US2721565A

US2721565A - Dishwashing appliances

Info

Publication number: US2721565A
Application number: US386775A
Authority: US
Inventors: Bewen Edward Mills
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1953-10-19
Filing date: 1953-10-19
Publication date: 1955-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 1972-10-25

Description

Oct. 25, 1955 E. M. BEWEN DISHWASHING APPLIANCES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 19, 1955 Z I. z I I J F 1. 7 I M z w 7 f I 3 ,0, m J! S a 4 T y J m a g INVENTOR. EDWARD M. BEWEN ATTORNEYS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 EDWARD M. BEWEN 2 ATTORNEYS Oct. 25, 1955 E. M. BEWEN DISHWA'SI-IING APPLIANCES Filed Oct. 19, 1953 Li :m

United States Patent DISHWASHENG APPLIANCES Edward Mills Bewen, St. Louis, Mo.

Application October 19, 1953, Serial No. 336,775

20 Claims. (Cl. 134-95) This invention relates to improvements in dishwashing appliances, and more particularly, to improvements in valve control mechanisms in a device of this type which provides continuous washing and drying operation.

This invention is a continuation in part of the improvements in dishwashing machines in Patent No. 2,634,736, issued April 14, 1953, to this applicant.

An important object of the improved dishwashing appliance is realized in that it creates and operates on its own water pressure which is always constant. This feature is a distinct advantage in that the dishwashing appliance may be operated in any locality regardless of seasonal water shortages and possible low water pressure in water lines.

Another important object is achieved in that the dishwashing appliance provides a fast drying of dishes by a large volume of air brought in from outside the appliance. This drying air passes over a heating element and quickly displaces the steam ladened air in the wash chamber.

Another important object is achieved by the provision of a fountainhead casing that is water propelled, and by the provision of deflectors in the casing that assures uniform distribution of the wash water.

In prior dishwashing assemblies, the arrangement of the valves and water reservoir precludes continuous operation in the dish chamber. Such devices require separate operations to fill and drain the reservoir which results in lapses in the washing cycle, thus prolonging the time period between stations or phases and of the completed cycle. It is accordingly a major objective of the present improvements to provide a dishwashing assembly in which there is continuous operation in the dish chamber without any loss of time between stations of the washing cycle, hence realizing a shortened washing period.

Another important objective is realized by a selector valve unit that cooperates with a reservoir to provide uninterrupted operation in the dishwashing cycle, thus obviating the disadvantages which have heretofore been regarded as inevitable as the result of filling and draining the reservoir.

Yet another important objective is realized by the structure of a selector valve unit in providing an operative connection to a hot air chamber in one station of the washing cycle, the rotatable valve element of the unit communicating a suction flow pipe leading to the distributing head with the air chamber through an adjacent airbypassing structure.

The foregoing and numerous other objects of the invention will more clearly appear from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment, particularly when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the dishwashing assembly showing the frame structure without any insulation or outer jacket;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the lower chamber of the dishwashing assembly of Fig. 1, the front panel ice and various portions of the frame being cut away to more clearly show the arrangement of the control elements;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the device as taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the truncated drain element and subjacent drainboard, the drain element being slightly raised from its normal position;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the diverter element;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary side view of the diverter element showing its pivotal mounting and its relation to an actuating cam follower;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the reservoir and its mounting;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a portion of the selector valve unit and its mounting to the reservoir;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the forked valveactuating member;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the rotatable valve element;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the cover element;

Fig. 12 is a bottom plan view of the cover element of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the selector valve unit and the collar of the diverter element, the position of the component parts of the unit indicating withdrawal of water from one tank and the return of the water to the same tank;

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the elements shown in Fig. 13, with the component parts thereof indicating withdrawal of water from one tank and the return of the water to the other tank;

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the elements shown in Figs. 13 and 14, with the component parts indicating withdrawal of the water from the second utility tank and the return of the water to the same tank;

Fig. 16 is a top plan view of the elements shown in Figs. 13, 14 and 15, but with the T conduit in communica' tion with the bypass air structure to provide a drying phase;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary side view showing the structural relation of the selector valve unit to the reservoir and to the automatic controls, the disposition of the heating element, and the construction of the reservoir, and

Fig. 18 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the well and distributor head shown in Fig. 1, and further shows the location of the motor and impeller.

Referring now by characters of reference to the drawings, and first to Fig. 1, it will be noted that the frame structure of the dishwasher assembly provides two separate and distinct chambers, the uppermost of which constitutes a dish-receiving chamber generally indicated at 10, and the lowermost of which constitutes a chamber referred to at 11 for the control mechanism. For clarity of construction, the insulation and outer jacket usually surrounding the frame structure of the dishwasher assembly is removed. Each of

chambers

10 and 11 is defined by angle strips 12 arranged as is shown in Figs. 1 through 3. Panels, represented by front panel 13 of lower chamber 11, are disposed in bridging relation to angle strips 12.

A reservoir generally indicated at 14, in Figs. 2 and 7, is housed within lower chamber 11. Supporting reservoir 14 within chamber 11 is a pair of transversely disposed channel members 15 that are retained in the side panels of the frame structure. A platform 16 is located over channel members 15, and is retained in substantially horizontal position. The structure of the reservoir 14 includes a circular, vertically disposed wall 17 secured to platform 16.

Disposed diametrically across reservoir 14 to connect wall 20 realizes two separate and distinct reservoirs or tanks referred generally at 21 and 22, the purpose and function of which will be later fully described. The bottom wall 23 (Fig. 17) is vertically spaced from platform 16 to provide an air chamber therebetween. Connected medially of bottom wall 23 is a short, vertical air conduit 24 that intervenes dividing wall 20. A small platform 25 is connected to the upper end of air conduit 24, and is disposed in a horizontal position overlying the uppermost margin of wall 20. The platform 25 serves as a mounting for a flow selector unit indicated at 26 and subsequently described.

From Fig. 7, it is seen that dividing wall 20 is provided with a recessed portion 27 on each side of air conduit 24, the recessed portions 27 being adapted to receive and position a rockable diverter element indicated at 30 in Fig. 5. An inlet pipe 31 (Figs. 2 and 7), constituting a liquidfilling conduit, is shown extended upwardly through platform 16, through reservoir Wall 17, and thence into tank 21. Tank 22 is provided with a drain pipe 32 that extends downwardly through bottom wall 23, and through platform 16.

The upper periphery of wall 17 of reservoir 14 is provided with a small inturned flange 33 that is best viewed in Figs. 3 and 7. It will be noted from Fig. 17 that reservoir 14 is supported by platform 16 and channel members 15 so that flange 33 will lie substantially flush with the uppermost portion of lower chamber 11. When the chambers and 11 are assembled as shown in Fig. l, a drainboard 34 located at the bottom of chamber 19 seats on flange 33 of reservoir 14. Of course, a gasket (not shown) may be inserted between flange 33 and drainboard 34 to provide an effective seal to retain steam.

Perhaps as is best shown in Fig. 4, it is seen that drainboard 34 includes an upwardly extending peripheral flange 35 that positions adjacent the walls defining washing chamber 10. The drainboard 34 slopes slightly downward from flange 35 to a relatively large central drain opening defined by a depending collar 36. The collar 36 is provided with a lower margin that converges to a vertical, longitudinal axis. This slope imparted to collar 36 is substantially the same as the tilted position assumed by rockable diverter element 30 when disposed in each limit of its angular displacement.

Normally seated on drainboard 34 is a conical drain element 37, more clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 4, that is mounted about vertical flow pipe 40. A series of apertures 41 are provided in drain member 37 in a regular pattern, the apertures 41 permitting the passage of water directly through the central drain opening of drainboard 34 to impingement with diverter element 30. In Fig. 4, the conical drain element 37 is shown in a slightly elevated position. The lower, circular periphery of drain element 37 is provided with a series of slots 42 through which the water may pass from drainboard 34 to diverter element 30 by way of the large central drain opening.

Although forming no part of the invention per se, but for completeness of disclosure, it will be noted that vertical fiow pipe 40, constituting a suction conduit, is connected to a rotatable distributing head and pump that constitute a circulating means generally indicated at 43 (Fig. 1) that is adapted to distribute the water carried by pipe 40 from reservoir 14 to all parts of the dish-receiving chamber 10. A motor 100 (Fig. 18) is disposed in a well 44 depending from the top wall of dish chamber 10, the motor having its vertical shaft fastened to an impeller 101 which is enclosed by rotatable distributor head 43. The impeller 101 driven by motor 109 creates a suction pressure that brings water up conduit 40, and serves to expel the water through the distributor head outlets 102. The friction of the water in head 43 causes its rotation. It is seen in Fig. 18 that conduit 40 enters into distributor head 43.

The structural arrangement and connections of the distributor head or casing 43, together with the motor 100 and impeller 101, are or may be the same as the corresponding elements disclosed fully in Patent No. 2,634,736, issued to this applicant, April 14, 1953, with certain minor changes. One thereof consists in the location of a small centrifugal pump (not shown) on the motor shaft, extended above the motor, this pump being utilized for drainage. A further minor change involves the use of a larger motor, and the control of rate of rotation of the casing by a frictional drag device (not shown) acting to limit the rotative speed of the casing.

The conical drain element 37 extends convergently upward to provide a compartment underneath that is adapted to accommodate flow selector unit 26, the selector unit 26 being extended at least partially through the central drain opening of drainboard 34. This structural relationship of drain element 37 and selector unit 26 is clearly shown by the relative positions occupied by each in Figs. 1 and 2, respectively.

The selector unit 26 consists of a circular plate 45 that is seated and secured to platform 25 as is shown in Figs. 8 and 17. A cylindrical valve wall 46 is secured to plate 45, and is connected to a pair of diametrically opposed air bypass structures 47. The chamber defined by each air bypass structure 47 is in communication with the interior of valve wall 46 through a circular aperture 50 and a rectangular aperture 51. A pair of intake conduits 52 and 53 extend upwardly from reservoir 14, through plate 45, and thence through wall 46 into the interior of the valve unit 26. As is shown in Fig. 8, the intake conduit 52 extends downwardly into tank 22, while intake conduit 53 extends downwardly into tank 21.

Any of the conventional automatic controls may be utilized to operate selector unit 26, and thus are indicated generally at 54 in Figs. 2 and 17. These automatic controls 54 are located in lower chamber 11, and are operatively connected to selector unit 26 by a squared shaft 55 that extends upwardly through platform 16, and through air conduit 24. The upper end of shaft 55 terminates substantially at or near the interior of the selector unit defined by wall 46.

A valve-actuating member 56, shown in Figs. 9 and 17, is bifurcated to provide

arm portions

57 and 60 and includes a lowermost socket 61. The socket 61 is provided with a squared recess 62 that is compatible with the squared formation of shaft 55, shaft 55 effecting r0- tation of valve-actuating member 56. As will later appear, the shaft 55 may be operatively rotated either manually or by automatic controls such as at 54.

A rotatable valve element 63 is best shown in Fig. 10. The valve element 63 consists of a cylindrical outer band 64, the outside diameter of which is slightly less than the inside diameter of cylindrical valve wall 46. Located internally of valve element 63, and bridgingly connected to diametrically opposed portions of the band 64 is a T conduit 65 that constitutes a valve conduit. The flat, straight branch 68 of T conduit 65 is connected to band 64 through circular apertures 66. Slightly spaced from circular apertures 66 are diametrically opposed rectangular apertures 67 formed in band 64. The apertures 66 and 67 conform in dimension to apertures 50 and 51, respectively, formed in valve wall 46, the apertures being adapted to register in one position of band 64. When placed in register, the air may pass from the air chamber, through air conduit 24 to the interior of valve wall 46, thence into air bypass structure 47, and then into T conduit 65. The other branch 69 of T conduit 65 extends vertically upward for connection to the vertical flew, suction conduit 40.

When the rotatable valve element 63 is located internally of wall 46, the cylindrical band 64 may be freely revolved upon actuation of valve-actuating member 56. From Fig. 17, it is seen that T conduit 65 overlies socket 61 of valve-actuating member 56, and that

arms

57 and 60 of bifurcated member 56 operatively engage opposite sid s and ends of branch 68 of T conduit 65.

Located over the upper periphery of wall 46 of valve unit 26 is a cover plate 70. The cover plate 70 (Fig. 17) includes a downwardly concave upper wall 71, and a depending peripheral flange 72, the flange 72 being located outwardly of wall portion 46. In Fig. 17, the cover 76 is shown in a slightly raised position for clarity. A disc 73 is secured to flange 72 internally of cover plate 70. The disc 73 is provided with a pair of diametrically related arcuate slots 74 that are adapted to receive arms 57 and 69 of valve-actuating member 56. It will be apparent that cover plate 70 is rotatably mounted on selector unit 26, the disc 73 slidably engaging Wall 46. Upon rotation of valve-actuating member 56, the

arms

57 and 60 will engage the arcuate slots 74, and hence rotate cover plate 70. The upper wall 71 of cover plate 70 is provided with a central aperture 75 through which the vertical branch of T conduit 65 extends.

A small aperture 78 is provided in each of intake conduits 52 and 53, as is shown in Fig. 17, the air aperture 78 being located slightly above the uppermost level of the water contained in each of

tanks

21 and 22. Air is drawn in through apertures 78, and is entrained in the form of air bubbles in the flow of water in intake conduits 52 or 53, in valve conduit 65, and in suction conduit 40.

Attached to the disc 73 and extended outwardly of cover plate 70 through an aperture is an arm 76. The arm 76 is provided with a substantially right angular bend as is best shown in Fig. 11. At the lower end of arm 76 is a roller element 77 that constitutes a cam follower adapted to actuate diverter element 30. From the above described structural arrangement, it is apparent that the cover plate 70, arm 76, and roller 77 constitute a diverter-actuating means that is rotated in response to actuation of the valve-actuating member 56.

The diverter element 30 (Fig. 5) consists of a flat, circular plate portion 80 having a diameter that is less than the diameter of reservoir wall 17. A relatively large circular opening 81 is provided in diverter plate portion 80, the diametral dimension of which is sufficient to adapt the diverter element 30 to be received about selector unit 26 as is shown in Fig. 2. It will be noted that the distance from the center opening 81 to the outer peripheral margin of diverter plate portion 80 is substantially equal to the length of recesses 27 formed in dividing wall 20, thus adapting diverter element 39 to position on wall 20.

Opposite sides of diverter plate portion 80 are provided with upturned flanges 82, as viewed in Figs. 5 and 6, the flanges 82 being adapted to retain Water on diverter plate portion 80 in the regions adjacent dividing wall 20, and to direct the water along plate portion 89 to one of

tanks

21 or 22. Of course, the flanges 82 operate to best advantage when diverter element 30 is substantially horizontally disposed in the course of being angularly displaced. Cooperating with flanges 82, in directing the water along plate portion 80 and into

tanks

21 or 22, is a pair of water-directing ribs or beads 83 referred to in Figs. 3 and 5, the ribs 83 coacting with flanges 82 to reduce any turbulence of the water in its return flow to the tanks.

Fastened to each of flanges 32 is a saddle element 84 that extends below diverter plate 80. The lowermost end of saddle element 84 is provided with a notched formation or recess 85 (Fig. 6), the notched formation being adapted to receive the lower wall of recess 27 of wall 20. Obviously, the saddle 84 provides a pivotal mounting for diverter element 30 about which diverter element 30 is free to tilt or rock so as to deliver the flow of water to one of

tanks

21 or 22.

Immediately surrounding central opening 81 in diverter plate portion 80 is a vertically disposed collar 86. From Figs. 2, 3 and 6, it will become apparent that the uppermost margin of collar 86 constitutes a track on which roller 77 of arm 76 follows. As is more clearly shown in Fig. 6, the collar 86 is provided with a recessed cam formation 87 in the region immediately above dividing wall 20. It is important to note that the vertical dimension of recessed cam formation 87 immediately above wall 20 is suflicient to permit arm 76 to retain plate portion 530 in a substantially horizontal position. Any movement of roller 77 either to the left or right of Fig. 6 along collar 86 will cause an angular displacement of diverter element 30. The roller 77 will ride on the upper marginal track of recessed formation 87, and will urge diverter plate to a tilted position. The roller 77 is constrained to movement in a horizontal plane by rigid arm 76, and is adapted to coact with recessed cam formation 87 and collar 86 to change the angular disposition of diverter element 30 so as to deliver water to either

tank

21 or 22.

A heating element 90 (Fig. 17) is located between platform 16 and bottom wall 23 of reservoir 14, or in other words, is disposed in the air chamber defined thereby. More particularly, heating element 90 is located immediately below tank 22, and is adapted to reheat the water contained in such tank. Further, the heating element 96 serves to heat to some extent the water in tank 21, while diverter element 30 is tilted to utilize the water solely contained in tank 22. Located immediately below heating element 90 is an air port 91 which provides a passage for the ingress of air into the air chamber. Since the air entering air port 91 passes over heating element 90, the air is heated, and hence is utilized for drying purposes. A plurality of louvers 92 provided in lower chamber 11 permit entry of air into chamber 11 for admission through air port 91.

An indicator 93 (Fig. 17) is or may be utilized to manually operate selector unit 26, or to show the various stations or phases of operation when automatically controlled by control mechanism 54. Mounted in

brackets

94 and 95, secured to the underside of platform 16, is a shaft 96 having one end fastened to indicator 93, and having the opposite end connected through a bevel gear train to squared shaft 5'5. A rotative movement of shaft 55 in actuating flow selector unit 26 will be transmitted to dial 93 through shaft 96.

While dishes are being loaded into dish-receiving chamber it the reserve tank 21 is filled with water through water conduit 31. When tank 21 is filled, the water conduit 31 is closed off through a valve arrangement (not shown) that is or may be operated by the automatic control mechanism 54. As is usual in prior conventional dishwashers, detergent is placed on the drainboard in dish-receiving chamber 10. Upon closing the door of dish chamber 16, the washing cycle is started.

in the following description of operation, Figs. l3i6 indicate the relative positions of the parts of the selector unit 26 during different phases of the cycle. Fig. 13 is hereinafter referred to as the preparatory station, Fig. 14 the transferring station, Fig. 15 the wash and rinse station, and Fig. 16 the drying station.

At the start of the washin cycle, the component parts of selector unit 26 are disposed in the positions shown in the transferring station of Fig. 14. In this position, the T conduit 65 is in communication with intake conduit 53 through one end aperture 66, the other aperture 66 at the opposite end of conduit branch 68 is blocked by valve wall 46. The water in tank 21 is drawn up through intake conduit 53, into T conduit 65, and thence into suction conduit 46. Then the water is sprayed over the dishes contained in dish chamber 10.

in addition to moving T conduit 65 to the above described position, the valve-actuating

arms

57 and 60 have rotated cover plate 76 so that roller 77 bears against collar 86 at one side of recessed formation 87. In this position, arm 76 and roller 77 act to tilt diverter element 30 to the angular disposition shown in Fig. 2, the water impinging on diverter element 39 being directed into the outer periphery of tank 22. The drain pipe 32 in tank 22 is closed at this stage in the operation. Obviously,

the above described action is the pre-rinsing phase of the washing cycle in which the water contained in tank 21 is transferred along with the detergent into tank 22.

After tank 21 is emptied of water, the automatic controls 54 function through shaft 55 to rotate valve-actuating member 56 to change flow selector unit 26 to the wash station shown in Fig. 15. As shaft 55 is rotated, the

arms

57 and 60 abut the sides of conduit branch 68, and hence revolve T conduit so that the end aperture 66 previously in communication with intake conduit 53 is now in operative communication with intake conduit 52 of tank 22. Again, the opposite end of conduit branch 68 will be effectively blocked by wall 46. Simultaneous with movement of T conduit 65, the

arms

57 and 60 abut the ends of arcuate slots 74, and move cover plate 70 in a clockwise direction. However, roller 77 and arm 76 still retain diverter element 30 in an angular position so that the wash water will continue to be directed to tank 22. During the actual washing phase, the water is pumped out of tank 22 and is returned to tank 22 by diverter element 36. it should be noted that heating element heats the water contained in tank 22. Since the water is delivered to the outer periphery of tank 22 by diverter element 30, and is drawn up through intake conduit 52 located approximately at the center of reservoir 14, it is seen that the water is effectively recirculated. During the washing phase of the cycle, the tank 21 is refilled.

Upon completion of the wash phase of the cycle after a predetermined time, the drain conduit 32 is opened and the wash water is drained off. As the water level drops in tank 22, the automatic controls 54 operate through valve-actuating member 56 to rotate T conduit 65 and arm 76 to the positions shown in the preparatory station of Fig. 13. During this latter movement, the arms 57 and 69 will travel in arcuate slots 74 for a short distance without engaging the end margins thereof, the member 56 being rotated in a counterclockwise direction from the position shown in Fig. 15 to the position shown in Fig. 13. First, the

arms

57 and 60 will engage the ends of arcuate slots 74 and revolve cover plate 70, and hence revolve roller 77 to a portion of collar 86 located on the other side of dividing wall 26. Thus, roller 77 passes through cam formation 87, and anguiarly displaces di erter element 3?; so as to direct the flow of water to tank 21. After moving arm 76 for a short distance, the

arms

57 and 66 then operatively engage and rotate T conduit 65 in a counterclockwise direction until one end of conduit branch 68 operatively communicates with intake conduit 53.

The rinse water contained in tank 21 is drawn upwardly through intake conduit 53, through T conduit 65, and is sprayed over the dishes. The rinse water is returned by diverter element 39 to tank 21 only for a short interval until conduit 32 is closed. Then, the valve-actuating member 56 is revolved by shaft 55, and is shifted to the transferring station of Fig. 14, the

arms

57 and 60 causing clockwise rotation of roller '77 (Fig. 13 to Fig. 14) through cam formation 37 and into engagement with collar 86 on the other side of dividing wall 26. It is apparent that the angular disposition of diverter element 3G is again changed so as to direct the water into tank 22. However, T conduit 65 is maintained in operative communication with intake conduit 53. After the rinse water is depleted from tank 21, and transferred completely to tank 22, the

arms

57 and 60 will engage and rotate T conduit 65 clockwise from Fig. 14 to the position shown in Fig. 15 in which T conduit 65 is in communication with intake conduit 52. The dishes are then rinsed for a predetermined time utilizing the Water in tank 22. As the first rinse phase takes place, tank 21 is again refilled.

After the predetermined rinse time has elapsed, the drain conduit 32 is opened, and valve-actuating member 56 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction from the position shown in Fig. 15 to the position shown in Fig.

13. The above described rinse phase of the washing cycle may now be repeated as many times as is deemed necessary in a particular device. However, under normal operating conditions a second or third rinse is believed sufficient.

After the final rinse, the drain conduit 32 is opened, and valveactuating member 56 is rotated in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Fig. 15 to the drying station illustrated by Fig. 16.

Arms

57 and 60 operate to revolve T conduit 65 so that end apertures 66 (Fig. 10) operatively register with circular apertures 50 (Fig. 8) provided in valve wall 46. As previously stated, when T conduit 65 is rotated to this position, the rectangular apertures 67 are similarly in register with rectangular apertures 51. The hot air is drawn through air port 91 shown in Fig. 17, and is heated by heating element 96. The flow of air proceeds from the air chamber below reservoir 14, upwardly through air conduit 24-, and into the interior of valve wall 46. From the interior of wall 46, the air proceeds through rectangular apertures 67 and 51 to enter air bypass structure 47. The heated air then leaves air hypass structure 47 through circular apertures 5t? and 66, and enters T conduit 65. The distributing head 4-3 circulates the hot air throughout dish-receiving chamber 10, the air then being exhausted through the door of chamber 10 which is now partly opened by the controls.

From the above described operation of the dishwashing cycle, it is seen that while tank 22 is being emptied of Water the other tank 21 is being used, thereby deriving continuous operation in wash chamber 10. At all times, the distributing head 43 in wash chamber 10 is circulating hot water either for Washing or rinsing purposes, or circulating hot air for drying purposes. There is no period in the wash cycle in which a delay is necessitated by either filling or draining reservoir 14.

Although the invention has been described by making detailed reference to a single preferred embodiment, such detail is to be understood in an instructive, rather than in any restrictive sense, many variants being possible within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of said intake conduits being in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a valve conduit adapted to connect the suction conduit to said intake conduits, a diverter element pivotally mounted below said chamber and positioned to direct the liquid flow from the chamber to each of said reservoirs selectively and alternatively upon change of angular disposition, a cover element rotatively mounted about said valve conduit, valve-actuating means adapted to rotate said valve conduit and said cover element, and an arm on said cover element adapted to change the angular disposition of said diverter element.

2. in a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of said intake conduits being in communication with one of said reservoirs, t. e other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a valve conduit adapted to connect the suction conduit to either of said intake conduits, valve-actuating means including a shaft for operatively moving said valve conduit, a diverter element pivotally mounted below said chamber, and diverteractuating means including an arm revolvable about said shaft and movable in response to said valve-actuating means, said arm being adapted to displace the diverter element to direct the flow from the chamber to either of said reservoirs.

3. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of said intake conduits being in communication with one of said reservoirs, and the other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a valve conduit adapted to connect the suction conduit to either of said intake conduits, valve-actuating means for moving said valve conduit, a diverter element pivotally mounted below said chamber, said diverter element being adapted in one angular position to direct the flow from the chamber to one of said reservoirs, and being adapted in another position to direct the flow to the other said reservoir, and diverter-actuating means moved in response to said valve-actuating means including an arm rotatively mounted about said valve conduit, said arm being adapted to displace angularly said diverter element.

4. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of said intake conduits being in communication with one of said reservoirs, and the other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a movable valve conduit adapted in one position to connect the suction conduit to one of said intake conduits, and adapted in another position to connect the suction conduit to the other intake conduit, valveactuating means including spaced arm portions, one of which being located on each side of said valve conduit, said arm portions operatively moving the valve conduit to said positions, a diverter element pivotally mounted below said chamber, said diverter element being adapted in one position to direct the liquid fiow from the chamber to one of said reservoirs, and being adapted in another position to direct the flow to the other reservoir, and diverter-actuating means for angularly displacing said diverter element in response to said valve-actuating means from one position to the other.

5. The combination and arrangement of elements as recited in claim 4,-but further characterized in that the diverter actuating means includes a cover element rotatively mounted about said valve conduit, said cover element being provided with spaced slots adapted to receive said arm portions, whereby said diverter-actuat ing means is operatively connected to and moved in response to actuation of said valve-actuating means.

6. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a drain board located at the bottom of said chamber, said drain board being provided with a drain opening, a pair of reservoirs located below said drain opening, a pair of intake conduits, one of said intake conduits being in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other intake conduit being in communication With the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, circulating means located in said dish-receiving chamber, said circulating means including a suction pump connected to said suction conduit, means providing an air chamber, an air conduit communicating with said air chamber, a flow selector means including a movable valve conduit adapted to connect said suction conduit and said air conduit to either of said intake conduits, valve-actuating means for moving said valve conduit, a diverter element pivotally mounted below said drain opening, said diverter element being adapted in one angular position to direct the flow from the chamber to one of said reservoirs, and being adapted in another angular position to direct the flow to the other said reservoir, and diverter-actuating means movable in response to said valve-actuating means for changing the angular disposition of said diverter element.

7. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a reservoir in said frame structure,

said reservoir having a dividing wall to provide sepa* rate tanks, flow intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said tanks, another intake conduit being in communication with another tank, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a valve conduit, means providing an air-chamber, said valve conduit being movable to diiferent positions to connect operatively the suction conduit to either of said intake conduits and to said air chamber, valve-actuating means for moving said valve conduit, a diverter element pivotally mounted on said dividing wall, said diverter element being adapted in one angular position to direct the flow from the chamber to one of said tanks, and being adapted in another angular position to direct the flow to another said tank, and diverter-actuating means movable in response to said valveactuating means for changing the angular position of said diverter element.

8. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a reservoir located below said chamber, said reservoir having a dividing wall to provide separate tanks, a drain board located at the bottom of said chamber, said drain board being provided with a drain opening, intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said tanks, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other said tank, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, circulating means including a suction pump connected to said suction conduit, a flow selector means including a valve conduit in communication with said suction conduit, means providing an air chamber, valve-actuating means for moving said valve conduit to different positions for operative communication with either of said intake conduits and with said air chamber, a diverter element pivotally mounted on said dividing wall below said drain opening, and diverter-actuating means moved in response to actuation of, said valve-actuating means, said diverter-actuating means being adapted to displace angularly the diverter element to direct the liquid flow from said chamber to either of said tanks.

9. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other said intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a valve wall, said intake conduits being in communication with the interior of said valve wall, a valve conduit rotatively disposed internally of said valve wall, and in communication with said suction conduit, valve-actuating means adapted to rotate said valve conduit to different positions for operative communication with either of said intake conduits, and a diverter element pivotally mounted below said chamber, diverter-actuating means movable in response to actuation of said valve-actuating means including an arm rotatively mounted about said valve conduit, said arm being adapted to change the angular position of said diverter element to direct the flow from the chamber to one of said reservoirs, and being adapted to change the angular position to direct the flow to the other said reservoir.

10. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a valve wall, said intake conduits being in communication with the interior of said valve wall, a valve conduit rotatively disposed internally of said valve wall, and maintained in communication with said suction conduit, a valve-actuating member located internally of said wall, said member being adapted to rotate said valve conduit to different positions for operative communication with either of said intake conduits, a

cover element located over said Wall, an arm carried by said cover element, said member operatively engaging said cover element so as to revolve said arm, and a diverter element pivotally mounted below said chamber, said arm being adapted to change the angular disposition of said diverter element so as to direct the flow from the chamber to either of said reservoirs.

11. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a valve wall, said intake conduits being in communication with the interior of said valve wall, a valve conduit rotatively disposed internally of said valve Wall, and maintained in communication with said suction conduit, an air-bypass structure defining an air passage located externally of said wall, a valveactuating member connected to said valve conduit, said member being adapted to rotate said valve conduit to different angular positions for operative communication with either of said intake conduits and with said air passage, a cover element located over said wall, an arm carried by said cover element, said member operatively connected to said cover element so as to revolve said arm, and a diverted element pivotally mounted below said chamber, said arm being adapted to engage said diverter element so as to change its angular disposition to direct the flow from the chamber to either of said reservoirs.

12. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a drain board located at the bottom of said chamber, said drain board being provided with a drain opening, a reservoir located below said drain opening, said reservoir having a dividing wall to provide separate tanks, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said tanks, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other said tank, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means mounted on said dividing wall, said selector means including a rotatable valve conduit maintained in communication with said suction conduit, a valve-actuating member for revolving said valve conduit to different angular positions for operative communication with either of said intake conduits, a rotatable cover element located over said valve conduit, an arm carried by said cover element, and a diverter element pivotally mounted on said dividing wall below said drain opening, said diverter element having a collar, said arm operatively engaging said collar to displace angularly the said diverter element to direct the flow from the chamber to either of said tanks.

13. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a drain board at the bottom of said chamber, said drain board being provided with a drain opening, a reservoir below said drain opening, said reservoir having a dividing wall to provide separate tanks, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said tanks, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other tank, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means mounted on said dividing wall, said selector means including a rotatable valve conduit connected to said suction conduit, valve-actuating means adapted to rotate said valve conduit to different angular positions for operative communication with either of said intake conduits, a rotatable cover element actuated by said valve-actuating member, an arm carried by said cover element, a roller carried by said arm, and a diverter element pivotally mounted on said dividing wall below said drain opening, said diverter element being provided with an annular collar, said collar being located so as to be engaged by said roller, the collar being provided with a recessed cam formation, the roller coacting with said collar to change the angular disposition of said diverter element so as to direct the flow from the chamber to either of said tanks.

14. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into Said dishreceiving chamber, circulating means including a suction pump connected to said suction conduit, a diverter element pivotally mounted below said dish-receiving chamber, a flow selector means including a valve conduit adapted in one position to connect the suction conduit to one said intake conduit, and adapted in another position to connect the suction conduit to the other said intake conduit, means providing an air chamber in said frame structure, the last said means including an air conduit for connecting said air chamber to said valve conduit in another angular position of said valve conduit, valveactuating means adapted to rotate said valve conduit, and diverter-actuating means moved in response to actuation of said valve-actuating means to displace angularly the said diverter element, to direct the flow from the dishreceiving chamber to either of said reservoirs.

15. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said dishreceiving chamber, means providing an air chamber in said frame structure, a flow selector means including a valve wall, the intake conduits being in operative communication with the interior of said wall, a valve conduit rotatively mounted internally of said wall, said valve conduit being maintained in communication with said suction conduit, an air conduit disposed in operative communication with the interior of said wall and with said air chamber, said valve conduit being rotatable in one position to connect said suction conduit with one said intake conduit, being rotatable to another position to connect said suction conduit to the other said intake conduit, and being rotatable to another position to place the valve conduit in operative communication with the interior of said wall and hence in communication with said air conduit, valve-actuating means for rotating said valve conduit, 9. diverter element pivotally mounted below said dishreceiving chamber, said diverter element being adapted in one position to direct the flow from the dish-receiving chamber to one of said reservoirs, and being adapted in another position to direct the flow to the other said reservoir, and diverter-actuating means movable in response to said valve-actuating means to displace said diverter element from one position to the other.

16. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other intake conduits being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said dishreceiving chamber, means providing an air chamber in said frame structure, a flow selector means including a valve wall, said intake conduits being in operative communication with the interior of said wall, a valve conduit rotatively mounted internally of said wall, an air conduit in operative communication with the interior of said wall and with said air chamber, an air bypass structure located externally of said wall, said bypass structure being provided with a plurality of apertures in communication with the interior of said wall, a valve-actuating member engaging said valve conduit, said valve-actuating member being adapted to rotate said valve conduit to one position so as to connect the suction conduit to one of said intake conduits, to another position so as to connect the suction conduit to the other intake conduit, and to another position so as to place the suction conduit in operative communication with one of said apertures of said air-bypass structure, and hence in operative communication with said air conduit through another aperture in said by-pass structure, a diverter element pivotally mounted below said dish-receiving chamber, said diverter element being adapted in one position to direct the flow from the dishreceiving chamber to one of said reservoirs, and being adapted in another position to direct the flow to the other reservoir, and a diverter-actuating means movable in response to said valve-actuating member for displacing said diverter element from one position to the other.

17. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dish receiving chamber, a drain board disposed at the bottom of said chamber, said drain board being provided with a drain opening, a reservoir in said frame structure, said reservoir having a dividing wall to provide separate tanks, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communica tion with one of said tanks, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other said tank, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means mounted on said dividing wall, said selector means including a rotatable valve conduit adapted in one position to connect said suction conduit to one of said intake conduits, and adapted in another position to connect said suction conduit to the other said intake conduit, a valveactuating means for moving said valve conduit, a diverter element pivotally mounted on said wall below said drain opening, said diverter element including a collar, and diverter-actuating means movable in response to said valve-actuating means including an arm revolvably mounted about said valve conduit, said arm operatively engaging said collar to displace said diverter element to one position so as to direct the flow from the chamber to one of said tanks, and to displace said diverter element to another position so as to direct the flow to the other tank.

18. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a drain board disposed at the bottom of said chamber, said drain board being provided with a drain opening, a reservoir in said frame structure, said reservoir having a dividing wall to provide separate tanks, a pair of intake conduits, one of which is in communication with one of said tanks, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other said tank, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means mounted on said dividing wall, said selector means including a rotatable valve conduit adapted in one position to connect the suction conduit to one of said intake conduits, and adapted in another position to connect said suction conduit to the other said intake conduit, a cover element rotatably mounted over said valve conduit, an arm carried by said cover element, a diverter element pivotally mounted to said dividing wall below said drain opening, said diverter element including a flat plate portion, and a collar portion that operatively engages said arm, said plate portion being provided with flow-directing ribs, and with upturned lateral flanges, said collar being provided with a recessed cam formation, said arm meeting with said collar in said cam formation to displace the said diverter element to one position so as to direct the flow from the chamber to one of said tanks, and to another position so as to direct the flow to the other tank.

19. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of reservoirs below said dish chamber, a suction conduit extending into said dish chamber, a flow selector means including a valve conduit located in said structure, a pair of intake conduits communicating with said reservoirs, means providing an air chamber in said frame structure, an air conduit connecting said air chamber to said selector means, valve-actuating means for rotating said valve conduit, said valveactuating means including a connecting shaft located in said air conduit, said valve conduit being rotatable to place said suction conduit in communication with either of said intake conduits and with said air conduit, 8. diverter element pivotally mounted below said dish chamber, said diverter element being angularly displaceable to direct flow from the dish chamber to either of said reservoirs, whereby to realize continuous Washing and drying operation in said dish chamber, and diverter actuating means movable in response to said valve-actuating means for angularly displacing said diverter element.

20. In a dishwasher, a frame structure defining a dishreceiving chamber, a pair of liquid reservoirs in said frame structure, a pair of intake conduits, one of said intake conduits being in communication with one of said reservoirs, the other intake conduit being in communication with the other reservoir, a suction conduit extending into said chamber, a flow selector means including a valve conduit adapted to connect the suction conduit to said intake conduits, a diverter element pivotally mounted below said chamber and positioned to direct the liquid flow from the chamber to each of said reservoirs selec tively and alternatively upon change of angular disposition, valve-actuating means for rotating said valve conduit, and a diverter-actuating means movable in response to said valve-actuating means for changing the angular disposition of said diverter element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,029,541 Haustetter June 11, 1912 1,799,525 Morgan Apr. 7, 1931 1,893,797 Foster Jan. 10, 1933 2,508,999 Hirsch May 23, 1950 2,575,493 Hilliker Nov. 20, 1951