US2678051A - Washing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 8, 1949 FIG;

.bAf f INVENTOR. Edgar S. Stoddard BY M,MQIAA1M May 11, 1954 E. S. STODDARD WASHING APPARATUS Filed April 8, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 N as INVENTOR. Edgar S. Stogldard BY M,0QMM

Aifys.

y 1954 E. s. STODDARD WASHING APPARATUS Filed April 8, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 4

INVENTOR. Edgar S. Stoddard M y 1954 E. s. STODDARD WASHING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Shem 4 Filed April 8, 1949 Inventor Edgar S. Stoddard Attys.

May 11, 1954 s. STODDARD WASHING APPARATUS Filed April 8, 1949 6 She'qts-Sheet 5 Inventor Edgar S. Stoddard y M, 06w $43M A'rtys.

E. S. STODDARD WASHING APPARATUS May 11, 1954 Filed April 8, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 61 Edgar S. Stoddard Atlys.

Patented May 11, 1954 WASHING APPARATUS Edgar S. Stoddard, Berwyn, 111., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application April 8, 1949, Serial No. 86,291

Claims.

The present invention relates to washing apparatus, and more particularly to improved dishwashing apparatus of the general character of that disclosed in the co-pending application of Forrest A. Walker, Serial No. 57,448, filed October 30, 1948.

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 the 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 unnecesary.

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 efficiency of operation and to reduce the cost of manufacture thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide in washing apparatus including a cabinet housing a vat, an improved arrangement for mounting or supporting the vat in the cabinet.

Another object of the invention is to provide in washing apparatus of the type noted, improved removable front panel structure on the cabinet permitting ready inspection and adjustment of the operating parts disposed in the cabinet exteriorly of the vat.

A further object of the invention is to provide in washing apparatus of the type noted, improved cabinet structure for reducing possible fire hazards in the event of faults developing in the electric parts or wiring incorporated therein.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the washing apparatus, whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connectio n with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l 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 arrow along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a detail of the vat structure shown in Fig. 2, illustrating the arrangement for clamping the motor-supporting brackets and the screen-supporting ring to the bottom wall of the vat; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the upper portion of the dishwashing apparatus, illustrating the arrangement for securing the rear of the vat to the rear of the cabinet; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 5-5 in Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partly broken away, of the left-hand side of the dishwashing apparatus; Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of a detail of the cabinet structure, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 'l--l in Fig. 6, illustrating the arrangement for securing the upper portion of the removable front panel to the associated upper portion of the front wall of the cabinet; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a detail of the cabinet structure, taken in the direction of the arrow along the line 8-8 in Fig. 6, illustrating the arrangement for securing the front left-hand side of the vat to the associated left-hand side of the front wall of the cabinet; Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the cabinet structure, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 9-9 in Fig. 6, illustrating the arrangements for securing the timer and the electric terminal box to the left-hand side of the front wall of the cabinet; Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the cabinet structure, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line lil-| U in Fig. 9, illustrating the arrangement of the electric terminal board in the associated electric terminal box; Fig. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the bottom wall of the vat and the associated flexible drain hose; Fig. 12 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the parts shown in Fig. 11; and Fig. 13 is an electric diagram of the timer and the circuit control arrangement incorporated in the dishwashing apparatus.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, of the drawings the dishwashing apparatus ll] 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 i I provided with top and bottom walls 12 and 3, opposed side walls It and I5, and rear and and 22 adjacent to the front oi the cabinet ii in order to define a foot-receiving recess; permitting a person to work close to the frontof.themabinetv ii. Also the front wall it is provided with outwardly projecting top and sidelflange structure 23 defining a front opening i lin'the upper portion thereof, the front opening 2% beingiofisetitoe ward the right closer to, the right-hand side wall 9 .iii than to the'left-hand side wall i i. Further,

the front wall carries a front panel having an opening it formed in the upper portion thereof and offset toward the right-hand side thereof,

the front opening it surrounding the front opening 24 and overlying a considerable marginal portion thereof adjacent to the lower portion of the front wall ll. The front panel 25 is provided with an inwardly directed marginal flange 2? surrounding the front opening 2% and-lying within,

the topand 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 Hand [5,- 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 2'6 and the adjacent top flange structure 23and by a pair of laterally spaced-apart screws 32",! 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 I? when it is secured thereto by the screws wand 3E! and that the front panel 25 may be readily removed from the front wall 5' by removing the screws 29 and 3B.

The cabinet it houses a substantially vertically disposed vat 3E arrangedin the upper portion thereof and offset toward the right closer to the side wall it than to the side wall i i; The vat 3i. comprises top and bottom walls 32 and 33, opposed side walls (is and t-iiand a rear wall 35; the top and bottom walls and 33 and the side walls 34% and terminate in a forwardly directed doorway iii having a front opening 38 wardly. projecting flange at terminating in an upwardly and outwardly extending ledge or lip ll extending between the side portions of the doorway S'l. The ledge ii is directed first up- Kvardly andoutwardly and'then downwardly terminating adjacent to the front opening 38 of the flange (iii and consequently the bottom wall 33. A substantially centrally disposed downwardly depressed sump 42 is formed in the bottom wall doorway 3?, whereby the upperedge of the ledge 1!" is disposed considerably above the bottom 33 and communicates with a downwardly embossed depression or groove 53 formed substantially centrally in the bottom flange it and extending forwardly toward the central portion of the ledge 4H. Further, an upstanding inverted substantially U-shaped inwardly embossed vat rib 44 is formed in the top wall 32 and the side walls, 3d and 35 at the junction thereof with the corresponding portions of the doorway 31, the vat rib lb; including downwardly extending legs 45 terminating just above the bottom flange 40 and well behind and below the ledge 6i.

The-front of the vat Si is secured and positioned within; the cabinet I! by a three-point support while the rear of the vat 3! is secured and positioned in the cabinet ll by a two-point support. More particularly, a top tongue at is secured to the top central portion of the rolled rim 39. and projects forwardly therefrom through a top slot 4"! formed in the front wall i! above the top of the front opening 24.; while two side tongues 43 are respectively secured to the side central portions of the rolled rim 3t and project forwardly therefrom through two side slots 4% formed in the front wall i? on opposite sides of the front opening 2 The top tongue at and each of the side tongues, 53 may be. substantially U- shaped as illustrated in Fig. 2, and suitably spot welded to the adjacentioutside portions of the rolled rim 39. Also in each of the side tongues 48 upper and lower holes to are provided for the purpose of receiving cotter pins 5i in'order securely to anchor in place the tongues 43 withrespect to the front wall ll.

The rear wall it is provided with an inwardly directed top flange 52 and two laterally spacedapart inwardly directed side flanges 53 and 54 defining an enlarged opening or hole 55 therein through which the vat 3! may be readily inserted or removed with respect to' the cabinet i i. More particularly, a first rearwardly directed fixture 56 provided with angularly disposed arms spot welded or otherwise secured to the side and rear walls 3 land carried on the rear left-hand side of the vat 3!; while a second rearwardly directed fixture 5? provided with angular-1y 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 it is laterallyolfset so that it isv closer to the right-hand side wall 15 than to the left-hand side wall it and the fixtures 5t and 5? are respectively removably-secured to the associated flanges 53 and 54 by two bolts 58- and 59 provided with cooperating nuts. Thus itwill be understood that after the vat 31, together with its attachments subsequently described, have been assembled; the vat 35 as a unit may be readily inserted through the hole 55 in the rear wall it of the cabinet H, the tongues 46 and d8 sliding through the cooperating slots d? and 49. After the vat 3i has thus been placed within the cabinet ii the cotter pins 5! may be arranged in the holes 5% provided in the tongues :38 and set in place. Also the fixtures 5t and 51 are secured to'theadjacent 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 ll and'secured in place employing the screws 29' and Si? inorder to conceal the ends of the tongues at and it;

The cabinet H is provided with a front door 60 that comprises an outer body sheet 61 'termi-l nating in an inverted substantially U-shaped rearwardly directed marginal flange 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 the body sheets SI 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 the door 643 occupies 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 corrosionresistant spring 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 baffle structure, not shown, carried by the inner body sheet 62 cooperates with inwardly directed bafiie 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 baiiie structure formed in the right-hand side wall 35 is indicated generally at 65; while the inwardly directed baffie structure formed in the left-hand side wall 34 is not shown; these baffle 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 3i carries an inwardly directed embossed trackway, not shown; which opposed trackways are adapted to support movable dish-carrying rack structure, not shown.

The door 69 is mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof within the vat 3i 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 SI 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 6"! and comprises a first hinge element 68 secured to the flange 40 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 52 and Bi. Also this mechanism comprises a bumper member 10 secured to the lower surface of the flange 40 exteriorly of the vat 3i and adapted to cooperate with a bumper member H carried by the hinge element 69. Also a guide track 12 is secured to the rear surface of the inner body sheet 62 and disposed over the hinge element 69; and a detergent Icup, 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 3i 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 ex tending 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 carried by the hinge element 69, and a locking pin 75 carried by the hinge element 69 and cooperating with a locking slot ll 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 79 that cooperates with a rearwardly directed ledge 89 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 it when the door 60 occupies its closed position. Finally, a door switch 8! is secured to the front edge of the front ledge 44 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 66 it will be understood that the door 60 is movable into a closed position with respect to the doorway 37, at which time the outer body sheet El 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 52 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 34; whereby the baffle structure, not shown, carried by the inner body sheet 62 cooperates with the baiiie structure 55, etc., and the vat rib 44 carried by the vat 3! in order to prevent the escape of washing liquid from the doorway 3'1. 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 ill 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 37, at

k which time the inner body sheet 52 occupies a substantially horizontal position and the outer body sheet 6| occupies an upwardly and forwardly inclined position. Thus the door 68 is movable through an angle slightly less than degrees between its closed and open positions. When the door 6% is moved into its open posi tion the projection 82 disengages the plunger of the door switch 8! operating the door switch 8| into its open-circuit position for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter. Also as the door 6! is moved into its final open position the bumper member ll carried by the hinge element 69 engages the bumper member lil in order rigidly to support the door til in its open position; and the locking pin 76 carried by the hinge element 69 enters the locking slot '17 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 iiil occupies its open position the dish-rack, not shown, may be moved through the doorway 31 into and out of the vat 36. More particularly, the rack, not shown, may be rolled from a supported position upon the guideway 65, etc., within the vat 3! to aposition exteriorly of the vat 3i upon the guide,

track 72, 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 fill occupies its open position it supports the movable rack, not

shown, permitting ,the ready, placement-and re moval; of dishes and other utensils withcrespect thereto;

In passing it. is noted that when the door 69 occupies, an intermediate position with respect to its closed and open positions describedabove that it may be completely removed from the doorway Bl'by virtue of the fact that. the saddle is disengageable with respect to the pintle 14- prior to entry, of the locking pin 76 into the locking slot ll.

The construction and arrangement of the-door- Ed and the cooperating baffle structure 65, etc., and the vat rib dd, as well as the arrangement for-.movably supporting the rack structure, not

shown, within the yet 3 I' and upon the door 60,

have -not-been disclosed ingreat detail in the present application, since these arrangements form no part of the present invention, and are disclosed and claimed in the previously mentioned 23,1948, now Patent No. 2,573,798, datedNovember 6, 1951.

The apparatus it further comprises an im-- peller 83 which is provided with blades 34 that may have any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades 3% are given a shape such that thewashing'liquid suppliedto the vat ill and allowed tc'accumulatein the sump 42 is thrown upwardly and outwardly in an efficient.

manner through the r'ackstructure, 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 of an electric motor 36 arranged. below the sump d2. Moreparticularly;

the sump G2 is provided with an upwardlydirested emboss 81 that terminates in a substantially vertically disposed tube 83 throughwhich the shaft $5, of the motor 86 projects and Which is surrounded by the hub of the impeller .83. The hubof the impeller 83 .may. be removably secured to the upper end of the shaft" by an arrangement including. a, bolt 89: extending through an associated spacing collar .99 arranged within the tube 98 and abutting theupperend of the-she t 85, the end of'the bolt 89 being threaded into a corresponding recess provided in the upperend of the shaft 35. Further, the shaft 85 carries a disposed below the spacingv collar. 99 and the bottom of the tube 88 within the emboss Bl in order to fling from the shaft 85 any=washing liquid that may escape from the vat 3i intothe upper open end of the tube 88 between the hub of the impeller 33 andthe Wall of the tube 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 35 through the' tube 38. V

The motor 8% 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 a the brackets 93 comprises a curved body 94 and two downwardly extending legs 95,. the body 94 theshaft. 85.

A ring 93 is arranged within the vat 3i insurerounding relation with respect togthe tubei83' and carries four angularly spaced-apart inwardly directed fixtures 99 through: which the four screws L 96 extend. Accordingly, the screws 96' firmly, clamp .the ring 98 in place-on the upper surface ofthe emboss G'I'and'the two brackets. 93 in? placeupon the lower surface of the emboss 8l5 Each of the screws 96 extends through a cooper-J ating hole meformed in the emboss 81 and. is threaded into a cooperating hole l0! formed in; the body 94 of one of the brackets 93. Alsoeach of the screws 96 extends through a hole. I921; formed in one of the fixtures 99 and is surrounded; bya resilient grommet 193 formed of rubber; or the -like; The holes I 92, I69 and i9! are'1ar-: ranged'in alignment so that when the screw 95 is. tightened the fixture 99 and the body 94 are: drawn together compressing the grommet I035 Finally, the grommet l03 comprises an upper;- flange portion Hi4 disposed between the fixture.- 99 and the adjacent upper surface-of the emboss B1 and a lower flange portion J95 disposed between the lower surface of. the emboss Slandfl the adjacent upper surface of the body 94.: Accordingly, the grommets I93 seal the holes formed in the emboss 5'! inorder positively: to. prevent the escape ofwashing liquid from .thesump 42 through the holes 1199; Finally, an'tup standing cylindricalreticulated screen l66 'is removably carriedbythe ring 98 in surrounding relation with respect to the blades84 of the impeller 83. The lower edge of the reticulated: screen 106 abuts-the adjacent upper surfaceof the emboss 8'! and serves as a strainer to--prevent .foreign articles suspended in thettwashing liquid contained in the sump 42 from beingcaught by the blades 84 of the impeller;83 andflung upwardly-through the dish-supporting rack, not 7. shown.

Provided in thespace in the cabinet .il belowthe vet 3| isa suitable liquid supply pipe I01 which is adapted-to be .connectedto a source of cleansing or washing liquid; not shown, by coupling units, or the like, not shown. For example,- inthe event the washing: liquid is water, the sourceof supply may. be a convenient hotwater tFLIflLOI' the like. The washing liquid is piped from the bottom of the cabinet I! upwardly between therear .wall IE thereofand the rear wall 36 or" 'thevat fil hy a flexible conduit I98 and wall 32 of the vat 3! so that thewashingliquid being secured to the lower surface of the embossmay be sprayed down through therack structure, not shown, carried within the vat 3i and allowed to accumulate inthe sump d2. Theliquid supply pipe 161 is suitably connected to an inletvalve mechanism 1 H of the solenoid dash-pot type arranged to "discharge into the conduit N38." The inlet valve mechanism l i i is normally biased to its'closed position-in order to out oh the supply of washing liquid from the liquid supply pipelillvto the conduit 5188, butis provided with an associated solenoid J i 22that .is adapted when =en- 9 ergized to operate the inlet valve mechanism III to its open position in order that washing liquid may be supplied from the liquid supply conduit I01 via the casing of the inlet valve mechanism III, the conduit I08 and the spraying device I09 into the upper portion of the vat 3I. Subsequently, when the solenoid I I2 is de-energized the inlet valve mechanism III is returned slowly to its closed position cutting off the communication between the liquid supply pipe IQ! and the spraying device I 09. The provision of the slow-closing inlet valve mechanism III eliminates water hammer in the plumbing preceding the liquid supply pipe I31. 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 II)? from being conducted into the liquid supply conduit I08 and thence into the spraying device I69.

Also provided in the lower portion of the cabinet II below the vat 3| is a drain pipe H3 that is connected through a suitable trap, not shown, to a drain connection. The drain pipe II3 forms a part of flexible drain mechanism I23 that is incorporated in the apparatus I and best shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 11 and 12. Specifically, this drain mechanism I29 comprises a first hollow drain fixture IZI, a second hollow drain fixture I22 and a communicating section of flexible conduit or hose I23. Preferably the hose I23 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 vat 3| in the lowermost portion of the sump 42 and frictionally receives the outer end of the drain fixture I 2I Specifically, the drain opening I25 occupies a position disposed on a line drawn between the center of the impeller 83 and the corner between the side wall 3d and the rear wall 36 of the vat 3I 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 I2I comprises a body having a deep surrounding recess I2l therein defining spaced-apart flanges I28 and I29, the configuration of the base of the recess I2! substantially conforming to the contour of the drain opening I25, and an integral bead I30 being formed in the lower portion of the body and disposed in the recess I26. The end of the drain fixture I2I is removably and frictionally secured to the bottom wall 33 within the drain opening I25 with the flanges I23 and I29 disposed respectively interiorly and exteriorly of the bottom wall 33 and with the bead I30 positioned in the recess I28. 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 I2! firmly in place within the drain opening I 25 and in order to prevent the washing liquid draining thereinto from the sump 42 from carrying foreign objects therewith into the drain fixture I2I. Specifically, the strainer I3I is provided with a throat flange I32 carrying a number of outwardly projecting locking ears I33 engaging the throat of the drain fixture I2I and pressing the base of the recess I2! tightly against the 19 edge of the bottom wall 33 surrounding the drain opening I and with the adjacent faces of the flanges I28 and We disposed on opposite sides of the recess I2? pressed into firm engagement with the respective inner and outer surfaces of the bottom wall 33 surrounding the drain opening I25 in order to provide a fluid-tight connection between the interior of the vat it! at the bottom of the sump 32 and the interior of the drain fixture I2I. The bead I33 carried by the lower portion of the body of the drain fixture I2I lies in the recess I25 formed in the bottom wall 33 adjacent to the drain opening I25 and fills up the recess I23 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 32 around the bottom of the strainer I3I when the interior of the drain fixture I2I is placed into communication with the drain pipe 5 I 3 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 t2. More particularly, the bracket I35 comprises two laterally spaced-apart upwardly directed front legs I36 and a centrally disposed rearwardly extending leg I37, which legs I36 and I3? 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 I3 3 provided on the drain fixture I22, the flange I34 being secured in place by an associated screw I33 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 I4! surrounding the barrel I39 adjacent to the lower end thereof. The lower end of the tube I40 is provided with an externally threaded portion I 32 that receives an internally threaded collar or union I43 that is adapted to engage an outwardly extending flange I provided on the top of the drain pipe H3. Accordingly, the collar I43 threaded upon the portion M2 of the tube I All securely clamps the flange I 44 to the adjacent end of the tube Mil, 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 H3 and the barrel I39 of the drain fixture I22. Also the drain fixture I22 comprises an outward- 1y extending barrel I45 that is molded onto the adjacent end of the hose I23 and arranged in communicating relation with the barrel I 39.

Further, an upstanding breather tube M3 is molded into the barrel M5 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 friotionally secured within the drain opening I25 formed in the bottom wall 33 within the sump S2 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 I 35 to the exterior surface of the bottom wall 33 adjacent to the sump 42 and sup 34 towardthe side wall IA; Thus the midsection' of the hose I22 is positioned below the bottom wall 23,,of thevat BI and intermediate the side wall t l of the vat SI and the side wall I4 of the cabinet II. The lower end of the barrel I29 of the second fixture I22 is disposed below the first fixture I2I, wherebythe drain pipe II3 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 disposedabove the drain opening I25 to a lower position disposed below the drain opening I25. Accordingly, when the mids'ection of the hose 23 is elevated to its upper position the communicationbetween the bottom of the sump 42 and the drain -pipe II3is effectively closed to prevent washing liquid contained in the sump 622 from draining throughthe drain opening I25 into the drain pipe I I3 through the communicating drain fiXtures IZI and I22 and the hose I23. On the other hand when the midsecticn of the hose I23 is loweredto its lower position the communication, between the bottom of the sump 42 and thedrain pipe H3 is effectively opened to permit washing liquid contained in the sump 42 to be drained therefromthrough the drain opening I25 into the drain pipe I I3, through the communicatingdrain fixtures I2I and I22 and the hose I23; Accordingly, the drain mechanism I25 comprises non-draining and draining positions respectivel y corresponding to the upper and lower positions of the flexible midsection of the hose I23. The hose I23 is normally biasedboth by the resiliency of the helical spring I24 and by gravity into its lower position and it is operated against these biases into its upper position by an electroresponsiveoperating mechanism I 50..

When the drain mechanism I20 occupies its draining position all of the washing liquid contained in the surnp 42 is immediatel drained through the drain opening I25 into the drain pipe I I3 due to the factthat asmoothsurface 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 I23 and the second fixture I22 into the drain pipe I I3; 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 I45 carried by the second drain fixture I22 is disposed above the drain opening I 25 and above the normal washing liquid level in the vat 3I, the washing liquid Since the washing liquid contained in the sump 42 has detergent suspended therein it is prone to carry air bubbles therewith through the drain 'the vat 3 I.

opening. I25 into the drain fixture I2I and. conse quently into, the hose I23 and thedrain fixture I22, which air bubbles present in the drain mechanism, I22 would tend to form a partial airlock between the drain opening I25 and the drain pipe;

hose I23 is relieved by the communication throughthe breather tube Hi5 betweenthe exterior and- In other words these air bubbles swept into the drain fixthe interior of the drain fixture I22.

ture I2I along with the washing liquid burst in the hose I23 and the resultingair escapes through the breather tube I25 relieving the tendency to produce a partial air look. within the drain mechanism I25 Of course, it will be understood that the upper end of the breather tube 545 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 sectionoi glass or. other tube, not shown, within the hollow breather tube I455.

retard draining unless the vent arrangement is provided.

In the drain mechanism I25 the inlet throat of the drain fixture I2i secured within the drain opening I25 is disposedat least partially above the outlet port or portion of the drain fixture I2I joining the adjacent end of the hose E23 and is of a predetermined contour increasing in area from the upper portion thereof toward the lower portion adjacent to the bead E32, whereby the flow of the washing liquid draining from the vat BI into the inlet throat of the drain fixture I2! is only slightly reduced in response to a considerable and greater reduction intne hydrostatic head of the washing liquid contained in Thus the contour or shape of the inlet throat of the drain fixture I2! positioned above the adjacent end of the hose I23 maintains a relatively uniform flow of the washing liquid as the quantitative efiect thereof is diminished due to the diminishing head of the washing liquid in the vat 3! when the drain mechanism wall S3 of the vat 3 i. Also the structure E5I com prises a rearwardly andupwardly extending arm I54 carrying a resilient bumper E55 formed of rubber, or the like, and arranged in engagement with the bottom wall 33 just above the sump 42. This suspension or" the operating mechanism I55 below the. bottom wall 33 of the vat 3i prevents the structure I5! from pounding the bottom wall SI during shipment of the apparatus I5.

elements I55, and I5! spaced apart front and rear and extending below the midseotion of the hose i23, and a substantially S-shaped operating member, I58 disposed between the guide elements I55 and I51. The operating member I58 is pivotally mounted adjacent to the inner end thereof upon a pivotpin I59 carried by the structure Also, certain, plumbing installations tendto pocket air and thus 1 Fur- Y ther the structurel 5| comprises two curved guide I 13 II and is normally biased in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, by a coil spring I60 surrounding the pivot pin I59 and extending between the structure I5I and the operating member I58. The extreme outer end of the operating member I58 carries an upwardly extending projection I6I underhooking the midsection of the hose I23 and disposed between the outer surface of the hose I23 and the adjacent side wall Id of the cabinet I I. 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 I50, it will be understood that when the solenoid I63 is de-energized that the operating member I56 is normally biased by the weight of the hose I23 and against the counterbalancing spring 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 energized the armature I64 is attracted rotating through the coil spring I65 the opertaing member I58 in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, about the pivot pin I55 with the bias of the coil spring I 60; 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 midsection of the hose $23 from its lower position to its upper position effecting operation of the drain mechanism I20 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 hose I23 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.

The above-described arrangement for controlling the overfiow of washing fluid from the vat and for selectively controlling the draining of the washing fluid therefrom is disclosed and claimed in the copending divisional application of Edgar S. Stoddard, Serial No. 223,575, filed April 28, 1951, now Patent No. 2,652,854, dated September 22, 1953.

Mounted within the lower portion of the vat 3| above the bottom wall 33 and the sump 42 and surrounding the impeller 83 is a suitable electric heater I 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 I1I 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 they vat 3|.

Referringnow more particularly to Figs. 1, 6,

9 and 13, the apparatus I0 comprises an electroresponsive timer I of the cyclic type including a casing IBI 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 wall 185 of the casing I8I. More particularly, the left-hand upper portion of the front wall I1 of the cabinet II has an opening I86 formed therein through which the casing i8! is inserted. Specifically, the front wall I of the casing I8! abuts the front surface of the front wall I1, while the body of the casing I8I projects through the opening I86, the front wall I85 being removably secured in place by suitable screws I85. The operating shaft I84 extends through an aligned hole I61 formed in the front panel 25 to the exterior, and a control knob I58 is removably secured on the extreme outer end of the operating shaft I84. The control knob 186 is spaced forwardly of the front surface of the front panel 25 and cooperates with a substantially annular trim and indexing plate I89 disposed rearwardly thereof, the operatin shaft :64 extending through a hole I formed in the plate I86. The plate I88 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 I9I carried on the control knob I88. Preferably the control knob I88 is formed of a suitable white plastic that matches the white enamel finish that is normally provided on the exterior surface of the various walls of the cabinet II, the front panel 25 and the door 60; while the plate I 89 may be formed of pressed steel and given a polished chromium finish. In passing it is noted that when the control knob I 88 is rotated to bring the pointer I9I into registry with the legend Off the operatin shaft I 84 is rotated to effect a corresponding setting or control of the control cams CI, at; and likewise when the control knob I88 is rotated to bring the pointer -I9I into registry with the legend On the operating shaft I84 is rotated to efiect a correspondin setting or control of the control cams CI, etc.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 6, 9, 10 and 13, the apparatus 10 comprises a terminal box 20!] housing an insulating terminal board 20I and supporting a measuring coil or relay 202 of the detachable tube type. More particularly, the left-hand lower portion of the front wall I! of the cabinet II has an openin 203 formed therein that is provided with an inwardly directed marginal flange 26 disposed within the open front of the terminal box 200. The terminal box 205 is formed of steel, or the like, and is provided with an outwardly extending marginal flange 205 surrounding the flange 208 and abutting the rear surface of the front wall I1; and the opening 263 is provided with a removable cover 206 formed of steel, or the like, abutting the front surface of the front wall I1. The terminal box 200 is removably secured in place on the rear surface of the frontwall I1 and the cover 286 is removably secured in place on the front surface of the front wall 11 by an arrangement comprising a plurality of screws 201 extending through aligned holes formed in the T cover 2%, the front wall it and the flange its, the screws 23'! being threaded into the holes provided in the flange 23 5. The terminal Ziii is housed within the terminal box see a, cured in place by a plurality of screws Zhtand associated spacing collars 2%. Finally, the wall.

of the terminal box 2% is provided with one or more-knock-out openings 2G8 and is provided.

the left-hand side wall Hi of the cabinet H and the left-hand side wall 3% of the vat 3i; whereby both the timer lei and the terminal box 2% are positioned above the imperforate portion of the bottom wall it; constituting a fire shield therefor. Finally, the terminal board 2M comprises power terrninals adapted to be connected to a suitable source of 110 volts A. C. and connecting terminals, so that the connections between the power source and the various electroresponsive elements incorporated in the appa ratus liiare provided at the terminal board tel, the terminals being indicated at 232%. In other words, each of the electro-responsive elements such, for example, as the electric heater lid, is wired directly through the lcnock-out opening 28% provided in the wall of the terminal box 2st to appropriate ones of the terminals 253 carried by the terminal board 26!, and the appropriate cross connections between these terminals and other of the terminals 2l3 are made at the terminal board 25!. This arrangement is very advantageous as it permits ready and complete testing at the terminal board ill of any one of the electroercsponsive devices. Also the wiring extending from the terminals of any one of the electro-responsive devices, such, for example, as

I85 of 'the ti mer "mo and the cover-zea (if; the 1 terminal box 280. Also when'the front panel'25- is'removed' from the front wall it the other" electro-responsive device,- such, for example, as

the inlet valve mechanism l I I and the operating mechanism I59, are readily accessible through the front opening 2% formed in the front" wall 5?; whereby all of the apparatus disposed below the bottom wall 33 isreadily accessible from'the. exterior at this time in order to permit adjustment or repair. a

removable with respect to the front wall I! of the cabinet i l and carries with it the plate I89 so that: the front Wall 585 of the timer itll and the cover plate 2% of the terminal box 266 are then exposedv In passing it is noted that it is first necessary to remove the control knob 1&8 fromthe extreme front end of the operating shaft I84 before the front panel 25 is removed with respect to the front wall ll of the cabinet H. After thei'front panel 25 is removed from the front wall ii, the timer Edd as a unit may be removed through the opening its formed in the front wall i! by removing the screws I86. Also at this time the front plate or cover 2% may be removed by removing the screws Et'irendering the terminal board Zili housed within the terminal box 269 accessible from the exterior. Thus it will be understood that the front panel 25 normally covers and conceals both the front wall Referring now more particularly to Fig. 13,

it noted that the measuring coil 262 comprises an insulating base 220, to which a metal casing? 22l is secured, and four terminal prongs 222,223,

22 and 225 extending throug-hthe base 228 and Also the measuring coil 202 comprises a winding 226 operatively connected between the terminal prongs 222 and 225 and an secured in place.

associated pair of contacts 226 operatively'con tively to receive and electrically to engage and establish contact with the four terminal prongs 222 to 225, inclusive. Thus it will be understood that the measuring coil 262 is readily engageable and disengageable with respect to the socket 2l2 and that when the measuring coil 2924s positioned upon the socket 2l2 the'terminal prongs 222 to 225, inclusive, respectively engage and make electrical contactwith the terminal springs 228 to 23L inclusive.

Also in Fig. 13 the electrical connection andarrangement of the various electro-responsive devices incorporated in the apparatus) are,

diagrammatically illustrated, the. terminal boardas: being eliminated from thediagram in order] to gain simplicity. However, as previously noted,. it will be understood that in fact the physical. connections, diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. In the. interest of. simplicity the line terminalshavebeen indicatedby the plus and minus signs on.the..

13, are made at the terminal board .201.

diagram at each point where the, required potential is necessary, although in fact onlytwoline terminals 2E3. are provided on the terminal board... 20! and they are connected tothe voltsA. .C.

source of supply as previously notedv As diagrammatically illustrated in Fig 13 the operating shaft I84 is directly connected to the.

control knob. I88 andis also connected through the mechanism l83 to the timer motor [82. Also. the operating shaft 534 is rotatably supported-H and physically carriesthe control cams Cii to Ct, inclusive, that are respectively operatively associated withthe control switches S! to. S4,v inclusive. Moreover, in the diagram thev various.

operating. times of the different-steps in thecycleof operation of the apparatus it. are indicated, the control cams Cl, etc., being laid out longie tudinally for, convenience andthecam sections corresponding to the long time intervals being,

broken to conserve space.

As illustrated, one terminal, indicated at of the source of supply isconnected to one spring of the door switch 8!; whilethe other terminaL. indicated at of the source of supply is conto 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 Ill and to the lower spring of the control switch Si. The other spring of the door switch 8! is connected to the intermediate spring of the control switch SI; and the other terminal of the heating element HE! is connected to the upper spring of the control switch S4. One terminal of the inlet valve solenoid i I2 is connected to one terminal of the drain valve solenoid I53 and to the lower spring of the control switch S4. The other terminal of the inlet valve solenoid H2 is connected to the terminal spring 229; and the other terminal of the drain valve solenoid IE3 is connected to the lower spring of the control switch S3. The terminal spring 23!] is connected to the upper spring of the control switch S2; and the terminal spring 228 is connected to the upper spring of the control switch SI and to the intermediate spring of the control switch S2 and to the upper spring of the control switch S3.

When the apparatus I is at rest the control knob I88 occupies the position illustrated, whereby the index pointer I9! registers with the legend Off carried by the plate I89 so that the operating shaft I84 occupies its normal position causing the control cam 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 60 occupies its open position the door switch 8| is operated to its open position preventing operation of any of the electroresponsive apparatus.

Considering now the cycle of operation of the apparatus Ill 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 SI. The person then rotates the control knob I88 from its Off position into its On position; whereby the operating shaft I34 is rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, causing the control cams C I, etc. to be rotated in the clock" wise direction, toward the left as viewed in Fig. 13. At this time the control cam CI engages the lower spring in the control switch SI closing the contacts X and Y. When the contacts X and 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 operatingmotor 86. Also when the contact X in the control switch S! are thus closed, a circuit, including the door switch 8 I is completed for initiating operation of the timer motor I82. Upon operating the operating motor 36 rotates the operating shaft 85; whereby the impeller 83 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5. Upon operating the timer 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 pre- 18 determined rate toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 13.

After an elapsed time of approximately ten seconds the control cam C2 engages the intermediate sprin 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 is interrupted, and a normally completed shunt, including the terminal springs 228 and 23% and the terminal prongs 222 and 225, for short-circuiting the winding 226 of the measuring coil 29?: is interrupted; whereby the winding 22s of the measuring coil 262 is inserted in series circuit relation with the operating motor 86. This series circuit for the operating motor 86 and the winding 22% of the measuring coil 202 extends from one terminal of the source of supply via the door switch 8 I the contacts Y of the control switch SI, the terminal spring 228, the terminal prong 222, the winding 226 of the measuring coil 262, the terminal prong 225, the terminal spring 2st and the operating motor 86 to the other terminal of the source of supply. Accordingly, the winding 226 of the measuring coil 292 being in series circuit relation with the operating motor 86 meters the current drawn by the operating motor 36, which current is not excessive at this time since the operating motor 9 5 has already had an opportunity to gain full and there is no washing liquid in the sump 4:2 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 H2; which cirextends from one terminal of the source of supply via the door switch 8i, the Y contacts of the control switch St, the second contacts of the control switch S2, the terminal spring 230, the terminal prong 22 i, the contacts 225, the terminal prong 223, the terminal spring 229, the inlet valve solenoid H2 and the first contacts of the control switch St to the other terminal of the source of supply. This circuit for energizing .the inlet valve solenoid I !2 includes the contacts 225 of the measuring coil 2ll2; however, these contacts are closed at this time since the current traverses the winding 226 of the measuring coil 292 and the operating motor 35 is not excessive as previously noted, the winding 22% of the measuring coil 262 being of the marginal type. When the inlet valve solenoid I I2 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 50'! to the spraying device I539. The washing liquid sprays downwardly from the spraying de* vice I99 through the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, and accumulates in the sump 52. This washing liquid passes from the sump 42 through the drain opening E25 into the drain fixture [2i and thence through the hose 23 and the drain fixture 822 into the drain pipe H3 since the drain mechanism I25 occupies its draining position at this time. Some of the washing liquid in the sump d2 may pass through the reticulated screen we 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 33, although this action is not considerable at this time since the drain mechanism we occupies its draining position. Accordingly, the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, in

19 the tat 31 are subjected to a first spray step that is carried out through a time interval of approximately 30 seconds under the control of the timer I80.

At the conclusion of this first spray step the control cam 03 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 its. This circuit extends from one terminal of the source of supply via the door switch ti, the contacts Y of control switch Sl the contacts of the control switch S3, the drain solenoid I 53 and the first contacts of the switch S5 to the other terminal of the source of supply. When the drain solenoid IE3 is thus energized, the operating mechanism lfiil is controlled in order to cause the operating member $58 to elevate the midsection of the hose I23 operating the drain mechanism I20 into its non-draining position; whereby the washing liquid accumulating in the sump s2 is retained thereinafter the drain fixture l2! and the adjacent section of the hose H23 is first filled with the washing liquid. At this time the inlet valve mechanism l i i still occupies, its open position and the operating motor 86 is running. Accordingly, the washing liquid sprayed through the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, from the spraying device its accumulates in the sump 42 since the drain mechanism. l20 occupies its non-draining position. The washing liquid accumulating in the sump lzl of the vat 3i passes through the reticulated screen I06 and is caught by the blades S4 of the impeller :33 and is flung upwardly and outwardly through the rack structure, not shown, and the dishes supported thereby against the walls of the vat 31 and the door 68 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. 5, 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 and consequently upon the operating motor 85, is gradu ally increased; whereby the current traversing the operating motor 86 and the winding 2'26 of the measuring coil 202 is gradually increased. When a predetermined quantity of washing liquid accumulates in the sump A2 a corresponding predetermined load is imposed upon the operating motor 86; whereby the current traversing the operating motor 86 and the winding 225 of the measuring coil 202 reaches a predetermined value.

When this current traversing the winding 22% 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 22% controls the contacts 226, since it is of the marginal type as previously noted. More particularly, the contacts 220' are'opened interrupting the circuit for energizing the inlet valve solenoid H2; whereby the inlet valve mechanism l i l is operated to its closed position. Specifically, the inlet valve mechanism I l I is of the slow-closing type, as previously noted, and when it is completely closed the supply of washing liquid from the liquid supply pipe it? to the spraying device E09 is cut off.

Approximately 45 seconds after the'drain mechanism H0 is operated to its non-draining position the control cam C2 disengages the intermediate spring of the control switch S2 whereby the sec ond contacts thereof are opened and the first contacts thereof are closed. When the second contacts of the control switch S2 are thus opened, a further point in the circuit for energizing the inlet valve solenoid H2 is interrupted; and when the first contacts of the control switch S? are thus closed the path for short-circuiting the winding 226 of the measuring coil 292 is again com pleted, together with the direct circuit for operating the operating motor 85. Accordingly, the winding 220 is de-energized bringing about reclosure of the contacts 22%; however, without effect at this time since the second contacts of the control switch S2 are open. Accordingly, the connections above described provide a timed arrangement for effecting the de-energization of the inlet valve solenoid I I2 and the consequent openation 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 iZt into its nondraining position, and within this time interval and in response to the accumulation of a predetermined quantity of washing liquid in the sum 42 a given charge of detergent is introduced into the washing liquid in order that the first washing step may be effective 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 4'2 is flushed or washed into the detergent cup, not shown, carried by the inner body sheet 62 of the door 58 causing the detergent 'to be washed into the body of the washing'liquid contained in the vat 35. 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 sodiumhexametaphosphate 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 the drain solenoid I63. When the drain solenoid E53 is thus de-energized the operating mechanism E50 is controlled to operate the drain mechanism I20 back into its draining position; and specifically the operating member IE3 is released permitting the midsection of the hose 23 to be returned to its lower position. At this time the washing liquid and the carried detergent drain from the sump 42 through the drain opening $25 into the drain fixture IN and thence through the hose E23 and into the drain fixture in and finally into the drain pipe H3. The washing liquid carrying the detergent is prone to carry therewith air bubbles;

however, no partial air lock is produced in the 21 being carried with the washing liquid 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 I I I is operated to its open position effecting the supply of washing liquid from the liquid supply pipe I01 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 drai pipe I I3. 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 I63. The drain mechanism I20 is again operated to its non-draining 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 I I I 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 02 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 nondraining 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 I20 to its draining position.

The washing liquid accumulated in the sump 22 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 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 eifecting 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 the inlet valve mechanism III to its open position; whereupon the control cam 03 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 II I 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 02 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 02 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 I2ii occupies its non-draining position; whereby the first rinsing step continues for a time interval of approximately 90 seconds following the operation of the drain mechanism I20 int-o its nondraining position; whereupon the control cam C3 disengages the lower spring of the control switch S3 efiecting the de-energization of the drain solenoid I63 and the consequent operation of the drain mechanism I20 to its draining posiion.

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 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 eifecting insertion of the winding 226 of the measuring coil 202 in series with the operating motor 06 and energization of the inlet valve solenoid H2. The inlet valve mechanism II! 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 I 00 is sprayed through the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, and is drained from the sump 42 to the drain pipe II 3. This spray step continues throughout a time interval of approximately 10 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 nondraining position in order again to cause washing liquid to accumulatein 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 Hi is subsequently operated to its closed position under the control of the measuring coil 202 dependent upon the load upon the operating motor 36 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 the operation of the drain mechanism E29 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 225 of the measuring coil 202. At this time the inlet valve mechanism lll occupies its closed position and the drain mechanism 20 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 it into its non-draining position; whereupon the cam 03 disengages the lower spring of the control switch S3 effecting deenergization of the drain solenoid I63 and the consequent operation of the drain mechanism tit to its draining position.

The washing liquid accumulated in the sump i2 is drained into the drain pipe 9 It in the manner previously explained in a short time interval; and approximately 45 seconds after the drain mechanism in is operated to its draining position the control cam C4- engages the intermediate spring of the control switch S3 respectively opening and closing the first and second contacts thereof. When the first contacts of the control switch St are thus opened further points in the circuits for energizing the inlet valve solenoid i it and the drain solenoid 253 are interrupted, thereby positively to insure that the inlet valve mechanism i ii occupies its closed position i and the drain mechanism :20 occupies its draining position. When the second contacts of the control switch S4 are thus closed a circuit, including the door switch 8!, the X contacts of the control switch S! and the second contacts of the control switch S4, is completed for energizing the heating element i'iii; whereby heat produced by the heating element lid in the vat Si is circulated in the vat 33 by the blades 84 of the impeller 83 since operation of the operating motor 88 is continued at this time. The hot air circulated in the vat 3! by the impeller 83 is directed into contact with and through the dishes supported by the rack structure, not shown, and

' thence back into contact with the electric heat 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 S 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 33; while the closed X contacts of the control switch Si retain completed the circuit for energizing the heating element lid. Accordingly, the operating motor 86 stops arresting rotation of the impeller83 while the supply of heat to the heating element I18 continues. 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 Cl 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 S! and X contacts thereof are opened interrupting the circuit for energizing the heating element I19 and interrupting the operating circuit for the timer motor [82. When the control cam C i disengages the intermediate spring of the control switch S4 the first and second contacts thereof are respectively closed and opened, respectively preparing a point in the circuits for energizing the inlet valve solenoid H2 and the drain solenoid I63 and interrupting a further point in the circuit for energizing the heating element ill].

At this time the operating shaft I84 of the timer rec has been rotated from its oniposi tion in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig.

1, back into its Off position; operation of the timer 586 has been arrested; and the cycle of operation of the apparatus it has been completed. Thus it will be understood that when the control knob I38 of the timer I is rotated from its Oii position approximately 30 degrees in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, into its On position that operation of the timer H89 is initiated. More particularly, the timer motor I32 effects continued rotation of the control knob i 38 in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, back into its Off position, whereupon operation of the timer we is automatically arrested. As the operating shaft I84 is rotated from its On position back into its .Off position in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1,'it is rotated progressively through the different control. positions thereof causing the different control cams Ci to C 5, inclusive, selectively to govern the control switches SI to SA, inclusive, where by the apparatus 5 is automatically operated through its various spraying, washing, rinsing and drying steps as explained above.

Also it will be understood that the mechanism E83 permits rotation of the operating shaft [84 in either direction by the control knob I88 at any time independently of the timer it! 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 its in the proper direction. For example, the final drying step maybe omitted by rotating the control knob I88 in the clockwise direction back into its Off position when the control cam G4 first operates the control switch S i, 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 ope erator, or hand-drying thereof is particularly wished by the operator.

During the operation of the dishwashing apparatus it through the timed cycle above-described, the door 69 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 60 is operated to its open position that the door switch 8| is operated to its open position arrest Thus drying of the dishes supported by ing operation of the apparatus In. 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 I 06 prevents large particles of foreign matter such, for example, as lettuce leaves, or the like, accumulating 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 (50 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 re spect to the vat 31 into its fully withdrawn position with respect to the vat 3| over the door 60 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 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 3|, a predetermined quantity or charge of detergent is placed in the detergent cup, not shown, carried by the inner body sheet 62 of the door 60, and the door 60 is moved from its open position to its closed position by the handle 18. At this time a timed cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatus 1!) is initiated by manipulating the control knob 188 in the manner previously explained.

As disclosed in the previously mentioned Walker application the vat 31 and the door 61! 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 BI and 62 during operation of the apparatus 10.

The connection and arrangement of the control circuit for the dishwashing apparatus is is disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Douglas F. Illian, Serial No. 91,906, filed May 7, 1949, now Patent No. 2,624,352, dated January 6, 1953.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided washing apparatus of the front opening type incorporating improved vat and cabinet structure permitting ready assembly of the parts in a simple and efficient manner while permitting subsequent inspection and adjustment of the operating parts when and if necessary. Also the washing apparatus incorporates an improved arrangement permitting ready sub-assembly of the vat and the operating parts carried thereby and sub-assembly of the cabinet and the operating parts carried thereby before final assembly of the vat sub-assembly and the cabinet sub-assembly. Further, the washing apparatus comprises improved drain mechanism that is of simple and rugged construction incorporating no nice fitting valve elements and valve seats. Finally, the washing apparatus incorporates an improved electric control circuit for the electro responsive elements thereof minimizing fire hazards in the various wiring and electrical connections between the different electro-responsive elements.

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. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat having a first upstanding front opening therein surrounded by a first outwardly directed marginal flange, a casing housing said vat and including a front wall having a second upstanding front opening therein surrounding said first front opening, an overlying front panel removably secured to said front wall and having a third upstanding front opening therein surrounded by a second inwardly directed marginal flange and registering with said first front opening and covering a marginal portion of said second front opening, control elements housed within said casing exteriorly of said vat, said elements being readily accessible from the exterior through said second front opening when said front panel is removed from said front wall, said front panel concealing said elements when it is secured to said front wall, said first and second flanges cooperating to define a doorway through said first and second and third front openings from the exterior into said vat, and a front door associated with said doorway and mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof upon said vat for pivotal movements with respect to said doorway between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.

2. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat having a first upstanding front opening thereinto surrounded by a first outwardly directed marginal flange, a casing housing said vat and including a front wall having a second upstanding front opening therein surrounding said first front opening, an overlying front panel removably secured to said front wall and having a third upstanding front opening therein surrounded by a second inwardly directed marginal flange and registering with said first front opening and covering a marginal portion of said second front opening, control elements housed within said casing exteriorly of said vat, said elements being readily accessible from the exterior through said second front opening when said front panel is removed from said front wall, said front panel concealing said elements when it is secured to said front wall, said first and second flanges cooperating to define a doorway through said first and second and third front openings from the exterior into said vat, a front door arranged within said doorway, and means for mounting said front door adjacent to the lower edge thereof within said vat for pivotal movements with respect to said doorway between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position, the outer surface of said front door being disposed substantially flush with the outer surface of said front panel when said door occupies its closed position.

3. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat having a first upstanding front opening thereinto surrounded by an outwardly directed marginal flange, a casing housing said vat and including a front wall abutting the front of said flange and having a second upstanding front opening therein surrounding said first front opening, cooperating securing parts respectively carried by the front of said flange and by said front wall for supporting the front of said vat within said casing, said securing parts: being of the tongue-slot type accommodating ready engagement thereof, means cooperating between the rear of said vat and the rear of said casing for supporting the rear of said vat within said casing, and a front door associated with said front openings and mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof upon said vat for pivotal movements with respect to said front openings between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.

4. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat having a first upstanding front opening thereinto surrounded by an outwardly directed marginal flange, a casing housing said vat and including a front wall abutting the front of said flange and having a second upstanding front opening therein surrounding said first front opening, cooperating securing parts respectively carried by the front of said flange exteriorly of said first front opening and by said front wall exteriorly of said second front opening fOr supporting the front of said vat within said casing, said securing parts being of the tongue-slot type accommodating ready engagement thereof, means cooperating between the rear of said vat and the rear of said casing for supporting the rear of said vat within said casing, and a front door associated with said front openings and mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof upon said vat for pivotal movements with respect to said front openings between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.

5. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat having a first upstanding front opening thercinto surrounded by an outwardl directed marginal flange terminating in a rearwardly rolled rim, a casing housing said vat and including a front wall having a second upstanding front opening. therein surrounding said first front opening, the front of said rim abutting the rear surface of said front wall exteriorly of said second front opening, means including a plurality of forwardly projecting tongues carried on the outside of said rim and extending through a corresponding plurality of slots formed in said front wall for supporting and positioning the front of said vat within said casing, means including a plurality of rearwardly projecting fixtures carried on the rear of said vat and cooperating with the rear of said casing for supporting and positioning the rear of said vat within said casing, and a front door associated with said front openings and mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof upon said vat for pivotal movements with respect to said front openings between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.

6. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat having a first upstanding front opening thereinto surrounded by an outwardly directed marginal flange, a casing housing said vat and including a front wall having a second upstanding front opening therein surrounding said first front opening,

the front of said flange abutting the rear surface of said front wall, a forwardly projecting top tongue carried by the front top of said flange and extending through a top slot formed in the top of said front wall, two forwardly projecting side tongues respectively carried by the front sides of said flange and respectively extending'through two side slots respectively formed in the two sides of said front wall, said top and two side tongues and said cooperating top and two side slots supporting and positioning the front of said vat within said casing, means including two rearwardly'projecting fixtures respectively carried by the rear sides of said vat and cooperating with the rear of said casing for supporting and positioning the rear of said vat within said casing, and a front door associated with said front openings and mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof upon said vat for pivotal movements with respect to said front openings between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.

7. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat having a first upstanding front opening thereinto surrounded by a first outwardly directed'marginal flange, a casing housing said vat and including a front wall having a second upstanding front opening therein surrounding said first front opening, an overlying front panel removably secured to said front wall and having a third upstanding front opening therein surrounded by a second inwardly directed marginal flange and registering with said first front opening and covering a marginal portion of said second front opening, control elements housed within said casing exteriorly of said vat, said elements being readily accessible from the exterior through said second front opening when said front panel is removed from said front wall, said front panel concealing said elements when it is secured to said front wall, said first and second flanges cooperating to define a doorway through said first and second and third front openings from the exterior into said vat, the front of said first flange abutting the rear surface of said front wall, a plurality of forwardly projecting. tongues carried by the front of said first flange and respectively extending through a corresponding plurality of slots formed in said front wall, said cooperating tongues and slots supporting and positioning'the front of said vat.

within said casing, said front panel concealing the ends of said tongues terminating rearwardly thereof when it is secured to said front wall, means cooperating between the rear of said vat and the rear of said casing for supportingand positioning the rear of said vat within said casing, and a front door associated with said doorway and mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof upon said vat for pivotal movements'with respect to said doorway between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.

8. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat having a first upstanding front opening thereinto surrounded by an outwardly directed marginal flange, a casing housing said vat and including a front wall having a second upstanding front opening therein surrounding said first front opening, said casing including a rear wall having a hole therein accommodating the passing of said vat therethrough so that said vat may be readily placed and removed with respect to said casing, cooperating quick engageable and disengageable securing parts respectively carried by the front of said flange and by said front wall for supporting the front of said Vat when it is within said casing, additional cooperating engageable and disengageable securing parts respectively carried by the rear of said vat and by said rear wall for supporting the rear of said vat when it is within said casing, and a front door associated with said front openings and mounted adjacent to the lower edge thereof upon said vat for pivotal movements with respect to said front openings between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position. i

9. In dishwashing apparatus including a vat having a first upstanding front opening, a casing housing saidvat and having a second upstanding front opening registering with said first front

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