating motor 86 and the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 extends from one terminal of the source of supply via the door switch 8|, the contacts Y of the control switch SI, the terminal spring 228, the terminal prong 222, the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202, the terminal prong 225, the terminal spring 23I and the operating motor 86 to the other terminal of the source of supply. Accordingly, the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 being in series circuit relation with the operating motor 86 meters the current drawn by the operating motor 86, which current is not excessive at this time since the operating motor 86 has already had an opportunity to gain full speed and there is no washing liquid in the sump 42 in the vat 3|.

When the second contacts of the control switch S2 are thus closed a circuit is completed for energizing the inlet valve solenoid II2; which circuit extends from one terminal of the source of supply via the door switch 8|, the Y contacts of the control switch SI, the second contacts of the control switch S2, the terminal spring 230, the terminal prong 224, the contacts 226', the terminal prong 223, the terminal spring 229, the inlet valve solenoid I |2 and the first contacts of the control switch S4 to the other terminal of the source of supply. This circuit for energizing the inlet valve solenoid I I2 includes the contacts 226 of the measuring coil 202; however, these contacts are closed at this time since the current traverses the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 and the operating motor 86 is not excessive as previously noted, the winding 22B of the measuring coil 202 being of the marginal type. When the inlet valve solenoid H2 is thus energized the inlet valve mechanism I I I is operated to its open position as previously explained; whereby washing liquid is supplied from the liquid supply pipe I0I to the spraying device I09. The washing liquid sprays downwardly from the spraying device I09 through the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, and accumulates in the sump 42. This washing liquid passes from the sump 42 through the drain opening into the drain fixture I2I and thence through the hose I23 and the drain fixture I22 into the drain pipe 3 since the drain mechanism I20 occupies its draining position at this time. Some of the washing liquid in the sump 42 may pass through the reticulated screen I06 and may be caught and flung upwardly and outwardly through the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, by the blades 84 of the impeller 83, although this action is not considerable at this time since the drain mechanism I20 occupies its draining position. Accordingly, the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, in the vat 3| are subjected to a first spray step that is carried out through a time interval of approximately seconds under the control of the timer I80.

At the conclusion of this first spray step the control cam C3 is operated to engage the lower spring of the control switch S3 in order to close the contacts thereof completing a circuit for energizing the drain solenoid I63. This circuit extends from one terminal of the source of supply via the door switch 8|, the contacts Y of control switch SI, the contacts of the control switch S3, the drain solenoid I63 and the first contacts of the switch S4 to the other terminal of the source of supply. When the drain solenoid I63 is thus energized, the operating mechanism I is controlled in order to cause the operating member I60 to elevate the midsection of the hose I26 operating the drain mechanism I20 into its nondraining position; whereby the washing liquid accumulating inthe sump 42 is retained therein aiter the drain fixture I2I and the adjacent section of the hose I23 is first filled with the washing liquid. At this time the inlet valve mechanism III still occupies its open position and the operating motor 66 is running. Accordingly, the washing liquid sprayed. through the dishes sup ported by the rack structure, not shown, from the spraying device I accumulates in the sump 42 since the drain mechanism I20 occupies its nondraining position. The washing liquid accumulating in the sump 42 of the vat 3| passes through the reticulated screen I06 and is caught by the blades 04 of the impeller 83 and is flung upwardly and outwardly through the rack structure, not shown, and the dishes supported thereby against the walls of the vat 3| and the door 60 and again returns to the sump 42. The washing liquid as-it is flung upwardly and outwardly has a generally rotary motion in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, since the impeller 83 is rotated in this direction as previously noted.

The supply of washing liquid from the spraying device I09 continues, and as the quantity of washing liquid accumulating in the sump 42 increases the load imposed upon the impeller 83, and consequently upon the operating motor 86, is gradually increased; whereby the current traversi g the operating motor 86 and the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 is gradually increased. When a predetermined quantity of washing liquid accumulates in the sump 42 a corresponding predetermined load is imposed upon the operating motor 66; whereby the current traversing the operating motor 86 and the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 reaches a predetermined value. When this current traversing the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 reaches the predetermined value mentioned, indicating that the vat 3| now contains a full and predetermined quantity of washing liquid, the winding 226controls the contacts 226', since it is of the marginal type as previously noted. More particularly, the contacts 226' are opened interrupting the circuit for energizing the inlet valve solenoid I I2; whereby the inlet valve mechanism III is operated to its closed position. Specifically,

the inlet valve mechanism II I is of the slow-clos ingtype, as previously noted, and when it is completely closed the supply of washing liquid from the liquid supply pipe IN to the spraying device I09 is cut off.

Approximately 45 seconds after the drain mechanism I20 is operated to its non-draining position the control cam C2 disengages the incordingly, the-winding 226 is'de-energized bringing about reclosure of the contacts 226' however, without effect at this time since the second contactsof the control switch S2 are open. Accordingly, the connections abovedescribed provide a timed arrangement for effecting the de-energiza- 18 tion of the inlet valve solenoid H2 and the consequent operation of the inlet valve mechanism III to its closed position in the event this result has not already been brought about by operation of the measuring coil 202 within the 45 seconds period mentioned.

The first washing step continues for a total time of approximately 330 seconds following the operation of the drain mechanism I20 into its non-draining position, and within this time interval and in response to the accumulation of a predetermined quantity of washing liquid in the sump 42 a given charge of detergent is introduced into the washing liquid in order that the first washing step may be efiective to remove grease and other foreign materials from the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown. The arrangement for introducing the detergent into the washing liquid is disclosed in the previously mentioned Walker application and is based upon the accumulation of a, predetermined quantity of washing liquid in, the sump 42; whereby the washing liquid accumulating in the sump 42 is flushed or washed into the detergent cup, not shown, carried by the inner body sheet 62 of the door 60 causing the detergent to be washed into the body'of the washing liquid contained in the vat 3i. This introduction of detergent into the washing liquid is accomplished shortly following the closure of the drain mechanism I20 so that the detergent is present in the washing liquid during a substantial part of the time interval of the first washing step. Preferably the detergent that is employed is of the type sold under the trade name Calgonite that comprises about 40 per cent sodium hexametaphosphate and 60 per cent sodium metasilicate.

At the conclusion of the first washing step the control cam C3 disengages the lower spring of the control switch S3, whereby the contacts thereof are opened interrupting the circuit for energizing thedrain solenoid I63. When the drain solenoid I63 is thus de-energized the operating mechanism I50 is controlled to operate the drain mechanism I20 back into its draining position; and specifically the operating member I58 is released permitting the midsection of the hose I23 to be returned to its lower position. At this tim the washing liquid and the carried detergent drain from the sump 42 through the drain opening I25 into the drain fixture I2I and thence through the hose I23 and into the drain fixture I22 and finally into the drain pipe I I3. The washing liquid carrying the detergent is prone to carry therewith air bubbles; however, no partial air lock is produced in the hose I23 by virtue of the arrangement including the breather tube I46 previously described. The strainer I3I prevents large foreign objects from being carried with the washing li'quid'into the drain fixture I2 I.

The washing liquid contained in the sump 42 is drained into the fixture I2I in a, very short interval of time; and approximately 45 seconds after the drain mechanism I20 is operated to its open position the control cam C2 again engages the intermediate spring of the control switch S2 effecting opening of the first contacts and closing of the second contacts thereof. When the control switch S2 is thus operated the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 is again inserted in series with the operating motor 86 and the inlet valve solenoid H2 is again energized, all in the manner previously explained. At this time the inlet valve mechanism III is operated to its open position effecting the .supply of washing liquid from the liquid supply pipe II to the spraying device I09, whereby the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, are again sprayed, and the washing liquid accumulating in the sump 42 passes through the drain mechanism I20 in its draining position into the drain pipe II3. This second spray step is carried out for a time interval of approximately seconds; whereupon the control cam C3 re-engages the lower spring of the control switch S3 closing the contacts thereof and again energizing the drain solenoid I53. The drain mechanism I 20 is again operated to its nondraining position causing the washing liquid to be retained in the sump 42, initiating a second washing step.

The second washing step proceeds in the manner of the first washing step described above; whereby the inlet valve mechanism III is subsequently operated to its closed position under the control of the measuring coil 202 dependent upon the load upon the operating motor 85 or under the control of the control cam C2 and the associated control switch S2; all in the manner previously explained. In any case after a time interval of approximately 45 seconds following operation of the drain mechanism I into its non-draining position, the control cam C2 disengages the intermediate spring of th control switch S2 opening the second contacts and closing the first contacts thereof in order positively to insure de-energization of the inlet valve solenoid H2 and short-circuiting of the winding 226-of the measuring coil 202. At this time the inlet valve mechanism III occupies its closed position and the drain mechanism I20 occupies its non- 1 draining position; whereby the second washing step continues in the manner previously explained. The second washing step continues for a time interval of approximately 330 seconds following the closure of the drain mechanism I20; whereupon the control cam C3 disengages the lower spring of the control switch S3 effecting the de-energization of the drain solenoid I63 and the consequent operation of the drain mechanism I 20 to its draining position.

The washing liquid accumulated in the sump 42 is drained into the drain pipe H3 in the manner previously explained in a short time interval; and

approximately 45 seconds after the drain mechanism I20 is operated to its draining position the control cam C2 again engages the intermediate spring of the control switch S2. The first and second contacts of the control switch S2 are respectively opened and closed effecting insertion of the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 in series with the operating motor 86 and energization of the inlet valve solenoid I I2. The inlet valve mechanism I I I is again operated to its open position in order to initiate a third spray step. The washing liquid supplied from the liquid supply pipe I01 to the spraying device I09 is sprayed through the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, and is drained from the sump 42 into the drain pipe I I3. This spray step continues throughout a time interval of approximately ten seconds following operation of the inlet valve mechanism III to its open position; whereupon the control cam C3 re-engages the lower spring of the control switch S3 closing the contacts thereof and effecting energization of the drain solenoid I63. The drain mechanism I20 is operated to its non-draining position in order again to cause washing liquid to accumulate in the sump 42 initiating a first rinsing step.

The first rinsing step proceeds in a manner substantially identical to the first washing step described above; whereby the inlet valve mechanism III is subsequently operated to its closed position under the control of the measuring coil 202 dependent upon the load upon the operating motor 86 or under the control of the control cam C2 and the associated control switch S2; all in the manner previously explained. In any case after a time interval of approximately 45 seconds following operation of the drain mechanism I20 into its non-draining position, the control cam C2 disengages the intermediate spring of the control switch S2 opening the second contacts and closing the first' contacts thereof in order positively to insure de-energization of the inlet valve solenoid H2 and short-circuiting of the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202. At this time the inlet valve mechanism III occupies its closed position and the drain mechanism I20 occupies its non-draining position; whereby the first rinsing step continues for a tim interval of approximately 90 seconds following the operation of the drain mechanism I20 into its non-draining position; whereupon the control cam C3 disengages the lower spring of the control switch S3 effecting the de-energization of the drain solenoid I63 and the consequent operation of the drain mechanism I20 to its draining position.

The washing liquid accumulated in the sump 42 is drained into the drain pipe H3 in the manner previously explained in a short time interval; and approximately 45 seconds after the drain mechanism I20 is operated to its draining position the control cam C2 again engages the intermediate spring of the control switch S2. The first and second contacts of the control switch S2 are respectively opened and closed effecting insertion of the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 in series with the operating motor 86 and energization of the inlet valve solenoid I I2. The inlet valve mechanism III is again operated to its open position in order to initiate a fourth spray step, The washing liquid supplied from the liquid supply pipe I01 to the spraying device I09 is sprayed through the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, and is drained from the sump 42 to the drain pipe II3. This spray step continues throughout a time interval of approximately 10 seconds following operation of the inlet valve mechanism I II to its open position; whereupon the control cam C3 re-engages the lower spring of the control switch S3 closing the contacts thereof and effecting energization of the drain solenoid I63. The drain mechanism I20 is operated to its non-draining position in order again to cause washing liquid to accumulate in the sump 42 initiating a second rinsing step.

The second rinsing step proceeds in a manner identical to the first rinsing step described above; whereby the inlet valve mechanism III is subsequently operated to its closed position under the control of the measuring coil 202 dependent upon the load upon the operating motor 86 Or under the control of the control cam C2 and the associated control switch S2; all in themanner previously explained. In any case after a time interval of approximately 45 seconds following the operation of the drain mechanism I20 into its non-draining position, the control cam C2 disengages the intermediate sprin of the control switch S2 opening the second contacts and'closing the first contacts thereof in order positively to insure de-energization of the inlet valve solenoid I I2 and short-circuiting of the winding 226 21 of the measuring coil 202. At this time the inlet valve mechanism III occupies its closed position and'the drain mechanism I20 occupies its nondraining position; whereby the second rinse step continues for a time interval of approximately 90 seconds following the operation of the drain mechanism I20 into its non-draining position; whereupon the cam C8 disengages the lower spring of the control switch S8 effecting deenergization of the drain solenoid I88 and the consequent operation of the drain mechanism I20 to its draining position. v

The washing liquid accumulated in the sump 42 is drained into the drain pipe I I3 in the manner previously explained in a short time interval; and approximately 45 seconds after the drain mechanism I20 is operated to its draining position the control cam 04 engages the intermediate spring of the control switch 84 respectively opening and closing the first and second contacts thereof. when the first contacts or the control switch S4 are thus opened further points in the circuits for energizing the inlet valve solenoid H2 and the drain solenoid I08 are interrupted, thereby positively to insure that the inlet valve mechanism III occupies its closed position and the drain mechanism I20 occupies its draining position. When the second contacts of the conheating element I10; whereby heat produced by the heating element I10 in the vat 3| is circulated in the'vat 8| by the blades 84 or the impeller 08 since operation of the operating motor 80 is continued at this time. The hot air circulated in the vat 8| by the impeller 80 is directed into contact with and through the dishes sup.- ported by the rack structure, not shown, and thence back into contact with the electric heater This initial drying step is continued for a time interval of approximately 1200 seconds, whereupon the shoulder provided on the control cam CI rides under the lower spring of the control switch SI effecting opening of the Y contacts thereof while the X contacts thereof are retained closed. Opening of the Y contacts of the control switch SI interrupts the circuit for operating the operating motor 86; while the closed X contacts of the control switch SI retain completed the circuit for energizing the heating element I10. Ac-

cordingly, the operating motor 86 stops arresting rotation of the impeller 83 while the supply of heat to the heating element I10 continues. Thus drying of the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, continues through a final drying step after operation of the impeller 83 has been arrested; which final drying step continues for a time interval of approximately 600 seconds; whereupon the control cam CI disengages the lower spring of the control switch SI and the control cam C4 disengages the intermediate spring of the control switch S4. When the control cam CI disengages the lower spring of the control switch SI the X contacts thereof are opened interrupting the circuit for energizing the heating element I10 and interrupting the operating circuit for the timer motor I82. When the control cam C4 disengages the intermediate spring of the control switch $4 the first and second contacts thereof are respectively closed and opened, respectively preparing a point in the circuits for energizing the inlet valve solenoid I I2 and the drain solenoid I08 and interrupting a further point in the circuit for energizing the heating element I10. I

At this time the operating shaft I84 of the timer I80 has been rotated from its on" position in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1. back into its oil position; operation of the timer I80 has been arrested; and the cycle of operation or the apparatus I0 has been completed. Thus it will be understood that when the control knob I88 of the timer I80 is rotated from its off position approximately 30 degrees in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1,

into its "on" position that operation of the timer l80 is initiated. More particularly, the timer motor I82 efi'ects continued rotation of the con- ,trol knob I88 in the clockwise direction, as viewed ,in Fig. 1, back into its 011" position, whereupon operation or the timer III is automatically arrested. As the operating shaft I84 is rotated from its "on" position back into its 011" position in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, it is rotated progressively through the different control positions thereoi' causing the dlflerent control cams CI to C4, inclusive, selectively to govern the control switches SI to S4, inclusive, whereby the apparatus 10 is automatically operated through its various spraying, washing, rinsing and drying steps as explained above.

Also it will be understood that the mechanism I83'permits rotation of the operating shaft I84 in either direction by the control knob I88 at any time independently of the timer I80 so that any one or more of the steps in the above described cycle may be selectively omitted or repeated by appropriate manual rotation of the control knob I88 in the proper direction. For example, the final drying step may be omitted by rotating the control knob I88 in the clockwise direction back into its oil position when the control cam C4 first operates the control switch S6, thereby reducing the length of the operating cycle by approximately thirty minutes. This facility is especially useful when it is desired to wash a number of loads of dishes and automatic drying thereof is not important to the operator, or hand-drying thereof is particularly wished by the operator.

During the operation of the dishwashing apparatus I0 through the timed cycle above-described, the door 50 must be retained in its closed position as previously explained in order to retain the door switch 8| in its closed position, as it will be observed that any time the door 50 is operated to its open position that the door switch BI is operated to its open position arresting operation of the apparatus I0. During the various washing and rinsing steps when considerable washing liquid is accumulated in the sump 42, it is pointed out that the reticulated screen I88 prevents large particles of foreign matter such,

' for example, as lettuce leaves, or the like, ac-

cumulating in the sump 42 from being caught in the blades 84 of the impeller 83 and again flung upwardly and outwardly thereby into the rack structure, not shown, and the dishes supported thereby. Finally at the conclusion of the timed cycle the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, have not only been thoroughly washed and rinsed, but they have also been dried. At this time the door 60 may be moved from its closed position into its open position, and the rack structure, not shown, may be moved from its fully pushed-in position with respect to the vat 3i into its fully withdrawn position 23 with respect to the vat 3| over the door ll in its open position, and the dishes removed therefrom and placed in a kitchen cabinet, or the like, if desired.

In the operation of the dishwashing apparatus ll after the dishes have been loaded into the rack structure, not shown, and the rack structure has been moved into its fully pushed-in position in the vat ll a predetermined quantity or charge of detergent is placed in the detergent cup, not shown, carried by the inner body sheet 2 of the door 60, and the door 80 is moved from its open position to its closed position by the handle ll. At this time a timed cycle of operation of the 'dishwashing apparatus I is initiated by manipulating the control knob I" in the manner previously explained.

As disclosed in the previously mentioned Walker application the vat 3i and the door 0 are of the gasketless type and the interior of the vat 3| is vented to the exterior through the space between the outer and inner body sheets ll and 62 during opeij ajtion of the apparatus II.

The connection and arrangement of the control circuit for the dishwashing apparatus II is disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Douglas F. Illian, Serial No. 91,906, flied May 7, 1949.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent thatthere has been provided washing apparatus embodying improved drain mechanism that is of simple and rugged construction incorporating no nice fltting valve elements and valve seats.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Washing apparatus comprising a vat adaptedto contain washing fluid and having a drain opening in the lower portion thereof, a drain pipe disposed below said drain opening, a drain conduit connecting said drain opening and said drain pipe, said drain conduit including a movable section capable of being moved between an upper position disposed above said drain opening and a lower position disposed below said drain opening, said washing fluid in said vat being retained therein when said movable section occupies its upper position and being drained therefrom through said drain opening and said drain conduit into said drain pipe when said movable section occupies its lower position, means for biasing said movable section into its lower position, and an electromagnetic actuator operable to lift said movable section against said biasing means into its upper position.

2. Washing apparatus comprising a vat adapted to contain washing fluid and having a drain opening in the lower portion thereof, a drain pipe disposed below said drain opening, a drain conduit connecting said drain opening and said drain pipe, said drain conduit including a flexible section capable of being moved between an upper position disposed above said drain opening and a lower position disposed below said drain opening, said washing fluid in said vat being retained therein when said flexible section occupies its upper position and being drained therefrom through said drain opening and said drain conduit into said drain pipe when said flexible section occupies its lower position, means for biasing said flexible section into one of its positions, and electro-responsive means for moving said flexible section against said biasing means into the other of its positions.

3. Washing apparatus comprising a vat adapted to contain washing fluid and having a drain opening in the lower portion thereof, a drain pipe disposed below said drain opening, a drain conduit connecting said drain opening and said drain pipe, said drain conduit including a flexible section capable of being moved between an upper position disposed above said drain opening and a lower position disposed below said drain opening, said washing fluid in said vat being retained therein when said flexible section occupies its upper position and being drained therefrom through said drain opening and said drain conduit into said drain pipe when said flexible section occupies its lower position, the weight of said flexible section biasing it into its lower position, and means including an electromagnetic actuator for lifting said flexible section into its upper position.

4. Washing apparatus comprising a vat adapted to contain washing fluid and having a drain opening in the lower portion thereof, a first elastic drain fixture frictionally secured in fluid-tight relation in said drain opening and communicating with the lower portion of said vat, a second drain flxture disposed below said flrst drain flxture, a drain pipe communicating with said second drain flxture, a flexible drain hose extending between and communicating with said drain fixtures; a midsection of said drain hose being capable of being moved between upper and lower positions respectively disposed above and below said first drain fixture, said washing fluid in said vat being retained therein when said midsection occupies its upper position and being drained therefrom through said flrst drain fixture and said drain hose and said second drain fixture into said drain pipe when said midsection occupies its lower position, means for biasing said midsection into its lower position, and an electromagnetic actuator operable to lift said midsection against said biasing means into its upper position.

5. Washing apparatus comprising a vat adapted to contain washing fluid carrying a detergent and having a drain opening in the lower portion thereof, a drain pipe disposed below said drain opening, a drain conduit connecting said drain opening and said drain pipe, said drain conduit including a movable section capable of being moved between an upper position disposed above said drain opening and a lower position disposed below said drain opening, said washing fluid in said vat being retained therein when said movable section occupies its upper position and being drained therefrom through said drain opening and said drain conduit into said drain pipe when said movable section occupies its lower position, said washing fluid in said vat draining therefrom through said drain opening into said drain conduit being prone to carry air bubbles therewith due to the carried detergent resulting in a partial air lock in said drain conduit, an upstanding breather tube carried by said drain conduit and communicating between the interior thereof and the exterior, the upper open end of said breather tube being disposed above said drain opening so as to prevent said washing fluid from escaping therethrough while permitting the escape of air therethrough in order to break the partial air lock in said drain conduit, means for biasing said movable section into its lower position, and an elec tromagnetic actuator operable to lift said movable section against said biasing means into its upper position.

6. Washing apparatus comprising a vat adapted to contain washing fluid carrying a detergent and having a drain opening in the lower portion thereof, a first elastic drain fixture frictionally secured in fluid-tight relation in said drain opening and communicating with the lower portion of said vat, a second drain fixture carried by the lower portion of said vat exteriorly thereof and disposed below said first drain fixture, a drain pipe communicating with said second drain fixture, a flexible drain hose extending between and communicating with said drain fixtures, a midsection of said drain hose being capable of being moved between upper and lower positions respectively disposed above and below said first drain fixture, said washing fluid in said vat being retained therein when said midsection occupies its upper position and being drained therefrom through said first drain fixture and said drain hose and said second drain fixture into said drain pipe when said midsection occupies its lower positidn, said washing fluid in said vat draining therefrom through said first drain fixture into said drain hose being prone to carry air bubbles therewith due to the carried detergent resulting in a partial air lock in said drain hose, an upstanding breather tube carried by said second drain fixture and communicating between the interior thereof and the exterior, the upper open end of said breather tube being disposed above said drain opening so as to prevent said washing fluid from escaping therethrough while permitting the escape of air therethrough in orderto break the partial air lock in said drain conduit, means for biasing said midsection 'ihto its lower position, and an electromagnetic actuator operable to lift said midsection against said biasing means into its upper position.

'7. Washing apparatus comprising a vat adapted to contain washing fluid, a fluid supply pipe, means including an inlet valve for selectively controlling the supply or said washing fluid from said fluid supply pipe into said vat, said vat having a drain opening in the lower portion thereof, a drain pipe disposed below said drain opening, a drain conduit having its opposite ends respectively connected to said drain opening and to said drain pipe, said drain conduit including a movable intermediate section capable of being moved between an upper position disposed above said drain opening and a lower position disposed below said drain opening, a substantially predetermined quantity of said washing fluid being retained in said vat when said movable section occupies its upper position and substantially all of said washing fluid being drained from said vat through said drain opening and said drain conduit into said drain pipe when said movable section occupies its lower position, any of said washing fluid in excess of said predetermined quantity 26 that is supplied from said fluid supply pipe to said vat when said movable section occupies its upper position being drained therefrom through said drain opening and said drain conduit into said drain pipe, said drain conduit having a relatively large cross-sectional area with respect to that of said fluid supply pipe to prevent siphoning therethrough when said movable section occupies its upper position, means for biasing said movable section into its lower position, and an electromagnetic actuator operable to lift said movable section against said biasing means into its upper position.

.8. Washing apparatus comprising a vat adapted to contain washing fluid, a fluid supply pipe, an inlet valve operative between open and closed positions selectively to control the supply of said washing fluid from said fluid supply pipe into said vat, means for selectively operating said inlet valve to admit substantially a predetermined quantity of said washing fluid into said vat, said vat having a drain opening in the lower portion thereof, a drain pipe disposed below said drain opening, a drain conduit having its opposite ends respectively connected to said drain opening and to said drain pipe, said drain conduit including a movable intermediate section capable of being moved between an upper position disposed above said drain opening and a lower position disposed below said drain opening, substantially said predetermined quantity of said washing fluid being retained in said vat when said movable section occupies its upper position and substantially all of said washing fluid being drained from said vat through said drain opening and said drain conduit into said drain pipe when said movable section occupies its lower position, any of said washing fluid in excess of said predetermined quantity that is supplied from said fluid supply pipe to said vat when said movable section occupies its. upper position being drained therefrom through said drain opening and said drain conduit into said drain pipe, said drain conduit having a relatively large cross-sectional area with respect to that of said fluid supply pipe to prevent siphoning therethrough when said movable section occupies its upper position. and means for selectively moving said movable section between its upper and lower positions.

. EDGAR S. STODDARD.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 687,806 Williams Dec. 3, 1901 1,516,802 Wellman Nov. 25, 1924 1,720,643 Davies July 9, 1929 1,854,228 Schenck Apr. 19, 1932 1,875,286 Waugh Aug. 30, 1932 2,288,141 Oliver June 30, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 742,365 France Dec. 27, I932